As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near!’

They were both righteous in the sight of God, following all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.

For they said to you, “In the end time there will come scoffers, propelled by their own ungodly desires.”

Now that very day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.

Above all, understand this: In the last days blatant scoffers will come, being propelled by their own evil urges

These people are grumblers and fault-finders who go wherever their desires lead them, and they give bombastic speeches, enchanting folks for their own gain.

As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.