Luke

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE Chapter 1 1 In as much as many have taken in hand to arrange in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah, and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both now well advanced in years. 8 So it came to pass, that while he was serving in the priest’s office before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the entire crowd of the people were praying outside at the time of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not fear, Zacharias, because your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and happiness and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 Because, he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will drink neither grape juice nor strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 97 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? Because, I am an old man, and my wife well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and to show you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day that these things will take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” 21 And the people waited for Zacharias and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, because he beckoned to them and remained speechless. 23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and hid herself five months, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked upon me, to take away my dishonor among men.” 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel went in to her presence and said, “Rejoice, you who are highly favored, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not fear, Mary, because, you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and will call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who will be born of you will be called the Son of God. 36 Now behold, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month for her, who was called barren. 37 Because with God nothing will be impossible.” 98 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 39 Mary arose in those days and hurried into the hill country, into a city of Judah, 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 Because, indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed, because there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” 46 Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 Because, He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; because behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 Because, He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who reverence Him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and He has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, 55 as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His seed forever.” 56 Then Mary stayed with her about three months, and returned to her own house. 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy on her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And so it was, on the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 But his mother replied and said, “Not this; but he will be called John.” 61 But they said to her, “There is no one from your family that is called by this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father, what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. 99 64 And immediately His mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke and praised God. 65 Then reverence came on all who lived around about them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child shall this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, because, He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 That He would grant to us, that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; because, you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, 78 through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his appearance to Israel. Chapter 2 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered for taxation. 2 And this tax registrar first occurred when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone went to be registered for taxation, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 100 5 to be registered for taxation with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was large due to pregnancy. 6 And so it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds staying out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, the angel of the Lord came over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were very afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not fear, because behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. 11 Because, there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to each other, “Let us now travel to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them. 21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 When the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 101 25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, 28 then he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 “Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; 30 Because, my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 which You have prepared before the face of all people, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and she was a widow of about eighty four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she also gave thanks likewise to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the Child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know about it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now it happened that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 102 47 All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You desperately.” 49 He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Chapter 3 1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one shouting in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight. 5 Every valley will be filled and every mountain and hill will be brought low; and the crooked place will be made straight and the rough ways will be made smooth; 6 And all flesh will see the salvation of God.’” 7 Then he said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “O generation of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ Because I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” 12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than that which is appointed to you.” 14 Likewise the soldiers demanded of him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not be violent to anyone, nor accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” 103 15 Now as the people were in expectation, and everyone reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, 16 John responded, saying to them all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fan is in His hand and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into His storehouse; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other things in His exhortation he preached to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him concerning Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 20 also added this, above all, that he shut up John in prison. 21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus was baptized also; and while praying, the heaven was opened. 22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” 23 So Jesus Himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, who was the son of Heli, 24 who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Janna, who was the son of Joseph, 25 who was the son of Mattathiah, who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Nahum, who was the son of Esli, who was the son of Naggai, 26 who was the son of Maath, who was the son of Mattathiah, who was the son of Semei, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Judah, 27 who was the son of Joannas, who was the son of Rhesa, who was the son of Zerubbabel, who was the son of Shealtiel, who was the son of Neri, 28 who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Addi, who was the son of Cosam, who was the son of Elmodam, who was the son of Er, 29 who was the son of Jose, who was the son of Eliezer, who was the son of Jorim, who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, 30 who was the son of Simeon, who was the son of Judah, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Jonan, who was the son of Eliakim, 31 who was the son of Melea, who was the son of Menan, who was the son of Mattathah, who was the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 who was the son of Jesse, who was the son of Obed, who was the son of Boaz, who was the son of Salmon, who was the son of Nahshon, 33 who was the son of Amminadab, who was the son of Ram, who was the son of Hezron, who was the son of Perez, who was the son of Judah, 34 who was the son of Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, who was the son of Terah, who was the son of Nahor, 104 35 who was the son of Serug, who was the son of Reu, who was the son of Peleg, who was the son of Eber, who was the son of Shelah, 36 who was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Shem, who was the son of Noah, who was the son of Lamech, 37 who was the son of Methuselah, who was the son of Enoch, who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Mahalalel, who was the son of Cainan, 38 who was the son of Enosh, who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam, who was the son of God. Chapter 4 1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and when they had ended, afterward He was hungry. 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 But Jesus replied to him, saying, “It is written that, ‘Man will not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” 5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this authority, and their glory; because, this has been delivered to me and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! Because, it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only shall you serve.’” 9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. 10 Because, it is written: ‘He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect You,’ 11 and, ‘In their hands they will hold You up, lest at any time You dash Your foot against a stone.’” 12 And Jesus responding said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’” 13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him for a season. 14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and there His fame went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 105 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” 20 Then He closed the book, and He gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of everyone who was in the synagogue were fixed upon Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your ears.” 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” 23 Then He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’” 24 And He said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a huge famine throughout all the land; 26 but Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 But passing through the midst of them He went His way, 31 and went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath days. 32 And they were astonished at His doctrine, because His word was with authority. 33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he shouted out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Leave us alone! What have we to do with You, You Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who You are, the Holy One of God!” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in the midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! Because, with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.” 106 37 And His fame went out into every place in the surrounding region. 38 Now He arose from the synagogue and entered into Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever and they made request of Him concerning her. 39 So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, shouting out and saying, “You are Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not permit them to speak, because they knew that He was Christ. 42 Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the people sought Him and came to Him and tried to keep Him from leaving them; 43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” 44 And He preached in the synagogues of Galilee. Chapter 5 1 And it happened, as the people pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 Now when He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 But Simon replied and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and have taken nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners, who were in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, because I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 9 Because, he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 107 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook everything and followed Him. 12 And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy seeing Jesus, fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13 Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He commanded him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.” 15 However, the fame went around concerning Him all the more; and large crowds came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness and prayed. 17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought a way to bring in and lay him before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He responded and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 25 And immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with reverence, saying, “We have seen strange things today!” 27 And after these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” 108 28 So he left everything, rose up, and followed Him. 29 Then Levi made Him a large feast in his own house. And there were a large number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. 30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answering said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” 33 Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?” 34 And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridechamber fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.” 36 Then He also spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not settle with the old. 37 And no one puts new grape juice into old wineskins; or else the new grape juice will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new grape juice must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39 And also, no one having drunk old grape juice, immediately desires new; because he says, ‘The old is better.’” Chapter 6 1 Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath days?” 3 But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not yet read this that David did, when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful to eat but is only for the priests?” 5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” 6 Now it happened also on another Sabbath, that He entered into the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him, whether He would heal on the Sabbath day, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Rise up and stand here in the midst.” And he arose and stood there. 109 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. 11 But they were filled with madness, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. 12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became the traitor. 17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with the gathering of His disciples and a large crowd of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the entire crowd sought to touch Him, because power went out from Him and healed them all. 20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, because yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, because you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they will separate you from their company, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! Because indeed, your reward is great in heaven, because in the same manner their fathers did to the prophets. 24 “But woe to you who are rich, because you have received your consolation. 25 Woe to you who are full, because you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, because you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, because so did their fathers to the false prophets. 27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 And to him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not forbid to take your coat as well. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 110 31 And just as you desire that people should do to you, you also do to them likewise. 32 “Because, if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Because even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Because even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? Because even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the children of the Most High. Because He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged. Condemn not, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will men give into your bosom. Because, with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” 39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfect will be like his teacher. 41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye. 43 “Because, a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Because, every tree is known by its own fruit. Because, men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil. Because out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things that I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man who built a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on a rock. 111 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Chapter 7 1 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered into Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him that He would come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one whom He should do this to was deserving, 5 “because, he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” 6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, because, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 Because, I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the people that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick. 11 Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and many people. 12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And many people from the city were with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. 16 Then reverence came upon everyone, and they glorified God, saying that: “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” 112 17 And this report about Him went forth throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. 18 Then the disciples of John reported to him about all these things. 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You He who should come, or do we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You He who should come, or do we look for another?’” 21 And that very hour He cured many of their infirmities, diseases, and evil spirits; and to many that were blind He gave sight. 22 So Jesus answering said to them, “Go your way and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 24 And when the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the people concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in fine clothing? Indeed those who are wear fine clothes and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 Because, I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than him.” 29 And all the people who heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God regarding themselves, not having been baptized by him. 31 And the Lord said, “To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and to what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep.’ 33 Because, John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking grape juice, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.” 36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 113 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and began to wash His feet with tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke within himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, because she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus responded and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them shall love him most?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, because she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who also forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Chapter 8 1 Now it came to pass afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities; Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. 4 And when many people had gathered together, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: 114 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on a rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” And when He had said these things He shouted, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” 9 Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” 10 And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the others in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ 11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But those on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. 16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter in may see the light. 17 Because, nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. Because, whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” 19 Then His mother and brethren came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brethren are standing outside, desiring to see You.” 21 But He replied and said to them, “My mother and My brethren are these who hear the word of God and do it.” 22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 115 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” But they being afraid marveled, saying to one another, “What kind of man is this? Because, He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” 26 Then they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He went out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time and he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he yelled out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, You Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29 Because, He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Because, it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. 30 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. 32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake and drowned. 34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon possessed was healed. 37 Then the entire population of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes begged Him to depart from them, because they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned back again. 38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and show what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the entire city what great things Jesus had done for him. 40 And it came to pass, when Jesus returned, that the people welcomed Him gladly, because they were all waiting for Him. 116 41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him that He would come to his house, 42 because, he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the people swarmed Him. 43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came behind Him and touched the edge of His clothes. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the crowds swarm and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, because I perceive power has gone out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him before all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” 49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” 50 But when Jesus heard it, He responded to him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51 And when He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given food to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He commanded them that they should tell no one what had happened. Chapter 9 1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 117 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two coats each. 4 “Whatever house you enter into, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9 And Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he desired to see Him. 10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the people knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 And when the day began to wear away, then the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; because we are in a deserted place here.” 13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people.” 14 Because, there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowds. 17 So they ate and were all filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them. 18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples were with Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the people say that I am?” 19 They answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this thing to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” 118 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 Because, whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 Because, what profit is it to a man if he gains the entire world, and is himself thrown away or lost? 26 Because, whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” 28 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. 33 Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 36 When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things that they had seen. 37 Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a large crowd met Him. 38 Suddenly a man from the crowd shouted out, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, as he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly yells out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him. 40 So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Then Jesus responded and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 119 42 And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44 “Let these words sink down into your ears, because the Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying. 46 Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. Because he who is least among you all, they will be great.” 49 Now John responded and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, because he who is not against us is for us.” 51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered into a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 Because, the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village. 57 Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” 120 61 And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and say farewell to those who are at my house.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Chapter 10 1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest that He would send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter into, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon it; if not, it will return to you again. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, because the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 And whatever city you enter into, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter into, and they do not receive you, go your way out into the streets of it and say, 11 ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 12 But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city. 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! Because, if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be thrown down to hell. 16 He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” 17 Then the seventy returned again with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 121 19 Behold, I give you the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, “I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, because so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” 23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see; 24 because I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see these things which you see, and have not seen them, and to hear these things which you hear, and have not heard them.” 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” 27 So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” 29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Then Jesus answering said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked at him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion on him. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “You go and do likewise.” 122 38 Now it happened as they went that He entered into a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Chapter 11 1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” 2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done as in heaven, so also on earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, because we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” 5 And He said to them, “Which of you will have a friend, and will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 because, a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will reply from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 Because, everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son shall ask for bread from anyone of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” 123 14 And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. So it was, when the demon had gone out, that the mute spoke; and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” 16 Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven. 17 But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. 18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22 But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. 23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. 24 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” 27 And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which You have sucked!” 28 But He said, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” 29 And while the people were tightly gathered together, He began to say, “This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30 Because, as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, because, they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. 33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. 124 34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is single, your entire body also is full of light. But when your eye is corrupted, your body also is full of darkness. 35 Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. 36 If then your entire body is full of light, having no part dark, the entire body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” 37 And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. 39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But rather give charitable deeds of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you. 42 “But woe to you Pharisees! Because you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! Because, you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because, you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.” 45 Then one of the lawyers responded and said to Him, “Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also.” 46 And He said, “Woe to you also, you lawyers! Because, you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! Because, you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; because, they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ 50 that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Truly, I say to you, it will be required of this generation. 52 “Woe to you lawyers! Because, you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” 53 And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to contest Him vehemently, and to provoke Him to speak about many things, 125 54 lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something out of His mouth, that they might accuse Him. Chapter 12 1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 Because, there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops. 4 “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom you should reverence: Reverence Him who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, reverence Him! 6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 8 “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. 9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. 11 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and to magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 Because, the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” 13 Then one from the company said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” 15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, because, one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 126 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose shall those things be which you have provided?’ 21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” 22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you shall eat; nor about the body, what you shall put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, because, they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the things that are least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 Because, all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But instead, seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, because it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give charitable gifts; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 Because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35 “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Truly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come out and serve them. 38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 127 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore you also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” 41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or also to everyone?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But then, if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, will be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, will be beaten with a few stripes. Because, to whoever much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed by men, of him they will ask the more. 49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and what do I desire if it were already lit? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 Because, from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother in law against her daughter in law and daughter in law against her mother in law.” 54 Then He also said to the people, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. 55 And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time? 57 “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? 128 58 When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to be delivered from him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not depart from there until you have paid the very last mite.” Chapter 13 1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus replied and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” 6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, then after that you can cut it down.’” 10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way lift herself up. 12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” 13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14 But the ruler of the synagogue responded with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day; and he said to the people, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 The Lord then replied to him and said, “You hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound, behold, for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” 17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him. 129 18 Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and threw in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” 20 And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid three measures of meal inside until it was all leavened.” 22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, because many, I say to you, will seek to enter in and will not be able. 25 When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will reply and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ 26 then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You have taught in our streets.’ 27 But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29 And they will come from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south, and will sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” 31 On the same day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, because Herod will kill You.” 32 And He said to them, “You go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I will be perfected.’ 33 Nevertheless I must walk today, tomorrow, and the day following; because, it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem. 34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to you! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 Behold! Your house is left to you desolate; and truly, I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you will say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’” Chapter 14 1 Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the 130 Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watched Him. 2 And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus, responding, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” 4 But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. 5 Then He responded to them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” 6 And they could not answer Him regarding these things. 7 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 Because, whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brethren, your relatives, nor your rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; because, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” 15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 Then He said to him, “A certain man made a large supper and invited many, 17 and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, because all things are now ready.’ 18 But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ 20 Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ 131 22 And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you have commanded, and still there is room.’ 23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 Because, I say to you that none of those men who were invited will taste my supper.’” 25 Now large crowds went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 Because, which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it? 29 Lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a long way off, he sends a delegation and desires conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever it is of you who does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. 34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how will it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Chapter 15 1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine just persons who need no repentance. 132 8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with reckless living. 14 But when he had spent everything, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in need. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave anything to him. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have enough bread and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. 25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ 28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 133 29 So he replied and said to his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might be merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, because that your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’” Chapter 16 1 He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be steward.’ 3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? Because, my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’ 5 “So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. Because, the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the children of light. 9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? 13 “No servant can serve two masters; because, either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” 14 Now the Pharisees, who were covetous, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 134 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. Because, what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. 18 “Whoever puts away his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is put away from her husband commits adultery. 19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and lived lavishly every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it happened that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hell, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; because I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those who want to come from there pass to us.’ 27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 because, I have five brethren, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one went to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” Chapter 17 1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, 135 but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” 5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 But the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, shall say to him at the end when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me until I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” 11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus responding said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 There are not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner!” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” 20 Now when He was demanded by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 136 21 nor will they say, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Because indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” 22 Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 And they will say to you, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ Do not go after them or follow them. 24 Because, as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also, as it was in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31 “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And he who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” 37 And they replied and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” Chapter 18 1 Then He spoke a parable to them, concluding that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not reverence God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Avenge me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not reverence God nor regard man, 137 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And will God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, shall He find faith on the earth?” 9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; because, everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Permit little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; because, of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth up.” 22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, because he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Because, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” 138 27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” 28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29 So He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brethren or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come life everlasting.” 31 Then He took the twelve to Himself and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 Because, He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. 33 Then they will scourge Him and put Him to death. And the third day He will rise again.” 34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken. 35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. 36 And hearing the crowd passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he shouted, saying, “Jesus, You Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he shouted all the more, “You Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” 42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Chapter 19 1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, because he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, because He was going to pass that way. 139 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, because today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold to them.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is the son of Abraham; 10 because the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business until I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’ 15 “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ 19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ 20 “Then another came, saying, ‘Master, look, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. 21 Because, I feared you, since you are a harsh man. You collect what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was a harsh man, collecting what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected my own with interest?’ 24 “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’ 25 (they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’) 140 26 ‘Because, I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’” 28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called The Mount of Olives, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, in which as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ you shall say this to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” 34 So they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, they spread their clothes on the road. 37 Then, as He was drawing near, that is, already at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the entire multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying: “‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And from the crowd some of the Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But He replied and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately shout out.” 41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that are for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 Because, the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” 45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in it, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” 141 47 And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, 48 and were unable to do anything; because all the people were very attentive to hear Him. Chapter 20 1 Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him 2 and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” 3 But He answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, then answer Me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men?” 5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from. 8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” 9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 10 Now at harvest time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty handed. 11 And again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty handed. 12 And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out. 13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be they will respect him when they see him.’ 14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what shall the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.” And when they heard it they said, “God forbid!” 17 Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone’? 142 18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” 19 And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people, because they perceived He had spoken this parable against them. 20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous men, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. 21 Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show any personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” 25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. 27 Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 28 saying: “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, that his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 There were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second took her as wife, and he died childless. 31 Then the third took her, and in like manner the seven also; and they left no children, and died. 32 Last of all the woman died also. 33 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of them is she? Because all seven had her as wife.” 34 And answering Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who will be counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, because, they are equal to the angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 But even Moses revealed at the bush that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 143 38 Because, He is not the God of the dead but of the living, because all live to Him.” 39 Then some of the scribes replied and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” 40 But after that they dared not ask Him any more questions. 41 And He said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is David’s Son? 42 Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 43 until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 44 Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?” 45 Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers. These will receive greater damnation.” Chapter 21 1 And He looked up and saw the rich ones putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He also saw a certain poor widow putting in two mites in there. 3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than they all have; 4 because, all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty has put in all the livelihood that she had.” 5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “As for these things which you see, the days will come in which not one stone will be left upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when shall these things be? And what sign shall there be when these things are about to take place?” 8 And He said: “Take heed that you be not be deceived. Because, many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am Christ,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; because, these things must happen first, but the end is not yet.” 10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be large earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons; being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 144 13 But it will turn out for you as a testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 because, I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 But you will be betrayed also by parents and brethren, relatives and friends; and some of you they will cause to be put to death. 17 And you will be hated by all people for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you possess your souls. 20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of it depart out, and let not those who are in the country enter into it. 22 Because these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babes in those days! Because there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, because the powers of heaven will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” 29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. 34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be weighed down with over indulgence, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that Day come upon you unexpectedly. 35 Because, it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the entire earth. 145 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mount that is called The Mount of Olives. 38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him. Chapter 22 1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called The Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, because they feared the people. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4 So he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the crowd. 7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” 9 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?” 10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he enters. 11 Then you will say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.” 13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. 14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 because, I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 because, I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 146 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays Me is with Me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” 23 Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing. 24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But you shall not be like this; but rather, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who rules as he who serves. 27 Because, who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as He who serves. 28 “You are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I appoint to you a kingdom, just as My Father has appointed to Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit upon thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” 31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has desired to have you all, that he may sift you all like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you are converted, strengthen your brethren.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.” 35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” And they said, “Nothing.” 36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise his knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his coat and buy one. 37 Because, I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ Because the things concerning Me have an end.” 38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.” 39 And He came out, and went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you do not enter into temptation.” 147 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” 47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a crowd; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, “Proceed thus far, all of you.” And He touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not stretch your hand out against Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” 54 Then they took Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.” 57 But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 Then after about an hour had passed, after another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this man was also with Him, because he is a Galilean.” 60 Then Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly. 63 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. 148 64 And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, “Prophesy! Who is it who struck You?” 65 And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him. 66 As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, 67 “Are You the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe. 68 And if I also ask you, you will not answer Me or let Me go. 69 After this the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.” 70 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?” So He said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 And they said, “What further witness do we need? Because we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.” Chapter 23 1 Then the entire multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” 3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “You say it .” 4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and to the people, “I find no fault in this Man.” 5 But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.” 6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was himself also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; because, he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he had hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, because previously they had been at enmity between themselves. 13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 149 14 said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who perverts the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15 no, neither did Herod, because, I sent you to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done to Him. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him” 17 (because it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast). 18 But they all shouted out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas,” 19 who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder. 20 Pilate, therefore, willing to release Jesus, spoke to them again. 21 But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” 22 Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” 23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they demanded. 25 And he released to them the one they preferred, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will. 26 Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might carry it after Jesus. 27 And a large company of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 Because, indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ 31 Because, if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” 32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place that is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they do.” And they divided His clothes and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But the rulers, also with them, ridiculed Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 150 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him and offering Him vinegar, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, responding, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not reverence God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, because we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” 44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in the middle. 46 And when Jesus had shouted with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He gave up the spirit. 47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!” 48 And all the people who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their chests and returned. 49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. 50 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, and he was a good and just man. 51 He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. 54 That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. 55 And the women also who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. Chapter 24 1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain 151 others with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining clothing. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” 8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women that were with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and departed, marveling to himself at what had happened. 13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was about sixty stadiums from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned together, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You only a stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things that happened there in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. And besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yes, and certain women also of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 And when they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 152 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Stay with us, because it is close to evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. 36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence. 44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 153 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” 50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.