More Than Many Sparrows

1Meanwhile, when the many thousands of the crowd had gathered together, so that they were trampling one another, he began to say first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”

2But nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

3Therefore, whatever you said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you spoke into the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

4But I say to you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that have nothing more they can do.

5But I will show you whom to fear: fear the one who, after killing, has authority to throw into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear this one.

6Are not five sparrows sold for two assaria? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.

7But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.

8And I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.

9But the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

10And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

11But whenever they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you should say in your defense, or what you should say;

12for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you must say.