1Chapter
Luke Writes About the Life of Jesus
1Most Honorable Theophilus:
Many others have tried to give a report of the things that happened among us to complete God’s plan. 2What they have written agrees with what we learned from the people who saw those events from the beginning. They also served God by telling people his message. 3I studied it all carefully from the beginning. Then I decided to write it down for you in an organized way. 4I did this so that you can be sure that what you have been taught is true.
Zechariah and Elizabeth
5During the time when Herod ruled Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah. He belonged to Abijah’s group. His wife came from the family of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. 6Zechariah and Elizabeth were both good people who pleased God. They did everything the Lord commanded, always following his instructions completely. 7But they had no children. Elizabeth could not have a baby, and both of them were very old.
8Zechariah was serving as a priest before God for his group. It was his group’s time to serve. 9The priests always chose one priest to offer the incense, and Zechariah was the one chosen this time. So he went into the Temple of the Lord to offer the incense. 10There was a large crowd outside praying at the time the incense was offered.
11Then, on the right side of the incense table, an angel of the Lord came and stood before Zechariah. 12When he saw the angel, Zechariah was upset and very afraid. 13But the angel said to him, “Zechariah, don’t be afraid. Your prayer has been heard by God. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a baby boy, and you will name him John. 14You will be very happy, and many others will share your joy over his birth. 15He will be a great man for the Lord. He will never drink wine or beer. Even before he is born, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
16“John will help many people of Israel return to the Lord their God. 17John himself will go ahead of the Lord and make people ready for his coming. He will be powerful like Elijah and will have the same spirit. He will make peace between fathers and their children. He will cause people who are not obeying God to change and start thinking the way they should.”
18Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I know that what you say is true? I am an old man, and my wife is also old.”
19The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, the one who always stands ready before God. He sent me to talk to you and to tell you this good news. 20Now, listen! You will not be able to talk until the day when these things happen. You will lose your speech because you did not believe what I told you. But everything I said will really happen.”
21Outside, the people were still waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised that he was staying so long in the Temple. 22Then Zechariah came outside, but he could not speak to them. So the people knew that he had seen a vision inside the Temple. He was not able to speak, so he could only make signs to the people. 23When his time of service was finished, he went home.
24Later, Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth became pregnant. So she did not go out of her house for five months. She said, 25“Look what the Lord has done for me! He decided to help me. Now people will stop thinking there is something wrong with me.”
8Zechariah was serving as a priest before God for his group. It was his group’s time to serve. 9The priests always chose one priest to offer the incense, and Zechariah was the one chosen this time. So he went into the Temple of the Lord to offer the incense. 10There was a large crowd outside praying at the time the incense was offered.
11Then, on the right side of the incense table, an angel of the Lord came and stood before Zechariah. 12When he saw the angel, Zechariah was upset and very afraid. 13But the angel said to him, “Zechariah, don’t be afraid. Your prayer has been heard by God. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a baby boy, and you will name him John. 14You will be very happy, and many others will share your joy over his birth. 15He will be a great man for the Lord. He will never drink wine or beer. Even before he is born, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
16“John will help many people of Israel return to the Lord their God. 17John himself will go ahead of the Lord and make people ready for his coming. He will be powerful like Elijah and will have the same spirit. He will make peace between fathers and their children. He will cause people who are not obeying God to change and start thinking the way they should.”
18Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I know that what you say is true? I am an old man, and my wife is also old.”
19The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, the one who always stands ready before God. He sent me to talk to you and to tell you this good news. 20Now, listen! You will not be able to talk until the day when these things happen. You will lose your speech because you did not believe what I told you. But everything I said will really happen.”
21Outside, the people were still waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised that he was staying so long in the Temple. 22Then Zechariah came outside, but he could not speak to them. So the people knew that he had seen a vision inside the Temple. He was not able to speak, so he could only make signs to the people. 23When his time of service was finished, he went home.
24Later, Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth became pregnant. So she did not go out of her house for five months. She said, 25“Look what the Lord has done for me! He decided to help me. Now people will stop thinking there is something wrong with me.”
The Virgin Mary
26-27During Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin girl who lived in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. 28The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord is with you; you are very special to him.”
29But Mary was very confused about what the angel said. She wondered, “What does this mean?”
30The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is very pleased with you. 31Listen! You will become pregnant and have a baby boy. You will name him Jesus. 32He will be great. People will call him the Son of the Most High God, and the Lord God will make him king like his ancestor David. 33He will rule over the people of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen? I am still a virgin.”
35The angel said to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High God will cover you. The baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God. 36And here’s something else: Your relative Elizabeth is pregnant. She is very old, but she is going to have a son. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant now for six months. 37God can do anything!”
38Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let this thing you have said happen to me!” Then the angel went away.
29But Mary was very confused about what the angel said. She wondered, “What does this mean?”
30The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is very pleased with you. 31Listen! You will become pregnant and have a baby boy. You will name him Jesus. 32He will be great. People will call him the Son of the Most High God, and the Lord God will make him king like his ancestor David. 33He will rule over the people of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen? I am still a virgin.”
35The angel said to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High God will cover you. The baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God. 36And here’s something else: Your relative Elizabeth is pregnant. She is very old, but she is going to have a son. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant now for six months. 37God can do anything!”
38Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let this thing you have said happen to me!” Then the angel went away.
Mary Visits Zechariah and Elizabeth
39Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the hill country of Judea. 40She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have. 43You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? 44When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. 45Great blessings are yours because you believed what the Lord said to you! You believed this would happen.”
42In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have. 43You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? 44When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. 45Great blessings are yours because you believed what the Lord said to you! You believed this would happen.”
Mary Praises God
46“I praise the Lord with all my heart.
47I am very happy because God is my Savior.
48I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me.
49Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy.
50He always gives mercy to those who worship him.
51He reached out his arm and showed his power. He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves.
52He brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble people.
53He filled the hungry with good things, but he sent the rich away with nothing.
54God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him. He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy.
55He has done what he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then went home.
47I am very happy because God is my Savior.
48I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me.
49Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy.
50He always gives mercy to those who worship him.
51He reached out his arm and showed his power. He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves.
52He brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble people.
53He filled the hungry with good things, but he sent the rich away with nothing.
54God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him. He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy.
55He has done what he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then went home.
The Birth of John
57When it was time for Elizabeth to give birth, she had a boy. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord was very good to her, and they were happy for her.
59When the baby was eight days old, they came to circumcise him. They wanted to name him Zechariah because this was his father’s name. 60But his mother said, “No, he will be named John.”
61The people said to Elizabeth, “But no one in your family has that name.” 62Then they made signs to his father, “What would you like to name him?”
63Zechariah asked for something to write on. Then he wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was surprised. 64Then Zechariah could talk again, and he began praising God. 65And all their neighbors were afraid. In all the hill country of Judea, people continued talking about these things. 66Everyone who heard about these things wondered about them. They thought, “What will this child be?” They could see that the Lord was with him.
59When the baby was eight days old, they came to circumcise him. They wanted to name him Zechariah because this was his father’s name. 60But his mother said, “No, he will be named John.”
61The people said to Elizabeth, “But no one in your family has that name.” 62Then they made signs to his father, “What would you like to name him?”
63Zechariah asked for something to write on. Then he wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was surprised. 64Then Zechariah could talk again, and he began praising God. 65And all their neighbors were afraid. In all the hill country of Judea, people continued talking about these things. 66Everyone who heard about these things wondered about them. They thought, “What will this child be?” They could see that the Lord was with him.
Zechariah Praises God
67Then Zechariah, John’s father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the people a message from God:
68“Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom.
69He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of his servant David.
70This is what he promised through his holy prophets long ago.
71He will save us from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us.
72God said he would show mercy to our fathers, and he remembered his holy agreement.
73This was the promise he made to our father Abraham,
74a promise to free us from the power of our enemies, so that we could serve him without fear
75in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live.
76“Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him.
77You will make his people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.
78“With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us.
79It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.”
80And so the little boy John grew up and became stronger in spirit. Then he lived in areas away from other people until the time when he came out to tell God’s message to the people of Israel.
68“Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom.
69He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of his servant David.
70This is what he promised through his holy prophets long ago.
71He will save us from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us.
72God said he would show mercy to our fathers, and he remembered his holy agreement.
73This was the promise he made to our father Abraham,
74a promise to free us from the power of our enemies, so that we could serve him without fear
75in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live.
76“Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him.
77You will make his people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.
78“With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us.
79It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.”
80And so the little boy John grew up and became stronger in spirit. Then he lived in areas away from other people until the time when he came out to tell God’s message to the people of Israel.
2Chapter
The Birth of Jesus Christ
1It was about that same time that Augustus Caesar sent out an order to all people in the countries that were under Roman rule. The order said that everyone’s name must be put on a list. 2This was the first counting of all the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3Everyone traveled to their own hometowns to have their name put on the list.
4So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. It was known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. 5Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (She was now pregnant.) 6While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full.
4So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. It was known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. 5Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (She was now pregnant.) 6While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full.
Some Shepherds Hear About Jesus
8That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”
13Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying,
14“Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.”
15The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.”
16So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them. 20The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It was just as the angel had told them.
21When the baby was eight days old, he was circumcised, and he was named Jesus. This name was given by the angel before the baby began to grow inside Mary.
13Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying,
14“Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.”
15The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.”
16So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them. 20The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It was just as the angel had told them.
21When the baby was eight days old, he was circumcised, and he was named Jesus. This name was given by the angel before the baby began to grow inside Mary.
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple
22The time came for Mary and Joseph to do the things the Law of Moses taught about being made pure. They brought Jesus to Jerusalem so that they could present him to the Lord. 23It is written in the law of the Lord: “When a mother’s first baby is a boy, he shall be called ‘special for the Lord.’” 24The law of the Lord also says that people must give a sacrifice: “You must sacrifice two doves or two young pigeons.” So Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem to do this.
Simeon Sees Jesus
25A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God. He was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord. 27The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So he was there when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to do what the Jewish law said they must do. 28Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:
29“Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said.
30I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people.
31Now all people can see your plan.
32He is a light to show your way to the other nations. And he will bring honor to your people Israel.”
33Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, “Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign from God that some will not accept. 35So the secret thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that happen will be painful for you—like a sword cutting through your heart.”
29“Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said.
30I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people.
31Now all people can see your plan.
32He is a light to show your way to the other nations. And he will bring honor to your people Israel.”
33Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, “Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign from God that some will not accept. 35So the secret thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that happen will be painful for you—like a sword cutting through your heart.”
Anna Sees Jesus
36Anna, a prophetess, was there at the Temple. She was from the family of Phanuel in the tribe of Asher. She was now very old. She had lived with her husband seven years 37before he died and left her alone. She was now 84 years old. Anna was always at the Temple; she never left. She worshiped God by fasting and praying day and night.
38Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.
38Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.
Joseph and Mary Return Home
39Joseph and Mary finished doing all the things that the law of the Lord commanded. Then they went home to Nazareth, their own town in Galilee. 40The little boy Jesus was developing into a mature young man, full of wisdom. God was blessing him.
Jesus as a Boy
41Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43When the festival was over, they went home, but Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know about it. 44They traveled for a whole day thinking that Jesus was with them in the group. They began looking for him among their family and close friends, 45but they did not find him. So they went back to Jerusalem to look for him there.
46After three days they found him. Jesus was sitting in the Temple area with the religious teachers, listening and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and wise answers. 48When his parents saw him, they wondered how this was possible. And his mother said, “Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking for you.”
49Jesus said to them, “Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be where my Father’s work is. ” 50But they did not understand the meaning of what he said to them.
51Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all these things. 52As Jesus grew taller, he continued to grow in wisdom. God was pleased with him and so were the people who knew him.
46After three days they found him. Jesus was sitting in the Temple area with the religious teachers, listening and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and wise answers. 48When his parents saw him, they wondered how this was possible. And his mother said, “Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking for you.”
49Jesus said to them, “Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be where my Father’s work is. ” 50But they did not understand the meaning of what he said to them.
51Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all these things. 52As Jesus grew taller, he continued to grow in wisdom. God was pleased with him and so were the people who knew him.
3Chapter
John Prepares the Way for Jesus
1It was the 15th year of the rule of Tiberius Caesar. These men were under Caesar:
Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea;
Herod, the ruler of Galilee;
Philip, Herod’s brother, the ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis;
Lysanias, the ruler of Abilene.
2Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. During this time, John, the son of Zechariah, was living in the desert, and he received a message from God. 3So he went through the whole area around the Jordan River and told the people God’s message. He told them to be baptized to show that they wanted to change their lives, and then their sins would be forgiven. 4“There is someone shouting in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.
5Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made flat. Crooked roads will be made straight, and rough roads will be made smooth.
6Then everyone will see how God will save his people!’”
7Crowds of people came to be baptized by John. But he said to them, “You are all snakes! Who warned you to run from God’s judgment that is coming? 8Change your hearts! And show by your lives that you have changed. I know what you are about to say—‘but Abraham is our father!’ That means nothing. I tell you that God can make children for Abraham from these rocks! 9The ax is now ready to cut down the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10The people asked John, “What should we do?”
11He answered, “If you have two shirts, share with someone who does not have one. If you have food, share that too.”
12Even the tax collectors came to John. They wanted to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”
13He told them, “Don’t take more taxes from people than you have been ordered to collect.”
14The soldiers asked him, “What about us? What should we do?” He said to them, “Don’t use force or lies to make people give you money. Be happy with the pay you get.”
15Everyone was hoping for the Messiah to come, and they wondered about John. They thought, “Maybe he is the Messiah.”
16John’s answer to this was, “I baptize you in water, but there is someone coming later who is able to do more than I can. I am not good enough to be the slave who unties his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17He will come ready to clean the grain. He will separate the good grain from the straw, and he will put the good part into his barn. Then he will burn the useless part with a fire that cannot be stopped.” 18John said many other things like this to encourage the people to change, and he told them the Good News.
2Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. During this time, John, the son of Zechariah, was living in the desert, and he received a message from God. 3So he went through the whole area around the Jordan River and told the people God’s message. He told them to be baptized to show that they wanted to change their lives, and then their sins would be forgiven. 4“There is someone shouting in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.
5Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made flat. Crooked roads will be made straight, and rough roads will be made smooth.
6Then everyone will see how God will save his people!’”
7Crowds of people came to be baptized by John. But he said to them, “You are all snakes! Who warned you to run from God’s judgment that is coming? 8Change your hearts! And show by your lives that you have changed. I know what you are about to say—‘but Abraham is our father!’ That means nothing. I tell you that God can make children for Abraham from these rocks! 9The ax is now ready to cut down the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10The people asked John, “What should we do?”
11He answered, “If you have two shirts, share with someone who does not have one. If you have food, share that too.”
12Even the tax collectors came to John. They wanted to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”
13He told them, “Don’t take more taxes from people than you have been ordered to collect.”
14The soldiers asked him, “What about us? What should we do?” He said to them, “Don’t use force or lies to make people give you money. Be happy with the pay you get.”
15Everyone was hoping for the Messiah to come, and they wondered about John. They thought, “Maybe he is the Messiah.”
16John’s answer to this was, “I baptize you in water, but there is someone coming later who is able to do more than I can. I am not good enough to be the slave who unties his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17He will come ready to clean the grain. He will separate the good grain from the straw, and he will put the good part into his barn. Then he will burn the useless part with a fire that cannot be stopped.” 18John said many other things like this to encourage the people to change, and he told them the Good News.
How John’s Work Later Ended
19John criticized Herod the ruler for what he had done with Herodias, the wife of Herod’s brother, as well as for all the other bad things he had done. 20So Herod added another bad thing to all his other wrongs: He put John in jail.
Jesus Is Baptized by John
21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus came and was baptized too. And while he was praying, the sky opened, 22and the Holy Spirit came down on him. The Spirit looked like a real dove. Then a voice came from heaven and said, “You are my Son, the one I love. I am very pleased with you.”
The Family History of Joseph
23When Jesus began to teach, he was about 30 years old. People thought that Jesus was Joseph’s son.
Joseph was the son of Eli.
24Eli was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Melchi. Melchi was the son of Jannai. Jannai was the son of Joseph.
25Joseph was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Amos. Amos was the son of Nahum. Nahum was the son of Esli. Esli was the son of Naggai.
26Naggai was the son of Maath. Maath was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Semein. Semein was the son of Josech. Josech was the son of Joda.
27Joda was the son of Joanan. Joanan was the son of Rhesa. Rhesa was the son of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the son of Neri.
28Neri was the son of Melchi. Melchi was the son of Addi. Addi was the son of Cosam. Cosam was the son of Elmadam. Elmadam was the son of Er.
29Er was the son of Joshua. Joshua was the son of Eliezer. Eliezer was the son of Jorim. Jorim was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi.
30Levi was the son of Simeon. Simeon was the son of Judah. Judah was the son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Jonam. Jonam was the son of Eliakim.
31Eliakim was the son of Melea. Melea was the son of Menna. Menna was the son of Mattatha. Mattatha was the son of Nathan. Nathan was the son of David.
32David was the son of Jesse. Jesse was the son of Obed. Obed was the son of Boaz. Boaz was the son of Salmon. Salmon was the son of Nahshon.
33Nahshon was the son of Amminadab. Amminadab was the son of Admin. Admin was the son of Arni. Arni was the son of Hezron. Hezron was the son of Perez. Perez was the son of Judah.
34Judah was the son of Jacob. Jacob was the son of Isaac. Isaac was the son of Abraham. Abraham was the son of Terah. Terah was the son of Nahor.
35Nahor was the son of Serug. Serug was the son of Reu. Reu was the son of Peleg. Peleg was the son of Eber. Eber was the son of Shelah.
36Shelah was the son of Cainan. Cainan was the son of Arphaxad. Arphaxad was the son of Shem. Shem was the son of Noah. Noah was the son of Lamech.
37Lamech was the son of Methuselah. Methuselah was the son of Enoch. Enoch was the son of Jared. Jared was the son of Mahalaleel. Mahalaleel was the son of Cainan.
38Cainan was the son of Enos. Enos was the son of Seth. Seth was the son of Adam. Adam was the son of God.
24Eli was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Melchi. Melchi was the son of Jannai. Jannai was the son of Joseph.
25Joseph was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Amos. Amos was the son of Nahum. Nahum was the son of Esli. Esli was the son of Naggai.
26Naggai was the son of Maath. Maath was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Semein. Semein was the son of Josech. Josech was the son of Joda.
27Joda was the son of Joanan. Joanan was the son of Rhesa. Rhesa was the son of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the son of Neri.
28Neri was the son of Melchi. Melchi was the son of Addi. Addi was the son of Cosam. Cosam was the son of Elmadam. Elmadam was the son of Er.
29Er was the son of Joshua. Joshua was the son of Eliezer. Eliezer was the son of Jorim. Jorim was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi.
30Levi was the son of Simeon. Simeon was the son of Judah. Judah was the son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Jonam. Jonam was the son of Eliakim.
31Eliakim was the son of Melea. Melea was the son of Menna. Menna was the son of Mattatha. Mattatha was the son of Nathan. Nathan was the son of David.
32David was the son of Jesse. Jesse was the son of Obed. Obed was the son of Boaz. Boaz was the son of Salmon. Salmon was the son of Nahshon.
33Nahshon was the son of Amminadab. Amminadab was the son of Admin. Admin was the son of Arni. Arni was the son of Hezron. Hezron was the son of Perez. Perez was the son of Judah.
34Judah was the son of Jacob. Jacob was the son of Isaac. Isaac was the son of Abraham. Abraham was the son of Terah. Terah was the son of Nahor.
35Nahor was the son of Serug. Serug was the son of Reu. Reu was the son of Peleg. Peleg was the son of Eber. Eber was the son of Shelah.
36Shelah was the son of Cainan. Cainan was the son of Arphaxad. Arphaxad was the son of Shem. Shem was the son of Noah. Noah was the son of Lamech.
37Lamech was the son of Methuselah. Methuselah was the son of Enoch. Enoch was the son of Jared. Jared was the son of Mahalaleel. Mahalaleel was the son of Cainan.
38Cainan was the son of Enos. Enos was the son of Seth. Seth was the son of Adam. Adam was the son of God.
4Chapter
Jesus Is Tempted by the Devil
1Now filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan River. And then the Spirit led him into the desert. 2There the devil tempted Jesus for 40 days. Jesus ate nothing during this time, and when it was finished, he was very hungry.
3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this rock to become bread.”
4Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say, ‘It is not just bread that keeps people alive.’”
5Then the devil took Jesus and in a moment of time showed him all the kingdoms of the world. 6The devil said to him, “I will make you king over all these places. You will have power over them, and you will get all the glory. It has all been given to me. I can give it to anyone I want. 7I will give it all to you, if you will only worship me.”
8‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him.’”
9Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on a high place at the edge of the Temple area. He said to him, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10‘God will command his angels to take care of you.’
11‘Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.’”
12Jesus answered, “But the Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
13The devil finished tempting Jesus in every way and went away to wait until a better time.
3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this rock to become bread.”
4Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say, ‘It is not just bread that keeps people alive.’”
5Then the devil took Jesus and in a moment of time showed him all the kingdoms of the world. 6The devil said to him, “I will make you king over all these places. You will have power over them, and you will get all the glory. It has all been given to me. I can give it to anyone I want. 7I will give it all to you, if you will only worship me.”
8‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him.’”
9Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on a high place at the edge of the Temple area. He said to him, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10‘God will command his angels to take care of you.’
11‘Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.’”
12Jesus answered, “But the Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
13The devil finished tempting Jesus in every way and went away to wait until a better time.
Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee
14Jesus went back to Galilee with the power of the Spirit. Stories about him spread all over the area around Galilee. 15He began to teach in the synagogues, and everyone praised him.
Jesus Goes to His Hometown
16Jesus traveled to Nazareth, the town where he grew up. On the Sabbath day he went to the synagogue as he always did. He stood up to read. 17The book of Isaiah the prophet was given to him. He opened the book and found the place where this is written:
18“The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly
19and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.”
20Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the helper, and sat down. As everyone in the synagogue watched him closely, 21he began to speak to them. He said, “While you heard me reading these words just now, they were coming true!”
22Everyone there said good things about Jesus. They were amazed to hear him speak such wonderful words. They said, “How is this possible? Isn’t he Joseph’s son?”
23Jesus said to them, “I know you will tell me the old saying: ‘Doctor, heal yourself.’ You want to say, ‘We heard about the things you did in Capernaum. Do those same things here in your own hometown!’” 24Then he said, “The truth is, a prophet is not accepted in his own hometown.
25-26“During the time of Elijah it did not rain in Israel for three and a half years. There was no food anywhere in the whole country. There were many widows in Israel during that time. But the fact is, Elijah was sent to none of those widows in Israel. He was sent only to a widow in Zarephath, a town in Sidon.
27“And there were many people with leprosy living in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha. But none of them were healed; the only one was Naaman. And he was from the country of Syria, not Israel.”
28When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were very angry. 29They got up and forced Jesus to go out of town. Their town was built on a hill. They took Jesus to the edge of the hill to throw him off. 30But he walked through the middle of the crowd and went away.
18“The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly
19and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.”
20Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the helper, and sat down. As everyone in the synagogue watched him closely, 21he began to speak to them. He said, “While you heard me reading these words just now, they were coming true!”
22Everyone there said good things about Jesus. They were amazed to hear him speak such wonderful words. They said, “How is this possible? Isn’t he Joseph’s son?”
23Jesus said to them, “I know you will tell me the old saying: ‘Doctor, heal yourself.’ You want to say, ‘We heard about the things you did in Capernaum. Do those same things here in your own hometown!’” 24Then he said, “The truth is, a prophet is not accepted in his own hometown.
25-26“During the time of Elijah it did not rain in Israel for three and a half years. There was no food anywhere in the whole country. There were many widows in Israel during that time. But the fact is, Elijah was sent to none of those widows in Israel. He was sent only to a widow in Zarephath, a town in Sidon.
27“And there were many people with leprosy living in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha. But none of them were healed; the only one was Naaman. And he was from the country of Syria, not Israel.”
28When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were very angry. 29They got up and forced Jesus to go out of town. Their town was built on a hill. They took Jesus to the edge of the hill to throw him off. 30But he walked through the middle of the crowd and went away.
Jesus Frees a Man From an Evil Spirit
31Jesus went to Capernaum, a city in Galilee. On the Sabbath day he taught the people. 32They were amazed at his teaching because he spoke with authority.
33In the synagogue there was a man who had an evil spirit from the devil inside him. The man shouted loudly, 34“Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come here to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!” 35But Jesus warned the evil spirit to stop. He said, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” The evil spirit threw the man down on the ground in front of everyone. Then the evil spirit left the man and did not hurt him.
36The people were amazed. They said to each other, “What does this mean? With authority and power he commands evil spirits and they come out.” 37And so the news about Jesus spread to every place in the whole area.
33In the synagogue there was a man who had an evil spirit from the devil inside him. The man shouted loudly, 34“Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come here to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!” 35But Jesus warned the evil spirit to stop. He said, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” The evil spirit threw the man down on the ground in front of everyone. Then the evil spirit left the man and did not hurt him.
36The people were amazed. They said to each other, “What does this mean? With authority and power he commands evil spirits and they come out.” 37And so the news about Jesus spread to every place in the whole area.
Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law
38Jesus left the synagogue and went to Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was very sick. She had a high fever. They asked Jesus to do something to help her. 39He stood very close to her and ordered the sickness to go away. The sickness left her, and she got up and began serving them.
Jesus Heals Many Others
40When the sun went down, the people brought their sick friends to Jesus. They had many different kinds of sicknesses. Jesus laid his hands on each sick person and healed them all. 41Demons came out of many people. The demons shouted, “You are the Son of God.” But Jesus gave a strong command for the demons not to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.
Jesus Goes to Other Towns
42The next day Jesus went to a place to be alone. The people looked for him. When they found him, they tried to stop him from leaving. 43But he said to them, “I must tell the Good News about God’s kingdom to other towns too. This is why I was sent.”
44Then Jesus told the Good News in the synagogues in Judea.
44Then Jesus told the Good News in the synagogues in Judea.
5Chapter
Jesus Chooses Some Followers
1As Jesus stood beside Lake Galilee, a crowd of people pushed to get closer to him and to hear the teachings of God. 2Jesus saw two boats at the shore of the lake. The fishermen were washing their nets. 3Jesus got into the boat that belonged to Simon. He asked Simon to push off a little from the shore. Then he sat down in the boat and taught the people on the shore.
4When Jesus finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Take the boat into the deep water. If all of you will put your nets into the water, you will catch some fish.”
5Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish and caught nothing. But you say I should put the nets into the water, so I will.” 6The fishermen put their nets into the water. Their nets were filled with so many fish that they began to break. 7They called to their friends in the other boat to come and help them. The friends came, and both boats were filled so full of fish that they were almost sinking.
8-9The fishermen were all amazed at the many fish they caught. When Simon Peter saw this, he bowed down before Jesus and said, “Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man!” 10James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were amazed too. (James and John worked together with Simon.) Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on your work will be to bring in people, not fish!”
11The men brought their boats to the shore. They left everything and followed Jesus.
4When Jesus finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Take the boat into the deep water. If all of you will put your nets into the water, you will catch some fish.”
5Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish and caught nothing. But you say I should put the nets into the water, so I will.” 6The fishermen put their nets into the water. Their nets were filled with so many fish that they began to break. 7They called to their friends in the other boat to come and help them. The friends came, and both boats were filled so full of fish that they were almost sinking.
8-9The fishermen were all amazed at the many fish they caught. When Simon Peter saw this, he bowed down before Jesus and said, “Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man!” 10James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were amazed too. (James and John worked together with Simon.) Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on your work will be to bring in people, not fish!”
11The men brought their boats to the shore. They left everything and followed Jesus.
Jesus Heals a Sick Man
12One time Jesus was in a town where a very sick man lived. This man was covered with leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed before Jesus and begged him, “Lord, you have the power to heal me if you want.”
13Jesus said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!” Then he touched the man, and immediately the leprosy disappeared. 14Then Jesus said, “Don’t tell anyone about what happened. But go and let the priest look at you. And offer a gift to God for your healing as Moses commanded. This will show people that you are healed.”
15But the news about Jesus spread more and more. Many people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16Jesus often went away to other places to be alone so that he could pray.
13Jesus said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!” Then he touched the man, and immediately the leprosy disappeared. 14Then Jesus said, “Don’t tell anyone about what happened. But go and let the priest look at you. And offer a gift to God for your healing as Moses commanded. This will show people that you are healed.”
15But the news about Jesus spread more and more. Many people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16Jesus often went away to other places to be alone so that he could pray.
Jesus Heals a Crippled Man
17One day Jesus was teaching the people. The Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there too. They had come from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The Lord was giving Jesus the power to heal people. 18There was a man who was paralyzed, and some other men were carrying him on a mat. They tried to bring him and put him down before Jesus. 19But there were so many people that they could not find a way to Jesus. So they went up on the roof and lowered the crippled man down through a hole in the ceiling. They lowered the mat into the room so that the crippled man was lying before Jesus. 20Jesus saw how much faith they had and said to the sick man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
21The Jewish teachers of the law and the Pharisees thought to themselves, “Who is this man who dares to say such things? What an insult to God! No one but God can forgive sins.”
22But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you have these questions in your minds? 23-24The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. But how can I prove this to you? Maybe you are thinking it was easy for me to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ There’s no proof that it really happened. But what if I say to the man, ‘Stand up and walk’? Then you will be able to see that I really have this power.” So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, stand up! Take your mat and go home!”
25The man immediately stood up in front of everyone. He picked up his mat and walked home, praising God. 26Everyone was completely amazed and began to praise God. They were filled with great respect for God’s power. They said, “Today we saw amazing things!”
21The Jewish teachers of the law and the Pharisees thought to themselves, “Who is this man who dares to say such things? What an insult to God! No one but God can forgive sins.”
22But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you have these questions in your minds? 23-24The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. But how can I prove this to you? Maybe you are thinking it was easy for me to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ There’s no proof that it really happened. But what if I say to the man, ‘Stand up and walk’? Then you will be able to see that I really have this power.” So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, stand up! Take your mat and go home!”
25The man immediately stood up in front of everyone. He picked up his mat and walked home, praising God. 26Everyone was completely amazed and began to praise God. They were filled with great respect for God’s power. They said, “Today we saw amazing things!”
Levi (Matthew) Follows Jesus
27After this Jesus went out and saw a tax collector sitting at his place for collecting taxes. His name was Levi. Jesus said to him, “Follow me!” 28Levi got up, left everything, and followed Jesus.
29Then Levi gave a big dinner at his house for Jesus. At the table there were many tax collectors and some other people too. 30But the Pharisees and those who taught the law for the Pharisees began to complain to the followers of Jesus, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and other sinners?”
31Jesus answered them, “It is the sick people who need a doctor, not those who are healthy. 32I have not come to ask good people to change. I have come to ask sinners to change the way they live.”
29Then Levi gave a big dinner at his house for Jesus. At the table there were many tax collectors and some other people too. 30But the Pharisees and those who taught the law for the Pharisees began to complain to the followers of Jesus, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and other sinners?”
31Jesus answered them, “It is the sick people who need a doctor, not those who are healthy. 32I have not come to ask good people to change. I have come to ask sinners to change the way they live.”
Jesus Is Not Like Other Religious Leaders
33They said to Jesus, “John’s followers often fast and pray, the same as the followers of the Pharisees. But your followers eat and drink all the time.”
34Jesus said to them, “At a wedding you can’t ask the friends of the bridegroom to be sad and fast while he is still with them. 35But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. Then his friends will fast.”
36Jesus told them this story: “No one takes cloth off a new coat to cover a hole in an old coat. That would ruin the new coat, and the cloth from the new coat would not be the same as the old cloth. 37Also, no one ever pours new wine into old wineskins. The new wine would break them. The wine would spill out, and the wineskins would be ruined. 38You always put new wine into new wineskins. 39No one who drinks old wine wants new wine. They say, ‘The old wine is just fine.’”
34Jesus said to them, “At a wedding you can’t ask the friends of the bridegroom to be sad and fast while he is still with them. 35But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. Then his friends will fast.”
36Jesus told them this story: “No one takes cloth off a new coat to cover a hole in an old coat. That would ruin the new coat, and the cloth from the new coat would not be the same as the old cloth. 37Also, no one ever pours new wine into old wineskins. The new wine would break them. The wine would spill out, and the wineskins would be ruined. 38You always put new wine into new wineskins. 39No one who drinks old wine wants new wine. They say, ‘The old wine is just fine.’”
6Chapter
Jesus Is Lord Over the Sabbath Day
1One time on a Sabbath day, Jesus was walking through some grain fields. His followers picked the grain, rubbed it in their hands, and ate it. 2Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing that? It is against the Law of Moses to do that on the Sabbath day.”
3Jesus answered, “You have read about what David did when he and the people with him were hungry. 4David went into God’s house. He took the bread that was offered to God and ate it. And he gave some of the bread to the people with him. This was against the Law of Moses, which says that only the priests can eat that bread.” 5Then Jesus said to the Pharisees, “The Son of Man is Lord over the Sabbath day.”
3Jesus answered, “You have read about what David did when he and the people with him were hungry. 4David went into God’s house. He took the bread that was offered to God and ate it. And he gave some of the bread to the people with him. This was against the Law of Moses, which says that only the priests can eat that bread.” 5Then Jesus said to the Pharisees, “The Son of Man is Lord over the Sabbath day.”
Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath Day
6On another Sabbath day Jesus went into the synagogue and taught the people. A man with a crippled right hand was there. 7The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were watching Jesus closely. They were waiting to see if he would heal on the Sabbath day. They wanted to see him do something wrong so that they could accuse him. 8But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to the man with the crippled hand, “Get up and stand here where everyone can see.” The man got up and stood there. 9Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is the right thing to do on the Sabbath day: to do good or to do evil? Is it right to save a life or to destroy one?”
10Jesus looked around at all of them and then said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” The man held out his hand, and it was healed. 11The Pharisees and the teachers of the law got so mad they couldn’t think straight. They talked to each other about what they could do to Jesus.
10Jesus looked around at all of them and then said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” The man held out his hand, and it was healed. 11The Pharisees and the teachers of the law got so mad they couldn’t think straight. They talked to each other about what they could do to Jesus.
Jesus Chooses His Twelve Apostles
12A few days later, Jesus went out to a mountain to pray. He stayed there all night praying to God. 13The next morning he called his followers. He chose twelve of them and called them apostles. These are the ones he chose:
14Simon (Jesus named him Peter), Andrew, brother of Peter, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
15Matthew, Thomas, James, the son of Alphaeus, Simon, called the Zealot,
16Judas, the son of James, Judas Iscariot (the one who turned against Jesus).
14Simon (Jesus named him Peter), Andrew, brother of Peter, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
15Matthew, Thomas, James, the son of Alphaeus, Simon, called the Zealot,
16Judas, the son of James, Judas Iscariot (the one who turned against Jesus).
Jesus Teaches and Heals the People
17Jesus and the apostles came down from the mountain. Jesus stood on a flat place. A large crowd of his followers was there. Also, there were many people from all around Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast cities of Tyre and Sidon. 18They all came to hear Jesus teach and to be healed of their sicknesses. He healed the people who were troubled by evil spirits. 19Everyone was trying to touch him, because power was coming out from him. Jesus healed them all.
20“Great blessings belong to you who are poor. God’s kingdom belongs to you.
21Great blessings belong to you who are hungry now. You will be filled. Great blessings belong to you who are crying now. You will be happy and laughing.
22“People will hate you because you belong to the Son of Man. They will make you leave their group. They will insult you. They will think it is wrong even to say your name. When these things happen, know that great blessings belong to you. 23You can be happy then and jump for joy, because you have a great reward in heaven. The ancestors of those people did the same things to the prophets.
24“But how bad it will be for you rich people, because you had your easy life.
25How bad it will be for you people who are full now, because you will be hungry. How bad it will be for you people who are laughing now, because you will be sad and cry.
26“How bad it is when everyone says nothing but good about you. Just look at the false prophets. Their ancestors always said good things about them.
20“Great blessings belong to you who are poor. God’s kingdom belongs to you.
21Great blessings belong to you who are hungry now. You will be filled. Great blessings belong to you who are crying now. You will be happy and laughing.
22“People will hate you because you belong to the Son of Man. They will make you leave their group. They will insult you. They will think it is wrong even to say your name. When these things happen, know that great blessings belong to you. 23You can be happy then and jump for joy, because you have a great reward in heaven. The ancestors of those people did the same things to the prophets.
24“But how bad it will be for you rich people, because you had your easy life.
25How bad it will be for you people who are full now, because you will be hungry. How bad it will be for you people who are laughing now, because you will be sad and cry.
26“How bad it is when everyone says nothing but good about you. Just look at the false prophets. Their ancestors always said good things about them.
Love Your Enemies
27“But I say to you people who are listening to me, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28Ask God to bless the people who ask for bad things to happen to you. Pray for the people who are mean to you. 29If someone hits you on the side of your face, let them hit the other side too. If someone takes your coat, don’t stop them from taking your shirt too. 30Give to everyone who asks you for something. When someone takes something that is yours, don’t ask for it back. 31Do for others what you want them to do for you.
32“If you love only those who love you, should you get any special praise for doing that? No, even sinners love those who love them! 33If you do good only to those who do good to you, should you get any special praise for doing that? No, even sinners do that! 34If you lend things to people, always expecting to get something back, should you get any special praise for that? No, even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount!
35“I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. 36Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.
32“If you love only those who love you, should you get any special praise for doing that? No, even sinners love those who love them! 33If you do good only to those who do good to you, should you get any special praise for doing that? No, even sinners do that! 34If you lend things to people, always expecting to get something back, should you get any special praise for that? No, even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount!
35“I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. 36Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.
Be Careful About Criticizing Others
37“Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. Don’t condemn others, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.”
39Jesus told them this story: “Can a blind man lead another blind man? No. Both of them will fall into a ditch. 40Students are not better than their teacher. But when they have been fully taught, they will be like their teacher.
41“Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t see the big piece of wood that is in your own eye? 42You say to your friend, ‘Let me get that little piece of dust out of your eye.’ Why do you say this? Can’t you see that big piece of wood in your own eye? You are a hypocrite. First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye.
39Jesus told them this story: “Can a blind man lead another blind man? No. Both of them will fall into a ditch. 40Students are not better than their teacher. But when they have been fully taught, they will be like their teacher.
41“Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t see the big piece of wood that is in your own eye? 42You say to your friend, ‘Let me get that little piece of dust out of your eye.’ Why do you say this? Can’t you see that big piece of wood in your own eye? You are a hypocrite. First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye.
Only Good Trees Produce Good Fruit
43“A good tree does not produce bad fruit. And a bad tree does not produce good fruit. 44Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.
Two Kinds of People
46“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but you don’t do what I say? 47The people who come to me, who listen to my teachings and obey them—I will show you what they are like: 48They are like a man building a house. He digs deep and builds his house on rock. The floods come, and the water crashes against the house. But the flood cannot move the house, because it was built well.
49“But the people who hear my words and do not obey are like a man who builds a house without preparing a foundation. When the floods come, the house falls down easily and is completely destroyed.”
49“But the people who hear my words and do not obey are like a man who builds a house without preparing a foundation. When the floods come, the house falls down easily and is completely destroyed.”
7Chapter
Jesus Heals an Officer’s Servant
1Jesus finished saying all these things to the people. Then he went into Capernaum. 2In Capernaum there was an army officer. He had a servant who was very sick; he was near death. The officer loved the servant very much. 3When he heard about Jesus, he sent some older Jewish leaders to him. He wanted the men to ask Jesus to come and save the life of his servant. 4The men went to Jesus. They begged Jesus to help the officer. They said, “This officer is worthy to have your help. 5He loves our people and he built the synagogue for us.”
6So Jesus went with them. He was coming near the officer’s house when the officer sent friends to say, “Lord, you don’t need to do anything special for me. I am not good enough for you to come into my house. 7That is why I did not come to you myself. You need only to give the order, and my servant will be healed. 8I know this because I am a man under the authority of other men. And I have soldiers under my authority. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes. And I tell another soldier, ‘Come,’ and he comes. And I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and my servant obeys me.”
9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He turned to the people following him and said, “I tell you, this is the most faith I have seen anywhere, even in Israel.”
10The group that was sent to Jesus went back to the house. There they found that the servant was healed.
6So Jesus went with them. He was coming near the officer’s house when the officer sent friends to say, “Lord, you don’t need to do anything special for me. I am not good enough for you to come into my house. 7That is why I did not come to you myself. You need only to give the order, and my servant will be healed. 8I know this because I am a man under the authority of other men. And I have soldiers under my authority. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes. And I tell another soldier, ‘Come,’ and he comes. And I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and my servant obeys me.”
9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He turned to the people following him and said, “I tell you, this is the most faith I have seen anywhere, even in Israel.”
10The group that was sent to Jesus went back to the house. There they found that the servant was healed.
Jesus Brings a Woman’s Son Back to Life
11The next day Jesus and his followers went to a town called Nain. A big crowd was traveling with them. 12When Jesus came near the town gate, he saw some people carrying a dead body. It was the only son of a woman who was a widow. Walking with her were many other people from the town. 13When the Lord saw the woman, he felt very sorry for her and said, “Don’t cry.” 14He walked to the open coffin and touched it. The men who were carrying the coffin stopped. Jesus spoke to the dead son: “Young man, I tell you, get up!” 15Then the boy sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16Everyone was filled with fear. They began praising God and said, “A great prophet is here with us!” and “God is taking care of his people.”
17This news about Jesus spread all over Judea and to all the other places around there.
16Everyone was filled with fear. They began praising God and said, “A great prophet is here with us!” and “God is taking care of his people.”
17This news about Jesus spread all over Judea and to all the other places around there.
John Sends Men to Ask Jesus a Question
18John’s followers told him about all these things. John called for two of his followers. 19He sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one we heard was coming, or should we wait for someone else?”
20So the men came to Jesus. They said, “John the Baptizer sent us to you with this question: ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we wait for someone else?’”
21Right then Jesus healed many people of their sicknesses and diseases. He healed those who had evil spirits and made many who were blind able to see again. 22Then he said to John’s followers, “Go tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with leprosy are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are brought back to life. And the Good News is being told to the poor. 23Great blessings belong to those who don’t have a problem accepting me.”
24When John’s followers left, Jesus began talking to the people about John: “What did you people go out into the desert to see? Someone who is weak, like a stem of grass blowing in the wind? 25Really, what did you expect to see? Someone dressed in fine clothes? Of course not. People who wear fancy clothes and live in luxury are all in kings’ palaces. 26So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, John is a prophet. But I tell you, he is more than that. 27‘Listen! I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.’
28I tell you, no one ever born is greater than John. But even the least important person in God’s kingdom is greater than John.”
29(When the people heard this, they all agreed that God’s teaching was good. Even the tax collectors agreed. These were the people who were baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and experts in the law refused to accept God’s plan for themselves; they did not let John baptize them.)
31“What shall I say about the people of this time? What can I compare them to? What are they like? 32‘We played flute music for you, but you did not dance; we sang a sad song, but you did not cry.’
33John the Baptizer came and did not eat the usual food or drink wine. And you say, ‘He has a demon inside him.’ 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking. And you say, ‘Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine! He is a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ 35But wisdom is shown to be right by those who accept it.”
20So the men came to Jesus. They said, “John the Baptizer sent us to you with this question: ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we wait for someone else?’”
21Right then Jesus healed many people of their sicknesses and diseases. He healed those who had evil spirits and made many who were blind able to see again. 22Then he said to John’s followers, “Go tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with leprosy are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are brought back to life. And the Good News is being told to the poor. 23Great blessings belong to those who don’t have a problem accepting me.”
24When John’s followers left, Jesus began talking to the people about John: “What did you people go out into the desert to see? Someone who is weak, like a stem of grass blowing in the wind? 25Really, what did you expect to see? Someone dressed in fine clothes? Of course not. People who wear fancy clothes and live in luxury are all in kings’ palaces. 26So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, John is a prophet. But I tell you, he is more than that. 27‘Listen! I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.’
28I tell you, no one ever born is greater than John. But even the least important person in God’s kingdom is greater than John.”
29(When the people heard this, they all agreed that God’s teaching was good. Even the tax collectors agreed. These were the people who were baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and experts in the law refused to accept God’s plan for themselves; they did not let John baptize them.)
31“What shall I say about the people of this time? What can I compare them to? What are they like? 32‘We played flute music for you, but you did not dance; we sang a sad song, but you did not cry.’
33John the Baptizer came and did not eat the usual food or drink wine. And you say, ‘He has a demon inside him.’ 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking. And you say, ‘Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine! He is a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ 35But wisdom is shown to be right by those who accept it.”
Simon the Pharisee
36One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him. Jesus went into the Pharisee’s house and took a place at the table.
37There was a sinful woman in that town. She knew that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house. So the woman brought some expensive perfume in an alabaster jar. 38She stood at Jesus’ feet, crying. Then she began to wash his feet with her tears. She dried his feet with her hair. She kissed his feet many times and rubbed them with the perfume.
39When the Pharisee who asked Jesus to come to his house saw this, he thought to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know that the woman who is touching him is a sinner!”
40In response, Jesus said to the Pharisee, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” Simon said, “Let me hear it, Teacher.”
41Jesus said, “There were two men. Both men owed money to the same banker. One man owed him 500 silver coins. The other man owed him 50 silver coins. 42The men had no money, so they could not pay their debt. But the banker told the men that they did not have to pay him. Which one of those two men will love him more?”
43Simon answered, “I think it would be the one who owed him the most money.” Jesus said to him, “You are right.” 44Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave me no water for my feet. But she washed my feet with her tears and dried my feet with her hair. 45You did not greet me with a kiss, but she has been kissing my feet since I came in. 46You did not honor me with oil for my head, but she rubbed my feet with her sweet-smelling oil. 47I tell you that her many sins are forgiven. This is clear, because she showed great love. People who are forgiven only a little will love only a little.”
48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49The people sitting at the table began to think to themselves, “Who does this man think he is? How can he forgive sins?”
50Jesus said to the woman, “Because you believed, you are saved from your sins. Go in peace.”
37There was a sinful woman in that town. She knew that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house. So the woman brought some expensive perfume in an alabaster jar. 38She stood at Jesus’ feet, crying. Then she began to wash his feet with her tears. She dried his feet with her hair. She kissed his feet many times and rubbed them with the perfume.
39When the Pharisee who asked Jesus to come to his house saw this, he thought to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know that the woman who is touching him is a sinner!”
40In response, Jesus said to the Pharisee, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” Simon said, “Let me hear it, Teacher.”
41Jesus said, “There were two men. Both men owed money to the same banker. One man owed him 500 silver coins. The other man owed him 50 silver coins. 42The men had no money, so they could not pay their debt. But the banker told the men that they did not have to pay him. Which one of those two men will love him more?”
43Simon answered, “I think it would be the one who owed him the most money.” Jesus said to him, “You are right.” 44Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave me no water for my feet. But she washed my feet with her tears and dried my feet with her hair. 45You did not greet me with a kiss, but she has been kissing my feet since I came in. 46You did not honor me with oil for my head, but she rubbed my feet with her sweet-smelling oil. 47I tell you that her many sins are forgiven. This is clear, because she showed great love. People who are forgiven only a little will love only a little.”
48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49The people sitting at the table began to think to themselves, “Who does this man think he is? How can he forgive sins?”
50Jesus said to the woman, “Because you believed, you are saved from your sins. Go in peace.”
8Chapter
The Group With Jesus
1The next day, Jesus traveled through some cities and small towns. Jesus told the people a message from God, the Good News about God’s kingdom. The twelve apostles were with him. 2There were also some women with him. Jesus had healed these women of sicknesses and evil spirits. One of them was Mary, who was called Magdalene. Seven demons had come out of her. 3Also with these women were Joanna, the wife of Chuza (the manager of Herod’s property), Susanna, and many other women. These women used their own money to help Jesus and his apostles.
A Story About a Farmer Sowing Seed
4A large crowd came together. People came to Jesus from every town, and he told them this story:
5“A farmer went out to sow seed. While he was scattering the seed, some of it fell beside the road. People walked on the seed, and the birds ate it all. 6Other seed fell on rock. It began to grow but then died because it had no water. 7Some other seed fell among thorny weeds. This seed grew, but later the weeds stopped the plants from growing. 8The rest of the seed fell on good ground. This seed grew and made 100 times more grain.” Jesus finished the story. Then he called out, “You people who hear me, listen!”
9Jesus’ followers asked him, “What does this story mean?”
10‘They will look, but they will not see, and they will listen, but they will not understand.’
5“A farmer went out to sow seed. While he was scattering the seed, some of it fell beside the road. People walked on the seed, and the birds ate it all. 6Other seed fell on rock. It began to grow but then died because it had no water. 7Some other seed fell among thorny weeds. This seed grew, but later the weeds stopped the plants from growing. 8The rest of the seed fell on good ground. This seed grew and made 100 times more grain.” Jesus finished the story. Then he called out, “You people who hear me, listen!”
9Jesus’ followers asked him, “What does this story mean?”
10‘They will look, but they will not see, and they will listen, but they will not understand.’
Jesus Explains the Story About Seed
11“This is what the story means: The seed is God’s teaching. 12Some people are like the seed that fell beside the path. They hear God’s teaching, but then the devil comes and causes them to stop thinking about it. This keeps them from believing it and being saved. 13Others are like the seed that fell on rock. That is like the people who hear God’s teaching and gladly accept it. But they don’t have deep roots. They believe for a while. But when trouble comes, they turn away from God.
14“What about the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That is like the people who hear God’s teaching, but they let the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life stop them from growing. So they never produce a crop. 15And what about the seed that fell on the good ground? That is like the people who hear God’s teaching with a good, honest heart. They obey it and patiently produce a good crop.
14“What about the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That is like the people who hear God’s teaching, but they let the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life stop them from growing. So they never produce a crop. 15And what about the seed that fell on the good ground? That is like the people who hear God’s teaching with a good, honest heart. They obey it and patiently produce a good crop.
Use the Understanding You Have
16“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. Instead, they put the lamp on a lampstand so that the people who come in will have enough light to see. 17Everything that is hidden will become clear. Every secret thing will be made known, and everyone will see it. 18So think carefully about what you are hearing. The people who have some understanding will receive more. But those who do not have understanding will lose even what they think they have.”
Jesus’ Followers Are His True Family
19Jesus’ mother and brothers came to visit him. But they could not get close to him, because there were so many people. 20Someone said to Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside. They want to see you.”
21Jesus answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who listen to God’s teaching and obey it.”
21Jesus answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who listen to God’s teaching and obey it.”
Jesus’ Followers See His Power
22One day Jesus and his followers got into a boat. He said to them, “Come with me across the lake.” And so they started across. 23While they were sailing, Jesus slept. A big storm blew across the lake, and the boat began to fill with water. They were in danger. 24The followers went to Jesus and woke him. They said, “Master! Master! We will drown!”
Jesus got up. He gave a command to the wind and the waves. The wind stopped, and the lake became calm. 25He said to his followers, “Where is your faith?”
They were afraid and amazed. They said to each other, “What kind of man is this? He commands the wind and the water, and they obey him.”
Jesus Frees a Man From Evil Spirits
26Jesus and his followers sailed on across the lake. They sailed to the area where the Gerasene people live, across from Galilee. 27When Jesus got out of the boat, a man from that town came to him. This man had demons inside him. For a long time he had worn no clothes. He did not live in a house but in the caves where the dead are buried.
28-29The demon inside the man had often seized him, and he had been put in jail with his hands and feet in chains. But he would always break the chains. The demon inside him would force him to go out to the places where no one lived. Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. When the man saw Jesus, he fell down before him, shouting loudly, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, don’t punish me!”
30Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” The man answered, “Legion.” (He said his name was “Legion” because many demons had gone into him.) 31The demons begged Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit. 32On that hill there was a big herd of pigs eating. The demons begged Jesus to allow them to go into the pigs. So he allowed them to do this. 33Then the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs. The herd of pigs ran down the hill into the lake, and all were drowned.
34The men who were caring for the pigs ran away and told the story in the fields and in the town. 35People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man sitting there at the feet of Jesus. The man had clothes on and was in his right mind again; the demons were gone. This made the people afraid. 36The men who saw these things happen told the others all about how Jesus made the man well. 37All those who lived in the area around Gerasa asked Jesus to go away because they were afraid. So Jesus got into the boat to go back to Galilee. 38The man he had healed begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39“Go back home and tell people what God did for you.” So the man went all over town telling what Jesus had done for him.
28-29The demon inside the man had often seized him, and he had been put in jail with his hands and feet in chains. But he would always break the chains. The demon inside him would force him to go out to the places where no one lived. Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. When the man saw Jesus, he fell down before him, shouting loudly, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, don’t punish me!”
30Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” The man answered, “Legion.” (He said his name was “Legion” because many demons had gone into him.) 31The demons begged Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit. 32On that hill there was a big herd of pigs eating. The demons begged Jesus to allow them to go into the pigs. So he allowed them to do this. 33Then the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs. The herd of pigs ran down the hill into the lake, and all were drowned.
34The men who were caring for the pigs ran away and told the story in the fields and in the town. 35People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man sitting there at the feet of Jesus. The man had clothes on and was in his right mind again; the demons were gone. This made the people afraid. 36The men who saw these things happen told the others all about how Jesus made the man well. 37All those who lived in the area around Gerasa asked Jesus to go away because they were afraid. So Jesus got into the boat to go back to Galilee. 38The man he had healed begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39“Go back home and tell people what God did for you.” So the man went all over town telling what Jesus had done for him.
Jesus Gives Life to a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman
40When Jesus went back to Galilee, the people welcomed him. Everyone was waiting for him. 41-42A man named Jairus came to him. He was a leader of the synagogue. He had only one daughter. She was twelve years old, and she was dying. So Jairus bowed down at the feet of Jesus and begged him to come to his house.
While Jesus was going to Jairus’ house, the people crowded all around him. 43A woman was there who had been bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on doctors, but no doctor was able to heal her. 44The woman came behind Jesus and touched the bottom of his coat. At that moment, her bleeding stopped. 45Then Jesus said, “Who touched me?”
They all said they had not touched him. And Peter said, “Master, people are all around you, pushing against you.”
46But Jesus said, “Someone touched me. I felt power go out from me.” 47When the woman saw that she could not hide, she came forward, shaking. She bowed down before Jesus. While everyone listened, she told why she touched him. Then she said that she was healed immediately when she touched him. 48Jesus said to her, “My daughter, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace.”
49While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue leader and said, “Your daughter has died! Don’t bother the Teacher anymore.”
50Jesus heard this and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid! Just believe and your daughter will be well.”
51Jesus went to the house. He let only Peter, John, James, and the girl’s father and mother go inside with him. 52Everyone was crying and feeling sad because the girl was dead. But Jesus said, “Don’t cry. She is not dead. She is only sleeping.”
53The people laughed at him, because they knew that the girl was dead. 54But Jesus held her hand and called to her, “Little girl, stand up!” 55Her spirit came back into her, and she stood up immediately. Jesus said, “Give her something to eat.” 56The girl’s parents were amazed. He told them not to tell anyone about what happened.
46But Jesus said, “Someone touched me. I felt power go out from me.” 47When the woman saw that she could not hide, she came forward, shaking. She bowed down before Jesus. While everyone listened, she told why she touched him. Then she said that she was healed immediately when she touched him. 48Jesus said to her, “My daughter, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace.”
49While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue leader and said, “Your daughter has died! Don’t bother the Teacher anymore.”
50Jesus heard this and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid! Just believe and your daughter will be well.”
51Jesus went to the house. He let only Peter, John, James, and the girl’s father and mother go inside with him. 52Everyone was crying and feeling sad because the girl was dead. But Jesus said, “Don’t cry. She is not dead. She is only sleeping.”
53The people laughed at him, because they knew that the girl was dead. 54But Jesus held her hand and called to her, “Little girl, stand up!” 55Her spirit came back into her, and she stood up immediately. Jesus said, “Give her something to eat.” 56The girl’s parents were amazed. He told them not to tell anyone about what happened.
9Chapter
Jesus Sends His Apostles on a Mission
1Jesus called his twelve apostles together. He gave them power to heal sicknesses and power to force demons out of people. 2He sent them to tell about God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. 3He said to them, “When you travel, don’t take a walking stick. Also, don’t carry a bag, food, or money. Take for your trip only the clothes you are wearing. 4When you go into a house, stay there until it is time to leave. 5If the people in the town will not welcome you, go outside the town and shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them.”
6So the apostles went out. They traveled through all the towns. They told the Good News and healed people everywhere.
6So the apostles went out. They traveled through all the towns. They told the Good News and healed people everywhere.
Herod Is Confused About Jesus
7Herod the ruler heard about all these things that were happening. He was confused because some people said, “John the Baptizer has risen from death.” 8Others said, “Elijah has come to us.” And some others said, “One of the prophets from long ago has risen from death.” 9Herod said, “I cut off John’s head. So who is this man I hear these things about?” Herod continued trying to see Jesus.
Jesus Feeds More Than 5000
10When the apostles came back, they told Jesus what they had done on their trip. Then he took them away to a town called Bethsaida. There, he and his apostles could be alone together. 11But the people learned where Jesus went and followed him. He welcomed them and talked with them about God’s kingdom. He healed the people who were sick.
12Late in the afternoon, the twelve apostles came to Jesus and said, “No one lives in this place. Send the people away. They need to find food and places to sleep in the farms and towns around here.”
13But Jesus said to the apostles, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish. Do you want us to go buy food for all these people?” There are too many! 14(There were about 5000 men there.) Jesus said to his followers, “Tell the people to sit in groups of about 50 people.”
15So the followers did this and everyone sat down. 16Then Jesus took the five loaves of bread and two fish. He looked up into the sky and thanked God for the food. Then he broke it into pieces, which he gave to the followers to give to the people. 17They all ate until they were full. And there was a lot of food left. Twelve baskets were filled with the pieces of food that were not eaten.
12Late in the afternoon, the twelve apostles came to Jesus and said, “No one lives in this place. Send the people away. They need to find food and places to sleep in the farms and towns around here.”
13But Jesus said to the apostles, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish. Do you want us to go buy food for all these people?” There are too many! 14(There were about 5000 men there.) Jesus said to his followers, “Tell the people to sit in groups of about 50 people.”
15So the followers did this and everyone sat down. 16Then Jesus took the five loaves of bread and two fish. He looked up into the sky and thanked God for the food. Then he broke it into pieces, which he gave to the followers to give to the people. 17They all ate until they were full. And there was a lot of food left. Twelve baskets were filled with the pieces of food that were not eaten.
Peter Says Jesus Is the Messiah
18One time Jesus was praying alone. His followers came together there, and he asked them, “Who do the people say I am?”
19They answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptizer. Others say you are Elijah. And some people say you are one of the prophets from long ago that has come back to life.”
20Then Jesus said to his followers, “And who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah from God.”
21Jesus warned them not to tell anyone.
19They answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptizer. Others say you are Elijah. And some people say you are one of the prophets from long ago that has come back to life.”
20Then Jesus said to his followers, “And who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah from God.”
21Jesus warned them not to tell anyone.
Jesus Says He Must Die
22Then Jesus said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things. He will be rejected by the older Jewish leaders, the leading priests, and teachers of the law. And he will be killed. But after three days he will be raised from death.”
23Jesus continued to say to all of them, “Any of you who want to be my follower must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you every day for following me. 24Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will save it. 25It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are destroyed or lost. 26Don’t be ashamed of me and my teaching. If that happens, I will be ashamed of you when I come with my divine greatness and that of the Father and the holy angels. 27Believe me when I say that some of you people standing here will see God’s kingdom before you die.”
23Jesus continued to say to all of them, “Any of you who want to be my follower must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you every day for following me. 24Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will save it. 25It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are destroyed or lost. 26Don’t be ashamed of me and my teaching. If that happens, I will be ashamed of you when I come with my divine greatness and that of the Father and the holy angels. 27Believe me when I say that some of you people standing here will see God’s kingdom before you die.”
Jesus Is Seen With Moses and Elijah
28About eight days after Jesus said these things, he took Peter, John, and James and went up on a mountain to pray. 29While Jesus was praying, his face began to change. His clothes became shining white. 30Then two men were there, talking with him. They were Moses and Elijah. 31They also looked bright and glorious. They were talking with Jesus about his death that would happen in Jerusalem. 32Peter and the others were asleep. But they woke up and saw the glory of Jesus. They also saw the two men who were standing with him. 33When Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter said, “Master, it is good that we are here. We will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
34While Peter was saying these things, a cloud came all around them. Peter, John, and James were afraid when the cloud covered them. 35A voice came from the cloud and said, “This is my Son. He is the one I have chosen. Obey him.”
36When the voice stopped, only Jesus was there. Peter, John, and James said nothing. And for a long time after that, they told no one about what they had seen.
34While Peter was saying these things, a cloud came all around them. Peter, John, and James were afraid when the cloud covered them. 35A voice came from the cloud and said, “This is my Son. He is the one I have chosen. Obey him.”
36When the voice stopped, only Jesus was there. Peter, John, and James said nothing. And for a long time after that, they told no one about what they had seen.
Jesus Frees a Boy From an Evil Spirit
37The next day, Jesus, Peter, John, and James came down from the mountain. A large group of people met Jesus. 38A man in the group shouted to him, “Teacher, please come and look at my son. He is the only child I have. 39An evil spirit comes into him, and then he shouts. He loses control of himself and foams at the mouth. The evil spirit continues to hurt him and almost never leaves him. 40I begged your followers to make the evil spirit leave my son, but they could not do it.”
41Jesus answered, “You people today have no faith. Your lives are all wrong. How long must I be with you and be patient with you?” Then Jesus said to the man, “Bring your son here.”
42While the boy was coming, the demon threw the boy to the ground. The boy lost control of himself. But Jesus gave a strong command to the evil spirit. Then the boy was healed, and Jesus gave him back to his father. 43All the people were amazed at the great power of God.
41Jesus answered, “You people today have no faith. Your lives are all wrong. How long must I be with you and be patient with you?” Then Jesus said to the man, “Bring your son here.”
42While the boy was coming, the demon threw the boy to the ground. The boy lost control of himself. But Jesus gave a strong command to the evil spirit. Then the boy was healed, and Jesus gave him back to his father. 43All the people were amazed at the great power of God.
Jesus Talks About His Death
43The people were still amazed about all the things Jesus did. He said to his followers, 44“Don’t forget what I will tell you now: The Son of Man will soon be handed over to the control of other men.” 45But the followers did not understand what he meant. The meaning was hidden from them so that they could not understand it. But they were afraid to ask Jesus about what he said.
Who Is the Greatest?
46Jesus’ followers began to have an argument about which one of them was the greatest. 47Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he took a little child and stood the child beside him. 48Then he said to the followers, “Whoever accepts a little child like this in my name is accepting me. And anyone who accepts me is also accepting the one who sent me. The one among you who is the most humble—this is the one who is great.”
Whoever Is Not Against You Is for You
49John answered, “Master, we saw someone using your name to force demons out of people. We told him to stop because he does not belong to our group.”
50Jesus said to him, “Don’t stop him. Whoever is not against you is for you.”
50Jesus said to him, “Don’t stop him. Whoever is not against you is for you.”
A Samaritan Town
51The time was coming near when Jesus would leave and go back to heaven. He decided to go to Jerusalem. 52He sent some men ahead of him. They went into a town in Samaria to make everything ready for him. 53But the people there would not welcome Jesus because he was going toward Jerusalem. 54James and John, the followers of Jesus, saw this. They said, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven and destroy those people?”
55But Jesus turned and criticized them for saying this. 56Then he and his followers went to another town.
55But Jesus turned and criticized them for saying this. 56Then he and his followers went to another town.
Following Jesus
57They were all traveling along the road. Someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you anywhere you go.”
58He answered, “The foxes have holes to live in. The birds have nests. But the Son of Man has no place where he can rest his head.”
59Jesus said to another man, “Follow me!” But the man said, “Lord, let me go and bury my father first.”
60But Jesus said to him, “Let the people who are dead bury their own dead. You must go and tell about God’s kingdom.”
61Another man said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say goodbye to my family.”
62Jesus said, “Anyone who begins to plow a field but looks back is not prepared for God’s kingdom.”
58He answered, “The foxes have holes to live in. The birds have nests. But the Son of Man has no place where he can rest his head.”
59Jesus said to another man, “Follow me!” But the man said, “Lord, let me go and bury my father first.”
60But Jesus said to him, “Let the people who are dead bury their own dead. You must go and tell about God’s kingdom.”
61Another man said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say goodbye to my family.”
62Jesus said, “Anyone who begins to plow a field but looks back is not prepared for God’s kingdom.”
10Chapter
Jesus Sends Out 72 of His Followers
1After this, the Lord chose 72 more followers. He sent them out in groups of two. He sent them ahead of him into every town and place where he planned to go. 2He said to them, “There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help bring in his harvest.
3“You can go now. But listen! I am sending you, and you will be like sheep among wolves. 4Don’t carry any money, a bag, or sandals. Don’t stop to talk with people on the road. 5Before you go into a house, say, ‘Peace be with this home.’ 6If the people living there love peace, your blessing of peace will stay with them. But if not, your blessing of peace will come back to you. 7Stay in the peace-loving house. Eat and drink what the people there give you. A worker should be given his pay. Don’t leave that house to stay in another house.
8“If you go into a town and the people welcome you, eat the food they give you. 9Heal the sick people who live there, and tell them, ‘God’s kingdom is now very near you !’
10“But if you go into a town and the people don’t welcome you, then go out into the streets of that town and say, 11‘Even the dirt from your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. But remember that God’s kingdom is coming soon.’ 12I tell you, on the judgment day it will be worse for the people of that town than for the people of Sodom.
3“You can go now. But listen! I am sending you, and you will be like sheep among wolves. 4Don’t carry any money, a bag, or sandals. Don’t stop to talk with people on the road. 5Before you go into a house, say, ‘Peace be with this home.’ 6If the people living there love peace, your blessing of peace will stay with them. But if not, your blessing of peace will come back to you. 7Stay in the peace-loving house. Eat and drink what the people there give you. A worker should be given his pay. Don’t leave that house to stay in another house.
8“If you go into a town and the people welcome you, eat the food they give you. 9Heal the sick people who live there, and tell them, ‘God’s kingdom is now very near you !’
10“But if you go into a town and the people don’t welcome you, then go out into the streets of that town and say, 11‘Even the dirt from your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. But remember that God’s kingdom is coming soon.’ 12I tell you, on the judgment day it will be worse for the people of that town than for the people of Sodom.
Jesus Warns People Who Refuse to Believe
13“It will be bad for you, Chorazin! It will be bad for you, Bethsaida! I did many miracles in you. If those same miracles had happened in Tyre and Sidon, then the people in those cities would have changed their lives and stopped sinning a long time ago. They would have worn sackcloth and sat in ashes to show that they were sorry for their sins. 14But on the judgment day it will be worse for you than for Tyre and Sidon. 15And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be thrown down to the place of death!
16“When anyone listens to you my followers, they are really listening to me. But when anyone refuses to accept you, they are really refusing to accept me. And when anyone refuses to accept me, they are refusing to accept the one who sent me.”
16“When anyone listens to you my followers, they are really listening to me. But when anyone refuses to accept you, they are really refusing to accept me. And when anyone refuses to accept me, they are refusing to accept the one who sent me.”
Satan Falls
17When the 72 followers came back from their trip, they were very happy. They said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we used your name!”
18Jesus said to them, “I saw Satan falling like lightning from the sky. 19He is the enemy, but know that I have given you more power than he has. I have given you power to crush his snakes and scorpions under your feet. Nothing will hurt you. 20Yes, even the spirits obey you. And you can be happy, not because you have this power, but because your names are written in heaven.”
18Jesus said to them, “I saw Satan falling like lightning from the sky. 19He is the enemy, but know that I have given you more power than he has. I have given you power to crush his snakes and scorpions under your feet. Nothing will hurt you. 20Yes, even the spirits obey you. And you can be happy, not because you have this power, but because your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus Prays to the Father
21Then the Holy Spirit made Jesus feel very happy. Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. I am thankful that you have hidden these things from those who are so wise and so smart. But you have shown them to people who are like little children. Yes, Father, you did this because it’s what you really wanted to do.
22“My Father has given me all things. No one knows who the Son is—only the Father knows. And only the Son knows who the Father is. The only people who will know about the Father are those the Son chooses to tell.”
23Then Jesus turned to his followers. They were there alone with him. He said, “It is a great blessing for you to see what you now see! 24I tell you, many prophets and kings wanted to see what you now see, but they could not. And they wanted to hear what you now hear, but they could not.”
22“My Father has given me all things. No one knows who the Son is—only the Father knows. And only the Son knows who the Father is. The only people who will know about the Father are those the Son chooses to tell.”
23Then Jesus turned to his followers. They were there alone with him. He said, “It is a great blessing for you to see what you now see! 24I tell you, many prophets and kings wanted to see what you now see, but they could not. And they wanted to hear what you now hear, but they could not.”
A Story About the Good Samaritan
25Then an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. He said, “Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?”
26Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you understand from it?”
27The man answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ Also, ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ ”
28Jesus said, “Your answer is right. Do this and you will have eternal life.”
29But the man wanted to show that the way he was living was right. So he said to Jesus, “But who is my neighbor?”
30To answer this question, Jesus said, “A man was going down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Some robbers surrounded him, tore off his clothes, and beat him. Then they left him lying there on the ground almost dead.
31“It happened that a Jewish priest was going down that road. When he saw the man, he did not stop to help him. He walked away. 32Next, a Levite came near. He saw the hurt man, but he went around him. He would not stop to help him either. He just walked away.
33“Then a Samaritan man traveled down that road. He came to the place where the hurt man was lying. He saw the man and felt very sorry for him. 34The Samaritan went to him and poured olive oil and wine on his wounds. Then he covered the man’s wounds with cloth. The Samaritan had a donkey. He put the hurt man on his donkey, and he took him to an inn. There he cared for him. 35The next day, the Samaritan took out two silver coins and gave them to the man who worked at the inn. He said, ‘Take care of this hurt man. If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again.’”
36Then Jesus said, “Which one of these three men do you think was really a neighbor to the man who was hurt by the robbers?”
37The teacher of the law answered, “The one who helped him.” Jesus said, “Then you go and do the same.”
26Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you understand from it?”
27The man answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ Also, ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ ”
28Jesus said, “Your answer is right. Do this and you will have eternal life.”
29But the man wanted to show that the way he was living was right. So he said to Jesus, “But who is my neighbor?”
30To answer this question, Jesus said, “A man was going down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Some robbers surrounded him, tore off his clothes, and beat him. Then they left him lying there on the ground almost dead.
31“It happened that a Jewish priest was going down that road. When he saw the man, he did not stop to help him. He walked away. 32Next, a Levite came near. He saw the hurt man, but he went around him. He would not stop to help him either. He just walked away.
33“Then a Samaritan man traveled down that road. He came to the place where the hurt man was lying. He saw the man and felt very sorry for him. 34The Samaritan went to him and poured olive oil and wine on his wounds. Then he covered the man’s wounds with cloth. The Samaritan had a donkey. He put the hurt man on his donkey, and he took him to an inn. There he cared for him. 35The next day, the Samaritan took out two silver coins and gave them to the man who worked at the inn. He said, ‘Take care of this hurt man. If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again.’”
36Then Jesus said, “Which one of these three men do you think was really a neighbor to the man who was hurt by the robbers?”
37The teacher of the law answered, “The one who helped him.” Jesus said, “Then you go and do the same.”
Mary and Martha
38While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work that had to be done. Martha went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.”
41But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.”
11Chapter
Jesus Teaches About Prayer
1One time Jesus was out praying, and when he finished, one of his followers said to him, “John taught his followers how to pray. Lord, teach us how to pray too.”
2‘Father, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come.
3Give us the food we need for each day.
4Forgive our sins, just as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And don’t let us be tempted.’”
2‘Father, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come.
3Give us the food we need for each day.
4Forgive our sins, just as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And don’t let us be tempted.’”
Ask God for What You Need
5-6Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you went to your friend’s house very late at night and said to him, ‘A friend of mine has come into town to visit me. But I have nothing for him to eat. Please give me three loaves of bread.’ 7Your friend inside the house answers, ‘Go away! Don’t bother me! The door is already locked. My children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you the bread now.’ 8I tell you, maybe friendship is not enough to make him get up to give you the bread. But he will surely get up to give you what you need if you continue to ask. 9So I tell you, continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. 10Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them. 11Do any of you have a son? What would you do if your son asked you for a fish? Would any father give him a snake? 12Or, if he asked for an egg, would you give him a scorpion? Of course not! 13Even you who are bad know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father knows how to give the Holy Spirit to the people who ask him.”
Jesus’ Power Is From God
14One time Jesus was sending a demon out of a man who could not talk. When the demon came out, the man was able to speak. The crowds were amazed. 15But some of the people said, “He uses the power of Satan to force demons out of people. Satan is the ruler of demons.”
16Some others there wanted to test Jesus. They asked him to do a miracle as a sign from God. 17But he knew what they were thinking. So he said to them, “Every kingdom that fights against itself will be destroyed. And a family that fights against itself will break apart. 18So if Satan is fighting against himself, how will his kingdom survive? You say that I use the power of Satan to force out demons. 19But if I use Satan’s power to force out demons, then what power do your people use when they force out demons? So your own people will prove that you are wrong. 20But I use the power of God to force out demons. This shows that God’s kingdom has now come to you.
21“When a strong man with many weapons guards his own house, the things in his house are safe. 22But suppose a stronger man comes and defeats him. The stronger man will take away the weapons that the first man trusted to keep his house safe. Then the stronger man will do what he wants with the other man’s things.
23“Whoever is not with me is against me. And anyone who does not work with me is working against me.
16Some others there wanted to test Jesus. They asked him to do a miracle as a sign from God. 17But he knew what they were thinking. So he said to them, “Every kingdom that fights against itself will be destroyed. And a family that fights against itself will break apart. 18So if Satan is fighting against himself, how will his kingdom survive? You say that I use the power of Satan to force out demons. 19But if I use Satan’s power to force out demons, then what power do your people use when they force out demons? So your own people will prove that you are wrong. 20But I use the power of God to force out demons. This shows that God’s kingdom has now come to you.
21“When a strong man with many weapons guards his own house, the things in his house are safe. 22But suppose a stronger man comes and defeats him. The stronger man will take away the weapons that the first man trusted to keep his house safe. Then the stronger man will do what he wants with the other man’s things.
23“Whoever is not with me is against me. And anyone who does not work with me is working against me.
The Danger of Emptiness
24“When an evil spirit comes out of someone, it travels through dry places, looking for a place to rest. But it finds no place to rest. So it says, ‘I will go back to the home I left.’ 25When it comes back, it finds that home all neat and clean. 26Then the evil spirit goes out and brings back seven other spirits more evil than itself. They all go and live there, and that person has even more trouble than before.”
The People God Blesses
27As Jesus was saying these things, a woman with the people there called out to him, “Blessings from God belong to the woman who gave birth to you and fed you!”
28But Jesus said, “The people who hear the teaching of God and obey it—they are the ones who have God’s blessing.”
28But Jesus said, “The people who hear the teaching of God and obey it—they are the ones who have God’s blessing.”
Some People Doubt Jesus’ Authority
29The crowd grew larger and larger. Jesus said, “The people who live today are evil. They ask for a miracle as a sign from God. But no miracle will be done to prove anything to them. The only sign will be the miracle that happened to Jonah. 30Jonah was a sign for those who lived in Nineveh. It is the same with the Son of Man. He will be a sign for the people of this time.
31“On the judgment day, you people who live now will be compared with the queen of the South, and she will be a witness who shows how guilty you are. Why do I say this? Because she traveled from far, far away to listen to Solomon’s wise teaching. And I tell you that someone greater than Solomon is right here, but you won’t listen!
32“On the judgment day, you people who live now will also be compared with the people from Nineveh, and they will be witnesses who show how guilty you are. I say this because when Jonah preached to those people, they changed their hearts and lives. And you are listening to someone greater than Jonah, but you refuse to change!
31“On the judgment day, you people who live now will be compared with the queen of the South, and she will be a witness who shows how guilty you are. Why do I say this? Because she traveled from far, far away to listen to Solomon’s wise teaching. And I tell you that someone greater than Solomon is right here, but you won’t listen!
32“On the judgment day, you people who live now will also be compared with the people from Nineveh, and they will be witnesses who show how guilty you are. I say this because when Jonah preached to those people, they changed their hearts and lives. And you are listening to someone greater than Jonah, but you refuse to change!
Be a Light for the World
33“No one takes a light and puts it under a bowl or hides it. Instead, they put it on a lampstand so that the people who come in can see. 34The only source of light for the body is the eye. When you look at people and want to help them, you are full of light. But when you look at people in a selfish way, you are full of darkness. 35So be careful! Don’t let the light in you become darkness. 36If you are full of light, and there is no part of you that is dark, then you will be all bright, as though you have the light of a lamp shining on you.”
Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders
37After Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee asked Jesus to eat with him. So he went and took a place at the table. 38But the Pharisee was surprised when he saw that Jesus did not wash his hands first before the meal. 39The Lord said to him, “The washing you Pharisees do is like cleaning only the outside of a cup or a dish. But what is inside you? You want only to cheat and hurt people. 40You are foolish! The same one who made what is outside also made what is inside. 41So pay attention to what is inside. Give to the people who need help. Then you will be fully clean.
42“But it will be bad for you Pharisees! You give God a tenth of the food you get, even your mint, your rue, and every other little plant in your garden. But you forget to be fair to others and to love God. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things.
43“It will be bad for you Pharisees because you love to have the most important seats in the synagogues. And you love for people to show respect to you in the marketplaces. 44It will be bad for you, because you are like hidden graves. People walk on them without knowing it.”
45One of the experts in the law said to Jesus, “Teacher, when you say these things about the Pharisees, you are criticizing our group too.”
46Jesus answered, “It will be bad for you, you experts in the law! You make strict rules that are very hard for people to obey. You try to force others to obey your rules. But you yourselves don’t even try to follow any of those rules. 47It will be bad for you, because you build tombs for the prophets. But these are the same prophets your ancestors killed! 48And now you show all people that you agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you build tombs for the prophets! 49This is why God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them. Some of my prophets and apostles will be killed by evil men. Others will be treated badly.’
50“So you people who live now will be punished for the deaths of all the prophets who were killed since the beginning of the world. 51You will be punished for the killing of Abel. And you will be punished for the killing of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the Temple. Yes, I tell you that you people will be punished for them all.
52“It will be bad for you, you experts in the law! You have taken away the key to learning about God. You yourselves would not learn, and you stopped others from learning too.”
53When Jesus went out, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees began to give him much trouble. They tried to make him answer questions about many things. 54They were trying to find a way to catch Jesus saying something wrong.
42“But it will be bad for you Pharisees! You give God a tenth of the food you get, even your mint, your rue, and every other little plant in your garden. But you forget to be fair to others and to love God. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things.
43“It will be bad for you Pharisees because you love to have the most important seats in the synagogues. And you love for people to show respect to you in the marketplaces. 44It will be bad for you, because you are like hidden graves. People walk on them without knowing it.”
45One of the experts in the law said to Jesus, “Teacher, when you say these things about the Pharisees, you are criticizing our group too.”
46Jesus answered, “It will be bad for you, you experts in the law! You make strict rules that are very hard for people to obey. You try to force others to obey your rules. But you yourselves don’t even try to follow any of those rules. 47It will be bad for you, because you build tombs for the prophets. But these are the same prophets your ancestors killed! 48And now you show all people that you agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you build tombs for the prophets! 49This is why God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them. Some of my prophets and apostles will be killed by evil men. Others will be treated badly.’
50“So you people who live now will be punished for the deaths of all the prophets who were killed since the beginning of the world. 51You will be punished for the killing of Abel. And you will be punished for the killing of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the Temple. Yes, I tell you that you people will be punished for them all.
52“It will be bad for you, you experts in the law! You have taken away the key to learning about God. You yourselves would not learn, and you stopped others from learning too.”
53When Jesus went out, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees began to give him much trouble. They tried to make him answer questions about many things. 54They were trying to find a way to catch Jesus saying something wrong.
12Chapter
Don’t Be Like the Pharisees
1Many thousands of people came together. There were so many people that they were stepping on each other. Before Jesus spoke to the people, he said to his followers, “Be careful of the yeast of the Pharisees. I mean that they are hypocrites. 2Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is secret will be made known. 3What you say in the dark will be told in the light. And what you whisper in a private room will be shouted from the top of the house.”
Fear Only God
4Then Jesus said to the people, “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people. They can kill the body, but after that they can do nothing more to hurt you. 5I will show you the one to fear. You should fear God, who has the power to kill you and also to throw you into hell. Yes, he is the one you should fear.
6“When birds are sold, five small birds cost only two pennies. But God does not forget any of them. 7Yes, God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds.
6“When birds are sold, five small birds cost only two pennies. But God does not forget any of them. 7Yes, God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds.
Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Faith
8“I tell you, if you stand before others and are willing to say you believe in me, then I will say that you belong to me. I will say this in the presence of God’s angels. 9But if you stand before others and say you do not believe in me, then I will say that you do not belong to me. I will say this in the presence of God’s angels.
10“Whoever says something against the Son of Man can be forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11“When men bring you into the synagogues before the leaders and other important men, don’t worry about what you will say. 12The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
10“Whoever says something against the Son of Man can be forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11“When men bring you into the synagogues before the leaders and other important men, don’t worry about what you will say. 12The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
Jesus Warns Against Selfishness
13One of the men in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, our father just died and left some things for us. Tell my brother to share them with me.”
14But Jesus said to him, “Who said I should be your judge or decide how to divide your father’s things between you two?” 15Then Jesus said to them, “Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed. People do not get life from the many things they own.”
16Then Jesus used this story: “There was a rich man who had some land. His land grew a very good crop of food. 17He thought to himself, ‘What will I do? I have no place to keep all my crops.’
18“Then he said, ‘I know what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger barns! I will put all my wheat and good things together in my new barns. 19Then I can say to myself, I have many good things stored. I have saved enough for many years. Rest, eat, drink, and enjoy life!’
20“But God said to that man, ‘Foolish man! Tonight you will die. So what about the things you prepared for yourself? Who will get those things now?’
21“This is how it will be for anyone who saves things only for himself. To God that person is not rich.”
14But Jesus said to him, “Who said I should be your judge or decide how to divide your father’s things between you two?” 15Then Jesus said to them, “Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed. People do not get life from the many things they own.”
16Then Jesus used this story: “There was a rich man who had some land. His land grew a very good crop of food. 17He thought to himself, ‘What will I do? I have no place to keep all my crops.’
18“Then he said, ‘I know what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger barns! I will put all my wheat and good things together in my new barns. 19Then I can say to myself, I have many good things stored. I have saved enough for many years. Rest, eat, drink, and enjoy life!’
20“But God said to that man, ‘Foolish man! Tonight you will die. So what about the things you prepared for yourself? Who will get those things now?’
21“This is how it will be for anyone who saves things only for himself. To God that person is not rich.”
Put God’s Kingdom First
22Jesus said to his followers, “So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat or what you will wear. 23Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 24Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in houses or barns, but God feeds them. And you are worth much more than crows. 25None of you can add any time to your life by worrying about it. 26And if you can’t do the little things, why worry about the big things?
27“Think about how the wildflowers grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. 28If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? That’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!
29“So don’t always think about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don’t worry about it. 30That’s what all those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. But your Father knows that you need these things. 31What you should be thinking about is God’s kingdom. Then he will give you all these other things you need.
27“Think about how the wildflowers grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. 28If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? That’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!
29“So don’t always think about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don’t worry about it. 30That’s what all those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. But your Father knows that you need these things. 31What you should be thinking about is God’s kingdom. Then he will give you all these other things you need.
Don’t Trust in Money
32“Don’t fear, little flock. Your Father wants to share his kingdom with you. 33Sell the things you have and give that money to those who need it. This is the only way you can keep your riches from being lost. You will be storing treasure in heaven that lasts forever. Thieves can’t steal that treasure, and moths can’t destroy it. 34Your heart will be where your treasure is.
Always Be Ready
35“Be ready! Be fully dressed and have your lights shining. 36Be like servants who are waiting for their master to come home from a wedding party. The master comes and knocks, and the servants immediately open the door for him. 37When their master sees that they are ready and waiting for him, it will be a great day for those servants. I can tell you without a doubt, the master will get himself ready to serve a meal and tell the servants to sit down. Then he will serve them. 38Those servants might have to wait until midnight or later for their master. But they will be glad they did when he comes in and finds them still waiting.
39“What would a homeowner do if he knew when a thief was coming? You know he would not let the thief break in. 40So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time when you don’t expect him!”
39“What would a homeowner do if he knew when a thief was coming? You know he would not let the thief break in. 40So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time when you don’t expect him!”
Who Is the Trusted Servant?
41Peter said, “Lord, did you tell this story for us or for all people?”
42The Lord said, “Who is the wise and trusted servant? The master trusts one servant to give the other servants their food at the right time. Who is the servant that the master trusts to do that work? 43When the master comes and finds him doing the work he gave him, it will be a day of blessing for that servant! 44I can tell you without a doubt, the master will choose that servant to take care of everything he owns.
45“But what will happen if that servant is evil and thinks his master will not come back soon? He will begin to beat the other servants, men and women. He will eat and drink until he has had too much. 46Then the master will come when the servant is not ready, at a time when the servant is not expecting him. Then the master will punish that servant and send him away to be with the other people who don’t obey.
47“That servant knew what his master wanted him to do. But he did not make himself ready or try to do what his master wanted. So that servant will be punished very much! 48But what about the servant who does not know what his master wants? He also does things that deserve punishment. But he will get less punishment than the servant who knew what he should do. Whoever has been given much will be responsible for much. Much more will be expected from the one who has been given more.”
42The Lord said, “Who is the wise and trusted servant? The master trusts one servant to give the other servants their food at the right time. Who is the servant that the master trusts to do that work? 43When the master comes and finds him doing the work he gave him, it will be a day of blessing for that servant! 44I can tell you without a doubt, the master will choose that servant to take care of everything he owns.
45“But what will happen if that servant is evil and thinks his master will not come back soon? He will begin to beat the other servants, men and women. He will eat and drink until he has had too much. 46Then the master will come when the servant is not ready, at a time when the servant is not expecting him. Then the master will punish that servant and send him away to be with the other people who don’t obey.
47“That servant knew what his master wanted him to do. But he did not make himself ready or try to do what his master wanted. So that servant will be punished very much! 48But what about the servant who does not know what his master wants? He also does things that deserve punishment. But he will get less punishment than the servant who knew what he should do. Whoever has been given much will be responsible for much. Much more will be expected from the one who has been given more.”
Following Jesus May Bring You Trouble
49Jesus continued speaking: “I came to bring fire to the world. I wish it were already burning! 50There is a kind of baptism that I must suffer through. I feel very troubled until it is finished. 51Do you think I came to give peace to the world? No, I came to divide the world! 52From now on, a family of five will be divided, three against two, and two against three.
53A father and son will be divided: The son will turn against his father. The father will turn against his son. A mother and her daughter will be divided: The daughter will turn against her mother. The mother will turn against her daughter. A mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law will be divided: The daughter-in-law will turn against her mother-in-law. The mother-in-law will turn against her daughter-in-law.”
53A father and son will be divided: The son will turn against his father. The father will turn against his son. A mother and her daughter will be divided: The daughter will turn against her mother. The mother will turn against her daughter. A mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law will be divided: The daughter-in-law will turn against her mother-in-law. The mother-in-law will turn against her daughter-in-law.”
Understanding the Times
54Then Jesus said to the people, “When you see clouds growing bigger in the west, you say, ‘A rainstorm is coming.’ And soon it begins to rain. 55When you feel the wind begin to blow from the south, you say, ‘It will be a hot day.’ And you are right. 56You hypocrites! You can understand the weather. Why don’t you understand what is happening now?
Settle Your Problems
57“Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right? 58Suppose someone is suing you, and you are both going to court. Try hard to settle it on the way. If you don’t settle it, you may have to go before the judge. And the judge will hand you over to the officer, who will throw you into jail. 59I tell you, you will not get out of there until you have paid every cent you owe.”
13Chapter
Change Your Hearts
1Some people there with Jesus at that time told him about what had happened to some worshipers from Galilee. Pilate had them killed. Their blood was mixed with the blood of the animals they had brought for sacrificing. 2Jesus answered, “Do you think this happened to those people because they were more sinful than all other people from Galilee? 3No, they were not. But if you don’t decide now to change your lives, you will all be destroyed like those people! 4And what about those 18 people who died when the tower of Siloam fell on them? Do you think they were more sinful than everyone else in Jerusalem? 5They were not. But I tell you if you don’t decide now to change your lives, you will all be destroyed too!”
The Useless Tree
6Jesus told this story: “A man had a fig tree. He planted it in his garden. He came looking for some fruit on it, but he found none. 7He had a servant who took care of his garden. So he said to his servant, ‘I have been looking for fruit on this tree for three years, but I never find any. Cut it down! Why should it waste the ground?’ 8But the servant answered, ‘Master, let the tree have one more year to produce fruit. Let me dig up the dirt around it and fertilize it. 9Maybe the tree will have fruit on it next year. If it still does not produce, then you can cut it down.’”
Jesus Heals a Woman on the Sabbath
10Jesus taught in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day. 11A woman was there who had an evil spirit inside her. It had made the woman crippled for 18 years. Her back was always bent; she could not stand up straight. 12When Jesus saw her, he called to her, “Woman, you have been made free from your sickness!” 13He laid his hands on her, and immediately she was able to stand up straight. She began praising God.
14The synagogue leader was angry because Jesus healed on the Sabbath day. He said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come to be healed on one of those days. Don’t come for healing on the Sabbath day.”
15The Lord answered, “You people are hypocrites! All of you untie your work animals and lead them to drink water every day—even on the Sabbath day. 16This woman that I healed is a true descendant of Abraham. But Satan has held her for 18 years. Surely it is not wrong for her to be made free from her sickness on a Sabbath day!” 17When Jesus said this, all those who were criticizing him felt ashamed of themselves. And all the people were happy for the wonderful things he was doing.
14The synagogue leader was angry because Jesus healed on the Sabbath day. He said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come to be healed on one of those days. Don’t come for healing on the Sabbath day.”
15The Lord answered, “You people are hypocrites! All of you untie your work animals and lead them to drink water every day—even on the Sabbath day. 16This woman that I healed is a true descendant of Abraham. But Satan has held her for 18 years. Surely it is not wrong for her to be made free from her sickness on a Sabbath day!” 17When Jesus said this, all those who were criticizing him felt ashamed of themselves. And all the people were happy for the wonderful things he was doing.
What Is God’s Kingdom Like?
18Then Jesus said, “What is God’s kingdom like? What can I compare it to? 19God’s kingdom is like the seed of the mustard plant. Someone plants this seed in their garden. The seed grows and becomes a tree, and the birds build nests on its branches.”
20Jesus said again, “What can I compare God’s kingdom with? 21It is like yeast that a woman mixes into a big bowl of flour to make bread. The yeast makes all the dough rise.”
20Jesus said again, “What can I compare God’s kingdom with? 21It is like yeast that a woman mixes into a big bowl of flour to make bread. The yeast makes all the dough rise.”
The Narrow Door
22Jesus was teaching in every town and village. He continued to travel toward Jerusalem. 23Someone said to him, “Lord, how many people will be saved? Only a few?”
Jesus said, 24“The door to heaven is narrow. Try hard to enter it. Many people will want to enter there, but they will not be able to go in. 25If a man locks the door of his house, you can stand outside and knock on the door, but he won’t open it. You can say, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you. Where did you come from?’ 26Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you. You taught in the streets of our town.’ 27Then he will say to you, ‘I don’t know you. Where did you come from? Get away from me! You are all people who do wrong!’
28“You will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God’s kingdom. But you will be left outside. There you will cry and grind your teeth with pain. 29People will come from the east, west, north, and south. They will sit down at the table in God’s kingdom. 30People who have the lowest place in life now will have the highest place in God’s kingdom. And people who have the highest place now will have the lowest place in God’s kingdom.”
28“You will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God’s kingdom. But you will be left outside. There you will cry and grind your teeth with pain. 29People will come from the east, west, north, and south. They will sit down at the table in God’s kingdom. 30People who have the lowest place in life now will have the highest place in God’s kingdom. And people who have the highest place now will have the lowest place in God’s kingdom.”
Jesus Will Die in Jerusalem
31Just then some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away from here and hide. Herod wants to kill you!”
32Jesus said to them, “Go tell that fox, ‘Today and tomorrow I am forcing demons out of people and finishing my work of healing. Then, the next day, the work will be finished.’ 33After that I must go, because all prophets should die in Jerusalem.
34“Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death the people God has sent to you. How many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me. 35Now your home will be left completely empty. I tell you, you will not see me again until that time when you will say, ‘Welcome! God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”
32Jesus said to them, “Go tell that fox, ‘Today and tomorrow I am forcing demons out of people and finishing my work of healing. Then, the next day, the work will be finished.’ 33After that I must go, because all prophets should die in Jerusalem.
34“Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death the people God has sent to you. How many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me. 35Now your home will be left completely empty. I tell you, you will not see me again until that time when you will say, ‘Welcome! God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”
14Chapter
Is It Right to Heal on the Sabbath Day?
1On a Sabbath day, Jesus went to the home of a leading Pharisee to eat with him. The people there were all watching him very closely. 2A man with a bad disease was there in front of him. 3Jesus said to the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it right or wrong to heal on the Sabbath day?” 4But they would not answer his question. So he took the man and healed him. Then he sent the man away. 5Jesus said to the Pharisees and teachers of the law, “If your son or work animal falls into a well on the Sabbath day, you know you would pull him out immediately.” 6The Pharisees and teachers of the law could say nothing against what he said.
Don’t Make Yourself Important
7Then Jesus noticed that some of the guests were choosing the best places to sit. So he told this story: 8“When someone invites you to a wedding, don’t sit in the most important seat. They may have invited someone more important than you. 9And if you are sitting in the most important seat, they will come to you and say, ‘Give this man your seat!’ Then you will have to move down to the last place and be embarrassed.
10“So when someone invites you, go sit in the seat that is not important. Then they will come to you and say, ‘Friend, move up here to this better place!’ What an honor this will be for you in front of all the other guests. 11Everyone who makes themselves important will be made humble. But everyone who makes themselves humble will be made important.”
10“So when someone invites you, go sit in the seat that is not important. Then they will come to you and say, ‘Friend, move up here to this better place!’ What an honor this will be for you in front of all the other guests. 11Everyone who makes themselves important will be made humble. But everyone who makes themselves humble will be made important.”
You Will Be Rewarded
12Then Jesus said to the Pharisee who had invited him, “When you give a lunch or a dinner, don’t invite only your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. At another time they will pay you back by inviting you to eat with them. 13Instead, when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, and the blind. 14Then you will have great blessings, because these people cannot pay you back. They have nothing. But God will reward you at the time when all godly people rise from death.”
A Story About People Invited to a Dinner
15One of the men sitting at the table with Jesus heard these things. The man said to him, “It will be a great blessing for anyone to eat a meal in God’s kingdom!”
16Jesus said to him, “A man gave a big dinner. He invited many people. 17When it was time to eat, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come. The food is ready.’ 18But all the guests said they could not come. Each one made an excuse. The first one said, ‘I have just bought a field, so I must go look at it. Please excuse me.’ 19Another man said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of work animals; I must go and try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20A third man said, ‘I just got married; I can’t come.’
21“So the servant returned and told his master what happened. The master was angry. He said, ‘Hurry! Go into the streets and alleys of the town. Bring me the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’
22“Later, the servant said to him, ‘Master, I did what you told me to do, but we still have places for more people.’ 23The master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and country roads. Tell the people there to come. I want my house to be full! 24I tell you, not one of those people I invited first will eat any of this food I prepared.’”
16Jesus said to him, “A man gave a big dinner. He invited many people. 17When it was time to eat, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come. The food is ready.’ 18But all the guests said they could not come. Each one made an excuse. The first one said, ‘I have just bought a field, so I must go look at it. Please excuse me.’ 19Another man said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of work animals; I must go and try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20A third man said, ‘I just got married; I can’t come.’
21“So the servant returned and told his master what happened. The master was angry. He said, ‘Hurry! Go into the streets and alleys of the town. Bring me the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’
22“Later, the servant said to him, ‘Master, I did what you told me to do, but we still have places for more people.’ 23The master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and country roads. Tell the people there to come. I want my house to be full! 24I tell you, not one of those people I invited first will eat any of this food I prepared.’”
Decide if You Can Follow Me
25Many people were traveling with Jesus. He said to them, 26“If you come to me but will not leave your family, you cannot be my follower. You must love me more than your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters—even more than your own life! 27Whoever will not carry the cross that is given to them when they follow me cannot be my follower.
28“If you wanted to build a building, you would first sit down and decide how much it would cost. You must see if you have enough money to finish the job. 29If you don’t do that, you might begin the work, but you would not be able to finish. And if you could not finish it, everyone would laugh at you. 30They would say, ‘This man began to build, but he was not able to finish.’
31“If a king is going to fight against another king, first he will sit down and plan. If he has only 10,000 men, he will try to decide if he is able to defeat the other king who has 20,000 men. 32If he thinks he cannot defeat the other king, he will send some men to ask for peace while that king’s army is still far away.
33“It is the same for each of you. You must leave everything you have to follow me. If not, you cannot be my follower.
28“If you wanted to build a building, you would first sit down and decide how much it would cost. You must see if you have enough money to finish the job. 29If you don’t do that, you might begin the work, but you would not be able to finish. And if you could not finish it, everyone would laugh at you. 30They would say, ‘This man began to build, but he was not able to finish.’
31“If a king is going to fight against another king, first he will sit down and plan. If he has only 10,000 men, he will try to decide if he is able to defeat the other king who has 20,000 men. 32If he thinks he cannot defeat the other king, he will send some men to ask for peace while that king’s army is still far away.
33“It is the same for each of you. You must leave everything you have to follow me. If not, you cannot be my follower.
Don’t Lose Your Influence
34“Salt is a good thing. But if the salt loses its salty taste, you can’t make it salty again. 35It is worth nothing. You can’t even use it as dirt or dung. People just throw it away.
“You people who hear me, listen!”
15Chapter
Joy in Heaven
1Many tax collectors and sinners came to listen to Jesus. 2Then the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to complain, “Look, this man welcomes sinners and even eats with them!”
3Then Jesus told them this story: 4“Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’ 7In the same way, I tell you, heaven is a happy place when one sinner decides to change. There is more joy for that one sinner than for 99 good people who don’t need to change.
8“Suppose a woman has ten silver coins, but she loses one of them. She will take a light and clean the house. She will look carefully for the coin until she finds it. 9And when she finds it, she will call her friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I have found the coin that I lost!’ 10In the same way, it’s a happy time for the angels of God when one sinner decides to change.”
3Then Jesus told them this story: 4“Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’ 7In the same way, I tell you, heaven is a happy place when one sinner decides to change. There is more joy for that one sinner than for 99 good people who don’t need to change.
8“Suppose a woman has ten silver coins, but she loses one of them. She will take a light and clean the house. She will look carefully for the coin until she finds it. 9And when she finds it, she will call her friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I have found the coin that I lost!’ 10In the same way, it’s a happy time for the angels of God when one sinner decides to change.”
Story About Two Sons
11Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger son said to his father, ‘Give me now the part of your property that I am supposed to receive someday.’ So the father divided his wealth between his two sons.
13“A few days later the younger son gathered up all that he had and left. He traveled far away to another country, and there he wasted his money living like a fool. 14After he spent everything he had, there was a terrible famine throughout the country. He was hungry and needed money. 15So he went and got a job with one of the people who lived there. The man sent him into the fields to feed pigs. 16He was so hungry that he wanted to eat the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything.
17“The son realized that he had been very foolish. He thought, ‘All my father’s hired workers have plenty of food. But here I am, almost dead because I have nothing to eat. 18I will leave and go to my father. I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But let me be like one of your hired workers.’ 20So he left and went to his father.
13“A few days later the younger son gathered up all that he had and left. He traveled far away to another country, and there he wasted his money living like a fool. 14After he spent everything he had, there was a terrible famine throughout the country. He was hungry and needed money. 15So he went and got a job with one of the people who lived there. The man sent him into the fields to feed pigs. 16He was so hungry that he wanted to eat the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything.
17“The son realized that he had been very foolish. He thought, ‘All my father’s hired workers have plenty of food. But here I am, almost dead because I have nothing to eat. 18I will leave and go to my father. I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But let me be like one of your hired workers.’ 20So he left and went to his father.
The Younger Son Returns
20“While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him. 21The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and good sandals on his feet. 23And bring our best calf and kill it so that we can celebrate with plenty to eat. 24My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.
22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and good sandals on his feet. 23And bring our best calf and kill it so that we can celebrate with plenty to eat. 24My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.
The Older Son Complains
25“The older son had been out in the field. When he came near the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 26So he called to one of the servant boys and asked, ‘What does all this mean?’ 27The boy said, ‘Your brother has come back, and your father killed the best calf to eat. He is happy because he has his son back safe and sound.’
28“The older son was angry and would not go in to the party. So his father went out and begged him to come in. 29But he said to his father, ‘Look, for all these years I have worked like a slave for you. I have always done what you told me to do, and you never gave me even a young goat for a party with my friends. 30But then this son of yours comes home after wasting your money on prostitutes, and you kill the best calf for him!’
31“His father said to him, ‘Oh, my son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But this was a day to be happy and celebrate. Your brother was dead, but now he is alive. He was lost, but now he is found.’”
28“The older son was angry and would not go in to the party. So his father went out and begged him to come in. 29But he said to his father, ‘Look, for all these years I have worked like a slave for you. I have always done what you told me to do, and you never gave me even a young goat for a party with my friends. 30But then this son of yours comes home after wasting your money on prostitutes, and you kill the best calf for him!’
31“His father said to him, ‘Oh, my son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But this was a day to be happy and celebrate. Your brother was dead, but now he is alive. He was lost, but now he is found.’”
16Chapter
True Wealth
1Jesus said to his followers, “Once there was a rich man. He hired a manager to take care of his business. Later, he learned that his manager was cheating him. 2So he called the manager in and said to him, ‘I have heard bad things about you. Give me a report of what you have done with my money. You can’t be my manager anymore.’
3“So, the manager thought to himself, ‘What will I do? My master is taking my job away from me. I am not strong enough to dig ditches. I am too proud to beg. 4I know what I will do! I will do something to make friends, so that when I lose my job, they will welcome me into their homes.’
5“So the manager called in each person who owed the master some money. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6He answered, ‘I owe him 100 jars of olive oil.’ The manager said to him, ‘Here is your bill. Hurry! Sit down and make the bill less. Write 50 jars.’
7“Then the manager asked another one, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He answered, ‘I owe him 100 measures of wheat.’ Then the manager said to him, ‘Here is your bill; you can make it less. Write 80 measures.’
8“Later, the master told the dishonest manager that he had done a smart thing. Yes, worldly people are smarter in their business with each other than spiritual people are.
9“I tell you, use the worldly things you have now to make ‘friends’ for later. Then, when those things are gone, you will be welcomed into a home that lasts forever. 10Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with big things. Whoever is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in big things too. 11If you cannot be trusted with worldly riches, you will not be trusted with the true riches. 12And if you cannot be trusted with the things that belong to someone else, you will not be given anything of your own.
13“You cannot serve two masters at the same time. You will hate one master and love the other. Or you will be loyal to one and not care about the other. You cannot serve God and Money at the same time.”
3“So, the manager thought to himself, ‘What will I do? My master is taking my job away from me. I am not strong enough to dig ditches. I am too proud to beg. 4I know what I will do! I will do something to make friends, so that when I lose my job, they will welcome me into their homes.’
5“So the manager called in each person who owed the master some money. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6He answered, ‘I owe him 100 jars of olive oil.’ The manager said to him, ‘Here is your bill. Hurry! Sit down and make the bill less. Write 50 jars.’
7“Then the manager asked another one, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He answered, ‘I owe him 100 measures of wheat.’ Then the manager said to him, ‘Here is your bill; you can make it less. Write 80 measures.’
8“Later, the master told the dishonest manager that he had done a smart thing. Yes, worldly people are smarter in their business with each other than spiritual people are.
9“I tell you, use the worldly things you have now to make ‘friends’ for later. Then, when those things are gone, you will be welcomed into a home that lasts forever. 10Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with big things. Whoever is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in big things too. 11If you cannot be trusted with worldly riches, you will not be trusted with the true riches. 12And if you cannot be trusted with the things that belong to someone else, you will not be given anything of your own.
13“You cannot serve two masters at the same time. You will hate one master and love the other. Or you will be loyal to one and not care about the other. You cannot serve God and Money at the same time.”
God’s Law Cannot Be Changed
14The Pharisees were listening to all these things. They criticized Jesus because they all loved money. 15Jesus said to them, “You make yourselves look good in front of people. But God knows what is really in your hearts. What people think is important is worth nothing to God.
16“Before John the Baptizer came, people were taught the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. But since the time of John, the Good News about God’s kingdom is being told. And everyone is trying hard to get into it. 17But even the smallest part of a letter in the law cannot be changed. It would be easier for heaven and earth to pass away.
16“Before John the Baptizer came, people were taught the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. But since the time of John, the Good News about God’s kingdom is being told. And everyone is trying hard to get into it. 17But even the smallest part of a letter in the law cannot be changed. It would be easier for heaven and earth to pass away.
Divorce and Remarriage
18“Any man who divorces his wife and marries another woman is guilty of adultery. And the man who marries a divorced woman is also guilty of adultery.”
The Rich Man and Lazarus
19Jesus said, “There was a rich man who always dressed in the finest clothes. He was so rich that he was able to enjoy all the best things every day. 20There was also a very poor man named Lazarus. Lazarus’ body was covered with sores. He was often put by the rich man’s gate. 21Lazarus wanted only to eat the scraps of food left on the floor under the rich man’s table. And the dogs came and licked his sores.
22“Later, Lazarus died. The angels took him and placed him in the arms of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23He was sent to the place of death and was in great pain. He saw Abraham far away with Lazarus in his arms. 24He called, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to me so that he can dip his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am suffering in this fire!’
25“But Abraham said, ‘My child, remember when you lived? You had all the good things in life. But Lazarus had nothing but problems. Now he is comforted here, and you are suffering. 26Also, there is a big pit between you and us. No one can cross over to help you, and no one can come here from there.’
27“The rich man said, ‘Then please, father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father’s house on earth. 28I have five brothers. He could warn my brothers so that they will not come to this place of pain.’
29“But Abraham said, ‘They have the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets to read; let them learn from that.’
30“The rich man said, ‘No, father Abraham! But if someone came to them from the dead, then they would decide to change their lives.’
31“But Abraham said to him, ‘If your brothers won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen to someone who comes back from the dead.’”
22“Later, Lazarus died. The angels took him and placed him in the arms of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23He was sent to the place of death and was in great pain. He saw Abraham far away with Lazarus in his arms. 24He called, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to me so that he can dip his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am suffering in this fire!’
25“But Abraham said, ‘My child, remember when you lived? You had all the good things in life. But Lazarus had nothing but problems. Now he is comforted here, and you are suffering. 26Also, there is a big pit between you and us. No one can cross over to help you, and no one can come here from there.’
27“The rich man said, ‘Then please, father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father’s house on earth. 28I have five brothers. He could warn my brothers so that they will not come to this place of pain.’
29“But Abraham said, ‘They have the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets to read; let them learn from that.’
30“The rich man said, ‘No, father Abraham! But if someone came to them from the dead, then they would decide to change their lives.’
31“But Abraham said to him, ‘If your brothers won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen to someone who comes back from the dead.’”
17Chapter
Sin and Forgiveness
1Jesus said to his followers, “Things will surely happen that will make people sin. But it will be very bad for anyone who makes this happen. 2It will be very bad for anyone who makes one of these little children sin. It would be better for them to have a millstone tied around their neck and be drowned in the sea. 3So be careful!
“If your brother or sister in God’s family does something wrong, warn them. If they are sorry for what they did, forgive them. 4Even if they do something wrong to you seven times in one day, but they say they are sorry each time, you should forgive them.”
How Big Is Your Faith?
5The apostles said to the Lord, “Give us more faith!”
6The Lord said, “If your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Dig yourself up and plant yourself in the ocean!’ And the tree will obey you.
6The Lord said, “If your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Dig yourself up and plant yourself in the ocean!’ And the tree will obey you.
Be Good Servants
7“Suppose one of you has a servant who has been working in the field, plowing or caring for the sheep. When he comes in from work, what would you say to him? Would you say, ‘Come in, sit down and eat’? 8Of course not! You would say to your servant, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Then get ready and serve me. When I finish eating and drinking, then you can eat.’ 9The servant should not get any special thanks for doing his job. He is only doing what his master told him to do. 10It is the same with you. When you finish doing all that you are told to do, you should say, ‘We are not worthy of any special thanks. We have only done the work we should do.’”
Be Thankful
11Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem. He went from Galilee to Samaria. 12He came into a small town, and ten men met him there. They did not come close to him, because they all had leprosy. 13But the men shouted, “Jesus! Master! Please help us!”
14When Jesus saw the men, he said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” While the ten men were going to the priests, they were healed. 15When one of them saw that he was healed, he went back to Jesus. He praised God loudly. 16He bowed down at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. (He was a Samaritan.) 17Jesus said, “Ten men were healed; where are the other nine? 18This man is not even one of our people. Is he the only one who came back to give praise to God?” 19Then Jesus said to the man, “Stand up! You can go. You were healed because you believed.”
14When Jesus saw the men, he said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” While the ten men were going to the priests, they were healed. 15When one of them saw that he was healed, he went back to Jesus. He praised God loudly. 16He bowed down at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. (He was a Samaritan.) 17Jesus said, “Ten men were healed; where are the other nine? 18This man is not even one of our people. Is he the only one who came back to give praise to God?” 19Then Jesus said to the man, “Stand up! You can go. You were healed because you believed.”
The Coming of God’s Kingdom
20Some of the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will God’s kingdom come?”
Jesus answered, “God’s kingdom is coming, but not in a way that you can see it. 21People will not say, ‘Look, God’s kingdom is here!’ or ‘There it is!’ No, God’s kingdom is here with you. ”
22Then Jesus said to his followers, “The time will come when you will want very much to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not be able to. 23People will say to you, ‘Look, there it is!’ or ‘Look, here it is!’ Stay where you are; don’t go away and search. 24“When the Son of Man comes again, you will know it. On that day he will shine like lightning flashes across the sky. 25But first, the Son of Man must suffer many things. The people of today will refuse to accept him.
26“When the Son of Man comes again, it will be the same as it was when Noah lived. 27People were eating, drinking, and getting married even on the day when Noah entered the boat. Then the flood came and killed them all.
28“It will be the same as during the time of Lot, when God destroyed Sodom. Those people were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building houses for themselves. 29They were doing these things even on the day when Lot left town. Then fire and sulfur rained down from the sky and killed them all. 30This is exactly how it will be when the Son of Man comes again.
31“On that day if a man is on his roof, he will not have time to go inside and get his things. If a man is in the field, he cannot go back home. 32Remember what happened to Lot’s wife !
33“Whoever tries to keep the life they have will lose it. But whoever gives up their life will save it. 34That night there may be two people sleeping in one room. One will be taken and the other will be left. 35There may be two women working together. One will be taken and the other will be left.” 36
37The followers asked Jesus, “Where will this be, Lord?” Jesus answered, “It’s like looking for a dead body—you will find it where the vultures are gathering above.”
22Then Jesus said to his followers, “The time will come when you will want very much to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not be able to. 23People will say to you, ‘Look, there it is!’ or ‘Look, here it is!’ Stay where you are; don’t go away and search. 24“When the Son of Man comes again, you will know it. On that day he will shine like lightning flashes across the sky. 25But first, the Son of Man must suffer many things. The people of today will refuse to accept him.
26“When the Son of Man comes again, it will be the same as it was when Noah lived. 27People were eating, drinking, and getting married even on the day when Noah entered the boat. Then the flood came and killed them all.
28“It will be the same as during the time of Lot, when God destroyed Sodom. Those people were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building houses for themselves. 29They were doing these things even on the day when Lot left town. Then fire and sulfur rained down from the sky and killed them all. 30This is exactly how it will be when the Son of Man comes again.
31“On that day if a man is on his roof, he will not have time to go inside and get his things. If a man is in the field, he cannot go back home. 32Remember what happened to Lot’s wife !
33“Whoever tries to keep the life they have will lose it. But whoever gives up their life will save it. 34That night there may be two people sleeping in one room. One will be taken and the other will be left. 35There may be two women working together. One will be taken and the other will be left.” 36
37The followers asked Jesus, “Where will this be, Lord?” Jesus answered, “It’s like looking for a dead body—you will find it where the vultures are gathering above.”
18Chapter
God Will Answer His People
1Then Jesus taught the followers that they should always pray and never lose hope. He used this story to teach them: 2“Once there was a judge in a town. He did not care about God. He also did not care what people thought about him. 3In that same town there was a woman whose husband had died. She came many times to this judge and said, ‘There is a man who is doing bad things to me. Give me my rights!’ 4But the judge did not want to help the woman. After a long time, the judge thought to himself, ‘I don’t care about God. And I don’t care about what people think. 5But this woman is bothering me. If I give her what she wants, then she will leave me alone. But if I don’t give her what she wants, she will bother me until I am sick.’”
6The Lord said, “Listen, there is meaning in what the bad judge said. 7God’s people shout to him night and day, and he will always give them what is right. He will not be slow to answer them. 8I tell you, God will help his people quickly. But when the Son of Man comes again, will he find people on earth who believe in him?”
6The Lord said, “Listen, there is meaning in what the bad judge said. 7God’s people shout to him night and day, and he will always give them what is right. He will not be slow to answer them. 8I tell you, God will help his people quickly. But when the Son of Man comes again, will he find people on earth who believe in him?”
Being Right With God
9There were some people who thought they were very good and looked down on everyone else. Jesus used this story to teach them: 10“One time there was a Pharisee and a tax collector. One day they both went to the Temple to pray. 11The Pharisee stood alone, away from the tax collector. When the Pharisee prayed, he said, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not as bad as other people. I am not like men who steal, cheat, or commit adultery. I thank you that I am better than this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of everything I get!’
13“The tax collector stood alone too. But when he prayed, he would not even look up to heaven. He felt very humble before God. He said, ‘O God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner!’ 14I tell you, when this man finished his prayer and went home, he was right with God. But the Pharisee, who felt that he was better than others, was not right with God. People who make themselves important will be made humble. But those who make themselves humble will be made important.”
13“The tax collector stood alone too. But when he prayed, he would not even look up to heaven. He felt very humble before God. He said, ‘O God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner!’ 14I tell you, when this man finished his prayer and went home, he was right with God. But the Pharisee, who felt that he was better than others, was not right with God. People who make themselves important will be made humble. But those who make themselves humble will be made important.”
Jesus Welcomes Children
15Some people brought their small children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them. But when the followers saw this, they told the people not to do this. 16But Jesus called the little children to him and said to his followers, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these little children. 17The truth is, you must accept God’s kingdom like a little child accepts things, or you will never enter it.”
A Rich Man Refuses to Follow Jesus
18A religious leader asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?”
19Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good. 20And you know his commands: ‘You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not tell lies about others, you must respect your father and mother ….’ ”
21But the leader said, “I have obeyed all these commands since I was a boy.”
22When Jesus heard this, he said to the leader, “But there is still one thing you need to do. Sell everything you have and give the money to those who are poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.” 23But when the man heard Jesus tell him to give away his money, he was sad. He didn’t want to do this, because he was very rich.
24When Jesus saw that the man was sad, he said, “It will be very hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom. 25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”
19Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good. 20And you know his commands: ‘You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not tell lies about others, you must respect your father and mother ….’ ”
21But the leader said, “I have obeyed all these commands since I was a boy.”
22When Jesus heard this, he said to the leader, “But there is still one thing you need to do. Sell everything you have and give the money to those who are poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.” 23But when the man heard Jesus tell him to give away his money, he was sad. He didn’t want to do this, because he was very rich.
24When Jesus saw that the man was sad, he said, “It will be very hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom. 25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”
Who Can Be Saved?
26When the people heard this, they said, “Then who can be saved?”
27Jesus answered, “God can do things that are not possible for people to do.”
28Peter said, “Look, we left everything we had and followed you.”
29Jesus said, “I can promise that everyone who has left their home, wife, brothers, parents, or children for God’s kingdom 30will get much more than they left. They will get many times more in this life. And in the world that is coming they will get the reward of eternal life.”
27Jesus answered, “God can do things that are not possible for people to do.”
28Peter said, “Look, we left everything we had and followed you.”
29Jesus said, “I can promise that everyone who has left their home, wife, brothers, parents, or children for God’s kingdom 30will get much more than they left. They will get many times more in this life. And in the world that is coming they will get the reward of eternal life.”
Jesus Talks Again About His Death
31Then Jesus talked to the twelve apostles alone. He said to them, “Listen, we are going to Jerusalem. Everything that God told the prophets to write about the Son of Man will happen. 32He will be handed over to the foreigners, who will laugh at him, insult him, and spit on him. 33They will beat him with whips and then kill him. But on the third day after his death, he will rise to life again.” 34The apostles tried to understand this, but they could not; the meaning was hidden from them.
Jesus Heals a Blind Man
35Jesus came near the city of Jericho. There was a blind man sitting beside the road. He was begging people for money. 36When he heard the people coming down the road, he asked, “What is happening?”
37They told him, “Jesus, the one from Nazareth, is coming here.”
38The blind man was excited and said, “Jesus, Son of David, please help me!”
39The people who were in front leading the group criticized the blind man. They told him to be quiet. But he shouted more and more, “Son of David, please help me!”
40Jesus stopped there and said, “Bring that man to me!” When he came close, Jesus asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, I want to see again.”
42Jesus said to him, “You can see now. You are healed because you believed.”
43Then the man was able to see. He followed Jesus, thanking God. Everyone who saw this praised God for what happened.
37They told him, “Jesus, the one from Nazareth, is coming here.”
38The blind man was excited and said, “Jesus, Son of David, please help me!”
39The people who were in front leading the group criticized the blind man. They told him to be quiet. But he shouted more and more, “Son of David, please help me!”
40Jesus stopped there and said, “Bring that man to me!” When he came close, Jesus asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, I want to see again.”
42Jesus said to him, “You can see now. You are healed because you believed.”
43Then the man was able to see. He followed Jesus, thanking God. Everyone who saw this praised God for what happened.
19Chapter
Zacchaeus
1Jesus was going through the city of Jericho. 2In Jericho there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a wealthy, very important tax collector. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was. There were many others who wanted to see Jesus too. Zacchaeus was too short to see above the people. 4So he ran to a place where he knew Jesus would come. Then he climbed a sycamore tree so he could see him.
5When Jesus came to where Zacchaeus was, he looked up and saw him in the tree. Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, hurry! Come down! I must stay at your house today.”
6Zacchaeus hurried and came down. He was happy to have Jesus in his house. 7Everyone saw this. They began to complain, “Look at the kind of man Jesus is staying with. Zacchaeus is a sinner!”
8Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “I want to do good. I will give half of my money to the poor. If I have cheated anyone, I will pay them back four times more.”
9Jesus said, “Today is the day for this family to be saved from sin. Yes, even this tax collector is one of God’s chosen people. 10The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.”
5When Jesus came to where Zacchaeus was, he looked up and saw him in the tree. Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, hurry! Come down! I must stay at your house today.”
6Zacchaeus hurried and came down. He was happy to have Jesus in his house. 7Everyone saw this. They began to complain, “Look at the kind of man Jesus is staying with. Zacchaeus is a sinner!”
8Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “I want to do good. I will give half of my money to the poor. If I have cheated anyone, I will pay them back four times more.”
9Jesus said, “Today is the day for this family to be saved from sin. Yes, even this tax collector is one of God’s chosen people. 10The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.”
Use What God Gives You
11As the crowd listened to what he was saying, Jesus went on to tell a story. He was now near Jerusalem and knew that the people thought it was almost time for God’s kingdom to come. 12So he said, “A very important man was preparing to go to a country far away to be made a king. Then he planned to return home and rule his people. 13So he called ten of his servants together. He gave a bag of money to each servant. He said, ‘Do business with this money until I come back.’ 14But the people in the kingdom hated the man. They sent a group to follow him to the other country. There they said, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’
15“But the man was made king. When he came home, he said, ‘Call those servants who have my money. I want to know how much more money they earned with it.’ 16The first servant came and said, ‘Sir, I earned ten bags of money with the one bag you gave me.’ 17The king said to him, ‘That’s great! You are a good servant. I see that I can trust you with small things. So now I will let you rule over ten of my cities.’
18“The second servant said, ‘Sir, with your one bag of money I earned five bags.’ 19The king said to this servant, ‘You can rule over five cities.’
20“Then another servant came in and said to the king, ‘Sir, here is your bag of money. I wrapped it in a piece of cloth and hid it. 21I was afraid of you because you are a hard man. You even take money that you didn’t earn and gather food that you didn’t grow.’
22“Then the king said to him, ‘What a bad servant you are! I will use your own words to condemn you. You said that I am a hard man. You said that I even take money that I didn’t earn and gather food that I didn’t grow. 23If that is true, you should have put my money in the bank. Then, when I came back, my money would have earned some interest.’ 24Then the king said to the men who were watching, ‘Take the bag of money away from this servant and give it to the servant who earned ten bags of money.’
25“The men said to the king, ‘But sir, that servant already has ten bags of money.’
26“The king said, ‘People who use what they have will get more. But those who do not use what they have will have everything taken away from them. 27Now where are my enemies? Where are the people who did not want me to be king? Bring my enemies here and kill them. I will watch them die.’”
15“But the man was made king. When he came home, he said, ‘Call those servants who have my money. I want to know how much more money they earned with it.’ 16The first servant came and said, ‘Sir, I earned ten bags of money with the one bag you gave me.’ 17The king said to him, ‘That’s great! You are a good servant. I see that I can trust you with small things. So now I will let you rule over ten of my cities.’
18“The second servant said, ‘Sir, with your one bag of money I earned five bags.’ 19The king said to this servant, ‘You can rule over five cities.’
20“Then another servant came in and said to the king, ‘Sir, here is your bag of money. I wrapped it in a piece of cloth and hid it. 21I was afraid of you because you are a hard man. You even take money that you didn’t earn and gather food that you didn’t grow.’
22“Then the king said to him, ‘What a bad servant you are! I will use your own words to condemn you. You said that I am a hard man. You said that I even take money that I didn’t earn and gather food that I didn’t grow. 23If that is true, you should have put my money in the bank. Then, when I came back, my money would have earned some interest.’ 24Then the king said to the men who were watching, ‘Take the bag of money away from this servant and give it to the servant who earned ten bags of money.’
25“The men said to the king, ‘But sir, that servant already has ten bags of money.’
26“The king said, ‘People who use what they have will get more. But those who do not use what they have will have everything taken away from them. 27Now where are my enemies? Where are the people who did not want me to be king? Bring my enemies here and kill them. I will watch them die.’”
Jesus Enters Jerusalem Like a King
28After Jesus said these things, he continued traveling toward Jerusalem. 29He came near Bethphage and Bethany, towns near the hill called the Mount of Olives. He sent out two of his followers. 30He said, “Go into the town you can see there. When you enter the town, you will find a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it, and bring it here to me. 31If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkey, you should say, ‘The Master needs it.’”
32The two followers went into town. They found the donkey exactly like Jesus told them. 33They untied it, but its owners came out. They said to the followers, “Why are you untying our donkey?”
34The followers answered, “The Master needs it.” 35So the followers brought the donkey to Jesus. They put their coats on its back. Then they put Jesus on the donkey. 36He rode along the road toward Jerusalem. The followers spread their coats on the road before him.
37Jesus was coming close to Jerusalem. He was already near the bottom of the Mount of Olives. The whole group of followers was happy. They were very excited and praised God. They thanked God for all the powerful things they had seen. 38They said, “‘Welcome! God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord.’ Peace in heaven and glory to God!”
39Some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell your followers not to say these things.”
40But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if my followers didn’t say them, these stones would shout them.”
32The two followers went into town. They found the donkey exactly like Jesus told them. 33They untied it, but its owners came out. They said to the followers, “Why are you untying our donkey?”
34The followers answered, “The Master needs it.” 35So the followers brought the donkey to Jesus. They put their coats on its back. Then they put Jesus on the donkey. 36He rode along the road toward Jerusalem. The followers spread their coats on the road before him.
37Jesus was coming close to Jerusalem. He was already near the bottom of the Mount of Olives. The whole group of followers was happy. They were very excited and praised God. They thanked God for all the powerful things they had seen. 38They said, “‘Welcome! God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord.’ Peace in heaven and glory to God!”
39Some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell your followers not to say these things.”
40But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if my followers didn’t say them, these stones would shout them.”
Jesus Cries for Jerusalem
41Jesus came near Jerusalem. Looking at the city, he began to cry for it 42and said, “I wish you knew today what would bring you peace. But it is hidden from you now. 43A time is coming when your enemies will build a wall around you and hold you in on all sides. 44They will destroy you and all your people. Not one stone of your buildings will stay on top of another. All this will happen because you did not know the time when God came to save you.”
Jesus Goes to the Temple
45Jesus went into the Temple area. He began to throw out the people who were selling things there. 46He said, “The Scriptures say, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer.’ But you have changed it into a ‘hiding place for thieves.’ ”
47Jesus taught the people in the Temple area every day. The leading priests, the teachers of the law, and some of the leaders of the people wanted to kill him. 48But they did not know how they could do it, because everyone was listening to him. The people were very interested in what Jesus said.
47Jesus taught the people in the Temple area every day. The leading priests, the teachers of the law, and some of the leaders of the people wanted to kill him. 48But they did not know how they could do it, because everyone was listening to him. The people were very interested in what Jesus said.
20Chapter
Jewish Leaders Doubt Jesus’ Authority
1One day Jesus was in the Temple area teaching the people. He was telling them the Good News. The leading priests, teachers of the law, and older Jewish leaders came to talk to Jesus. 2They said, “Tell us what authority you have to do these things. Who gave you this authority?”
3Jesus answered, “I will ask you a question too. Tell me: 4When John baptized people, did his authority come from God or was it only from other people?”
5The priests, the teachers of the law, and the Jewish leaders all talked about this. They said to each other, “If we answer, ‘John’s baptism was from God,’ then he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe John?’ 6But if we say that John’s baptism was from someone else, the people will stone us to death. They all believe that John was a prophet.” 7So they answered, “We don’t know the answer.”
8So Jesus said to them, “Then I will not tell you who gave me the authority to do these things.”
3Jesus answered, “I will ask you a question too. Tell me: 4When John baptized people, did his authority come from God or was it only from other people?”
5The priests, the teachers of the law, and the Jewish leaders all talked about this. They said to each other, “If we answer, ‘John’s baptism was from God,’ then he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe John?’ 6But if we say that John’s baptism was from someone else, the people will stone us to death. They all believe that John was a prophet.” 7So they answered, “We don’t know the answer.”
8So Jesus said to them, “Then I will not tell you who gave me the authority to do these things.”
God Sends His Son
9Then Jesus told the people this story: “A man planted a vineyard. He leased the land to some farmers. Then he went away for a long time. 10Later, it was time for the grapes to be picked. So the man sent a servant to those farmers so that they would give him his share of the grapes. But they beat the servant and sent him away with nothing. 11So the man sent another servant. They beat this servant too and showed no respect for him. They sent the servant away with nothing. 12So the man sent a third servant to the farmers. They hurt this servant badly and threw him out.
13“The owner of the vineyard said, ‘What will I do now? I will send my son. I love my son very much. Maybe the farmers will respect my son.’ 14When the farmers saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the owner’s son. This vineyard will be his. If we kill him, it will be ours.’ 15So the farmers threw the son out of the vineyard and killed him. “What will the owner of the vineyard do? 16He will come and kill those farmers. Then he will lease the land to some other farmers.” When the people heard this story, they said, “This should never happen!” 17‘The stone that the builders refused to accept became the cornerstone’?
18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken. If that stone falls on you, it will crush you!”
19When the teachers of the law and the leading priests heard this story, they knew it was about them. So they wanted to arrest Jesus right then, but they were afraid of what the people would do.
13“The owner of the vineyard said, ‘What will I do now? I will send my son. I love my son very much. Maybe the farmers will respect my son.’ 14When the farmers saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the owner’s son. This vineyard will be his. If we kill him, it will be ours.’ 15So the farmers threw the son out of the vineyard and killed him. “What will the owner of the vineyard do? 16He will come and kill those farmers. Then he will lease the land to some other farmers.” When the people heard this story, they said, “This should never happen!” 17‘The stone that the builders refused to accept became the cornerstone’?
18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken. If that stone falls on you, it will crush you!”
19When the teachers of the law and the leading priests heard this story, they knew it was about them. So they wanted to arrest Jesus right then, but they were afraid of what the people would do.
The Jewish Leaders Try to Trick Jesus
20So the Jewish leaders waited for the right time to get Jesus. They sent some men to him, who pretended to be sincere. They wanted to find something wrong with what Jesus said. (If they found something wrong, then they could hand him over to the governor, who had the authority to arrest him.) 21So the men said to Jesus, “Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is true. It doesn’t matter who is listening—you teach the same to all people. You always teach the truth about God’s way. 22Tell us, is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23But Jesus knew that these men were trying to trick him. He said to them, 24“Show me a silver coin. Whose name and picture are on it?” They said, “Caesar’s.”
25He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
26The men were amazed at his wise answer. They could say nothing. They were not able to trick Jesus there in front of the people. He said nothing they could use against him.
23But Jesus knew that these men were trying to trick him. He said to them, 24“Show me a silver coin. Whose name and picture are on it?” They said, “Caesar’s.”
25He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
26The men were amazed at his wise answer. They could say nothing. They were not able to trick Jesus there in front of the people. He said nothing they could use against him.
Some Sadducees Try to Trick Jesus
27Some Sadducees came to Jesus. (Sadducees believe that people will not rise from death.) They asked him, 28“Teacher, Moses wrote that if a married man dies and had no children, his brother must marry his widow. Then they will have children for the dead brother. 29One time there were seven brothers. The first brother married a woman but died. He had no children. 30Then the second brother married the woman, and he died. 31And the third brother married the woman, and he died. The same thing happened with all the other brothers. They all died and had no children. 32The woman was the last to die. 33But all seven brothers married her. So when people rise from death, whose wife will this woman be?”
34Jesus said to the Sadducees, “On earth, people marry each other. 35Some people will be worthy to be raised from death and live again after this life. In that life they will not marry. 36In that life people are like angels and cannot die. They are children of God, because they have been raised from death. 37Moses clearly showed that people are raised from death. When Moses wrote about the burning bush, he said that the Lord is ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38So they were not still dead, because he is the God only of living people. Yes, to God they are all still living.”
39Some of the teachers of the law said, “Teacher, your answer was very good.” 40No one was brave enough to ask him another question.
34Jesus said to the Sadducees, “On earth, people marry each other. 35Some people will be worthy to be raised from death and live again after this life. In that life they will not marry. 36In that life people are like angels and cannot die. They are children of God, because they have been raised from death. 37Moses clearly showed that people are raised from death. When Moses wrote about the burning bush, he said that the Lord is ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38So they were not still dead, because he is the God only of living people. Yes, to God they are all still living.”
39Some of the teachers of the law said, “Teacher, your answer was very good.” 40No one was brave enough to ask him another question.
Is the Messiah David’s Son or David’s Lord?
41Then Jesus said, “Why do people say that the Messiah is the Son of David? 42‘The Lord God said to my Lord:
Sit by me at my right side,
43and I will put your enemies under your power. ’
44David calls the Messiah ‘Lord.’ So how can the Messiah also be David’s son?”
43and I will put your enemies under your power. ’
44David calls the Messiah ‘Lord.’ So how can the Messiah also be David’s son?”
Warning Against the Teachers of the Law
45While all the people were listening to Jesus, he said to his followers, 46“Be careful of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around wearing clothes that look important. And they love for people to show respect to them in the marketplaces. They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47But they cheat widows and take their homes. Then they try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers. God will punish them very much.”
21Chapter
True Giving
1Jesus looked up and saw some rich people putting their gifts to God into the Temple collection box. 2Then he saw a poor widow put two small copper coins into the box. 3He said, “This poor widow gave only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. 4They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had to live on.”
Jesus Warns About the Future
5Some of the followers were talking about the Temple. They said, “This is a beautiful Temple, built with the best stones. Look at the many good gifts that have been offered to God.”
6But Jesus said, “The time will come when all that you see here will be destroyed. Every stone of these buildings will be thrown down to the ground. Not one stone will be left on another.”
7Some followers asked Jesus, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What will show us that it is time for these things to happen?”
8Jesus said, “Be careful! Don’t be fooled. Many people will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah ’ and ‘The right time has come!’ But don’t follow them. 9When you hear about wars and riots, don’t be afraid. These things must happen first. Then the end will come later.”
10Then Jesus said to them, “Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. 11There will be great earthquakes, sicknesses, and other bad things in many places. In some places there will be no food for the people to eat. Terrible things will happen, and amazing things will come from heaven to warn people.
12“But before all these things happen, people will arrest you and do bad things to you. They will judge you in their synagogues and put you in jail. You will be forced to stand before kings and governors. They will do all these things to you because you follow me. 13But this will give you an opportunity to tell about me. 14Decide now not to worry about what you will say. 15I will give you the wisdom to say things that none of your enemies can answer. 16Even your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will turn against you. They will have some of you killed. 17Everyone will hate you because you follow me. 18But none of these things can really harm you. 19You will save yourselves by continuing strong in your faith through all these things.
6But Jesus said, “The time will come when all that you see here will be destroyed. Every stone of these buildings will be thrown down to the ground. Not one stone will be left on another.”
7Some followers asked Jesus, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What will show us that it is time for these things to happen?”
8Jesus said, “Be careful! Don’t be fooled. Many people will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah ’ and ‘The right time has come!’ But don’t follow them. 9When you hear about wars and riots, don’t be afraid. These things must happen first. Then the end will come later.”
10Then Jesus said to them, “Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. 11There will be great earthquakes, sicknesses, and other bad things in many places. In some places there will be no food for the people to eat. Terrible things will happen, and amazing things will come from heaven to warn people.
12“But before all these things happen, people will arrest you and do bad things to you. They will judge you in their synagogues and put you in jail. You will be forced to stand before kings and governors. They will do all these things to you because you follow me. 13But this will give you an opportunity to tell about me. 14Decide now not to worry about what you will say. 15I will give you the wisdom to say things that none of your enemies can answer. 16Even your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will turn against you. They will have some of you killed. 17Everyone will hate you because you follow me. 18But none of these things can really harm you. 19You will save yourselves by continuing strong in your faith through all these things.
The Destruction of Jerusalem
20“You will see armies all around Jerusalem. Then you will know that the time for its destruction has come. 21The people in Judea at that time should run away to the mountains. The people in Jerusalem must leave quickly. If you are near the city, don’t go in! 22The prophets wrote many things about the time when God will punish his people. The time I am talking about is when all these things must happen. 23During that time it will be hard for women who are pregnant or have small babies, because very bad times will come to this land. God will be angry with these people. 24Some of the people will be killed by soldiers. Others will be made prisoners and taken to all the different countries. The holy city of Jerusalem will be under the control of foreigners until their time is completed.
Don’t Fear
25“Amazing things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. And people all over the earth will be upset and confused by the noise of the sea and its crashing waves. 26They will be afraid and worried about what will happen to the world. Everything in the sky will be changed. 27Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!”
My Words Will Live Forever
29Then Jesus told this story: “Look at all the trees. The fig tree is a good example. 30When it turns green, you know that summer is very near. 31In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you will know that God’s kingdom is very near.
32“I assure you that all these things will happen while some of the people of this time are still living. 33The whole world, earth and sky, will be destroyed, but my words will last forever.
32“I assure you that all these things will happen while some of the people of this time are still living. 33The whole world, earth and sky, will be destroyed, but my words will last forever.
Be Ready All the Time
34“Be careful not to spend your time having parties and getting drunk or worrying about this life. If you do that, you won’t be able to think straight, and the end might come when you are not ready. 35It will come as a surprise to everyone on earth. 36So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be able to get through all these things that will happen and stand safe before the Son of Man.”
37During the day Jesus taught the people in the Temple area. At night he went out of the city and stayed all night on the Mount of Olives. 38Every morning all the people got up early to go listen to Jesus at the Temple.
37During the day Jesus taught the people in the Temple area. At night he went out of the city and stayed all night on the Mount of Olives. 38Every morning all the people got up early to go listen to Jesus at the Temple.
22Chapter
The Jewish Leaders Plan to Kill Jesus
1It was almost time for the Jewish Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover. 2The leading priests and teachers of the law wanted to kill Jesus. But they were trying to find a quiet way to do it, because they were afraid of what the people would do.
Judas Agrees to Help Jesus’ Enemies
3One of Jesus’ twelve apostles was named Judas Iscariot. Satan entered him, 4and he went and talked with the leading priests and some of the soldiers who guarded the Temple. He talked to them about a way to hand Jesus over to them. 5The priests were very happy about this. They promised to give Judas money for doing this. 6He agreed. Then he waited for the best time to hand him over to them. He wanted to do it when no one was around to see it.
The Passover Meal
7The Day of Unleavened Bread came. This was the day when the Jews always killed the lambs for the Passover. 8Jesus said to Peter and John, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us to eat.”
9They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare the meal?” He said to them, 10“When you go into the city, you will see a man carrying a jar of water. Follow him. He will go into a house. 11Tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks that you please show us the room where he and his followers can eat the Passover meal.’ 12Then the owner will show you a large room upstairs that is ready for us. Prepare the meal there.”
13So Peter and John left. Everything happened the way Jesus said. So they prepared the Passover meal.
9They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare the meal?” He said to them, 10“When you go into the city, you will see a man carrying a jar of water. Follow him. He will go into a house. 11Tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks that you please show us the room where he and his followers can eat the Passover meal.’ 12Then the owner will show you a large room upstairs that is ready for us. Prepare the meal there.”
13So Peter and John left. Everything happened the way Jesus said. So they prepared the Passover meal.
The Lord’s Supper
14The time came for them to eat the Passover meal. Jesus and the apostles were together at the table. 15Jesus said to them, “I wanted very much to eat this Passover meal with you before I die. 16I will never eat another Passover meal until it is given its full meaning in God’s kingdom.”
17Then Jesus took a cup of wine. He gave thanks to God for it and said, “Take this cup and give it to everyone here. 18I will never drink wine again until God’s kingdom comes.”
19Then he took some bread and thanked God for it. He broke off some pieces, gave them to the apostles and said, “This bread is my body that I am giving for you. Eat this to remember me.” 20In the same way, after supper, Jesus took the cup of wine and said, “This wine represents the new agreement from God to his people. It will begin when my blood is poured out for you.”
17Then Jesus took a cup of wine. He gave thanks to God for it and said, “Take this cup and give it to everyone here. 18I will never drink wine again until God’s kingdom comes.”
19Then he took some bread and thanked God for it. He broke off some pieces, gave them to the apostles and said, “This bread is my body that I am giving for you. Eat this to remember me.” 20In the same way, after supper, Jesus took the cup of wine and said, “This wine represents the new agreement from God to his people. It will begin when my blood is poured out for you.”
Who Will Turn Against Jesus?
21Jesus said, “But here on this table is the hand of the one who will hand me over to my enemies. 22The Son of Man will do what God has planned. But it will be very bad for the one who hands over the Son of Man to be killed.”
23Then the apostles asked each other, “Which one of us would do that?”
23Then the apostles asked each other, “Which one of us would do that?”
Be Like a Servant
24Later, the apostles began to argue about which one of them was the most important. 25But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the world rule over their people, and those who have authority over others want to be called ‘the great providers for the people.’ 26But you must not be like that. The one with the most authority among you should act as if he is the least important. The one who leads should be like one who serves. 27Who is more important: the one serving or the one sitting at the table being served? Everyone thinks it’s the one being served, right? But I have been with you as the one who serves.
28“You men have stayed with me through many struggles. 29So I give you authority to rule with me in the kingdom the Father has given me. 30You will eat and drink at my table in that kingdom. You will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
28“You men have stayed with me through many struggles. 29So I give you authority to rule with me in the kingdom the Father has given me. 30You will eat and drink at my table in that kingdom. You will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
Peter Will Be Tested and Fail
31“Satan has asked to test you men like a farmer tests his wheat. O Simon, Simon, 32I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me.”
33But Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go to jail with you. I will even die with you!”
34But Jesus said, “Peter, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say you don’t know me. You will say this three times.”
33But Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go to jail with you. I will even die with you!”
34But Jesus said, “Peter, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say you don’t know me. You will say this three times.”
Be Ready for Trouble
35Then Jesus said to the apostles, “Remember when I sent you out without money, a bag, or sandals? Did you need anything?”
The apostles said, “No.”
36Jesus said to them, “But now if you have money or a bag, carry that with you. If you don’t have a sword, sell your coat and buy one. 37The Scriptures say, ‘He was considered a criminal.’ This Scripture must happen. It was written about me, and it is happening now.”
38The followers said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” Jesus said to them, “That’s enough.”
36Jesus said to them, “But now if you have money or a bag, carry that with you. If you don’t have a sword, sell your coat and buy one. 37The Scriptures say, ‘He was considered a criminal.’ This Scripture must happen. It was written about me, and it is happening now.”
38The followers said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” Jesus said to them, “That’s enough.”
Jesus Prays Alone
39-40Jesus left the city and went to the Mount of Olives. His followers went with him. (He went there often.) He said to his followers, “Pray for strength against temptation.”
41Then Jesus went about 50 steps away from them. He knelt down and prayed, 42“Father, if you are willing, please don’t make me drink from this cup. But do what you want, not what I want.” 43Then an angel from heaven came to help him. 44Jesus was full of pain; he struggled hard in prayer. Sweat dripped from his face like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45When he finished praying, he went to his followers. He found them asleep, worn out from their grieving. 46Jesus said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray for strength against temptation.”
41Then Jesus went about 50 steps away from them. He knelt down and prayed, 42“Father, if you are willing, please don’t make me drink from this cup. But do what you want, not what I want.” 43Then an angel from heaven came to help him. 44Jesus was full of pain; he struggled hard in prayer. Sweat dripped from his face like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45When he finished praying, he went to his followers. He found them asleep, worn out from their grieving. 46Jesus said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray for strength against temptation.”
Jesus Is Arrested
47While Jesus was speaking, a crowd came up. It was led by Judas, one of the twelve apostles. He came over to Jesus to kiss him.
48But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you using the kiss of friendship to hand over the Son of Man to his enemies?” 49The followers of Jesus were standing there too. They saw what was happening and said to Jesus, “Lord, should we use our swords?” 50And one of them did use his sword. He cut off the right ear of the servant of the high priest.
51Jesus said, “Stop!” Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him.
52Jesus spoke to the group that came to arrest him. They were the leading priests, the older Jewish leaders, and the Jewish soldiers. He said to them, “Why did you come out here with swords and clubs? Do you think I am a criminal? 53I was with you every day in the Temple area. Why didn’t you try to arrest me there? But this is your time—the time when darkness rules.”
48But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you using the kiss of friendship to hand over the Son of Man to his enemies?” 49The followers of Jesus were standing there too. They saw what was happening and said to Jesus, “Lord, should we use our swords?” 50And one of them did use his sword. He cut off the right ear of the servant of the high priest.
51Jesus said, “Stop!” Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him.
52Jesus spoke to the group that came to arrest him. They were the leading priests, the older Jewish leaders, and the Jewish soldiers. He said to them, “Why did you come out here with swords and clubs? Do you think I am a criminal? 53I was with you every day in the Temple area. Why didn’t you try to arrest me there? But this is your time—the time when darkness rules.”
Peter Is Afraid to Say He Knows Jesus
54They arrested Jesus and took him away to the house of the high priest. Peter followed Jesus but stayed back at a distance. 55The soldiers started a fire in the middle of the yard and sat together. Peter sat with them. 56A servant girl saw him sitting there. She could see because of the light from the fire. She looked closely at Peter’s face. Then she said, “This man was also with Jesus.”
57But Peter said this was not true. He said, “Lady, I don’t know him.” 58A short time later, someone else saw Peter and said, “You are also one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
59About an hour later, another man said, “It’s true. I’m sure this man was with him, because he is from Galilee.”
60But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61Then the Lord turned and looked into Peter’s eyes. And Peter remembered what the Lord had said, “Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” 62Then Peter went outside and cried bitterly.
57But Peter said this was not true. He said, “Lady, I don’t know him.” 58A short time later, someone else saw Peter and said, “You are also one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
59About an hour later, another man said, “It’s true. I’m sure this man was with him, because he is from Galilee.”
60But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61Then the Lord turned and looked into Peter’s eyes. And Peter remembered what the Lord had said, “Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” 62Then Peter went outside and cried bitterly.
The Guards Treat Jesus Badly
63The men guarding Jesus made fun of him and beat him. 64They covered his eyes so that he could not see them. Then they hit him and said, “Be a prophet and tell us who hit you!” 65And they shouted all kinds of insults at him.
Jesus Before the Jewish Leaders
66The next morning, the older leaders of the people, the leading priests, and the teachers of the law came together. They led Jesus away to their high council. 67They said, “If you are the Messiah, then tell us that you are.”
Jesus said to them, “If I tell you I am the Messiah, you will not believe me. 68And if I ask you, you will not answer. 69But beginning now, the Son of Man will sit at the right side of God All-Powerful.”
70They all said, “Then are you the Son of God?” Jesus said to them, “You are right in saying that I am.”
71They said, “Why do we need witnesses now? We all heard what he said!”
70They all said, “Then are you the Son of God?” Jesus said to them, “You are right in saying that I am.”
71They said, “Why do we need witnesses now? We all heard what he said!”
23Chapter
Governor Pilate Questions Jesus
1Then the whole group stood up and led Jesus away to Pilate. 2They began to accuse Jesus and said to Pilate, “We caught this man trying to change the thinking of our people. He says we should not pay taxes to Caesar. He calls himself the Messiah, a king.”
3Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Yes, what you say is true.”
4Pilate said to the leading priests and the people, “I find nothing wrong with this man.”
5But they kept on saying, “His teaching is causing trouble all over Judea. He began in Galilee, and now he is here!”
3Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Yes, what you say is true.”
4Pilate said to the leading priests and the people, “I find nothing wrong with this man.”
5But they kept on saying, “His teaching is causing trouble all over Judea. He began in Galilee, and now he is here!”
Pilate Sends Jesus to Herod
6Pilate heard this and asked if Jesus was from Galilee. 7He learned that Jesus was under Herod’s authority. Herod was in Jerusalem at that time, so Pilate sent Jesus to him.
8When Herod saw Jesus, he was very happy. He had heard all about him and had wanted to meet him for a long time. Herod wanted to see a miracle, so he was hoping that Jesus would do one. 9He asked him many questions, but Jesus said nothing. 10The leading priests and teachers of the law were standing there shouting things against Jesus. 11Then Herod and his soldiers laughed at him. They made fun of him by dressing him in clothes like kings wear. Then Herod sent him back to Pilate. 12In the past Pilate and Herod had always been enemies. But on that day they became friends.
8When Herod saw Jesus, he was very happy. He had heard all about him and had wanted to meet him for a long time. Herod wanted to see a miracle, so he was hoping that Jesus would do one. 9He asked him many questions, but Jesus said nothing. 10The leading priests and teachers of the law were standing there shouting things against Jesus. 11Then Herod and his soldiers laughed at him. They made fun of him by dressing him in clothes like kings wear. Then Herod sent him back to Pilate. 12In the past Pilate and Herod had always been enemies. But on that day they became friends.
Pilate Tries but Fails to Free Jesus
13Pilate called all the people together with the leading priests and the Jewish leaders. 14He said to them, “You brought this man to me. You said he was trying to change the people. But I judged him before you all and have not found him guilty of the things you say he has done. 15Herod didn’t find him guilty either. He sent him back to us. Look, he has done nothing bad enough for the death penalty. 16So, after I punish him a little, I will let him go free.” 17
18But they all shouted, “Kill him! Let Barabbas go free!” 19(Barabbas was a man who was in jail for starting a riot in the city and for murder.)
20Pilate wanted to let Jesus go free. So again Pilate told them that he would let him go. 21But they shouted again, “Kill him! Kill him on a cross!”
22A third time Pilate said to the people, “Why? What wrong has he done? He is not guilty. I can find no reason to kill him. So I will let him go free after I punish him a little.”
23But the people continued to shout. They demanded that Jesus be killed on a cross. Their shouting got so loud that 24Pilate decided to give them what they wanted. 25They wanted Barabbas to go free—the one who was in jail for starting a riot and for murder. Pilate let Barabbas go free. And he handed Jesus over to be killed. This is what the people wanted.
18But they all shouted, “Kill him! Let Barabbas go free!” 19(Barabbas was a man who was in jail for starting a riot in the city and for murder.)
20Pilate wanted to let Jesus go free. So again Pilate told them that he would let him go. 21But they shouted again, “Kill him! Kill him on a cross!”
22A third time Pilate said to the people, “Why? What wrong has he done? He is not guilty. I can find no reason to kill him. So I will let him go free after I punish him a little.”
23But the people continued to shout. They demanded that Jesus be killed on a cross. Their shouting got so loud that 24Pilate decided to give them what they wanted. 25They wanted Barabbas to go free—the one who was in jail for starting a riot and for murder. Pilate let Barabbas go free. And he handed Jesus over to be killed. This is what the people wanted.
Jesus Is Nailed to a Cross
26The soldiers led Jesus away. At that same time there was a man from Cyrene named Simon coming into the city from the fields. The soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross and walk behind him.
27A large crowd followed Jesus. Some of the women were sad and crying. They felt sorry for him. 28But Jesus turned and said to the women, “Women of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children too. 29The time is coming when people will say, ‘The women who cannot have babies are the ones God has blessed. It’s really a blessing that they have no children to care for.’ 30Then the people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ They will say to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ 31If this can happen to someone who is good, what will happen to those who are guilty? ”
32There were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be killed. 33They were led to a place called “The Skull.” There the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross. They also nailed the criminals to crosses beside Jesus—one on the right and the other on the left.
34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” The soldiers threw dice to divide Jesus’ clothes between them. 35The people stood there watching everything. The Jewish leaders laughed at Jesus. They said, “If he is God’s Chosen One, the Messiah, then let him save himself. He saved others, didn’t he?”
36Even the soldiers laughed at Jesus and made fun of him. They came and offered him some sour wine. 37They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38(At the top of the cross these words were written: “ this is the king of the jews.”)
39One of the criminals hanging there began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Then save yourself, and save us too!”
40But the other criminal stopped him. He said, “You should fear God. All of us will die soon. 41You and I are guilty. We deserve to die because we did wrong. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you begin ruling as king!”
43Then Jesus said to him, “I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
27A large crowd followed Jesus. Some of the women were sad and crying. They felt sorry for him. 28But Jesus turned and said to the women, “Women of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children too. 29The time is coming when people will say, ‘The women who cannot have babies are the ones God has blessed. It’s really a blessing that they have no children to care for.’ 30Then the people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ They will say to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ 31If this can happen to someone who is good, what will happen to those who are guilty? ”
32There were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be killed. 33They were led to a place called “The Skull.” There the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross. They also nailed the criminals to crosses beside Jesus—one on the right and the other on the left.
34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” The soldiers threw dice to divide Jesus’ clothes between them. 35The people stood there watching everything. The Jewish leaders laughed at Jesus. They said, “If he is God’s Chosen One, the Messiah, then let him save himself. He saved others, didn’t he?”
36Even the soldiers laughed at Jesus and made fun of him. They came and offered him some sour wine. 37They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38(At the top of the cross these words were written: “ this is the king of the jews.”)
39One of the criminals hanging there began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Then save yourself, and save us too!”
40But the other criminal stopped him. He said, “You should fear God. All of us will die soon. 41You and I are guilty. We deserve to die because we did wrong. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you begin ruling as king!”
43Then Jesus said to him, “I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus Dies
44It was about noon, but it turned dark throughout the land until three o’clock in the afternoon, 45because the sun stopped shining. The curtain in the Temple was torn into two pieces. 46Jesus shouted, “Father, I put my life in your hands!” After Jesus said this, he died.
47The army officer there saw what happened. He praised God, saying, “I know this man was a good man!”
48Many people had come out of the city to see all this. When they saw it, they felt very sorry and left. 49The people who were close friends of Jesus were there. Also, there were some women who had followed Jesus from Galilee. They all stood far away from the cross and watched these things.
47The army officer there saw what happened. He praised God, saying, “I know this man was a good man!”
48Many people had come out of the city to see all this. When they saw it, they felt very sorry and left. 49The people who were close friends of Jesus were there. Also, there were some women who had followed Jesus from Galilee. They all stood far away from the cross and watched these things.
Jesus Is Buried
50-51A man named Joseph was there from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a good man, who lived the way God wanted. He was waiting for God’s kingdom to come. Joseph was a member of the Jewish council. But he did not agree when the other Jewish leaders decided to kill Jesus. 52He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53He took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in cloth. Then he put it in a tomb that was dug in a wall of rock. This tomb had never been used before. 54It was late on Preparation day. When the sun went down, the Sabbath day would begin.
55The women who had come from Galilee with Jesus followed Joseph. They saw the tomb. Inside they saw where he put Jesus’ body. 56Then they left to prepare some sweet-smelling spices to put on the body. On the Sabbath day they rested, as commanded in the Law of Moses.
55The women who had come from Galilee with Jesus followed Joseph. They saw the tomb. Inside they saw where he put Jesus’ body. 56Then they left to prepare some sweet-smelling spices to put on the body. On the Sabbath day they rested, as commanded in the Law of Moses.
24Chapter
News That Jesus Has Risen From Death
1Very early Sunday morning, the women came to the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. They brought the sweet-smelling spices they had prepared. 2They saw that the heavy stone that covered the entrance had been rolled away. 3They went in, but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4They did not understand this. While they were wondering about it, two men in shining clothes stood beside them. 5The women were very afraid. They bowed down with their faces to the ground. The men said to them, “Why are you looking for a living person here? This is a place for dead people. 6Jesus is not here. He has risen from death. Do you remember what he said in Galilee? 7He said the Son of Man must be handed over to the control of sinful men, be killed on a cross, and rise from death on the third day.” 8Then the women remembered what Jesus had said.
9The women left the tomb and went to the eleven apostles and the other followers. They told them everything that happened at the tomb. 10These women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James, and some others. They told the apostles everything that happened. 11But the apostles did not believe what they said. It sounded like nonsense. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb to see. He looked in, but he saw only the cloth that Jesus’ body had been wrapped in. It was just lying there. Peter went away to be alone, wondering what had happened.
9The women left the tomb and went to the eleven apostles and the other followers. They told them everything that happened at the tomb. 10These women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James, and some others. They told the apostles everything that happened. 11But the apostles did not believe what they said. It sounded like nonsense. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb to see. He looked in, but he saw only the cloth that Jesus’ body had been wrapped in. It was just lying there. Peter went away to be alone, wondering what had happened.
On The Road to Emmaus
13That same day two of Jesus’ followers were going to a town named Emmaus. It is about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking about everything that had happened. 15While they were talking, discussing these things, Jesus himself came near and walked with them. 16(But the two men were not allowed to recognize Jesus.) 17He asked them, “What’s this I hear you discussing with each other as you walk?”
The two men stopped, their faces looking very sad. 18The one named Cleopas said, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who doesn’t know what has just happened there.”
19Jesus said, “What are you talking about?” They said, “It’s about Jesus, the one from Nazareth. To God and to all the people he was a great prophet. He said and did many powerful things. 20But our leaders and the leading priests handed him over to be judged and killed. They nailed him to a cross. 21We were hoping that he would be the one to free Israel. But then all this happened. “And now something else: It has been three days since he was killed, 22but today some of our women told us an amazing thing. Early this morning they went to the tomb where the body of Jesus was laid. 23But they did not find his body there. They came and told us they had seen some angels in a vision. The angels told them Jesus was alive! 24So some of our group went to the tomb too. It was just as the women said. They saw the tomb, but they did not see Jesus.”
25Then Jesus said to the two men, “You are foolish and slow to realize what is true. You should believe everything the prophets said. 26The prophets said the Messiah must suffer these things before he begins his time of glory.” 27Then he began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the Scriptures. He started with the books of Moses and then he talked about what the prophets had said about him.
28They came near the town of Emmaus, and Jesus acted as if he did not plan to stop there. 29But they wanted him to stay. They begged him, “Stay with us. It’s almost night. There’s hardly any daylight left.” So he went in to stay with them.
30Joining them at the supper table, Jesus took some bread and gave thanks. Then he broke some off and gave it to them. 31Just then the men were allowed to recognize him. But when they saw who he was, he disappeared. 32They said to each other, “When he talked to us on the road, it felt like a fire burning in us. How exciting it was when he explained to us the true meaning of the Scriptures!”
33So the two men got up then and went back to Jerusalem. There they found the followers of Jesus meeting together. The eleven apostles and the people with them 34said, “The Lord really has risen from death! He appeared to Simon.”
35Then the two men told what had happened on the road. They talked about how they recognized Jesus when he shared the bread with them.
19Jesus said, “What are you talking about?” They said, “It’s about Jesus, the one from Nazareth. To God and to all the people he was a great prophet. He said and did many powerful things. 20But our leaders and the leading priests handed him over to be judged and killed. They nailed him to a cross. 21We were hoping that he would be the one to free Israel. But then all this happened. “And now something else: It has been three days since he was killed, 22but today some of our women told us an amazing thing. Early this morning they went to the tomb where the body of Jesus was laid. 23But they did not find his body there. They came and told us they had seen some angels in a vision. The angels told them Jesus was alive! 24So some of our group went to the tomb too. It was just as the women said. They saw the tomb, but they did not see Jesus.”
25Then Jesus said to the two men, “You are foolish and slow to realize what is true. You should believe everything the prophets said. 26The prophets said the Messiah must suffer these things before he begins his time of glory.” 27Then he began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the Scriptures. He started with the books of Moses and then he talked about what the prophets had said about him.
28They came near the town of Emmaus, and Jesus acted as if he did not plan to stop there. 29But they wanted him to stay. They begged him, “Stay with us. It’s almost night. There’s hardly any daylight left.” So he went in to stay with them.
30Joining them at the supper table, Jesus took some bread and gave thanks. Then he broke some off and gave it to them. 31Just then the men were allowed to recognize him. But when they saw who he was, he disappeared. 32They said to each other, “When he talked to us on the road, it felt like a fire burning in us. How exciting it was when he explained to us the true meaning of the Scriptures!”
33So the two men got up then and went back to Jerusalem. There they found the followers of Jesus meeting together. The eleven apostles and the people with them 34said, “The Lord really has risen from death! He appeared to Simon.”
35Then the two men told what had happened on the road. They talked about how they recognized Jesus when he shared the bread with them.
Jesus Appears to His Followers
36While the two men were saying these things to the other followers, Jesus himself came and stood among them. He said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37This surprised the followers. They were afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost. 38But Jesus said, “Why are you troubled? Why do you doubt what you see? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It’s really me. Touch me. You can see that I have a living body; a ghost does not have a body like this.”
40After Jesus told them this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41The followers were amazed and very, very happy to see that Jesus was alive. They still could not believe what they saw. He said to them, “Do you have any food here?” 42They gave him a piece of cooked fish. 43While the followers watched, he took the fish and ate it.
44Jesus said to them, “Remember when I was with you before? I said that everything written about me must happen—everything written in the Law of Moses, the books of the prophets, and the Psalms.”
45Then Jesus helped the followers understand these Scriptures about him. 46Jesus said to them, “It is written that the Messiah would be killed and rise from death on the third day. 47-48You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that they must change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name to the people of all nations. 49Remember that I will send you the one my Father promised. Stay in the city until you are given that power from heaven.”
37This surprised the followers. They were afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost. 38But Jesus said, “Why are you troubled? Why do you doubt what you see? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It’s really me. Touch me. You can see that I have a living body; a ghost does not have a body like this.”
40After Jesus told them this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41The followers were amazed and very, very happy to see that Jesus was alive. They still could not believe what they saw. He said to them, “Do you have any food here?” 42They gave him a piece of cooked fish. 43While the followers watched, he took the fish and ate it.
44Jesus said to them, “Remember when I was with you before? I said that everything written about me must happen—everything written in the Law of Moses, the books of the prophets, and the Psalms.”
45Then Jesus helped the followers understand these Scriptures about him. 46Jesus said to them, “It is written that the Messiah would be killed and rise from death on the third day. 47-48You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that they must change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name to the people of all nations. 49Remember that I will send you the one my Father promised. Stay in the city until you are given that power from heaven.”
Jesus Goes Back to Heaven
50Jesus led his followers out of Jerusalem almost to Bethany. He raised his hands and blessed his followers. 51While he was blessing them, he was separated from them and carried into heaven. 52They worshiped him and went back to Jerusalem very happy. 53They stayed at the Temple all the time, praising God.
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