For they shall be called the sons of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted because of their righteousness,
For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when you are reviled, persecuted, and falsely maligned
because of loyalty to me;
Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so the
prophets were persecuted who came before you."

JESUS SENDS OUT THE FIRST MISSIONARIES

[Illustration: _Christ on the Hilltop_

Painted by C. A. Slade]

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their
synagogues, preaching the good news about the Kingdom of God, and
healing all kinds of diseases and weaknesses. At sight of the crowds,
troubled and scattered like sheep without a shepherd, he was filled
with pity, and said to his disciples, "This is a large harvest, but the
laborers are few. Pray to the lord of the harvest to send laborers into
his fields."

Then calling the twelve disciples, he sent them out two by two; and he
gave them power over evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for
their journey but a staff. Also he said, "Go your way. Remember that I
send you out as lambs among wolves. Take with you neither purse nor bag
nor an extra pair of shoes, and do not stop to greet any one on the
road. Whatever household you first enter, say, 'Peace to this house!'
And if the man living there is worthy, your peace will rest upon him;
but if not, it shall return to you. Stay at the same house, eating and
drinking what they give you, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not
go from one house to another.

"Also in whatever town you enter, if the people receive you, eat what
they set before you. Heal those in that town who are ill, and tell them,
'The Kingdom of God is near you.' But if you enter any town where the
people do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 'Even the
dust of your town which clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest
against you.' But know this: that the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell
you, on that day it will be better for Sodom than for that city.

"Do not give to the dogs that which is sacred, nor throw your pearls
before swine, for fear that they trample them under their feet and then
turn back to attack you. He who hears you, hears me; he who rejects you,
rejects me; he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me."

So Jesus' disciples went out and preached so as to lead men to be sorry
for their sins and live as they shou