Prologue

1 1While I am known by many names, I serve the one name that is above all others.
2 3

This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, Son of the living God. As others have before, and still others hence, I have attempted to set down an orderly account of what has taken place. 4I have collected the accounts of those who witnessed these things first had, the accounts of their witnesses, other sources of authority, as well as those things I have seen with my own eyes. 5I have written down these things so that you also might see, and in seeing, believe1. Many things have been said and written of him. 7There are those who say he was God among us and there are those who say he only a man or was not at all. 8And still there are those who say he was some sort of mysterious in between. 9There are those who say he performed many signs and miracles and there are those who say he did nothing of the sort. 10 There are those who say he died for us, while others say he did not. 11There are those who say he was raised from the dead, and others who say he was not. 12There are those who say he fulfills something foretold long ago and those who wait for another who is to come and still others who wait for no one at all. Yet the truth of these things lies not in what we say he is or he is not. 14The truth, the truth that surpasses all knowledge and understanding, lies only in him for the truth has been revealed in and through him. 15We either see it, or we do not. 16We either believe it, or we do not. 17I have set down this account of these things in the hope that your eyes might be opened to the truth, the truth that has been revealed in Jesus of Nazareth. The Call of John the Baptist This was the word of the LORD that was written by the Prophets, See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me. 19A voice cries out in the wilderness: prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 20It was said that every valley would be lifted up, and every mountain and hill would be made low; the uneven ground would become level, and the rough places made a plain2. 21The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight -- indeed, he is coming3. 23The LORD would send the prophet Elijah as a sign before the great day of the LORD would come4. 24The coming of Elijah would signal a new beginning, when all things would be reconciled with God.
18 13 6

1 2

See Luke 1:1-4 See Isaiah 40:3-4 3 See Malachi 3:1 4 See Malachi 3:23-24

This was the word that was fulfilled in John, the messenger of God. 26John, who would become known as the Baptist, was a descendant of Aaron the brother of Moses and therefore also of a priestly line that was established by King David. 27John had been thoroughly instructed in the Law and all of its teachings. 28He served as his fathers apprentice and assisted Zechariah with the priestly responsibilities. 29John was certain that he would follow in the ways of his father and himself become a priest of that order (which was called Abijah, the eighth of the twenty-three orders5). 30John grew in knowledge and wisdom and his father Zechariah delighted in him. Once when Zechariah was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 32Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.6 33John was left alone in the outer chamber outside of the sanctuary, for only the appointed priest could enter the sanctuary and offer incense. 34 Suddenly John heard a voice ask, John, what are you doing here? 35John looked around the outer chamber but saw no one. 35Again the voice asked, John, what are you doing here?7 36 Again, John saw no one and he was afraid. The voice said, Go into the wilderness of Judea, and by the waters of the Jordan, I shall anoint you as my messenger. 38Then John threw himself to the ground and covered his face, for it was said, no one can see the LORD and live.8 39The voice said to John, Get up, do not be afraid. 40I am sending you out, to prepare the way for the one to come. 41You will call the people to return to me and declare to them that the reign of God has come near. 42You will baptize them with water, but one who is more powerful is coming, you will see him, and he will baptize with the Holy Spirit.9 Then John said, But Lord, should not someone older and wiser, like my father, be the messenger of God? 44The voice said, "Does a father know his own child? 45So it is that I know you, and greater still. 46Just as a parent has raised a child, I have raised you. 47Do not say, 'I am too young' or I am not wise; for you shall go where I send you, and you shall speak what I have commanded you to speak. 48Do not be afraid, for I am with you and the spirit of Elijah I have given to you. 49I have put my words in your mouth and in your heart and you will be my
43 37 31

25

5 6

See 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 See Luke 1:8-10 7 See 1 Kings 9, 13 8 See Exodus 33:20 9 See Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16

messenger to the people.10 God had commanded him.

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So John left his fathers house and went into t he wilderness as

Jesus visits Zechariah & Elizabeth

2 1It was some time after John had left the house of Zechariah that Jesus came down to
Judea from Nazareth in Galilee. 2His mother, brothers and sisters had gone ahead of him and were staying at the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were their relatives. 3It was nearly the time of Passover and many Jews were making their way to Jerusalem for the festival (which is in Judea). 4When he entered the house and did not see John among them, Jesus said, I do not see my brother John. Where is he?, for they were like brothers. Zechariah said, He has gone out of his mind.11 6He has gone into the wilderness to live like a wild man, feeding on locusts and wild honey.12 7He brings great shame upon his family for leaving this house. 8Zechariah was broken-hearted and filled with anger. 9He did not know that the Lord had said to John, Go into the wilderness of Judea, and by t he waters of the Jordan, I shall anoint you as my messenger. 10Johns mother Elizabeth said to Jesus, John was like your brother. Go and speak to him. He will listen to you and he will return to us. 11Jesus said, I will go and speak to my brother. The Proclamation of John the Baptist Early the next day, Jesus rose and went up to Bethany, which lies along the Jordan just two miles from Jerusalem. 13As he made his way to Bethany, he came upon a great crowd gathered along the river. 14He asked, Why are the people gathered here? 15A man nearby replied, We have come to hear the great prophet. We have come to hear the messenger of God. 16Another man said, Some say that he is Elijah who has come to announce the coming of the Lord. 17Jesus was amazed, for there had been no prophets in the land for many years. A man appeared on the other side of the Jordan. He wore a garment o f camels hair and a leather belt around his waist.13 19Jesus saw that it was John. 20John was the great prophet. 21He was the messenger of God that all of the people were coming to see. 22John said, This is the word of the Lord. 23 People of Israel, remember the words I spoke to you through the prophets from long ago. 24See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me. 25A voice cries out in the wilderness: prepare the way of the LORD, make straight
18 12 5

10 11

See Jeremiah 1:7-10 See Mark 3:21 12 See Matthew 3:4, Mark 1:6 13 See Matthew 3:4, Mark 1:6

in the desert a highway for our God.14 26Repent, turn away from the emptiness of the world. 27 Do not set your mind to human things. 28You must turn your whole heart and soul to the things of God. 29Repent, turn to God. 30Repent and see the signs of Gods reign breaking in. 31 See and believe that it is near. Jesus watched and was amazed as all the people who were gathered there went down to the river to repent of their sins and to be baptized by John. 33As he baptized them, he said, I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful is coming, and he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.15 34After the people were baptized many remained there along the Jordan, waiting for the one to come. 35Many believed he would be revealed there. Jesus Stays with John in the Wilderness After all of the people had been baptized, John saw Jesus standing alone on the other side of the river. 37John smiled and said to him, Brother, it is good to see you. Come and join me on this side of the river. 38Jesus crossed the river and joined with John. 39Knowing why Jesus had come, John asked, What news have you from my fathers house? 40Jesus said, Your father has said he is out of his mind.16 41John replied, What do you say? 42Jesus said, I have heard those who say you are a prophet from past days. 43Others have said you are Elijah who has been sent to announce the coming of the Lord. 43But what do you say? Who do you say that I am?17 44Jesus smiled and said, We will see. 45Then you must stay until you have seen, said John. 46And Jesus stayed with John in the wilderness for seven days.
36 32

3 1And for seven days Jesus stayed with John near Bethany along the Jordan.
3

Day after

day, people came to hear John speak and to be baptized by him. Even the Sadducees and Pharisees came to hear John, but only so that they might be seen by the people as righteous. 4 On the third day, they came hoping to trap him and turn the people against him. 5They asked him, "Who are you?" 6John replied, "I am not the Messiah (who is called Christ). I am not the one who is to come." 7And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah? Are you the prophet?" Let us have an answer. What do you say about yourself?" 8John said, "It is as I have said. I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God,' as the prophet Isaiah said. 9They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing?" 10John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his

14 15

See Isaiah 40:3-4 See Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16 16 See Mark 3:21 17 See Matthew 16:15, Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20

sandal."18 11He will baptize with the Holy Spirit. 12And when he said this, he looked at Jesus, but Jesus did not see that John was looking at him. The people continued to come to John and be baptized by him. 14There were Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs, all places of the Dispersion and all of the places of the world that came to the Jordan.19 15Even the Gentiles came when they heard there was a prophet in Israel. Jesus saw these things and was amazed. 16He remembered the words of Moses, Return to the LORD your God and obey God with all your heart and with all your soul, then the Lord your God will restore you and have compassion on you, gathering you from all the peoples among whom the LORD your God has scattered you. 17Even if you are exiled to the ends of the world, from there the LORD your God will gather you, and from there the Lord will bring you back to the place that God has chosen.20 Jesus is Baptized For four more days, Jesus pondered these things in his heart.21 19After four days, Jesus came to John and asked, What is to prevent me from being baptized?22 20John said, Nothing, for you have been given all that is required for baptism. 21And Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. 22As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descending upon him like a dove. 23Suddenly he heard a voice came out of the heavens that said: "You are My beloved Son, in you I am well-pleased."23 24John looked at Jesus and said, I need to be baptized by you, and yet you have come to me.24 Jesus is the One Foretold by John Jesus said to John, When I came up out of the water, I saw the heavens open and I heard a voice say, You are My beloved Son, in you I am well-pleased. 26John replied, I heard the voice also. 27It was the same voice that said to me, I am sending you out, to prepare the way for the one to come. 28You will baptize them with water, but one who is more powerful is coming, you will see him, and he will baptize with the Holy Spirit. 29It was the same voice that told me he is the one when I saw you standing on the other side of the river. 30That is why I said, Brother, it is good to see you.
25 18 13

18 19

See John 1:19-27 See Acts 2:9-11 20 See Deuteronomy 30:2-4, 12:5 21 See Luke 2:19 22 See Acts 8:36 23 See Matthew 3:16-17, Mark 1:10-11, Luke 3:21-22 24 See Matthew 3:14

Jesus remembered the words of the prophet Isaiah and said this, The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; God has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners. 32God has sent me to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor. 25 33John replied, Now that I have seen you, I must go to the neighboring towns; to continue to prepare the way before you, for that is what I have been called to do.26 34You must increase and I must decrease. Your hour is coming.27 35 Jesus replied, I am ready. 36And John left him and traveled throughout Judea proclaiming the good news and calling the people to repentance. Great crowds continued to gather wherever John appeared. 38They were amazed by the things he said, for no one had spoken with such authority since the days of the prophets. 39 They asked him, Who is this person you speak of? Who is the one to come? 40John said, I have seen him and you will see him also. 41They asked, When will we see him? 42John replied, His hour has not yet come. John is arrested One day, John was preaching near Jerusalem. 44Many people had come from around Judea and the city, including some Pharisees, Sadducees and temple scribes. 45John said, Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? 28 46The temple of God is not a building. 47God does not reside behind brick and mortar. 48God lives within us. 49 You are Gods holy temple. 50Prepare yourselves for the coming of the Lord. 51The scribes and Pharisees were angry for he had said, The temple of God is not a building. 52They wanted to destroy him, but were afraid of the people, for they said John was a prophet. Again, John was preaching outside of Jerusalem. 54He began to say things about Herod. John said to the people, Remember the word of the Lord spoken through Samuel, 56 These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots, to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. 57 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 58He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. 59He will take onetenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers. 60He will take the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his work. 61He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. 62And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves.29
55 65 53 43 37

31

Now we have not a king, but a tyrant. 64Herod has done all this and far greater evil. He is a usurper who takes the throne of God by force and does violence to the Law of God by

63

25 26

See Isaiah 61: 1-2, Luke 4: 18-19 See Mark 1:38 27 See John 3:30 28 See 1 Corinthians 3:16 29 See 1 Samuel 8:7-18

lying with his brothers wife. 66We have a tyrant of the world because you have turned away from the Lord your God. 67You have cut yourselves off from God and rejected the LORD as your sovereign. 68And the people cried out, What do we do? 69John replied, Repent, turn to God and be ready for the one who is to come. 70Herods spies were in the crowd, and they reported to him everything that they saw and heard. 71When Herod heard this, he was greatly angered, for John had said, Herod is a tyrant. 72He sent his guard out by night to arrest John in secret for fear of the people. John is Executed So when John was captured, they took him to Machaerus, a fortress that lies on the far side of the Salt Sea. 3Herod thought to himself, John can do no harm to me. 4I have locked him away on the far side of the sea. 5He will be forgotten soon enough. 6Herod was content to leave John in prison. 7But then some Sadducees who had heard John say, The temple of God is not a building, came to Herod, seeing an opportunity to destroy John. 8They said to him, John speaks of one to come, one more powerful than he and that he has seen him. 9When Herod heard this, he was greatly distressed. Who is he? Who is this one to come? Herod asked. 10They replied, We do not know. After this, Herod sent word to those guarding John to question him about the one to come. They asked him, Who is this one to come that you speak of? 13John replied, The people who have walked in darkness will see a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them the light will shine.30 14He is the light of the world.31 15In him, there is no darkness. 16They replied, Do not speak to us in riddles! Give us his name! 17Then they began to beat him to so that he would confess the name. 18John said, His is the name that every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that he is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.32 19His answer kindled their anger and they beat him savagely.
12 11

4 1Herod said, I must send John away.

Those guarding John sent word to Herod saying, He will not tell u s. What shall we do with him? 21Herod was afraid that this one would lead the people against him. 22Could this one be the Messiah? What shall I do? he wondered. 23Kill him. said the Sadducees, Make him an example to the people. 24Herod then sent orders for John to be beheaded in the prison and Johns head brought to him.33 25His body was put on display outside of the city as a sign to the people. 26When Johns disciples had heard what happened to him, they were afraid and went away to their homes. Jesus is Tested in the Wilderness
30 31

20

See Isaiah 9:2 See John 8:12, 9:5 32 See Philippians 2:10-11 33 See Matthew 14:10-11, Mark 6:24

While all this was taking place, Jesus remained in the Wilderness, preparing himself for what was to come. 28When Jesus had heard that John had been killed he was deeply grieved and he began to weep. 29He cried out, I have lost my brother! I have lost more than a brother! 30Led by the Holy Spirit, he left and went to a lonely place deep in the wilderness to mourn. 31For forty days he fasted and prayed day and night. 32After that time, he became very hungry. Suddenly, a man appeared before Jesus. 34Jesus said to him, Where have you come from? 35The man replied, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.34 36What do you want? Jesus asked. 37First, let me ask you, what is your name? What shall I call you? said the man. 38Jesus replied, I am who I am.35 39The man replied, I have seen you. You are the one whom the Baptist spoke of. 40Seeing that Jesus was hungry, the man said to him, If you are the one to come, command these stones to become bread. 41 Jesus said to him, It is written, man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.36 The man took Jesus to a very high mountain overlooking Jerusalem. He said, I have seen what is to become of you. 43Where is it written that the anointed one will suffer? 44 Jesus said, It is written, Happy are those who trust in the Lord with all their heart, for God will act.37 45The man replied, If that is true, then throw yourself from here, for it is written, For God will command the angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 38 46On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. 47Jesus said to him, Do not put the LORD your God to the test.39 48Now leave me Satan! I will not bow to you, for it is written, You shall worship the Lord, and serve only the Lord God. 40 49After this, Satan left him and Jesus returned to Galilee. 50From that time on Jesus began to proclaim, The time is fulfilled, and the reign of God has come near, repent, and believe in the good news. 41 Jesus Calls the First Disciples One day, Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum. There he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, who had been disciples of John. 4They were casting their nets out into the sea, for they were fishermen. 5Jesus called out to them, Simon and Andrew, follow me and I will make
3 42 33

27

5 1Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God.

34 35

See Job 1:7-8 See Exodus 3:14 36 See Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4 37 See Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 3:5, 16:20 38 See Psalm 91:11-12 39 See Deuteronomy 6:16 40 See Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13 41 See Mark 1:15

you fishers of men. 6Immediately they left their nets and followed him, for John had said to them, He is the one to come.42 Going on from there, he saw two more brothers, James and John, with their father Zebedee. 8They were mending nets along with their fathers hired servants. They too were fishermen. 9Jesus called out to them, James and John, follow me and I will make you fishers of men. 10James responded, We must be about our fathers business. 11Jesus smiled and said, What you have said is true. We must be about our Fathers business. Now come and follow me. 12When he said this, James and John left their father with his servants and followed Jesus.43 Jesus in Capernaum When the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue with his disciples and began to teach the people. 14They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as someone having true authority, not like the scribes. 15They began to whisper about him, Who is this man? Is he the one to come? Is he the one that John spoke of? Is this Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah? As they were saying this, a man disturbed with an unclean spirit entered the synagogue. 17Immediately he began shouting curses at the people. 18Some tried to grab hold of him and remove him by force, but Jesus said to them, Stop, leave him be. 19The unclean spirit said, I have seen you Jesus of Nazareth. You are the one the Baptist spoke of. Have you come to destroy me O Holy One of God? 20But Jesus rebuked him saying, Be silent, and come out of this man! 21When Jesus said this, the unclean spirit threw the man down and, convulsing and crying out, the unclean spirit left him. 22Those who were witnesses were amazed by what they had seen. 23Many of the people began to say, This Jesus speaks with authority and power! Even the unclean spirits must obey him! 24Some wanted to become his disciples. 25Others said, It was a trick. This man is one of his disciples. 26But the man said of Jesus, I had not seen him until today. After this, Jesus and his disciples left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew. 28The news of what Jesus had done spread throughout Capernaum. 29By evening, the whole city had gathered at the house of Simon and Andrew. 30They came bringing those who were sick or had unclean spirits, and he cured all who came to him. 31The people were amazed by his deeds. Early the next day, when it was still dark, Jesus got up and went to a lonely place to pray. Simon and the others looked for him but they could not find him. 34When Simon found him he said, Master, where have you been? Everyone is looking for you. 35Jesus answered,
33 32 27 16 13 7

42 43

See Matthew 4:18-20, Mark 1:16-18, John 1:34-36 See Matthew 4:21-22, Mark 1:19-20, Luke 5:10-11

Let us go from this place. I did not come to do signs and wonders. Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there, for that is what I came to do. 44 As Jesus and his disciples left Capernaum, a man came to him and asked, Who are you? Jesus said, I am the Son of Man. 38Who is the Son of Man? Are you the one to come? Are you the Messiah? he asked. 39Jesus said, The Son of Man is looked upon but not seen, heard but not listened to, made known but not understood.45 40He said this because of what they had seen and heard and still, they did not repent.
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Jesus in Bethsaida

6 1After this, Jesus and his disciples made their way along the sea until they came to
Bethsaida, the place where Simon and Andrew were from. 2On the day of the Sabbath, Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach. 3He said, Repent, turn your hearts to the Lord, for the reign of God draws near. 4The blind will receive their sight, the lame will walk, the lepers will be cleansed, the deaf will hear, the dead will be raised, and the poor will have good news brought to them.46 5The people wondered to themselves, What teaching is this? Is this the man who did deeds of power in Capernaum? After he had finished teaching and was leaving the synagogue, some people who had heard him say, the blind will receive their sight brought to him a blind man. 7They said, If what you say is true, give this man his sight. 8Jesus said, True are the words of the prophet Isaiah. You listen but you do not hear. You look, but you do not understand. 47 9Jesus then took the blind man by the hand and walked with him. 10When the people could no longer see them, Jesus asked the blind man, Do you believe in the Son of Man? 11The man said, I do not know the Son of Man. Tell me so that I may believe in him. 12Jesus said, You will see him, and the one speaking to you is he. 13The blind man said, Lord, I want to see. 14Jesus then spit on the ground and made mud. He took the mud and spread it over t he mans eyes. 15Jesus asked him, What do you see? 16The man replied, I see people, but they look like trees walking. 17Jesus then put his hands over his eyes again and said, Now, understand and believe. 18When the man opened his eyes, he saw everything clearly. 19He immediately ran back to the village telling the people what Jesus had done for him. 20The people were astonished by this deed of power, but still, they did not repent and turn to God.48 The Call of Philip and Nathaniel A man named Philip was among the people when the man said, The man Jesus has given me my sight! 22When Philip heard this; he remembered what Jesus had said. 23Filled
44 45

21

See Mark 1:21-38 See Isaiah 6:8-10 46 See Deuteronomy 35:5, Matthew 11:5, Luke 7:22 47 See Isaiah 6:9 48 See Mark 8:22-25, John 9:35-38

with excitement, he ran and found his friend Nathaniel (who was also called Bartholomew). 24 Philip said to him, I have seen the one whom Moses and the prophets wrote! I have seen the one whom the Baptist spoke of! It is Jesus of Nazareth! 25Nathaniel replied, Can anything good come out of Nazareth? As he was saying this, Jesus appeared and was walking towards them. 27Smiling, he called out, Nathaniel! Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit and no deceiving. 28 Nathaniel was amazed and said, How do you know me? 29Jesus said, Come and follow me and you will see greater things than this. 30And from that time on, Philip and Nathaniel followed Jesus. Jesus in Chorazin From there, Jesus and his disciples made their way to Chorazin. 32As was his custom; Jesus went to the synagogue to teach. 33As before, the people were amazed, for he taught with great authority as they had never heard before. 34They said, This is the man who did great things in Capernaum and Bethsaida. What powerful deeds will he do for us? 35They waited for him to perform some sign for them. 36Jesus knew their hearts and was angered. 37He said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation."49 38Then Jesus left them there. As he and his disciples were leaving the synagogue, a man came to him with a boy in his arms. 40He cried out, Lord! Have mercy on my only son. He is near death. 41Jesus saw him and had compassion for him. 42Jesus said, Give the boy to me. What is his name? 43His name is Isaac, the man replied. 44Jesus took the boy in his arms and walked a short distance with his back to them. 45Suddenly they heard the boy laughing. 46Jesus put the boy down and he ran to his father. 47The man said, Glory be to God! Praise to you Lord for what you have done! 48Jesus said, I did nothing. It was your faith that made the boy well. 49News of what Jesus had done spread throughout Chorazin, but still, the people did not repent. Jesus in Nazareth50 From there, Jesus and his disciples traveled to his hometown of Nazareth. 51By the time they had reached Nazareth, word of his deeds had spread throughout Galilee. 52When the people learned he was going to Nazareth, they followed him hoping to see a sign. 53On the Sabbath, Jesus went into the synagogue and began teaching and they were astonished, for they had known him. 54They said, Where did this man get this teaching? Is he not the son of Mary? Is this not the brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon? Are not his sisters among us? How does he know these things? He is just the son of a carpenter. 55And they took offense at him. Many of them began to say, He has gone out of his mind.
50 39 31 26

49 50

See Mark 8:12 See Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6a, Luke 4:16-30

When his family had heard that Jesus was in Nazareth and that people were saying, He has gone out of his mind, they went to restrain him. 57They had not seen him since he went to see John in the Wilderness. 58His brother James said to him, You bring great shame upon your family for leaving your fathers house. You have abandoned your own widowed mother! 59Jesus said, Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." 60He then turned to his disciples and said to them, Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."51 61Jesus was amazed at their unbelief and was deeply grieved in his spirit. 62He could do no deed of power there because of their lack of faith. 63As they were leaving, Jesus said to his disciples, Go and wait for me at the house of Simon and Andrew. 64Simon said to him, Master, let us go with you. 65Jesus said, Where I am going, you cannot follow me.52 66 Then Jesus left them and went to a lonely place. The Call of Lebbaeus

56

7 1Seven days after saying, Go and wait for me at the house of Simon and Andrew,
Jesus was traveling along the road to Capernaum. 2While traveling along the road, a notorious bandit came upon him, intending to rob him. 3Jesus said to him, Why do you seek to take by force what I would freely give to you? Tell me what you seek, that it may be given to you 4The bandit said, I do not know. 4Jesus replied, You are right to say I do not know, for if you did know, you would follow me. 5Then Jesus asked him, What is your name? 6The bandit replied, I am known by many names. 7Jesus asked him, But by what name does your Father know you? 8He replied, To some I am known as Judas or Thaddeus, but my father knows me as Lebbaeus. Who are you? asked the bandit. 9Come and see.53 And Lebbaeus followed him. Jesus Returns to Capernaum After this, Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with Lebbaeus and said, Peace be with you.54 11Simon was angry, for he knew Lebbaeus was a bandit. 12Simon said, Why have you brought this man here? He is a bandit! He is a murderer and a thief! Is he to be one of us? 13Simon, you see the sin of your brother so clearly, do you not see your own? 14 Is his sin greater than your own sin? 15Truly I say to you, you must take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brothers eye.55 The Call of Matthew-Levi
10

51 52

See Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 31-35, Luke 8:19-21 See John 13:36 53 See John 1:39, 46 54 See John 20:19, 21 55 See Matthew 7:3-5, Luke 7:41-42

As they were leaving that place, Jesus saw a tax collector named Matthew sitting at a tax booth. 17He said to him, What are you doing here? 18Matthew replied, This is how I make my living. I am a tax collector. 19Tax collectors were despised by the people. 20Jesus asked him, Are you the son of Alphaeus? Are you his son Levi? 21Matthew replied, Yes, I am. But I do not use that name because I am a tax collector and it brings shame upon my fathers house. 22Jesus said to him, Then follow me and use the name your Father gave you. 23 Matthew replied, How will I live? 24Jesus said, Levi, the LORD God of Israel will be your living.56 25From that time on, Levi left everything to follow Jesus. The Parable of the Sower Jesus and his disciples walked along the sea until they came to Gennesaret. 27Once again when the Sabbath came, Jesus went to the synagogue where the people were gathered. 28 He then began to teach them in parables. 29He said, Listen! This is what the reign of God is like: A sower went out to sow. 30And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 31Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. 32And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. 33Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 34Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold." 35And he said "Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" 36And the people were amazed, for they had never heard anyone teach in this way.57 37They had heard John preach of the one to come and they wondered among themselves, Is this man he? As they were leaving the synagogue, his disciples asked him, Master, why did you teach them in that way? 39Jesus said, The reign of God is not of this world. 40I teach them in this way so that they may understand that which they cannot know, for they know only of the world. 41I teach in this way so that they might see the reign of God. 42Simon said to him, Master, tell us the meaning of the parable? 43Jesus replied, The meaning of the parable is this. The sower is God and the seed is the word of God. 44First, there is the path on which the seeds fell. These are the ones who hear the word but are not ready to receive it. 45Then there is the rocky ground. These are the ones who hear the word and receive it, but only a short time. 46As soon as they receive their desires, or experience persecution on account of the word, they fall away. 47There are the thorns. These are the ones who forsake the word for the desires of the world and the lure of material things. 48We are to be the good soil. 49We are to be the people who hear the word, accept the word and bear fruit of the word. 50We are to be known by our fruit.58 51Simon asked him, What is our fruit? 52Jesus said to them, By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."59
38 26

16

56 57

See Joshua 13:33 See Matthew 13:3-9, Mark 4:1-9, Luke 8:5-8 58 See Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8:11-15 59 See John 13:35

A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed60 After this, a great crowd gathered around him. 54They pleaded with him to teach them about the coming reign of God and to see a sign like those they had heard about. 55Then one of the leaders of the synagogue, a man named Jairus, came and fell at the feet of Jesus. 56He begged Jesus saying, My little daughter is near death. I have heard what you did in Chorazin. 57 Come and lay your hands on my daughter; that she might be made well also. 58Filled with compassion, Jesus said to him, Take me to her. As they were leaving, the crowd continued to press in on him. 60In the crowd there was a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. 61She had suffered greatly at the hands of many physicians and had spent all that she had only to grow worse. 62Because of her affliction, she could not live in the town for she was called unclean. 63But when she heard that Jesus was in the town, she came up through the crowd and touched his cloak as he passed. 64 She thought to herself, If I could just touch his garments, I would be made well. 65The moment she touched him, she could feel that she was made well. Even as the crowd pressed in on him, Jesus felt someone touch him as he passed. 67He said, Who touched my garments? 68His disciples replied, All of these people press in on us and you ask, who touched my garments? 69Jesus looked and saw the woman who had touch him. 70The woman, knowing what had happened to her, was filled with fear. 71Trembling, she threw herself at his feet and confessed, It was I who t ouched your garments! Forgive me! Have mercy on me Lord! 72Jesus knelt down, took her by the hand and said, Woman, look at me. 73When she looked up, she saw Jesus smiling at her, and she was no longer afraid. 74He said, Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. At that moment, a servant named Thomas from the house of Jairus came to him and said, Master, your daughter is dead. We need not trouble the teacher any further. 76Jairus was overcome with grief. 77But overhearing what had been said, Jesus said to Jairus, Do not be afraid. You came to me out of faith. Have faith now. 78From there they want to the house of Jairus. When they came to the house, a great crowd had gathered there. 80They were mourning for the girl who had died and were weeping and wailing loudly. 81Jesus said to them, Why do you mourn? The girl is only sleeping. 82When they heard this, they laughed at him and ridiculed him, for they had seen the dead girls body. 83Jesus said to them, You will soon see. 84He then went into the house with the girls mother and father and his disciples who had come with him. 85Jesus came to the room where the girl body lay and knelt beside her. 86He reached out and stroked her forehead and whispered to her, Little girl, get up. 87 Immediately, she opened her eyes and got up, and ran to her parents. 88They were amazed and overcome with joy. 89Smiling, Jesus said, See, she was only sleeping. Now give her something to eat. 90When the people saw the little girl walking about they were astounded.
60

53

59

66

75

79

See Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56

91

And after this, all of the people who had gathered there, all who had followed Jesus to the house, and all who heard of what had happened, everyone repented and turned their hearts to God. The Call of Thomas

8 1Jesus remained there for three days, teaching the people about the reign of God.
2

After this, many people would follow Jesus as his disciples. 3As Jesus was leaving, the servant named Thomas came to him and said, Teacher, I have said in my heart there is no god.61 4I do not believe in what I cannot see. Yet I have seen what I cannot believe! 5He was speaking of the girl that had been raised to life. 6Jesus smiled and said to him, Then follow me so that you will see and believe. 7And from that time, Thomas became a disciple of Jesus. The Light of the World62 From there, Jesus and his disciples continued along the sea and came to the place called Magdala. 9On the Sabbath, Jesus and his disciples went to where the people were gathered. 10He asked them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lamp stand? 11They people replied, No! 12Jesus said to them, You are the light of the world, yet you hide your light from the world. 13Let your light shine before all people in such a way that they may see the light of your good works and glorify God who is in heaven. 14Let anyone with ears to hear, listen! The Parable of the Mustard Seed63 He then said to them, "With what can we compare the reign of God, or what parable will we use for it? 16It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 17yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." 18With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 19 He spoke this parable and other parables many times, in the many places they traveled to. The people were amazed by his teaching. 21Not even John had spoken to them in this way. 22They wondered if he was the Messiah (who is called Christ), the one that would restore the kingdom of Israel. 23By the time he had finished speaking, a great crowd had gathered. 24 People came from the surrounding countryside and from the places he had already been. 25 They brought with them those who were sick and suffering and by the evening, he had healed many. 26They said, Surely he is the Messiah. Someone who teaches in this way and has this power must be the one that will restore the land.
20 15 8

61 62

See Psalm 14:1, 53:1 See Matthew 5:14-16, Mark 4:21, Luke 11:33 63 See Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19

Jesus and Mary of Magdala When evening had come; they brought to him a young woman who had been tormented seven years by seven unclean spirits. 28They said to him, Lord, we know you have the power to drive out demons. 29Have mercy on this poor child of Israel. 30She is tormented night and day and the spirits cause her to harm herself. 31It was late in the day and he was very tired, but Jesus saw the woman and had compassion for her. 32The spirits cried out, Holy One of God, We are not one, but seven. Do you think you can destroy all of us? 33Jesus shouted, Leave this woman, never to return! 34She fell to the ground, screaming and convulsing and then became still. 35Many thought she was dead. 36Jesus knelt down beside her and touched her shoulder. 37When he touched her she opened her eyes and saw Jesus. 38He asked her, What is your name? 39She said, My name is Mary. 40Jesus smiled at her and said, Be well, Mary of Magdala. 41And after this, Mary followed Jesus. Jesus is Challenged by Some Pharisees Now there were some Pharisees in the crowed that had seen and heard all these things take place. 43The Pharisees were strict believers in the Law. 44They said, Look! This man does what is forbidden on the Sabbath! 45They were took offense at him, for he did these things on the Sabbath and because the people listened to him and they were jealous of him. 46 Knowing what was in their hearts, Jesus replied, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?64 47What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 48How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." 65 49And they were silent. 50Angered that he had bested them, from that day forward they looked for a way to trap him. Judas Iscariot By this time many people, men and women, followed Jesus as his disciples. As he entered the city, a merchant who had come from Judea came to him and said, I heard John preach in Judea of the one who is to come. I know you are the one he spoke of. 4I have come from Judea so that I might follow you, and if need be, to die for you. 5Jesus asked him, What is your name? 6He said, My name is Judas, son of Simon of Kerioth (which is in Judea). 7Jesus said to him, Take your place.
3 42 27

9 1From here they traveled to Tiberias, the capital of Herods realm in Galilee.

Jesus and the Law As he entered the gate Tiberias, many who believed he would take the city as a sign that he would restore the kingdom of Israel. 9Instead, he did as before, and began teaching
64 65

See Mark 3:4 See Matthew 12:11-12

people about the reign of God and calling them to repent. 10At that time, there were many different peoples living in the city. 11Someone in the crowd asked him, Teacher, who will enter into Gods reign? Who will be saved? 12Jesus said, God shows no partiality. 13All who have sinned apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law (that is, the Gentiles), and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law (that is, the Jews). 14For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God's sight, but the doers of the law who are righteous in the sight of God. 15When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the Law, are a law to themselves. 16They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, and true repentance and faith are matters of the heart.66 17 So God will save the Gentiles? another asked. 18Jesus replied, Have you not heard me? Do you not listen? There were some Pharisees standing outside the city gate, for devout Jews did not enter that city, for it was considered by some to be unclean. 19They asked him hoping to trap him, Is the Law to be abolished? 20Jesus replied, I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. 21I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.67 22You follow the letter of the Law rather than the Spirit of the Law. 22You hypocrites! You condemn others when you yourselves are condemned. "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' 24But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment. 25So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 26leave your gift there before the altar, go and first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 27Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him or her, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 28 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 30But I say to you that everyone who looks on another with lust has already committed adultery of the heart. 31If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 32And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. Cut out those things that causes you to stumble and sin. Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.' 34But I say to you, do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot
33 29 23 18

66 67

See Romans 2:11-16 See Matthew 5:17

make one hair white or black. 37Let your 'Yes be Yes and your 'No be No; anything more than this comes from the evil one. "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father who is God in heaven; for God makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.68
44 43 38

The Call of Simon the Zealot After Jesus had finished speaking, a man came to him. 50He was a Zealot who plotted violence against Rome. 51When he heard Jesus say, Love your enemies, he became angry. 52 He said to him, Jesus, it is because of people like you that we are being killed all day long, and accounted as sheep for the slaughter.69 53Jesus said to him, I have come to proclaim the good news of Gods reign, yet everyone seeks to enter it by force.70 54All who take up the sword will perish by the sword.71 55We do not need more people to die for God. 56What is needed is for more people who will live for God. 57Follow me, and be a Zealot for life, not death. 58And Simon put down his sword and followed him. The Call of James, Son of Alphaeus That evening Jesus and his disciples stayed at the home of a man called Alphaeus. Many people came to him and all who came, he made well. 61After the people had gone home, he was very tired. 62All of his disciples had fallen asleep and there was no place left for Jesus. 63Jesus said, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests ; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."72 64But James, the youngest son of Alphaeus was still awake and he offered his own bed to Jesus. 65Jesus asked him, Why are you still awake? 66James replied, How can I sleep after all I have seen and heard? 67Jesus smiled and said to him, Truly, I tell
60 59 49

68 69

See Matthew 5:21-48 See Psalm 44:22 70 See Luke 16:16 71 See Matthew 26:52 72 See Matthew 8:20, Luke 9:58

you, you are not far from the reign of God.73 68Follow me and you will see greater things still. 74 69 And James left the house of his father to follow Jesus. Jesus & Herod

10 1The Pharisees who stood outside the gate sent word to Herod of all they had seen
and heard. 2They said, The people say that he is Elijah, or John the Baptist come back to life. 3 Others say that he is the Messiah, the Blessed One of God who will restore the kingdom of Israel. 4By this time, the name of Jesus was already known to Herod. 5He had heard that some where saying "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." 6He had heard others saying, "It is Elijah," and others saying, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 7Hearing these things, he was distressed and said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."75 8From that time on, he was determined to have Jesus killed also. While Jesus was still in Tiberias, some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 10He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out unclean spirits and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 11Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.'76 12And he remained three days, until his work was finished there. 13From there, he went out with his disciples and began to proclaim the good news freely, and to spread the word, until he could no longer go into any town openly because of the great crowds, but stayed out in the country; 14and people came to him from every quarter and every walk of life.77 Jesus Appoints the Twelve78 By this time, there were many disciples who followed Jesus. 16He took his disciples up to a nearby mountain and there he spent the whole night in prayer. 17When day had come; he called all of his disciples together and appointed twelve from among them. 18He chose Simon (who would be called Peter) and Andrew (who had followed John), James and John (the Sons of Zebedee, who he also called the Sons of Thunder), Philip of Bethsaida, Nathaniel (who asked, Can anything good come from Nazareth?), Lebbaeus (who was a bandit), Levi (who was a tax collector), Thomas (who doubted), Simon (whom he called Zealot), James (son o f Alphaeus) and Judas Iscariot.
15 9

73 74

See Mark 12:34 See John 1:50 75 See Mark 6:14-16 76 See Luke 13:31-33 77 See Mark 1:45 78 See Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19a, Luke 6:12-16

And the others that followed him number around 50 persons, including some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary of Magdala, from whom seven demons had gone out, 20and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Mary the mother of James the younger and Joses, Salome, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.79 Jesus Foretells his Death & Resurrection the First Time Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 22He said all this quite openly. 23And Simon took him aside and began to rebuke him. 24But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Simon and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 80 25Yet there were those among his disciples that did not believe the true Messiah would suffer. 26Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 26So Jesus asked the Twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 27Simon answered him, "Lord, where can we go? We will go only where you send us.81 The Mission of the Disciples Jesus called together those who remained with him and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 29He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 30and only the clothes on their backs. 31He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 32If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them. 33Go, and I will see you again in Capernaum." 34So they went out and proclaimed the good news of the reign of God and that all should repent. 35They cast out many unclean spirits, and made well many who were sick.82 When the disciples returned, they gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 37He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 38And they went away to a deserted place by themselves. 39Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 40 As Jesus and his disciples arrived, they saw a great crowd; and Jesus had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.83
36 28 21

19

79 80

See Mark 15:40-41, Luke 8:2-3 See Matthew 16:21:23, Mark 8:31-33, Luke 9:22 81 See John 6:66-68 82 See Matthew 10:5-16, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6 83 See Mark 6:30-34

The Great Sermon

11 1Then he looked up at the crowd and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours
is the kingdom of God. 2Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 3"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you1 on account of the Son of Man. 4Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 5 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 6 "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. 7"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.84 Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. 9"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 10But I tell you, on the Day of Judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 11And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.85 As in Tiberias he said to them, I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 13bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 14If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 15Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 16Do to others as you would have them do to you. 17"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 18If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 19But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 20Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 21Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 22give, and it will be given to you.86 Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 24For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for
84 85

12

23

See Luke 6:20-26 See Matthew 11:21-23 86 See Luke 6:27-38

everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.87 25You do not have, because you do not ask. 26 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.88 "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; 28for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 29The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.89 30This is why it matters not what you eat (for the diet of the Jews was restricted by the Law). 31It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles."90 32You see, whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer. 33But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 34For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 35These are the things that defile a person, matters of the heart."91 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you? 37I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. 38That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. 39But the one who hears and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house."92 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.93 41None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.94 42For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 43For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?95 Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 45So whenever you give your offering, do not
87 88

27

36

40

44

See Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-10 See James 4:2-3 89 See Luke 6:43-45 90 See Matthew 15:11 91 See Matthew 15:17-20 92 See Luke 6:46-49 93 See Mark 8:34 94 See Luke 14:33 95 See Mark 8:35-36

sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that you may be seen and praised by others. Truly I tell you, those who do such things have received their reward. 46But when you give your offering, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your offering may be given in secret; and God who sees these things will reward you. 47And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen and admired by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to God and God who sees these things will reward you. 49When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases for many think that they will be heard because of their many words. 50Do not be like them, for God knows what you need before you ask. 51Pray then in this way: Our God in heaven, praised be your name. 52May Your reign come upon the earth. May Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 53Give us this day our daily bread. 54And forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven those who have sinned against us. 55And lead us not into temptation, but free us from the evil one. 56For if you forgive others wrongs against you, God will also forgive you; 57but if you do not forgive others, neither will God forgive you. 58Only those who know what it means to be forgiven by God can know what it means to forgive their neighbor. "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 60But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 61so that your fasting may be seen not by others but only by God, and God will see all these things and will reward you. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 63but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 64For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 65No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and hate the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 67Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 68And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 69And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, 70yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 71But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much
66 62 59 48

more clothe you -- you of little faith? 72Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' 73For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed God knows that you need all these things. 74But strive first for the reign of God and that righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 75So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.96 Feeding of the 5,00097 Seeing that it was very late, his disciples came to him and said, Master, it is very late. Send the people away so that they might go to the surrounding towns and villages to buy something to eat. 3Jesus said to them, You give them something to eat. 4Andrew replied, We do not have enough to feed ourselves. How are we to feed so many? It would take a years wages to buy enough food for all of these people. 5Jesus said, You were right when you said, we do not have enough to feed ourselves. 6You say this not because you do not have enough bread, but because you have little faith. 7For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to a mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."98 And he said to them, "How many loaves have you? Go and see." 9When they had found out, they said, "Five, and two fish." 10Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. 11So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. 12 Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. 13And all ate and were filled and there was much that remained leftover. 14 Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men, to say nothing of the women and children that were there also. Jesus Stills a Storm99 After this, Jesus said farewell to them and he and his disciples got in the boat of Simon and Andrew. 16Simon asked, Master, where are we going? 17Jesus said, Take us to the other side. 18Simon said, Master, on the other side of the sea is the land of the Gerasenes. We cannot go there (for Jews did not mix with Gentiles). 19Jesus turned to him and said, Simon, did you not say we will go only where you send us? 20I am sending you to the other side, to the land of the Gerasenes because that is where my Father is sending me. 21You may stay here,
15 8

12 1When Jesus had finished saying these things, it was very late.

96 97

Matthew 6:1-34 See Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10b-17, John 6:1-15 98 See Matthew 17:20 99 See Matthew 8:24-27, Mark 4:37-41, Luke 8:23-25

but that is where I am going. boat with Jesus.

23

22

And Simon was ashamed for what he had said and he got in the

When they were halfway across, a great storm came upon the sea. 24Many waves beat against the boat so that it was already becoming swamped with water. 25The disciples were terrified. 26They went to where Jesus was and found him sleeping at the back of the boat on a cushion. 27They cried out, Master, do you not care that we are about to die? 28He said to them, Leave me be. 29Again they cried out, Master, we should not have come here! This is Gods judgment! We are about to die! 30Jesus got up and said to them, Do you not see? He then rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Peace. Be still. 31Immediately, it became perfectly calm. 32Jesus then returned to his place at the back of the boat and went to sleep. 33 The disciples were amazed and afraid. 34They said to themselves, Who is this man that wind and sea obey him? Only God has power over the waters. Parable of the Prodigal Son When Jesus and his disciples arrived on the other side, there was a great crowd waiting for him. 36They had heard that there was a great prophet in Israel who was casting out unclean spirits, giving sight to the blind and making the sick well again. 37They came in great numbers and he had compassion for every man, woman and child. 38He remained there until all were made well. 39Then he began to teach them, as was his custom. Jesus told them this parable: "There was a man who had two sons. 41The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me. 'So he divided his property between them. 42A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered everything he had in dissolute living. 43 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 44So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 45He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 47I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 48I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands." ' 49So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 50Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 51But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe -- the best one -- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 52And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 53for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
46 40 35

"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 55He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 56He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' 57Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 58But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 59But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' 60Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 61But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"100 62And all who heard him were amazed by his teaching. They said, Truly, there is a great prophet in Israel. Jesus Drives out the Legion101 As they were getting into the boat, a naked man who had been hiding among the tombs accosted them. 3He was mad, for many unclean spirits had entered him. 4He struck several of the disciples, but they could not subdue him. 5He ran upon Jesus, intending to do him harm, but as he approached Jesus shouted to him, Peace. Be still. 6Immediately the man became still. The man asked him, What would you do with us Jesus of Nazareth, Son of the Most High God? We beg you, do not torment us! 7Jesus asked them, What is your name? 8He said, We are Legion, for we are many. 9Jesus said to them, Leave him! And immediately, they left him. Many people had seen what had taken place, for they were not far from where he had been teaching. 11They had known the man who had the Legion, for he had tormented the people for many years. 12When they saw that he was clothed and in his right mind, and sitting at the feet of Jesus, they were afraid. 13They asked, Who is this man who has such great power? 14They were seized with such fear that they asked Jesus and his disciples to leave and to take the man with them. 15The man begged Jesus that he might go with him. 16He said, I will go wherever you go Master, to the ends of the earth! 17Jesus said, You must follow me by a different path. Go and declare among this people all that God has done for you. 18So the man went and proclaimed throughout the surrounding towns and villages all that Jesus had done for him. Jesus and the Pharisees When Jesus and his disciples came to the shore, they were greeted by a large crowd. Among the crowd were the sick, the blind, those who were lame, as well as some sinners including some prostitutes and tax collectors. 21All had come to listen to Jesus. 21Some
20 19 10

54

13 1After this, Jesus and his disciples returned to their boat.

100 101

See Luke 15:11-32 See Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39

Pharisees and scribes were also in the crowd, grumbling and saying, Look! This man welcomes sinners and mixes with Gentiles! 22Jesus heard their grumbling and told them a parable. "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 24When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 25And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 26Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 28When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 29Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."102 Yeast of the Pharisees & Herod As they were leaving that place, Jesus began teaching his disciples privately. 31He said, "Watch out -- beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod." 32They said to one another, "It is because we have no bread." 33And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 34Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? 35When I broke the few loaves and fed the five-thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?" They said to him, "We collected many." 36 Then he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"103 Peters Declaration about Jesus104 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" 38And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 39He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" 40And they were silent, but Simon answered him, "You are the Messiah. 41 Jesus said to him, You have said this because of what you have seen. Greater things than this you, all of you, will declare in the time to come. Simon, son of Jonah, you are to be called Peter (which means rock). 42On this rock, I am building a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? 43I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert and all things will be reconciled with God.105
37 30 27 23

102 103

See Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-10 See Matthew 16:6-12, Mark 8:15-21 104 See Matthew 16:13-15, Mark 8:27-29, Luke 9:18-20 105 See Isaiah 43:19

Jesus Foretells His Death & Resurrection a Second Time106 Again he revealed to them how he would suffer greatly. He told them he would be handed over to the religious authorities and rejected by the people. 4He told them of how he would be crucified, buried and raised the third day. 5He told them these things quite plainly in their hearing, but they would not believe him.
3

14 1After he had said this, he again told his disciples of the things to come.

The Transfiguration107 Jesus then took with him Peter, James and John to a high mountain to pray. 7While they were praying, Jesus was transfigured before their eyes. 8His face became different and shone like the sun. 9His clothing became a brilliant white as though it were light. 9Suddenly two men appeared, they were Moses and Elijah, 10and they began speaking with him but his disciples could not hear what they were saying. Peter then said, Master, it is good for us to be here. 12Let us make three shelters: one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. 13They did not understand. 14Before Peter had finished speaking, a cloud formed them and kept the disciples from seeing them. 15Peter, James and John were terrified, for it was written, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining108 and and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.109 16They cried out, Surely we will perish here! And they hid their faces, for they were afraid to see. 17Then they heard a voice coming from the cloud saying, This is my beloved Son, in him I am well-pleased. Listen to him! 18When they looked up, they saw no one except for Jesus, and they were alone with him. Greatness & Forgiveness110 As they came down from the mountain and rejoined the others, James and John came to Jesus. 20They said to him, Master, grant this request of ours. 21Jesus said, What is it you ask of me? 22They said, We see that you are the one who is to come, the one whom John spoke of. Grant that we may sit on your right and on your left when you come into your glory. 23 Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking. Besides, what you ask is not mine to give you. 24You say that you see, but you are blind. 25And the others were offended at James and John for having asked this of him. As they left that place, Jesus said to them, Do not be angry with them, for they have only asked what has been on the hearts of all of you. 27Those who wished to be seen as great
106 107

11

19

26

See Matthew 17:22-23, Mark 9:30-32, Luke 9:43b-45 See Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, Luke 9:28-36 108 See Exodus 34:35 109 See Exodus 16:10 110 See Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45

lord it over those they see as beneath them. 28This is not how it is to be among you. 29Those who wish to become great must first become a servant of others. 30I did not come for greatness. I did not come to be served. I came to serve. 31And as I have come to serve, you too must serve if you are to be my disciples. 32Those who humble themselves will be exalted in the reign of God to come. Still angry over the request of Zebedees sons, Peter asked him, What do I do if a brother sins against me? 34Jesus replied, "If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one and that is cause for much rejoicing. 35But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 36If the brother or sister refuses to listen to them, tell it to the body; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the body, leave them alone. 37Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the body sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 38Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy times seven times.111 39After that, we may cast them out? 40Jesus said, If you are so petty, then you are the one in need of forgiveness. Jesus Raises a Widows Son112
33

15 1Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd
went with him. 2As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. 3When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep. Give me your son.113" 4Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" 5The man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. He smiled and said, See, your son is alive.114 6And all of them were amazed; 7and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on his people! 8Now we know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth." 9These words about him began to spread into Samaria and Judea and all throughout the surrounding country. Jesus and Johns Disciples115 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Jordan near Salim; to a place where John had baptized many people because the water was abundant there.116 11When he came to that place, there was a great crowd there and he made well all those who were suffering from every
111 112

10

See Matthew 18:15-22 See Luke 7:11-17 113 See 1 Kings 17:19 114 See 1 Kings 17:23 115 See Matthew 11:4-5, Luke 7:22 116 See John 3:23

form of illness. 12After this, some disciples of John came and asked him, The Baptist spoke of one who is to come. Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another? 13Jesus said to them, Go and tell the people what you hear and see: 14the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 15Blessed are those who see these things and understand. Jesus in Samaria And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 17but they did not receive him (for Jews and Samaritans were set against each other), because, like many Jewish pilgrims, his face was set toward Jerusalem. 18When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?"117 19Jesus laughed and said, What a foolish thing to say! For if fire came to consume all who do not see, who would be left? 20Then they went to another village. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 22Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. 23A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." 24(His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 25The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans) 26Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." 27The woman said to him, "Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 28Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?" Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 30but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." 31The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water." 32 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back." 33The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; 34for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!" The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 36Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but your people say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." 37Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 38You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 39But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks
117

16

21

29

35

See Luke 9:52-54

such as these to worship him. and truth."

41

40

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit

The woman said to him, "I know that there is one to come who is called Messiah" (that is the Christ). "When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us." 42Jesus smiled and said to her, "I am he, the one who is speaking to you." 43Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, and a Samaritan at that, but no one said, "What are you doing?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?" 44Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 "Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the one to come, can he?" 45They left the city and were on their way to him.118 46Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I have ever done." 47 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 48And many more believed because of his word. 49They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world." 119 50And he stayed with them for two days making people well who were sick and suffering and teaching them about the reign of God. 51And many of them believed that he was the one to come and they turned their hearts to God. Jesus Criticized by the scribes and Pharisees place, he entered into Judea and came to a place called Arimathea. When he arrived there, a great crowd was waiting for him, including many scribes, Pharisees and some of the religious leaders of the temple. 3They said to him, Do you wish to give what is holy? 4Would you take the food given for the children and throw i t to the dogs? 5 They were referring to the Samaritans. 6Jesus replied, Even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the childrens crumbs that fall from the masters table.120 7But truly, I tell you, those whom you call dogs in this world will be called children by the God of heaven.
2

16 1After Jesus left that

Good Samaritan121 Then Jesus said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 9Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 10So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 11But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 12He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 13The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when
118 119

See John 4:5-30 See John 4:39-42 120 See Matthew 15:26-27, Mark 7:27-28 121 See Luke 10:30-37

I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' 14 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" 15The people said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." 16The people were amazed by what he said, 17but the scribes, Pharisees and religious leaders were angry, for he had heard him say, Go and do like the Samaritan. 18Secretly they agreed among themselves he had to die. Jesus is warned by Joseph After this, one of the religious leaders, a man named Joseph who lived in that place came to Jesus. 20He said, You must leave this place quickly, for there are those who intend to kill you. 21Jesus asked him, Why have you told me this? Are these men not your brothers? 22 Joseph replied, These men are not my brothers. Whoever does the will of God is my brother. 23Jesus asked him, Do you believe in the one to come? Do you believe in the Son of Man? 24Joseph answered him, I believe in the one to come, I have seen him, and I believe that you are him. 25Jesus smiled at him and said, Joseph, you are not far from the reign of God. 26And Jesus stayed with him until he left that place and taught him about the things that were to take place. Jesus at Bethel From there, Jesus led his disciples to a lonely place near Bethel. 28While they were sleeping, Jesus went away from them to pray. 29During the night, Lebbaeus awoke, but he could not find Jesus. 30He searched for him and found him praying alone. 31Master, you should not be wandering alone. I will stay with you. 32Jesus said to him, I am never alone for my Father is always with me. Still, come and pray with me. After they had finished praying and were walking back to where the others were, Jesus said to him, Lebbaeus, do you know that your master will be taken away from you? 34 Lebbaeus replied, Yes I know, but do not speak of these things. 35Jesus said, I must speak of these things so that you will see and understand what is taking place. 36Lebbaeus said to him, Master, I want to see. I want to understand. 37Jesus asked him, What may I do for you and your brothers before I am taken from you? 38Lebbaeus replied, Give us your spirit so that we will see and understand. 39Jesus said to him, You have asked a hard and difficult thing, but nothing is impossible for God. 40But truly I tell you, you will see me as I am taken from you and after this you will be given the Holy Spirit. 41Lebbaeus kept this in his heart, but did not yet understand what Jesus was saying.122 Jesus and the Little Children And from there, they went to the other villages of Judea proclaiming the good news of the reign of God, and he made well those who were suffering. 43When they came to a certain
122

19

27

33

42

See 2 Kings 2:1-10

place, people were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples spoke sternly to them (for children were not to disturb the teacher). 44But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the reign of God belongs. 45Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the reign of God as a little child will never enter it. 46If any of you do not welcome these little ones, or put a stumbling block before those who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea.123 47 And he took the children up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.124 Jesus and the Sinful Men

17 1As they were leaving that place, some of the scribes and Pharisees brought forth
two men who had been caught lying together; and making them stand before all of the people. 2 They said to him, "Teacher, these men have been caught in the very act of lying together. 3 Now the Law of Moses says, If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; 3they shall be put to death; their blood is upon them.125 4Such men must be put to death. Now what do you say?" 5They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him, that they might have him killed. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at them." 8And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the two men standing before him. 10Jesus straightened up and said to them, "Where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 They said, "No one, sir." He asked the first man, Do you love this man? 12The first man replied, With all of my heart. 13He asked the same of the second man who also replied, With all of my heart. 14Jesus smiled and said to them, "Neither do I condemn you. Go on your way."126 Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead After this, Jesus and his disciples left that place and made their way towards the home of Lazarus of Bethany. 16While they were on their way, two messengers came bearing a message from the sisters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. 17The message said, Lord, he whom you have known many years and love like a brother is very ill.127 18He sought to leave immediately, but the great crowds that followed him prevented him from going.
15 6

123 124

See Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, Luke 17:2 See Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17 125 See Leviticus 20:13 126 See John 8:3-11 127 See John 11:3

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 21and many of the Pharisees and other religious leaders had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 22 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 23Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 24 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him." 25Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 26Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." 27 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 28 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 29She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the one who has come into the world."
20

19

When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." 31And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 32Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 33Those who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 34When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." 35When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 36He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus began to weep. 37So the people said, "See how he loved him!" 38But some of them said, "Could not he who has opened the eyes of the blind have kept this man from dying?" Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 40Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days." 41Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 42So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard me. 43I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me." 44When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 45The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." 46Many of those therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and other religious leaders and told them what Jesus had done. 48So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting and said, "What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. 49If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation." 50 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all! 51You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed." 52He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, 53and not for the nation only,
47 39

30

but so that the dispersed children of God would be united together. planned to have him put to death.128 Jesus in Jericho

54

So from that day on they

18 1After this, the news of what Jesus had done had spread so that the people pressed
in on him. 2Because the time of his suffering had not yet come; he left that place and went to Jericho. 3But word of Jesus works had already come to that place and a great crowd was already waiting for him. 4They pressed in on him and his disciples and they were shouting for him to perform some sign and begging to be made well. 5They cried out, Raise my father from the dead! Turn these stones into fish! Bless us that we might be wealthy! Along the roadside a blind man was sitting, begging from those who passed by. 7When he heard the crowd passing by, he asked what was happening. 8Many who passed by did not see him and many trampled him as they walked along. 9He cried out, What is happening? 10 One person finally told him, It is Jesus of Nazareth who is passing by. 11When he heard this, the blind beggar cried out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! 12One man who was standing in front of him told him to keep quiet and another turned around and insulted him and kicked him. When the who kicked him turned around, Jesus was standing on front of him looking at him. Jesus shouted, What are you doing? 15The man said nothing, for he was afraid. 16 Angry, Jesus asked him again, What are you doing? 17Again, the man had no answer. 18 Jesus said to the crowd, How long must I be among you? How long must I put up with you? 19 You demand a sign but you do not see! You want to be made well but you do not know from what it is that you suffer!
14 13 6

And seeing the blind man along the side of the road, and having compassion for him, Jesus went to him and knelt beside him. 22He smiled at him and said to the blind man, What do you want me to do for you? 23The blind man said, Lord, let me see again. 24Jesus said to him, My son, receive your sight, for your faith has made you well. 25Immediately he regained his sight and began praising God and followed him along the road. 26When the people saw this they repented and praised God.129 27As he passed by them, they said, The spirit of Elijah rests on him," and they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. 130
21

20

Another Exorcist and a Question about Greatness As they were approaching Jerusalem, John came and said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." 29But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my
128 129

28

See John 11:17-53 See Luke 18:35-43 130 See 2 Kings 2:15

name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 30Whoever is not against us is for us. 31 For truly I tell you, whoever gives mercy and shows love will by no means lose the reward.131 John asked him, Who will be the greatest when the reign of God comes? 33Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like those children, you will never see the reign of God. 34Whoever becomes like these children will be the greatest in the reign of God. 35Whoever welcomes a child such as this in my name welcomes me.132 Jesus Enters Jerusalem133 As they approached Jerusalem, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent Lebbaeus and Simon (whom he called Zealot) to go ahead of them. 37He said to them, "Go into the village opposite of this place. 38Immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. 39If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell them this: 'The Lord has need of it'. 40If you do this, he will send it back to you." 41They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. 42Some of the bystanders were saying to them, "What are you doing? Why are you untying the colt?" 43 They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it and he sat on it. This took place to fulfill what had been written: 45Behold, the LORD has proclaimed this: Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your salvation! 46Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! 47Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 134 48And many spread their coats in the road, and others took palm branches which they had cut and spread them all along the road. 49As they entered the city, those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: 50"Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!135; 51 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!" 52Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, he left for the home of Lazarus at Bethany with his disciples, since it was already late. Jesus Cleanses the Temple136 As he entered the temple and saw the money changers and those selling animals to be sacrificed, he became angry. 3He shouted, How the faithful city has become a whore! She that was full of justice,
44 36 32

19 1Early the next day Jesus came to Jerusalem with his disciples.

131 132

See Mark 9:38-41, Luke 9:49-50 See Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-48 133 See Matthew 21:1-9, Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19 134 See Isaiah 62:11, Zechariah 9:9 135 See Psalm 118:26 136 See Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11: 15-17. Luke 19:45-46, John 2:14-22

righteousness lodged in her -- but now murderers!137 4He began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves and other animals. 5He would not permit anyone to carry any merchandise through the temple so that no sacrifices could be made that day. And he shouted out to those who were present, all of the people, the scribes, the Pharisees and other religious leaders, "It is written: 'my house shall be called a house of prayer for all the people'! 7Yet you have made it a den of robbers and bandits! Behold, I myself have seen it!"138 8The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy him; for they were afraid of him, for the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. After this, some of the religious leaders came to Pontius Pilate, who was governor of Judea. 10They said to him, Sir, this man Jesus of Nazareth has defiled the temple. He is a menace, an enemy of Caesar! 11Having heard what Jesus had done already from his soldiers in the fortress, Pilate said, For this he is Caesars enemy? Leave me alone. 12Pilate knew they came to him because the people were listening to Jesus. The Man Born Blind139 Early the next day, Jesus went to the temple to teach the people who were gathered there. As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 15His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 16Jesus answered, "Do you need see? Do you not understand? Neither this man nor his parents sinned. 17The one who has come goes unseen, even by those closest to him. 18Yet this man who does not know me will see and he will believe. 19When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, saying to him, "Go and wash. 20Then he went and washed and came back able to see.
14 13 9 6

The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" 22Some were saying, "It is he." Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him." 23He kept saying, "I am the man." 24But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" 25He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, 'Go and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight." 26 They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know." 27They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 28Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." 29 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, but a sinner. It is a trick. This man is one of his disciples." 30But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And they were divided.

21

137 138

See Isaiah 1:21 See Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11 139 See John 9:1-41

So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened." He said, "He is a prophet." 32They did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 33and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" 34His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 35but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." 36His parents said this because they were afraid of the religious leaders; for they had already decreed that anyone who followed Jesus or listened to him would be considered a sinner as well. 37 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him." So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man Jesus is a sinner." 39He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." 40They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" 41He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" 42Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 43We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." 44The man answered, "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 45We know that God does not listen to sinners, but the Lord does listen to one who worships God and obeys Gods will. 46Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 47 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." 48They answered him, "You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?" 49And they drove him out. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the one to come, the Son of Man?" 51He answered, "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him." 52Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he." 53He said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped him. 54Jesus said, "I came into this world so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind." 55 Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not blind, are we?" 56 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, 'We see,' your sin remains. The Crippled Man140 Late in the day, after he had finished teaching, he was by the Sheep Gate. Near the gate, there is a pool, called in Hebrew Bethzatha, which has five porticoes. 58In these lay many invalids -- blind, lame, and paralyzed. 59One man was there who had been ill for thirtyeight years. Each day, two of his companions brought him and laid him next to the pool. 60 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" 61The man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps
140

31

38

50

57

See Mark 2:5-12, John5:2-15

down ahead of me." walk."

63

62

Jesus said to him, "Your sins are forgiven. Stand up, take your mat and

Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 64"Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 65At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 66Which is easier, to say to this man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and take your mat and walk'? 67But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the man -- 68"I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." 69And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" Jesus Teaches in the Temple

20 1Each day Jesus came to the temple and taught the crowds that gathered there.
2

Many of the people had heard of the things that he had done in Galilee and Judea. 3They hoped that he was the one who would deliver Israel and restore the kingdom. 4The people whispered about this among themselves, including many of his own disciples. 5They listened to his words and watched for a sign. The Question about Paying Taxes141 While he was teaching, some Pharisees and some Herodians came in order to trap him in what he said. 7They said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 8Should we pay them, or should we not?" But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it." 9And they brought one. 10Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" They answered, "It is the emperor. It is Caesar." 11Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, and give to God the things that belong to God." 12And afterward he taught many of the things that he had taught others in Galilee and Judea and they were utterly amazed at him. As he was leaving the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?" 14Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 15Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me." 16They argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 17But shall we say, 'Of human origin'?" -- they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. 18So they answered Jesus, "We do
141

13

See Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:12b-17, Luke 20:20-26

not know." 19And Jesus laughed at them and said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."142 The Widows Offering143 The next day he came to the temple and sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. 21Many rich people put in large sums; a tenth of their income as the Law required. 22A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 23Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 24For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on." After this, he said to the people, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 26and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 27They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. 28They supposed to know the Law, but they only know thievery. 29Rather than build up the reign of God, they seek only to build themselves up. 30 They will receive the greater condemnation.144 31Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.145 The Greatest Commandment A man of great wealth came asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 33Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 34 You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.'" 35He replied, "I have kept all these since my youth." 36When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me." 37But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. 38Jesus looked at him and was deeply grieved. He said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the reign of God! 39Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the reign of God."146 Another man, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 41"Teacher, we have heard you speak about the Law and its commandments. Which commandment in the law is the greatest?" 42Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 43This is the greatest and first commandment. 44And a
40 32 25 20

142 143

See Mark 11:27-33 See Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4 144 See Mark 12:38-40 145 See Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, 18:14 146 See Luke 18:18-25

second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' hang all the Law and the prophets."147 The Least of These148

40

On these two commandments

The man asked him, Who is my neighbor? 42Jesus answered him this way: "When the reign of God comes to completion, all the nations will be gathered before the Father, and God will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 43 and the Lord will put the sheep at the right hand and the goats at the left. 44This will be said to those at the right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 45for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 46I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' And the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 48And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 49And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' 50And the Lord will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then the Lord will say to those at his left hand, 'You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the evil one; 52for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 53I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' 54And they will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' 55Then the Lord will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' 56And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." The Need for Watchfulness After this, someone asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" 58He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by Gods own authority.149 59About that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.150 60Beware, keep alert for you do not know when the time will come.151 61If you follow me and what I have taught you, you will be ready. 62And what I say to you I say to all: Do not fall asleep. Keep awake. Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
147 148

41

47

51

57

See Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28 See Matthew 25:31-46 149 See Acts 1:6-7 150 See Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32 151 See Mark 13:33

After this, Judas was greatly distressed because he had heard Jesus say, I do not know when the kingdom will be restored. 64Judas went away and conferred with the chief priests and other religious leaders about how he might betray him to them. 65Judas said to them, This Jesus is not the Messiah. What will you give me if I betray him to you?" 66They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. 67They instructed him that he should wait until there was no crowd present so there would not be an insurrection, for he was popular among the people. 68So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.152 Preparation for the Passover On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for us to eat the Passover?" 2And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. 3Wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 4He will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there." 5 The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet153 That evening, as his disciples were taking their places at the table, Jesus took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 7Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 8He came to Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 9Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 10Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 11Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 13For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean." 14After he had washed their feet and put on his robe, he took his place at the table. 15He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 16You call me Teacher and Lord -- and you are right, for that is what I am. 17 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 18For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 19Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 20If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
12 6

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21

152 153

See Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:4-6 See John 13:3-17

The Lords Supper154 And while they were eating, he took a cup and gave thanks. 23He said, "I have longed to be with you this night. Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes." 24And then he had took some bread and gave thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is broken for you. 25Do this in remembrance of me." 26And in the same way he took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 27Do this in remembrance of me. Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection a Third and Final Time While they were still at the table Jesus said to them, Before the new day dawns, all of you will desert me. 29It is written: Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered155 30 His disciples remained silent, for they did not understand.156 31Peter spook up saying, "Master, I will never desert you!" 32Jesus said to him, "Peter, truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." 33Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." And so said all the disciples. Truly I tell you, this very night, the Son of Man will be betrayed by one of his own, to be handed over to suffer and die, but on the third day be raised. 35But they did not hear that he would be raised on the third day, for they wondered who would be the one to betray him. 36 Deeply troubled, each asked him, Surely not I, Lord? 37All of them except for Judas up stood up from the table and left them. 38And only Jesus saw him leave.157 Jesus Prays at Gethsemane158 They left that place and went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 39He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 40And he said to them, "I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake." 41And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 42He said, "Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want be done." 43He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "Peter, are you all asleep? Could you not keep awake just one hour? 44Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial. Indeed, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 45And again he went away and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." 46And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. 47And once more he went to and in his anguish he prayed more
154 155

22

28

34

38

See Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:15-20 See Zechariah 13:7 156 See Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27 157 See Matthew 26:21-22, Mark 14:18-19, Luke 22:21-23 158 See Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42

earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. 159 48He came a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The time has come for the Son of Man betrayed into the hands of sinners. 49Get up, let us be going. See, the betrayer is at hand." Jesus is Arrested160 Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by the temple guard armed with swords and clubs. 51Now Judas who was betraying him had given them a signal. He said, "Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize him and lead him away under guard." 52After coming, Judas immediately went to Jesus, saying, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. Jesus said, Judas, do you betray me with a kiss? 53They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 54But the one called Zealot drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 55Lebbaeus seized Judas intending to crush his skull with a rock. 56 Jesus shouted, Stop! No more! 57Then Jesus said to the soldiers, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me, as you would against a common thief? 58"Every day I was with you in the temple teaching in the open, and you did not seize me. Now you come under the cover of night. 59Yet nothing is hidden that will not be revealed." 60They then led Jesus away to the high priest and his disciples fled for fear that they would be arrested also. Jesus before the Religious Leaders161
50

22 1It was late in the night when the temple guards brought Jesus to the home of the
high priest, who was Caiaphas. 2Many of the religious leaders and members of the Council had already gathered there. 3They were trying to find testimony against him so that they could put him to death. 4When they could not find any true testimony against him, they sought false witnesses, but no two witnesses agreed (for the Law requires two such witnesses). They led Jesus before the Council. The high priest began to question Jesus about the testimony that had been given, but Jesus did not answer. 6Growing angry, the high priest asked him, What do you have to say for yourself? Will you say anything on your own behalf? Do you not have something clever to say? 7Jesus remained silent. 8Finally, Caiaphas asked him, Are you the one foretold in the Scriptures? Are you the one to come? Are you the Messiah (that is Christ)? 9Jesus said, I am. 10When he heard this, the high priest tore his clothes and said, What need do we have for witnesses? You have heard his confession. You have heard his blasphemy. 11And the Council condemned him to be deserving of death. Peters Denial of Jesus162
5

159 160

See Luke 22:44 See Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:2-12 161 See Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:54-71, John 18:13-27 162 See Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:56-72, John 18: 25-27

After Jesus had been led away, Peter had followed at a distance along with Lebbaeus. A fire had been kindled in the courtyard outside of the house and they stood near it to warm themselves. 14While they were standing there, a woman approached Peter and said, This man was with Jesus. Peter said to her, Woman, you are mistaken. 15Another then said, Yes you were. You are one of his disciples. I saw you standing with him in the temple. Peter replied, You are mistaken. I am not his disciple. 16Then a third person said to him, You must be one of them, for you speak like those of Galilee. Peter said, Damn you! I do not know the man! and he left them.
13

12

Lebbaeus went and searched for him and found him weeping under a tree. 18He cried out, What have I done! for he remembered what Jesus had said, 19"Peter, truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." 20Lebbaeus said to him, On this night, we have all denied him. On this night, we have all betrayed him. 21And they left that place to look for the others. Jesus is questioned by Pilate163 Early the next day, those who wished Jesus to be put to death brought him before Pilate. 23As they brought him forward, Pilate laughed and mocked them saying, So this is the great enemy of Caesar! What is your complaint this time? What has he done now? The high priest answered him, This Jesus of Nazareth claims he is the Messiah, the rightful King of Israel. 25He claims for himself what belongs to Rome. 26Knowing the customs and beliefs of the people, Pilate asked them, Do you yourselves wait for such a king, a messiah as you call it? 27They replied, Caesar is our king. Pilate turned to Jesus and said, What do you have to say for yourself? 29Jesus said nothing. 30Pilate struck Jesus and knocked him to the ground, shouting, Answer me! 31Angry, Pilate asked him, Are you king of the Jews? Are you this messiah, this one to come? 32 Jesus looked at him and said, I am. For this I have been born, for this I have come into the world; to testify to the truth. You speak the truth yet you do not see it or hear it. 33Pilate replied, So you call yourself a king? The high priest said to Pilate, You have heard his claim! He calls himself king of the Jews! Caesar is our king and Caesar is your king. One who makes this claim is an enemy of Caesar. He must be put to death. 36Realizing he had been trapped, Pilate said to them angrily, Leave me and I will send you word of my verdict.
35 34 28 24 22

17

Pilate and His Wife After they had left him, Pilates wife entered. 38She said to him, "Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about
163

37

See Matthew 27:11-14, Mark 15:2-5, Luke 23:2-5, 9-10, 13-14, John 18:28-38, 19:8-15

him."164 39Pilate turned to her and said, Damn you, woman! What kind of dream is this you have had?165 What would you have me do? Was it your dream to have your husband hanging on the tree? Jesus is sentenced to Death166 By his own custom, Pilate would release one prisoner; any of the crowds choosing. He had Jesus brought forward, but also Barabbas, an insurrectionist and a murderer. 42Pilate asked the crowd, Which of these would you have me release to you? Barabbas or Jesus, King of the Jews? 43Fearing the soldiers if they asked for Jesus, the people shouted, He is not our king! Caesar is our king! Give us Barabbas! 44Out of their envy and jealousy, the religious leaders shouted, Give us Barabbas! 45Pilate asked them, What shall I do with the king of the Jews? 46Together they shouted, Crucify him! Crucify him!
41 40

After this, Pilate took a sword from one of the soldiers and killed Barabbas in the sight of all of the people and the religious leaders. 48They were terrified. 49He said to them, You may have your Barabbas. And this king of the Jews shall be crucified. 50Then he had Jesus scourged and handed over to his soldiers to be crucified. Jesus is Crucified167

47

23 1After they had scourged him, the soldiers dressed him in a purple cloth, made a
crown of thorns and placed it on the head of Jesus. 2They then began to mock him saying, Hail! King of the Jews! 3They kept beating him and spitting on him, bowing and kneeling before him. 4From there they led him outside of the city to the place called Golgotha, or The Skull. It was there that they stripped him of his clothes and crucified him with two criminals, who were insurrectionists, one on his right and the other on his left. 6Over his head was an inscription of the charge, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. 6The people began shouting all kinds of abuses at him. 7They said, If you can destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, then save yourself and come down from there! 8If you are the one to come, where is your army? You would have led us to die in the wilderness!168 9Seeing the people turn away, Jesus shouted to the heavens, Father! Father! Have you forsaken me? Jesus Dies
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164 165

See Mathew 27:19 See Genesis 37:10 166 See Matthew 27: 15-23, Mark 15:6-14, Luke 23:17-23, John 18: 39-40 167 See Matthew 27: 33-38, 55-56, Mark 15: 22-27, 40-41, Luke 23:33-34, 38, 49, John 19: 17b-27 168 See Exodus 14:11

One of the criminals hanging there with him said, Damn you! If you are this one to come, save yourself and us as well! 11But the other rebuked him saying, You fool! Do you not even fear God? We suffer justly for what we have done, but this man has done nothing, yet he has received the same condemnation as us. 12Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 13Jesus smiled and replied, Truly, I say to you that today we shall enter the reign of God together. 14Knowing that everything had now been accomplished, Jesus said, It is finished. He breathed out and gave up his spirit and there was the sound of sheer silence. 169 15 And seeing this, the people hid their faces.170 Jesus is Buried171 When evening came, Joseph of Arimathea, who believed Jesus was the one to come, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 17He said to him, Sir, you know that today is our day of preparation. 18Allow me to have the body of this man, that he may be properly buried before our Sabbath. 19Pilate replied, You may take him. 20So Joseph took possession of the body and wrapped it in a linen cloth. 21He took the body to his own new tomb, hewn out of the rock. 22No one had ever been laid there. 23There Joseph laid him there and then rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. The Day after Jesus is Buried
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10

24 1Early the next day, many of the disciples gathered in secret near the place where
Jesus had been arrested. 2Many did not come because they were afraid they would also be killed. 3Soon they began to quarrel over who was to be their leader now that Jesus was dead. 4 There were those who were for the Sons of Zebedee and there were those who were for Peter. 5They continued to fight among themselves until it was very late, having agreed on nothing. 6They did not remember any of the things that Jesus had taught or said to them. The Empty Tomb172 Very early on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala, from whom seven demons had gone out, 8and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Mary the mother of James the younger and Joses, Salome, and Susanna were walking to the tomb where Jesus had been laid. 9 They carried spices so that they might anoint his body. 10They were asking one another, Who will roll away the stone for us? 11Before they had finished speaking, they arrived at the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away. Seeing that the stone was rolled away, they ran to the tomb. 13Mary ran faster and came to the tomb first but did not go in. 14As the others approached, she went inside.
169 170

12

See 1 Kings 19:12 See Exodus 33:20 171 See Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42 172 See Matthew 28: 1-10, Mark 16: 1-8, Luke 24: 1-12, John 20: 1-13

14

Entering, she saw a young man sitting where the body of Jesus had been laid. 15His clothing was a brilliant white as though it were light. 16He said to her, The one you seek is not here, for the living cannot be found among the dead. 17Mary was so amazed and terrified that she could barely speak. Where is he? 18The young man replied, You will see him. Until then, go and tell his disciples, your brothers and sisters, that he is risen. 19Be well, Mary of Magdala. Mary came up out of the tomb. The women asked her, What is it? What did you see? Where is Jesus? 21Mary replied, He said, He is risen, and then she went to tell the others as she had been told. 22Who said this? they asked, as she went past them, for they did not understand. 23They looked in the tomb but did not see anyone. 24They began to wonder if she had a demon. Jesus appears to Mary173 While she was on her way, she heard a voice say to her, Where are you going? Without looking to see who was speaking she replied, I am going to my brothers and sisters. 27 Why do you go to them? he asked. 27I have a message for them, she replied. 28What is your message? he asked. 29You will not believe me. 30Tell me the message you have been given.
26 25 20

While continuing on her way she replied, Two days ago our master and teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, was crucified and buried. 32Early this morning my sisters and I went to his tomb to anoint his body. 33When we reached the tomb we saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 34Seeing the stone rolled away, I ran to the tomb and when I reached the tomb, I could see that the body was gone and sitting in its place was a young man dressed in white. 35He told me to tell his disciples, my brothers and sisters, that Jesus has risen from the dead. 36That is the message that I was given. Mary! When she heard him call her by name she stopped and looked up and saw that it was Jesus. 38When she saw him she cried out, Teacher! and she embraced him. 39 Smiling at her he said, Now go and give the message that was given to you. 40Tell them all that you have heard and seen. Be well, Mary of Magdala. Jesus appears to Simon-Peter174 After this, Peter had gone away to a deserted place to be alone. 42When he came to that place, he fell to the ground and began to weep. 43Suddenly, a voice asked him, Why do you weep? 44Without looking up, Peter replied, I weep for Jesus of Nazareth. 45Why do you weep for the living? Rejoice! 46Thinking the man speaking was out of his mind, Peter looked up and saw that the one who had been speaking to him was Jesus. 47Peter exclaimed, Master!
41 37

31

173 174

See Matthew 28: 7-10, Mark 16: 9-11, Luke 24: 10-11, John 20: 14-18 See 1 Corinthians 15:5

Forgive me! 48Jesus smiled and said to him, Peter, you are forgiven. Now get up and go tell my brothers and sisters what you have heard and seen. Jesus appears to the Disciples175 It was later on the third day when Mary came to where the disciples had gathered. They had locked themselves in for fear of what might happen to them.176 51Mary entered the house and told them all that she had heard and seen. 52She said, Early this morning my sisters and I went to his tomb to anoint the body of our master. 53When we reached the tomb we saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 54Seeing the stone rolled away, I ran to the tomb and when I reached the tomb, I could see that the body was gone and sitting in its place was a young man dressed in white. 55He told me to tell my brothers and sisters that Jesus has risen from the dead. 56While I was on my way to you to bring this message, a man approached me on the road. 57He called my name and I saw that it was Jesus raised from the dead! 58I embraced him and he embraced me and I knew that it was him! 59He told me to come to you and tell you all that I had heard and seen.
50 49

They did not believe her, for they remembered that Mary was the one from whom seven demons had been cast out. 61They did not remember what Jesus had said to them, that he would be killed and on the third day be raised. 63They all rebuked her and thought that she had gone out of her mind. While they were arguing, Peter entered and asked, What is the meaning of this? John came to him and said, Mary has said that when she and the others went to the tomb, the body of our master was not there. She said that he has risen from the dead and she has seen him. 66Peter said, Why do you rebuke her? What she has said is the truth. I have seen him also. He is risen indeed. 67And Peter told them how Jesus had appeared to him not far from that place. 68Yet not all of them believed, and Thomas and some others went to see the tomb for themselves.
65 64

60

As they were speaking among themselves, Jesus came and stood among them, though no one saw him enter. 70He said, Peace be with you. 71As he said this, they stood in silence amazed by what they saw. 72He showed them the marks in his hands and feet and greeted each one. 73Finally John asked him, Master, how can this be? 74Jesus said, Do you not remember what I told you? Three times I told you that I would be killed and on the third day be raised. 75After he said this, they began to remember all of the things that he had said and taught. After this when Thomas and the others returned they shouted, They have stolen the body of our master! 77He did not see Jesus standing among them. 78John came to Thomas and said, Thomas, the body has not been stolen. Rejoice brother, for Jesus is risen. We have seen
175 176

69

76

See Matthew 28: 16-20, Mark 14:18, Luke 24: 36-43, John 20: 19-23 See John 20:19

him. 79Thomas replied, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails, I will not believe." 80Then Jesus came to Thomas through the crowd of disciples and showing him the marks in his and feet said, Thomas, see and believe. 81Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God! 82Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." After this he taught them many things about the reign of God and opened their hearts and minds to the scriptures. 84Afterwards he said to them, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. I give to you as God gives. 85Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. For now I must be on my way. 177 86We will see each other again not many days from now. Jesus appears to James178 After this, James, the son of Joseph, was on the road to his mothers house. While he walked along, his thoughts were on his brother Jesus, who had been crucified. 3As he walked along, he heard a voice say to him, Brother, it is good to see you. 4When he looked up, he saw Jesus standing in front of him on the road. 5James said, What is this? Am I dreaming? Have I died? 6Jesus answered, You have not died, but are very much alive. Come, let us walk together.
2 83

25

And James and Jesus walked together talking about all that had taken place between them. They shared many stories. They laughed together and they cried together. 9After many hours, Jesus stood up and said, I must be on my way. 10James replied, Come back with me and see our mother and our brothers and sisters. They will not believe what I have seen. 11 Jesus smiled and said, Brother, they will believe. 12As Jesus walked away, James said to him, Brother, it is good to see you. 13Jesus turned and smiled, and then went from his brothers sight.
8

Final Appearance to the Disciples The disciples were gathered together in the place that Jesus had appointed. 15As they were talking among themselves about all that they had seen and wondering if they would see him, he appeared among them. 16He said, Peace be with you. 17Again, they were amazed, unable to speak. 18Jesus said, I have fulfilled all that I was sent to do by the Father. 19As the Father has sent me, now I send you to make disciples of all nations and all peoples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 20The Holy Spirit will come upon you; and you will be witnesses to all that I have taught you, from this place to the ends of the earth. 21And remember, I am with you always."179
14

177 178

See John 14: 27 See 1 Corinthians 15:7 179 See Matthew 28: 19-20, Mark 16:15, John 20:21, Acts 1:8

Epilogue This is the good news of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, Son of the living God. 23I have written down these things so that you also might see, and in seeing, believe180. 24Many things have been said and written of him. 25Yet the truth of these things lies not in what we say he is or he is not. 26The truth, the truth that surpasses all knowledge and understanding, lies only in him for the truth has been revealed in and through him. 27We either see it, or we do not. 28We either believe it, or we do not. 29I have set down this account of these things in the hope that your eyes might be opened to the truth, the truth that has been revealed in Jesus of Nazareth.
22

180

See Luke 1:1-4