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Another Man Healed on the Day of Rest

14 On the Day of Rest Jesus went into the house of one of the leaders of the proud religious law-keepers to eat. They all watched Jesus to see what He would do. A man who had very large arms and legs because of a sickness was put before Jesus. Jesus asked the teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers, “Does the Law say it is right to heal on the Day of Rest, or not?” They did not answer. Jesus took hold of the man and healed him and sent him away. Then Jesus said to the leaders, “If one of you had a cow or donkey that fell into a hole, would you not go at once and pull it out on the Day of Rest?” And they were not able to answer His questions.

Jesus Teaches about How to Live with Others

Jesus had been watching those who were asked to come to supper. They were all trying to get the important seats. He told them a picture-story, saying, “When you are asked by someone to a wedding supper, do not take the important seat. Someone more important than you may have been asked to come also. The one who asked both of you to come may say to you, ‘The important seat is for this man.’ Then you will be ashamed as you take the last place. 10 But when you are asked to come to the table, sit down on the last seat. Then the one who asked you may come and say to you, ‘Friend, go to a more important place.’ Then you will be shown respect in front of all who are at the table with you. 11 Whoever makes himself look more important than he is will find out how little he is worth. Whoever does not try to honor himself will be made important.”

12 Then Jesus said to the man who asked Him to eat in his house, “When you have a supper, do not ask your friends or your brothers or your family or your rich neighbors. They will ask you to come to their place for a supper. That way you will be paid back for what you have done. 13 When you have a supper, ask poor people. Ask those who cannot walk and those who are blind. 14 You will be happy if you do this. They cannot pay you back. You will get your pay when the people who are right with God are raised from the dead.”

15 When one of those eating at the table with Jesus heard this, he said, “Everyone is happy who will eat in the holy nation of God.”

The Picture-Story of the Big Supper (A)

16 Then Jesus said to the leader of the proud religious law-keepers, “There was a man who was giving a big supper. He asked many people to come to eat. 17 When it was about time to eat, he sent one of the servants he owned to tell those he had asked, saying, ‘Come, everything is ready now.’ 18 They all gave different reasons why they could not come. The first said, ‘I have bought some land and I must go and see it. Do not expect me to come.’ 19 Another one said, ‘I have bought ten cows to use for working in my fields. I must go and try them out. Do not expect me to come.’ 20 And another one said, ‘I have just been married and I cannot come.’

21 “The servant went back to his owner and told him these things. Then his owner became angry. He said to his servant, ‘Hurry into the streets and narrow roads of the city and bring poor people here. Bring those whose bodies are diseased. Bring those who cannot walk and those who are blind.’ 22 The servant came back and said, ‘Sir, what you told me to do has been done. But there are still some empty places.’ 23 Then the owner said to his servant, ‘Go out along the roads leading away from the city and into the fields. Tell them they must come. Do this so my house will be filled. 24 I tell you, not one of those I had asked will eat of my supper.’”

Giving Up Things of This Earth (B)

25 Many people followed Jesus. Then He turned around and said to them, 26 “If any man comes to Me and does not have much more love for Me than for his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be My follower. 27 If he does not carry his cross and follow Me, he cannot be My follower.

28 “If one of you wanted to build a large building, you would sit down first and think of how much money it would take to build it. You would see if you had enough money to finish it, 29 or when the base of the building is finished, you might see that you do not have enough money to finish it. Then all who would see it would make fun of you. 30 They would say, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

31 “What if a king is going to war with another king? Will he not sit down first and decide if he is able to go with 10,000 men against the other king who is coming with 20,000 men? 32 Or, he will send a soldier to the other king while he is still a long way off. He will ask what can be done to have peace. 33 In the same way, whoever does not give up all that he has, cannot be My follower.

34 “Salt is good. But if salt has lost its taste, how can it be made to taste like salt again? 35 It is no good for the field or the waste place. Men throw it away. You have ears, then listen!”

The Picture-Story of the Lost Sheep

15 All the tax-gatherers and sinners were coming to hear Jesus. The proud religious law-keepers and the teachers of the Law began to speak against Him. They said, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them a picture-story, saying, “What if one of you had one hundred sheep and you lost one of them? Would you not leave the ninety-nine in the country and go back and look for the one which was lost until you find it? When you find it, you are happy as you carry it back on your shoulders. Then you would go to your house and call your friends and neighbors. You would say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven because of one sinner who is sorry for his sins and turns from them, than for ninety-nine people right with God who do not have sins to be sorry for.

The Picture-Story of the Lost Piece of Money

“What if a woman has ten silver pieces of money and loses one of them? Does she not light a lamp and sweep the floor and look until she finds it? When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together. She says to them, ‘Be happy with me. I have found the piece of money I had lost.’ 10 I tell you, it is the same way among the angels of God. If one sinner is sorry for his sins and turns from them, the angels are very happy.”

The Picture-Story of the Foolish Son Who Spent All His Money

11 And Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, let me have the part of the family riches that will be coming to me.’ Then the father divided all that he owned between his two sons. 13 Soon after that the younger son took all that had been given to him and went to another country far away. There he spent all he had on wild and foolish living. 14 When all his money was spent, he was hungry. There was no food in the land. 15 He went to work for a man in this far away country. His work was to feed pigs. 16 He was so hungry he was ready to eat the outside part of the ears of the corn the pigs ate because no one gave him anything.

17 “He began to think about what he had done. He said to himself, ‘My father pays many men who work for him. They have all the food they want and more than enough. I am about dead because I am so hungry. 18 I will get up and go to my father. I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am not good enough to be called your son. But may I be as one of the workmen you pay to work?”’

20 “The son got up and went to his father. While he was yet a long way off, his father saw him. The father was full of loving-pity for him. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to the workmen he owned, ‘Hurry! Get the best coat and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. 23 Bring the calf that is fat and kill it. Let us eat and be glad. 24 For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.’

25 “The older son was out in the field. As he was coming near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what was happening. 27 The servant answered, ‘Your brother has come back and your father has killed the fat calf. Your brother is in the house and is well.’ 28 The older brother was angry and would not go into the house. His father went outside and asked him to come in. 29 The older son said to his father, ‘All these many years I have served you. I have always obeyed what you said. But you never gave me a young goat so I could have a supper and a good time with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came back, you killed the fat calf. And yet he wasted your money with bad women.’

31 “The father said to him, ‘My son, you are with me all the time. All that I have is yours. 32 It is right and good that we should have a good time and be glad. Your brother was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found.’”

The Picture-Story of the Boss Who Stole

16 Jesus said to His followers, “There was a rich man who put a boss over his houses and lands. Someone told him that his boss was not using his riches in a right way. The rich man sent for the boss and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Tell me what you have done with my things. You are not to be the boss of my houses and lands anymore.’

“The boss said to himself, ‘What will I do now? The owner of the houses and lands is taking my work away from me. I cannot dig in the ground for a living. I am too proud to ask for help. I know what I will do. I will make it so that when I lose this work I will be able to go to the homes of my friends.’

“He sent for the people who owed the rich man. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe the owner?’ The first man said, ‘One hundred barrels of oil.’ The boss said to him, ‘Take your bill. Sit down at once and change it to fifty.’ He asked another one, ‘How much do you owe?’ He said, ‘One hundred bags of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and change it to eighty.’ Then the rich man said that this sinful boss had been wise to plan for himself for the days ahead. For the people of the world are wiser in their day than the children of light.

“I tell you, make friends for yourselves by using the riches of the world that are so often used in wrong ways. So when riches are a thing of the past, friends may receive you into a home that will be forever. 10 He that is faithful with little things is faithful with big things also. He that is not honest with little things is not honest with big things. 11 If you have not been faithful with riches of this world, who will trust you with true riches? 12 If you have not been faithful in that which belongs to another person, who will give you things to have as your own? 13 No servant can have two bosses. He will hate the one and love the other. Or, he will be faithful to one and not faithful to the other. You cannot be faithful to God and to riches at the same time.”

Jesus Teaches That the Law Is Not Finished

14 The proud religious law-keepers heard all these things. They loved money so they made fun of Jesus. 15 Jesus said to them, “You are the kind of people who make yourselves look good before other people. God knows your hearts. What men think is good is hated in the eyes of God. 16 Until John came, you had the writings of the Law and of the early preachers. From that time until now the Good News of the holy nation of God has been preached. Everyone is pushing his way in. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one small part of a word in the Law to be of no more use.

18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman is not faithful in marriage and is guilty of sex sins.

The Rich Man and the Man Who Begged for Food

19 “There was a rich man who dressed in purple linen clothes everyday. He lived like a king would live with the best of food. 20 There was a poor man named Lazarus who had many bad sores. He was put by the door of the rich man. 21 He wanted the pieces of food that fell from the table of the rich man. Even dogs came and licked his sores.

22 “The poor man who asked for food died. He was taken by the angels into the arms of Abraham. The rich man died also and was buried. 23 In hell the rich man was in much pain. He looked up and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus beside him. 24 He cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, take pity on me. Send Lazarus. Let him put the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in much pain in this fire.’ 25 Abraham said, ‘My son, do not forget that when you were living you had your good things. Lazarus had bad things. Now he is well cared for. You are in pain. 26 And more than all this, there is a big deep place between us. No one from here can go there even if he wanted to go. No one can come from there.’

27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Father, then I beg you to send Lazarus to my father’s house. 28 I have five brothers. Let him tell them of these things, or they will come to this place of much pain also.’ 29 Abraham said, ‘They have the Writings of Moses and of the early preachers. Let them hear what they say.’ 30 But the rich man said, ‘No, Father Abraham. If someone goes to them from the dead, they will be sorry for their sins and turn from them.’ 31 Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and to the early preachers, they will not listen even if someone is raised from the dead.’”

Jesus Teaches about Forgiving

17 Jesus said to His followers, “For sure, things will come that will make people sin. But it is bad for the person who makes someone else sin. It would be better for him to have a large rock put around his neck and be thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.

“Watch yourselves! If your brother sins, speak sharp words to him. If he is sorry and turns from his sin, forgive him. What if he sins against you seven times in one day? If he comes to you and says he is sorry and turns from his sin, forgive him.”

The followers said to the Lord, “Give us more faith.” The Lord said, “If your faith was as a mustard seed, you could say to this tree, ‘Be pulled out of the ground and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

Jesus Teaches about Being Faithful

“What if you owned a servant who was working in the field or taking care of sheep? Would you say to him when he came in from his work, ‘Come and sit down to eat?’ No, instead you would say, ‘Get my supper ready. Dress yourself and care for me until I am through eating and drinking. Then you can eat and drink.’ Does the servant get thanks for doing what he was told to do? I am sure he does not. 10 It is the same with you also. When you do everything you have been told to do, you must say, ‘We are not any special servants. We have done only what we should have done.’”

Jesus Heals Ten Men with a Bad Skin Disease

11 Jesus went on His way to Jerusalem. He was passing between the countries of Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He was going into one of the towns, ten men with a bad skin disease came to Him. They stood a little way off. 13 They called to Him, “Jesus! Teacher! Take pity on us!” 14 When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go and show yourselves to the religious leaders.” As they went, they were healed. 15 One of them turned back when he saw he was healed. He thanked God with a loud voice. 16 He got down on his face at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. He was from the country of Samaria. 17 Jesus asked, “Were there not ten men who were healed? Where are the other nine? 18 Is this stranger from another country the only one who turned back to give thanks to God?” 19 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up and go on your way. Your trust in God has healed you.”

Jesus Teaches about the Holy Nation of God

20 The proud religious law-keepers asked when the holy nation of God would come. Jesus said to them, “The holy nation of God is not coming in such a way that can be seen with the eyes. 21 It will not be said, ‘See, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For the holy nation of God is in you.”

Jesus Tells of His Second Coming

22 Jesus said to His followers, “The time will come when you will wish you could see the Son of Man for one day. But you will not be able to. 23 They will say to you, ‘He is here,’ or, ‘He is there,’ but do not follow them. 24 When the Son of Man comes, He will be as lightning that shines from one part of the sky to the other. 25 But before that, He must suffer many hard things. The people of this day will have nothing to do with Him.

26 “As it was in the time of Noah, so will it be when the Son of Man comes back. 27 People ate and drank. They married and were given in marriage. They did these things until the day Noah went into the large boat. Then the flood came and killed all the people on earth. 28 It was the same in the time of Lot. People ate and drank. They bought and sold. They planted and built. 29 But the day Lot left the city of Sodom, fire and sulphur came down from heaven like rain. It killed all the people of Sodom.

30 “It will be the same on the day when the Son of Man comes again. 31 In that day the man who is on top of a house should not come down to take his things out of the house. In the same way, the man who is in the field should not go back to his house. 32 Remember Lot’s wife!

33 “He who wants to keep his life will have it taken away from him. He who loses his life will have it given back to him. 34 I tell you, on that night there will be two men in the same bed. One of them will be taken. The other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding grain together. One of them will be taken. The other will be left. 36 *Two men will be working in a field. One will be taken. The other will be left.”

37 Then they asked Jesus, “Where will this happen?” He said to them, “Birds also gather where there is a dead body.”

The Picture-Story of the Woman Whose Husband Had Died

18 Jesus told them a picture-story to show that men should always pray and not give up. He said, “There was a man in one of the cities who was head of the court. His work was to say if a person was guilty or not. This man was not afraid of God. He did not respect any man. In that city there was a woman whose husband had died. She kept coming to him and saying, ‘Help me! There is someone who is working against me.’ For awhile he would not help her. Then he began to think, ‘I am not afraid of God and I do not respect any man. But I will see that this woman whose husband has died gets her rights because I get tired of her coming all the time.’” Then the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the sinful man who is head of the court. Will not God make the things that are right come to His chosen people who cry day and night to Him? Will He wait a long time to help them? I tell you, He will be quick to help them. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?

The Picture-Story of the Proud Religious Law-Keepers and the Tax-Gatherers

Jesus told another picture-story to some people who trusted in themselves and thought they were right with God. These people did not think well of other men. 10 Jesus said, “Two men went up to the house of God to pray. One of them was a proud religious law-keeper. The other was a man who gathered taxes. 11 The proud religious law-keeper stood and prayed to himself like this, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men. I am not like those who steal. I am not like those who do things that are wrong. I am not like those who do sex sins. I am not even like this tax-gatherer. 12 I go without food two times a week so I can pray better. I give one-tenth part of the money I earn.’ 13 But the man who gathered taxes stood a long way off. He would not even lift his eyes to heaven. But he hit himself on his chest and said, ‘God, have pity on me! I am a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went back to his house forgiven, and not the other man. For whoever makes himself look more important than he is will find out how little he is worth. Whoever does not try to honor himself will be made important.”

Jesus Gives Thanks for Little Children (C)

15 People took their little children to Jesus so He could put His hand on them. When His followers saw it, they spoke sharp words to the people. 16 Jesus called the followers to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me. Do not try to stop them. The holy nation of God is made up of ones like these. 17 For sure, I tell you, whoever does not receive the holy nation of God as a child will not go into the holy nation.”

Jesus Teaches about Keeping the Law (D)

18 A leader of the people asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to have life that lasts forever?” 19 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? There is only One Who is good. That is God. 20 You know the Laws. You must not do any sex sins. You must not kill another person. You must not steal. You must not tell a lie about someone else. Respect your father and your mother.” 21 The leader said, “I have obeyed all these Laws since I was a boy.”

22 When Jesus heard this, He said to the leader of the people, “There is still one thing you need to do. Sell everything you have. Give the money to poor people. Then you will have riches in heaven. Come and follow Me.” 23 When the leader heard this, he was very sad because he had many riches. 24 When Jesus saw that he was very sad, He said, “It is hard for those with riches to go into the holy nation of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go into the holy nation of God.”

26 Those who heard this, said, “Then who can be saved from the punishment of sin?” 27 Jesus said, “God can do things men cannot do.” 28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left everything and have followed You.” 29 Jesus said to them, “For sure, I tell you, anyone who has left his house or parents or brothers or wife or children because of the holy nation of God 30 will receive much more now. In the time to come he will have life that lasts forever.”

Jesus Tells of His Death the Third Time (E)

31 Then Jesus took the twelve followers to one side and said, “See! We are going up to Jerusalem. All the things the early preachers wrote about the Son of Man are going to happen. 32 He will be given over to the people who are not Jews. He will be made fun of. He will be hurt. He will be spit on. 33 They will beat Him and kill Him. After three days He will be raised again.”

34 The followers did not understand these words. The meaning of these words was hidden from them. They did not know what He said.

Healing of the Blind Man (F)

35 Jesus was coming near Jericho. A blind man was sitting by the side of the road, begging. 36 He heard many people going by and asked what was happening. 37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was going by. 38 Then he cried out and said, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” 39 The people spoke sharp words to him and told him not to call out. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”

40 Jesus stopped and told the people to bring the blind man to Him. When the man was near, Jesus asked, 41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” He answered, “Lord, I want to see.” 42 Jesus said to him, “Then see! Your faith has healed you.” 43 At once he could see. He followed Jesus and gave thanks to God. All the people gave thanks to God when they saw it.

The Changed Life of Zaccheus

19 Jesus went on to the city of Jericho and was passing through it. There was a rich man named Zaccheus. He was a leader of those who gathered taxes. Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus but he could not because so many people were there and he was a short man. He ran ahead and got up into a sycamore tree to see Him. Jesus was going by that way.

When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw Zaccheus. He said, “Zaccheus, come down at once. I must stay in your house today.” At once he came down and was glad to have Jesus come to his house. When the people saw it, they began to complain among themselves. They said, “He is going to stay with a man who is known to be a sinner.”

Zaccheus stood up and said to the Lord, “Lord, see! Half of what I own I will give to poor people. And if I have taken money from anyone in a wrong way, I will pay him back four times as much.” Jesus said to him, “Today, a person has been saved in this house. This man is a Jew also. 10 For the Son of Man came to look for and to save from the punishment of sin those who are lost.”

The Picture-Story of the Ten Servants and the Money

11 As they heard these things, Jesus told them a picture-story. Because He was near Jerusalem, they thought the holy nation of God would come at once. 12 So Jesus said, “A leader of a country went to another country far away. A nation was to be given to him, then he would return home. 13 He called ten of the servants he owned. He gave them ten pieces of money and said to them, ‘Put this money to use until I return.’ 14 But other men in his country hated him. They sent men after him to tell him they did not want him as their king. 15 After he had been given the other nation, he returned as king. He asked for his servants who had received the money to come to him. He wanted to know how much more they had after putting it to use. 16 The first one came and said, ‘Lord, the piece of money you gave me has made ten more pieces of money.’ 17 He said to him, ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful in using a little. Now you will be leader over ten cities.’

18 “The second man came to him and said, ‘Lord, the piece of money you gave me has made five more pieces of money.’ 19 He said to him, ‘You are to be leader over five cities.’

20 “Another one came saying, ‘Lord, look! Here is your piece of money. I have kept it hid in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you. You are a hard man. You take what you have not put down. You gather where you have not planted.’ 22 The king said to him, ‘By the words from your own mouth I must say that you are guilty. You are a sinful servant. You knew I was a hard man. You knew I take what I have not put down. You knew I gather where I have not planted. 23 Why did you not put my money in the bank? Then when I came back I could have had my own money and what the bank paid for using it.’

24 “Then he said to those who were standing by, ‘Take the piece of money from him and give it to the one who has ten pieces of money.’ 25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he already has ten pieces of money.’”

26 Jesus said, “I tell you, he who has, to him will be given more. To him who does not have, even the little he has will be taken from him. 27 ‘Bring here those who hated me and did not want me to be their king and kill them in front of me.’” 28 When He had finished the picture-story, He went on ahead of them up to Jerusalem.

The Last Time Jesus Goes into Jerusalem (G)

29 When Jesus was coming near the towns of Bethphage and Bethany by the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His followers on ahead. 30 He said, “Go into the town ahead of you. There you will find a young donkey tied. No man has ever sat on it. Let it loose and bring it to Me. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you letting it loose?’ say to him, ‘Because the Lord needs it.’”

32 Those who were sent found everything as Jesus had told them. 33 As they were letting the young donkey loose, the owners said to them, “Why are you letting the young donkey loose?” 34 They answered, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus. They put their coats on the donkey and they put Jesus on it.

36 As Jesus was going, they put their coats down on the road. 37 Jesus was near the city and ready to go down the Mount of Olives. The many people who were following Him began to sing with loud voices and give thanks for all the powerful works they had seen. 38 They said, “Great and honored is the King Who comes in the name of the Lord. There is peace and greatness in the highest heaven.”

39 Some of the proud religious law-keepers who were in among the people said to Jesus, “Teacher, speak sharp words to Your followers.” 40 Jesus said to them, “I tell you that if these did not speak, the very stones would call out.”

Jesus Cried as He Saw Jerusalem

41 When Jesus came near the city, He cried as He saw it. 42 He said, “If you had only known on this great day the things that make peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 The time is coming when those who hate you will dig earth and throw it up around you making a wall. They will shut you in from every side. 44 They will destroy you and your children with you. There will not be one stone on another. It is because you did not know when God visited you.”

Jesus Stops the Buying and Selling in the House of God (H)

45 Jesus went into the house of God. He made those leave who were buying and selling there. 46 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer.’ ‘But you have made it a place of robbers.’” (I)

47 Jesus taught each day in the house of God. But the religious leaders and the teachers of the Law and other leaders of the people tried to think of some way they could kill Him. 48 They could not find a way because the people were always near Him listening to Him teach.

They Ask Jesus Who Gave Him the Power to Do These Things (J)

20 As He was teaching and preaching the Good News, the religious leaders and the teachers of the Law and the elders came. They said to Him, “Tell us, by what right and power are You doing these things? Who gave You the right and the power?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question also. You answer Me. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”

They said to themselves, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ then all the people will throw stones at us because they believe John was one who spoke for God.” They said that they did not know where John’s baptism came from. Jesus said to them, “And I will not tell you where I get the right and the power to do these things.”

The Picture-Story of the Grape-Field (K)

Jesus began to tell the people a picture-story, saying, “There was a man who planted a grape-field. He rented it to farmers. Then he went to a country far away for a long time. 10 At the time of gathering fruit he sent one of his servants to the farmers to get some of the fruit. But the farmers beat him and sent him away without fruit. 11 He sent another servant. The farmers beat him also. They made it very hard for him and sent him away without fruit. 12 He sent a third servant. They hurt him and threw him out of the grape-field.

13 “Then the owner of the grape-field said, ‘What should I do? I will send my much-loved son. They might respect him.’ 14 The farmers saw the son. They said to themselves, ‘This is the one who will get everything when the owner dies. Let us kill him, and we will get everything.’ 15 They put him out of the grape-field and killed him. Now what will the owner of the grape-field do to them? 16 He will come and kill those farmers. Then he will rent the grape-field to other farmers.”

When they heard this, they said, “May this never be done!” 17 Jesus looked at them and said, “What does this writing mean, ‘The Stone that was put aside by the workmen has become the most important Stone in the building’? (L) 18 Whoever falls on this Stone will be broken. And on the one it falls, it will make him like dust.” (M)

They Try to Trap Jesus (N)

19 At this time the religious leaders and the teachers of the Law tried to take Jesus, but they were afraid of the people. These leaders knew Jesus had told this picture-story against them. 20 They watched Jesus and they sent men who pretended to be good people to watch Him. They wanted to trap Him in something He said. Then they could give Him over to the leader of the people who had the right and the power to say what to do with Him.

21 These men who were sent asked Jesus, “Teacher, we know what You say and teach is right. We know You do not show more respect to one person than to another. We know You teach the truth about God. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 Jesus knew they were trying to trap Him. He said, 24 “Show Me a piece of money. Whose picture is this? Whose name is on it?” And they said, “Caesar’s.” 25 Jesus said to them, “Pay to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar. Pay to God the things that belong to God.” 26 They could find nothing wrong with what He taught. They were surprised and wondered about what He told the people, so they said nothing more.

They Ask about Being Raised from the Dead (O)

27 Some people from the religious group who believe no one will be raised from the dead came to Jesus. They asked Him, 28 “Teacher, Moses wrote to us in the Law, ‘If a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, then his brother must marry her. He should have children for his brother who died.’ (P) 29 There were seven brothers. The first had a wife but died without children. 30 The second brother took her for his wife. He died without children. 31 The third brother took her for his wife. In the same way all seven took her for a wife. They all died without children. 32 Then the woman died also. 33 When people are raised from the dead, whose wife will she be? All seven brothers had her for a wife.”

34 Jesus said to them, “People of this earth marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who have the right to have that life and are raised from the dead do not marry and are not given in marriage. 36 They cannot die anymore. They are as the angels and are sons of God. They are children who have been raised from the dead. 37 As for the dead being raised, even Moses spoke of that when he told of the burning bush. There he calls the Lord, the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 For He is not the God of the dead. He is the God of the living. All live for Him.”

39 One of the teachers of the Law said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” 40 After that they were afraid to ask Him anything.

Jesus Asks the Teachers of the Law about the Christ (Q)

41 Jesus said to them, “How do they say that Christ is the Son of David? 42 For David himself said in the Book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said to My Lord, “Sit at my right side 43 until I make those who hate You a place to rest Your feet.”’ (R) 44 David calls Him, ‘Lord!’ Then how can He be his son?”

False Teachers (S)

45 All the people were listening. He said to His followers, 46 “Look out for the teachers of the Law. They like to walk around in long coats. They like to have people speak words of respect to them in the center of town where people gather. They like the important seats in the places of worship. They like the important places at big suppers. 47 They take houses from poor women whose husbands have died. They cover up their actions by making long prayers. They will be punished all the more.”

A Woman Whose Husband Had Died Gave All She Had (T)

21 Jesus looked up and saw rich men putting their money into the money box in the house of God. He saw a poor woman whose husband had died. She put in two very small pieces of money. He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor woman has put in more than all of them. For they have put in a little of the money they had no need for. She is very poor and has put in all she had. She has put in what she needed for her own living.”

Jesus Tells of the House of God (U)

Some people were talking about the house of God. They were saying that the stones were beautiful and that many gifts had been given. Jesus said, “As for these things you see, all these stones will be thrown down. Not one will be left on another.” They asked Jesus, “Teacher, when will this take place? What are we to look for to show us these things are about to happen?” He said, “Be careful that no one leads you the wrong way. For many people will come in My name. They will say, ‘I am the Christ.’ The time is near. Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and fighting in different places, do not be afraid. These things have to happen first, but the end is not yet.”

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Nations will have wars with other nations. Countries will fight against countries. 11 The earth will shake and break apart in different places. There will be no food. There will be bad diseases among many people. Very special things will be seen in the sky that will make people much afraid.

12 “But before all this happens, men will take hold of you and make it very hard for you. They will give you over to the places of worship and to the prisons. They will bring you in front of kings and the leaders of the people. This will all be done to you because of Me. 13 This will be a time for you to tell about Me. 14 Do not think about what you will say ahead of time. 15 For I will give you wisdom in what to say and I will help you say it. Those who are against you will not be able to stop you or say you are wrong.

16 “You will be handed over by your parents and your brothers and your family and your friends. They will kill some of you. 17 All men will hate you because of Me. 18 Yet not one hair of your head will be lost. 19 But stay true and your souls will have life.

Days of Trouble and Pain and Sorrow

20 “When you see armies all around Jerusalem, know that it will soon be destroyed. 21 Those in the country of Judea must run to the mountains. Those in the city must leave at once. Those in the country must not go into the city. 22 People will be punished in these hard days. All things will happen as it is written.

23 “It will be hard for women who will soon be mothers. It will be hard for those feeding babies in those days. It will be very hard for the people in the land and anger will be brought down on them. 24 People will be killed by the sword. They will be held in prison by all nations. Jerusalem will be walked over by the people who are not Jews until their time is finished.

Jesus Will Come Again in His Shining-Greatness

25 “There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness. 28 When these things begin to happen, lift up your heads because you have been bought by the blood of Christ and will soon be free.”

The Picture-Story of the Fig Tree

29 Jesus told them a picture-story. He said, “Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. 30 When you see their leaves coming out, you know summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know the holy nation of God is near. 32 For sure, I tell you, that the people of this day will not die before all these things happen.

33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away. 34 Watch yourselves! Do not let yourselves be loaded down with too much eating and strong drink. Do not be troubled with the cares of this life. If you do, that day will come on you without you knowing it. 35 It will come on all people over all the earth. 36 Be sure you watch. Pray all the time so that you may be able to keep from going through all these things that will happen and be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 Everyday Jesus taught in the house of God. At night He went to the Mount of Olives and stayed there. 38 Early in the morning all the people came to the house of God to hear Him.

They Look for a Way to Put Jesus to Death (V)

22 The time for the supper of bread without yeast was near. It was the special religious gathering to remember how the Jews left Egypt. The religious leaders and the teachers of the Law looked for a way to kill Jesus. But they were afraid of the people.

Then Satan came into the heart of Judas who was called Iscariot. He was one of the twelve followers. Judas went away and talked with the religious leaders and the leaders of the people. He talked about how he might hand Jesus over to them. They were glad and promised to pay him money. Judas promised to do this and then looked for a way to hand Jesus over when there were no people around.

Getting Ready for the Special Supper (W)

The day of bread without yeast came. It was the day when the lamb had to be killed and given on the altar in worship in the house of God. It was the special religious gathering to remember how the Jews left Egypt. Jesus sent Peter and John and said, “Go and get this special supper ready for us that we may eat.” They said to Him, “Where do You want us to get it ready?” 10 He answered, “See, when you go into the city, you will meet a man carrying a jar of water. Follow him into the house where he goes. 11 Say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks you, “Where is the room you keep for friends where I may eat this special supper with My followers?”’ 12 He will take you to a large room on the second floor with everything in it. Make it ready for us.”

13 They went and found everything as Jesus had said. They got ready for the special supper.

The First Lord’s Supper (X)

14 When the time came, Jesus sat down with the twelve followers. 15 He said to them, “I have wanted very much to eat this special supper with you to remember how the Jews left Egypt. I have wanted to eat this with you before I suffer. 16 I say to you, I will not eat this special supper again until its true meaning is completed in the holy nation of God.”

17 Then Jesus took the cup and gave thanks. He said, “Take this and pass it to each one. 18 I say to you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the holy nation of God comes.”

19 Then Jesus took bread and gave thanks and broke it in pieces. He gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you. Do this to remember Me.” 20 In the same way, after they had finished the bread, He took the cup. He said, “This cup is My blood of the New Way of Worship which is given for you.

Jesus Tells of the One Who Will Hand Him Over

21 “See, the hand of the one who will give Me over to the leaders of the country is on the table with Me. 22 The Son of Man will be taken this way because it has been in God’s plan. But it is bad for that man who hands Him over!” 23 They began to ask each other which of them would do this.

Arguing about Who Is the Greatest

24 They started to argue among themselves about who was thought to be the greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the nations show their power to the people. Those who have power over the people are given names of honor. 26 But you will not be like that. Let the greatest among you be as the least. Let the leader be as the one who cares for others. 27 Who is greater, the one who is eating at the table, or the one who is caring for him? Is it not the one who is eating at the table? But I am here with you as One Who cares for you.

The Followers Will Be Honored

28 “You have stayed with Me through all the hard things that have come to Me. 29 As My Father has given Me a holy nation, I will give you the right 30 to eat and drink at My table in My holy nation. You will sit on thrones and judge the twelve family groups of the Jewish nation.”

Jesus Tells How Peter Will Lie about Him (Y)

31 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has wanted to have you. He will divide you as wheat is divided from that which is no good. 32 But I have prayed for you. I have prayed that your faith will be strong and that you will not give up. When you return, you must help to make your brothers strong.” 33 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison and to die with You!” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, a rooster will not crow today before you will say three times that you do not know Me.”

The Followers Are Told of Trouble to Come

35 Jesus said to them, “I sent you without money or bag or shoes. Did you need anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 Then He said to them, “But now whoever has a money-bag and a bag for food should take it. Whoever does not have a sword should sell his coat and buy one. 37 I tell you, that what has been written about Me must happen. It says, ‘They thought of Him as One Who broke the Law.’ (Z) What is told about Me must happen.”

38 They said, “Lord, look, we have two swords.” He answered, “That is enough.”

Jesus Prays in the Garden (AA)

39 Jesus came out of the room. Then He went to the Mount of Olives as He had been doing. The followers went with Him. 40 When He got there, He said to them, “Pray that you will not be tempted.” 41 He walked away from them about as far as a stone can be thrown. There He got down with His face on the ground and prayed. 42 He said, “Father, if it can be done, take away what must happen to Me. Even so, not what I want, but what You want.” 43 An angel from heaven came and gave Him strength. 44 His heart was much troubled and He prayed all the more. Water ran from His face like blood and fell to the ground.

45 When Jesus got up after praying, He went back to the followers. He found them sleeping because of so much sorrow. 46 He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not be tempted.”

Jesus Is Handed Over to Sinners (AB)

47 While Jesus was speaking, Judas came walking ahead of many people. He was one of the twelve followers. He came near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you handing over the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 Those around Jesus saw what was going to happen and asked, “Lord, should we fight with our swords?” 50 One of them hit a servant who was owned by the head religious leader and cut off his right ear. 51 Jesus said, “Stop! This is enough.” And He put His hand on his ear and healed him.

Jesus Stands in Front of the Religious Leaders (AC)

52 Jesus said to the religious leaders and the leaders of the house of God and the other leaders who came to Him, “Have you come with swords and sticks to take Me, as if I were a robber? 53 While I was with you everyday in the house of God, you never took hold of Me. But now is the time you are to come and you have come in the dark.”

54 Then they led Jesus away to the house of the head religious leader. Peter followed a long way behind Him.

Peter Said He Did Not Know Jesus (AD)

55 They built a fire in the yard and sat down. Peter sat down with them. 56 One of the servant-girls saw Peter as he sat by the fire and looked right at him. She said, “This man was with Jesus also.” 57 Peter lied and said, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 58 After awhile another person saw him and said, “You are one of them also.” Peter said, “No, sir, I am not.” 59 About an hour later another person said the same thing, “For sure, this man was with Jesus also because he is from Galilee.” 60 But Peter said, “Sir, I do not know what you are saying.” And at once, while he was talking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. He remembered the Lord had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you do not know Me.” 62 Peter went outside and cried with a troubled heart.

63 Those who watched Jesus so He could not get away made fun of Him and beat Him. 64 They covered His eyes with a cloth and asked Him, “Tell us who hit You!” 65 They said many other bad things against Jesus.

66 When it was morning the leaders of the people and the religious leaders and the teachers of the Law got together. They took Jesus to the court of the religious leader. They said, 67 “Tell us if you are the Christ.” He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe Me. 68 If I ask you something, you will not tell Me. 69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the All-powerful God.” 70 They all said, “Then are You the Son of God?” He said, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What other word do we need against Him? We have heard Him say this with His own mouth.”

Jesus Stands in Front of Pilate (AE)

23 Then all the many people got up and took Jesus to Pilate. They began to tell things against Him, saying, “We have found this Man leading the people of our nation in a wrong way. He has been telling them not to pay taxes to Caesar. He has been saying He is Christ, a King.”

Pilate asked Jesus, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He said, “What you said is true.” Then Pilate said to the religious leaders and to the people, “I find nothing wrong in this Man.” They became more angry. They said, “He makes trouble among the people. He has been teaching over all the country of Judea, starting in Galilee and now here.”

Jesus Is Sent to Herod

When Pilate heard the word, Galilee, he asked, “Is the Man from Galilee?” As soon as Pilate knew Jesus belonged in the country where Herod was king, he sent Him to Herod. Herod was in Jerusalem at that time also.

Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus because he had wanted to see Him for a long time. He had heard many things about Him and had hoped to see Him do some powerful work. Herod talked to Jesus and asked many things. But Jesus said nothing. 10 The religious leaders and the teachers of the Law were standing there. They said many false things against Him.

11 Then Herod and his soldiers were very bad to Jesus and made fun of Him. They put a beautiful coat on Him and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That day Pilate and Herod became friends. Before that they had worked against each other.

13 Pilate called the religious leaders and the leaders of the people and the people together. 14 He said to them, “You brought this Man to me as one that leads the people in the wrong way. I have asked Him about these things in front of you. I do not find Him guilty of the things you say against Him. 15 Herod found nothing wrong with Him because he sent Him back to us. There is no reason to have Him put to death. 16 I will punish Him and let Him go free.”

Jesus or Barabbas Is to Go Free (AF)

17 *Every year at the time of the special supper, Pilate would let one person who was in prison go free. 18 They all cried out together with a loud voice, “Take this Man away! Let Barabbas go free.” 19 Barabbas had killed some people and had made trouble against the leaders of the country. He had been put in prison.

20 Pilate wanted to let Jesus go free so he talked to them again. 21 But they cried out, “Nail Him to a cross! Nail Him to a cross!” 22 Pilate said to them the third time, “Why, what bad thing has He done? I have found no reason to put Him to death. I will punish Him and let Him go free.”

23 But they kept on crying out with loud voices saying that He must be nailed to a cross. Their loud voices got what they wanted. 24 Then Pilate said that it should be done as they wanted. 25 Pilate let the man go free who had made trouble against the leaders of the country and who had killed people. He gave Jesus over to them to do with as they wanted.

Jesus on the Cross (AG)

26 They led Jesus away. A man named Simon was coming in from the country of Cyrene and they made him carry the cross following behind Jesus.

27 Many people followed Jesus. There were women who cried and had sorrow for Him. 28 Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem do not cry for Me. Cry for yourselves and your children. 29 Listen! The days are coming when they will say, ‘Those who have never had children are happy. Those whose bodies have never given birth are happy. Those who have never fed babies are happy.’ 30 They will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us.’ They will say to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 If they do these things to a green tree, what will they do when it is dry?”

32 Two other men were led away with Jesus to be put to death also. These men had done things making them guilty of death. 33 When they came to the place called Calvary, they nailed Jesus to a cross. The other two men were nailed to crosses also. One was on the right side of Jesus and the other was on His left side. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.” And they divided His clothes by drawing names.

35 The people stood around looking on. The leaders were there with them making fun of Jesus. They said, “He saved others, let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the Chosen One of God!” 36 The soldiers made fun of Him also. They put sour wine before Him. 37 They said, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 These words were written in the Greek and Latin and Hebrew languages above His head: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

The Two Robbers (AH)

39 One of the men who was guilty of death who was on a cross beside Jesus spoke bad words to Him. He said, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other man on a cross spoke sharp words to the one who made fun of Jesus. He said, “Are you not afraid of God? You are also guilty and will be punished. 41 We are suffering and we should, because of the wrong we have done. But this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your holy nation.” 43 Jesus said to him, “For sure, I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The Death of Jesus (AI)

44 It was dark over all the earth from noon until three o’clock. 45 The sun did not shine. In the house of God the curtain was torn in two pieces.

46 Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I give My spirit.” When He said this, He died.

47 When the soldier saw what had happened, he thanked God. He said, “For sure, He was a good man.” 48 All the many people who came together to see the things that were done, went away beating themselves on their chests. 49 All His friends and the women who had come with Him from Galilee stood a long way off watching these things.

The Grave of Jesus (AJ)

50 There was a man named Joseph who belonged to the court. He was a good man and one who did right. 51 This man did not agree with what the court did. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews. He was looking for the holy nation of God to come. 52 Joseph went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

53 Then he took it down and put it in linen cloth. It was laid in a grave which had been cut out in the side of a rock. This grave had never been used.

54 It was time to get ready for the Day of Rest which was about to begin. 55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed behind. They saw the grave and how His body was laid. 56 They went back and got some spices and perfumes ready. But they rested on the Day of Rest as the Law said to do.

Jesus Is Raised from the Dead (AK)

24 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the grave taking the spices they had made ready. They found the stone had been pushed away from the grave. They went in but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they wondered about what had happened, they saw two men standing by them in shining clothes. They were very much afraid and got down with their faces to the ground. The men said to them, “Why do you look for the living One among those who are dead? He is not here. He is risen. Do you not remember what He said to you when He was yet in Galilee? He said, ‘The Son of Man must be given over into the hands of sinful men. He must be nailed to a cross. He will rise again three days later.’” They remembered what He had said.

When they came back from the grave, they told all these things to the eleven followers and to all the others. 10 They were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James. Other women who were with them told these things to the followers also. 11 Their words sounded like foolish talk. The followers did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the grave. He got down to look in and saw only the linen clothes. Then he went away, surprised about what had happened.

The Followers of Jesus Do Not Believe He Is Risen (AL)

13 That same day two of His followers were going to the town of Emmaus. It was about a two-hour walk from Jerusalem. 14 They talked of all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking together, Jesus Himself came and walked along with them. 16 Something kept their eyes from seeing Who He was.

17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk?” They stood still and looked sad. 18 One of them, whose name was Cleopas, said to Him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who has not heard of the things that have happened here these days?” 19 Jesus said to them, “What things?” They answered, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. He was the great One Who spoke for God. He did powerful works and spoke powerful words in the sight of God and the people. 20 And the religious leaders and the leaders of the people gave Him over to be killed and nailed Him to a cross. 21 We were hoping He was the One Who was going to make the Jewish people free. But it was three days ago when these things happened.

22 “Some of the women of our group have surprised us and made us wonder. They went to the grave early this morning. 23 They did not find His body. They came back saying they had seen angels in a special dream who said that He was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the grave and found it as the women had said. But they did not see Him.”

25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish men. How slow you are to believe what the early preachers have said. 26 Did not Christ have to go through these hard things to come into His shining-greatness?” 27 Jesus kept on telling them what Moses and all the early preachers had said about Him in the Holy Writings.

28 When they came to the town where they were going, Jesus acted as if He were going farther. 29 But they said to Him, “Stay with us. It will soon be evening. The day is about over.” He went in to stay with them. 30 As He sat at the table with them, He took the bread and gave thanks and broke it. Then He gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they knew Him. Then He left them and could not be seen. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts filled with joy when He talked to us on the road about what the Holy Writings said?”

33 Then they got up at once and went back to Jerusalem. They found the eleven followers together and others with them. 34 They said, “For sure the Lord is risen and was seen by Simon.” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road and how they came to know Him when He broke the bread.

Jesus Is Seen by the Other Ten Followers

36 As they talked, Jesus Himself stood among them. He said, “May you have peace.” 37 But they were afraid and full of fear. They thought they saw a spirit. 38 Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid? Why do you have doubts in your hearts? 39 Look at My hands and My feet. See! It is I, Myself! Touch Me and see for yourself. A spirit does not have flesh and bones as I have.” 40 When Jesus had said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

41 They still wondered. It was hard for them to believe it and yet it made them happy. Then He said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave Jesus a piece of fish that had been cooked and some honey. 43 He took it and ate it in front of them.

Jesus Sends His Followers to Teach (AM)

44 Jesus said to them, “These are the things I told you while I was yet with you. All things written about Me in the Law of Moses and in the Books of the early preachers and in the Psalms must happen as they said they would happen.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Holy Writings. 46 He said to them, “It is written that Christ should suffer and be raised from the dead after three days. 47 It must be preached that men must be sorry for their sins and turn from them. Then they will be forgiven. This must be preached in His name to all nations beginning in Jerusalem. 48 You are to tell what you have seen. 49 See! I will send you what My Father promised. But you are to stay in Jerusalem until you have received power from above.”

Jesus Goes to Be Beside His Father (AN)

50 Jesus led them out as far as Bethany. Then He lifted up His hands and prayed that good would come to them. 51 And while He was praying that good would come to them, He went from them (*and was taken up to heaven and 52 they worshiped Him). Then they went back to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 They spent all their time in the house of God honoring and giving thanks to God.