THE TWELVE SENT OUT TO PREACH.
"AND when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David have mercy on us!
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country."
As these men went out, a man was brought in who was dumb and possessed of a devil. Jesus caused the evil spirit to depart, and as soon as he had done so, the man spoke. At this the multitude marveled, saying, ''It was never so seen in Israel." But the Pharisees were still unwilling to believe in him, and said, "He casteth out devils through the prince of devils."
Then Jesus went to his own country, to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were astonished, and said, "Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary and his brethren, James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us?" And so they treated their Lord with contempt. But Jesus said, "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country and in his own house." So he did not many miracles there, because the people would not believe in him.
Leaving Nazareth, Jesus went to all the cities and villages in that part of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and healing every kind of disease. As he went, he pitied the multitudes of people who thronged to hear him, and said to his disciples,
"The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest."
"Then he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere."
