18 They had all come to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses. People who were troubled by evil spirits were made well.
19 Everyone tried to touch Jesus. Power was coming from him and healing them all.
20 Jesus looked at his disciples. He said to them, "Blessed are you who are needy. God's kingdom belongs to you.
21 Blessed are you who are hungry now. You will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are sad now. You will laugh.
22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they have nothing to do with you and say bad things about you, and when they treat your name as something evil. They do all this because you are followers of the Son of Man.
23 "Their people treated the prophets the same way long ago. When these things happen to you, be glad and jump for joy. You will receive many blessings in heaven.
24 "But how terrible it will be for you who are rich! You have already had your easy life.