Luke

Explanatory Preface

1:1 Now1 many have undertaken to compile an account2 of the things3 that have been fulfilled4 among us, 1:2 like the accounts5 passed on6 to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word7 from the beginning.8 1:3 So9 it seemed good to me10 as well,11 because I have followed12 all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account13 for you, most excellent Theophilus, 1:4 so that you may know for certain14 the things you were taught.15

Birth Announcement of John the Baptist

1:5 During the reign16 of Herod17 king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah who belonged to18 the priestly division of Abijah,19 and he had a wife named Elizabeth,20 who was a descendant of Aaron.21 1:6 They22 were both righteous in the sight of God, following23 all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.24 1:7 But they did not have a child, because Elizabeth was barren,25 and they were both very old.26

1:8 Now27 while Zechariah28 was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty,29 1:9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood,30 to enter31 the holy place32 of the Lord and burn incense. 1:10 Now33 the whole crowd34 of people were praying outside at the hour of the incense offering.35 1:11 An36 angel of the Lord,37 standing on the right side of the altar of incense, appeared38 to him. 1:12 And Zechariah, visibly shaken when he saw the angel,39 was seized with fear.40 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard,41 and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you42 will name him John.43 1:14 Joy and gladness will come44 to you, and many will rejoice at45 his birth,46 1:15 for he will be great in the sight of47 the Lord.48 He49 must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.50 1:16 He51 will turn52 many of the people53 of Israel to the Lord their God. 1:17 And he will go as forerunner before the Lord54 in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,55 to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him."

1:18 Zechariah56 said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this?57 For I am an old man, and my wife is old as well."58 1:19 The59 angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands60 in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring61 you this good news. 1:20 And now,62 because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time,63 you will be silent, unable to speak,64 until the day these things take place."

1:21 Now65 the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they began to wonder66 why he was delayed in the holy place.67 1:22 When68 he came out, he was not able to speak to them. They69 realized that he had seen a vision70 in the holy place,71 because72 he was making signs to them and remained unable to speak.73 1:23 When his time of service was ended,74 he went to his home.

1:24 After some time75 his wife Elizabeth became pregnant,76 and for five months she kept herself in seclusion.77 She said,78 1:25 "This is what79 the Lord has done for me at the time80 when he has been gracious to me,81 to take away my disgrace82 among people."83

Birth Announcement of Jesus the Messiah

1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy,84 the angel Gabriel85 was sent by86 God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,87 1:27 to a virgin engaged88 to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of David,89 and the virgin's name was Mary. 1:28 The90 angel91 came92 to her and said, "Greetings, favored one,93 the Lord is with you!"94 1:29 But95 she was greatly troubled96 by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting.97 1:30 So98 the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid,99 Mary, for you have found favor100 with God. 1:31 Listen:101 you will become pregnant102 and give birth to103 a son, and you will name him104 Jesus.105 1:32 He106 will be great,107 and will be called the Son of the Most High,108 and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father109 David. 1:33 He110 will reign over the house of Jacob111 forever, and his kingdom will never end." 1:34 Mary112 said to the angel, "How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with113 a man?" 1:35 The angel replied,114 "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow115 you. Therefore the child116 to be born117 will be holy;118 he will be called the Son of God.

1:36 "And look,119 your relative120 Elizabeth has also become pregnant with121 a son in her old age--although she was called barren, she is now in her sixth month!122 1:37 For nothing123 will be impossible with God."124 1:38 So125 Mary said, "Yes,126 I am a servant127 of the Lord; let this happen to me128 according to your word."129 Then130 the angel departed from her.

Mary and Elizabeth

1:39 In those days131 Mary got up and went hurriedly into the hill country, to a town of Judah,132 1:40 and entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. 1:41 When133 Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped134 in her135 womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.136 1:42 She137 exclaimed with a loud voice,138 "Blessed are you among women,139 and blessed is the child140 in your womb! 1:43 And who am I141 that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me? 1:44 For the instant142 the sound of your greeting reached my ears,143 the baby in my womb leaped for joy.144 1:45 And blessed145 is she who believed that146 what was spoken to her by147 the Lord would be fulfilled.148

Mary's Hymn of Praise

1:46 And Mary149 said,150

1:56 So173 Mary stayed with Elizabeth174 about three months175 and then returned to her home.

The Birth of John

1:57 Now the time came176 for Elizabeth to have her baby,177 and she gave birth to a son. 1:58 Her178 neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown179 great mercy to her, and they rejoiced180 with her.

1:59 On181 the eighth day182 they came to circumcise the child, and they wanted to name183 him Zechariah after his father. 1:60 But184 his mother replied,185 "No! He186 must be named187 John."188 1:61 They189 said to her, "But190 none of your relatives bears this name."191 1:62 So192 they made signs to the baby's193 father,194 inquiring what he wanted to name his son.195 1:63 He196 asked for a writing tablet197 and wrote,198 "His name is John." And they were all amazed.199 1:64 Immediately200 Zechariah's201 mouth was opened and his tongue202 released,203 and he spoke, blessing God. 1:65 All204 their neighbors were filled with fear, and throughout the entire hill country of Judea all these things were talked about. 1:66 All205 who heard these things206 kept them in their hearts,207 saying, "What then will this child be?"208 For the Lord's hand209 was indeed with him.

Zechariah's Praise and Prediction

1:67 Then210 his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,211

1:80 And the child kept growing246 and becoming strong247 in spirit, and he was in the wilderness248 until the day he was revealed249 to Israel.

The Census and the Birth of Jesus

2:1 Now1 in those days a decree2 went out from Caesar3 Augustus4 to register5 all the empire6 for taxes. 2:2 This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor7 of Syria. 2:3 Everyone8 went to his own town to be registered. 2:4 So9 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth10 in Galilee to Judea, to the city11 of David called Bethlehem,12 because he was of the house13 and family line14 of David. 2:5 He went15 to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him,16 and who was expecting a child. 2:6 While17 they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.18 2:7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in strips of cloth19 and laid him in a manger,20 because there was no place for them in the inn.21

The Shepherds' Visit

2:8 Now22 there were shepherds23 nearby24 out in the field, keeping guard25 over their flock by night. 2:9 An26 angel of the Lord27 appeared to28 them, and the glory of the Lord29 shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified.30 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; listen carefully,31 for I proclaim to you good news32 that brings great joy to all the people: 2:11 Today33 your Savior is born in the city34 of David.35 He is Christ36 the Lord. 2:12 This37 will be a sign38 for you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger."39 2:13 Suddenly40 a multitude of the heavenly host41 appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

2:15 When45 the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord46 has made known to us." 2:16 So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger.47 2:17 When48 they saw him,49 they related what they had been told50 about this child, 2:18 and all who heard it were astonished51 at what the shepherds said. 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean.52 2:20 So53 the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising54 God for all they had heard and seen; everything was just as they had been told.55

2:21 At56 the end of eight days, when he57 was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel58 before he was conceived in the womb.

Jesus' Presentation at the Temple and the Meetings with Simeon and Anna

2:22 Now59 when the time came for their60 purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary61 brought Jesus62 up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 2:23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male63 will be set apart to the Lord"64), 2:24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is specified in the law of the Lord, a pair of doves65 or two young pigeons.66

2:25 Now67 there was in Jerusalem a man named Simeon who was righteous68 and devout,69 looking for the restoration70 of Israel, and the Holy Spirit71 was on him. 2:26 It72 had been revealed73 to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die74 before75 he had seen the Lord's Christ.76 2:27 So77 directed by the Spirit78 Simeon79 came into the temple courts,80 and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law,81 2:28 Simeon82 took him in his arms and blessed God, saying,83

2:33 So93 the child's94 father95 and mother were amazed96 at what was said about him. 2:34 Then97 Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "Listen carefully:98 this child99 is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising100 of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected.101 2:35 Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts102 of many hearts will be revealed103--and a sword104 will pierce your own soul as well!"105

2:36 There was also a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old,106 having been married to her husband for seven years until his death. 2:37 She had lived as a widow since then for eighty-four years.107 She never left the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.108 2:38 At that moment,109 she came up to them110 and began to give thanks to God and to speak111 about the child112 to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.113

2:39 So114 when Joseph and Mary115 had performed116 everything according to the law of the Lord,117 they returned to Galilee, to their own town118 of Nazareth. 2:40 And the child grew and became strong,119 filled with wisdom,120 and the favor121 of God122 was upon him.

Jesus in the Temple

2:41 Now123 Jesus'124 parents went to Jerusalem every125 year for the feast of the Passover.126 2:42 When127 he was twelve years old,128 they went up129 according to custom. 2:43 But130 when the feast was ended,131 as they were returning home,132 the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His133 parents134 did not know it, 2:44 but because they assumed that he was in their group of travelers135 they went a day's journey. Then136 they began to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances.137 2:45 When138 they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem139 to look for him. 2:46 After140 three days141 they found him in the temple courts,142 sitting among the teachers,143 listening to them and asking them questions. 2:47 And all who heard Jesus144 were astonished145 at his understanding and his answers. 2:48 When146 his parents147 saw him they were overwhelmed. His148 mother said to him, "Child,149 why have you treated150 us like this? Look, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."151 2:49 But152 he replied,153 "Why were you looking for me?154 Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"155 2:50 Yet156 his parents157 did not understand158 the remark159 he made160 to them. 2:51 Then161 he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient162 to them. But163 his mother kept all these things164 in her heart.165

2:52 And Jesus increased166 in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people.

The Ministry of John the Baptist

3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,1 when Pontius Pilate2 was governor of Judea, and Herod3 was tetrarch4 of Galilee, and his brother Philip5 tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias6 tetrarch of Abilene, 3:2 during the high priesthood7 of Annas and Caiaphas, the word8 of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.9 3:3 He10 went into all the region around the Jordan River,11 preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.12

3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

3:7 So John18 said to the crowds19 that came out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers!20 Who warned you to flee21 from the coming wrath? 3:8 Therefore produce22 fruit23 that proves your repentance, and don't begin to say24 to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father.'25 For I tell you that God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones!26 3:9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees,27 and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be28 cut down and thrown into the fire."

3:10 So29 the crowds were asking30 him, "What then should we do?"31 3:11 John32 answered them,33 "The person who has two tunics34 must share with the person who has none, and the person who has food must do likewise." 3:12 Tax collectors35 also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?" 3:13 He told them, "Collect no more36 than you are required to."37 3:14 Then some soldiers38 also asked him, "And as for us--what should we do?"39 He told them, "Take money from no one by violence40 or by false accusation,41 and be content with your pay."

3:15 While the people were filled with anticipation42 and they all wondered43 whether perhaps John44 could be the Christ,45 3:16 John46 answered them all,47 "I baptize you with water,48 but one more powerful than I am is coming--I am not worthy49 to untie the strap50 of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.51 3:17 His winnowing fork52 is in his hand to clean out his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his storehouse,53 but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire."54

3:18 And in this way,55 with many other exhortations, John56 proclaimed good news to the people. 3:19 But when John rebuked Herod57 the tetrarch58 because of Herodias, his brother's wife,59 and because of all the evil deeds60 that he had done, 3:20 Herod added this to them all: he locked up John in prison.

Jesus' Baptism and Heavenly Endorsement

3:21 Now when61 all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. And while he was praying,62 the heavens63 opened, 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.64 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my one dear Son;65 in you I take great delight."66

The Genealogy of Jesus

3:23 So67 Jesus, when he began his ministry,68 was about thirty years of age. He was69 the son (as was supposed)70 of Joseph, the son71 of Heli, 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 3:25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 3:26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 3:27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel,72 the son of Shealtiel,73 the son of Neri,74 3:28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 3:29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 3:30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 3:31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,75 the son of David,76 3:32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon,77 the son of Nahshon, 3:33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram,78 the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 3:34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah,79 the son of Nahor, 3:35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 3:36 the son of Cainan,80 the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 3:37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,81 the son of Kenan,82 3:38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.83

The Temptation of Jesus

4:1 Then1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River2 and was led by the Spirit3 in4 the wilderness,5 4:2 where for forty days he endured temptations6 from the devil.7 He8 ate nothing9 during those days, and when they were completed,10 he was famished. 4:3 The devil said to him, "If11 you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."12 4:4 Jesus answered him, "It is written, `Man13 does not live14 by bread alone.'"15

4:5 Then16 the devil17 led him up18 a high place19 and showed him in a flash all the kingdoms of the world. 4:6 And he20 said to him, "To you21 I will grant this whole realm22--and the glory that goes along with it,23 for it has been relinquished24 to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish. 4:7 So then, if25 you will worship26 me, all this will be27 yours." 4:8 Jesus28 answered him,29 "It is written, `You are to worship30 the Lord31 your God and serve only him.'"32

4:9 Then33 the devil34 brought him to Jerusalem, had him stand35 on the highest point of the temple,36 and said to him, "If37 you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 4:10 for it is written, `He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,'38 4:11 and `with their hands they will lift you up, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"39 4:12 Jesus40 answered him,41 "It is said, `You are not to put the Lord your God to the test.'"42 4:13 So43 when the devil44 had completed every temptation, he departed from him until a more opportune time.45

The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry in Galilee

4:14 Then46 Jesus, in the power of the Spirit,47 returned to Galilee, and news about him spread48 throughout the surrounding countryside.49 4:15 He50 began to teach51 in their synagogues52 and was praised53 by all.

Rejection at Nazareth

4:16 Now54 Jesus55 came to Nazareth,56 where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue57 on the Sabbath day, as was his custom.58 He59 stood up to read,60 4:17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He61 unrolled62 the scroll and found the place where it was written,

4:20 Then72 he rolled up73 the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on74 him. 4:21 Then75 he began to tell them, "Today76 this scripture has been fulfilled even as you heard it being read."77 4:22 All78 were speaking well of him, and were amazed at the gracious words coming out of his mouth. They79 said, "Isn't this80 Joseph's son?" 4:23 Jesus81 said to them, "No doubt you will quote to me the proverb, `Physician, heal yourself!'82 and say, `What we have heard that you did in Capernaum,83 do here in your hometown too.'" 4:24 And he added,84 "I tell you the truth,85 no prophet is acceptable86 in his hometown. 4:25 But in truth I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's days,87 when the sky88 was shut up three and a half years, and89 there was a great famine over all the land. 4:26 Yet90 Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to a woman who was a widow at Zarephath in Sidon.91 4:27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha,92 yet93 none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."94 4:28 When they heard this, all the people95 in the synagogue were filled with rage. 4:29 They got up, forced96 him out of the town,97 and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that98 they could throw him down the cliff.99 4:30 But he passed through the crowd100 and went on his way.101

Ministry in Capernaum

4:31 So102 he went down to Capernaum,103 a town104 in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people.105 4:32 They106 were amazed107 at his teaching, because he spoke108 with authority.109

4:33 Now110 in the synagogue111 there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean112 demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 4:34 "Ha! Leave us alone,113 Jesus the Nazarene! Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One114 of God." 4:35 But115 Jesus rebuked him,116 "Silence! Come out of him!"117 Then, after the demon threw the man118 down in their midst, he came out of him without hurting him.119 4:36 They120 were all amazed121 and began to say122 to one another, "What's happening here?123 For with authority and power124 he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!" 4:37 So125 the news126 about him spread into all areas of the region.127

4:38 After Jesus left128 the synagogue, he entered Simon's129 house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they130 asked Jesus131 to help her.132 4:39 So133 he stood over her, commanded134 the fever, and it left her. Immediately135 she got up and began to serve136 them.

4:40 As the sun was setting, all those who had any relatives137 sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus.138 He placed139 his hands on every one of them and healed them. 4:41 Demons also came out140 of many, crying out,141 "You are the Son of God!"142 But he rebuked143 them, and would not allow them to speak,144 because they knew that he was the Christ.145

4:42 The next morning146 Jesus147 departed and went to a deserted place. Yet148 the crowds were seeking him, and they came to him and tried to keep him from leaving them. 4:43 But Jesus149 said to them, "I must150 proclaim the good news of the kingdom151 of God to the other towns152 too, for that is what I was sent153 to do." 4:44 So154 he continued to preach in the synagogues of Judea.155

The Calling of the Disciples

5:1Now1 Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,2 and the crowd was pressing around him3 to hear the word of God. 5:2 He4 saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 5:3 He got into5 one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then6 Jesus7 sat down8 and taught the crowds from the boat. 5:4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and lower9 your nets for a catch." 5:5 Simon10 answered,11 "Master,12 we worked hard all night and caught nothing! But at your word13 I will lower14 the nets." 5:6 When15 they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear.16 5:7 So17 they motioned18 to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they were about to sink.19 5:8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord,20 for I am a sinful man!"21 5:9 For22 Peter23 and all who were with him were astonished24 at the catch of fish that they had taken, 5:10 and so were James and John, Zebedee's sons, who were Simon's business partners.25 Then26 Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on27 you will be catching people."28 5:11 So29 when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed30 him.

Healing a Leper

5:12 While31 Jesus32 was in one of the towns,33 a man came34 to him who was covered with35 leprosy.36 When37 he saw Jesus, he bowed down with his face to the ground38 and begged him,39 "Lord, if40 you are willing, you can make me clean." 5:13 So41 he stretched out his hand and touched42 him, saying, "I am willing. Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him. 5:14 Then43 he ordered the man44 to tell no one,45 but commanded him,46 "Go47 and show yourself to a priest, and bring the offering48 for your cleansing, as Moses commanded,49 as a testimony to them."50 5:15 But the news about him spread even more,51 and large crowds were gathering together to hear him52 and to be healed of their illnesses. 5:16 Yet Jesus himself53 frequently withdrew54 to the wilderness55 and prayed.

Healing and Forgiving a Paralytic

5:17 Now on56 one of those days, while he was teaching, there were Pharisees57 and teachers of the law58 sitting nearby (who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem),59 and the power of the Lord was with him60 to heal. 5:18 Then61 some men showed up, carrying a paralyzed man62 on a stretcher.63 They64 were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus.65 5:19 But66 since they found67 no way to carry him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof68 and let him down on the stretcher69 through the roof tiles70 right71 in front of Jesus.72 5:20 When73 Jesus74 saw their75 faith he said, "Friend,76 your sins are forgiven."77 5:21 Then78 the experts in the law79 and the Pharisees began to think80 to themselves,81 "Who is this man82 who is uttering blasphemies?83 Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 5:22 When Jesus perceived84 their hostile thoughts,85 he said to them,86 "Why are you raising objections87 within yourselves? 5:23 Which is easier,88 to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Stand up and walk'? 5:24 But so that you may know89 that the Son of Man90 has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he said to the paralyzed man91--"I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher92 and go home."93 5:25 Immediately94 he stood up before them, picked95 up the stretcher96 he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying97 God. 5:26 Then98 astonishment99 seized them all, and they glorified100 God. They were filled with awe,101 saying, "We have seen incredible102 things103 today."104

The Calling of Levi and Eating with Sinners

5:27 After105 this Jesus106 went out and saw a tax collector107 named Levi108 sitting at the tax booth.109 "Follow me,"110 he said to him. 5:28 And he got up and followed him, leaving everything111 behind.112

5:29 Then113 Levi gave a great banquet114 in his house for Jesus,115 and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting116 at the table with them. 5:30 But117 the Pharisees118 and their experts in the law119 complained120 to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"121 5:31 Jesus122 answered them, "Those who are well don't need a physician, but those who are sick do.123 5:32 I have not come124 to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."125

The Superiority of the New

5:33 Then126 they said to him, "John's127 disciples frequently fast128 and pray,129 and so do the disciples of the Pharisees,130 but yours continue to eat and drink."131 5:34 So132 Jesus said to them, "You cannot make the wedding guests133 fast while the bridegroom134 is with them, can you?135 5:35 But those days are coming, and when the bridegroom is taken from them,136 at that time137 they will fast." 5:36 He also told them a parable:138 "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews139 it on an old garment. If he does, he will have torn140 the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.141 5:37 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins.142 If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 5:38 Instead new wine must be poured into new wineskins.143 5:39 And144 no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, `The old is good enough.'"145

Lord of the Sabbath

6:1 Jesus1 was going through the grain fields on2 a Sabbath,3 and his disciples picked some grain,4 rubbed it in their hands, and ate it.5 6:2 But some of the Pharisees6 said, "Why are you7 doing what is against the law8 on the Sabbath?" 6:3 Jesus9 answered them,10 "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry-- 6:4 how he entered the house of God, took11 and ate the sacred bread,12 which is against the law13 for any to eat but the priests alone, and14 gave it to his companions?"15 6:5 Then16 he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord17 of the Sabbath."

Healing a Withered Hand

6:6 On18 another Sabbath, Jesus19 entered the synagogue20 and was teaching. Now21 a man was there whose right hand was withered.22 6:7 The experts in the law23 and the Pharisees24 watched25 Jesus26 closely to see if27 he would heal28 on the Sabbath,29 so that they could find a reason to accuse him. 6:8 But30 he knew31 their thoughts,32 and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Get up and stand here."33 So34 he rose and stood there. 6:9 Then35 Jesus said to them, "I ask you,36 is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save a life or to destroy it?" 6:10 After37 looking around38 at them all, he said to the man,39 "Stretch out your hand." The man40 did so, and his hand was restored.41 6:11 But they were filled with mindless rage42 and began debating with one another what they would do43 to Jesus.

The Naming of the Twelve Apostles

6:12 Now44 it was during this time that he went out to the mountain45 to pray, and he spent all night46 in prayer to God.47 6:13 When48 morning came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:49 6:14 Simon50 (whom he named Peter), and his brother Andrew; and James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,51 6:15 Matthew, Thomas,52 James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot,53 6:16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot,54 who became a traitor.

The Sermon on the Plain

6:17 Then55 he came down with them and stood on a level place.56 And a large number57 of his disciples had gathered58 along with59 a vast multitude from all over Judea, from60 Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.61 They came to hear him and to be healed62 of their diseases, 6:18 and those who suffered from63 unclean64 spirits were cured. 6:19 The65 whole crowd was trying to touch him, because power66 was coming out from him and healing them all.

6:20 Then67 he looked up68 at his disciples and said:

6:27 "But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies,90 do good to those who hate you, 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat91 you. 6:29 To the person who strikes you on the cheek,92 offer the other as well,93 and from the person who takes away your coat,94 do not withhold your tunic95 either.96 6:30 Give to everyone who asks you,97 and do not ask for your possessions98 back99 from the person who takes them away. 6:31 Treat others100 in the same way that you would want them to treat you.101

6:32 "If102 you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners103 love those who love them.104 6:33 And105 if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For106 even sinners107 do the same. 6:34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to be repaid,108 what credit is that to you? Even sinners109 lend to sinners, so that they may be repaid in full.110 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back.111 Then112 your reward will be great, and you will be sons113 of the Most High,114 because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people.115 6:36 Be merciful,116 just as your Father is merciful.

6:37 "Do117 not judge,118 and you will not be judged;119 do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive,120 and you will be forgiven. 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,121 will be poured122 into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive."123

6:39 He also told them a parable: "A blind man cannot lead a blind man, can he?124 Won't they both fall125 into a pit? 6:40 A disciple126 is not greater than127 his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher. 6:41 Why128 do you see the speck129 in your brother's eye, but fail to see130 the beam of wood131 in your own? 6:42 How can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me remove the speck from your eye,' while you yourself don't see the beam in your own? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

6:43 "For132 no good tree bears bad133 fruit, nor again134 does a bad tree bear good fruit, 6:44 for each tree is known135 by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered136 from thorns, nor are grapes picked137 from brambles.138 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart139 produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure140 produces evil, for his mouth speaks141 from what fills142 his heart.

6:46 "Why143 do you call me `Lord, Lord,'144 and don't do what I tell you?145

6:47 "Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them into practice146--I will show you what he is like: 6:48 He is like a man147 building a house, who dug down deep,148 and laid the foundation on bedrock. When149 a flood came, the river150 burst against that house but151 could not shake it, because it had been well built.152 6:49 But the person who hears and does not put my words into practice153 is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When154 the river burst against that house,155 it collapsed immediately, and was utterly destroyed!"156

Healing the Centurion's Slave

7:1 After Jesus1 had finished teaching all this to the people,2 he entered Capernaum.3 7:2 A centurion4 there5 had a slave6 who was highly regarded,7 but who was sick and at the point of death. 7:3 When the centurion8 heard9 about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders10 to him, asking him to come11 and heal his slave. 7:4 When12 they came13 to Jesus, they urged14 him earnestly,15 "He is worthy16 to have you do this for him, 7:5 because he loves our nation,17 and even18 built our synagogue."19 7:6 So20 Jesus went with them. When21 he was not far from the house, the centurion22 sent friends to say to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself,23 for I am not worthy24 to have you come under my roof. 7:7 That is why25 I did not presume26 to come to you. Instead, say the word, and my servant must be healed.27 7:8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me.28 I say to this one, `Go,' and he goes,29 and to another, `Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, `Do this,' and he does it."30 7:9 When Jesus heard this he was amazed31 at him. He turned and said to the crowd that followed him, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."32 7:10 So33 when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave34 well.

Raising a Widow's Son

7:11 Soon35 afterward36 Jesus37 went to a town38 called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 7:12 As he approached the town gate, a man39 who had died was being carried out,40 the only son of his mother (who41 was a widow42), and a large crowd from the town43 was with her. 7:13 When44 the Lord saw her, he had compassion45 for her and said to her, "Do not weep."46 7:14 Then47 he came up48 and touched49 the bier,50 and those who carried it stood still. He51 said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 7:15 So52 the dead man53 sat up and began to speak, and Jesus54 gave him back55 to his mother. 7:16 Fear56 seized them all, and they began to glorify57 God, saying, "A great prophet58 has appeared59 among us!" and "God has come to help60 his people!" 7:17 This61 report62 about Jesus63 circulated64 throughout65 Judea and all the surrounding country.

Jesus and John the Baptist

7:18 John's66 disciples informed him about all these things. So67 John called68 two of his disciples 7:19 and sent them to Jesus69 to ask,70 "Are you the one who is to come,71 or should we look for another?" 7:20 When72 the men came to Jesus,73 they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask,74 `Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?'"75 7:21 At that very time76 Jesus77 cured many people of diseases, sicknesses,78 and evil spirits, and granted79 sight to many who were blind. 7:22 So80 he answered them,81 "Go tell82 John what you have seen and heard:83 the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the84 deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news proclaimed to them. 7:23 Blessed is the one85 who takes no offense at me."

7:24 When86 John's messengers had gone, Jesus87 began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness88 to see? A reed shaken by the wind?89 7:25 What90 did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy91 clothes?92 Look, those who wear fancy clothes and live in luxury93 are in kings' courts!94 7:26 What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more95 than a prophet. 7:27 This is the one about whom it is written, `Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,96 who will prepare your way before you.'97 7:28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater98 than John.99 Yet the one who is least100 in the kingdom of God101 is greater than he is." 7:29 (Now102 all the people who heard this, even the tax collectors,103 acknowledged104 God's justice, because they had been baptized105 with John's baptism. 7:30 However, the Pharisees106 and the experts in religious law107 rejected God's purpose108 for themselves, because they had not been baptized109 by John.110)111

7:31 "To what then should I compare the people112 of this generation, and what are they like? 7:32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another,113

7:33 For John the Baptist has come116 eating no bread and drinking no wine,117 and you say, `He has a demon!'118 7:34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, `Look at him,119 a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'120 7:35 But wisdom is vindicated121 by all her children."

Jesus' Anointing

7:36 Now one of the Pharisees122 asked Jesus123 to have dinner with him, so124 he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table.125 7:37 Then126 when a woman of that town, who was a sinner, learned that Jesus127 was dining128 at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar129 of perfumed oil.130 7:38 As131 she stood132 behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She133 wiped them with her hair,134 kissed135 them,136 and anointed137 them with the perfumed oil. 7:39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this,138 he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet,139 he would know who and what kind of woman140 this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner." 7:40 So141 Jesus answered him,142 "Simon, I have something to say to you." He replied,143 "Say it, Teacher." 7:41 "A certain creditor144 had two debtors; one owed him145 five hundred silver coins,146 and the other fifty. 7:42 When they could not pay, he canceled147 the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 7:43 Simon answered,148 "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."149 Jesus150 said to him, "You have judged rightly." 7:44 Then,151 turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet,152 but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 7:45 You gave me no kiss of greeting,153 but from the time I entered she has not stopped kissing my feet. 7:46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet154 with perfumed oil. 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven, thus she loved much;155 but the one who is forgiven little loves little." 7:48 Then156 Jesus157 said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."158 7:49 But159 those who were at the table160 with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" 7:50 He161 said to the woman, "Your faith162 has saved you;163 go in peace."

Jesus' Ministry and the Help of Women

8:1Sometime1 afterward2 he went on through towns3 and villages, preaching and proclaiming the good news4 of the kingdom of God.5 The6 twelve were with him, 8:2 and also some women7 who had been healed of evil spirits and disabilities:8 Mary9 (called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had gone out, 8:3 and Joanna, the wife of Cuza,10 Herod's11 household manager,12 and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them13 out of their own resources.

The Parable of the Sower

8:4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus14 from one town after another,15 he spoke to them16 in a parable: 8:5 "A sower went out to sow17 his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the sky18 devoured it. 8:6 Other seed fell on rock,19 and when it came up, it withered because it had no moisture. 8:7 Other seed fell among the thorns,20 and they grew up with it and choked21 it. 8:8 But22 other seed fell on good soil and grew,23 and it produced a hundred times as much grain."24 As he said this,25 he called out, "The one who has ears to hear had better listen!"26

8:9 Then27 his disciples asked him what this parable meant.28 8:10 He29 said, "You have been given30 the opportunity to know31 the secrets32 of the kingdom of God,33 but for others they are in parables, so that although they see they may not see, and although they hear they may not understand.34

8:11 "Now the parable means35 this: The seed is the word of God. 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who have heard; then the devil36 comes and takes away the word37 from their hearts, so that they may not believe38 and be saved. 8:13 Those39 on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while,40 but41 in a time of testing42 fall away.43 8:14 As for the seed that44 fell among thorns, these are the ones who hear, but45 as they go on their way they are choked46 by the worries and riches and pleasures of life,47 and their fruit does not mature.48 8:15 But as for the seed that landed on good soil, these are the ones who, after hearing49 the word, cling to it50 with an honest and good51 heart, and bear fruit with steadfast endurance.52

Holding on to the Light of Revelation

8:16 "No one lights53 a lamp54 and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but he places it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light. 8:17 For nothing is hidden55 that will not be revealed,56 and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light. 8:18 So listen carefully,57 for whoever has will be given more, but58 whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has59 will be taken from him."

Jesus' True Family

8:19 Now Jesus'60 mother and his brothers61 came to him, but62 they could not get near him because of the crowd. 8:20 So63 he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." 8:21 But he replied64 to them, "My mother and my brothers are those65 who hear the word of God and do it."66

Stilling of a Storm

8:22 One67 day Jesus68 got into a boat69 with his disciples and said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So70 they set out, 8:23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. Now a violent windstorm71 came down on the lake,72 and the boat73 started filling up with water, and they were in danger. 8:24 They74 came75 and woke him, saying, "Master, Master,76 we are about to die!" So77 he got up and rebuked78 the wind and the raging waves;79 they died down, and it was calm. 8:25 Then80 he said to them, "Where is your faith?"81 But they were afraid and amazed,82 saying to one another, "Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the water,83 and they obey him!"

Healing of a Demoniac

8:26 So84 they sailed over to the region of the Gerasenes,85 which is opposite86 Galilee. 8:27 As87 Jesus88 stepped ashore,89 a certain man from the town90 met him who was possessed by demons.91 For a long time92 this man93 had worn no clothes and had not lived in a house but among94 the tombs. 8:28 When he saw95 Jesus, he cried out, fell96 down before him, and shouted with a loud voice, "Leave me alone,97 Jesus, Son of the Most High98 God! I beg you, do not torment99 me!" 8:29 For Jesus100 had commanded101 the evil102 spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him. So he was bound with chains and shackles103 and kept under guard, but104 he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into deserted105 places.)106 8:30 Jesus then107 asked him, "What is your name?" He108 said, "Legion,"109 because many demons had entered him. 8:31 And they began to beg110 him not to order111 them to depart into the abyss.112 8:32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside,113 and the demons114 begged Jesus115 to let them go into them. He gave them permission.116 8:33 So117 the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd of pigs118 rushed down the steep slope into the lake and drowned. 8:34 When119 the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran off and spread the news120 in the town121 and countryside. 8:35 So122 the people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus. They123 found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 8:36 Those124 who had seen it told them how the man who had been demon-possessed had been healed.125 8:37 Then126 all the people of the Gerasenes127 and the surrounding region128 asked Jesus129 to leave them alone,130 for they were seized with great fear;131 so132 he got into the boat and left.133 8:38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go134 with him, but Jesus135 sent him away, saying, 8:39 "Return to your home,136 and declare137 what God has done for you."138 So139 he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole town140 what Jesus141 had done for him.

Restoration and Healing

8:40 Now when Jesus returned,142 the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 8:41 Then143 a man named Jairus, who was a ruler144 of the synagogue,145 came up. Falling146 at Jesus' feet, he pleaded147 with him to come to his house, 8:42 because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying.148

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds pressed149 around him. 8:43 Now150 a woman was there who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years151 but could not be healed by anyone. 8:44 She152 came up behind Jesus153 and touched the edge154 of his cloak,155 and at once the bleeding156 stopped. 8:45 Then157 Jesus asked,158 "Who was it who touched me?" When they all denied it, Peter159 said, "Master, the crowds are surrounding you and pressing160 against you!" 8:46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me, for I know that power has gone out161 from me." 8:47 When162 the woman saw that she could not escape notice,163 she came trembling and fell down before him. In164 the presence of all the people, she explained why165 she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed. 8:48 Then166 he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well.167 Go in peace."

8:49 While he was still speaking, someone from the synagogue ruler's168 house came169 and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer." 8:50 But when Jesus heard this, he told170 him, "Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."171 8:51 Now when he came to the house, Jesus172 did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John,173 and James, and the child's father and mother. 8:52 Now they were all174 wailing and mourning175 for her, but he said, "Stop your weeping; she is not dead but asleep." 8:53 And they began making fun176 of him, because they knew177 that she was dead.178 8:54 But Jesus179 gently took her by the hand and said,180 "Child, get up." 8:55 Her181 spirit returned,182 and she got up immediately. Then183 he told them to give her something to eat. 8:56 Her184 parents were astonished, but he ordered them to tell no one185 what had happened.

The Sending of the Twelve Apostles

9:1 After1 Jesus2 called3 the twelve4 together, he gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure5 diseases, 9:2 and he sent6 them out to proclaim7 the kingdom of God8 and to heal the sick.9 9:3 He10 said to them, "Take nothing for your11 journey--no staff,12 no bag,13 no bread, no money, and do not take an extra tunic.14 9:4 Whatever15 house you enter, stay there16 until you leave the area.17 9:5 Wherever18 they do not receive you,19 as you leave that town20 shake the dust off21 your feet as a testimony against them." 9:6 Then22 they departed and went throughout23 the villages, proclaiming the good news24 and healing people everywhere.

Herod's Confusion about Jesus

9:7 Now Herod25 the tetrarch26 heard about everything that was happening, and he was thoroughly perplexed,27 because some people were saying that John28 had been raised from the dead, 9:8 while others were saying that Elijah29 had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had risen.30 9:9 Herod said, "I had John31 beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?" So Herod wanted to learn about Jesus.32

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

9:10 When33 the apostles returned,34 they told Jesus35 all that they had done. Then36 he took them and they withdrew privately to a town37 called Bethsaida.38 9:11 But when the crowds found out, they followed him. He39 welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God,40 and cured those who needed healing.41 9:12 Now the day began to draw to a close;42 so43 the twelve came and said to Jesus,44 "Send the crowd away, so they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging45 and food, because we are in an isolated place."46 9:13 But he said to them, "You47 give them something to eat." They48 replied,49 "We have no more than five loaves and two fish--unless50 we go51 and buy food52 for all these people." 9:14 (For there were about five thousand men.)53 Then54 he said to his disciples, "Have55 them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 9:15 And they did so, and the people56 all sat down.

9:16 Then57 he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks58 and broke them. He gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 9:17 They all ate and were satisfied, and what was left over59 was picked up--twelve baskets of broken pieces.

Peter's Confession

9:18 Once60 when Jesus61 was praying62 by himself, and his disciples were nearby, he asked them,63 "Who do the crowds say that I am?"64 9:19 They65 answered,66 "John the Baptist; others say Elijah;67 and still others that one of the prophets of long ago has risen."68 9:20 Then69 he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter70 answered,71 "The Christ72 of God." 9:21 But he forcefully commanded73 them not to tell this to anyone,74 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer75 many things and be rejected by the elders,76 chief priests, and experts in the law,77 and be killed, and on the third day be raised."78

A Call to Discipleship

9:23 Then79 he said to them all,80 "If anyone wants to become my follower,81 he must deny82 himself, take up his cross daily,83 and follow me. 9:24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,84 but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 9:25 For what does it benefit a person85 if he gains the whole world but loses or forfeits himself? 9:26 For whoever is ashamed86 of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person87 when he comes in his glory and the glory88 of the Father and of the holy angels. 9:27 But I tell you most certainly,89 there are some standing here who will not90 taste death91 before they see the kingdom of God."92

The Transfiguration

9:28 Now93 about eight days94 after these sayings, Jesus95 took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up the mountain to pray. 9:29 As96 he was praying,97 the appearance of his face was transformed,98 and his clothes became dazzling white. 9:30 Then99 two men, Moses and Elijah,100 began talking with him.101 9:31 They appeared in glorious splendor and spoke about his departure102 that he was about to carry out103 at Jerusalem. 9:32 Now Peter and those with him were quite sleepy,104 but as they became fully awake105 they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 9:33 Then106 as the men107 were starting to leave,108 Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters,109 one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he was saying. 9:34 As110 he was saying this, a cloud111 came112 and overshadowed113 them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 9:35 Then114 a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen One.115 Listen to him!"116 9:36 After117 the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. So118 they kept silent and told no one119 in those days anything of what they had seen.

Healing an Epileptic Boy

9:37 Now on120 the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 9:38 Then121 a man from the crowd cried out,122 "Teacher, I beg you to look at123 my son--he is my only child! 9:39 A124 spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams;125 it throws him into convulsions126 and causes him to foam at the mouth. It hardly ever leaves him alone, torturing127 him severely. 9:40 I128 begged129 your disciples to cast it out, but130 they could not." 9:41 Jesus answered,131 "You132 unbelieving133 and perverse generation! How much longer134 must I be with you and endure135 you?136 Bring your son here." 9:42 As137 the boy138 was approaching, the demon threw him to the ground139 and shook him with convulsions.140 But Jesus rebuked141 the unclean142 spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 9:43 Then143 they were all astonished at the mighty power144 of God.

Another Prediction of Jesus' Suffering

But while the entire crowd145 was amazed at everything Jesus146 did, he said to his disciples, 9:44 "Take these words to heart,147 for the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." 9:45 But they did not understand this statement; its meaning148 had been concealed149 from them, so that they could not grasp it. Yet150 they were afraid to ask him about this statement.

Concerning the Greatest

9:46 Now an argument started among the disciples151 as to which of them might be152 the greatest. 9:47 But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts,153 he took a child, had him stand by154 his side, 9:48 and said to them, "Whoever welcomes155 this child156 in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great."157

On the Right Side

9:49 John answered,158 "Master,159 we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop160 him because he is not a disciple161 with us." 9:50 But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

Rejection in Samaria

9:51 Now when162 the days drew near163 for him to be taken up,164 Jesus165 set out resolutely166 to go to Jerusalem. 9:52 He167 sent messengers on ahead of him.168 As they went along169 they entered a Samaritan village to make things ready in advance170 for him, 9:53 but the villagers171 refused to welcome172 him, because he was determined to go to Jerusalem.173 9:54 Now when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to call fire to come down from heaven and consume174 them?"175 9:55 But Jesus176 turned and rebuked them,177 9:56 and they went on to another village.

Challenging Professed Followers

9:57 As178 they were walking179 along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."180 9:58 Jesus said to him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky181 have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."182 9:59 Jesus183 said to another, "Follow me." But he replied,184 "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 9:60 But Jesus185 said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead,186 but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."187 9:61 Yet188 another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family."189 9:62 Jesus190 said to him, "No one who puts his191 hand to the plow and looks back192 is fit for the kingdom of God."193

The Mission of the Seventy-Two

10:1 After this1 the Lord appointed seventy-two2 others and sent them on ahead of him two by two into every town3 and place where he himself was about to go. 10:2 He4 said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest5 to send out6 workers into his harvest. 10:3 Go! I7 am sending you out like lambs8 surrounded by wolves.9 10:4 Do not carry10 a money bag,11 a traveler's bag,12 or sandals, and greet no one on the road.13 10:5 Whenever14 you enter a house,15 first say, `May peace16 be on this house!' 10:6 And if a son of peace17 is there, your peace will remain on him, but if not, it will return to you.18 10:7 Stay19 in that same house, eating and drinking what they give you,20 for the worker deserves his pay.21 Do not move around from house to house. 10:8 Whenever22 you enter a town23 and the people24 welcome you, eat what is set before you. 10:9 Heal25 the sick in that town26 and say to them, `The kingdom of God27 has come on28 you.' 10:10 But whenever29 you enter a town30 and the people31 do not welcome32 you, go into its streets33 and say, 10:11 `Even the dust of your town34 that clings to our feet we wipe off35 against you.36 Nevertheless know this: the kingdom of God has come.'37 10:12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom38 than for that town!39

10:13 "Woe to you, Chorazin!40 Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if41 the miracles42 done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon,43 they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 10:14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you! 10:15 And you, Capernaum,44 will you be exalted to heaven?45 No, you will be thrown down to Hades!46

10:16 "The one who listens47 to you listens to me,48 and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects49 the one who sent me."50

10:17 Then51 the seventy-two52 returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons submit to53 us in your name!"54 10:18 So55 he said to them, "I saw56 Satan fall57 like lightning58 from heaven. 10:19 Look, I have given59 you authority to tread60 on snakes and scorpions61 and on the full force of the enemy,62 and nothing will63 hurt you. 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that64 the spirits submit to you, but rejoice65 that your names stand written66 in heaven."

10:21 On that same occasion67 Jesus68 rejoiced69 in the Holy Spirit and said, "I praise70 you, Father, Lord71 of heaven and earth, because72 you have hidden these things from the wise73 and intelligent, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will.74 10:22 All things have been given to me by my Father.75 No one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone the Son decides76 to reveal him to."

10:23 Then77 Jesus78 turned79 to his80 disciples and said privately, "Blessed81 are the eyes that see what you see! 10:24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings longed to see82 what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

10:25 Now83 an expert in religious law84 stood up to test Jesus,85 saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"86 10:26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you understand it?"87 10:27 The expert88 answered, "Love89 the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,90 and love your neighbor as yourself."91 10:28 Jesus92 said to him, "You have answered correctly;93 do this, and you will live."

10:29 But the expert,94 wanting to justify95 himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 10:30 Jesus replied,96 "A man was going down97 from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat98 him up, and went off, leaving him half dead.99 10:31 Now by chance100 a priest was going down that road, but101 when he saw the injured man102 he passed by103 on the other side.104 10:32 So too a Levite, when he came up to105 the place and saw him,106 passed by on the other side. 10:33 But107 a Samaritan108 who was traveling109 came to where the injured man110 was, and when he saw him, he felt compassion for him.111 10:34 He112 went up to him113 and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil114 and wine on them. Then115 he put him on116 his own animal,117 brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 10:35 The118 next day he took out two silver coins119 and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him, and whatever else you spend, I will repay when I come back this way.'120 10:36 Which of these three do you think became a neighbor121 to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" 10:37 The expert in religious law122 said, "The one who showed mercy123 to him." So124 Jesus said to him, "Go and do125 the same."

Jesus and Martha

10:38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus126 entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest.127 10:39 She128 had a sister named Mary, who sat129 at the Lord's feet130 and listened to what he said. 10:40 But Martha was distracted131 with all the preparations she had to make,132 so133 she came up to him and said, "Lord, don't you care134 that my sister has left me to do all the work135 alone? Tell136 her to help me." 10:41 But the Lord137 answered her,138 "Martha, Martha,139 you are worried and troubled140 about many things, 10:42 but one thing141 is needed. Mary has chosen the best142 part; it will not be taken away from her."

Instructions on Prayer

11:1Now1 Jesus2 was praying in a certain place. When3 he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John4 taught5 his disciples." 11:2 So he said to them, "When you pray,6 say:

11:5 Then13 he said to them, "Suppose one of you14 has a friend, and you go to him15 at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,16 11:6 because a friend of mine has stopped here while on a journey,17 and I have nothing to set before18 him.' 11:7 Then19 he will reply20 from inside, `Do not bother me. The door is already shut, and my children are with me21 in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything.'22 11:8 I tell you, even though the man inside23 will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of the first man's24 sheer persistence25 he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

11:9 "So26 I tell you: Ask,27 and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door28 will be opened for you. 11:10 For everyone who asks29 receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door30 will be opened. 11:11 What father among you, if your31 son asks for32 a fish, will give him a snake33 instead of a fish? 11:12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?34 11:13 If you then, although you are35 evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit36 to those who ask him!"

Jesus and Beelzebul

11:14 Now37 he was casting out a demon that was mute.38 When39 the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute began to speak,40 and the crowds were amazed. 11:15 But some of them said, "By the power of Beelzebul,41 the ruler42 of demons, he casts out demons." 11:16 Others, to test43 him,44 began asking for45 a sign46 from heaven. 11:17 But Jesus,47 realizing their thoughts, said to them,48 "Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed,49 and a divided household falls.50 11:18 So51 if52 Satan too is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? I ask you this because53 you claim that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 11:19 Now if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons54 cast them55 out? Therefore they will be your judges. 11:20 But if I cast out demons by the finger56 of God, then the kingdom of God57 has come on58 you. 11:21 When a strong man,59 fully armed, guards his own palace,60 his possessions are safe.61 11:22 But62 when a stronger man63 attacks64 and conquers him, he takes away the first man's65 armor on which the man relied66 and divides up67 his plunder.68 11:23 Whoever is not with me is against me,69 and whoever does not gather with me scatters.70

Response to Jesus' Work

11:24 "When an unclean spirit71 goes out of a person,72 it passes through waterless places73 looking for rest but74 finding none. Then75 it says, `I will return to the home I left.'76 11:25 When it returns,77 it finds the house78 swept clean and put in order.79 11:26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there, so80 the last state of that person81 is worse than the first."82

11:27 As83 he said these things, a woman in the crowd spoke out84 to him, "Blessed is the womb85 that bore you and the breasts at which you nursed!"86 11:28 But he replied,87 "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey88 it!"

The Sign of Jonah

11:29 As89 the crowds were increasing, Jesus90 began to say, "This generation is a wicked generation; it looks for a sign,91 but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.92 11:30 For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh,93 so the Son of Man will be a sign94 to this generation.95 11:31 The queen of the South96 will rise up at the judgment97 with the people98 of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon--and now,99 something greater100 than Solomon is here! 11:32 The people101 of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented when Jonah preached to them102--and now,103 something greater than Jonah is here!

Internal Light

11:33 "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a hidden place104 or under a basket,105 but on a lampstand, so that those who come in can see the light. 11:34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy,106 your whole body is full of light, but when it is diseased,107 your body is full of darkness. 11:35 Therefore see to it108 that the light in you109 is not darkness. 11:36 If110 then111 your whole body is full of light, with no part in the dark,112 it will be as full of light as when the light of a lamp shines on you."113

Rebuking the Pharisees and Experts in the Law

11:37 As he spoke,114 a Pharisee115 invited Jesus116 to have a meal with him, so he went in and took his place at the table.117 11:38 The118 Pharisee was astonished when he saw that Jesus119 did not first wash his hands120 before the meal. 11:39 But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean121 the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.122 11:40 You fools!123 Didn't the one who made the outside make the inside as well?124 11:41 But give from your heart to those in need,125 and126 then everything will be clean for you.127

11:42 "But woe to you Pharisees!128 You give a tenth129 of your mint,130 rue,131 and every herb, yet you neglect justice132 and love for God! But you should have done these things without neglecting the other.133 11:43 Woe to you Pharisees! You love the best seats134 in the synagogues135 and elaborate greetings136 in the marketplaces! 11:44 Woe to you!137 You are like unmarked graves, and people138 walk over them without realizing it!"139

11:45 One of the experts in religious law140 answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things you insult141 us too." 11:46 But Jesus142 replied,143 "Woe to you experts in religious law as well!144 You load people145 down with burdens difficult to bear, yet you yourselves refuse to touch146 the burdens with even one of your fingers! 11:47 Woe to you! You build147 the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors148 killed. 11:48 So you testify that you approve of149 the deeds of your ancestors,150 because they killed the prophets151 and you build their152 tombs.153 11:49 For this reason also the wisdom154 of God said, `I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,' 11:50 so that this generation may be held accountable155 for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed156 since the beginning157 of the world,158 11:51 from the blood of Abel159 to the blood of Zechariah,160 who was killed161 between the altar and the sanctuary.162 Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against163 this generation. 11:52 Woe to you experts in religious law! You have taken away164 the key to knowledge! You did not go in yourselves, and you hindered165 those who were going in."

11:53 When he went out from there, the experts in the law166 and the Pharisees began to oppose him bitterly,167 and to ask him hostile questions168 about many things, 11:54 plotting against169 him, to catch170 him in something he might say.171

Fear God, Not Man

12:1Meanwhile,1 when many thousands of the crowd had gathered so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus2 began to speak first to his disciples, "Be on your guard against3 the yeast of the Pharisees,4 which is hypocrisy.5 12:2 Nothing is hidden6 that will not be revealed,7 and nothing is secret that will not be made known. 12:3 So then8 whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered9 in private rooms10 will be proclaimed from the housetops.11

12:4 "I12 tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body,13 and after that have nothing more they can do. 12:5 But I will warn14 you whom you should fear: fear the one who, after the killing,15 has authority to throw you16 into hell.17 Yes, I tell you, fear him! 12:6 Aren't five sparrows sold for two pennies?18 Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 12:7 In fact, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid;19 you are more valuable than many sparrows.

12:8 "I20 tell you, whoever acknowledges21 me before men,22 the Son of Man will also acknowledge23 before God's angels. 12:9 But the one who denies me before men will be denied before God's angels. 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit24 will not be forgiven.25 12:11 But when they bring you before the synagogues,26 the27 rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you should make your defense28 or what you should say, 12:12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment29 what you must30 say."

The Parable of the Rich Landowner

12:13 Then31 someone from the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell32 my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 12:14 But Jesus33 said to him, "Man,34 who made me a judge or arbitrator between you two?"35 12:15 Then36 he said to them, "Watch out and guard yourself from37 all types of greed,38 because one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 12:16 He then39 told them a parable:40 "The land of a certain rich man produced41 an abundant crop, 12:17 so42 he thought to himself,43 `What should I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?'44 12:18 Then45 he said, `I46 will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain47 and my goods. 12:19 And I will say to myself,48 "You have plenty of goods stored up for many years; relax, eat, drink, celebrate!"' 12:20 But God said to him, `You fool! This very night your life49 will be demanded back from50 you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'51 12:21 So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself,52 but is not rich toward God."

Exhortation Not to Worry

12:22 Then53 Jesus54 said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry55 about your56 life, what you will eat, or about your57 body, what you will wear. 12:23 For58 there is more to life than food, and more to the body than clothing. 12:24 Consider the ravens:59 they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds60 them. How much more valuable are you than the birds! 12:25 And which of you by worrying61 can add an hour62 to his life?63 12:26 So if64 you cannot do such a very little thing as this, why do you worry about65 the rest? 12:27 Consider how the flowers66 grow; they do not work67 or spin.68 Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! 12:28 And if69 this is how God clothes the wild grass,70 which is here71 today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven,72 how much more73 will he clothe you, you people of little faith! 12:29 So74 do not be overly concerned about75 what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about it.76 12:30 For all the nations of the world pursue77 these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 12:31 Instead, pursue78 God's79 kingdom,80 and these things will be given to you as well.

12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is well pleased81 to give you the kingdom. 12:33 Sell your possessions82 and give to the poor.83 Provide yourselves purses that do not wear out, a treasure in heaven84 that never decreases,85 where no thief approaches and no moth86 destroys. 12:34 For where your treasure87 is, there your heart will be also.

Call to Faithful Stewardship

12:35 "Get dressed for service88 and keep your lamps burning;89 12:36 be like men90 waiting for their master to come back from the wedding celebration,91 so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 12:37 Blessed are those slaves92 whom their master finds alert93 when he comes! I tell you the truth,94 he will dress himself to serve,95 have them take their place at the table,96 and will come97 and wait on them!98 12:38 Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night99 and finds them alert,100 blessed are those slaves!101 12:39 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief102 was coming, he would not have let103 his house be broken into. 12:40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."104

12:41 Then105 Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?"106 12:42 The Lord replied,107 "Who then is the faithful and wise manager,108 whom the master puts in charge of his household servants,109 to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? 12:43 Blessed is that slave110 whom his master finds at work111 when he comes. 12:44 I tell you the truth,112 the master113 will put him in charge of all his possessions. 12:45 But if114 that115 slave should say to himself,116 `My master is delayed117 in coming,' and he begins to beat118 the other119 slaves, both men and women,120 and to eat, drink, and get drunk, 12:46 then the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not foresee, and will cut him in two,121 and assign him a place with the unfaithful.122 12:47 That123 servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or do what his master asked124 will receive a severe beating. 12:48 But the one who did not know his master's will125 and did things worthy of punishment126 will receive a light beating.127 From everyone who has been given much, much will be required,128 and from the one who has been entrusted with much,129 even more will be asked.130

Not Peace, but Division

12:49 "I have come131 to bring132 fire on the earth--and how I wish it were already kindled! 12:50 I have a baptism133 to undergo,134 and how distressed I am until it is finished! 12:51 Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!135 12:52 For from now on136 there will be five in one household divided, three against two and two against three. 12:53 They will be divided,137 father 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 mother-in-law."

Reading the Signs

12:54 Jesus138 also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west,139 you say at once, `A rainstorm140 is coming,' and it does. 12:55 And when you see the south wind141 blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat,' and there is. 12:56 You hypocrites!142 You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky,143 but how can you not know how144 to interpret the present time?

Clear the Debts

12:57 "And why don't you judge for yourselves145 what is right? 12:58 As you are going with your accuser before the magistrate,146 make an effort to settle with him on the way, so that he will not drag you before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer,147 and the officer throw you into prison. 12:59 I tell you, you will not at all get out until you have paid the very last penny."148

A Call to Repent

13:1 Now1 there were some present on that occasion who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.2 13:2 He3 answered them, "Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners4 than all the other Galileans, because they suffered these things? 13:3 No, I tell you! But unless you repent,5 you will all perish as well!6 13:4 Or those eighteen who were killed7 when the tower in Siloam fell on them,8 do you think they were worse offenders than all the others who live in Jerusalem? 13:5 No, I tell you! But unless you repent9 you will all perish as well!"10

Warning to Israel to Bear Fruit

13:6 Then11 Jesus12 told this parable: "A man had a fig tree13 planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 13:7 So14 he said to the worker who tended the vineyard, `For15 three years16 now, I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and each time I inspect it17 I find none. Cut it down! Why18 should it continue to deplete19 the soil?' 13:8 But the worker20 answered him, `Sir, leave it alone this year too, until I dig around it and put fertilizer21 on it. 13:9 Then if22 it bears fruit next year,23 very well,24 but if25 not, you can cut it down.'"

Healing on the Sabbath

13:10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues26 on the Sabbath, 13:11 and a woman was there27 who had been disabled by a spirit28 for eighteen years. She29 was bent over and could not straighten herself up completely.30 13:12 When31 Jesus saw her, he called her to him32 and said, "Woman,33 you are freed34 from your infirmity."35 13:13 Then36 he placed his hands on her, and immediately37 she straightened up and praised God. 13:14 But the president of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the crowd, "There are six days on which work38 should be done!39 So come40 and be healed on those days, and not on the Sabbath day." 13:15 Then the Lord answered him,41 "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from its stall,42 and lead it to water?43 13:16 Then44 shouldn't45 this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan46 bound for eighteen long47 years, be released from this imprisonment48 on the Sabbath day?" 13:17 When49 he said this all his adversaries were humiliated,50 but51 the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things52 he was doing.53

On the Kingdom of God

13:18 Thus Jesus54 asked,55 "What is the kingdom of God56 like?57 To58 what should I compare it? 13:19 It is like a mustard seed59 that a man took and sowed60 in his garden. It61 grew and became a tree,62 and the birds of the sky63 nested in its branches."64

13:20 Again65 he said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God?66 13:21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with67 three measures68 of flour until all the dough had risen."69

The Narrow Door

13:22 Then70 Jesus71 traveled throughout72 towns73 and villages, teaching and making his way toward74 Jerusalem. 13:23 Someone75 asked76 him, "Lord, will only a few77 be saved?" So78 he said to them, 13:24 "Do your best79 to enter through the narrow door,80 because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 13:25 Once81 the head of the house82 gets up83 and shuts the door, then you will stand outside and start to knock on the door and beg him, `Lord,84 let us in!'85 But he will answer you,86 `I don't know where you come from.'87 13:26 Then you will begin to say, `We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.'88 13:27 But89 he will reply,90 `I tell you,91 I don't know where you come from!92 Go away from me, all you evildoers!'93 13:28 There will weeping and gnashing of teeth94 when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,95 and all the prophets in the kingdom of God,96 but you yourselves thrown out.97 13:29 Then98 people99 will come from east and west, and from north and south, and take their places at the banquet table100 in the kingdom of God.101 13:30 But102 indeed,103 some are last104 who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Going to Jerusalem

13:31 At that time,105 some Pharisees106 came up and said to Jesus,107 "Get away from here,108 because Herod109 wants to kill you." 13:32 But110 he said to them, "Go111 and tell that fox,112 `Look, I am casting out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day113 I will complete my work.114 13:33 Nevertheless I must115 go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, because it is impossible116 that a prophet should be killed117 outside Jerusalem.'118 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,119 you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you!120 How often I have longed121 to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but122 you would have none of it!123 13:35 Look, your house is forsaken!124 And I tell you, you will not see me until125 you say, `Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'"126

Healing Again on the Sabbath

14:1 Now1 one Sabbath when Jesus went to dine2 at the house of a leader3 of the Pharisees,4 they were watching5 him closely. 14:2 There6 right7 in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy.8 14:3 So9 Jesus asked10 the experts in religious law11 and the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath12 or not?" 14:4 But they remained silent. So13 Jesus14 took hold of the man,15 healed him, and sent him away.16 14:5 Then17 he said to them, "Which of you, if you have a son18 or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?" 14:6 But19 they could not reply20 to this.

On Seeking Seats of Honor

14:7 Then21 when Jesus22 noticed how the guests23 chose the places of honor,24 told them a parable. He said to them, 14:8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast,25 do not take26 the place of honor, because a person more distinguished than you may have been invited by your host.27 14:9 So28 the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, `Give this man your place.' Then, ashamed,29 you will begin to move to the least important30 place. 14:10 But when you are invited, go and take the least important place, so that when your host31 comes he will say to you, `Friend, move up here to a better place.'32 Then you will be honored in the presence of all who share the meal with you. 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but33 the one who humbles34 himself will be exalted."

14:12 He35 said also to the man36 who had invited him, "When you host a dinner or a banquet,37 don't invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors so you can be invited by them in return and get repaid. 14:13 But when you host an elaborate meal,38 invite the poor, the crippled,39 the lame, and40 the blind.41 14:14 Then42 you will be blessed,43 because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid44 at the resurrection of the righteous."

The Parable of the Great Banquet

14:15 When45 one of those at the meal with Jesus46 heard this, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone47 who will feast48 in the kingdom of God!"49 14:16 But Jesus50 said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet51 and invited52 many guests.53 14:17 At54 the time for the banquet55 he sent his slave56 to tell those who had been invited, `Come, because everything is now ready.' 14:18 But one after another they all57 began to make excuses.58 The first said to him, `I have bought a field,59 and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.'60 14:19 Another61 said, `I have bought five yoke of oxen,62 and I am going out63 to examine them. Please excuse me.' 14:20 Another64 said, `I just got married, and I cannot come.'65 14:21 So66 the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the master of the household was furious67 and said to his slave, `Go out quickly68 to the streets and alleys of the city,69 and bring in the poor,70 the crippled,71 the blind, and the lame.' 14:22 Then72 the slave said, `Sir, what you instructed has been done, and there is still room.'73 14:23 So74 the master said to his75 slave, `Go out to the highways76 and country roads77 and urge78 people79 to come in, so that my house will be filled.80 14:24 For I tell you, none of those men81 who were invited82 will taste my banquet.'"83

Counting the Cost

14:25 Now large crowds84 were accompanying Jesus,85 and turning to them he said, 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate86 his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life,87 he cannot be my disciple. 14:27 Whoever does not carry his own cross88 and follow89 me cannot be my disciple. 14:28 For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn't sit down90 first and compute the cost91 to see if he has enough money to complete it? 14:29 Otherwise,92 when he has laid93 a foundation and is not able to finish the tower,94 all who see it95 will begin to make fun of96 him. 14:30 They will say,97 `This man98 began to build and was not able to finish!'99 14:31 Or what king, going out to confront another king in battle, will not sit down100 first and determine whether he is able with ten thousand to face101 the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 14:32 If he cannot succeed,102 he will send a representative103 while the other is still a long way off and ask for terms of peace.104 14:33 In the same way therefore not one of you can be my disciple if he does not renounce all his own possessions.105

14:34 "Salt106 is good, but if salt loses its flavor,107 how can its flavor be restored? 14:35 It is of no value108 for the soil or for the manure pile; it is to be thrown out.109 The one who has ears to hear had better listen!"110

The Parable of the Lost Sheep and Coin

15:1Now all the tax collectors1 and sinners were coming2 to hear him. 15:2 But3 the Pharisees4 and the experts in the law5 were complaining,6 "This man welcomes7 sinners and eats with them."

15:3 So8 Jesus9 told them10 this parable:11 15:4 "Which one12 of you, if he has a hundred13 sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture14 and go look for15 the one that is lost until he finds it?16 15:5 Then17 when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 15:6 Returning18 home, he calls together19 his20 friends and neighbors, telling them, `Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.' 15:7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner21 who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people22 who have no need to repent.23

15:8 "Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins24 and loses25 one of them,26 does not light a lamp, sweep27 the house, and search thoroughly until she finds it? 15:9 Then28 when she has found it, she calls together her29 friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice30 with me, for I have found the coin31 that I had lost.' 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God's angels32 over one sinner who repents."

The Parable of the Compassionate Father

15:11 Then33 Jesus34 said, "A man had two sons. 15:12 The35 younger of them said to his36 father, `Father, give me the share of the estate37 that will belong38 to me.' So39 he divided his40 assets between them.41 15:13 After42 a few days,43 the younger son gathered together all he had and left on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered44 his wealth45 with a wild lifestyle. 15:14 Then46 after he had spent everything, a severe famine took place in that country, and he began to be in need. 15:15 So he went and worked for47 one of the citizens of that country, who48 sent him to his fields to feed pigs.49 15:16 He50 was longing to eat51 the pods52 the pigs were eating, but53 no one gave him anything. 15:17 But when he came to his senses54 he said, `How many of my father's hired workers have food55 enough to spare, but here I am dying from hunger! 15:18 I will get up and go to my father and say to him, "Father, I have sinned56 against heaven57 and against58 you. 15:19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me59 like one of your hired workers."' 15:20 So60 he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home61 his father saw him, and his heart went out to him;62 he ran and hugged63 his son64 and kissed him. 15:21 Then65 his son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven66 and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'67 15:22 But the father said to his slaves,68 `Hurry! Bring the best robe,69 and put it on him; put a ring on his finger70 and sandals71 on his feet! 15:23 Bring72 the fattened calf73 and kill it! Let us eat74 and celebrate, 15:24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found!'75 So76 they began to celebrate.

15:25 "Now his older son was in the field. As77 he came and approached the house, he heard music78 and dancing. 15:26 So79 he called one of the slaves80 and asked what was happening. 15:27 The slave replied,81 `Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf,82 because he got him back safe and sound.' 15:28 But the older son83 became angry84 and refused85 to go in. His father came out and appealed to him, 15:29 but he answered86 his father, `Look! These many years I have worked like a slave87 for you, and I never disobeyed your commands. Yet88 you never gave me even a goat89 so that I could celebrate with my friends! 15:30 But when this son of yours90 came back, who has devoured91 your assets with prostitutes,92 you killed the fattened calf93 for him!' 15:31 Then94 the father95 said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and everything that belongs to me is yours. 15:32 It was appropriate96 to celebrate and be glad, for your brother97 was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.'"98

The Parable of the Clever Steward

16:1 Jesus1 also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who was informed of accusations2 that his manager3 was wasting4 his assets. 16:2 So5 he called the manager6 in and said to him, `What is this I hear about you?7 Turn in the account of your administration,8 because you can no longer be my manager.' 16:3 Then9 the manager said to himself, `What should I do, since my master is taking my position10 away from me? I'm not strong enough to dig,11 and I'm too ashamed12 to beg. 16:4 I know13 what to do, so that when I am put out of management people will welcome me into their homes.'14 16:5 So15 he contacted16 his master's debtors one by one. He asked the first, `How much do you owe my master?' 16:6 The man17 replied, `A hundred measures18 of olive oil.' The manager19 said to him, `Take your bill, sit down quickly, and write fifty.'20 16:7 Then he said to another, `And how much do you owe?' The second man21 replied, `A hundred measures22 of wheat.' The manager23 said to him, `Take your bill, and write eighty.'24 16:8 The25 master commended the dishonest26 manager because he acted shrewdly.27 For the people28 of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their contemporaries29 than the people30 of light. 16:9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by how you use worldly wealth,31 so that when it runs out you will be welcomed32 into the eternal homes.33

16:10 "The one who is faithful in a very little34 is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 16:11 If then you haven't been trustworthy35 in handling worldly wealth,36 who will entrust you with the true riches?37 16:12 And if you haven't been trustworthy38 with someone else's property,39 who will give you your own40? 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate41 the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise42 the other. You cannot serve God and money."43

More Warnings about the Pharisees

16:14 The Pharisees44 (who loved money) heard all this and ridiculed45 him. 16:15 But46 Jesus47 said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in men's eyes,48 but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized49 among men is utterly detestable50 in God's sight.

16:16 "The law and the prophets were in force51 until John;52 since then,53 the good news of the kingdom of God54 has been proclaimed, and everyone is urged to enter it.55 16:17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tiny stroke of a letter56 in the law to become void.57

16:18 "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries58 someone else commits adultery, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

16:19 "There was a rich man who dressed in purple59 and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously60 every day. 16:20 But at his gate was laid61 a poor man named Lazarus62 whose body was covered with sores,63 16:21 who longed to eat64 what fell from the rich man's table. In addition, the dogs65 came and licked66 his sores.

16:22 "Now67 the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.68 The69 rich man also died and was buried.70 16:23 And in hell,71 as he was in torment,72 he looked up73 and saw Abraham far off with Lazarus at his side.74 16:24 So75 he called out,76 `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus77 to dip the tip of his finger78 in water and cool my tongue, because I am in anguish79 in this fire.'80 16:25 But Abraham said, `Child,81 remember that in your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus likewise bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish.82 16:26 Besides all this,83 a great chasm84 has been fixed between us,85 so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' 16:27 So86 the rich man87 said, `Then I beg you, father--send Lazarus88 to my father's house 16:28 (for I have five brothers) to warn89 them so that they don't come90 into this place of torment.' 16:29 But Abraham said,91 `They have Moses and the prophets; they must respond to92 them.' 16:30 Then93 the rich man94 said, `No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead95 goes to them, they will repent.' 16:31 He96 replied to him, `If they do not respond to97 Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"98

Sin, Forgiveness, Faith, and Service

17:1Jesus1 said to his disciples, "Stumbling blocks are sure to come, but woe2 to the one through whom they come! 17:2 It would be better for him to have a millstone3 tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea4 than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.5 17:3 Watch6 yourselves! If7 your brother8 sins, rebuke him. If9 he repents, forgive him. 17:4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times10 returns to you saying, `I repent,' you must forgive11 him."

17:5 The12 apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"13 17:6 So14 the Lord replied,15 "If16 you had faith the size of17 a mustard seed, you could say to this black mulberry18 tree, `Be pulled out by the roots and planted in the sea,'19 and it would obey20 you.

17:7 "Would any one of you say21 to your slave22 who comes in from the field after plowing or shepherding sheep, `Come at once and sit down for a meal'?23 17:8 Won't24 the master25 instead say to him, `Get my dinner ready, and make yourself ready26 to serve me while27 I eat and drink. Then28 you may eat and drink'? 17:9 He won't thank the slave because he did what he was told,29 will he?30 17:10 So you too, when you have done everything you were commanded to do, should say, `We are slaves undeserving of special praise;31 we have only done what was our duty.'"32

The Grateful Leper

17:11 Now on33 the way to Jerusalem34 Jesus35 was passing along36 between37 Samaria and Galilee. 17:12 As38 he was entering39 a village, he was met by ten men with leprosy.40 They41 stood at a distance, 17:13 raised their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy42 on us." 17:14 When43 he saw them he said, "Go44 and show yourselves to the priests."45 And46 as they went along, they were cleansed. 17:15 Then one of them, when he saw he was healed, turned back, praising47 God with a loud voice. 17:16 He48 fell with his face to the ground49 at Jesus' feet and thanked him.50 (Now51 he was a Samaritan.)52 17:17 Then53 Jesus said,54 "Were55 not ten cleansed? Where are the other56 nine? 17:18 Was no one found to turn back and give praise to God except this foreigner?"57 17:19 Then58 he said to the man,59 "Get up and go your way. Your faith has made you well."60

The Coming of the Kingdom

17:20 Now61 at one point62 the Pharisees63 asked Jesus64 when the kingdom of God65 was coming, so he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs66 to be observed, 17:21 nor will they say, `Look, here it is!' or `There!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is67 in your midst."68

The Coming of the Son of Man

17:22 Then69 he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days70 of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 17:23 Then people71 will say to you, `Look, there he is!'72 or `Look, here he is!' Do not go out or chase after them.73 17:24 For just like the lightning flashes74 and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.75 17:25 But first he must76 suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 17:26 Just77 as it was78 in the days of Noah,79 so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. 17:27 People80 were eating,81 they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage--right up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then82 the flood came and destroyed them all.83 17:28 Likewise, just as it was84 in the days of Lot, people85 were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; 17:29 but on the day Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.86 17:30 It will be the same on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 17:31 On that day, anyone who is on the roof,87 with his goods in the house, must not come down88 to take them away, and likewise the person in the field must not turn back. 17:32 Remember Lot's wife!89 17:33 Whoever tries to keep90 his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life91 will preserve it. 17:34 I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken92 and the other left. 17:35 There will be two women grinding grain together;93 one will be taken and the other left."94

17:37 Then95 the disciples96 said97 to him, "Where,98 Lord?" He replied to them, "Where the dead body99 is, there the vultures100 will gather."101

Prayer and the Parable of the Persistent Widow

18:1 Then1 Jesus2 told them a parable to show them they should always3 pray and not lose heart.4 18:2 He said,5 "In a certain city6 there was a judge7 who neither feared God nor respected people.8 18:3 There was also a widow9 in that city10 who kept coming11 to him and saying, `Give me justice against my adversary.' 18:4 For12 a while he refused, but later on13 he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor have regard for people,14 18:5 yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out15 by her unending pleas.'"16 18:6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says!17 18:7 Won't18 God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out19 to him day and night?20 Will he delay21 long to help them? 18:8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily.22 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith23 on earth?"

The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

18:9 Jesus24 also told this parable to some who were confident that they were righteous and looked down25 on everyone else. 18:10 "Two men went up26 to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee27 and the other a tax collector.28 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself29 like this,30 `God, I thank31 you that I am not like other people:32 extortionists,33 unrighteous people,34 adulterers, or even like this tax collector.35 18:12 I fast twice36 a week; I give a tenth37 of everything I get.' 18:13 The tax collector, however, stood38 far off and would not even look up39 to heaven, but beat his breast and said, `God, be merciful40 to me, sinner that I am!'41 18:14 I tell you that this man went down to his home justified42 rather than the Pharisee.43 For everyone who exalts44 himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Jesus and Little Children

18:15 Now people45 were even bringing their babies46 to him for him to touch.47 But when the disciples saw it, they began to scold them. 18:16 But Jesus called for the children,48 saying, "Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God49 belongs to such as these.50 18:17 I tell you the truth,51 whoever does not receive52 the kingdom of God like a child53 will never54 enter it."

The Wealthy Ruler

18:18 Now55 a certain ruler56 asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"57 18:19 Jesus58 said to him, "Why do you call me good?59 No one is good except God alone. 18:20 You know the commandments: `Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false witness, honor your father and mother.'"60 18:21 The man61 replied, "I have kept all these things62 since my youth."63 18:22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have64 and give the money65 to the poor,66 and you will have treasure67 in heaven. Then68 come, follow me." 18:23 But when the man69 heard this he became very sad,70 for he was very rich. 18:24 When Jesus saw that he was sad,71 he said, "How hard72 it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!73 18:25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle74 than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God!" 18:26 Those who heard this said, "Then75 who can be saved?"76 18:27 He replied, "What is impossible77 for men78 is possible for God." 18:28 And Peter said, "Look, we have left everything we own79 to follow you!"80 18:29 Then81 Jesus82 said to them, "I tell you the truth,83 there is no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of God's kingdom 18:30 who will not receive many times more84 in this age85--and in the age to come, eternal life."86

Another Prediction of Jesus' Passion

18:31 Then87 Jesus88 took the twelve aside and said to them, "Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.89 18:32 For he will be handed over90 to the Gentiles; he will be mocked,91 mistreated,92 and spat on.93 18:33 They will flog him severely94 and kill him. Yet95 on the third day he will rise again." 18:34 But96 the twelve97 understood none of these things. This98 saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp99 what Jesus meant.100

Healing a Blind Man

18:35 As101 Jesus102 approached103 Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 18:36 When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was going on. 18:37 They104 told him, "Jesus the Nazarene is passing by." 18:38 So105 he called out,106 "Jesus, Son of David,107 have mercy108 on me!" 18:39 And those who were in front109 scolded110 him to get him to be quiet, but he shouted111 even more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 18:40 So112 Jesus stopped and ordered the beggar113 to be brought to him. When the man114 came near, Jesus115 asked him, 18:41 "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied,116 "Lord, let me see again."117 18:42 Jesus118 said to him, "Receive119 your sight; your faith has healed you."120 18:43 And immediately he regained121 his sight and followed Jesus,122 praising123 God. When124 all the people saw it, they too125 gave praise to God.

Jesus and Zacchaeus

19:1 Jesus1 entered Jericho and was passing through it. 19:2 Now2 a man named Zacchaeus was there; he was a chief tax collector3 and was rich. 19:3 He4 was trying to get a look at Jesus,5 but being a short man he could not see over the crowd.6 19:4 So7 he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree8 to see him, because Jesus9 was going to pass that way. 19:5 And when Jesus came to that place, he looked up10 and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly,11 because I must12 stay at your house today."13 19:6 So he came down quickly14 and welcomed Jesus15 joyfully.16 19:7 And when the people17 saw it, they all complained,18 "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."19 19:8 But Zacchaeus stopped and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I now give20 to the poor, and if21 I have cheated anyone of anything, I am paying back four times as much!" 19:9 Then22 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation23 has come to this household,24 since he too is a son of Abraham.25 19:10 For the Son of Man came26 to seek and to save the lost."

The Parable of the Ten Minas

19:11 While the people were listening to these things, Jesus27 proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought28 that the kingdom of God29 was going to30 appear immediately. 19:12 Therefore he said, "A nobleman31 went to a distant country to receive32 for himself a kingdom and then return.33 19:13 And he summoned ten of his slaves,34 gave them ten minas,35 and said to them, `Do business with these until I come back.' 19:14 But his citizens36 hated37 him and sent a delegation after him, saying, `We do not want this man38 to be king39 over us!' 19:15 When40 he returned after receiving the kingdom, he summoned41 these slaves to whom he had given42 the money. He wanted43 to know how much they had earned44 by trading. 19:16 So45 the first one came before him and said, `Sir,46 your mina47 has made ten minas more.' 19:17 And the king48 said to him, `Well done, good slave! Because you have been faithful49 in a very small matter, you will have authority50 over ten cities.' 19:18 Then51 the second one came and said, `Sir, your mina has made five minas.' 19:19 So52 the king53 said to him, `And you are to be over five cities.' 19:20 Then another54 slave55 came and said, `Sir, here is56 your mina that I put away for safekeeping57 in a piece of cloth.58 19:21 For I was afraid of you, because you are a severe59 man. You withdraw60 what you did not deposit61 and reap what you did not sow.' 19:22 The king62 said to him, `I will judge you by your own words,63 you wicked slave!64 So you knew, did you, that I was a severe65 man, withdrawing what I didn't deposit and reaping what I didn't sow? 19:23 Why then didn't you put66 my money in the bank,67 so that when I returned I could have collected it with interest?' 19:24 And he said to his attendants,68 `Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has ten.'69 19:25 But70 they said to him, `Sir, he has ten minas already!'71 19:26 `I tell you that everyone who has will be given more,72 but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.73 19:27 But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king,74 bring them here and slaughter75 them76 in front of me!'"

The Triumphal Entry

19:28 After Jesus77 had said this, he continued on ahead,78 going up to Jerusalem.79 19:29 Now80 when he approached Bethphage81 and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives,82 he sent two of the disciples, 19:30 telling them,83 "Go to the village ahead of you.84 When85 you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden.86 Untie it and bring it here. 19:31 If anyone asks you, `Why are you untying it?' just say, `The Lord needs87 it.'" 19:32 So those who were sent ahead found88 it exactly89 as he had told them. 19:33 As90 they were untying the colt, its owners asked them,91 "Why are you untying that colt?" 19:34 They replied, "The Lord needs it." 19:35 Then92 they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks93 on the colt,94 and had Jesus get on95 it. 19:36 As96 he rode along, they97 spread their cloaks on the road. 19:37 As he approached the road leading down from98 the Mount of Olives,99 the whole crowd of his100 disciples began to rejoice101 and praise102 God with a loud voice for all the mighty works103 they had seen:104 19:38 "Blessed is the king105 who comes in the name of the Lord!106 Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" 19:39 But107 some of the Pharisees108 in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples."109 19:40 He answered,110 "I tell you, if111 they112 keep silent, the very stones113 will cry out!"

Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem under Judgment

19:41 Now114 when Jesus115 approached116 and saw the city, he wept over it, 19:42 saying, "If you had only known on this day,117 even you, the things that make for peace!118 But now they are hidden119 from your eyes. 19:43 For the days will come on you when your enemies will build120 an embankment121 against you and surround you and close in on you from every side. 19:44 They will demolish you122--you and your children within your walls123--and they will not leave within you one stone124 on top of another,125 because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God."126

Cleansing the Temple

19:45 Then127 Jesus128 entered the temple courts129 and began to drive out those who were selling things there,130 19:46 saying to them, "It is written, `My house will be a house of prayer,'131 but you have turned it into a den132 of robbers!"133

19:47 Jesus134 was teaching daily in the temple courts. The chief priests and the experts in the law135 and the prominent leaders among the people were trying136 to assassinate137 him, 19:48 but138 they could not find a way to do it,139 for all the people hung on his words.140

The Authority of Jesus

20:1 Now one1 day,2 as Jesus3 was teaching the people in the temple courts4 and proclaiming5 the gospel, the chief priests and the experts in the law6 with the elders came up7 20:2 and said to him,8 "Tell us: by what authority9 are you doing these things?10 Or who it is who gave you this authority?" 20:3 He answered them,11 "I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 20:4 John's baptism12--was it from heaven or from men?"13 20:5 So14 they discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, `From heaven,' he will say, `Why did you not believe him?' 20:6 But if we say, `From men,' all the people will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet." 20:7 So15 they replied that they did not know16 where it came from. 20:8 Then17 Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you18 by whose authority19 I do these things."

The Parable of the Tenants

20:9 Then20 he began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard,21 leased it to tenant farmers,22 and went on a journey for a long time. 20:10 When harvest time came, he sent a slave23 to the tenants so that they would give24 him his portion of the crop.25 However, the tenants beat him26 and sent him away empty-handed. 20:11 So27 he sent another slave. They beat this one too, treated him outrageously, and sent him away empty-handed.28 20:12 So29 he sent still a third. They even wounded this one, and threw him out. 20:13 Then30 the owner of the vineyard said, `What should I do? I will send my one dear son;31 perhaps they will respect him.' 20:14 But when the tenants saw him, they said to one another, `This is the heir; let's32 kill him so the inheritance will be ours!' 20:15 So33 they threw him out of the vineyard and killed34 him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 20:16 He will come and destroy35 those tenants and give the vineyard to others."36 When the people37 heard this, they said, "May this never happen!"38 20:17 But Jesus39 looked straight at them and said, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: `The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'?40 20:18 Everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces,41 and the one on whom it falls will be crushed."42 20:19 Then43 the experts in the law44 and the chief priests wanted to arrest45 him that very hour, because they realized he had told this parable against them. But46 they were afraid of the people.

Paying Taxes to Caesar

20:20 Then47 they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere.48 They wanted to take advantage of what he might say49 so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction50 of the governor. 20:21 Thus51 they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly,52 and show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.53 20:22 Is it right54 for us to pay the tribute tax55 to Caesar56 or not?" 20:23 But Jesus57 perceived their deceit58 and said to them, 20:24 "Show me a denarius.59 Whose likeness60 and inscription are on it?"61 They said, "Caesar's." 20:25 So62 he said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."63 20:26 Thus64 they were unable in the presence of the people to trap65 him with his own words.66 And stunned67 by his answer, they fell silent.

Marriage and the Resurrection

20:27 Now some Sadducees68 (who contend69 that there is no resurrection)70 came to him. 20:28 They asked him a question:71 "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies leaving a wife but no children, that man72 must marry73 the widow and have children74 for his brother.75 20:29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman76 and died without children. 20:30 The second77 20:31 and then the third married her, and in this same way all seven died, leaving no children. 20:32 Finally78 the woman died too. 20:33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be?79 For all seven had married her."80

20:34 So81 Jesus said to them, "The people of this age82 marry and are given in marriage. 20:35 But those who are regarded as worthy to share in83 that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.84 20:36 In fact, they can no longer die, because they are equal to angels85 and are sons of God, since they are86 sons87 of the resurrection. 20:37 But even Moses revealed that the dead are raised88 in the passage about the bush,89 where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.90 20:38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living,91 for all live before him."92 20:39 Then93 some of the experts in the law94 answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well!"95 20:40 For they did not dare any longer to ask96 him anything.

The Messiah: David's Son and Lord

20:41 But97 he said to them, "How is it that they say that the Christ98 is David's son?99 20:42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms,

20:44 If David then calls him `Lord,' how can he be his son?"102

Jesus Warns the Disciples against Pride

20:45 As103 all the people were listening, Jesus104 said to his disciples, 20:46 "Beware105 of the experts in the law.106 They107 like walking around in long robes, and they love elaborate greetings108 in the marketplaces and the best seats109 in the synagogues110 and the places of honor at banquets. 20:47 They111 devour112 widows' property,113 and as a show make long prayers. They will receive a more severe punishment."

The Widow's Offering

21:1 Jesus1 looked up2 and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.3 21:2 He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.4 21:3 He5 said, "I tell you the truth,6 this poor widow has put in more than all of them.7 21:4 For they all offered their gifts out of their wealth.8 But she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on."9

The Signs of the End of the Age

21:5 Now10 while some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned11 with beautiful stones and offerings,12 Jesus13 said, 21:6 "As for these things that you are gazing at, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another.14 All will be torn down!"15 21:7 So16 they asked him,17 "Teacher, when will these things18 happen? And what will be the sign that19 these things are about to take place?" 21:8 He20 said, "Watch out21 that you are not misled. For many will come in my name, saying, `I am he,'22 and, `The time is near.' Do not follow them! 21:9 And when you hear of wars and rebellions,23 do not be afraid.24 For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once."25

Persecution of Disciples

21:10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise up in arms26 against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, and famines27 and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights28 and great signs29 from heaven. 21:12 But before all this30 they will seize31 you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues32 and prisons. You33 will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 21:13 This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses.34 21:14 Therefore be resolved35 not to rehearse36 ahead of time how to make your defense. 21:15 For I will give you the words37 along with the wisdom38 that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 21:16 You will be betrayed even by parents,39 brothers, relatives,40 and friends, and they will have some of you put to death. 21:17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name.41 21:18 Yet42 not a hair of your head will perish.43 21:19 By your endurance44 you will gain45 your lives.46

The Desolation of Jerusalem

21:20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded47 by armies, then know that her desolation48 has come near. 21:21 Then those who are in Judea must flee49 to the mountains. Those50 who are inside the city must depart. Those51 who are out in the country must not enter it, 21:22 because these are days of vengeance,52 to fulfill53 all that is written. 21:23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress54 on the earth and wrath against this people. 21:24 They55 will fall by the edge56 of the sword and be led away as captives57 among all nations. Jerusalem58 will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.59

The Coming of the Son of Man

21:25 "And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars,60 and on the earth nations will be in distress,61 anxious62 over the roaring of the sea and the surging waves. 21:26 People will be fainting from fear63 and from the expectation of what is coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.64 21:27 Then65 they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud66 with power and great glory. 21:28 But when these things67 begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption68 is drawing near."

The Parable of the Fig Tree

21:29 Then69 he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the other trees.70 21:30 When they sprout leaves, you see71 for yourselves and know that summer is now near. 21:31 So also you, when you see these things happening, know72 that the kingdom of God73 is near. 21:32 I tell you the truth,74 this generation75 will not pass away until all these things take place. 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.76

Be Ready!

21:34 "But be on your guard77 so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap.78 21:35 For79 it will overtake80 all who live on the face of the whole earth.81 21:36 But stay alert at all times,82 praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must83 happen, and to stand before the Son of Man."

21:37 So84 every day Jesus85 was teaching in the temple courts,86 but at night he went and stayed87 on the Mount of Olives.88 21:38 And all the people89 came to him early in the morning to listen to him in the temple courts.90

Judas' Decision to Betray Jesus

22:1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread,1 which is called the Passover, was approaching. 22:2 The2 chief priests and the experts in the law3 were trying to find some way4 to put Jesus5 to death, for they were afraid of the people.6

22:3 Then7 Satan8 entered Judas, the one called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve.9 22:4 He went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers of the temple guard10 how he might11 betray Jesus,12 handing him over to them.13 22:5 They14 were delighted15 and arranged to give him money.16 22:6 So17 Judas18 agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus19 when no crowd was present.20

The Passover

22:7 Then the day for the feast21 of Unleavened Bread22 came, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.23 22:8 Jesus24 sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover25 for us to eat."26 22:9 They27 said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare28 it?" 22:10 He said to them, "Listen,29 when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water30 will meet you.31 Follow him into the house that he enters, 22:11 and tell the owner of the house,32 `The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 22:12 Then he will show you a large furnished room upstairs. Make preparations there." 22:13 So33 they went and found things34 just as he had told them,35 and they prepared the Passover.

The Lord's Supper

22:14 Now36 when the hour came, Jesus37 took his place at the table38 and the apostles joined39 him. 22:15 And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired40 to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 22:16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again41 until it is fulfilled42 in the kingdom of God."43 22:17 Then44 he took a cup,45 and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves. 22:18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit46 of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."47 22:19 Then48 he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body49 which is given for you.50 Do this in remembrance of me." 22:20 And in the same way he took51 the cup after they had eaten,52 saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant53 in my blood.

A Final Discourse

22:21 "But look, the hand of the one who betrays54 me is with me on the table.55 22:22 For the Son of Man is to go just as it has been determined,56 but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" 22:23 So57 they began to question one another as to which of them it could possibly be who would do this.

22:24 A dispute also started58 among them over which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.59 22:25 So60 Jesus61 said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called `benefactors.'62 22:26 Not so with you;63 instead the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader64 like the one who serves.65 22:27 For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table,66 or the one who serves? Is it not67 the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one68 who serves.

22:28 "You are the ones who have remained69 with me in my trials. 22:29 Thus70 I grant71 to you a kingdom,72 just as my Father granted to me, 22:30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit73 on thrones judging74 the twelve tribes of Israel.

22:31 "Simon,75 Simon, pay attention!76 Satan has demanded to have you all,77 to sift you like wheat,78 22:32 but I have prayed for you, Simon,79 that your faith may not fail.80 When81 you have turned back,82 strengthen83 your brothers." 22:33 But Peter84 said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!"85 22:34 Jesus replied,86 "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow87 today until you have denied88 three times that you know me."

22:35 Then89 Jesus90 said to them, "When I sent you out with no money bag,91 or traveler's bag,92 or sandals, you didn't lack93 anything, did you?" They replied,94 "Nothing." 22:36 He said to them, "But now, the one who95 has a money bag96 must take it, and likewise a traveler's bag97 too. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 22:37 For I tell you that this scripture must be98 fulfilled in me, `And he was counted with the transgressors.'99 For what is written about me is being fulfilled."100 22:38 So101 they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords."102 Then he told them, "It is enough."103

On the Mount of Olives

22:39 Then104 Jesus105 went out and made his way,106 as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives,107 and the disciples followed him. 22:40 When he came to the place,108 he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."109 22:41 He went away from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take110 this cup111 away from me. Yet not my will but yours112 be done." 22:43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 22:44 And in his anguish113 he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.114 22:45 When115 he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, worn out116 by grief. 22:46 So117 he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation!"118

Betrayal and Arrest

22:47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd arrived, and the man named Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He walked up119 to Jesus to kiss him.120 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"121 22:49 When122 those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said, "Lord, should123 we use our swords?"124 22:50 Then125 one of them126 struck the high priest's slave,127 cutting off his right ear. 22:51 But Jesus said,128 "Enough of this!" And he touched the man's129 ear and healed130 him. 22:52 Then131 Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard,132 and the elders who had come out to get him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs like you would against an outlaw?133 22:53 Day after day when I was with you in the temple courts, you did not arrest me.134 But this is your hour,135 and that of the power136 of darkness!"

Jesus' Condemnation and Peter's Denials

22:54 Then137 they arrested138 Jesus,139 led him away, and brought him into the high priest's house.140 But Peter was following at a distance. 22:55 When they had made a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 22:56 Then a slave girl,141 seeing him as he sat in the firelight, stared at him and said, "This man was with him too!" 22:57 But Peter142 denied it: "Woman,143 I don't know144 him." 22:58 Then145 a little later someone else146 saw him and said, "You are one of them too." But Peter said, "Man,147 I am not." 22:59 And after about an hour still another insisted,148 "Certainly this man was with him, because he too is a Galilean."149 22:60 But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" At that moment,150 while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 22:61 Then151 the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord,152 how he had said to him, "Before a rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." 22:62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.153

22:63 Now154 the men who were holding Jesus155 under guard began to mock him and beat him. 22:64 They156 blindfolded him and asked him repeatedly,157 "Prophesy! Who hit you?"158 22:65 They also said many other things against him, reviling159 him.

22:66 When day came, the council of the elders of the people gathered together, both the chief priests and the experts in the law.160 Then161 they led Jesus162 away to their council163 22:67 and said, "If164 you are the Christ,165 tell us." But he said to them, "If166 I tell you, you will not167 believe, 22:68 and if168 I ask you, you will not169 answer. 22:69 But from now on170 the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand171 of the power172 of God." 22:70 So173 they all said, "Are you the Son of God,174 then?" He answered175 them, "You say176 that I am." 22:71 Then177 they said, "Why do we need further testimony? We have heard it ourselves178 from his own lips!"179

Jesus Brought Before Pilate

23:1 Then1 the whole group of them rose up and brought Jesus2 before Pilate.3 23:2 They4 began to accuse5 him, saying, "We found this man subverting6 our nation, forbidding7 us to pay the tribute tax8 to Caesar9 and claiming that he himself is Christ,10 a king." 23:3 So11 Pilate asked Jesus,12 "Are you the king13 of the Jews?" He replied, "You say so."14 23:4 Then15 Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no basis for an accusation16 against this man." 23:5 But they persisted17 in saying, "He incites18 the people by teaching throughout all Judea. It started in Galilee and ended up here!"19

Jesus Brought Before Herod

23:6 Now when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 23:7 When20 he learned that he was from Herod's jurisdiction,21 he sent him over to Herod,22 who also happened to be in Jerusalem23 at that time. 23:8 When24 Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform25 some miraculous sign.26 23:9 So27 Herod28 questioned him at considerable length; Jesus29 gave him no answer. 23:10 The chief priests and the experts in the law30 were there, vehemently accusing him.31 23:11 Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then,32 dressing him in elegant clothes,33 Herod34 sent him back to Pilate. 23:12 That very day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other,35 for prior to this they had been enemies.36

Jesus Brought Before the Crowd

23:13 Then37 Pilate called together the chief priests, the38 rulers, and the people, 23:14 and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was misleading39 the people. When I examined him before you, I40 did not find this man guilty41 of anything you accused him of doing. 23:15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, he has done nothing42 deserving death.43 23:16 I will therefore have him flogged44 and release him."45

23:18 But they all shouted out together,46 "Take this man47 away! Release Barabbas for us!" 23:19 (He48 was a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection49 started in the city, and for murder.)50 23:20 Pilate addressed them once again because he wanted51 to release Jesus. 23:21 But they kept on shouting,52 "Crucify, crucify53 him!" 23:22 A third time he said to them, "Why? What wrong has he done? I have found him guilty54 of no crime deserving death.55 I will therefore flog56 him and release him." 23:23 But they were insistent,57 demanding with loud shouts that he be crucified. And their shouts prevailed. 23:24 So58 Pilate59 decided60 that their demand should be granted. 23:25 He released the man they asked for, who had been thrown in prison for insurrection and murder. But he handed Jesus over61 to their will.62

The Crucifixion

23:26 As63 they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene,64 who was coming in from the country;65 they placed the cross on his back and made him carry it behind Jesus.66 23:27 A great number of the people followed him, among them women67 who were mourning68 and wailing for him. 23:28 But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem,69 do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves70 and for your children. 23:29 For it is certain:71 the days are coming when they will say, `Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore children, and the breasts that never nursed!'72 23:30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains,73 `Fall on us!' and to the hills, `Cover us!'74 23:31 For if such things are done75 when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"76

23:32 Two other men, both criminals,77 were also led away to be executed with him. 23:33 So78 when they came to the place that is called "The Skull,"79 they crucified80 him there, along with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 23:34 [But Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."]81 Then82 they threw dice83 to divide his clothes. 23:35 The people also stood there watching, but the rulers ridiculed84 him, saying, "He saved others. Let him save85 himself if86 he is the Christ87 of God, his chosen one!" 23:36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine,88 23:37 and saying, "If89 you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!" 23:38 There was also an inscription90 over him, "This is the king of the Jews."

23:39 One of the criminals who was hanging there railed at him, saying, "Aren't91 you the Christ?92 Save yourself and us!" 23:40 But the other rebuked him, saying,93 "Don't94 you fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?95 23:41 And we rightly so, for we are getting what we deserve for what we did, but this man has done nothing96 wrong." 23:42 Then97 he said, "Jesus, remember me98 when you come in99 your kingdom." 23:43 And Jesus100 said to him, "I tell you the truth,101 today102 you will be with me in paradise."103

23:44 It was now104 about noon,105 and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon,106 23:45 because the sun's light failed.107 The temple curtain108 was torn in two. 23:46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!"109 And after he said this he breathed his last.

23:47 Now when the centurion110 saw what had happened, he praised God and said, "Certainly this man was innocent!"111 23:48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.112 23:49 And all those who knew Jesus113 stood at a distance, and the women who had followed him from Galilee saw114 these things.

Jesus' Burial

23:50 Now115 there was a man named Joseph who was a member of the council,116 a good and righteous man. 23:51 (He117 had not consented118 to their plan and action.) He119 was from the Jewish town120 of Arimathea, and was looking forward to121 the kingdom of God.122 23:52 He went to Pilate and asked for the body123 of Jesus. 23:53 Then124 he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth,125 and placed it126 in a tomb cut out of the rock,127 where no one had yet been buried.128 23:54 It was the day of preparation129 and the Sabbath was beginning.130 23:55 The131 women who had accompanied Jesus132 from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 23:56 Then133 they returned and prepared aromatic spices134 and perfumes.135

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.136

The Resurrection

24:1 Now on the first day1 of the week, at early dawn, the women2 went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices3 they had prepared.4 24:2 They5 found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb,6 24:3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.7 24:4 While8 they were perplexed9 about this, suddenly10 two men stood beside them in dazzling11 attire. 24:5 They12 were terribly frightened13 and bowed14 their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living15 among the dead? 24:6 He is not here, but has been raised!16 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,17 24:7 that18 the Son of Man must be delivered19 into the hands of sinful men,20 and be crucified,21 and on the third day rise again."22 24:8 Then23 they remembered his words,24 24:9 and when they returned from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven25 and to all the rest. 24:10 Now it was Mary Magdalene,26 Joanna,27 Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 24:11 But these words seemed like pure nonsense28 to them, and they did not believe them. 24:12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb.29 He bent down30 and saw only the strips of linen cloth;31 then he went home,32 wondering33 what had happened.34

Jesus Walks the Road to Emmaus

24:13 Now35 that very day two of them36 were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles37 from Jerusalem. 24:14 They38 were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. 24:15 While39 they were talking and debating40 these things,41 Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them 24:16 (but their eyes were kept42 from recognizing43 him.)44 24:17 Then45 he said to them, "What are these matters46 you are discussing so intently47 as you walk along?" And they stood still, looking sad. 24:18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him,48 "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn't know49 the things that have happened there50 in these days?" 24:19 He51 said to them, "What things?" "The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene," they replied, "a man52 who, with his powerful deeds and words, proved to be a prophet53 before God and all the people; 24:20 and how our chief priests and rulers handed him over54 to be condemned to death, and crucified55 him. 24:21 But we had hoped56 that he was the one who was going to redeem57 Israel. Not only this, but it is now the third day since these things happened. 24:22 Furthermore, some women of our group amazed us.58 They59 were at the tomb early this morning, 24:23 and when they did not find his body, they came back and said they had seen a vision of angels,60 who said he was alive. 24:24 Then61 some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him."62 24:25 So63 he said to them, "You64 foolish people65--how slow of heart66 to believe67 all that the prophets have spoken! 24:26 Wasn't68 it necessary69 for the Christ70 to suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 24:27 Then71 beginning with Moses and all the prophets,72 he interpreted to them the things written about73 himself in all the scriptures.

24:28 So they approached the village where they were going. He acted as though he wanted to go farther,74 24:29 but they urged him saying, "Stay with us, because it is getting towards evening and the day is almost done." So75 he went in to stay with them.

24:30 When76 he had taken his place at the table77 with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it,78 and gave it to them. 24:31 At this point79 their eyes were opened and they recognized80 him.81 Then82 he vanished out of their sight. 24:32 They83 said to each other, "Didn't84 our hearts85 burn within us86 while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining87 the scriptures to us?" 24:33 So88 they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They89 found the eleven and those with them gathered together 24:34 and90 saying, "The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!"91 24:35 Then they told what had happened on the road,92 and how they recognized him93 when he broke the bread.

Jesus Makes a Final Appearance

24:36 While they were saying these things, Jesus94 himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."95 24:37 But they were startled and terrified, thinking96 they saw a ghost.97 24:38 Then98 he said to them, "Why are you frightened,99 and why do doubts100 arise in your hearts? 24:39 Look at my hands and my feet; it's me!101 Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have." 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.102 24:41 And while they still could not believe it103 (because of their joy) and were amazed,104 he said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"105 24:42 So106 they gave him a piece of broiled fish, 24:43 and he took it and ate it in front of them.

Jesus' Final Commission

24:44 Then107 he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me108 in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms109 must be fulfilled." 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures,110 24:46 and said to them, "Thus it stands written that the Messiah111 would suffer112 and would rise from the dead on the third day, 24:47 and repentance113 for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed114 in his name to all nations,115 beginning from Jerusalem.116 24:48 You are witnesses117 of these things. 24:49 And look, I am sending you118 what my Father promised.119 But stay in the city120 until you have been clothed with power121 from on high."

Jesus' Departure

24:50 Then122 Jesus123 led them out as far as Bethany,124 and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 24:51 Now125 during the blessing126 he departed127 and was taken up128 into heaven. 24:52 So129 they worshiped130 him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,131 24:53 and were continually in the temple courts132 blessing God.133