Add parallel Print Page Options

Messengers from John the Baptist

18 (A)(B)The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one (C)who is to come, or (D)shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one (E)who is to come, or (F)shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour (G)he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and (H)on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: (I)the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, (J)lepers[a] are cleansed, and (K)the deaf hear, (L)the dead are raised up, (M)the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is (N)not offended by me.”

24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus[b] began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out (O)into the wilderness to see? (P)A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? (Q)A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

(R)“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 ((S)When all the people heard this, and (T)the tax collectors too, they declared God just,[c] (U)having been baptized with (V)the baptism of John, 30 (W)but the Pharisees and (X)the lawyers (Y)rejected (Z)the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the market-place and calling to one another,

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
    we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

33 For John the Baptist has come (AA)eating no bread and (AB)drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come (AC)eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, (AD)a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet (AE)wisdom is justified by all her children.”

A Sinful Woman Forgiven

36 (AF)One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table. 37 (AG)And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and (AH)wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If (AI)this man were (AJ)a prophet, he (AK)would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A certain money-lender had two debtors. One owed five hundred (AL)denarii, and the other fifty. 42 (AM)When they could not pay, he (AN)cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning towards the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; (AO)you gave me no water for my feet, but (AP)she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 (AQ)You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to (AR)kiss my feet. 46 (AS)You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, (AT)which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, (AU)“Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among[d] themselves, (AV)“Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, (AW)“Your faith has saved you; (AX)go in peace.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Luke 7:22 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
  2. Luke 7:24 Greek he
  3. Luke 7:29 Greek they justified God
  4. Luke 7:49 Or to