Luke 1:1-24:53

3With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 6Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.

7But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 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 call him John.

18Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

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. 23When his time of service was completed, he returned home.

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.”

The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 31You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

33and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 40where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Mary’s Song 46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord

48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,

53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

The Birth of John the Baptist 57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.

60but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 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 set free, and he began to speak, praising God.

68“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

70(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

72to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant,

76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

77to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

The Birth of Jesus 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 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.

7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

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.” 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” Exodus 13:2,12 ), 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: 33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. Or then had been a widow for eighty-four years. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.

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.” 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 man. 2during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

4As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 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.

13“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

18And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

20Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

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.”

24the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

29the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,

31the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

33the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, Some manuscripts Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni; other manuscripts vary widely. 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.

4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ Deut. 8:3 ” 6And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.

7If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

8Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ Deut. 6:13 ” 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: “ ‘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.’ Psalm 91:11,12 ”

12Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Deut. 6:16 ”

13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

15He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,

18“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,

19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Isaiah 61:1,2 (see Septuagint); Isaiah 58:6 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.

23Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ ” 24“Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 28All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.

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. 36All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!”

Jesus Heals Many 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. 40At sunset, 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 Messiah. 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. 44And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea. 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.

4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

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. 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,

11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

13Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

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.” 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.

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man 17One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.

20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 22Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 24But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

26Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners 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.

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?”

Jesus Questioned About Fasting 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.”

35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” 39And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’ ”

2Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 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.” 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. 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.

The Twelve Apostles 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:

16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured,

25Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 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. 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 children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 39He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

40The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

45A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 47As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 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.”

The Faith of the Centurion 1When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 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. 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.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son 11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.

13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 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.”

19he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

20When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ” 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 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin. are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 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: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Mal. 3:1

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.”

32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ 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.’

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman 36When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.

38As 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.

43Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 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.

47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 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 ate it up. 6Some fell on rocky ground, 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.

A Lamp on a Stand 16“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers 19Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd.

25“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man 26They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, Some manuscripts Gadarenes; other manuscripts Gergesenes; also in verse 37 which is across the lake from Galilee. 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 impure 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.

30Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.

31And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. 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. 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.

Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman 40Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, 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. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.

44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 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.

49While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

50Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” 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.” 53They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 56Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.

6So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. 7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going 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.

13He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.”

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah 18Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”

20“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

22And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” 23Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

27“Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” 30Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31They spoke about his departure, Greek exodos which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 38A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.

40I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” 42Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.

Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time 43While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 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 it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

49“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” 55But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

56Then he and his disciples went to another village.

58Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

59He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 62Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two 1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two Some manuscripts seventy; also in verse 17 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. 5“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 8“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 11‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 13“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

17The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

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 is what you were pleased to do.

26“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

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’ Deut. 6:5 ; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Lev. 19:18 ” 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, brought him to an inn and took care of 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!”

4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. Greek everyone who is indebted to us And lead us not into temptation. Some manuscripts temptation, but deliver us from the evil one ’ ” 5Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’

Jesus and Beelzebul 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 Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” 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 Beelzebul.

28He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” 31The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something 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 something greater than Jonah is here. 35See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?

43“Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.

44“Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.”

45One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.” 2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 9But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. 11“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,

17He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 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 my surplus grain.

Do Not Worry 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. 23For life 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! 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.

34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Watchfulness 35“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like servants 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.

40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

41Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 47“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.

Not Peace but Division 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 what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.

Interpreting the Times 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. 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 on the way, or your adversary 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.”

Repent or Perish 1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?

5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

7So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ 8“ ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.

9If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ” 11and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.”

13Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. 15The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?

16Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

17When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast 18Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?

19It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”

21It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds Or about 27 kilograms of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

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

30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem 31At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

33In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! 34“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ Psalm 118:26 ”

Jesus at a Pharisee’s House 1One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. 3Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?”

6And they had nothing to say.

11For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The Parable of the Great Banquet 15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.

19“Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

20“Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

22“ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

24I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’ ”

The Cost of Being a Disciple 25Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 29For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,

30saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 31“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.

33In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. 35It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’

10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son 11Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 17“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 29But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 3“The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg—

6“ ‘Nine hundred gallons Or about 3,000 liters of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’ 8“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?

12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

13“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Additional Teachings 16“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.

The Rich Man and Lazarus 19“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 22“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 25“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.

30“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 2It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 8Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’?

Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy 11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.

14When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.

The Coming of the Kingdom of God 20Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 24For the Son of Man in his day Some manuscripts do not have in his day. will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. 26“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 30“It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. 32Remember Lot’s wife! 33Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. 35Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”

36Some manuscripts include here words similar to Matt. 24:40.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow 1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 4“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think,

5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ” 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector 9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.

12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

14“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The Little Children and Jesus 15People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.

22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 24Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!

25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” 32He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him;

33they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”

34The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight 35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 42Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector 1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.

6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

16“The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’

18“The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 20“Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.

23Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 26“He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 29As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.

31If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”

34They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

36As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 47Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.

2“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” 5They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’

7So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.” 10At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

12He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

19The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

Paying Taxes to Caesar 20Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.

24“Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied.

33Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” 34Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 37But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Exodus 3:6

43until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ Psalm 110:1

44David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

The Widow’s Offering 1As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times 5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,

7“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 8He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

9When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 12“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 17Everyone will hate you because of me. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 26People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.

36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” 37Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives,

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus 1Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 5They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

6He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

The Last Supper 7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

9“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. 11and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 14When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 21But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 24A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.

32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

34Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” 36He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.

37It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’ Isaiah 53:12 ; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

38The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives 39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 45When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.

48but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”

51But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

53Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

Peter Disowns Jesus 54Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.

59About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 68and if I asked you, you would not answer.

69But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

70They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” 71Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

4Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

7When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 9He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.

19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) 20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 27A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 33When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Some early manuscripts do not have this sentence. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 40But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?

41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

43Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

46Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Psalm 31:5 When he had said this, he breathed his last. 48When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.

49But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

The Burial of Jesus 50Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.

Jesus Has Risen 1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 7‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”

12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

On the Road to Emmaus 13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles Or about 11 kilometers from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;

17He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.

18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19“What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 23but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.

24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”

Jesus Appears to the Disciples 36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish,

44He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 48You are witnesses of these things.

The Ascension of Jesus 50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.