tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15958170311885031222024-02-20T04:44:49.410-05:00and you will be transformed.@laurenlankford and @hellokansas read through the bible in 6 months.laurennicolelove.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264637166517789918noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-35453344266074322922010-09-09T15:43:00.002-04:002010-09-09T15:50:49.103-04:00We're sorry!So, on occasion Lauren and myself become extremely busy people and sometimes forget some of our online obligations. I hope that you've all been doing your reading regularly on your own (7 chapters a day for anyone who hasn't caught on). If you have, I think we should be somewhere around the book of Acts by now (just guessing, not really positive). So were just gonna start fresh at Acts 1. I'm sorry if this throws any of you off. If you didn't by chance read through all of the first four books, I urge you to at least go read through all of John, just so you've got the basic idea of whats going on. If you have any questions or suggestions, or even ideas on how to help out, feel free to email me at hellokansas@gmail.com. Love you guys. Hope all is well.Kansashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651441880091783369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-56127785389724541992010-08-24T09:07:00.003-04:002010-08-24T09:18:28.822-04:00+ luke 6 - 12 +<strong>Luke 6</strong><br /><br />Lord of the Sabbath<br /><br />1One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"<br /><br />3Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." 5Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."<br /><br />6On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there.<br /><br />9Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"<br /><br />10He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.<br /><br />The Twelve Apostles<br /><br />12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.<br /><br />Blessings and Woes<br /><br />17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil[a] spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.<br /><br /><blockquote><br />20Looking at his disciples, he said:<br />"Blessed are you who are poor,<br />for yours is the kingdom of God.<br />21Blessed are you who hunger now,<br />for you will be satisfied.<br />Blessed are you who weep now,<br />for you<br />will laugh.<br />22Blessed are you when men hate you,<br />when they exclude you<br />and insult you<br />and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. </blockquote><br /><br />23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.<br />24"But woe to you who are rich,<br />for you have already received your comfort.<br />25Woe to you who are well fed now,<br />for you will go hungry.<br />Woe to you who laugh now,<br />for you will mourn and weep.<br />26Woe to you when all men speak well of you,<br />for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.<br /><br />Love for Enemies<br /><br />27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.<br /><br />32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<br /><br />Judging Others<br /><br />37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."<br /><br />39He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.<br /><br />41"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.<br /><br />A Tree and Its Fruit<br /><br />43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.<br /><br />The Wise and Foolish Builders<br /><br />46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."<br /><br /><strong>Luke 7</strong><br /><br />The Faith of the Centurion<br /><br />1When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, 5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." 6So Jesus went with them.<br /><br />He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."<br /><br />9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.<br /><br />Jesus Raises a Widow's Son<br /><br />11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."<br /><br />14Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.<br /><br />16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." 17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea[b] and the surrounding country.<br /><br />Jesus and John the Baptist<br /><br />18John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"<br /><br />20When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' "<br /><br />21At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[c] are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 23Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."<br /><br />24After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27This is the one about whom it is written:<br />" 'I will send my messenger ahead of you,<br />who will prepare your way before you.'[d] 28I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."<br /><br />29(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)<br /><br />31"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:<br />" 'We played the flute for you,<br />and you did not dance;<br />we sang a dirge,<br />and you did not cry.' 33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' 35But wisdom is proved right by all her children."<br /><br />Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman<br /><br />36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.<br /><br />39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."<br /><br />40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."<br />"Tell me, teacher," he said.<br /><br />41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[e] and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"<br /><br />43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."<br />"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.<br /><br />44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."<br /><br />48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."<br /><br />49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"<br /><br />50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."<br /><br /><strong>Luke 8</strong><br /><br />The Parable of the Sower<br /><br />1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.<br /><br />4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown."<br /><br />When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."<br /><br />9His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,<br />" 'though seeing, they may not see;<br />though hearing, they may not understand.'[f]<br /><br />11"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.<br /><br />A Lamp on a Stand<br /><br />16"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."<br /><br />Jesus' Mother and Brothers<br /><br />19Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."<br />21He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."<br /><br />Jesus Calms the Storm<br /><br />22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.<br /><br />24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"<br /><br />He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.<br />In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."<br /><br />The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man<br /><br />26They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes,[g] which is across the lake from Galilee. 27When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!" 29For Jesus had commanded the evil[h] spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.<br /><br />30Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"<br /><br />"Legion," he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.<br /><br />32A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into them, and he gave them permission. 33When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.<br /><br />34When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.<br /><br />38The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.<br /><br />A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman<br /><br />40Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.<br />As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[i] but no one could heal her. 44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.<br /><br />45"Who touched me?" Jesus asked.<br />When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."<br /><br />46But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."<br /><br />47Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."<br /><br />49While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."<br /><br />50Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."<br /><br />51When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."<br /><br />53They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.<br /><br /><strong>Luke 9</strong><br /><br />Jesus Sends Out the Twelve<br /><br />1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." 6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.<br /><br />7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was goig on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.<br /><br />Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand<br /><br />10When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.<br />12Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here."<br /><br />13He replied, "You give them something to eat."<br /><br />They answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd." 14(About five thousand men were there.)<br /><br />But he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 15The disciples did so, and everybody sat down. 16Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. 17They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.<br /><br />Peter's Confession of Christ<br /><br />18Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"<br />19They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."<br /><br />20"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"<br />Peter answered, "The Christ[j] of God."<br /><br />21Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."<br /><br />23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."<br /><br />The Transfiguration<br /><br />28About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)<br />34While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." 36When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.<br /><br />The Healing of a Boy With an Evil Spirit<br /><br />37The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38A man in the crowd called out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 40I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not."<br />41"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."<br /><br />42Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil[k] spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.<br /><br />While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44"Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." 45But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.<br /><br />Who Will Be the Greatest<br /><br />46An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."<br />49"Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."<br /><br />50"Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."<br /><br />Samaritan Opposition<br /><br />51As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them[l]?" 55But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56and[m] they went to another village.<br /><br />The Cost of Following Jesus<br /><br />57As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."<br />58Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."<br /><br />59He said to another man, "Follow me."<br />But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."<br /><br />60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."<br /><br />61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."<br /><br />62Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."<br /><br /><strong>Luke 10<br /></strong><br />Jesus Sends Out the Seventytwo<br /><br />1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[n] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.<br /><br />5"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. 7Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.<br /><br />8"When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. 9Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' 10But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' 12I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.<br /><br />13"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.[o]<br /><br />16"He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."<br /><br />17The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."<br /><br />18He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."<br /><br />21At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.<br /><br />22"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."<br /><br />23Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."<br /><br />The Parable of the Good Samaritan<br />25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"<br />26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"<br /><br />27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[p]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[q]"<br /><br />28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."<br /><br />29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"<br /><br />30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[r] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'<br /><br />36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"<br /><br />37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."<br />Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."<br /><br />At the Home of Martha and Mary<br /><br />38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"<br />41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[s] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."<br /><br /><strong>Luke 11<br /></strong><br />Jesus' Teaching on Prayer<br /><br />1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."<br /><br /><blockquote>2He said to them, "When you pray, say:<br />" 'Father,[t]<br />hallowed be your name,<br />your kingdom come.[u]<br />3Give us each day our daily bread.<br />4Forgive us our sins,<br />for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.[v]<br />And lead us not into temptation.[w]' " </blockquote><br /><br />5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'<br /><br />7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness[x] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.<br /><br />9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<br /><br />11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[y] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"<br /><br />Jesus and Beelzebub<br /><br />14Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15But some of them said, "By Beelzebub,[z] the prince of demons, he is driving out demons." 16Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.<br /><br />17Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. 18If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub. 19Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.<br /><br />21"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils.<br /><br />23"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.<br /><br />24"When an evil[aa] spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' 25When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first."<br /><br />27As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."<br /><br />28He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."<br /><br />The Sign of Jonah<br /><br />29As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one[ab] greater than Solomon is here. 32The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.<br /><br />The Lamp of the Body<br /><br />33"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you."<br /><br />Six Woes<br /><br />37When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised.<br /><br />39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41But give what is inside the dish [ac] to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.<br /><br />42"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.<br /><br />43"Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.<br /><br />44"Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it."<br /><br />45One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also."<br /><br />46Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.<br /><br />47"Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your forefathers who killed them. 48So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 49Because of this, God in his wisdom said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.' 50Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.<br /><br />52"Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering."<br /><br />53When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, 54waiting to catch him in something he might say.<br /><br /><strong>Luke 12</strong><br /><br />Warnings and Encouragements<br /><br />1Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.<br />4"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies[ad]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.<br /><br />8"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. 9But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. 10And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.<br /><br />11"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."<br /><br />The Parable of the Rich Fool<br /><br />13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."<br />14Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" 15Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."<br /><br />16And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'<br /><br />18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '<br /><br />20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'<br /><br />21"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."<br /><br />Do Not Worry<br /><br />22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[ae]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?<br />27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.<br /><br />32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<br /><br />Watchfulness<br /><br />35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."<br /><br />41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"<br /><br />42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.<br /><br />47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.<br /><br />Not Peace but Division<br /><br />49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."<br /><br />Interpreting the Times<br /><br />54He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. 55And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is. 56Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?<br /><br />57"Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? 58As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.[af]"laurennicolelove.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264637166517789918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-62523111772224156142010-08-23T10:20:00.003-04:002010-08-23T10:29:33.850-04:00+ mark 15 - 16; luke 1 - 5+<strong>Mark 15</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Jesus Before Pilate<br />1Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.<br /><br />2"Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate.<br /><br />"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.<br /><br />3The chief priests accused him of many things. 4So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."<br /><br />5But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.<br /><br />6Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.<br /><br />9"Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.<br /><br />12"What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.<br /><br />13"Crucify him!" they shouted.<br /><br />14"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.<br /><br />But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"<br /><br />15Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.<br /><br />The Soldiers Mock Jesus<br /><br />16The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" 19Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.<br /><br />The Crucifixion<br /><br />21A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.<br /><br />25It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left.[<a title="See footnote a" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2015-21&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24847a" cmimpressionsent="1">a</a>] 29Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30come down from the cross and save yourself!"<br /><br />31In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! 32Let this Christ,[<a title="See footnote b" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2015-21&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24851b" cmimpressionsent="1">b</a>] this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.<br /><br />The Death of Jesus<br /><br />33At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[<a title="See footnote c" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2015-21&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24853c" cmimpressionsent="1">c</a>]<br /><br />35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."<br />36One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.<br /><br />37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.<br /><br />38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and[<a title="See footnote d" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2015-21&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24858d" cmimpressionsent="1">d</a>] saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son[<a title="See footnote e" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2015-21&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24858e" cmimpressionsent="1">e</a>] of God!"<br /><br />40Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.<br /><br />The Burial of Jesus<br /><br />42It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.<br /><br /><strong>Mark 16</strong><br /><br />The Resurrection<br /><br />1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"<br /><br />4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.<br /><br />6"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "<br /><br />8Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.<br /><br />((The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.))<br /><br />9When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.<br /><br />12Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.<br />14Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.<br /><br />15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."<br /><br />19After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.<br /><br /><strong>Luke 1</strong><br /><br />Introduction<br /><br />1Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[<a title="See footnote a" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24887a" cmimpressionsent="1">a</a>] among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.<br /><br />The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold<br /><br />5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.<br /><br />8Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.<br /><br />11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.<br /><br />12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.[<a title="See footnote b" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24901b" cmimpressionsent="1">b</a>] 16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."<br /><br />18Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."<br /><br />19The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."<br /><br />21Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.<br /><br />23When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25"The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."<br /><br />The Birth of Jesus Foretold<br /><br />26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."<br /><br />29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."<br /><br />34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"<br /><br />35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[<a title="See footnote c" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24921c" cmimpressionsent="1">c</a>] the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."<br /><br />38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.<br /><br />Mary Visits Elizabeth<br /><br />39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"<br /><br />Mary's Song<br /><br /><blockquote><p>46And Mary said: </p><p><br />"My soul glorifies the Lord<br />47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,<br />48for he has been mindful<br />of the humble state of his servant.<br />From now on all generations will call me blessed,<br /><br />49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—<br /><br />holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him,<br /><br />from generation to generation.<br />51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;<br /><br />he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.<br />52He has brought down rulers from their thrones<br /><br />but has lifted up the humble.<br />53He has filled the hungry with good things<br /><br />but has sent the rich away empty.<br />54He has helped his servant Israel,<br /><br />remembering to be merciful<br />55to Abraham and his descendants forever,<br /><br />even as he said to our fathers."<br /></p></blockquote><br /><br />56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.<br /><br />The Birth of John the Baptist<br /><br />57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.<br />59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."<br /><br />61They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."<br /><br />62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." 64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.<br /><br />Zechariah's Song<br /><br /><blockquote>67His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:<br /><br />68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,<br /><br />because he has come and has redeemed his people.<br />69He has raised up a horn[<a title="See footnote d" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24955d" cmimpressionsent="1">d</a>] of salvation for us<br /><br />in the house of his servant David<br />70(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),<br />71salvation from our enemies<br />and from the hand of all who hate us—<br />72to show mercy to our fathers<br />and to remember his holy covenant,<br />73the oath he swore to our father Abraham:<br />74to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,<br /><br />and to enable us to serve him without fear<br />75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.<br />76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;<br /><br />for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,<br />77to give his people the knowledge of salvation<br /><br />through the forgiveness of their sins,<br />78because of the tender mercy of our God,<br /><br />by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven<br />79to shine on those living in darkness<br /><br />and in the shadow of death,<br />to guide our feet into the path of peace."<br /></blockquote><br /><br />80And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.<br /><br /><strong>Luke 2</strong><br /><br />The Birth of Jesus<br /><br />1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.<br /><br />4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.<br />The Shepherds and the Angels 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[<a title="See footnote e" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24977e" cmimpressionsent="1">e</a>] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."<br /><br />13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."<br />15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."<br />16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.<br /><br />Jesus Presented in the Temple<br /><br />21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.<br /><br />22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"[<a title="See footnote f" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24989f" cmimpressionsent="1">f</a>]), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."[<a title="See footnote g" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24990g" cmimpressionsent="1">g</a>]<br /><br />25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:<br /><br /><blockquote>29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,<br /><br />you now dismiss[<a title="See footnote h" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24995h" cmimpressionsent="1">h</a>] your servant in peace.<br />30For my eyes have seen your salvation,<br />31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,<br />32a light for revelation to the Gentiles<br /><br />and for glory to your people Israel."<br /><br /></blockquote>33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."<br /><br />36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[<a title="See footnote i" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25003i" cmimpressionsent="1">i</a>] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.<br /><br />39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.<br /><br />The Boy Jesus at the Temple<br /><br />41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."<br /><br />49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.<br /><br />51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.<br /><br /><strong>Luke 3</strong><br /><br />John the Baptist Prepares the Way<br /><br />1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:<br /><br /><blockquote>"A voice of one calling in the desert,<br />'Prepare the way for the Lord,<br />make straight paths for him.<br />5Every valley shall be filled in,<br /><br />every mountain and hill made low.<br />The crooked roads shall become straight,<br /><br />the rough ways smooth.<br />6And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "[<a title="See footnote j" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25024j" cmimpressionsent="1">j</a>]<br /></blockquote><br />7John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."<br /><br />10"What should we do then?" the crowd asked.<br /><br />11John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."<br /><br />12Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?"<br />13"Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told<br /><br />them. 14Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."<br /><br />15The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ.[<a title="See footnote k" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25033k" cmimpressionsent="1">k</a>] 16John answered them all, "I baptize you with[<a title="See footnote l" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25034l" cmimpressionsent="1">l</a>] water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." 18And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.<br />19But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.<br /><br />The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus<br /><br />21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."<br /><br />23Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.<br /><br />He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28the son of Melki, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon,[<a title="See footnote m" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25050m" cmimpressionsent="1">m</a>] the son of Nahshon, 33the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram,[<a title="See footnote n" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25051n" cmimpressionsent="1">n</a>] the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, 38the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.<br /><br />Luke 4<br /><br />The Temptation of Jesus<br /><br />1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.<br /><br />3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."<br /><br />4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'[<a title="See footnote o" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25060o" cmimpressionsent="1">o</a>]"<br /><br />5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7So if you worship me, it will all be yours."<br /><br />8Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'[<a title="See footnote p" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25064p" cmimpressionsent="1">p</a>]"<br /><br />9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written: "<br /><br /> 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[<a title="See footnote q" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25067q" cmimpressionsent="1">q</a>]"<br /><br />12Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'[<a title="See footnote r" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25068r" cmimpressionsent="1">r</a>]"<br /><br />13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.<br /><br />Jesus Rejected at Nazareth<br /><br />14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.<br /><br />16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[<a title="See footnote s" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25075s" cmimpressionsent="1">s</a>]<br /><br />20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."<br /><br />22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.<br /><br />23Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.' "<br /><br />24"I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27And there were many in Israel with leprosy[<a title="See footnote t" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25083t" cmimpressionsent="1">t</a>] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian."<br /><br />28All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. 30But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.<br /><br />Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit<br /><br />31Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. 32They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.<br /><br />33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil[<a title="See footnote u" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25089u" cmimpressionsent="1">u</a>]spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34"Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"<br /><br />35"Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.<br /><br />36All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!" 37And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.<br /><br />Jesus Heals Many<br /><br />38Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.<br /><br />40When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 41Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ.[<a title="See footnote v" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25097v" cmimpressionsent="1">v</a>]<br /><br />42At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." 44And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.[<a title="See footnote w" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25100w" cmimpressionsent="1">w</a>]<br /><br /><strong>Luke 5</strong><br /><br />The Calling of the First Disciples<br /><br />1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[<a title="See footnote x" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25101x" cmimpressionsent="1">x</a>]with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.<br /><br />4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down[<a title="See footnote y" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25104y" cmimpressionsent="1">y</a>] the nets for a catch."<br /><br />5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."<br /><br />6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.<br /><br />8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.<br /><br />Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.<br /><br />The Man With Leprosy<br /><br />12While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[<a title="See footnote z" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201-5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25112z" cmimpressionsent="1">z</a>] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."<br /><br />13Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.<br /><br />14Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."<br /><br />15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.<br /><br />Jesus Heals a Paralytic<br /><br />17One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.<br /><br />20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."<br /><br />21The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"<br /><br />22Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 25Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."<br /><br />The Calling of Levi<br /><br />27After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, 28and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.<br /><br />29Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"<br /><br />31Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."<br /><br />Jesus Questioned About Fasting<br /><br />33They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking."<br /><br />34Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast."<br /><br />36He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. 39And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.' "laurennicolelove.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264637166517789918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-71198526886223629712010-08-23T10:13:00.002-04:002010-08-23T10:17:30.731-04:00+ mark 8-14 +<strong>Mark 8</strong><br /><br />Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand<br /><br />1During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2"I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance."<br /><br />4His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?"<br /><br />5"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied.<br /><br />6He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so.<br /><br />7They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, 10he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.<br /><br />11The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." 13Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.<br /><br />The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod<br /><br />14The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15"Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."<br /><br />16They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread."<br /><br />17Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"<br />"Twelve," they replied.<br /><br />20"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"<br />They answered, "Seven."<br /><br />21He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"<br /><br />The Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida<br /><br />22They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?"<br />24He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around."<br /><br />25Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village.[a]"<br /><br />Peter's Confession of Christ<br /><br />27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"<br /><br />28They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."<br /><br />29"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"<br />Peter answered, "You are the Christ.[b]"<br /><br />30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.<br /><br />Jesus Predicts His Death<br /><br />31He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.<br />33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."<br /><br />34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life[c] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."<br /><br />Mark 9<br /><br />1And he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."<br /><br />The Transfiguration<br /><br />2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.<br /><br />5Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." 6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)<br /><br />7Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"<br /><br />8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.<br /><br />9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.<br /><br />11And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"<br /><br />12Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."<br /><br />The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit<br /><br />14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.<br /><br />16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.<br /><br />17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."<br /><br />19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."<br /><br />20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.<br /><br />21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"<br /><br />"From childhood," he answered. 22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."<br /><br />23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."<br /><br />24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"<br /><br />25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil[d] spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."<br /><br />26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.<br /><br />28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"<br /><br />29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.[e]"<br /><br />30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.<br /><br />Who is Greatest?<br /><br />33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.<br />35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."<br /><br />36He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."<br /><br />Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us<br /><br />38"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."<br />39"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40for whoever is not against us is for us. 41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.<br /><br />Causing to Sin<br /><br />42"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.[f] 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.[g] 47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48where<br />" 'their worm does not die,<br />and the fire is not quenched.'[h] 49Everyone will be salted with fire.<br />50"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."<br /><br /><strong>Mark 10</strong><br /><br />Divorce<br /><br />1Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.<br />2Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"<br /><br />3"What did Moses command you?" he replied.<br /><br />4They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."<br /><br />5"It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. 6"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'[i] 7'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,[j] 8and the two will become one flesh.'[k] So they are no longer two, but one. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."<br /><br />10When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."<br /><br />The Little Children and Jesus<br /><br />13People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.<br /><br />The Rich Young Man<br /><br />17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"<br />18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'[l]"<br /><br />20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."<br /><br />21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."<br /><br />22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.<br /><br />23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"<br /><br />24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is[m] to enter the kingdom of God! 25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."<br /><br />26The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"<br /><br />27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."<br /><br />28Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"<br /><br />29"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. 31But many who are first will be last, and the last first."<br /><br />Jesus Again Predicts His Death<br /><br />32They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33"We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise."<br /><br />The Request of James and John<br /><br />35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask."<br />36"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.<br /><br />37They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."<br /><br />38"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"<br /><br />39"We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."<br /><br />41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."<br /><br />Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight<br /><br />46Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"<br />48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"<br /><br />49Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.<br /><br />51"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.<br />The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."<br /><br />52"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.<br /><br /><strong>Mark 11</strong><br /><br />The Triumphal Entry<br /><br />1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.' "<br /><br />4They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,<br /><br /><blockquote>"Hosanna![n]"<br />"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[o]<br />10"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!"<br />"Hosanna in the<br />highest!" </blockquote>11Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.<br /><br />Jesus Clears the Temple<br /><br />12The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.<br /><br />15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17And as he taught them, he said, "<br /><blockquote>Is it not written:<br />" 'My house will be called<br />a house of prayer for all<br />nations'[p]? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'[q]"<br /></blockquote><br />18The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.<br /><br />19When evening came, they[r] went out of the city.<br /><br />The Withered Fig Tree<br /><br />20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"<br />22"Have[s] faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."[t]<br /><br />The Authority of Jesus Questioned<br /><br />27They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28"By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?"<br />29Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!"<br /><br />31They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 32But if we say, 'From men'...." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)<br /><br />33So they answered Jesus, "We don't know."<br />Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."<br /><br /><strong>Mark 12</strong><br /><br />The Parable of the Tenants<br /><br />1He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. 2At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. 5He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.<br /><br />6"He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.'<br /><br />7"But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.<br /><br />9"What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10Haven't you read this scripture:<br /><br /><blockquote>" 'The stone the builders rejected<br />has become the capstone[u];<br />11the<br />Lord has done this,<br />and it is marvelous in our eyes'[v]?" </blockquote>12Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.<br /><br />Paying Taxes to Caesar<br /><br />13Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15Should we pay or shouldn't we?"<br /><br />But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" he asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it." 16They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"<br /><br />"Caesar's," they replied.<br /><br />17Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."<br />And they were amazed at him.<br /><br />Marriage at the Resurrection<br /><br />18Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 19"Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother. 20Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. 21The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. 22In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. 23At the resurrection[w] whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"<br /><br />24Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 26Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'[x]? 27He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!"<br /><br />The Greatest Commandment<br /><br />28One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"<br />29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.[y] 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[z] 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[aa]There is no commandment greater than these."<br /><br />32"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."<br /><br />34When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.<br /><br />Whose Son Is the Christ<br /><br />35While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ[ab] is the son of David? 36David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:<br /><br /><blockquote>" 'The Lord said to my Lord:<br />"Sit at my right hand<br />until I put your<br />enemies<br />under your feet."</blockquote>'[ac] 37David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"<br /><br />The large crowd listened to him with delight.<br /><br />38As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."<br /><br />The Widow's Offering<br /><br />41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,[ad]worth only a fraction of a penny.[ae]<br />43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."<br /><br /><strong>Mark 13</strong><br /><br />Signs of the End of the Age<br /><br />1As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!"<br />2"Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."<br /><br />3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4"Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?"<br /><br />5Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 6Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.<br /><br />9"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />12"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.<br /><br />14"When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation'[af]standing where it[ag] does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 17How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. 20If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ[ah]!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. 23So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.<br /><br /><blockquote><br />24"But in those days, following that distress,<br />" 'the sun will be<br />darkened,<br />and the moon will not give its light;<br />25the stars will fall<br />from the sky,<br />and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'[ai] </blockquote><br />26"At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.<br /><br />28"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30I tell you the truth, this generation[aj] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.<br /><br />The Day and Hour Unknown<br /><br />32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert[ak]! You do not know when that time will come. 34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.<br />35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "<br /><br /><strong>Mark 14</strong><br /><br />Jesus Anointed at Bethany<br /><br />1Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. 2"But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot."<br /><br />3While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.<br /><br />4Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5It could have been sold for more than a year's wages[al] and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.<br /><br />6"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."<br /><br />10Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.<br /><br />The Lord's Supper<br /><br />12On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"<br />13So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."<br /><br />16The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.<br /><br />17When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."<br /><br />19They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"<br /><br />20"It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."<br /><br />22While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."<br /><br />23Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.<br /><br />24"This is my blood of the[am] covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25"I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."<br /><br />26When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.<br /><br />Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial<br /><br />27"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written:<br />" 'I will strike the shepherd,<br />and the sheep will be scattered.'[an] 28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."<br />29Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."<br /><br />30"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[ao] you yourself will disown me three times."<br /><br />31But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.<br /><br />Gethsemane<br /><br />32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."<br /><br />35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36"Abba,[ap] Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."<br /><br />37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."<br /><br />39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.<br /><br />41Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"<br /><br />Jesus Arrested<br /><br />43Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.<br />44Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.<br /><br />48"Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." 50Then everyone deserted him and fled.<br /><br />51A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.<br /><br />Before the Sanhedrin<br /><br />53They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 54Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.<br />55The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.<br /><br />57Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58"We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.' " 59Yet even then their testimony did not agree.<br /><br />60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 61But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.<br />Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ,[aq] the Son of the Blessed One?"<br /><br />62"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."<br /><br />63The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. 64"You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?"<br /><br />They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him.<br /><br />Peter Disowns Jesus<br /><br />66While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.<br />"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.<br />68But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.[ar]<br /><br />69When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70Again he denied it.<br />After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."<br /><br />71He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."<br /><br />72Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[as] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice[at] you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.laurennicolelove.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264637166517789918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-81914165023634694542010-08-19T23:09:00.003-04:002010-08-19T23:14:07.986-04:00+ Mark 1-7 +<b>Mark 1</b><br /><br />John the Baptist Prepares the Way<br /><br />1The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.[a]<br /><blockquote>2It is written in Isaiah the prophet:<br /> "I will send my messenger ahead of you,<br /> who will prepare your way"[b]—<br />3"a voice of one calling in the desert,<br /> 'Prepare the way for the Lord,<br /> make straight paths for him.' "[c]</blockquote> 4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with[d] water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."<br /><br />The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus<br /><br />9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."<br />12At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.<br /><br />The Calling of the First Disciples<br /><br />14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"<div><br />16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18At once they left their nets and followed him.<br /><br />19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.<br /><br />Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit<br /><br />21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil[e] spirit cried out, 24"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"<br />25"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.<br /><br />27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." 28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.<br /><br />Jesus Heals Many<br /><br />29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.</div><div><br />32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.<br /><br />Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place<br /><br />35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"<br />38Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.<br /><br />A Man With Leprosy<br /><br />40A man with leprosy[f] came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."<br />41Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.<br /><br />43Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44"See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 45Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.<br /><br /><b>Mark 2</b><br /><br />Jesus Heals a Paralytic<br /><br />1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."<br />6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"<br /><br />8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"<br /><br />The Calling of Levi<br /><br />13Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.<br />15While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"<br /><br />17On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."<br /><br />Jesus Questioned About Fasting<br /><br />18Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?"<br />19Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. 20But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.<br /><br />21"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins."<br /><br />Lord of the Sabbath<br /><br />23One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"<br />25He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions."<br /><br />27Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."<br /><br /><b>Mark 3</b><br /><br />1Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone."<br /><br />4Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.<br /><br />5He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.<br /><br />Crowds Follow Jesus<br /><br />7Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. 8When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. 9Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. 10For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. 11Whenever the evil[g] spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God." 12But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was.</div><div><br />The Appointing of the Twelve Apostles<br /><br />13Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14He appointed twelve—designating them apostles[h]—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15and to have authority to drive out demons. 16These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.</div><div><br />Jesus and Beelzebub<br /><br />20Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."<br />22And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub[i]! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."<br /><br />23So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? 24If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. 28I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."<br /><br />30He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."<br /><br />Jesus' Mother and Brothers<br /><br />31Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."</div><div><br />33"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.<br /><br />34Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 35Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."<br /><br /><b>Mark 4</b><br /><br />The Parable of the Sower<br /><br />1Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water's edge. 2He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."<br />9Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."<br /><br />10When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12so that,<br /> <blockquote>" 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,<br /> and ever hearing but never understanding;<br /> otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'[j]"</blockquote> 13Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14The farmer sows the word. 15Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."<br /><br />A Lamp on a Stand<br /><br />21He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."<br />24"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."<br /><br />The Parable of the Growing Seed<br /><br />26He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."</div><div><br />The Parable of the Mustard Seed<br /><br />30Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."<br />33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.<br /><br />Jesus Calms the Storm<br /><br />35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"<br />39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.<br /><br />40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"<br /><br />41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"<br /><br /><b>Mark 5</b><br /><br />The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man<br /><br />1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[k] 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil[l] spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.<br />6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"<br /><br />9Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"<br /><br /> "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.<br /><br />11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.<br /><br />14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.<br /><br />18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[m]how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.<br /><br />A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman<br /><br />21When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." 24So Jesus went with him.<br /> A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 29Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.<br /><br />30At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"<br /><br />31"You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' "<br /><br />32But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."<br /><br />35While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"<br /><br />36Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."<br /><br />37He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." 40But they laughed at him.<br /> After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ). 42Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.<br /><br />Mark 6<br /><br />A Prophet Without Honor<br /><br />1Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.<br /> "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! 3Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph,[n] Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.<br /><br />4Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." 5He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6And he was amazed at their lack of faith.<br /><br />Jesus Sends Out the Twelve<br /><br /> Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil[o] spirits.<br />8These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. 10Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."<br /><br />12They went out and preached that people should repent. 13They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.<br /><br />John the Baptist Beheaded<br /><br />14King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying,[p] "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."<br />15Others said, "He is Elijah."<br /> And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."<br /><br />16But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"<br /><br />17For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married. 18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled[q]; yet he liked to listen to him.<br /><br />21Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.<br /><br /> The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you." 23And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."<br /><br />24She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?"<br /> "The head of John the Baptist," she answered.<br /><br />25At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."<br /><br />26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.<br /><br />Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand<br /><br />30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."<br />32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.<br /><br />35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. 36Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."<br /><br />37But he answered, "You give them something to eat."<br /> They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages[r]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"<br /><br />38"How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see."<br /> When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."<br /><br />39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.<br /><br />Jesus Walks on the Water<br /><br />45Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.<br />47When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50because they all saw him and were terrified.<br /><br /> Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 51Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.<br /><br />53When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.<br /><br /><b>Mark 7</b><br /><br />Clean and Unclean<br /><br />1The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. 3(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.[s])<br />5So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"<br /><br />6He replied, <blockquote>"Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:<br /> " 'These people honor me with their lips,<br /> but their hearts are far from me.<br />7They worship me in vain;<br /> their teachings are but rules taught by men.'[t] 8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."</blockquote><br /><br />9And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe[u] your own traditions! 10For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,'[v] and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.'[w] 11But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."<br /><br />14Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' "[x]<br /><br />17After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. 18"Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? 19For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.")<br /><br />20He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' 21For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "<br /><br />The Faith of a Syrophoenician Woman<br /><br />24Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre.[y] He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil[z] spirit came and fell at his feet. 26The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.</div><div><br />27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."<br /><br />28"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."<br /><br />29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."<br /><br />30She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.<br /><br />The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man<br /><br />31Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.[aa] 32There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man.<br />33After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. 34He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!" ). 35At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.<br /><br />36Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."</div>laurennicolelove.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264637166517789918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-19872979681145182892010-08-18T01:43:00.002-04:002010-08-18T10:07:08.502-04:00+ Matthew 22 - 28 +<span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(72,16,3);font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:13;" ><h4><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><h4>Matthew 22</h4><h5>Parable of the Great Feast</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Jesus also told them other parables. He said, <sup id="en-NLT-23848">2</sup> <woj>“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23849">3</sup> <woj>When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23850">4</sup> <woj>“So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23851">5</sup> <woj>But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23852">6</sup> <woj>Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23853">7</sup> <woj>“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23854">8</sup> <woj>And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23855">9</sup> <woj>Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’</woj><sup id="en-NLT-23856">10</sup> <woj>So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23857">11</sup> <woj>“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23858">12</sup> <woj>‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23859">13</sup> <woj>Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23860">14</sup> <woj>“For many are called, but few are chosen.”</woj></span></p><h5>Taxes for Caesar</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23861">15</sup> Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. <sup id="en-NLT-23862">16</sup> They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. <sup id="en-NLT-23863">17</sup> Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23864">18</sup> But Jesus knew their evil motives. <woj>“You hypocrites!”</woj> he said. <woj>“Why are you trying to trap me?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23865">19</sup> <woj>Here, show me the coin used for the tax.”</woj> When they handed him a Roman coin,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23865a">a</a>]</sup> <sup id="en-NLT-23866">20</sup> he asked, <woj>“Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23867">21</sup> “Caesar’s,” they replied.</span></p><p><woj><span style="font-size:85%;">“Well, then,”</woj> he said, <woj>“give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23868">22</sup> His reply amazed them, and they went away.</span></p><h5>Discussion about Resurrection</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23869">23</sup> That same day Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: <sup id="en-NLT-23870">24</sup> “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name.’<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23870b">b</a>]</sup> <sup id="en-NLT-23871">25</sup> Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children, so his brother married the widow. <sup id="en-NLT-23872">26</sup> But the second brother also died, and the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them. <sup id="en-NLT-23873">27</sup> Last of all, the woman also died. <sup id="en-NLT-23874">28</sup> So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23875">29</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23876">30</sup> <woj>For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23877">31</sup> <woj>“But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven’t you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23877c">c</a>]</sup></woj><sup id="en-NLT-23878">32</sup> <woj>‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23878d">d</a>]</sup> So he is the God of the living, not the dead.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23879">33</sup> When the crowds heard him, they were astounded at his teaching.</span></p><h5>The Most Important Commandment</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23880">34</sup> But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. <sup id="en-NLT-23881">35</sup> One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: <sup id="en-NLT-23882">36</sup> “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23883">37</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“‘You must love the L</woj><woj><smallcaps>ord</smallcaps></woj> <woj>your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23883e">e</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23884">38</sup> <woj>This is the first and greatest commandment.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23885">39</sup> <woj>A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23885f">f</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23886">40</sup> <woj>The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”</woj></span></p><h5>Whose Son Is the Messiah?</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23887">41</sup> Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: <sup id="en-NLT-23888">42</sup> <woj>“What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">They replied, “He is the son of David.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23889">43</sup> Jesus responded, <woj>“Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said,</woj><woj></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23890">44</sup> ‘The L<woj><smallcaps>ord</smallcaps></woj> <woj>said to my Lord,</woj><br /><woj>Sit in the place of honor at my right hand</woj><br /><woj>until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23890g">g</a>]</sup></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23891">45</sup> <woj>Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23892">46</sup> No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.</span></p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Matthew 23</span></h4><h5>Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23893">1</sup> Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, <sup id="en-NLT-23894">2</sup> <woj>“The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23894h">h</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23895">3</sup> <woj>So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23896">4</sup> <woj>They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23897">5</sup> <woj>“Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23897i">i</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23898">6</sup> <woj>And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23899">7</sup> <woj>They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23899j">j</a>]</sup></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23900">8</sup> <woj>“Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23900k">k</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23901">9</sup> <woj>And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23902">10</sup> <woj>And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23903">11</sup> <woj>The greatest among you must be a servant.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23904">12</sup><woj>But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23905">13</sup> <woj>“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23905l">l</a>]</sup></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23906">15</sup> <woj>“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23906m">m</a>]</sup> you yourselves are!</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23907">16</sup> <woj>“Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23908">17</sup> <woj>Blind fools! Which is more important—the gold or the Temple that makes the gold sacred?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23909">18</sup> <woj>And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23910">19</sup> <woj>How blind! For which is more important—the gift on the altar or the altar that makes the gift sacred?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23911">20</sup> <woj>When you swear ‘by the altar,’ you are swearing by it and by everything on it.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23912">21</sup> <woj>And when you swear ‘by the Temple,’ you are swearing by it and by God, who lives in it.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23913">22</sup> <woj>And when you swear ‘by heaven,’ you are swearing by the throne of God and by God, who sits on the throne.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23914">23</sup> <woj>“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23914n">n</a>]</sup> but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23915">24</sup> <woj>Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23915o">o</a>]</sup></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23916">25</sup> <woj>“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23917">26</sup> <woj>You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23917p">p</a>]</sup> and then the outside will become clean, too.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23918">27</sup> <woj>“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23919">28</sup> <woj>Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23920">29</sup> <woj>“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed, and you decorate the monuments of the godly people your ancestors destroyed.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23921">30</sup> <woj>Then you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would never have joined them in killing the prophets.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23922">31</sup> <woj>“But in saying that, you testify against yourselves that you are indeed the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23923">32</sup> <woj>Go ahead and finish what your ancestors started.</woj><sup id="en-NLT-23924">33</sup> <woj>Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23925">34</sup> <woj>“Therefore, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers of religious law. But you will kill some by crucifixion, and you will flog others with whips in your synagogues, chasing them from city to city.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23926">35</sup> <woj>As a result, you will be held responsible for the murder of all godly people of all time—from the murder of righteous Abel to the murder of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed in the Temple between the sanctuary and the altar.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23927">36</sup> <woj>I tell you the truth, this judgment will fall on this very generation.</woj></span></p><h5>Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23928">37</sup> <woj>“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23929">38</sup> <woj>And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23929q">q</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23930">39</sup> <woj>For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the L</woj><woj><smallcaps>ord</smallcaps></woj><woj>!’<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23930r">r</a>]</sup>”</woj></span></p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Matthew 24</span></h4><h5>Jesus Foretells the Future</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23931">1</sup> As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. <sup id="en-NLT-23932">2</sup> But he responded, <woj>“Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23933">3</sup> Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23933s">s</a>]</sup>”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23934">4</sup> Jesus told them, <woj>“Don’t let anyone mislead you,</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23935">5</sup> <woj>for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23936">6</sup> <woj>And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23937">7</sup> <woj>Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23938">8</sup> <woj>But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23939">9</sup> <woj>“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23939t">t</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23940">10</sup> <woj>And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23941">11</sup> <woj>And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23942">12</sup> <woj>Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23943">13</sup> <woj>But the one who endures to the end will be saved.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23944">14</sup> <woj>And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23944u">u</a>]</sup> will hear it; and then the end will come.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23945">15</sup> <woj>“The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23945v">v</a>]</sup> standing in the Holy Place.”</woj> (Reader, pay attention!) <sup id="en-NLT-23946">16</sup> <woj>“Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23947">17</sup> <woj>A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23948">18</sup> <woj>A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23949">19</sup> <woj>How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23950">20</sup> <woj>And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23951">21</sup> <woj>For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23952">22</sup> <woj>In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23953">23</sup> <woj>“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it.</woj><sup id="en-NLT-23954">24</sup> <woj>For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23955">25</sup> <woj>See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23956">26</sup> <woj>“So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it!</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23957">27</sup> <woj>For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23957w">w</a>]</sup> comes.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23958">28</sup> <woj>Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23958x">x</a>]</sup></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23959">29</sup> <woj>“Immediately after the anguish of those days,</woj></span></p><p><woj><span style="font-size:85%;">the sun will be darkened,</woj><br /><woj>the moon will give no light,</woj><br /><woj>the stars will fall from the sky,</woj><br /><woj>and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23959y">y</a>]</sup></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23960">30</sup> <woj>And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23960z">z</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23961">31</sup> <woj>And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23961aa">aa</a>]</sup>—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23962">32</sup> <woj>“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23963">33</sup> <woj>In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23964">34</sup> <woj>I tell you the truth, this generation<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23964ab">ab</a>]</sup> will not pass from the scene until all these things take place.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23965">35</sup> <woj>Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23966">36</sup> <woj>“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23966ac">ac</a>]</sup> Only the Father knows.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23967">37</sup> <woj>“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23968">38</sup> <woj>In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23969">39</sup> <woj>People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23970">40</sup> <woj>“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23971">41</sup> <woj>Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23972">42</sup> <woj>“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23973">43</sup><woj>Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23974">44</sup> <woj>You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23975">45</sup> <woj>“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23976">46</sup> <woj>If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23977">47</sup> <woj>I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23978">48</sup> <woj>But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23979">49</sup> <woj>and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23980">50</sup> <woj>The master will return unannounced and unexpected,</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23981">51</sup> <woj>and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.</woj></span></p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Matthew 25</span></h4><h5>Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><woj><span style="font-size:85%;">“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23982ad">ad</a>]</sup> who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23983">2</sup> <woj>Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23984">3</sup> <woj>The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps,</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23985">4</sup> <woj>but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23986">5</sup> <woj>When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23987">6</sup> <woj>“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23988">7</sup> <woj>“All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23989">8</sup> <woj>Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23990">9</sup> <woj>“But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23991">10</sup> <woj>“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23992">11</sup> <woj>Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23993">12</sup> <woj>“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23994">13</sup> <woj>“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.</woj></span></p><h5>Parable of the Three Servants</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23995">14</sup> <woj>“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23996">15</sup><woj>He gave five bags of silver<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-23996ae">ae</a>]</sup> to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-23997">16</sup> <woj>“The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23998">17</sup> <woj>The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23999">18</sup><woj>But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24000">19</sup> <woj>“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24001">20</sup> <woj>The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24002">21</sup> <woj>“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24002af">af</a>]</sup>’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24003">22</sup> <woj>“The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24004">23</sup> <woj>“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24005">24</sup> <woj>“Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24006">25</sup> <woj>I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24007">26</sup> <woj>“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate,</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24008">27</sup> <woj>why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24009">28</sup> <woj>“Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24010">29</sup> <woj>To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24011">30</sup> <woj>Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’</woj></span></p><h5>The Final Judgment</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24012">31</sup> <woj>“But when the Son of Man<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24012ag">ag</a>]</sup> comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24013">32</sup> <woj>All the nations<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24013ah">ah</a>]</sup> will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24014">33</sup> <woj>He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24015">34</sup> <woj>“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24016">35</sup> <woj>For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24017">36</sup> <woj>I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24018">37</sup> <woj>“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24019">38</sup> <woj>Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24020">39</sup> <woj>When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24021">40</sup> <woj>“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24021ai">ai</a>]</sup> you were doing it to me!’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24022">41</sup> <woj>“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24022aj">aj</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24023">42</sup> <woj>For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24024">43</sup> <woj>I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24025">44</sup> <woj>“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24026">45</sup> <woj>“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24027">46</sup> <woj>“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”</woj></span></p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Matthew 26</span></h4><h5>The Plot to Kill Jesus</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24028">1</sup> When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, <sup id="en-NLT-24029">2</sup> <woj>“As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24029ak">ak</a>]</sup> will be handed over to be crucified.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24030">3</sup> At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, <sup id="en-NLT-24031">4</sup> plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. <sup id="en-NLT-24032">5</sup> “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”</span></p><h5>Jesus Anointed at Bethany</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24033">6</sup> Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. <sup id="en-NLT-24034">7</sup> While he was eating,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24034al">al</a>]</sup> a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24035">8</sup> The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. <sup id="en-NLT-24036">9</sup> “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24037">10</sup> But Jesus, aware of this, replied, <woj>“Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24038">11</sup> <woj>You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.</woj><sup id="en-NLT-24039">12</sup> <woj>She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24040">13</sup> <woj>I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”</woj></span></p><h5>Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24041">14</sup> Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests <sup id="en-NLT-24042">15</sup> and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. <sup id="en-NLT-24043">16</sup> From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.</span></p><h5>The Last Supper</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24044">17</sup> On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24045">18</sup> <woj>“As you go into the city,”</woj> he told them, <woj>“you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’”</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24046">19</sup> So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24047">20</sup> When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24047am">am</a>]</sup> with the twelve disciples.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24047an">an</a>]</sup> <sup id="en-NLT-24048">21</sup>While they were eating, he said, <woj>“I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24049">22</sup> Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24050">23</sup> He replied, <woj>“One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24051">24</sup><woj>For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24052">25</sup> Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">And Jesus told him, <woj>“You have said it.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24053">26</sup> As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, <woj>“Take this and eat it, for this is my body.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24054">27</sup> And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said,<woj>“Each of you drink from it,</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24055">28</sup> <woj>for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24055ao">ao</a>]</sup> between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24056">29</sup> <woj>Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24057">30</sup> Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.</span></p><h5>Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24058">31</sup> On the way, Jesus told them, <woj>“Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,</woj></span></p><p><woj><span style="font-size:85%;">‘God will strike<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24058ap">ap</a>]</sup> the Shepherd,</woj><br /><woj>and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24059">32</sup> <woj>But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24060">33</sup> Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24061">34</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24062">35</sup> “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.</span></p><h5>Jesus Prays in Gethsemane</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24063">36</sup> Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, <woj>“Sit here while I go over there to pray.”</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24064">37</sup> He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. <sup id="en-NLT-24065">38</sup> He told them, <woj>“My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24066">39</sup> He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, <woj>“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24067">40</sup> Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, <woj>“Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24068">41</sup> <woj>Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24069">42</sup> Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, <woj>“My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24069aq">aq</a>]</sup> unless I drink it, your will be done.”</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24070">43</sup> When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24071">44</sup> So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. <sup id="en-NLT-24072">45</sup> Then he came to the disciples and said, <woj>“Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24073">46</sup> <woj>Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”</woj></span></p><h5>Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24074">47</sup> And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. <sup id="en-NLT-24075">48</sup> The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” <sup id="en-NLT-24076">49</sup> So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24077">50</sup> Jesus said, <woj>“My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. <sup id="en-NLT-24078">51</sup> But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24079">52</sup> <woj>“Put away your sword,”</woj> Jesus told him. <woj>“Those who use the sword will die by the sword.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24080">53</sup> <woj>Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24080ar">ar</a>]</sup> of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24081">54</sup> <woj>But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24082">55</sup> Then Jesus said to the crowd, <woj>“Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24083">56</sup> <woj>But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.”</woj> At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.</span></p><h5>Jesus before the Council</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24084">57</sup> Then the people who had arrested Jesus led him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered. <sup id="en-NLT-24085">58</sup> Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24086">59</sup> Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24086as">as</a>]</sup> were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. <sup id="en-NLT-24087">60</sup> But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward <sup id="en-NLT-24088">61</sup> who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24089">62</sup> Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” <sup id="en-NLT-24090">63</sup> But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24091">64</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24091at">at</a>]</sup> and coming on the clouds of heaven.”<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24091au">au</a>]</sup></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24092">65</sup> Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. <sup id="en-NLT-24093">66</sup> What is your verdict?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24094">67</sup> Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, <sup id="en-NLT-24095">68</sup> jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?”</span></p><h5>Peter Denies Jesus</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24096">69</sup> Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24097">70</sup> But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24098">71</sup> Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24098av">av</a>]</sup>”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24099">72</sup> Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24100">73</sup> A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24101">74</sup> Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24102">75</sup> Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: <woj>“Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”</woj> And he went away, weeping bitterly.</span></p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Matthew 27</span></h4><h5>Judas Hangs Himself</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24103">1</sup> Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. <sup id="en-NLT-24104">2</sup> Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24105">3</sup> When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. <sup id="en-NLT-24106">4</sup> “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">“What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24107">5</sup> Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24108">6</sup> The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.”<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24108aw">aw</a>]</sup> <sup id="en-NLT-24109">7</sup> After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter’s field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners.<sup id="en-NLT-24110">8</sup> That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood. <sup id="en-NLT-24111">9</sup> This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says,</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">“They took<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24111ax">ax</a>]</sup> the thirty pieces of silver—<br />the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel,<br /><sup id="en-NLT-24112">10</sup> and purchased the potter’s field,<br />as the L<smallcaps>ord</smallcaps> directed.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24112ay">ay</a>]</sup>”</span></p><h5>Jesus’ Trial before Pilate</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24113">11</sup> Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Jesus replied, <woj>“You have said it.”</woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24114">12</sup> But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. <sup id="en-NLT-24115">13</sup> “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. <sup id="en-NLT-24116">14</sup> But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24117">15</sup> Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. <sup id="en-NLT-24118">16</sup> This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24118az">az</a>]</sup> <sup id="en-NLT-24119">17</sup> As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” <sup id="en-NLT-24120">18</sup> (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24121">19</sup> Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24122">20</sup> Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. <sup id="en-NLT-24123">21</sup> So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24124">22</sup> Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">They shouted back, “Crucify him!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24125">23</sup> “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24126">24</sup> Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24127">25</sup> And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!”<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24127ba">ba</a>]</sup></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24128">26</sup> So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.</span></p><h5>The Soldiers Mock Jesus</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24129">27</sup> Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24129bb">bb</a>]</sup> and called out the entire regiment. <sup id="en-NLT-24130">28</sup> They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. <sup id="en-NLT-24131">29</sup> They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!”<sup id="en-NLT-24132">30</sup> And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. <sup id="en-NLT-24133">31</sup> When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.</span></p><h5>The Crucifixion</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24134">32</sup> Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24134bc">bc</a>]</sup> and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. <sup id="en-NLT-24135">33</sup> And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). <sup id="en-NLT-24136">34</sup> The soldiers gave him wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24137">35</sup> After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24137bd">bd</a>]</sup> <sup id="en-NLT-24138">36</sup> Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. <sup id="en-NLT-24139">37</sup> A sign was fastened to the cross above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” <sup id="en-NLT-24140">38</sup> Two revolutionaries<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24140be">be</a>]</sup> were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24141">39</sup> The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. <sup id="en-NLT-24142">40</sup> “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24143">41</sup> The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus.<sup id="en-NLT-24144">42</sup> “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! <sup id="en-NLT-24145">43</sup> He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” <sup id="en-NLT-24146">44</sup>Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.</span></p><h5>The Death of Jesus</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24147">45</sup> At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. <sup id="en-NLT-24148">46</sup> At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, <woj><i>“Eli, Eli,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24148bf">bf</a>]</sup> lema sabachthani?”</i></woj> which means<woj>“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24148bg">bg</a>]</sup></woj></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24149">47</sup> Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. <sup id="en-NLT-24150">48</sup> One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. <sup id="en-NLT-24151">49</sup> But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24151bh">bh</a>]</sup></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24152">50</sup> Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. <sup id="en-NLT-24153">51</sup> At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, <sup id="en-NLT-24154">52</sup> and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. <sup id="en-NLT-24155">53</sup> They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24156">54</sup> The Roman officer<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24156bi">bi</a>]</sup> and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24157">55</sup> And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. <sup id="en-NLT-24158">56</sup> Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.</span></p><h5>The Burial of Jesus</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24159">57</sup> As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, <sup id="en-NLT-24160">58</sup> went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. <sup id="en-NLT-24161">59</sup> Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. <sup id="en-NLT-24162">60</sup> He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. <sup id="en-NLT-24163">61</sup> Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.</span></p><h5>The Guard at the Tomb</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24164">62</sup> The next day, on the Sabbath,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24164bj">bj</a>]</sup> the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate.<sup id="en-NLT-24165">63</sup> They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ <sup id="en-NLT-24166">64</sup> So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24167">65</sup> Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” <sup id="en-NLT-24168">66</sup> So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.</span></p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Matthew 28</span></h4><h5>The Resurrection</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24169">1</sup> Early on Sunday morning,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24169bk">bk</a>]</sup> as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24170">2</sup> Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. <sup id="en-NLT-24171">3</sup> His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. <sup id="en-NLT-24172">4</sup> The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24173">5</sup> Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. <sup id="en-NLT-24174">6</sup> He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. <sup id="en-NLT-24175">7</sup> And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24176">8</sup> The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. <sup id="en-NLT-24177">9</sup> And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. <sup id="en-NLT-24178">10</sup> Then Jesus said to them, <woj>“Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”</woj></span></p><h5>The Report of the Guard</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24179">11</sup> As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. <sup id="en-NLT-24180">12</sup> A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. <sup id="en-NLT-24181">13</sup> They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ <sup id="en-NLT-24182">14</sup> If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” <sup id="en-NLT-24183">15</sup> So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.</span></p><h5>The Great Commission</h5><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24184">16</sup> Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. <sup id="en-NLT-24185">17</sup> When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><sup id="en-NLT-24186">18</sup> Jesus came and told his disciples, <woj>“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24187">19</sup> <woj>Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,<sup>[<a title="Go to" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 1em; COLOR: rgb(72,16,3); FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+22-28&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=50&Submit.y=5#fen-NLT-24187bl">bl</a>]</sup> baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-24188">20</sup> <woj>Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</woj></span></p></span></h4></span>Kansashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651441880091783369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-8233663704049901032010-08-17T10:23:00.000-04:002010-08-17T10:24:48.133-04:00+ Matthew 15 - 21 +<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); "><h4>Matthew 15</h4><h5>Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23610">1</sup> Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, <sup id="en-NLT-23611">2</sup> “Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23612">3</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23613">4</sup> <woj>For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23613a" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">a</a>]</sup> and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23613b" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">b</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23614">5</sup> <woj>But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23615">6</sup> <woj>In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23615c" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">c</a>]</sup>And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23616">7</sup> <woj>You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,</woj><woj></woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23617">8</sup> ‘These people honor me with their lips,<br /> <woj>but their hearts are far from me.</woj><br /> <woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23618">9</sup> Their worship is a farce,</woj><br /> <woj>for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23618d" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">d</a>]</sup>”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23619">10</sup> Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. <woj>“Listen,”</woj> he said, <woj>“and try to understand.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23620">11</sup> <woj>It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23621">12</sup> Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23622">13</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted,</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23623">14</sup> <woj>so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23624">15</sup> Then Peter said to Jesus, “Explain to us the parable that says people aren’t defiled by what they eat.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23625">16</sup> <woj>“Don’t you understand yet?”</woj> Jesus asked. <sup id="en-NLT-23626">17</sup> <woj>“Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23627">18</sup> <woj>But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23628">19</sup> <woj>For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23629">20</sup> <woj>These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”</woj></p><h5>The Faith of a Gentile Woman</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23630">21</sup> Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. <sup id="en-NLT-23631">22</sup> A Gentile<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23631e" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">e</a>]</sup>woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23632">23</sup> But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23633">24</sup> Then Jesus said to the woman, <woj>“I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23634">25</sup> But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23635">26</sup> Jesus responded, <woj>“It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23636">27</sup> She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23637">28</sup> <woj>“Dear woman,”</woj> Jesus said to her, <woj>“your faith is great. Your request is granted.”</woj> And her daughter was instantly healed.</p><h5>Jesus Heals Many People</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23638">29</sup> Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down. <sup id="en-NLT-23639">30</sup> A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all. <sup id="en-NLT-23640">31</sup> The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel.</p><h5>Jesus Feeds Four Thousand</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23641">32</sup> Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, <woj>“I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23642">33</sup> The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23643">34</sup> Jesus asked, <woj>“How much bread do you have?”</woj></p><p> They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23644">35</sup> So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. <sup id="en-NLT-23645">36</sup> Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23646">37</sup> They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. <sup id="en-NLT-23647">38</sup> There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children. <sup id="en-NLT-23648">39</sup> Then Jesus sent the people home, and he got into a boat and crossed over to the region of Magadan.</p><h4>Matthew 16</h4><h5>Leaders Demand a Miraculous Sign</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23649">1</sup> One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23650">2</sup> He replied, <woj>“You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow;</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23651">3</sup> <woj>red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times!<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23651f" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">f</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23652">4</sup> <woj>Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23652g" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">g</a>]</sup>”</woj> Then Jesus left them and went away.</p><h5>Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23653">5</sup> Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. <sup id="en-NLT-23654">6</sup> <woj>“Watch out!”</woj> Jesus warned them. <woj>“Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23655">7</sup> At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. <sup id="en-NLT-23656">8</sup>Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, <woj>“You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23657">9</sup> <woj>Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23658">10</sup> <woj>Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23659">11</sup> <woj>Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23660">12</sup> Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.</p><h5>Peter’s Declaration about Jesus</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23661">13</sup> When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, <woj>“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23661h" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">h</a>]</sup></woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23662">14</sup> “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23663">15</sup> Then he asked them, <woj>“But who do you say I am?”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23664">16</sup> Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah,<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23664i" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">i</a>]</sup> the Son of the living God.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23665">17</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“You are blessed, Simon son of John,<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23665j" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">j</a>]</sup> because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23666">18</sup> <woj>Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’),<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23666k" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">k</a>]</sup> and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23666l" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">l</a>]</sup> will not conquer it.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23667">19</sup> <woj>And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23667m" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">m</a>]</sup> on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23667n" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">n</a>]</sup> on earth will be permitted in heaven.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23668">20</sup> Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.</p><h5>Jesus Predicts His Death</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23669">21</sup> From then on Jesus<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23669o" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">o</a>]</sup> began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23670">22</sup> But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23670p" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">p</a>]</sup> for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23671">23</sup> Jesus turned to Peter and said, <woj>“Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23672">24</sup> Then Jesus said to his disciples, <woj>“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23673">25</sup> <woj>If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23674">26</sup> <woj>And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23674q" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">q</a>]</sup> Is anything worth more than your soul?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23675">27</sup> <woj>For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23676">28</sup> <woj>And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”</woj></p><h4>Matthew 17</h4><h5>The Transfiguration</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23677">1</sup> Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. <sup id="en-NLT-23678">2</sup> As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. <sup id="en-NLT-23679">3</sup> Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23680">4</sup> Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23680r" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">r</a>]</sup>—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23681">5</sup> But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” <sup id="en-NLT-23682">6</sup> The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23683">7</sup> Then Jesus came over and touched them. <woj>“Get up,”</woj> he said. <woj>“Don’t be afraid.”</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23684">8</sup> And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23685">9</sup> As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, <woj>“Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23685s" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">s</a>]</sup> has been raised from the dead.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23686">10</sup> Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23686t" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">t</a>]</sup>”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23687">11</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23688">12</sup> <woj>But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.”</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23689">13</sup> Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.</p><h5>Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23690">14</sup> At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, <sup id="en-NLT-23691">15</sup> “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. <sup id="en-NLT-23692">16</sup> So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23693">17</sup> Jesus said, <woj>“You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23694">18</sup> Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23695">19</sup> Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23696">20</sup> <woj>“You don’t have enough faith,”</woj> Jesus told them. <woj>“I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23696u" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">u</a>]</sup>”</woj></p><h5>Jesus Again Predicts His Death</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23697">22</sup> After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, <woj>“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23698">23</sup> <woj>He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”</woj> And the disciples were filled with grief.</p><h5>Payment of the Temple Tax</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23699">24</sup> On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23699v" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">v</a>]</sup> came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23700">25</sup> “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house.</p><p> But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, <woj>“What do you think, Peter?<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23700w" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">w</a>]</sup>Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23700x" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">x</a>]</sup>”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23701">26</sup> “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied.</p><p> <woj>“Well, then,”</woj> Jesus said, <woj>“the citizens are free!</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23702">27</sup> <woj>However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23702y" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">y</a>]</sup> Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”</woj></p><h4>Matthew 18</h4><h5>The Greatest in the Kingdom</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23703">1</sup> About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23704">2</sup> Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. <sup id="en-NLT-23705">3</sup> Then he said, <woj>“I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23706">4</sup> <woj>So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23707">5</sup> <woj>“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23707z" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">z</a>]</sup> is welcoming me.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23708">6</sup><woj>But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23709">7</sup> <woj>“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23710">8</sup> <woj>So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23711">9</sup><woj>And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23711aa" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">aa</a>]</sup></woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23712">10</sup> <woj>“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23712ab" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ab</a>]</sup></woj></p><h5>Parable of the Lost Sheep</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23713">12</sup> <woj>“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23714">13</sup><woj>And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23715">14</sup> <woj>In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.</woj></p><h5>Correcting Another Believer</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23716">15</sup> <woj>“If another believer<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23716ac" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ac</a>]</sup> sins against you,<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23716ad" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ad</a>]</sup> go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23717">16</sup> <woj>But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23718">17</sup> <woj>If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23719">18</sup> <woj>“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23719ae" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ae</a>]</sup> on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23719af" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">af</a>]</sup> on earth will be permitted in heaven.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23720">19</sup> <woj>“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23721">20</sup> <woj>For where two or three gather together as my followers,<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23721ag" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ag</a>]</sup> I am there among them.”</woj></p><h5>Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23722">21</sup> Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23722ah" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ah</a>]</sup> who sins against me? Seven times?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23723">22</sup> <woj>“No, not seven times,”</woj> Jesus replied, <woj>“but seventy times seven!<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23723ai" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ai</a>]</sup></woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23724">23</sup> <woj>“Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23725">24</sup> <woj>In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23725aj" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">aj</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23726">25</sup> <woj>He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23727">26</sup> <woj>“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23728">27</sup> <woj>Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23729">28</sup> <woj>“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23729ak" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ak</a>]</sup> He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23730">29</sup> <woj>“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23731">30</sup> <woj>But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23732">31</sup> <woj>“When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23733">32</sup> <woj>Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23734">33</sup> <woj>Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’</woj><sup id="en-NLT-23735">34</sup> <woj>Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23736">35</sup> <woj>“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23736al" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">al</a>]</sup> from your heart.”</woj></p><h4>Matthew 19</h4><h5>Discussion about Divorce and Marriage</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23737">1</sup> When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River. <sup id="en-NLT-23738">2</sup> Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23739">3</sup> Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23740">4</sup> <woj>“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?”</woj> Jesus replied. <woj>“They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23740am" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">am</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23741">5</sup> <woj>And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23741an" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">an</a>]</sup></woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23742">6</sup> <woj>Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23743">7</sup> “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?”<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23743ao" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ao</a>]</sup> they asked.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23744">8</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23745">9</sup> <woj>And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23745ap" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ap</a>]</sup>”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23746">10</sup> Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23747">11</sup> <woj>“Not everyone can accept this statement,”</woj> Jesus said. <woj>“Only those whom God helps.</woj><sup id="en-NLT-23748">12</sup> <woj>Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23748aq" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">aq</a>]</sup> for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”</woj></p><h5>Jesus Blesses the Children</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23749">13</sup> One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23750">14</sup> But Jesus said, <woj>“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23751">15</sup> And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.</p><h5>The Rich Man</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23752">16</sup> Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher,<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23752ar" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ar</a>]</sup> what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23753">17</sup> <woj>“Why ask me about what is good?”</woj> Jesus replied. <woj>“There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23753as" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">as</a>]</sup> the commandments.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23754">18</sup> “Which ones?” the man asked.</p><p> And Jesus replied: <woj>“‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23755">19</sup> <woj>Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23755at" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">at</a>]</sup>”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23756">20</sup> “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23757">21</sup> Jesus told him, <woj>“If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23758">22</sup> But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23759">23</sup> Then Jesus said to his disciples, <woj>“I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23760">24</sup> <woj>I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23761">25</sup> The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23762">26</sup> Jesus looked at them intently and said, <woj>“Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23763">27</sup> Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23764">28</sup> Jesus replied, <woj>“I assure you that when the world is made new<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23764au" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">au</a>]</sup> and the Son of Man<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23764av" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">av</a>]</sup> sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23765">29</sup> <woj>And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23766">30</sup> <woj>But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23766aw" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">aw</a>]</sup></woj></p><h4>Matthew 20</h4><h5>Parable of the Vineyard Workers</h5><p> </p><p> <woj>“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23768">2</sup> <woj>He agreed to pay the normal daily wage<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23768ax" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ax</a>]</sup> and sent them out to work.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23769">3</sup> <woj>“At nine o’clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23770">4</sup> <woj>So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23771">5</sup> <woj>So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o’clock he did the same thing.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23772">6</sup> <woj>“At five o’clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, ‘Why haven’t you been working today?’</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23773">7</sup> <woj>“They replied, ‘Because no one hired us.’</woj></p><p> <woj>“The landowner told them, ‘Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.’</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23774">8</sup> <woj>“That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23775">9</sup> <woj>When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23776">10</sup> <woj>When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23777">11</sup> <woj>When they received their pay, they protested to the owner,</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23778">12</sup> <woj>‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23779">13</sup> <woj>“He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage?</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23780">14</sup> <woj>Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23781">15</sup> <woj>Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23782">16</sup> <woj>“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”</woj></p><h5>Jesus Again Predicts His Death</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23783">17</sup> As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to him. <sup id="en-NLT-23784">18</sup> <woj>“Listen,”</woj> he said, <woj>“we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23784ay" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ay</a>]</sup> will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23785">19</sup> <woj>Then they will hand him over to the Romans<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23785az" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">az</a>]</sup> to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”</woj></p><h5>Jesus Teaches about Serving Others</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23786">20</sup> Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. <sup id="en-NLT-23787">21</sup> <woj>“What is your request?”</woj> he asked.</p><p> She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23788">22</sup> But Jesus answered by saying to them, <woj>“You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?”</woj></p><p> “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23789">23</sup> Jesus told them, <woj>“You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23790">24</sup> When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. <sup id="en-NLT-23791">25</sup> But Jesus called them together and said, <woj>“You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23792">26</sup><woj>But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23793">27</sup> <woj>and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23794">28</sup> <woj>For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”</woj></p><h5>Jesus Heals Two Blind Men</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23795">29</sup> As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. <sup id="en-NLT-23796">30</sup>Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23797">31</sup> “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.</p><p> But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23798">32</sup> When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, <woj>“What do you want me to do for you?”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23799">33</sup> “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” <sup id="en-NLT-23800">34</sup> Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.</p><h4>Matthew 21</h4><h5>Jesus’ Triumphant Entry</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23801">1</sup> As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. <sup id="en-NLT-23802">2</sup> <woj>“Go into the village over there,”</woj>he said. <woj>“As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23803">3</sup> <woj>If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23804">4</sup> This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23805">5</sup> “Tell the people of Israel,<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23805ba" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">ba</a>]</sup><br /> ‘Look, your King is coming to you.<br /> He is humble, riding on a donkey—<br /> riding on a donkey’s colt.’”<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23805bb" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">bb</a>]</sup></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23806">6</sup> The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. <sup id="en-NLT-23807">7</sup> They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23807bc" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">bc</a>]</sup></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23808">8</sup> Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. <sup id="en-NLT-23809">9</sup> Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,</p><p> “Praise God<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23809bd" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">bd</a>]</sup> for the Son of David!<br /> Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the L<smallcaps>ord</smallcaps>!<br /> Praise God in highest heaven!”<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23809be" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">be</a>]</sup></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23810">10</sup> The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23811">11</sup> And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”</p><h5>Jesus Clears the Temple</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23812">12</sup> Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. <sup id="en-NLT-23813">13</sup> He said to them, <woj>“The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23813bf" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">bf</a>]</sup></woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23814">14</sup> The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. <sup id="en-NLT-23815">15</sup> The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”</p><p> But the leaders were indignant. <sup id="en-NLT-23816">16</sup> They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”</p><p> <woj>“Yes,”</woj> Jesus replied. <woj>“Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23816bg" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">bg</a>]</sup>”</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23817">17</sup> Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.</p><h5>Jesus Curses the Fig Tree</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23818">18</sup> In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, <sup id="en-NLT-23819">19</sup> and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, <woj>“May you never bear fruit again!”</woj> And immediately the fig tree withered up.</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23820">20</sup> The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23821">21</sup> Then Jesus told them, <woj>“I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23822">22</sup> <woj>You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”</woj></p><h5>The Authority of Jesus Challenged</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23823">23</sup> When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23824">24</sup> <woj>“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,”</woj> Jesus replied. <sup id="en-NLT-23825">25</sup> <woj>“Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”</woj></p><p> They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe John. <sup id="en-NLT-23826">26</sup> But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” <sup id="en-NLT-23827">27</sup> So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”</p><p> And Jesus responded, <woj>“Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.</woj></p><h5>Parable of the Two Sons</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23828">28</sup> <woj>“But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23829">29</sup> <woj>The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23830">30</sup> <woj>Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23831">31</sup> <woj>“Which of the two obeyed his father?”</woj></p><p> They replied, “The first.”<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23831bh" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">bh</a>]</sup></p><p> Then Jesus explained his meaning: <woj>“I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23832">32</sup> <woj>For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.</woj></p><h5>Parable of the Evil Farmers</h5><p> </p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23833">33</sup> <woj>“Now listen to another story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23834">34</sup> <woj>At the time of the grape harvest, he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23835">35</sup> <woj>But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23836">36</sup> <woj>So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23837">37</sup> <woj>“Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23838">38</sup> <woj>“But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23839">39</sup> <woj>So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him.</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23840">40</sup> <woj>“When the owner of the vineyard returns,”</woj> Jesus asked, <woj>“what do you think he will do to those farmers?”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23841">41</sup> The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.”</p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23842">42</sup> Then Jesus asked them, <woj>“Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?</woj></p><p> <woj>‘The stone that the builders rejected</woj><br /> <woj>has now become the cornerstone.</woj><br /> <woj>This is the L</woj><woj><smallcaps>ord</smallcaps></woj><woj>’s doing,</woj><br /> <woj>and it is wonderful to see.’<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23842bi" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">bi</a>]</sup></woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23843">43</sup> <woj>I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit.</woj> <sup id="en-NLT-23844">44</sup> <woj>Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+15-21&passage2=&passage3=&passage4=&passage5=&version1=51&version2=0&version3=0&version4=0&version5=0&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9#fen-NLT-23844bj" title="Go to" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(72, 16, 3); ">bj</a>]</sup>”</woj></p><p> <sup id="en-NLT-23845">45</sup> When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. <sup id="en-NLT-23846">46</sup> They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet.</p></span>Kansashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651441880091783369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-60068718500288556552010-08-16T10:18:00.004-04:002010-08-17T09:21:12.751-04:00+ Matthew 8 - 14 +<strong>Matthew 8</strong><br /><br />The Man With Leprosy<br /><br />1When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."<br /><br />3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. 4Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."<br /><br />The Faith of the Centurion<br /><br />5When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."<br />7Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."<br /><br />8The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."<br /><br />10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."<br /><br />13Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.<br /><br />Jesus Heals Many<br /><br />14When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.<br />16When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits <strong>with a word</strong> and healed all the sick. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."<br /><br />The Cost of Following Jesus<br /><br />18When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."<br />20Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."<br /><br />21Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."<br />22But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."<br /><br />Jesus Calms the Storm<br /><br />23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"<br /><br />26He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.<br /><br />27The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"<br /><br />The Healing of Two Demon-possessed Men<br /><br />28When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29"What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"<br /><br />30Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."<br /><br />32He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.<br /><br /><strong>Matthew 9</strong><br /><br />Jesus Heals a Paralytic<br /><br />Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."<br /><br />3At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"<br />4Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." 7And the man got up and went home. 8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.<br /><br />The Calling of Matthew<br /><br />9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.<br /><br />10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"<br /><br />12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."<br /><br />Jesus Questioned About Fasting<br /><br />14Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"<br /><br />15Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.<br /><br />16"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."<br /><br />A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman<br /><br />18While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." 19Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.<br /><br />20Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."<br /><br />22Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.<br /><br />23When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. 25After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26News of this spread through all that region.<br /><br />Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute 27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"<br /><br />28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied.<br /><br />29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." 31But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.<br /><br />32While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."<br /><br />34But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."<br /><br />The Workers Are Few<br /><br />35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."<br /><br /><strong>Matthew 10</strong><br /><br />Jesus Sends Out the Twelve<br /><br />1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.<br /><br />2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.<br /><br />5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[<a title="See footnote g" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23426g" cmimpressionsent="1">g</a>]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.<br /><br />11"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<br /><br />17"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.<br /><br />21"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.<br />24"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!<br /><br />26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.<br /><br />32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.<br />34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>35 For I have come to turn<br />" 'a man against his father,<br />a daughter<br />against her mother,<br />a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -<br />36 a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' </blockquote><br /><br />37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.<br /><br />40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."<br /><br /><strong>Matthew 11</strong><br /><br />Jesus and John the Baptist<br /><br />1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.<br /><br />2When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"<br /><br />4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."<br /><br />7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15He who has ears, let him hear.<br /><br />16"To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17" 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn.' 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."<br /><br />Woe on Unrepentant Cities<br /><br />20Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.[<a title="See footnote n" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23483n" cmimpressionsent="1">n</a>] If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."<br /><br />Rest for the Weary<br /><br />25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.<br /><br />27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.<br /><br />28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."<br /><br /><strong>Matthew 12<br /></strong><br />Lord of the Sabbath<br /><br />1At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."<br /><br />3He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6I tell you that one[<a title="See footnote o" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23496o" cmimpressionsent="1">o</a>] greater than the temple is here. 7If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."<br /><br />9Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"<br /><br />11He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."<br /><br />13Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.<br /><br />God's Chosen Servant<br /><br />15Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16warning them not to tell who he was. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:<br /><br /><blockquote>18"Here is my servant whom I have chosen,<br />the one I love, in whom I delight;<br />I will put my Spirit on him,<br />and he will proclaim justice to the<br />nations.<br />19He will not quarrel or cry out;<br />no one will hear his voice in<br />the streets.<br />20A bruised reed he will not break,<br />and a smoldering wick<br />he will not snuff out,<br />till he leads justice to victory.<br />21In his name<br />the nations will put their hope."<br /></blockquote><br />Jesus and Beelzebub<br /><br />22Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?"<br /><br />24But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub,[<a title="See footnote r" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23514r" cmimpressionsent="1">r</a>] the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."<br /><br />25Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.<br /><br />29"Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.<br /><br />30"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 31And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.<br /><br />33"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."<br /><br />The Sign of Jonah<br /><br />38Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."<br /><br />39He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one[<a title="See footnote s" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23531s" cmimpressionsent="1">s</a>] greater than Jonah is here. 42The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.<br /><br />43"When an evil[<a title="See footnote t" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23533t" cmimpressionsent="1">t</a>] spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."<br /><br />Jesus' Mother and Brothers<br /><br />46While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."[<a title="See footnote u" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23537u" cmimpressionsent="1">u</a>]<br /><br />48He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."<br /><br /><strong>Matthew 13</strong><br /><br />The Parable of the Sower<br /><br />1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."<br /><br />10The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"<br /><br />11He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables:<br /><br /><blockquote>"Though seeing, they do not see;<br />though hearing, they do not hear or understand.<br /></blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:<br />" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;<br /><br />you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.<br />15For this people's heart has become calloused;<br /><br />they hardly hear with their ears,<br />and they have closed their eyes.<br />Otherwise they might see with their eyes,<br /><br />hear with their ears,<br />understand with their hearts<br />and turn, and I would heal them.'[<a title="See footnote v" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23555v" cmimpressionsent="1">v</a>]<br /></blockquote><br />16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.<br /><br />18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."<br /><br />The Parable of the Weeds<br /><br />24Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.<br /><br />27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'<br /><br />28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.<br /><br />"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'<br /><br />29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "<br /><br />The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast<br /><br />31He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."<br /><br />33He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount[<a title="See footnote w" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23573w" cmimpressionsent="1">w</a>] of flour until it worked all through the dough."<br /><br />34Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>"I will open my mouth in parables,<br />I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world."[<a title="See footnote x" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23575x" cmimpressionsent="1">x</a>]<br /></blockquote><br /><br />The Parable of the Weeds Explained<br /><br />36Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."<br /><br />37He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.<br /><br />40"As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.<br /><br />The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl<br /><br />44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.<br /><br />45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.<br /><br />The Parable of the Net 47"Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />51"Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied.<br /><br />52He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."<br /><br />A Prophet Without Honor<br /><br />53When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. 55"Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" 57And they took offense at him.<br /><br />But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."<br />58And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.<br /><br /><strong>Matthew 14</strong><br /><br />John the Baptist Beheaded<br /><br />1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2and he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him."<br /><br />3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 4for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.<br /><br />6On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." 9The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.<br /><br />Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand<br /><br />13When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.<br /><br />15As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."<br /><br />16Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."<br /><br />17"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.<br /><br />18"Bring them here to me," he said. 19And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.<br /><br />Jesus Walks on the Water<br /><br />22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance[<a title="See footnote y" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208-14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23622y" cmimpressionsent="1">y</a>] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.<br /><br />25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.<br /><br />27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."<br /><br />28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."<br /><br />29"Come," he said.<br /><br />Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"<br /><br />31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"<br /><br />32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."<br /><br />34When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him 36and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.laurennicolelove.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264637166517789918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595817031188503122.post-77918217159232226032010-08-15T14:10:00.005-04:002010-08-15T16:20:34.884-04:00+ Matthew 1 - 7 +<b>Matthew 1</b><br />[genealogies] (<i>these will be removed unless directly applicable</i>)<br /><br />The Birth of Jesus Christ<br /><br />18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins."<div><br />22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"[d]—which means, "God with us."<br /><br />24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.<br /><br /><b>Matthew 2</b><br /><br />The Visit of the Magi<br /><br />1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[e] from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east[f] and have come to worship him."</div><div><br />3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ[g] was to be born. 5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:<div><br />6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,<br /> are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;<br />for out of you will come a ruler<br /> who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'[h]"<br /><br />7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."<br /><br />9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east[i] went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.<br /><br /><b>The Escape to Egypt</b><br /><br />13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." 14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."</div><div><br />16When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:</div><div><br />18"A voice is heard in Ramah,<br /> weeping and great mourning,<br />Rachel weeping for her children<br /> and refusing to be comforted,<br />because they are no more."<br /><br />The Return to Nazareth<br /><br />19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."</div><div><br />21So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."<br /><br /><b>Matthew 3</b><br /><br />John the Baptist Prepares the Way<br /><br />1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:</div><div><br />"A voice of one calling in the desert,<br />'Prepare the way for the Lord,<br /> make straight paths for him.' "</div><div><br />4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.<br /><br />7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.<br /><br />11"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."<br /><br />The Baptism of Jesus<br /><br />13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"</div><div><br />15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.<br /><br />16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."<br /><br /><b>Matthew 4</b><br /><br />The Temptation of Jesus<br /><br />1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"<br /><br />5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:</div><div><br />" 'He will command his angels concerning you,<br /> and they will lift you up in their hands,<br />so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"<br /><br />7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"<br /><br />8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."<br /><br />10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"<br /><br />11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.<br /><br />Jesus Begins to Preach<br /><br />12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:</div><div><br />15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,<br /> the way to the sea, along the Jordan,<br /> Galilee of the Gentiles—<br />16the people living in darkness<br /> have seen a great light;<br />on those living in the land of the shadow of death<br /> a light has dawned."</div><div><br />17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."<br /><br />The Calling of the First Disciples<br /><br />18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him. 21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.<br /><br />Jesus Heals the Sick<br /><br />23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.<div><br /><b>Matthew 5</b><br /><br />The Beatitudes<br /><br />1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:</div><div><br />3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,<br /> for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<br />4Blessed are those who mourn,<br /> for they will be comforted.<br />5Blessed are the meek,<br /> for they will inherit the earth.<br />6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,<br /> for they will be filled.<br />7Blessed are the merciful,<br /> for they will be shown mercy.<br />8Blessed are the pure in heart,<br /> for they will see God.<br />9Blessed are the peacemakers,<br /> for they will be called sons of God.<br />10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,<br /> for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</div><div><br />11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.<br /><br />Salt and Light<br /><br />13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.<br />14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.<br /><br />The Fulfillment of the Law<br /><br />17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.<br />Murder<br /><br />21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder,[t] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother[u]will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,[v]' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.</div><div><br />23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<br /><br />25"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.<br /><br />Adultery<br /><br />27"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'[x] 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.</div><div><br />Divorce<br /><br />31"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' 32But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.<br />Oaths<br /><br />33"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 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 make even one hair white or black. 37Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.</div><div><br />An Eye for an Eye<br /><br />38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[z] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.</div><div><br />Love for Enemies<br /><br />43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[aa] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[ab] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.</div><div><br /><b>Matthew 6</b><br /><br />Giving to the Needy<br /><br />1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.</div><div><br />2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<br /><br />Prayer<br /><br />5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.</div><div><br />9"This, then, is how you should pray:<br />" 'Our Father in heaven,<br />hallowed be your name,<br />10your kingdom come,<br />your will be done<br /> on earth as it is in heaven.<br />11Give us today our daily bread.<br />12Forgive us our debts,<br /> as we also have forgiven our debtors.<br />13And lead us not into temptation,<br />but deliver us from the evil one.' </div><div><br /></div><div>14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.<br /><br />Fasting<br /><br />16"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.</div><div><br />Treasures in Heaven<br /><br />19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<br />22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!<br /><br />24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.<br /><br />Do Not Worry<br /><br />25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?</div><div><br />28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.<br /><br /><b>Matthew 7</b><br /><br />Judging Others<br /><br />1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<br />3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.<br /><br />6"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.<br /><br />Ask, Seek, Knock<br /><br />7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.</div><div><br />9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.<br /><br />The Narrow and Wide Gates<br /><br />13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.</div><div><br />A Tree and Its Fruit<br /><br />15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.</div><div><br />21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'<br /><br />The Wise and Foolish Builders<br /><br />24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."</div><div><br />28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.</div></div></div>laurennicolelove.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16264637166517789918noreply@blogger.com3