24-26 “When a corrupting spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn’t find anyone, it says, ‘I’ll go back to my old haunt.’ On return, it finds the person swept and dusted, but vacant. It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits dirtier than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse than if he’d never gotten cleaned up in the first place.”

27 While he was saying these things, some woman lifted her voice above the murmur of the crowd: “Blessed the womb that carried you, and the breasts at which you nursed!”

28 Jesus commented, “Even more blessed are those who hear God’s Word and guard it with their lives!”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Raspberry Blossom, Personal Size + Topical Concordance
The Message Raspberry Blossom, Personal Size + Topical Concordance
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $26.00 (65%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Message Slimline Bible, Charcoal Diamond Leather-look
Message Slimline Bible, Charcoal Diamond Leather-look
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $26.00 (65%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
The One Year Bible MSG, Large Print Thinline Edition--softcover
The One Year Bible MSG, Large Print Thinline Edition--softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $5.00 (20%)
The Message Full Size--soft leather-look, life-light black
The Message Full Size--soft leather-look, life-light black
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $47.99
Save: $12.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars