Dedication to Theophilus

(Acts 1:1–3)

Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of [the] things you have been taught.

Gabriel Foretells John’s Birth

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to [the] priestly division of Abijah, and [whose] wife vvv vvv vvv vvv Elizabeth [was] a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.

One day while [Zechariah’s] division vvv vvv was on duty [and] he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord [and] burn incense. 10 And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.

Just then an angel of [the] Lord appeared to [Zechariah], standing at [the] right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw [him], he was startled and gripped with fear.

But the angel said to him,“{Do} not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. vvv vvv He shall never take wine [or] strong drink, and he will be filled [with the] Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. 16 Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to [the] Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before [the Lord] in [the] spirit and power of Elijah, to turn [the] hearts of [the] fathers to [their] children[fn] and [the] disobedient to [the] wisdom of [the] righteous — to make ready a people prepared for [the] Lord.”

“vvv How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news 20 And now you will be silent and vvv unable to speak until the day [this] comes to pass, because vvv you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple. 22 When he came out vvv [and] was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23 And when the days of his service were complete, he returned vvv vvv vvv home.

After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion She declared, 25 “The Lord has done [this] for me. In [these] days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Gabriel Foretells Jesus’ Birth

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, [who was] of [the] house of David. And the virgin’s name [was] Mary. 28 The angel appeared to her [and] said,“Greetings,[fn] you who are highly favored! The Lord [is] with you. Blessed [are] you among women![fn]”

When she saw [this],[fn] [Mary] was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 So the angel told her,“{Do} not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 vvv Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called [the] Son of [the] Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob vvv vvv forever. His kingdom will never end!”

How vvv can this be,[fn]” Mary asked the angel,“since vvv I am a virgin

The angel replied“[The] Holy Spirit will come upon you, and [the] power of [the] Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born[fn] will be called [the] Son of God. 36 Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who [was] called barren is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.[fn]”

“[I am] the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.“May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

In those days Mary got ready [and] hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah, 40 [where] she entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with [the] Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why am I so [honored], that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed [is] she who has believed that [the] Lord’s vvv word to her will be fulfilled.”

Mary’s Song

(1 Samuel 2:1–11)

Then Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant.

From now on all generations vvv vvv vvv will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One has done great things for me.

Holy [is] His name.

His mercy [extends] to those who fear Him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered [those who are] proud

in [the] thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down rulers from [their] thrones,

[but] has exalted [the] humble.

He has filled [the] hungry with good things,

[but] has sent [the] rich {away} empty.

He has helped His servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful,

as He promised to our fathers,

to Abraham and his descendants vvv vvv forever.[fn]”

Mary stayed with [Elizabeth] for about three months and then returned vvv vvv vvv home.

The Birth of John the Baptist

When the time came for Elizabeth vvv to have her child, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that [the] Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name [him] after his father Zechariah. 60 But his mother replied“No He shall be called John.”

They said to her,“There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.” 62 [So] they made signs to his father [to find out] what he wanted to name [the child].

[Zechariah] asked for a tablet [and] wrote“His name is[fn] John.” And vvv they were all amazed. 64 Immediately [Zechariah’s] mouth was opened and his tongue [was released], and he began to speak, praising God.

All their neighbors were filled with awe, and [people] throughout the hill country of Judea were talking about these events. 66 And all who heard [this] wondered in their hearts [and] asked,“What then {will} this child become?” And[fn] the Lord’s hand was with him.

Zechariah’s Song

Then his father Zechariah was filled with [the] Holy Spirit and prophesied

“Blessed be [the] Lord, the God of Israel,

because He has visited and vvv redeemed His people.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of His servant David,

as He spoke through His holy prophets,

[those] of ages past,

salvation from our enemies

and from [the] hand of all who hate us,

to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember His holy covenant,

[the] oath He swore to our father Abraham,

to grant us 74 deliverance from the hands of our[fn] enemies,

that we may serve Him without fear,

in holiness and righteousness before Him

all the days of our lives.[fn]

And you, child, will be called

a prophet of [the] Most High;

for you will go on before the presence of the Lord[fn]

to prepare the way for Him,

to give to His people the knowledge of salvation

through [the] forgiveness of their sins,

because of [the] tender mercy of our God,

by which [the] Dawn[fn] has visited[fn] us from on high,

to shine on those who live in darkness

and in [the] shadow of death,

to guide our feet

into [the] path of peace.”

And the child grew and became strong in spirit;[fn] and he lived in the wilderness until [the] time of his public appearance to Israel. 2 

The Birth of Jesus

(Matthew 1:18–25)

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.[fn] 2 This [was the] first census to take place [while][fn] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

[So] Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to [the] city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from [the] house and line of David. 5 [He went there] to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage[fn] [and] was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in the manger,[fn] because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds residing in the fields vvv vvv vvv vvv nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9 And behold,[fn] an angel of [the] Lord stood before them, and [the] glory of [the] Lord shone around them, and vvv vvv they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them,“{Do} not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news [of] great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in [the] city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ [the] Lord! 12 And this [will be] the sign[fn] to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.[fn]”

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of [the] heavenly host, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in [the] highest,

and on earth peace, good will toward men![fn]”

When the angels had left them [and gone] into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,“Let us go to Bethlehem and see this [thing] that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

So vvv they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, [who] was lying in the manger. 17 [After] they had seen [the Child], they spread widely[fn] the message they had received about vvv vvv [Him]. 18 And all who heard [it] were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things [and] pondered [them] in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as [the angel] had told them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

When [the] eight days before His[fn] circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given [Him] before He was conceived

And when the time of their purification[fn] according to the Law of Moses was complete, [His parents] brought Him to Jerusalem to present [Him] to the Lord 23 (as it is written in [the] Law of [the] Lord“Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”[fn]), 24 and to offer [the] sacrifice vvv vvv specified in the Law of [the] Lord:“A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”[fn]

The Prophecy of Simeon

Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, [who] [was] righteous and devout. He was waiting for [the] consolation of Israel, and [the] Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him [that he would] not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 [Led by] the Spirit, he went into the temple [courts].[fn] And vvv when the parents brought in the child Jesus vvv to do for Him vvv vvv what was customary under the Law, 28 [Simeon] took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying:

Sovereign Lord, as You have promised,

You now dismiss Your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

which You have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to [the] Gentiles,

and for glory to Your people Israel.”

And Joseph[fn] and [the Child’s] mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary:

“Behold, this [Child] is appointed [to cause]

[the] rise and fall of many in Israel,

and [to be] a sign that will be spoken against,

so that [the] thoughts of many hearts will be revealed —

and a sword will pierce your soul as well.[fn]”

The Prophecy of Anna

There was also a prophetess [named] Anna, [the] daughter of Phanuel, of [the] tribe of Asher, [who] was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, 37 and then [was] a widow [to the age of] eighty-four [She] vvv never left the temple, [but] worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to the Lord[fn] and spoke about [the Child] to all who were waiting for redemption in Jerusalem.[fn]

The Return to Nazareth

(Matthew 2:19–23)

When [Jesus’ parents] had done everything required by the Law of [the] Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their [own] town of Nazareth.

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit.[fn] He was filled with wisdom, and [the] grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years [old], they went up to Jerusalem[fn] according to the custom of the Feast.

[When] those days were over [and] they were returning [home], the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but Joseph and His mother[fn] vvv were unaware [He had stayed]. 44 Assuming He was in their company, vvv they traveled on for a day [before] they began to look for Him among [their] relatives and friends.

When vvv they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. 46 Finally after three days they found Him in the temple [courts], sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions 47 And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and [His] answers.

When [His parents] saw Him, they were astonished.“Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

“Why were you looking for Me?” He asked“vvv Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s [ house ][fn]?” 50 But they vvv did not understand the statement He was making to them.

Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. 3 

The Mission of John the Baptist

(Isaiah 40:1–5, Matthew 3:1–12, Mark 1:1–8, John 1:19–28)

In [the] fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, [while] Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch vvv vvv of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during [the] high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,[fn] [the] word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for [the] forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in [the] book of [the] words of Isaiah [the] prophet:

“[A] voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for [the] Lord,

make straight paths for Him.

Every valley shall be filled in,

and every mountain and hill made low.

The crooked [ways] shall be made straight,

and the rough ways smooth.

And all humanity will see God’s salvation.’ ”[fn]

Then [John] said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him,“You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And {do} not begin to say to yourselves,‘We have Abraham [as our] father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The axe vvv vvv vvv lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree vvv that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into [the] fire.”

The crowds asked him“What then should we do?”

[John] replied“Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

Even tax collectors came to be baptized.[fn]“Teacher,” they asked“what should we do?”

“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered

Then [some] soldiers asked him,“And what vvv should we do?”

“Do not take money by force or false accusation,[fn]” he said Be content with your wages.”

The people were waiting expectantly and {were} all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ. 16 John answered all of them“I baptize you with water,[fn] but [One] more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.[fn] He will baptize you with [the] Holy Spirit and with fire.[fn] 17 [His] winnowing fork [is] in His hand, and He will clear[fn] His threshing floor and gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

vvv [With these and] many other exhortations, [John] proclaimed the good news to the people. 19 But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all [the] evils [he] had done, 20 [Herod] added this to them all He locked John {up} in prison.

The Baptism of Jesus

(Matthew 3:13–17, Mark 1:9–11, John 1:29–34)

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, saying,[fn]“You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

The Genealogy of Jesus

(Ruth 4:18–22, Matthew 1:1–17)

Jesus Himself was about thirty years [old] when He began [His ministry].

He was regarded as [the] son of Joseph,

the [son] of Heli,[fn]

the [son] of Matthat,[fn] the [son] of Levi, the [son] of Melchi,

the [son] of Janna,[fn] the [son] of Joseph,

the [son] of Mattathias, the [son] of Amos, the [son] of Nahum,

the [son] of Esli,[fn] the [son] of Naggai,

the [son] of Maath, the [son] of Mattathias, the [son] of Semei,[fn]

the [son] of Josech, the [son] of Judah,[fn]

the [son] of Joanan,[fn] the [son] of Rhesa, the [son] of Zerubbabel,

the [son] of Shealtiel, the [son] of Neri,

the [son] of Melchi, the [son] of Addi, the [son] of Cosam,

the [son] of Elmodam,[fn] the [son] of Er,

the [son] of Jose,[fn] the [son] of Eliezer, the [son] of Jorim,

the [son] of Matthat, the [son] of Levi,

the [son] of Simeon, the [son] of Judah, the [son] of Joseph,

the [son] of Jonan,[fn] the [son] of Eliakim,

the [son] of Melea, the [son] of Mainan,[fn] the [son] of Mattatha,

the [son] of Nathan, the [son] of David,

the [son] of Jesse, the [son] of Obed, the [son] of Boaz,

the [son] of Salmon,[fn] the [son] of Nahshon,

the [son] of Amminadab, the [son] of Aram,[fn]

the [son] of Hezron, the [son] of Perez, the [son] of Judah,

the [son] of Jacob, the [son] of Isaac, the [son] of Abraham,

the [son] of Terah, the [son] of Nahor,

the [son] of Serug, the [son] of Reu, the [son] of Peleg,

the [son] of Eber, the [son] of Shelah,

the [son] of Cainan, the [son] of Arphaxad, the [son] of Shem,

the [son] of Noah, the [son] of Lamech,

the [son] of Methuselah, the [son] of Enoch, the [son] of Jared,

the [son] of Mahalalel, the [son] of Cainan,

the [son] of Enosh,[fn] the [son] of Seth, the [son] of Adam,

the [son] of God. 4 

The Temptation of Jesus

(Matthew 4:1–11, Mark 1:12–13)

Then Jesus, full of [the] Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,[fn] 2 [where for] forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate vvv nothing during those days, and afterward,[fn] [when] they had ended, He was hungry.

The devil said to Him,“If You are [the] Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

But Jesus answered“It is written‘Man vvv shall not live on bread alone, but on every word of God.’[fn]”

Then the devil led Him up to a high mountain[fn] [and] showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 “I will give You authority over all [these kingdoms] and [all] their glory,” [he] said“For it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish. 7 So if You worship me, vvv it will all be Yours.”

But Jesus answered“Get behind Me, Satan![fn] It is written:[fn]‘Worship [the] Lord your God and serve Him only.’[fn]”

Then [the devil] led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple.“If You are [the] Son of God,” he said“throw Yourself down from here. 10 For it is written

‘He will command His angels concerning You

to guard You carefully

and they will lift You [up] in [their] hands,

so that {You will} not strike Your foot against a stone.’[fn]”

But Jesus answered“It [also] says, vvv‘Do not put [the] Lord your God {to the test}.’[fn]”

When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.

Jesus Begins His Ministry

(Isaiah 9:1–7, Matthew 4:12–17, Mark 1:14–15)

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and [the] news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone.

The Rejection at Nazareth

(Isaiah 61:1–11, Matthew 13:53–58, Mark 6:1–6)

Then [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath And [when] He stood up to read, 17 [the] scroll of Isaiah the prophet[fn] was handed to Him. Unrolling [it], He found the place where it was written:

“[The] Spirit of [the] Lord [is] on Me,

because He has anointed Me

to preach good news to [the] poor.

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted

to proclaim liberty to [the] captives and recovery of sight to [the] blind,

to release [the] oppressed,

to proclaim [the] year of [the] Lord’s favor.”[fn]

Then He rolled up the scroll, returned [it] to the attendant, [and] sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him, 21 and He began by saying“Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips.“Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.

[Jesus] said to them,“Surely you will quote this proverb to Me:‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in Your hometown what we have heard [that] You did in Capernaum.’ ”

Then He added,“Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 But I tell you vvv truthfully [that] there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years [and] great famine swept over all the land. 26 Yet Elijah was [not] sent to [any] of them, but to vvv [the] widow of Zarephath in Sidon. 27 And there were many lepers[fn] in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed— only Naaman the Syrian.”

On hearing [this], all [the people] in the synagogue were enraged 29 They got up, drove Him out of [the] town, and led Him to [the] brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff 30 But [Jesus] passed through vvv [the crowd] [and] went on His way.

Jesus Expels an Unclean Spirit

(Mark 1:21–28)

Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach [the people]. 32 They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority.

In the synagogue there was a man possessed by [the] spirit of an unclean demon. He cried out in a loud voice, 34 “Ha! What do You [want] with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy [One] of God!”

[But] Jesus rebuked [the demon].“Be silent!” He said. Come out of him!” At this, the demon threw [the man] down before them all[fn] [and] came out without harming him.

All [the people] were overcome with amazement and asked one another“What [is] this message? With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And the news about [Jesus] spread throughout the surrounding region.

Jesus Heals at Peter’s House

(Matthew 8:14–17, Mark 1:29–34)

After [Jesus] had left the synagogue, He went to the home of Simon, [whose] mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. So they appealed to [Jesus] on her [behalf], 39 and He stood over her [and] rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once [and] began to serve them.

At sunset all who were ill with various diseases were brought to [Jesus], and laying [His] hands on each one He healed them. 41 Demons also came out of many [people], crying out“You are the Christ,[fn] the Son of God!” But He rebuked [ the demons ] vvv [and] would not allow them to speak, because they knew He was the Christ.

Jesus Preaches in Judea

(Mark 1:35–39)

vvv vvv At daybreak, [Jesus] went out to a solitary place, and the crowds were looking for Him. They came to Him and tried to keep Him [from] leaving 43 But [Jesus] told them“I must preach [the] good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well, because vvv that is why I was sent.”

And He continued to preach in the synagogues of Galilee.[fn] 5 

The First Disciples

(Matthew 4:18–22, Mark 1:16–20, John 1:35–42)

On one occasion while [Jesus] was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret[fn] [with] the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, 2 He saw two boats vvv at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing [their] nets. 3 [Jesus] got into the boat belonging to Simon [and] asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat.

When [Jesus] had finished speaking, He said to Simon,“Put out into deep [water] and let down your nets for a catch.”

“Master,” Simon replied,“we have worked hard vvv all night [without] catching [anything]. But because You say so, I will let down the net.[fn]” 6 When they had done so, they caught [such] a large number of fish [that] their net[fn] began to tear. 7 So they signaled to [their] partners in the other boat to come [and] help them, and they came and filled both boats so [full] that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw [this], he fell at Jesus’ knees.“Go away from me, Lord,” he said,“for I am a sinful man.” 9 For he and his companions vvv were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so [were] [his] partners James and John, [the] sons of Zebedee.

“{Do} not be afraid,” Jesus said to Simon.“From now on you will catch men.” 11 And when they had brought [their] boats vvv vvv ashore, they left everything [and] followed Him.

The Leper’s Prayer

(Leviticus 14:1–32, Matthew 8:1–4, Mark 1:40–45)

While [Jesus] was in one of the towns, a man [came along] [who was] covered with leprosy.[fn] When he saw Jesus, he fell vvv facedown [and] begged Him“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean

[Jesus] reached out [His] hand [and] touched [the man].“I am willing,” He said.“Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

“{Do not} tell [anyone],” [Jesus] instructed him.“But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”[fn]

But the news about [Jesus] spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear [Him] and to be healed by Him[fn] of their sicknesses. 16 Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

(Matthew 9:1–8, Mark 2:1–12)

vvv vvv vvv One day [Jesus] was teaching, and [the] Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting [there]. [People] had come from Jerusalem and from every village of Galilee and Judea, and [the] power of [the] Lord was [present] for Him to heal [the sick].

Just then [some] men [came] carrying vvv vvv a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to set him before [Jesus], 19 but vvv they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on [his] mat through the tiles into the middle [of the crowd], right in front of Jesus.

When [Jesus] saw their faith, He said to the man,[fn]“Friend, your sins are forgiven

But the scribes and Pharisees began thinking to themselves“Who is this [man] who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied“Why are you thinking [these things] in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say,‘Your sins are forgiven or to say,‘Get up and walk’? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins…” He said to the paralytic,“I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, [and] go vvv vvv vvv home.”

And immediately [the man] stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went vvv vvv vvv home glorifying God. 26 Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe [and] said“We have seen remarkable things today.”

Jesus Calls Levi

(Matthew 9:9–13, Mark 2:13–17)

After [this], [Jesus] went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth.“Follow Me,” He told him, 28 and [Levi] got up, left everything, [and] followed Him.

Then Levi hosted a great banquet for [Jesus] at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them. 30 But their scribes and the Pharisees[fn] complained to [Jesus’] disciples“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

Jesus answered“[It is] not the healthy [who] need a doctor, but the sick 32 vvv I have not come to call [the] righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Questions about Fasting

(Matthew 9:14–15, Mark 2:18–20)

Then they said to Him,“Why [do][fn] John’s disciples vvv and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and vvv pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking?”

[Jesus] replied“vvv Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast vvv while [He] is with them? 35 But [the] time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”

The Patches and the Wineskins

(Matthew 9:16–17, Mark 2:21–22)

He also told them a parable“No one sews a piece of cloth from a new garment[fn] onto an old [one]. If he does he will tear the new [garment] as well, and [the patch] from the new vvv will not match the old.

And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. vvv vvv If he does, the new wine will burst the wineskins,[fn] [the wine] will spill, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are preserved.[fn] 39 And no one after drinking old [wine ] immediately[fn] wants new, for he says,‘The old is better.’ ” 6 

The Lord of the Sabbath

(1 Samuel 21:1–7, Matthew 12:1–8, Mark 2:23–28)

On the second chief Sabbath,[fn] [Jesus] was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub [them] in [their] hands, and eat [them]. 2 But some of the Pharisees asked,“Why are you doing what vvv is unlawful to do[fn] on the Sabbath?”

Jesus replied“vvv Have you not read vvv what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and also[fn] gave [it] to his companions [and] ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.”

Then [Jesus] declared“The Son of Man is Lord even[fn] of the Sabbath.”

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

(Matthew 12:9–14, Mark 3:1–6)

On another Sabbath [Jesus] entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there [whose] right hand was withered. 7 vvv Looking for an accusation against[fn] [Jesus], the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely [to see] if He would heal on the Sabbath.

But [Jesus] knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand,“Get up and stand vvv vvv among [us].” So he got up [and] stood [there].

Then Jesus said to them,“I ask you one thing: Is it lawful[fn] on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy [it]?” 10 And after looking around at all of them, He said to [the man],“Stretch out your hand.” He did [so], and vvv vvv [it] was restored as sound as the other.[fn]

But [the scribes and Pharisees] were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

The Twelve Apostles

(Matthew 10:1–4, Mark 3:13–19)

In those days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and vvv He spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When daylight came, He called His disciples {to Him} and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: 14 Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James [son of] Alphaeus and Simon called [the] Zealot; 16 Judas [son] of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became [a] traitor.

Jesus Heals the Multitudes

(Matthew 4:23–25, Mark 3:7–12)

Then [Jesus] came down with them [and] stood on a level place. A crowd[fn] of His disciples [was there], along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, along with those troubled by unclean spirits. And they were healed.[fn] 19 The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.

The Beatitudes

(Psalm 1:1–6, Matthew 5:3–12)

Looking up at His disciples, [Jesus] said:

“Blessed [are] [you] who are poor,

for yours is the kingdom of God.

Blessed [are] [you] who hunger now,

for you will be filled.

Blessed [are] [you] who weep now,

for you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude [you] and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great [is] your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets vvv in the same way.

Woes to the Satisfied

(Amos 6:1–7)

But woe to you who are rich,

for you have already received your comfort.

Woe to you who are well fed,[fn]

for you will hunger.

Woe to [you] who laugh now,

for you will mourn and weep.

Woe to you when men[fn] speak well of you,

for their fathers treated the false prophets vvv in the same way.

Love Your Enemies

(Matthew 5:38–48)

But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 [If someone] strikes you on [one] cheek, turn to him the other also. And vvv [if someone] takes your cloak, do not withhold [your] tunic as well. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and vvv [if anyone] takes what [is] yours, {do} not demand [it] back. 31 Do to [others] as you would have [them] do to you.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For[fn] even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend [to those] from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? For[fn] even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.

But love your enemies, do good [to them], and lend [to them], expecting nothing in return Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Therefore[fn] be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

(Matthew 7:1–6, Romans 14:1–12)

{Do} not judge, and vvv vvv you will not be judged. {Do} not condemn, and vvv vvv you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, [and] running over will be poured into your lap. For with the same[fn] measure you [use], it will be measured back to you.”

[Jesus] also told them a parable:“Can a blind [man] vvv lead a blind [man]? {Will they} not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone [who is] fully trained will be like his teacher.

Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice [the] beam in [your] own eye? 42 Or[fn] how can you say‘Brother,[fn] let me take the speck {out} of your eye,’ [while] you yourself vvv fail to see [the] beam in your own eye? [You] hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

A Tree and Its Fruit

(Matthew 7:15–23, Matthew 12:33–37)

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor [does] a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, vvv figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. 45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil [things] out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.

The House on the Rock

(Matthew 7:24–27)

Why do you call Me‘Lord, Lord,’ [but] {do} not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid [his] foundation on the rock. When [the] flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because its foundation was on [the] rock.[fn]

But the [one who] hears [My words] and {does} not act on them is like a man who built [his] house[fn] on ground without [a] foundation. The torrent crashed against [that house], and immediately it fell — and great was vvv vvv vvv [its] destruction!” 7 

The Faith of the Centurion

(Matthew 8:5–13, John 4:43–54)

When [Jesus] had concluded His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum. 2 [There] a vvv vvv vvv highly valued servant of a centurion was sick [and] about to die. 3 When [the centurion] heard about Jesus, he sent [some] Jewish elders to ask Him to come [and] heal his servant. 4 They came to Jesus [and] pleaded with Him earnestly“[This man] is worthy to have You grant this 5 for he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”

So Jesus went with them. But when He vvv vvv was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message“Lord, {do} not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. 7 That is why vvv I did not consider myself worthy to come to You. But [just] say [the] word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I [myself] am a man vvv under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell [one] to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. [I tell] my servant to do [something], and he does [it].”

[When] vvv [Jesus] heard [this], [He] marveled at [the centurion]. Turning to the crowd following Him, He said,“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” 10 And [when] the messengers returned to the house, they found the ailing[fn] servant in good health.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

Soon afterward [Jesus] went to a town called Nain. Many of[fn] His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. 12 As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she [was] a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said“{Do} not weep.” 14 Then He went up [and] touched the coffin,[fn] and those carrying it stood still.“Young man,” He said,“I tell you, get up!” 15 And the dead [man] sat up and began to speak! Then [Jesus] gave him {back} to his mother.

A sense of awe swept over all [of them], and they glorified God.“A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said God has visited His people!” 17 And [the] news about [Jesus] spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding region.

John’s Inquiry

(Matthew 11:1–6)

Then [John’s] disciples informed [him] about all these things. 19 So John called vvv two of his disciples [and] sent [them] to ask Jesus,[fn]“Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”

[When] the men came to [Jesus], they said,“John the Baptist sent us to ask‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’ ”

Now[fn] at that very hour [Jesus] healed many [people] of [their] diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many [who were] blind. 22 So Jesus replied“Go [back] [and] report to John what you have seen and heard: [The] blind receive sight, [the] lame walk, [the] lepers[fn] are cleansed, [the] deaf hear, [the] dead are raised, [and the] good news is preached [to the] poor. 23 Blessed is the [one who] does not fall away on account of Me.[fn]”

Jesus Testifies about John

(Malachi 3:1–5, Matthew 11:7–19)

After John’s messengers[fn] had left, [Jesus] began to speak to the crowds about John:“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in [the] wind? 25 Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who [wear] elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces.

What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You

who will prepare Your way before You.’[fn]

For I tell you, among [those] born of women there is no one greater prophet than John the Baptist,[fn] yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

All the people [who] heard [this], even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice [For] they had received the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, [because] {they had} not been baptized by [John].

“To what,[fn] then, can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in [the] marketplace and calling out to one another

‘We played the flute for you,

and vvv you did not dance;

we sang a dirge for you,[fn]

and vvv you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say,‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say,‘Look [at this] glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus

(Matthew 26:6–13, Mark 14:3–9, John 12:1–8)

Then one of the Pharisees invited [Jesus] to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house [and] reclined at the table. 37 When vvv vvv a sinful woman from [that] town learned that [Jesus] was dining vvv vvv vvv vvv [there], she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 [As] she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with [her] tears and wipe [them] with her hair Then she kissed His feet and anointed [them] with the perfume.

When the Pharisee who had invited [Jesus] saw [this], he said to himself“If this [man] were a prophet,[fn] He would know who [this is] and what kind of woman is touching Him — for she is a sinner!”

But Jesus answered him,“Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell [me], Teacher,” he said.

“Two [men] were debtors vvv to a certain moneylender. One owed [him] five hundred denarii,[fn] and the other fifty. 42 [When] they were unable to repay [him], he forgave both [of them]. Tell [Me],[fn] which [one], then, will love him more?”

“I suppose the [one who] was forgiven more,” Simon replied

“You have judged correctly,” [Jesus] said

And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon,“Do you see this woman? [When] I entered your house, you did not give [Me] water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped [them] with the hair of her head.[fn] 45 vvv You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she vvv has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived.[fn] 46 vvv You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. 47 Therefore I tell you her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then [Jesus] said to her,“Your sins are forgiven.”

But those at the table began to say to themselves,“Who is this who even forgives sins?”

And [Jesus] told the woman,“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 8 

Women Minister to Jesus

vvv vvv vvv Soon afterward, [Jesus] traveled from one town and village {to another}, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve [were] with Him, 2 as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits[fn] and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna [the] wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. [These women] were ministering to them[fn] out of their own means.

The Parable of the Sower

(Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20)

[While] a large crowd was gathering and [people] were coming to [Jesus] vvv from town after town, He told [them] [this] parable: 5 A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some [seed] fell along the path, where it was trampled, and the birds of the air devoured it.

Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, [the seedlings] withered because they had no moisture.

Other [seed] fell vvv among thorns, [which] grew up with [it] [and] choked [the seedlings].

Still other [seed] fell on[fn] good soil, [where] it sprang up [and] produced a crop — a hundredfold.”

As [Jesus] said [this], He called out,“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant.

He replied,“The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others [I speak] in parables, so that,

‘[though] seeing, vvv they may not see;

[though] hearing, vvv they may not understand.’[fn]

Now this is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 The [ seeds ][fn] along the path are those who hear, [but] the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that vvv they may not believe [and] be saved.

The [ seeds ] on rocky ground [are] those who hear the word [and] receive it with joy, but [they] have no root. [They] believe for a season, [but] in [the] time of testing, they fall away.

The [ seeds that ] fell among the thorns are those who hear, [but] as they go on their way, they are choked by [the] worries, riches, and pleasures of [this] life, and vvv their fruit does not mature.

But the [seeds] on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, [who] hear the word, cling to [it], and by persevering produce a crop.

The Lesson of the Lamp

(Mark 4:21–25)

No one[fn] lights a lamp [and] covers it with a jar or puts [it] under a bed. Instead, he sets [it] on a stand, so those who enter can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that vvv will not be disclosed, [and] nothing concealed that vvv will not be made known and brought to light.

Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has vvv will be given [more], [but] whoever vvv does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

(Matthew 12:46–50, Mark 3:31–35)

Then [Jesus’] mother and brothers came to [see] Him, but vvv they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd. 20 He was told“Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see You.”

But He replied“My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out

Jesus Calms the Storm

(Psalm 107:1–43, Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41)

vvv vvv One day [Jesus] said to [His disciples],“Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So He got into a boat [with] vvv vvv [them] and set out.

As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that [the boat] was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 [The disciples] went [and] woke Him, saying,“Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then [Jesus] arose[fn] [and] rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and [all] was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” He asked

Frightened [and] amazed, they asked one another,“Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”

The Demons and the Pigs

(Matthew 8:28–34, Mark 5:1–20)

Then they sailed[fn] to the region of the Gadarenes,[fn] vvv vvv across [the lake] from Galilee. 27 When [Jesus] stepped vvv vvv ashore, He was met by a man from the town vvv [who had been] demon-possessed for a long time. vvv [This man] had not worn[fn] clothing [or] vvv lived in a house, but [he stayed] in the tombs.

When [the man] saw Jesus, he cried out [and] fell down before Him, vvv shouting in a loud voice“What do You [want] with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torture me!” 29 For [Jesus] had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and [though] he was bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains [and] been driven by the demon into solitary places.

“What is your name?” Jesus asked

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And he kept begging[fn] [Jesus] not to order them to go into the Abyss.

There on the hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding. [So] [the demons] begged [Jesus] to let them enter [the pigs], and He gave them permission

Then the demons came out of the man [and] went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

When those tending [the pigs] saw what had happened, they ran off[fn] and reported [this] in the town and countryside. 35 [So] [the people] went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man whom the demons had left sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Meanwhile, those who had seen [it] reported how the demon-possessed man had been healed.

Then all the people of the region of the Gadarenes asked [Jesus] to depart from them, because great fear had taken hold of them. So He got into the boat [and] started back.

The man whom the demons had left begged to go with [Jesus]. But Jesus[fn] sent him away saying, 39 “Return vvv vvv vvv home and describe how much God has done for you.” So [the man] went away [and] proclaimed all over the town how much Jesus had done for him.

The Healing Touch of Jesus

(Matthew 9:18–26, Mark 5:21–43)

When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. 41 Just then [a] synagogue leader named Jairus came and fell at Jesus’ feet. He begged Him to come to his house, 42 because his only daughter, [who was] about twelve was dying.

As [Jesus] went [with him], the crowds pressed around Him, 43 including a woman who had suffered vvv vvv from bleeding for twelve years. [She] had spent all her money on physicians,[fn] [but] no one was able to heal [her]. 44 She came up behind [Jesus] [and] touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her vvv vvv vvv bleeding stopped.

“Who touched Me?” Jesus asked.

But they all denied [it].“Master,” said Peter and those with him,[fn]“the people are crowding and pressing against You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’[fn]”

But Jesus declared,“Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me.”

Then the woman, seeing that vvv she could not escape notice, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained vvv vvv why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed

“Take courage,[fn] daughter,” said [Jesus]“your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

[While] He {was} still speaking, someone arrived from the [house of] the synagogue leader.“Your daughter is dead,” he told [Jairus]“{Do} not bother the Teacher.[fn]”

But Jesus overheard [them] [and] said to [Jairus],“{Do} not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

When He entered the house, vvv He did not allow anyone to go in except Peter, John, James,[fn] and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her. But [Jesus] said,“vvv Stop weeping; vvv she is not dead but asleep.” 53 And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead.

But [Jesus] sent them all outside,[fn] took her by the hand, [and] called out“Child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she got up. And He directed that she be given [something] to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, but [Jesus] ordered them {not} to tell [anyone] what had happened. 9 

The Ministry of the Twelve

(Matthew 10:5–15, Mark 6:7–13)

Then [Jesus] called the Twelve[fn] {together} [and] gave them power and authority over all demons, and [ power ] to cure diseases. 2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 “Take nothing for the journey,” He told them,“no staffs,[fn] no bag, no bread, no money,[fn] no second[fn] tunic 4 Whatever house you enter stay there [until] you leave that area. 5 If anyone vvv does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”

So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing [people] everywhere.

Herod Tries to See Jesus

(Matthew 14:1–12, Mark 6:14–29)

When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was being done by Him,[fn] he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from [the] dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.

“I beheaded John,” Herod said,“but who is this [man] I hear such things about And he kept trying to see [Jesus].

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

(Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, John 6:1–15)

Then the apostles returned [and] reported to [Jesus] all that they had done. Taking them {away} vvv privately, He withdrew to a deserted place of the city[fn] called Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds found out [and] followed Him. He welcomed them [and] spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who vvv needed healing.

As the day vvv neared its end, the Twelve came to [Jesus] [and] said,“Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.”

But [Jesus] told them,“You give them something to eat.”

“vvv We have only vvv vvv vvv five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered,“unless we go [and] buy food for all these people.” 14 ( - There were about five thousand men.)

He told His disciples,“Have them sit down in groups of[fn] fifty {each}.” 15 They did so, and everyone was seated.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish [and] looking up to heaven, [Jesus] spoke a blessing and broke them. Then He gave [them] to the disciples to set before the people.

vvv They all ate and were satisfied, and [the disciples] picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Peter’s Confession of Christ

(Matthew 16:13–20, Mark 8:27–30, John 6:67–71)

[One day] as [Jesus] was praying in private [and] the disciples were with Him, He questioned them“Who {do} the crowds say I am?”

They replied“[Some say] John the Baptist; others [say] Elijah; and still others, that a prophet of old has arisen.”

“But [what about] you?” [Jesus] asked“Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered“The Christ of God.”

Christ’s Passion Foretold

(Matthew 16:21–23, Mark 8:31–33)

[Jesus] strictly warned them {not} to tell this to [anyone]. 22 “The Son of Man must suffer many things,” He said“He must be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day rise again.[fn]”

Take Up Your Cross

(Matthew 16:24–28, Mark 8:34–38)

Then [Jesus] said to all of them,“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross[fn] and follow Me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26 If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and [in the glory] of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, some who are standing here vvv vvv will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

The Transfiguration

(Matthew 17:1–13, Mark 9:1–13, 2 Peter 1:16–21)

About eight days after [Jesus] had said these things, He took with [Him] Peter, John, and James, [and] went up on a mountain to pray. 29 And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white. 30 Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with [Jesus]. 31 [They] appeared in glory [and] spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Meanwhile Peter and his companions were overcome by sleep, but when they awoke, they saw [Jesus’] glory and the two men standing with Him. 33 As [Moses and Elijah] were leaving Peter said to Jesus,“Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters[fn]— one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ( vvv He did not know what he was saying.)

While [Peter] was speaking a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came from the cloud, saying,“This is My beloved Son.[fn] Listen to Him!”

After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was present [with them]. [The disciples] kept this to themselves, and in those days they did not tell anyone what they had seen.

The Boy with an Evil Spirit

(Matthew 17:14–18, Mark 9:14–29)

The next day, when they came down from the mountain, [Jesus] was met by a large crowd. 38 Suddenly a man in the crowd cried out“Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 A spirit keeps seizing him, and he screams abruptly. It throws him into convulsions [so that] he foams at the mouth. It keeps mauling him [and] rarely departs from him. 40 I begged Your disciples to drive it out but vvv they were unable.”

“O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied“How long must I remain with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”

Even while [the boy] was approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

The Second Prediction of the Passion

(Matthew 17:22–23, Mark 9:30–32)

And vvv they were all astonished at the greatness of God.

While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus had done,[fn] He said to His disciples, 44 “{Let} these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into [the] hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this statement. It was veiled from them so that vvv they could not comprehend it, and they were afraid to ask Him about vvv vvv [it].

The Greatest in the Kingdom

(Matthew 18:1–5, Mark 9:33–41)

Then an argument started among [the disciples] [as to] which of them would be [the] greatest. 47 But Jesus, seeing[fn] the thoughts of their hearts, vvv had a little child {stand} beside Him. 48 And He said to them,“Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the [One who] sent Me. For whoever is [the] least among all of you, he will be[fn] [the] greatest.”

“Master,” said John,“we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”

“[Do] not stop [him],” Jesus replied“for whoever is not against us is for us.[fn]”

The Samaritans Reject Jesus

As the day of His ascension approached, [Jesus] resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers on ahead [who] went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. 53 But vvv [the people there] refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.

When His disciples[fn] James and John saw [this], they asked,“Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them, just as Elijah did?[fn]”

But [Jesus] turned [and] rebuked them and said,“You do not know what kind of spirit you are.[fn] 56 For [the] Son of Man did not come to destroy [the] lives of men, but to save [them].”[fn] And [He and His disciples] went on to another village.

The Cost of Discipleship

(Matthew 8:18–22, Luke 14:25–33, John 6:59–66)

As they were walking along the road, someone said to [Jesus],“Lord,[fn] I will follow You wherever You go.”

Jesus replied Foxes have dens and birds of the air [have] nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay [His] head.”

Then He said to another [man],“Follow Me.”

[The man] replied,“Lord,[fn] first let me go [and] bury my father.”

But Jesus told him,“Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go [and] proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Still another said,“I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.”

Then Jesus declared“No one who puts his hand to [the] plow and then looks vvv vvv back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 10 

Jesus Sends the Seventy

(Matthew 9:35–38)

After this, the Lord appointed seventy[fn] others and sent them vvv two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. 2 Therefore[fn] He told them,“The harvest [is] plentiful, but the workers [are] few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.

Go I am sending you out like lambs vvv among wolves. 4 Carry no purse [or] bag [or] sandals. Do not greet [anyone] along the road.

Whatever house you enter begin by saying,‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are [offered] For the worker is worthy of his wages.[fn] {Do} not move around from house to house.

If you enter a town and they welcome you, eat whatever is set before you. 9 Heal the sick vvv [who are there] and tell them,‘The kingdom of God is near you.’

But if you enter a town and vvv they do not welcome you, go into the streets [and] declare, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to us,[fn] we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this The kingdom of God is near to you.[fn]’ 12 I tell you it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

Woe to the Unrepentant

(Matthew 11:20–24)

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles [that] were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.

And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down[fn] to Hades!

Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the [One who] sent Me.”

The Joyful Return

The seventy returned with joy [and] said,“Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”

So He told them,“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I am giving[fn] you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. 20 Nevertheless, [do] not rejoice vvv vvv that the spirits submit to you, but[fn] rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus’ Prayer of Thanksgiving

(Matthew 11:25–30)

At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit[fn] and declared,“I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from [the] wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight

And turning to the disciples, He said,[fn]“All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and [no one knows] who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal [Him].”

Then [Jesus] turned to the disciples [and] said vvv privately,“Blessed [are] the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see [but] vvv did not see [it], and to hear what you hear [but] vvv did not hear [it].”

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him.“Teacher,” he asked,“what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” [Jesus] replied“How do you read [it]?”

vvv He answered,“‘Love [the] Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[fn] and‘[Love] your neighbor as yourself.’[fn]”

“You have answered correctly,” [Jesus] said“Do this and you will live.”

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus,“And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus took up [this question] and said,“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. [They] stripped [him], beat him, [and] went away, leaving [him] half dead.[fn]

Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

So too, [when] a Levite vvv came to that spot and saw [him], he passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to [him] [and] bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

The next day when he departed[fn] he took out two denarii[fn] [and] gave [them] to the innkeeper.‘Take care of him,’ he said,‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’

So[fn] which of these three {do} you think was a neighbor to the [man] who fell into the hands of robbers?”

“The [one] who showed him mercy,” replied [the expert in the law].

Then Jesus told him,“Go and do likewise.”

Martha and Mary

As they traveled along, [Jesus] entered a village [where] a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at vvv Jesus’ feet[fn] listening to His message. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations [to be made]. She came to [Jesus] [and] said,“Lord, vvv do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” Jesus[fn] replied“you are worried and troubled[fn] about many things. 42 But only one [thing] is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, [and it] vvv will not be taken away from her.” 11 

The Lord’s Prayer

(Matthew 6:5–15)

[One day] in a place where [Jesus] vvv had just finished praying, one of His disciples requested“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

So [Jesus] told them,“When you pray, say:

‘Our Father in heaven,[fn]

hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done,

on earth as [it is] in heaven.[fn]

Give us each day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil [one].[fn]’ ”

Ask, Seek, Knock

(Matthew 7:7–12)

Then [Jesus] said to them,“[Suppose one] of you goes to [his] friend at midnight and says‘Friend, lend me three loaves [of bread], 6 because [a] friend[fn] has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’

And [suppose the one] inside answers‘{Do} not vvv bother me. [My] door {is} already shut, and my children and I are in bed. vvv I cannot get up to give you [anything].’

I tell you, even though vvv he will not get up to provide for him because of his vvv vvv friendship, yet because of [the man’s] persistence, he will get up [and] give him as much as he needs.

So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and [the door] will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, [the door] will be opened.

What father among you, [if his] son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if [he asks for] a fish, will give him a snake instead?[fn] 12 Or [if] he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more {will} [your] Father in heaven give [the] Holy Spirit[fn] to those who ask Him!”

A House Divided

(Matthew 12:22–30, Mark 3:20–27)

[One day] [Jesus] was driving out a demon that was mute. And when the demon was gone, the [man who had been] mute spoke. The crowds were amazed, 15 but some of them said,“[It is] by Beelzebul,[fn] the prince of the demons, [that] He drives out demons.” 16 And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven.

Knowing their thoughts, [Jesus] said to them,“Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how {can} his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom {do} your[fn] sons drive [them] out? So then they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by [the] finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

When a strong [man], fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are vvv secure. 22 But when [someone] stronger attacks [and] overpowers him, he takes away [the] armor in which [the man] trusted, and [then] he divides up his plunder.

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who vvv does not gather with Me scatters.

An Unclean Spirit Returns

(Matthew 12:43–45)

When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and vvv does not find [it]. Then it says,‘I will return to [the] house vvv I left.’ 25 On its return, it finds [the house] swept clean[fn] and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go[fn] [and] dwell there. And the final [plight] of that man is worse than the first.”

True Blessedness

As [Jesus] was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised [her] voice [and] said“Blessed [is] the womb that bore You, and [blessed are] [the] breasts that nursed You!”

But He replied,“Blessed rather [are] those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

The Sign of Jonah

(Jonah 3:1–10, Matthew 12:38–42)

As the crowds were increasing, vvv [Jesus] said,“This is a wicked generation. It seeks[fn] a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.[fn] 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be [a sign][fn] to this generation.

The Queen of [the] South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now [One] greater than Solomon [is] here. 32 [The] men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now [One] greater than Jonah [is] here.

The Lamp of the Body

(Matthew 6:22–24)

No one lights a lamp [and] puts it in a cellar [or] under a basket.[fn] Instead, [he sets it] on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.

The eye is the lamp of the body.[fn] So when your eyes are good,[fn] your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad,[fn] your body [is] full of darkness. 35 Be careful, then, [that] the light within you is not darkness. 36 So if your [whole] body [is] full of light, [with] no part [of it] vvv in darkness, [you] will be vvv radiant, as though a lamp were shining on you.”

Woes to Pharisees and Experts in the Law

(Matthew 23:1–36)

As [Jesus] was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him; [so] He went in [and] reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised to see that vvv [Jesus] did not first wash before the meal.

Then the Lord said“Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 [You] fools! [Did] not the [One who] made the outside make the inside as well? 41 But give [as] alms the things that are within [you], and behold, everything will be clean for you.

Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced [the latter] without neglecting [the former].

Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, [you] hypocrites![fn] For you are like unmarked graves, [which] men walk over without [even] noticing.”

One of the experts in the law vvv told Him,“Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well.”

“Woe to you as well, experts in the law!” He replied.“For you weigh men down [with] heavy burdens but you yourselves vvv will not lift a finger {to lighten} [their] load.

Woe to you! For you build tombs for the prophets, but [it was] your fathers [who] killed them. 48 So you bear witness and consent[fn] to the deeds of your fathers: They killed [the prophets], and you build their tombs. 49 Because of this the wisdom of God said,‘I will send them prophets and apostles; [some] of them they will kill and [others] they will persecute.’

As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since [the] foundation of [the] world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary.[fn] Yes, I tell you, [ all of ] it will be charged to this generation.

Woe to you experts in the law! For you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves vvv have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”

As [Jesus] said these things to them,[fn] the scribes and Pharisees began vvv to oppose [Him] bitterly and to ply Him with questions about many things, 54 lying in wait for Him [and] seeking to catch [Him] in something[fn] He might say so that they might accuse Him.[fn] 12 

The Leaven of the Pharisees

(Matthew 16:5–12, Mark 8:14–21)

In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another. [Jesus] began to speak first to His disciples:“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 [There] is nothing concealed that vvv will not be disclosed, and [nothing] hidden that will not be made known. 3 vvv What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

Fear God Alone

(Matthew 10:26–31)

I tell you, My friends, vvv do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that vvv can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the [One who], after [you] have been killed, has authority to throw [you] into hell.[fn] Yes, I tell you, fear Him!

{Are} not five sparrows sold for two pennies?[fn] Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 [And even] the very hairs of your head vvv are all numbered. vvv So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Confessing Christ

(Matthew 10:32–33)

I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man vvv will also confess him before the angels of God. 9 But whoever denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit vvv will not be forgiven.

When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, {do} not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. 12 For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Someone in the crowd said to Him,“Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

But [Jesus] replied“Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?” 15 And He said to them,“Watch out! Guard yourselves against greed,[fn] for one’s life vvv does not consist in the abundance of vvv his possessions.”

Then He told them a parable“The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. 17 So he thought to himself‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said,‘This [is what] I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger [ones], and there I will store up all my crops[fn] and [my] goods. 19 Then I will say to myself“You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, [and] be merry!” ’

But God said to him,‘[You] fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’

This is how [it will be for] anyone who stores up treasure for himself but vvv is not rich toward God.”

Do Not Worry

(Matthew 6:25–34)

Then [Jesus] said to His disciples,[fn]“Therefore I tell you, {do} not worry about your life, what you will eat, [or] about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life[fn] is more than food, and the body [more] than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: vvv They do not sow [or] reap, they have no storehouse [or] barn; yet God feeds them. How much more vvv valuable you are than the birds!

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?[fn] 26 So if vvv you cannot [do] such a small thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Consider how the lilies grow: vvv They do not labor [or] spin.[fn] Yet[fn] I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of [the] field, which is [here] today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much [more will He clothe] you, O [you] of little faith!

And vvv {do} not be concerned about what you will eat [or] drink. {Do} not worry about [it]. 30 For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek the kingdom of God,[fn] and all[fn] these things will be added unto you.

Treasures in Heaven

(Matthew 6:19–21)

{Do} not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves [with] purses [that will] not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches [and] no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Readiness at Any Hour

(Matthew 24:36–51, Mark 13:32–37)

Be dressed for service and {keep} [your] lamps burning. 36 Then you [ will be ] like [servants] waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open [the door] for him at once. 37 Blessed [are] those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he [himself] will come [and] wait on them. 38 Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night[fn] and finds [them] alert, those servants will be blessed.

But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and[fn] vvv vvv would not have let his house be broken into. 40 Therefore[fn] you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour vvv you do not expect.”

“Lord,” said Peter“are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?”

And the Lord answered,“Who then is the faithful [and] wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his [servants] to give [them] [their] portion at the proper time? 43 Blessed [is] that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

But suppose that servant says in his heart,‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day vvv vvv he does not expect and at an hour vvv vvv he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

That servant who knows his master’s will [but] vvv does not get ready [or] follow his instructions will be beaten with many [blows]. 48 But the [one who] vvv unknowingly does [things] worthy of punishment will be beaten with few [blows]. [From] everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded

Not Peace but Division

(Micah 7:1–6, Matthew 10:34–39)

I have come to bring fire to[fn] the earth, and how I wish vvv it were already kindled 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!

Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.[fn]”

Interpreting the Present Time

(Matthew 16:1–4, Mark 8:11–13)

Then [Jesus] said to the crowds,“As soon as you see a cloud rising from[fn] [the] west, you say,‘A shower is coming,’ and that is what happens. 55 And when [the] south wind blows, you say,‘It will be hot,’ and it is. 56 [You] hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky.[fn] Why can’t you interpret[fn] [the] present time?

Reconciling with an Adversary

(Matthew 5:21–26)

vvv And why don’t you judge for yourselves what [is] right? 58 Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while vvv you are on your way to [the] magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, vvv vvv you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.[fn]” 13 

A Call to Repentance

(Joel 1:13–20, Amos 5:4–15, Zephaniah 2:1–3)

At that time some [of those] present told [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 [To this] Jesus replied“Do you think that these Galileans were [worse] sinners than all the [other] Galileans, because they suffered this way? 3 No, I tell you. But unless you repent, vvv you too will all perish 4 Or those eighteen who were killed [when] the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful [than] all [the others] living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you. But unless you repent, vvv you too will all perish

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

(Isaiah 5:1–7)

Then [Jesus] told this parable:“A [man] had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He went to look for fruit on it [but] vvv did not find [any]. 7 So he said to the keeper of the vineyard,‘Look, for the past three years I have come to search for fruit on this fig tree and vvv haven’t found [any]. Cut it down Why should it use up the soil?’

‘Sir,’ [the man] replied‘leave it alone again this year, until vvv I dig around it and vvv fertilize [it]. 9 If it bears fruit, fine. But if not, you can cut it down vvv [next year].[fn]’ ”

Jesus Heals a Disabled Woman

[One] Sabbath [Jesus] was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman there had been disabled [by a] spirit [for] eighteen years. She was hunched over and could not stand up straight 12 When Jesus saw her, He called [her] over and said“Woman, you are set free from your disability.” 13 Then He placed [His] hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God.

But the synagogue leader was indignant that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath.“There are six days for work,” he told the crowd.“So come [and] be healed on those [days] and not on the vvv vvv Sabbath.”

“You hypocrites!”[fn] the Lord replied“{Does} not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water? 16 Then should not this vvv daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound [for] eighteen [long] years, be released from [her] bondage on the Sabbath day?”

When [Jesus] said this, all [His] adversaries were humiliated. And the whole crowd rejoiced at all the glorious things He was doing

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

(Matthew 13:31–32, Mark 4:30–34)

Then [Jesus] asked,“What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19 It is like vvv a mustard seed that a man vvv tossed into his garden. It grew and became a great tree,[fn] and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”

The Parable of the Leaven

(Matthew 13:33)

Again He asked,“To what can I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven that a woman took [and] mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”

The Narrow Door

(Matthew 7:13–14)

Then [Jesus] traveled throughout [the] towns and villages, teaching as He made His way toward Jerusalem. 23 “Lord,” someone asked Him,“[will] only a few [people] be saved?”

[Jesus] answered 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate.[fn] For many, I tell you, will try to enter and vvv will not be able. 25 After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking [and] saying,‘Lord, Lord,[fn] open [the door] for us.’

But he will reply vvv‘I do not know where you are {from}.’

Then you will say,‘We ate and drank with you and you taught in our streets.’

And he will answer,‘I tell you, vvv I do not know where you are {from}. Depart from me, all [you] evildoers

There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves are thrown out. 29 [People] will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. 30 And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”

Lament over Jerusalem

(Matthew 23:37–39)

On that very day,[fn] some Pharisees came to [Jesus] [and] told Him,“Leave this place and get away, because Herod wants to kill You.”

But [Jesus] replied“Go tell that fox,‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and vvv healing [people] today and tomorrow, and on the third [day] I will reach My goal.’ 33 Nevertheless, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next [day], for vvv it is not admissible [for] a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children {together} as a hen [gathers] her chicks under [her] wings, but vvv you were unwilling! 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you [that] vvv vvv you will not see Me {again} until you say,‘Blessed is He who comes in [the] name of [the] Lord.’[fn]” 14 

Jesus Heals a Man with Dropsy

vvv vvv One Sabbath, [Jesus] went to eat in [the] home of a leading Pharisee, and [those in attendance] were watching Him closely 2 Right there before Him was a man with dropsy. 3 So Jesus asked the experts in the law and [the] Pharisees“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?[fn]”

But they remained silent.

Then [Jesus] took hold [of the man], healed him, and sent him on his way. 5 And He asked them,“Which of you [whose] son[fn] or ox falls into a pit on the Sabbath day {will} not immediately pull him out

And vvv they were unable to answer these [ questions ].

The Parable of the Guests

When [Jesus] noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: 8 “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, {do} not sit in the place of honor, in case [someone] more distinguished than you has been invited 9 Then the host who invited both of you will come [and] tell you,‘Give this man [your] seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place.

But when you are invited, go [and] sit in the last place, so that your host will come [and] tell you,‘Friend, move up to a better place.’[fn] Then you will be honored in front of those[fn] at the table [with] you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the [one who] humbles himself will be exalted.”

Then [Jesus] said to the [man who] had invited Him,“When you host a dinner or a banquet, {do} not invite your friends [or] brothers [or] relatives [or] rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you {in return}, and you will be repaid. 13 But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, [and] the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Since vvv they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

The Parable of the Banquet

(Matthew 22:1–14)

When one of those reclining with [Him] heard [this], he said to [Jesus],“Blessed [is he][fn] who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

But [Jesus] replied“A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many [guests]. 17 [When it was] time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited,‘Come, for everything is now[fn] ready.’

But vvv one after another they all began to make excuses. The first [one] said‘I have bought a field, and I need to go and[fn] see it. Please vvv excuse me.’

Another said,‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them [out]. Please vvv excuse me.’

Still another said,‘I have married a wife, so vvv I cannot come.’

That servant[fn] returned [and] reported all this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry [and] said to his servant,‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, [the] crippled, [the] lame, and [the] blind.[fn]’

‘Sir,’ the servant replied,‘it has been done as you ordered,[fn] and there is still room.’

[So] the master told [his] servant,‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel [them] to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 For I tell you not one of those men who were invited will taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.[fn]’ ”

The Cost of Discipleship

(Matthew 8:18–22, Luke 9:57–62, John 6:59–66)

Now large crowds were traveling with [Jesus], and He turned [and] said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and {does} not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters — yes, even his [own] life — vvv he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever {does} not carry his cross and follow Me vvv cannot be My disciple.

Which of you, wishing to build a tower, {does} not first sit down [and] count the cost to see if he has [ the resources ] to complete [it]? 29 Otherwise if he lays [the] foundation and vvv is unable to finish [the work], everyone who sees [it] vvv will ridicule him, 30 saying‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’

Or what king on his way vvv vvv to war with another king does not[fn] first sit down [and] consider whether he can engage with ten thousand [men] the [one] coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if [he is unable], he will send a delegation [while the other king] is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.

In the same way any one of you who vvv does not give up everything he has vvv cannot be My disciple.

Good Salt

(Matthew 5:13–16, Mark 9:49–50)

Salt [is] good, but if the salt loses its savor, with what will it be seasoned? 35 It is fit neither for [the] soil nor for [the] manure pile, [and] it is thrown out.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 15 

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

(Matthew 18:10–14)

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to [Jesus]. 2 So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble“This [man] welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Then [Jesus] told them this parable 4 “What man among you, [if] he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, {does} not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the [one] that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he finds [it], he joyfully puts [it] on his shoulders, 6 comes vvv vvv home, [and] calls together [his] friends and neighbors to tell them,‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be [more] joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

Or what woman who has ten silver coins[fn] [and] loses one [of them] {does} not light a lamp, sweep [her] house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds [it], she calls together [her] friends and neighbors to say,‘Rejoice with me, for I have found [my] lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

(Deuteronomy 21:18–21)

Then [Jesus] said,“[There was] a man who had two sons. 12 The younger [son] said to [him],‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided [his] property between them.

After vvv a few days, the younger son got everything together [and] journeyed to a distant country, [where] he squandered his wealth in wild living.

After he had spent all [he had], a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need. 15 [So] he went [and] hired himself out to a citizen of that country, [who] sent him into his fields to feed [the] pigs. 16 He longed to fill his belly[fn] with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him [ a thing ].

Finally he came to his senses [and] said,‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but I {am}[fn] starving to death![fn] 18 I will get up [and] go back to my father and say to him,“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’

So he got up [and] went to his father. But while he {was} still vvv in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran [to his son], embraced him and kissed him.

The son declared‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[fn]’

But the father said to his servants,‘Bring[fn] the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf [and] kill [it]. Let us feast [and] celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

Meanwhile the older son was in [the] field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the[fn] servants [and] asked what was going on

‘Your brother has returned,’ he said‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’

[The older son] became angry and vvv refused to go in. So his father came out [and] pleaded with him.

But he answered [his] father,‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet vvv you never gave me [even] a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

‘Son, you are always with me,’ [the father] said‘and all that [is] mine is yours. 32 But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” 16 

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

vvv vvv [Jesus] also said to His disciples,[fn]“There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in to ask‘What [is] this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’

The manager said to himself,‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking away my [position]? vvv I am too weak to dig [and] too ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I will do so that after my removal from management, [people] will welcome me into their homes.’

And he called in each one of his master’s debtors.‘How much do you owe my master?’ he asked the first.

‘A hundred [measures] of olive oil,’[fn] he answered.

‘Take your bill,’ said [the manager]‘sit down quickly, [and] write fifty.’

Then he asked another,‘And how much {do} you owe?’

‘A hundred [measures] of wheat,’[fn] he replied.

‘Take your bill and write eighty,’ he told him.

The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than [are] the sons of light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when you fail,[fn] they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.

Whoever [is] faithful with very little will also {be} faithful with much, and whoever [is] dishonest with very little will also {be} dishonest with much. 11 So if vvv you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you [with] true [riches]? 12 And if vvv you have not been faithful with the [belongings] of another, who will give you belongings of your own?

No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to [the] one and despise the other. vvv You cannot serve [both] God and money.”

The Law and the Prophets

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all [of this] and were scoffing at [Jesus]. 15 So He said to them,“You are the [ones who] justify [yourselves] before men, but God knows your hearts. For what [is] prized among men [is] detestable before God.

The Law and the Prophets [were proclaimed] until John. Since that time, the {gospel} of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.[fn] 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another [woman] commits adultery, and everyone who[fn] marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

(John 5:39–47)

Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. 20 And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell[fn] from the vvv rich man’s table. Even the dogs came [and] licked his sores.

One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.[fn] And the rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up [and] saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.

So he cried out‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’

But Abraham answered,‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good [things], [while] Lazarus [received] bad [things]. But now he is comforted here,[fn] while you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that [even] those who wish vvv cannot cross from here to you, nor can [anyone] cross from there to us.’

‘Then I beg you, father,’ he said,‘send [Lazarus] to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they vvv vvv will not also end up in this place of torment.’

But Abraham replied,‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let [your brothers] listen to them.’

‘No, father Abraham,’ he said,‘but if someone is sent to them from [the] dead, they will repent.’

Then [Abraham] said to him,‘If vvv they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, vvv they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from [the] dead.’ ” 17 

Temptations and Trespasses

(Matthew 18:6–9, Mark 9:42–48)

[Jesus] said to the disciples,[fn]“It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe [ to the one ] through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him to have a large millstone[fn] hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than {to cause} one of these little [ones] to stumble.

Watch yourselves. If your brother sins against you,[fn] rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and returns seven times in that day[fn] to say,‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

The Power of Faith

(Matthew 17:19–20)

The apostles said to the Lord,“Increase our faith!”

And the Lord answered,“If you have faith the size vvv of a mustard seed, vvv you can say to this mulberry tree,‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and vvv it will obey you.

Which of you [whose] servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say,[fn]‘Come at once [and] sit down to eat’? 8 Instead, vvv won’t he tell him,‘Prepare vvv my meal and dress yourself to serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you may eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told? I think not.[fn] 10 So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say,‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done vvv our duty

The Ten Lepers

(2 Kings 5:1–14)

While vvv vvv [Jesus] was on His way to Jerusalem, He was passing vvv between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered one of [the] villages, He was met by ten lepers [They] stood at a distance 13 and raised [their] voices, shouting,“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

vvv When [Jesus] saw [them], He said“Go, show yourselves to the priests.”[fn] And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.

When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He fell vvv facedown at [Jesus’] feet in thanksgiving to Him — and he was a Samaritan.

“{Were} not [all] ten cleansed?” Jesus asked“Where then are the [other] nine? 18 Was no one found except this foreigner to return [and] give glory to God?”

Then [Jesus] said to him,“Rise [and] go; your faith has made you well

The Coming of the Kingdom

(Genesis 19:24–29)

When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, [Jesus] replied“The kingdom of God {will} not come with observable signs. 21 Nor will [people] say,‘Look, here [it is],’ or‘There [it is].’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.[fn]”

Then He said to the disciples,“[The] time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but vvv you will not see [it]. 23 [People] will tell you,‘Look, there [He is]!’ or‘Look, here [He is]!’ {Do} not go out [or] chase after [them]. 24 For just as the lightning flashes [and] lights up the sky from [one end] to the [other] so will be the Son of Man in His day.[fn] 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man: 27 [People] were eating [and] drinking, marrying [and] being given in marriage, up to [the] day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

It was the same in the days of Lot: [People] were eating [and] drinking, buying [and] selling, planting [and] building. 29 But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

It will be just like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, {let} no one on the housetop come down to retrieve his possessions Likewise, {let} no one in the field return for anything [he has] left behind. 32 Remember Lot’s wife! 33 Whoever tries to save[fn] his life will lose it, but whoever loses [his life] will preserve it. 34 I tell you, on that night two [people] will be in one bed: one will be taken and the other left. 35 Two [women] will be grinding grain vvv vvv together: one will be taken and the other left.”[fn] 36 

“Where, Lord?” they asked

[Jesus] answered“Wherever [there is] a carcass, there the vultures will gather.” 18 

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Then [Jesus] told them a parable about the[fn] need to pray at all times and not lose heart: 2 In a certain town there was a judge [who] neither feared God [nor] respected men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him,‘Give me justice [against] my adversary.’

For a while vvv he refused, but later he said to himself,‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, 5 yet because this widow keeps pestering me I will give her justice Otherwise she will wear me out with her perpetual requests

And the Lord said,“Listen to [the] words of the unjust judge. 7 {Will} not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? 8 I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, [when] the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others {with contempt}, He also told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One [was] a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself [and] prayed,[fn]‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men — swindlers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week [and] pay tithes of all that I acquire.’

But the tax collector stood at a distance, vvv unwilling even to lift up [his] eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast [and] said‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this [man], rather than [the Pharisee], went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the [one who] humbles himself will be exalted.”

Jesus Blesses the Children

(Matthew 19:13–15, Mark 10:13–16)

Now [people] were even bringing [their] babies to [Jesus] for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw [this], they rebuked [those who brought them].

But Jesus called [the children] to [Him] [and] said,“Let the little children come to Me, and {do} not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who vvv does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child vvv vvv will never enter it.”

The Rich Young Ruler

(Matthew 19:16–30, Mark 10:17–31)

Then a certain ruler asked Him“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied“No one [is] good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: vvv‘Do not commit adultery, vvv do not murder, vvv do not steal, vvv do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’[fn]”

“All these I have kept from my youth,” he said.

On hearing this, Jesus told him,“You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

But when [the ruler] heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.

Seeing [the man’s] vvv sadness,[fn] Jesus said,“How hard [it is] for the vvv rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Those who heard [this] asked,“Who then can be saved?”

But [Jesus] said,“What [is] impossible with man is possible with God.”

“Look,” said Peter,“we have left vvv all we had[fn] to follow You.”

“Truly I tell you,” [Jesus] replied“no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents[fn] or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 vvv vvv vvv will fail to receive many times more in this age — and in the age to come, eternal life.”

The Third Prediction of the Passion

(Matthew 20:17–19, Mark 10:32–34)

Then [Jesus] took the Twelve {aside} [and] said to them,“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything the prophets have written about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will flog [Him] [and] kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again.”

But [the disciples] did not understand any of these things. The meaning was hidden from them, and vvv they did not comprehend what He was saying.

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar

(Matthew 20:29–34, Mark 10:46–52)

As [Jesus] drew near to Jericho, a blind [man] was sitting beside the road, begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was [happening].

“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him

[So] he called out“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Those who led the way admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder,“Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped [and] directed that [the man] be brought to Him. When he had come near, [Jesus] asked him, 41 “What do you want Me to do for you?”

“Lord,” he said, vvv“let me see again.”

“Receive your sight!” Jesus replied“Your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed [Jesus], glorifying God. And all the people, [when] they saw [it], gave praise to God. 19 

Jesus and Zacchaeus

(Numbers 5:5–10)

Then Jesus entered Jericho [and] was passing through. 2 And [there was] a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, [who] was very wealthy. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but vvv could not [see] over the crowd because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead [and] climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since [Jesus] was about to pass that [way].

When [Jesus] came to that place [He] looked up and saw him[fn] and said“Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today.”

So [Zacchaeus] hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully. 7 And all [who] saw [this] began to grumble, saying,“He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man!”

But Zacchaeus stood up [and] said to the Lord,“Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated vvv anyone, I will repay [it] fourfold.”

Jesus said to him,“Today salvation has come to this house, because [this man] too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

The Parable of the Ten Minas

(Matthew 25:14–30)

While [the people] were listening to [this], [Jesus] proceeded to tell [them] a parable, because He was near Jerusalem and they thought the kingdom of God would appear imminently. 12 So He said,“A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. 13 Beforehand, [he] called ten of his servants [and] gave them ten minas.[fn]‘Conduct business [with this] until I return,’ he said

But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, vvv‘We do not want this [man] to rule over us.’

When he returned from procuring [his] kingship, he summoned [the] servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what each one had earned.[fn]

The first [servant] came forward [and] said,‘Master, your mina has produced ten {more} minas.’

[His master] replied‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

The second [servant] came [and] said,‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’

And to this one he said,‘You shall [have authority] over five cities.’

Then another [servant] came [and] said,‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth.[fn] 21 For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what vvv you did not deposit and reap what vvv you did not sow.[fn]’

[His master] replied‘[You] wicked servant, I will judge you by your [own words]. [So] you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what vvv I did not deposit and reaping what vvv I did not sow?[fn] 23 Why then vvv did you not deposit my money in [the] bank, and upon my return I could have collected it with interest?’

Then he told those standing by,‘Take the mina from him and give [it] to the [one who] has ten minas.’

‘Master,’ they said‘he [already] has ten

[He replied,] ‘I tell you that everyone who has will be given [more]; but the [one who] {does} not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.[fn] 27 And these enemies of mine who vvv were unwilling [for] me to rule over them, bring [them] here and slay them in front of me.’ ”

The Triumphal Entry

(Zechariah 9:9–13, Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, John 12:12–19)

After [Jesus] had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

vvv As He approached Bethphage[fn] and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent out two of His disciples, 30 saying,“Go into the village ahead [of you], vvv vvv [and] as you enter [it], you will find a colt tied [there], on which no one {has} ever sat. Untie it [and] bring [it here]. 31 If anyone asks‘Why are you untying [it]?’ tell [him],‘The Lord vvv needs it.’ ”

So those who were sent went out [and] found [it][fn] just as [Jesus] had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked“Why are you untying the colt?”

“The Lord vvv needs it,” they answered. 35 Then they led [the colt] to Jesus, threw their cloaks over [it], [and] put [Jesus] on [it]

As He rode along, [ the people ] spread their cloaks on the road. 37 And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully vvv in a loud voice for all [the] miracles they had seen:

“Blessed is the King who comes in [the] name of [the] Lord!”[fn]

“Peace in heaven and glory in [the] highest!”[fn]

But some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him,“Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!”

“I tell you,” He answered,“if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

(Isaiah 29:1–16)

As [Jesus] approached [Jerusalem] [and] saw the city, He wept over it 42 [and] said“If only you, even [you],[fn] had known on this day what [would bring] you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 For [the] days will come upon you [when] your enemies vvv will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will level you to the ground — you and [the] children within your [walls]. vvv They will not leave one stone on [another] because vvv you did not recognize the time of your visitation [from God].[fn]”

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

(Matthew 21:12–17, Mark 11:15–19, John 2:12–25)

Then [Jesus] entered the temple [courts][fn] [and] began to drive out those who were selling and buying[fn] there. 46 He declared to them,“It is written:‘My house [is][fn] a house of prayer.’[fn] But you have made it‘a den of robbers.’[fn]”

[Jesus] was teaching at the temple every vvv day, but the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people were intent on killing Him. 48 Yet vvv they could not find a way to do [so], because all the people hung vvv on His words. 20 

Jesus’ Authority Challenged

(Matthew 21:23–27, Mark 11:27–33)

One day [as Jesus] was teaching the people in the temple [courts][fn] and proclaiming the gospel, the priests[fn] and scribes, together with the elders, came up [to Him]. 2 “Tell us,” they said“by what authority are You doing these things, [and] who gave You this authority?”

vvv“I will also ask you one question,[fn]” [Jesus] replied“Tell Me: 4 John’s baptism — was it from heaven, or from men?”

They deliberated among themselves [and] said,“If we say,‘From heaven,’ He will ask,‘Why[fn] vvv did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say,‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced [that] John was a prophet.”

So they answered [that] vvv they did not know where [it was] from.

And Jesus replied“Neither {will} I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

(Matthew 21:33–46, Mark 12:1–12)

Then He proceeded to tell the people this parable:“A man planted a vineyard, rented it {out} to [some] tenants, and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect [his share] of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat [the servant] [and] sent him away empty-handed.

[So] vvv he sent another servant, but they beat [him] and treated him shamefully sending [him] away empty-handed.

Then vvv he sent a third, but they wounded him [and] threw [him] out.

‘What shall I do?’ asked the owner of the vineyard.‘I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him when they see [him].[fn]’

But when the tenants saw [the son], they discussed it among themselves [and] said,‘This is the heir. Come,[fn] let us kill him, [and] the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard [and] killed [him].

What then {will} the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”

And [when the people] heard [this], they said,“vvv May such a thing never happen!”

But [Jesus] looked directly at them [and] said,“Then what is the meaning of that which is written:

‘[The] stone the builders rejected

has become [the] cornerstone

Everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but vvv he on whom it falls will be crushed

Paying Taxes to Caesar

(Matthew 22:15–22, Mark 12:13–17)

[When] the chief priests and scribes[fn] realized that [Jesus] had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him vvv that very hour. But they were afraid.[fn]

So they watched [Him] closely [and] sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch [Him] in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. 21 “Teacher,” they inquired“we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

But [Jesus] saw through their duplicity [and] said to them,“Why do you test Me?[fn] 24 Show Me a denarius.[fn] Whose image and inscription are on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they answered.

So [Jesus] told them,“Give to Caesar what [is] Caesar’s, and to God what [is] God’s.”

And vvv they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people. And amazed at His answer, they fell silent.

The Sadducees and the Resurrection

(Matthew 22:23–33, Mark 12:18–27)

Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,[fn] came to question Him. 28 “Teacher,” they said,“Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies [and] leaves a wife but vvv vvv no children, vvv vvv [the man] is to marry [his brother’s] [widow] and raise up offspring for vvv [him].[fn] 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first [one] married a wife [but] died childless. 30 Then the second took her as wife, and he died childless.[fn] 31 And the third married [the widow], and in the same way [all] seven died, leaving no children. 32 And last of all, the woman died. 33 So then, in the resurrection, whose wife will she be? For [all] seven vvv were married to her.”

Jesus answered“The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy to share in the age [to come] and in the resurrection from [the] dead {will} neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like [the] angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God.

vvv Even Moses demonstrates that the dead are raised, [ in the passage ] about the [ burning ] bush. For he calls [the] Lord‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’[fn] 38 He is not [the] God of [the] dead, but of [the] living, for to Him all are alive.”

Some of the scribes answered“Teacher, You have spoken well!” 40 And[fn] vvv they did not dare to question Him any [further].

Whose Son Is the Christ?

(Matthew 22:41–46, Mark 12:35–37)

Then [Jesus] declared“How can it be said that the Christ is [the] Son of David? 42 For[fn] David himself says in [the] book of Psalms:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at My right hand

until I make Your enemies

a footstool for Your feet.” ’[fn]

Thus David calls Him‘Lord.’ So how can He be [David’s] son?”

Beware of the Scribes

(Mark 12:38–40)

In the hearing of all the people, [Jesus] said to His disciples,[fn] 46 “Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love [the] greetings in the marketplaces, [the] chief seats in the synagogues, and [the] places of honor at banquets. 47 [They] defraud widows [of their] houses,[fn] and for a show vvv make lengthy prayers. These [men] will receive greater condemnation.” 21 

The Poor Widow’s Offering

(Mark 12:41–44)

Then [Jesus] looked up [and] saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.[fn]

“Truly I tell you,” He said,“this poor widow has put in more than all [the others]. 4 For they all contributed to God[fn] out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Temple Destruction and Other Signs

(Matthew 24:1–8, Mark 13:1–8)

As some [of the disciples] were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, [Jesus] said, 6 “[As for] what you see here, [the] time will come vvv [when] not one stone will be left on [another]; [every one] will be thrown down.”

“Teacher,” they asked“when {will} these things happen? And what [will be] the sign [that] they are about to take place?”

[Jesus] answered,“See to it vvv that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming,‘I am [He],’ and,‘The time is near.’ Therefore[fn] {do} not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and rebellions, {do} not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end [is] not imminent.”

Witnessing to All Nations

(Matthew 24:9–14, Mark 13:9–13)

Then He told them,“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes in various places, famines and pestilences,[fn] along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

But before all [this], they will seize you and persecute [you]. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, [and] they will bring [you] before kings and governors. 13 This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses. 14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of vvv your adversaries will be able to contradict [or] resist.[fn]

You will be betrayed even by parents and relatives and friends and brothers,[fn] and [some] of you will be put to death. 17 And you will be hated by everyone because of My name. 18 Yet vvv not even a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.

The Destruction of Jerusalem

(Matthew 24:15–25, Mark 13:14–23)

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. 21 Then {let} those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, {let} those in vvv [the city] get out, and {let} those in the country vvv stay out of vvv [the city]. 22 For these are [the] days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.

How miserable those days [will be] [for] pregnant and nursing [mothers]! For[fn] there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by [the] edge of [the] sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by [the] Gentiles, until [the] times of [the] Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Return of the Son of Man

(Matthew 24:26–31, Mark 13:24–27)

There will be signs in [the] sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by [the] roaring of [the] sea and [the] surging of the waves. 26 Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 vvv At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.[fn] 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

(Matthew 24:32–35, Mark 13:28–31)

Then [Jesus] told them a parable:“Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves [and] know that summer is near. 31 So also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation vvv vvv will not pass away until all [these things] have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words vvv vvv will never pass away.

Be Watchful for the Day

But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and [the] worries of life — and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. 36 So keep watch at all times, [and] pray that you may be deemed worthy[fn] to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

[Every] day [Jesus] taught at the temple, but [every] evening He went out to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 And early in the morning all the people {would come} to hear Him at the temple.[fn] 22 

The Plot to Kill Jesus

(Matthew 26:1–5, Mark 14:1–2, John 11:45–57)

Now the Feast of Unleavened [Bread],[fn] called [the] Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put [Jesus] to death for they feared the people.

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

(Matthew 26:14–16, Mark 14:10–11)

Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was [one] of the Twelve. 4 And [Judas] went to discuss with the chief priests[fn] and [temple] officers how he might betray [Jesus] to them. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 [Judas] consented, and began to look for [an] opportunity to betray [Jesus] to them in the absence of [a] crowd.

Preparing the Passover

(Matthew 26:17–19, Mark 14:12–16)

Then came the day of Unleavened [Bread] on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. 8 [Jesus] sent Peter and John, saying,“Go [and] make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

“Where do You want us to prepare [it]?” they asked

He answered vvv vvv“When you enter the city, a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters, 11 and say to the owner of that house,‘The Teacher asks Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there.”

So they went [and] found [it] just as [Jesus] had told them. And they prepared the Passover.

The Last Supper

(Matthew 26:20–30, Mark 14:17–26, 1 Corinthians 11:17–34)

When the hour had come, [Jesus] reclined at the table with His twelve[fn] apostles. 15 And He said to them, vvv“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before My suffering. 16 For I tell you that vvv vvv vvv I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

After taking [the] cup,[fn] [He] gave thanks [and] said,“Take this and divide [it] among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that vvv vvv I will not drink of the fruit of the vine vvv until[fn] the kingdom of God comes.”

And He took [the] bread, gave thanks [and] broke [it], and gave [it] to them, saying,“This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way, after supper [He took] the cup, saying,“This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.[fn]

vvv Look! The hand vvv of My betrayer [is] with Mine on the table. 22 Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.”

Then they began to question among themselves which of them was going to do this.

Who Is the Greatest?

A dispute also arose among [the disciples] [as to] which of them should be considered [the] greatest. 25 So [Jesus] declared“The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. 26 But you [shall] not [be] like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the [one who] leads like the [one who] serves. 27 For who [is] greater, the [one who] reclines at the table or the [one who] serves? [Is it] not the [one who] reclines? But I am vvv vvv among you as [one who] serves.

You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father has bestowed [one] on Me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at My table[fn] and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

(Matthew 26:31–35, Mark 14:27–31, John 13:36–38)

And the Lord said,[fn]“Simon, Simon Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, [ Simon ], that your faith vvv will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

“Lord,” said [Peter]“I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.”

But [Jesus] replied,“I tell you, Peter, [the] rooster {will} certainly not[fn] crow today before[fn] you have denied three times that you know Me.”

Then [Jesus] asked them,“When I sent you out without purse [or] bag [or] sandals, vvv did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

“Now, however,” He told them,“the [one] with a purse should take [it], and likewise a bag; and the [one] without a sword should sell his cloak and buy [one]. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must yet[fn] be fulfilled in Me:‘And He was numbered with [the] transgressors.’[fn] For [what is written] about Me is reaching its fulfillment.”

So they said,“Look, Lord, here [are] two swords.”

“That is enough,” He answered

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

(Matthew 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42)

[Jesus] went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples[fn] followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He told them,“Pray vvv that you will not enter into temptation.”

And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, [where] He knelt down [and] prayed, 42 “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him [and] strengthened Him. 44 And in [His] anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.[fn]

When [Jesus] rose from prayer [and] returned to the disciples,[fn] He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” He asked“Get up [and] pray so that vvv you will not enter into temptation.”

The Betrayal of Jesus

(Matthew 26:47–56, Mark 14:43–52, John 18:1–14)

While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the [man] called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.[fn] 48 But Jesus asked him,“Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Those around [Jesus] saw what was about to happen [and] said to Him,[fn]“Lord, vvv should we strike with [our] swords?” 50 And vvv one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered“No more of this!” And [He] touched the [man’s] ear [and] healed him.

Then Jesus said to [the] chief priests, temple officers and elders who had come for Him,“Have you come out with swords and clubs as [you would] against an outlaw? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple [courts],[fn] vvv [and] you did not lay a hand on Me. But this hour belongs to you and to the power of darkness.”

Peter Denies Jesus

(Matthew 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72, John 18:15–18)

Then they seized [Jesus], led [Him] away, and took Him into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed at a distance.

[When] [those present] had kindled a fire in [the] middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated in the firelight and looked intently at him.“This [man] also was with Him,” she said.

But [Peter] denied Him.[fn]“Woman, vvv I do not know Him,” he said.

A short time later, someone else saw him [and] said,“You also are one of them.”

But Peter said,“Man, I am not.”

About an hour later, vvv another [man] insisted vvv“Certainly this [man] was with Him, for he too is a Galilean.”

“Man, vvv I do not know what you are talking about,” Peter replied.

And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster[fn] crowed. 61 And the Lord turned [and] looked at Peter.

Then Peter remembered the word that the Lord had spoken to him“Before [the] rooster crows,[fn] you will deny Me three times.” 62 And Peter went outside[fn] [and] wept bitterly.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

(Isaiah 50:4–11, Matthew 27:27–31, Mark 15:16–20, John 19:1–15)

The men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him [and] beat [Him]. 64 They blindfolded Him and kept striking Him in the face [and] demanding“Prophesy! Who vvv vvv hit You?” 65 And they said many {other} blasphemous things against Him.

Jesus before the Sanhedrin

(Matthew 26:57–68, Mark 14:53–65, John 18:19–24)

vvv vvv vvv At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, [both the] chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin[fn] [and] said, 67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.”

[Jesus] answered“If I tell you, vvv vvv you will not believe. 68 And if I ask [you] a question, vvv vvv you will not answer Me nor release Me.[fn] 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at [the] right hand of the power of God.”[fn]

So vvv they all asked,“Are You then the Son of God?”

He replied“You say that I am.”

“Why do we need any more testimony?” they declared.“We have heard [it] for ourselves from His own lips.” 23 

Jesus before Pilate

(Matthew 27:11–14, John 18:28–40)

Then the whole council rose [and] led [Jesus] {away} to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying,“We found this [man] subverting the nation,[fn] forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

So Pilate asked Him“Are You the King of the Jews?”

“You have said [so],” [Jesus] replied

Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds,“I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

But they kept insisting“He stirs up the people all over Judea [with His] teaching. He began in Galilee [and has come] all the way here.”

Jesus before Herod

When Pilate heard of Galilee,[fn] he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 And learning that [Jesus] was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, [who] himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard many things[fn] about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. 9 [Herod] questioned [Jesus] at great [length], but He gave no answer

Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes[fn] stood there, vehemently accusing Him. 11 And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked [Him]. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.

vvv vvv That day Pilate and Herod[fn] became friends before this [time] they had been vvv enemies

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

(Matthew 27:15–23, Mark 15:6–11)

Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 [and] said to them,“You brought me this man as [one who] was inciting the people {to rebellion}. I have examined [Him] here in your presence [and] found vvv vvv [Him] not guilty of your charges against Him. 15 Neither [has] Herod, for I sent you back to him.[fn] As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. 16 Therefore I will punish Him [and] release [Him].”

Now [Pilate] was obliged to release to [the people] one [prisoner] at [the] feast.[fn] 18 But they all cried out in unison“Away with this [man]! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 ([Barabbas] had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, 21 but they kept shouting“Crucify [Him]! Crucify Him!”

A third [time] he said to them“What evil {has} this [man] done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release [Him].”

But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for [Jesus] to be crucified. And their clamor and [that] of the chief priests[fn] prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced [that] their demand be met. 25 As they had requested, he released[fn] the [one] imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over to their will.

The Crucifixion

(Psalm 22:1–31, Matthew 27:32–44, Mark 15:21–32, John 19:16–27)

As [the soldiers] led Him away they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, [and] they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.

A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him. 28 But Jesus turned to them [and] said,“Daughters of Jerusalem, {do} not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 Look, [the] days are coming vvv when [people] will say,‘Blessed [are] the barren [women], the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’ 30 At that time

‘vvv they will say to the mountains,“Fall on us!”

and to the hills,“Cover us!” ’[fn]

For if [men] do these things [while] the tree [is] green, what will happen [when] [it is] dry?”

Two others, [who were] criminals, vvv were also led away to be executed with [Jesus].

When they came to the place called The Skull,[fn] they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on [His] right and [the other] on [His] left.

Then Jesus said,“Father, forgive them, for vvv they do not know what they are doing.”[fn] And they divided up His garments by casting lots.[fn]

The people stood watching, and the rulers with them[fn] sneered at [Him],[fn] saying,“He saved others; let Him save Himself if [He] is the Christ, the Chosen [One] of God.[fn]”

The soldiers also mocked Him [and] came up to offer Him sour wine.[fn] 37 “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said,“save Yourself!”

Above Him was [posted] an inscription written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:[fn]

THIS [IS] THE KING OF THE JEWS.

One of the criminals who hung [there] heaped abuse on Him. vvv“If You are the Christ,” he said,“save Yourself[fn] and us!”

But the other [one] vvv rebuked him, saying,“{Do} you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? 41 We [ are punished ] justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But [this] man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus,“Lord,[fn] remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

And Jesus said to him,“Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The Death of Jesus

(Psalm 31:1–24, Matthew 27:45–56, Mark 15:33–41, John 19:28–30)

It was now about [the] sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until [the] ninth hour.[fn] 45 The sun was darkened,[fn] and the veil of the temple was torn down [the] middle.

Then Jesus called out vvv in a loud voice“Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.”[fn] And when He had said this, He breathed His last.

When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying,“Surely this was [a] righteous man.[fn]” 48 And [when] all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned [home] beating their breasts. 49 But all those who knew [Jesus], including [the] women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.

The Burial of Jesus

(Isaiah 53:9–12, Matthew 27:57–61, Mark 15:42–47, John 19:38–42)

Now [there was] vvv vvv a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, 51 [who] vvv vvv had not consented to their decision [or] action. [He was] from [the] Judean town [of] Arimathea [and] himself[fn] was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 He went to Pilate to ask [for] the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one vvv had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, [and the] Sabbath was beginning.[fn]

The women who vvv had come with [Jesus] from Galilee followed, [and] they saw the tomb and how His body was placed. 56 Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment. 24 

The Resurrection

(Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, John 20:1–9)

On the first [day] of the week,[fn] very early in the morning, {they} and certain other women with them came[fn] to the tomb, bringing [the] spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, vvv they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.[fn] 4 vvv vvv While they were puzzling[fn] over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.

As [the women] bowed [their] faces to the ground vvv in terror, [the two men] asked them,“Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into [the] hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ ”

Then they remembered His words. 9 And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary [the mother] of James, and the other women with them [who] told [this] to the apostles. 11 But their[fn] words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe [the women].

Peter, however, got up [and] ran to the tomb. And [after] bending down [and] seeing only the linen cloths lying [there],[fn] he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

The Road to Emmaus

(Mark 16:12–13)

vvv vvv vvv That same day two of them were going to a village vvv called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up [and] walked along with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

He asked them,“What vvv vvv vvv vvv are you discussing so intently as you walk along with sadness on your faces?”[fn]

The one named Cleopas[fn] asked Him,“{Are} You the only visitor to Jerusalem [who] {does} not know the things that have happened vvv [there] in recent days?”

“What things?” He asked

“The events involving Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered“[This] man was a prophet, powerful in speech and action before God and all the people. 20 [Our] chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to [the] sentence of death, and they crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping He was the [One who] would redeem Israel. And besides all this, today[fn] is [the] third day since these things took place.

Furthermore some of our women astounded us. They were at the tomb early,[fn] 23 but vvv they did not find His body. They came [and] told [us] they had seen a vision of angels, who said that [Jesus] was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found [it] just as the women had described. But Him vvv they did not see.”

Then [Jesus] said to them,“O foolish [ones], and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 vvv Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what [ was written ] in all the Scriptures about Himself.

As they approached the village where they were headed, He seemed to be going farther. 29 But they pleaded with Him“Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

So He went in to stay with them. 30 While He was reclining [at the table] with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke [it], [and] gave [it] to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized [Jesus] — and He vvv disappeared from [their sight].

They asked each other,“Were not our hearts burning within us[fn] as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 And they got up [that] very hour [and] returned to Jerusalem.

[There] they found the Eleven and those with them, gathered together 34 [and] saying“The Lord vvv has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon!”

Then [the two] told what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized [Jesus] in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

(John 20:19–23, 1 John 1:1–4)

While they were describing these [events], Jesus Himself stood vvv among them and said“Peace [be] with you.”[fn] 37 But they were startled and vvv frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.

“Why are you troubled,” [Jesus] asked“and why {do} doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see — for a spirit {does} not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 And [when] He had said this, He showed them [His] hands and feet.

While they vvv were still in disbelief because of [their] joy and amazement, He asked them,“Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb,[fn] 43 and He took [them] [and] ate [them][fn] in front of them.

[Jesus] said to them,“These [are] the words I spoke to you while I was still with you Everything must be fulfilled that [is] written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and [the] Psalms.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

And He told them,“This [is] [what] is written: And thus it is necessary that[fn] the Christ will suffer and rise from [the] dead [on] the third day, 47 and in His name repentance and[fn] forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

And behold,[fn] I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But vvv remain in the city of Jerusalem[fn] until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension

(Mark 16:19–20, Acts 1:6–11)

[When] [Jesus] had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands [and] blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him [and] returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 praising and blessing God[fn] vvv continually in the temple.