JESUS OF NAZARETH - MIRACLES

Yes, we're all fishermen in our family. Andrew here knows us well, but I was sent off to learn. All you were fit for, perhaps. And what have you learned? Oh, that two and two make four. Sometimes. That most people seem to be here to be pushed about. That getting on is a fine thing. That birth is the beginning of death. But there must be something more for man between birth and death. Today, when I heard you preaching, I began to understand. And it gave me hope. Through your words, the old scripture seems to become alive. That's what we want. We want the law to be alive. Written in our hearts. Not carved in stone. What is your name? John, son of Zebedee. John, stay with us. Back! There's my brother now, Simon Peter. And there's my brother, James. He's shouting again, angry as usual. If anyone's drunk, it's you, you sponge! He doesn't mean it. He's a good man. What does it mean? What's the matter, brother? Poor catch? Poor catch? Nothing. The only thing we catch these days are Roman taxes. And while we're out sweating, working our hands raw in the nets, the stinking tax gatherers take that and give it to the Romans. Bloodsuckers. Go, brother. Go and tell that leech, that two-faced tax collector of ours, Matthew, that if he wants more money out of me to put the fish in the lake... Simon, this is the man I told you about. The man John spoke of. John the Baptist. What? Another holy man? Are you another of those that tell us to be patient and promise us better times will be ahead? What about now? What about our children? Who will fill their bellies? A lot of talk these days while we all starve. Find a holy man who can put an end to that. Then maybe I'll listen. Go out again. I shall come with you. We've just pulled in. Get the net off the boat. Please, Simon, do as he says. Why do you always listen to these people? Who knows the lake better than I do? Please. You can preach to the fish. Cast off. We're going out again. Come on. It's not a miracle. They speak these profanities. We must go and speak. So, a miracle's worth it. And a big catch? Inspired by a prophet. What's his name? Jesus? Get out. He's staying with Simon Peter. You know him? The fisherman? Yes. He owes me back taxes, doesn't he? Who? Well, well, well. Well, if it's been a big catch, he can pay, can't he? The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man finds it, and in his joy spends everything he has to buy that field. It's like a merchant in search of fine pearls. He finds one pearl of great value and sells everything to have that pearl. You, you're all fishermen. Well, the kingdom of heaven is like a net, a great net thrown into the sea. Suddenly it is filled. It's almost bursting. You have to call to the other boats to come and help. Everybody's working together, happy, excited. It's a time for joy, for rejoicing in what God has freely given. But one day, God will ask you to account for the gift he has given. Be prepared. The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Rabbi, you say the kingdom of heaven is at hand. But when exactly will it come? When you see the clouds moving from the east, you say the rain is coming. And so it is. When the desert wind blows, you say it'll be hot. And it is. All of you can read the signs of the earth and the sky. How is it you can't read the signs of the times? The kingdom of heaven is here. Now. What's he doing here? That's Matthew, the tax collector. Get him out. Peter, your friend Matthew, is here. Get out. You're defiling this house. Blood-sucking tax collector. There's no place for you here. Out of my way, you scum. Help. I will not have it defiled by you. I hear you've had a big catch, Simon. We'll talk about it later, shall we? What about this friend of yours? This new preacher or teacher or whatever he is? Am I not allowed to speak with him? My house. You seem to be most unwelcome here. I don't know your name, but I know what you do. Levi. Or Matthew. I'm known by both names. And by others. I see you and I must meet in a place where both of us are welcome. Is your own house far? Why do you ask? I should like to have supper with you tonight. You would enter the house of a sinner. I would enter any house where I am welcome. Wait! What are you doing? Be careful, this is my property! No, you mustn't! Be careful! Watch his hands! Help me. I've been this way for 20 years. It is the curse of God. Punishment for my sins and for my parents' sins. Your sins are forgiven you. Rabbi, you must not speak so. That's blasphemy. Only God can forgive sins. Which of these is easier? To say your sins are forgiven you or rise up and walk home? The Son of Man has the power to forgive sins. Animals! Rise and walk home. The Son of Man has the power to forgive sins.