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Jesus
1. Before Christ Became Flesh
2. Matthew's Genealogy Of Jesus
3. Luke's Genealogy Of Jesus
4. Birth Of John Announced
5. Birth Of Jesus To A Virgin Announced
6. Song Of Elizabeth To Mary
7. Mary's Song Of Praise
8. Birth, Infancy, And Purpose For The Future Of John
9. Announcement Of Jesus' Birth To Joseph
10. Birth Of Jesus Christ
11. Proclaimation By The Angels
12. The Shepherds Visit And Pay Homage
13. Jesus Circumcision
14. First Temple Visit, Simeon And Anna
15. The Wise Men Visit
16. Flight To Egypt And The Slaughter Of The Innocents
17. From Egypt To Nazareth
18. Jesus' Childhood
19. Jesus Visits The Temple When He Is Twelve
20. Jesus' Adolescence And Adulthood
21. The Beginning Of John's Ministry
22. John's Message
23. John Testifies Of Jesus
24. John's Courage
25. Jesus Baptism
26. Jesus Tempted
27. The Calling Of The First Disciples
28. The First Miracle, Water Turned To Wine
29. First Stay At Capernaum
30. The First Cleansing Of The Temple
31. Received At Jerusalem
32. Nighttime Visit With Nicodemus
33. Jesus Co-Ministry With John
34. Jesus Leaves For Galilee
35. The Samaritan Woman At Jacob's Well
36. Jesus Returns To Galilee
37. Healing Of The Nobleman's Son
38. Rejected At Nazareth
39. Move To Capernaum
40. Four Called To Be Fishers Of Men
41. Demoniac Healed On The Sabbath
42. Peter's Mother-In-Law Cured As Well As Others
43. The First Preaching Tour Of Galilee
44. A Leper Healed And His Response
45. The Paralytic Healed
46. Matthew's Call And His Reception For Jesus
47. Jesus Uses A Parable To Defend The Disciples
48. Jesus Goes To Jerusalem For The Second Passover And Heals A Lame Man
49. Sabbath Controversy Over Picking Grain
50. Healing A Man's Withered Hand On The Sabbath
51. Multitude Healed
52. Jesus Prays All Night Before Selecting Twelve Apostles
53. Sermon On The Mount
54. Sermon On The Mount - Part 2
55. Sermon On The Mount - Part 3
56. Centurion's Servant Healed
57. Raise The Widows Son From The Dead
58. Jesus Allays The Doubts Of John The Baptist
59. Woes Upon The Privileged
60. A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus
61. Another Tour Of Galilee
62. Jesus Accused Of Blasphemy
63. Jesus Answers To A Demand For A Sign
64. Mother And Brothers Seek An Audience
65. Parables Of The Sower, Seed, Tares, Mustard, Leaven
66. The Calming Of The Sea
67. Gadarene Demoniac Healed
68. Woman With A Hemorage Healed And Jairus' Daughter Raised
69. Two Blind Men Have Their Sight Restored
70. Mute Demoniac Healed
71. Nazareth Reject Jesus A Second Time
72. Jesus Sends Out The Twelve
73. Herod Beheads John The Baptist
74. Return Of The Twelve And Feeding The 5,000
75. Jesus Walks On Water
76. Sick Of Gennesaret Healed
77. Jesus Popularity Passes It Peak In Galilee
78. Traditions Attacked
79. Canaanite Woman's Daughter Healed
80. The Afflicted Are Healed
81. The Feeding Of 4,000
82. The Pharisees Increase Their Attack
83. Jesus Condemns The Disciples Little Faith
84. Blind Man Healed
85. Peter Confesses That Jesus Is The Christ
86. Jesus Foretells His Death
87. Kingdom Is Promised
88. The Transfiguration
89. Epileptic Healed
90. Jesus Tells Again Of His Death And Resurrection
91. Taxes Paid With Money From A Fish
92. The Disciples Argue About Who Is The Greatest
93. Departure From Galilee And The Rejection Of The Samaritans
94. Cost Of Discipleship
95. Feast Of Tabernacles
96. Forgiveness Of An Adulteress
97. Christ Is The Light Of The World
98. The Pharisees Cannot Accept What Jesus Says About Himself
99. Consequences Of Healing Of The Man Born Blind
100. Parable Of The Good Shepherd
101. Mission Service Of The Seventy
102. A Lawyer Hears The Parable Of The Good Samaritan
103. Hospitality Of Martha And Mary
104. Another Lesson On Prayer
105. Jesus Accused Of Healing By The Power Of Beelzebub
106. Judgments Against Pharisees And Lawyers
107. Jesus Talks About Hypocrisy, Covetousness And Worry
108. Repent Or Perish
109. Barren Fig Tree
110. Crippled Woman Healed On The Sabbath
111. Parables Of The Mustard Seed And Leaven
112. Feast Of Dedication
113. Withdrawal Beyond The Jordon
114. Jesus Begins His Return To Jerusalem And His Death
115. A Meal With The Pharisee Ruler And Where To Sit
116. Demands Of Discipleship
117. Parable Of The Lost Sheep
118. Parables Of The Lost Coin
119. Parables Of The Lost Boy
120. Parable Of The Unjust Steward
121. Parable Of The Rich Man And Lazarus
122. Lessons Of Service, Faith And Influence
123. The Resurrection Of Lazarus
124. Reaction To Lazarus' Resurrection And The Withdrawal Of Jesus
125. The Last Journey To Jerusalem
126. Healing Ten Lepers
127. Lessons On The Coming Kingdom
128. The Persistent Widow
129. The Pharisee And The Tax Collector
130. Doctrine On Divorce
131. Jesus Blesses Children In Spite Of Objections
132. Rich Young Ruler
133. Laborers In The 11th Hour
134. Jesus Foretells His Death And Resurrection
135. The Ambition Of James And John
136. Blind Bartimaeus Healed
137. Zacchaeus
138. Parable Of The Minas
139. The Jewish Leaders Determine That Jesus Be Taken
140. A Plot To Kill Lazarus
141. Triumphal Entry
142. Fig Tree Cursed And The Temple Cleansed
143. The Greeks Want To See Jesus
144. The Withered Fig Tree
145. The Sanhedrin Challenges Jesus
146. Parable Of Two Sons
147. Parable Of The Wicked Vinedressers
148. Parable Of The Kings Wedding Feast
149. Tribute To Caesar
150. Sadducees Question The Resurrection
151. Which Is The Greatest Commandment
152. Jesus And David
153. Jesus Last Sermon
154. The Widow's Mite
155. Jesus Tells The Future
156. Parable Of The Ten Virgins
157. Parable Of The Talents
158. The Day Of Judgment
159. Jesus Tells When He Will Be Crucified
160. Anointed By Mary At Simon's Feast
161. Judas Contracts The Betrayal
162. Preparation For The Passover
163. Passover Eaten
164. Jealousy Rebuked
165. Jesus Washes The Disciples Feet
166. Judas Revealed
167. Jesus Warns Of Future Desertion
168. Institution Of The Lord's Supper
169. Last Words - Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
170. Last Words - I Am The Vine
171. Last Words - I Will Send The Helper
172. Last Words - Full Joy
173. The Grief Of Gethsemane
174. Betrayal, Arrest, Deserted
175. Examined By Annas
176. Trial By Caiaphas And Council
177. Peter Denies Jesus Three Times
178. Condemnation By The Council
179. Suicide Of Judas
180. Before Pilot
181. Before Herod
182. Before Pilate A Second Time
183. Mocked By The Roman Soldiers
184. Led To Golgotha
185. First Three Hours On The Cross
186. Last Three Hours On The Cross
187. Events Attending Jesus Death
188. Burial Of Jesus
189. Tomb Sealed
190. Early Visitors To The Tomb
191. The Guards Report Of The Resurrection
192. On The Road To Emmaus
193. Jesus Appears To The Disciples Without Thomas
194. Jesus Appears To The Disciples With Thomas
195. Jesus Appears To Seven Disciple By The Sea Of Galilee
196. The Great Commission
197. Jesus Ascends Into Heaven
198. Jesus' Ascension According Acts
1. Before Christ Became Flesh - Back to Page Index
John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. He made everything. Apart from Him nothing came into being. In Him was life and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness but the darkness did not comprehended it.

God sent a man named John. He was a witness testifying about the Light so that everyone might recognize Him and believe. John was not the Light. His part was to testify of that Light. This would be the true Light which was coming into the world to enlighten everyone. Though He was in the world which He had made, the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own and they did not receive Him. To those who did receive Him and believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. This caused them to be born of God instead of the will of the flesh.

The Word was made flesh and lived among us. We saw the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him when he cried out, saying, "This is the One I spoke of when I said there is One coming after me Who existed before me." His fullness has supplied us with complete grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, except His only begotten who is in His close embrace. He has explained His Father.

2. Matthew's Genealogy Of Jesus - Back to Page Index
Matthew 1:1-17
The book of the generations of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez was the father of Hezron and Hezron the father of Ram. Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon and Nahshon the father of Salmon. Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz was the father of Obed and Obed the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David, who became king. David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been Uriah's wife. Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah and Abijah the father of Asa. Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram and Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon and Amon the father of Josiah. Josiah was the father of Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. After the deportation to Babylon, Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim and Eliakim the father of Azor. Azor was the father of Zadoc, Zadoc the father of Achim and Achim the father of Eliud. Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan and Matthan the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Joseph who was the husband of Mary, to whom Jesus the Messiah was born. There were fourteen generations from Abraham to David. There were fourteen generations from David to the deportation. And there were fourteen generations from the deportation to the Messiah.

3. Luke's Genealogy Of Jesus - Back to Page Index
Luke 3:23-38
Jesus began His ministry at about the age of thirty years. Everyone thought of Him as Joseph's son, who was Eli's son. And he was the son of Mattat who was the son of Levi who was the son of Jannai who was the son of Joseph. He was the son of Mattathias who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Nahum who was the son of Naggai. He was the son of Maath who was the son of Mattathias who was the son of Semein who was the son of Josech who was the son of Joda. He was the son of Joanan who was the son of Rhesa who was the son of Zerubbabel who was the son of Shealtiel who was the son of Neri. He was the son of Melchi who was the son of Addi who was the son of Cosam who was the son of Elmadam who was the son of Er. He was the son of Joshua who was the son of Eliezer who was the son of Jorim who was the son of Matthat who was the son of Levi. He was the son of Simeon who was the son of Judah who was the son of Joseph who was the son of Jonam who was the son of Eliakim. He was the son of Melea who was the son of Menna who was the son of Mattatha who was the son of Nathan the Son of David. He was the son of Jesse who was the son of Obed who was the son of Boaz who was the son of Salmon who was the son of Nahshon. He was the son of Amminadab who was the son of Admin who was the son of Ram who was the son of Hezron who was the son of Perez who was the son of Judah. He was the son of Jacob who was the son Isaac who was the son of Abraham who was the son of Terah who was the son of Nahor. He was the son of Serug who was the son of Reu who was the son of Peleg who was the son of Heber who was the son of Shelah. He was the son of Cainan who was the son of Arphaxad who was the son of Shem who was the son of Noah who was the son of Lamech. He was the son of Methuselah who was the son of Enoch who was the son of Jared who was the son of Mahalaleel who was the son of Cainan. He was the son of Enosh who was the son of Seth who was the son of Adam who was the Son of God.
4. Birth Of John Announced - Back to Page Index
Luke 1:5-25
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias. He was from the division of Abijah and his wife came from the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous in God's eyes, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and the LORD's requirements. They had no children because Elizabeth was barren and they were both of advanced age. Now it happened that while Zacharius was performing his priestly duties before God, according to the appointed order of his division, As he performed the duties assigned to him, as had been assigned by lot, he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense, while the multitude were outside in prayer. An angel of the LORD appeared to him, standing on the right side of the alter of incense. Seeing the angel, Zacharius was gripped with fear. The angel spoke to him, saying, "Do not be afraid, Zacharius. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son. You will name him John. You will have joy and happiness at his birth, and many will rejoice with you. He will be great in the sight of the LORD. He will drink no wine or liquor. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. And he will turn many of the children of Israel back to the LORD their God. And he shall go before Him (the Messiah) in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the Fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to attitudes of righteousness, in order to make ready a people prepared for the LORD." Zacharius asked the angel, "How shall I know this for certain? I am old and so is my wife." The angel answered him, saying, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to bring you this good news. Because you did not believe my words, you will be unable to speak until my words have been fulfilled." The people the outside the temple had begun to wonder why Zacharius had remained so long inside. But when he came out he was unable to tell them what had happened. They understood that he had seen a vision inside the temple. He made signs to them but he could not speak.

When the days of his priestly service were over he went home. After that his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and did not go out for five months, saying, "This is how the LORD has dealt with me, looking with favor upon me, and taking away my disgrace in the community."

5. Birth Of Jesus To A Virgin Announced - Back to Page Index
Luke 1:26-38
In Elizabeth's sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth which is in Galilee. He came to a virgin named Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of David. The angel said to her, "Greetings, O favored one. The LORD is with you." His words troubled her and she did not know what to make of them. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and bear a son. You will name Him Jesus. He will be great and be called the Son of the Most High. The LORD God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will be without end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be? I am not married." The angel answered her, saying, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. For this reason the Holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. She who was called barren is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible." Then Mary said, "Behold, I am the LORD's handmaid. Let it be done according to your word." And the angel departed.

6. Song Of Elizabeth To Mary - Back to Page Index
Luke 1:39-45
Mary hurried to the hill country to a city of Judah, where she entered the house of Zacharius and greeted Elizabeth. Just as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped inside of her, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. With a loud voice she cried out, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How has it happened that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when I heard your greeting, the baby leaped within my womb. Blessed is she who believed that the word spoken to her by the LORD would be fulfilled."
7. Mary's Song Of Praise - Back to Page Index
Luke 1:46-56
And Mary replied, "My soul exalts the LORD. And My Spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has had regard for my humble state as His handmaiden. From this time on all generations shall call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name. His mercy is on those who fear Him in every generation. He has shown strength in His mighty arm, scattering the proud while they imagined their greatness. He has brought down rulers from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things while sending the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, because of His mercy, just as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever."

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her home.

8. Birth, Infancy, And Purpose For The Future Of John - Back to Page Index
Luke 1:57-80
When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, she had a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard of the great mercy displayed by God to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day after the birth it was time to circumcise the child. They were planning to call him Zacharius after his father. But his mother said, "No indeed. He shall be called John." They said to her, "But no one is called by that name among all your relatives." They asked Zacharius what his name should be? He asked for a tablet and wrote on it, "His name is John." Everyone was surprised. At that moment Zacharius' mouth was opened and he could speak. And he began to praise God.

As these things were talked about in the hill country of Judea, fear came on everyone who heard of it. Everyone wondered what this child would turn out to be. The LORD was certainly involved in his birth. His father, Zacharius, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, for He has visited us and redeemed His people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant. Just as He spoke through one of His holy prophets of old, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us, to show mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to our father, Abraham, to grant that we be rescued from the hand of our enemies so that we might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the LORD to prepare His ways, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

And the child grew and became strong in the spirit. He lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

9. Announcement Of Jesus' Birth To Joseph - Back to Page Index
Matthew 1:18-25
Here is the account of the birth of Jesus Christ: when Mary, His mother, had been promised to Joseph, and before they were actually married, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. When Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, learned that she was with child, he planned to quietly annul the marriage without publicly disgracing her. After having made up his mind to do this, an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The Child conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She shall have a Son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." All of this was done in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by His prophet who said, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translates to mean, 'God with us.'" Then Joseph woke up and did as the angel of the LORD had instructed him and took Mary as his wife. However, she remained a virgin until she gave birth to her Son. And Joseph named Him Jesus.
10. Birth Of Jesus Christ - Back to Page Index
Luke 2:1-7
In those days Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken of all the inhabited lands. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to register for the census in his own city. So Joseph went from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David. He took Mary with him to register there. She was engaged to him and her pregnancy was far along.

While they were in Bethlehem the time came for the baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapping him in cloths. She used a manger for His bed because they were in a stable since there was no room in the inn.

11. Proclaimation By The Angels - Back to Page Index
Luke 2:8-14
In that region there were shepherds in the fields watching their sheep through the night. An angel suddenly appeared before them, and the glory of the LORD shone all around. And this frightened them. The angel said, "Do not be afraid. I am bringing good news for people everywhere. Today the Savior, who is Christ the LORD, has been born in Bethlehem, the city of David. You can recognize Him when you see him wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will toward men."

12. The Shepherds Visit And Pay Homage - Back to Page Index
Luke 2:15-20
When the angels had left, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem to see what the LORD has made known to us." They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and saw the Babe lying in a manger.

After seeing this they told others what they had been shown concerning the Child. Everyone who heard their account wondered at it. But Mary treasured in her heart everything that had happened. And the shepherds returned to their sheep, glorifying God because of everything they had been shown.

13. Jesus Circumcision - Back to Page Index
Luke 2:21
Eight days later at the time of His circumcision He was named Jesus, just as the angel had spoken of His name before He was conceived.
14. First Temple Visit, Simeon And Anna - Back to Page Index
Luke 2:22-38
When the days of their purification had been completed according to the law, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem and presented Him to the LORD. As it is written in the law of the LORD, every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD. They offered a sacrifice just as the law of the LORD specified, a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.

There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout, and looking for the consolation of Israel. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would see the LORD's Christ before he died. He was in the Spirit as he entered the temple. When Jesus' parents brought Him into the temple to fulfill the requirements of the law, Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying, "Now Lord, I can depart in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which You have prepared for all people, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel." Jesus' father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and raising up of many in Israel. He shall be a sign which is spoken against. A sword shall pierce your own soul. And in the end, the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed."

There was prophetess by the name of Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years after marrying him, and then having remained a widow to the age of about eighty. She served God with fasting and prayer night and day in the temple. When Simeon had finished praising God, Anna came up and began to give thanks to the LORD, speaking to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

15. The Wise Men Visit - Back to Page Index
Matthew 2:1-12
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during king Herod's reign. After this wise men came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, "Where is the One Who had been born King of the Jews? We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him." When Herod heard this he was troubled, as was all of Jerusalem. Calling together the chief priests and scribes of the people, Herod asked, "Where will the Messiah be born." They answered, "In Bethlehem of Judea. This was written by the prophet. And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah. For out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel." Micah 5:2. Then Herod secretly called the wise men and from them determined exactly when the star had appeared. Sending them on to Bethlehem, he said to them, "Search for the Child and when you have found Him, tell me so that I may also come and worship Him."

So the wise men left and followed the star. They were led by it until it stopped over the place where the Child was. Seeing that the star had stopped gave them great joy. After coming in the house they found the Child with His mother, Mary. They fell down and worshipped Him and presented Him with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. After this they were warned by God in a dream not to go back through Jerusalem and inform Herod.

16. Flight To Egypt And The Slaughter Of The Innocents - Back to Page Index
Matthew 2:13-18
Then an angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Get up. Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you otherwise. Herod will search for the Child to destroy Him." So Joseph got up while it was still dark, and left for Egypt with Mary and the Child. They remained there until Herod had died. This fulfilled the word spoken by the LORD through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called My Son."

When Herod discovered that he had been tricked by the wise men who had not returned to tell him where the Child was, he became enraged. He had all the little boys two years and younger killed in Bethlehem and the surrounding vicinity. He based this on the time the wise men had said that the star had first appeared. This fulfilled the word spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, "a voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they were no more." Jeremiah 31:15.

17. From Egypt To Nazareth - Back to Page Index
Matthew 2:19-23
After Herod died an angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph in a dream in Egypt and said, "Get up. Take the Child and his mother back to Israel. Those who sought his life are dead." So Joseph took the Child and His mother to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea he was afraid to stay in Judea. After being warned by God he left for the region of Galilee. He went to dwell in Nazareth. This fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet, "He shall be called a Nazarene."
18. Jesus' Childhood - Back to Page Index
Luke 2:40
And the Child grew strong in body and spirit and increased in wisdom. The grace of God was upon Him.

19. Jesus Visits The Temple When He Is Twelve - Back to Page Index
Luke 2:41-50
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year for the feast of Passover. When Jesus was twelve, He went with them. Having been there the full number of days, they started for home while Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents were not aware of this. They supposed that He was with others in the caravan. At the end of the first day's journey they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they could not find Him they returned to Jerusalem to look for Him. After three days they found Him sitting in the temple with the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. His parents were amazed to see Him there. His mother said to Him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." And He replied, "Why was it that you searched anywhere else? Didn't you know that I must be about My Father's business?" They did not understand what He meant by this statement.
20. Jesus' Adolescence And Adulthood - Back to Page Index
Luke 2:51-52
Jesus went back to Nazareth with them and remained subjected to them. His mother treasured in her heart everything that happen. And He kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
21. The Beginning Of John's Ministry - Back to Page Index
Mark 1:1-4
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You. He will prepare Your way. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the LORD. Make His paths straight.'"

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins.

22. John's Message - Back to Page Index
Luke 3:3-14
He began to preach in the district around the Jordan. He preached a message of baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. The prophet Isaiah had said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the LORD. Make His paths straight. Every ravine will be filled in and every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked place will be straightened and the rough roads smoothed out. All flesh will see the salvation of the LORD."

John said to the crowds who came to be baptized by him, "You are a brood of vipers. Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? You must bear fruit in keeping with repentance. You cannot rely on having Abraham for your father. God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. In fact, the axe is already laid at the root of every tree that does not bear good fruit. Such will be cut down and burned in the fire."

The crowds wanted to know what they should do. John would answer this way."The man who has two tunics should share with the man who has none. He who has food should do the same." Some tax collectors also came to be baptized and asked what they should do. He said to them, "Collect only what has been prescribed." Some soldiers also asked what they should do. He said, "Do not take money by force. Do not make false accusations. Be content with your wages."

23. John Testifies Of Jesus - Back to Page Index
Luke 3:15-18
The people were in a state of expectation and wondered if John was the Christ. John answered, "I baptized with water but One mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to untie His shoes. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. With His winnowing fork He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor. The wheat He will put in His barn but the chaff will be burned with unquenchable fire."

With many other exhortations he preached the good news to the people.

24. John's Courage - Back to Page Index
Matthew 14:3-12
Previously Herod had arrested John and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. For John had been telling Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife. Herod wanted to put John to death but he feared the crowd because they believed that he was a prophet.

Now when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased him. He was so pleased that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. After she had consulted with her mother she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. This grieved Herod but because of his oath and his dinner guests, he commanded that her request be granted, and He had John beheaded in prison. Then his head brought on platter and given to the girl who then gave it to her mother.

John's disciples came and took the body away and buried it. Then they reported this to Jesus.

25. Jesus Baptism - Back to Page Index
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan and asked John to baptize Him. John protested, saying, "I need to be baptized by You. Why do You ask baptism of me?" Jesus answered him, saying, "Please do as I have asked. This is how we will fulfill all righteousness." So John agreed. Immediately after Jesus was baptized the heavens opened and John saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and light upon Jesus. A voice out of heaven was heard, saying, "This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased."
26. Jesus Tempted - Back to Page Index
Matthew 4:1-11
After His baptism Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and nights and He became hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, "If You are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread." But Jesus answered and said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God."

Then the devil took Jesus to the holy city and stood Him on the pinnacle of the temple, And said to Him, "If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written, 'He will command His angels concerning You. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not strike Your foot against a stone..'" Jesus said to him, "It is also written that you shall not put the LORD your God to the test."

Then the devil took Jesus to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. Then he said to Jesus, "I will give You everything You see if You will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the LORD your God and serve only Him." So the devil left Him and angels came and ministered to Him.

27. The Calling Of The First Disciples - Back to Page Index
John 1:35-51
The next day John was standing with two of his disciples. He looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" His two disciples heard what he said and they followed Jesus. As they followed Jesus, He turned to them and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Teacher, where are You staying?" He said, "Come and see." So they came and saw where He was staying. It was about the tenth hour (4 o'clock in the afternoon), so they stayed with Him there. One of the two was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He went to find Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah," which translates to mean Christ. Andrew brought his brother to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are called Simon, son of John. You shall be called Cephas." That translates to Peter.

The following day Jesus proposed to go to Galilee. There he found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same as Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law and the Prophets. He is Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael replied, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said, "Come see."

Jesus saw Nathanael coming and said of him, "Here is an Israelite without guile." Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael then said to Him, "You are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel." Jesus answered him, saying, "Because I said I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see even greater things than this." Then Jesus added, "The truth is, you will see the heavens opened and the angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

28. The First Miracle, Water Turned To Wine - Back to Page Index
John 2:1-11
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and He and his disciples had been invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother told him about it. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you telling Me about this? My hour has not yet come." His mother told the servants, "Do whatever He tells you to do."

There were six stone water pots nearby used for the Jewish custom of purification. Each one could hold close to fifteen gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill these water pots with water." So they filled the water pots. Then He said, "Draw some out and take it to the one in charge of the feast." and they did this. When the man in charge of the feast tasted the water that had become wine, and not knowing where it had come from, he called the bridegroom, and said to him, "People always serve the best wine first and after people have had plenty to drink, then they serve the poorer wine. You have kept the good wine until now." This was the first of the signs Jesus did to show His glory in Galilee, and His disciples believed in Him.

29. First Stay At Capernaum - Back to Page Index
John 2:12
After this Jesus went to Capernaum for a few days with His mother and His disciples.
30. The First Cleansing Of The Temple - Back to Page Index
John 2:13-22
The Passover of the Jews was near so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. When He went into the temple He found people selling oxen, sheep and doves. And there were money changers sitting at their tables. He made a scourge of cords and with it drove the marketers, their animals and the money changers out of the temple. He turned over the tables of the money changers scattering their coins. Speaking to those who sold the doves He said, "Take these things out of here. My Father's house is not a place to buy and sell merchandise." His disciples remembered that it is written, "Zeal for Your house will consume Me." The Jews said to Him, "What sign do You show us to establish Your authority for doing what You just did?" He answered, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews said to Him, "It took forty six years to build this temple. Will you raise it up in three days?" But Jesus was speaking of the temple of His body. When Jesus was raised from the dead, His disciples would recall what He had said on this occasion and believe the scripture, as well as Jesus words.

31. Received At Jerusalem - Back to Page Index
John 2:23-25
During this Passover, many of the people believed in Jesus, having observed the signs He did. But Jesus did not trust Himself to them, for He knew all men. He did not need anyone to tell Him about mankind for He knew what was in man.
32. Nighttime Visit With Nicodemus - Back to Page Index
John 3:1-21
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He came to see Jesus at night, saying, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher. No one can do the signs you do unless God is with Him." Jesus replied by saying, "The truth is, no one can see God's kingdom unless he is born again." Nicodemus responded by asking, "How can a man be born after he becomes old? Can he go into his mother's womb and be born a second time?" Jesus said, "The truth is, unless a person is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter God's kingdom. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed when I tell you that you must be born again. The wind blows and you hear its sound. You do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with those born of the Spirit." Nicodemus said, "How can this be?" Jesus replied, "You are a teacher of Israel. How is it that you do not understand this? The truth is, we speak of what we know and tell about what we have seen. But you do not accept our testimony. If I tell you earthly things, and you do not believe, how will you believe what I tell you about heaven? No one has been to heaven except He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up. This is done so that those who believe in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned. He who does not believe is judged unworthy because he did not believe in the only begotten Son of God. A person is condemned after he sees the Light of the world, and because of the evil within him, chooses darkness rather than the Light. Those who do evil hate the Light, fearing to come to it because it exposes their evil deeds. The one practicing the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be shown to have come from God."

33. Jesus Co-Ministry With John - Back to Page Index
John 3:22-36
After this Jesus and His disciples went to Judea where He was spending time with them and baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim because there was lots of water there. People were coming to be baptized, because John had not yet been put in prison.

John's disciples had a discussion with some of the Jews about purification. Coming to John they said, "Rabbi, the One you testified to beyond the Jordon, is baptizing and everyone is coming to Him." John answered saying, "A man cannot have what Jesus has unless it comes from heaven. You remember that I said, 'I am not the Christ. I have been sent ahead of Him.' It is the bridegroom who has the bride. His friend bears witness of this and rejoices at the sound of the bridegroom's voice. For this reason my joy for Him is complete. He must increase, and I must decrease. He who is from the earth speaks earthly things, while He who comes from heaven is above all. He tells of what He has seen and heard, but no one receives His testimony." He who believes His testimony testifies that God is true. "For He Whom God has sent speaks the Words of God, for He gives Him the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given everything into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life. And he who does not believe in the Son shall not have eternal life because God's wrath rests on him."

34. Jesus Leaves For Galilee - Back to Page Index
John 4:1-4
Now when the LORD knew that the Pharisees had heard that He was making and baptizing more disciples than John, although it was His disciples doing the baptizing, and not He Himself, he left Judea and went to Galilee.

On His way Jesus passed through Samaria.

35. The Samaritan Woman At Jacob's Well - Back to Page Index
John 4:5-42
He came to the city of Sychar in Samaria which is near the parcel of ground Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Being weary, Jesus sat down to rest by Jacob's well which was outside the city. It was about the sixth hour, or twelve noon.

A Samaritan woman came to draw water and Jesus asked her for a drink. Jesus was alone, for His disciples had gone into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman asked Him, "How is it that You, a Jew, ask a drink from a Samaritan woman?" For the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered, "If you knew of the gift of God and who is asking you for water, you would ask Him and He would give you living water." She said, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where do You get this living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who drank from this well, as did his family and his cattle." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks from this well will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I have to give shall never thirst again, because the water I give becomes a spring of eternal life in him." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water so that I will not have to come all the way to this well to draw water." Jesus then said, "Go call your husband." The woman said, "I don't have a husband." Jesus said, "You are telling the truth, in fact, you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. You have spoken the truth." The woman replied, "Sir I can see that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped in this mountain. Your people say that Jerusalem is the place where men are to worship." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when people will not worship the Father in one special place. You worship without understanding who you worship. We know who we worship because salvation comes from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and even now is, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. The Father is looking for such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." The woman said to Him, "I know that the Messiah, the One called Christ, will declare all things to us when He comes." Jesus said to her, "I am the that One." At this moment His disciples returned and were amazed to find Him speaking with a woman. But no one asked Him why He was doing this? The woman left her water pot where she had set it and went into the city and spoke to the men there. Arriving in the city she said to them, "Come see a Man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" They went out of the city to meet Him. Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus to eat. But He said to them, "I have already had food which you do not know about." They wondered together, "Did someone bring Him something to eat?" Jesus then told them, "Doing the work My Father sent Me to do satisfies like food. You may think that the harvest is four months away. If you look about you will see fields white for harvest. Those who reap are already receiving wages as they gather fruit for eternal life. One sows and another reaps. But they rejoice together. It is a true saying: One sows, and another reaps. I am sending you to reap what you did not plant. When you reap you are sharing in the labor of those who planted." Many of the Samaritans from that city believed in Jesus because of the testimony of the woman who said, "He told me everything I ever did."

Because of this many of the Samaritans were asking Jesus to stay with them. So He remained there two days. And many of them believed because of what they heard Him say. They said to the woman, "At first we believed because of what you said about Him. Now we believe because we have heard for ourselves and know that He is the Savior of the world."

36. Jesus Returns To Galilee - Back to Page Index
John 4:43-45
After being with the Samaritans for two days, Jesus left for Galilee. He was saying, "A prophet has no honor in His own country." When He came to Galilee, the people in that area received Him because of the things they had seen Him do at the feast in Jerusalem.
37. Healing Of The Nobleman's Son - Back to Page Index
John 4:46-54
And He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had turned the water into wine. And there was a royal official of Capernaum whose son was sick. Having heard that Jesus had come up from Judea, he went to Him and begged Him to come and heal his son who was at the point of death. Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe." The royal official said to Him, "Sir, come before my son dies." Jesus said to him, "Go. You son lives." The man believed Him and started for home. On his way home his servants met him with the news that his son was better. He asked them, "At what hour did my son get better?" They answered, "Yesterday at about the seventh hour (one o'clock) the fever left him." The father knew that it was at this time of day the Jesus had said to him, "Your son lives." He and his entire household believed. This was the second sign Jesus performed when He came to Galilee from Judea.
38. Rejected At Nazareth - Back to Page Index
Luke 4:16-30
He came to Nazareth where He had grown up. As His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath. And He stood up to read. He was handed the book of Isaiah and when He opened the book He found the place where it is written, "the Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, and to set free those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD." Closing the book, He gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him. He said, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. Everyone spoke well of Him, and wondered at His well spoken words. They said, "Isn't this Joseph's son? Jesus said, "No doubt you will quote the proverb to Me that says, 'Physician, heal yourself! Do in Your hometown the things we heard that you have done in Capernaum..'" Then He added, "The truth is, no prophet is welcome in his own community. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when it did not rain for three and a half years and caused a great famine in the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. Instead he was sent to a widow in Zarephath of Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel in the days of Elisha the prophet. Yet none of them were cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." These words caused all the people in the synagogue to be filled with rage. They rose up and took Him out of the city to the brow of the hill the city was built on. They intended to throw Him over the cliff. But He passed through their midst and went on His way.

39. Move To Capernaum - Back to Page Index
Matthew 4:13-17
Leaving Nazareth He and settled in Capernaum, by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet had said: the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness saw a great light. To upon them which sat in the land of the shadow of death a light has shown. Isaiah 9:2.

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

40. Four Called To Be Fishers Of Men - Back to Page Index
Mark 1:16-20
As He walked by the Sea of Galilee He saw Simon and Andrew, two brothers, casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed Him. A little farther on He saw James, and his brother John, sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat mending nets. He called them, and they left their father in the boat with the hired men, and followed Jesus.

41. Demoniac Healed On The Sabbath - Back to Page Index
Luke 4:31-37
He next went down to Capernaum on the coast of Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath. They were amazed at His teaching because He taught with such authority. A man with an unclean spirit was in the synagogue and he cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Let us alone, Jesus of Nazareth. Have You come to destroy us? I know that You are the Holy One of God." Jesus told him to be quiet. When the demon had thrown the man to the ground in the midst of the people, he came out of the man without harming him. The crowd was amazed. They said to one another, "Where does He get His power and authority to command the unclean spirits to come out?" News of what He had done spread throughout the surrounding district.

42. Peter's Mother-In-Law Cured As Well As Others - Back to Page Index
Luke 4:38-41
Leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Simon's home. His mother-in-law had a high fever and they asked Jesus to help her. Standing over her, He rebuked the fever and it was gone. She immediately got up and waited on them.

As the sun was setting people brought their sick with various diseases to Him. Laying His hands on each one, He made them well. Demons came out of many, saying, "You are the Son of God!" Jesus rebuked them, and prevented them from saying more, for they knew Him to be the Christ.

43. The First Preaching Tour Of Galilee - Back to Page Index
Matthew 4:23-25
Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every kind of disease and sickness among the people. News of Him spread throughout all Syria. People suffering from various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics and paralytics, were brought to Him and He healed them all. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and beyond the Jordan.
44. A Leper Healed And His Response - Back to Page Index
Mark 10:40-45
"But to sit on My right or left is not mine to give. It will be assigned to those for who it has been prepared." The other disciples were indignant when they heard what James and John had asked for. Jesus called them all to Himself and said, "You know that the Gentile rulers exercise their authority over their people. But it is not to be this way among you. Whoever wishes to become great will be servant to the rest of you. Whoever wishes to be first among you must serve everyone else. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

45. The Paralytic Healed - Back to Page Index
Mark 2:1-12
Jesus came back to Capernaum a few days later, and people learned that He was at home. So many gathered to hear Him speak so that it was impossible for any more to get into the room. Four men were bringing a paralytic to Jesus. They could not get to Jesus because of the crowd, so they went up on the roof, removed the tiles and let the man down to Jesus on his pallet. When Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Some scribes who were sitting there condemned Him in their hearts. They were thinking to themselves, why does this man speak this blasphemy? No one but God can forgive sins. Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Why are you finding fault with Me? Which is easier. To say to him, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Get up. Take your pallet and walk?' Anyone can claim to forgive sin, but healing a person is proof in deed that Someone truly great is present. So that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," He then said to the paralytic, "I say to you, get up. Pick up your pallet and go home." The man immediately got up, picked up his pallet and went out as everyone watched. They were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this."

46. Matthew's Call And His Reception For Jesus - Back to Page Index
Mark 2:13-17
Jesus went out by the sea shore. As the people came to Him, He taught them. Later as Jesus passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth. He said to him, "Follow me." And Levi got up and followed him. Later He was reclining at the table in Levi's house. Many tax collectors and sinners had been invited to dine with Jesus and His disciples. There were many of them, and they were following Him. The scribes and the Pharisees saw Jesus eating with the sinners and tax collectors, and said to His disciples, "Why does He eat and drink with tax collecters and sinners?" Hearing of this Jesus said to them, "Healthy people do not need a physician. I came to help the sick."

47. Jesus Uses A Parable To Defend The Disciples - Back to Page Index
Mark 2:18-22
John's disciples and those of the Pharisees used to fast. Some of them came to Jesus and asked, "Why don't your disciples fast?" Jesus answered, "The attendants of the bridegroom cannot fast while He is with them, can they? The day will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them. Then it will be time for them to fast. No one sews a patch of new cloth on an old garment. This results in the patch pulling away from the old cloth. Result will be an even worse tear. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For new wine makes old wineskins burst. Then the wine is lost and the skins are ruined. New wine must be put in new wineskins."

48. Jesus Goes To Jerusalem For The Second Passover And Heals A Lame Man - Back to Page Index
John 5:1-14
After this Jesus went to a feast in Jerusalem that the Jews celebrated each year. Jerusalem had a pool by the sheep gate. Its Hebrew name was Bethesda. This pool had five porches. On these porches lots of sick people, some blind and some lame, waited for a movement of the water. It was believed that an angel came down at certain times and stirred the water. Whoever stepped into the water first would then be healed.

A man was there who had been ill for thirty eight years. When Jesus saw him He knew he had been there a long time. He asked the man, "Do you want to be whole?" The man answered, "Sir, I have no one to help me into the water when it is stirred. Someone always gets in before me." Jesus said to him, "Get up. Pick up your bed and walk." Immediately the man was made whole. He got up and began to carry his bed. It was the Sabbath. So the Jews accosted the man saying, "It is the Sabbath and you cannot carry your bed today." The man replied, "The One who made me well told me to pick up my bed and walk." They asked him, "Who told you to do this?" He said that he did not know who had healed him, for Jesus had slipped away. Later that same day Jesus found the man in the temple and said, "Now that you are whole do not sin any more lest something worse befall you."

49. Sabbath Controversy Over Picking Grain - Back to Page Index
Matthew 12:1-8
Jesus was passing through the grain fields with His disciples on a Sabbath day. They were hungry, so they began picking and eating the heads of grain. The Pharisees watched them doing this and said to Jesus, "See how Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?" He responded to their question saying, "Haven't you read what David and his companions did when they were hungry? Remember how he entered the house of God and ate consecrated bread, which was not lawful. This bread was only for the priests. And haven't you read how the law instructs the priests to work in the temple on the Sabbath? Yet they are not breaking the law. I want to point out, something greater than the temple is here. If you had understood what it means when it says, 'I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' then you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

50. Healing A Man's Withered Hand On The Sabbath - Back to Page Index
Luke 6:6-11
On another Sabbath He entered a synagogue to teach. A man was there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and Pharisees watched to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. They were always looking for a reason to accuse Him. He knew what they were thinking as He invited the man to the front. Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath? To save life or to destroy it?" After looking around at everyone, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand. As the man stretched out his hand, it was restored." This filled the leaders with rage and they discussed with one another what could be done about Jesus.

51. Multitude Healed - Back to Page Index
Mark 3:7-12
Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples and a great multitude from Galilee and Judea followed Him. Many came from Jerusalem, Idumea and beyond the Jordan. Others came from the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. All came because of what they had heard He was doing.

He asked His disciples to make a boat ready for Him because the crowd was pressing around Him. All who were afflicted were pressing close, hoping to touch Him, because He had healed so many. Whenever the unclean spirits were in His presence, they caused the person they possessed to fall down before Him and shout, "You are the Son of God!" So He always strictly charged them not to make Him known.

52. Jesus Prays All Night Before Selecting Twelve Apostles - Back to Page Index
Mark 3:13-19
He went up into the mountain and took those He wanted to be with Him. While there He appointed twelve to be with Him. He intended to send them out to preach, and have power to heal and cast out devils. On the mountain He appointed the twelve: Simon, whom He called Peter, James, the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James. He named them Boanerges, or Sons of Thunder. He also appointed Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thadaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who would eventually betrayed Him.

53. Sermon On The Mount - Back to Page Index
Matthew 5:1-48
Seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up and sat on a mountain and His disciples came to Him. He began to teach them, saying,
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, falsely accusing you because of Me. Rejoice and be happy, for you have a great reward in heaven. The prophets before you were persecuted in the same way.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it get its saltiness back? Its only value is to be thrown on the path and walked on. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then places it where it cannot give light. Instead, it is placed where it will light the whole house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven."

"Do not think that I came to do away with the Law, or the prophets. I came to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away, not even the smallest part of the Law shall pass away until all is accomplished. Anyone who breaks the smallest of the commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever keeps and teaches them, shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Unless your righteousness is greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

"You have heard that the people of old were told, you shall not murder, lest you be liable to the court. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of being judged a murderer. Whoever says to his brother, you good-for-nothing, shall be liable before the council. Saying to someone, you fool, shall make him in danger of hell fire."

"When you present your offering at the altar, and then remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering by the altar and go reconcile with your brother. Then come and present your offering."

"When you have given someone cause to take you to court, make friends on the way to court so that he will not hand you over to the judge so that you then end up in prison. Then you will not get out until you have paid the last cent."

"You have heard it said that you shall not commit adultery, but I say that when a person looks at a woman with lust he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you. It will be better to lose your eye now then for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you. It is better to lose a part of your body now than for your whole body to go into hell. It has been said, 'Whoever sends his wife away should give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say that everyone who divorces his wife, except for unfaithfulness, makes her commit adultery, as well as the one who marries her."

"Again, you have heard that the people of old were told, you shall not make false vows, but that you must fulfill your vows to the LORD. But I say to you, make no oath, either by heaven, for it is God's throne, or by the earth, for it is His footstool. Neither make a vow by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. You shall not make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Just let your statement be yes, or no. Anything in addition to this is evil."

"You have heard it said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say that you should not resist an evil person. Whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn your other cheek to him. If someone wants to sue you for your coat, give him your shirt as well."

"When someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles. Give to him who asks and do not turn away from someone who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that you should love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This way you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good. He sends rain on the just and the unjust. If you only love those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even the tax collectors do that. If you only greet your brothers, that is not so great. Even the Gentiles do that much. So you are to be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

54. Sermon On The Mount - Part 2 - Back to Page Index
Matthew 6:1-34
"Be sure you do not practice your righteousness to be noticed by men. This will keep your Father in heaven from rewarding you. When you give to the poor, do not do it in a way to receive honor. If you receive honor from men it will be your only reward. When you give to the poor do not let you left hand know what your right hand is doing. When you give in secret your Father in heaven will see what you do and reward you."

"When You pray do not pray to be seen praying, or else being seen will be your only reward. Instead, pray to your Father in a place where you will not be seen. Then your Father will hear and reward you. When you pray do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do. Many words do not make a prayer better. So do not do this. Your Father knows what you need even before you ask."

"Pray in this manner: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the bread we need for today. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those in debt to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever."

"For if you forgive the transgressions of others, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."

"When you fast, do not do it for appearance sake. Your only reward will be that others noticed that you are fasting. Rather, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face. This way your fasting will not be noticed by men, but instead by your Father Who will reward you."

"Do not save up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, or thieves break in and steal. Instead, store your treasure in heaven where it will be safe. Your heart will be where you keep your treasure."

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is clear, your body will be full of light. If your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If you are filled with darkness, how very dark it is!"

"No one can serve two masters. He will always love one and hate the other, no matter which one he chooses to love. You cannot serve God and wealth. So do not worry about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about what you will wear. Life is more than food, drink, or clothing. See how the birds have what they need without planting, reaping or storing in barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them and you are certainly worth more than the birds."

"Can you add a single hour to your life by worry? Why worry about clothing? See how the lilies of the field grow. They neither toil nor spin, yet I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. So if God clothes the grass with such splendor, even though it is alive today and burned tomorrow, will He not cloth you much better? You have too little faith!"

"Therefore do not worry about what you will eat or drink, or what you will wear. The Gentiles eagerly seek these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough of its own trouble."

55. Sermon On The Mount - Part 3 - Back to Page Index
Matthew 7:1-29
"Do not judge and you will not be judged. For you will be judged in the way you judge. By your own standard you will be measured. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but do not notice the log in your own eye? How can you offer to remove the speck in his brother's eye while there is a large piece of wood in your own eye? Don't be a hypocrite. Remove the obstruction from your own eye before you offer to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

"Never give what is holy to dogs. And do not throw pearls to swine. They will only trample it under foot before they turn on you and tear you to pieces."

"Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

"Is there a man among you who when his son asks for bread will hand him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give his son a snake? If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him."

"Always treat people the way you want to be treated. This is what the law and the prophets are all about. Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate that leads to destruction is wide and its path is broad. Many follow this way. The gate that leads to life is small and its path is narrow. Few find it."

"Beware of false prophets who look like sheep but actually are hungry wolves. You can identify them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorns bushes, nor figs from thistles. Every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. Every tree that does not produce fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So the rule is, you will know people by their fruits."

"Not everyone who calls Me Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does My Father's will. In that day many will say to Me, Lord, didn't we prophesy, cast out devils and perform many miracles in Your name? But I will answer them, saying, 'Depart from Me. I never knew you, for you practiced lawlessness.'"

"Those who hear My words, and acts on them, may be compared to the wise man who built his house on the rock. The rains fell and the floods came, the winds blew and beat against the house. Yet it did not fall because it had the rock for its foundation. Those that hear My words and do not act on them, will be like the man who built his house on the sand. The rains fell, the floods came, the winds blew and beat upon the house and it fell apart."

Jesus finished speaking and the crowds were amazed at His teaching. He taught them with authority, which was different from the way their scribes taught.

56. Centurion's Servant Healed - Back to Page Index
Matthew 8:5-13
When Jesus entered Capernaum a centurion came to Him and implored Him, Saying, "Lord, my servant is paralyzed and very uncomfortable." Jesus said, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion said, "Lord, I am not worthy for you to enter my house. Just say the word and my servant will be healed." I am a man under authority and I have soldiers under me. I tell one of them to do something and he does it. When Jesus heard this, He marveled, and said, "I have not found this kind of faith in all of Israel. I tell you, many will come from outside of Israel to eat with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast into the outer darkness where there will be bitter weeping and exceeding unhappiness." Then Jesus told the centurion that his request would be done for him just as he had believed. And his servant was healed at that very moment.

57. Raise The Widows Son From The Dead - Back to Page Index
Luke 7:11-17
After this Jesus went to a city called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. As He was approaching the city gate, a dead man was being carried out. He had been the only son of his widowed mother. A sizeable crowd was with her. When the LORD saw her He felt compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." As He came to the coffin, the procession halted and Jesus then said, "Young man, I say to you, 'Arise!'" The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus presented him to his mother. Fear gripped everyone as they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet is among us! God has visited His people." The account of this miracle went everywhere in Judea and the surrounding district.

58. Jesus Allays The Doubts Of John The Baptist - Back to Page Index
Matthew 11:2-19
John was in prison and heard of the things Jesus was doing and he sent his disciples to Him. They asked Jesus, "Are You the One we have been expecting or shall we look for someone else?" Jesus said, "Go tell John what you observe. The blind receive sight, the lame walk, and the lepers are cleansed. The deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Blessed the one who is not offended by Me." As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus spoke about John to the crowds. He asked them, "What were you expecting when you went to the wilderness to hear John preach? Someone like a reed blown about by the wind? Did you expect to see a man dressed in fine clothing like those in Kings' palaces? What then did you go out to see, a prophet? Yes, I tell you, he was more than a prophet. He is the one of whom it was written, 'Behold, I send My messenger before You to prepare the way for You.' The truth is, no one born of women is greater than John the Baptist. Even so, the one that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him. During his time and ours, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence because of those trying to take it by force. For all the law and the prophets looked forward to John's time. And you should realize that John is the Elijah to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing together in the market place, saying, 'We played the flute for you but you did not dance. We sang a sad song, but you would not mourn.' For John was accused of having a demon because he was not a drinker or a big eater! And the Son of Man has come and He eats and drinks and they accuse Him of being a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

59. Woes Upon The Privileged - Back to Page Index
Matthew 11:20-30
After this He began denouncing those cities where most of His miracles had been done, because they did not repent. He said, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles performed in you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes long ago. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. Instead of being exalted to heaven, Capernaum will go down to Hades, for if the miracles witnessed by it had taken place in Sodom, that city would still be here today. I tell you that it will be more tolerable for Sodom than it will be for you." Then Jesus said, "I praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You have hidden these things from those who think they know everything, while revealing it to infants. Yes Father, this is the way You wanted it."

"Everything has been handed over to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father. And no one knows the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom He chooses to reveal Him." Come to Me, all who are weary and weighed down with heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

60. A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus - Back to Page Index
Luke 7:36-50
One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to his house to eat. There was a certain woman in the city who was a sinner. She learned that Jesus was eating at this Pharisee's house and she brought an alabaster container of perfume. She stood at His feet, weeping as she began to pour the perfume on His feet. Her tears mixed with the perfume. As she anointed His feet, she kissed them and wiped them with her hair. When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he thought to himself, if this man was a prophet, He would know that this woman touching Him is a sinner. So Jesus said, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And Simon replied, "Say it Teacher. A money lender had two debtors. One owed him $10,000, and the second owed him $1,000. When they were unable to pay, he graciously forgave both of them. Which one will love him more?" Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most." Jesus said, "You have judged correctly." Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house but you gave Me no water for My feet. She, however, has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss but she has been kissing My feet since I arrived. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. She loves much because her sins are many and have been forgiven. He who is forgiven little loves little." Turning to her, He said, "Your sins are forgiven." Those reclining at the table with Him questioned in their hearts, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?" And Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
61. Another Tour Of Galilee - Back to Page Index
Luke 8:1-3
After this Jesus began going to various cities and villages proclaiming the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him. Some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sickness followed, as well. Among them was Mary Magdalene from whom seven demons had gone out. There was also Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna besides many others who contributed to Jesus from their private means.

62. Jesus Accused Of Blasphemy - Back to Page Index
Matthew 12:22-37
A man was brought to Jesus who was possessed by a demon. He was blind and mute. Jesus healed the man so that he could speak and see. The crowds were amazed. They asked, "Can this man be the Son of David?" When the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the rulers of demons." Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus said to them, "If a kingdom is divided against itself it is destroyed. Any city or house divided against itself will fall. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself and he will fall. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Let them be your judge. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."

"How can anyone enter a strong man's house to rob him without first tying him up? Those not with Me are against Me. Those who do not gather with Me, scatter. Any sin of blasphemy shall be forgiven people, except for the blasphemy against the Spirit. It shall not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man may be forgiven, but speaking against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven, either now, or in the age to come. Either the tree and it fruit are good, or the tree and its fruit are bad. A tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers. How can you who are evil speak of what is good? The mouth reveals what is in the heart. A good man brings out from his good treasure, and the evil man brings from out of his evil treasure."

"You need to understand that for every careless word, a man must give an account in the day of judgment. By your words you will be justified or condemn."

63. Jesus Answers To A Demand For A Sign - Back to Page Index
Matthew 12:38-45
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, "Teacher, we want You to show us a sign." But He answered, saying, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign. No sign will be given except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment and condemn this generation because they repented when Jonah preached to them. And now, Someone greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment and condemn this generation, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, Someone greater than Solomon is here."

"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, and cannot find rest, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came. When it finds the house unoccupied, swept and in order, it goes and finds seven other unclean spirits more wicked than itself, and they live together in that house. Then the last state is worse than the first. And that is the way it will be with this generation."

64. Mother And Brothers Seek An Audience - Back to Page Index
Matthew 12:46-50
While He was speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers were outside wanting to speak to Him. Someone told Him that they wanted to talk with Him. Jesus said, "Who is My mother? Who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold, My mother and My brothers!" For whoever does the will of My Father Who is in heaven, is My brother and sister and mother.
65. Parables Of The Sower, Seed, Tares, Mustard, Leaven - Back to Page Index
Matthew 13:1-52
That same day Jesus went out of the house to sit by the sea side. Large crowds came to be near Him. So He got into a boat and sat down while the crowds stayed on the beach.

He taught them many things in parables. He said, "Behold, the sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some seed fell next to the road. The birds came and ate it. Some of the seed fell in rocky places that had little soil. With no depth to the soil this seed sprouted quickly. Its roots did not go deep, and when the sun came up they were scorched and withered. Still other seed fell among the thorns, and were choked out by them. But some of the seed fell on good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundred fold, some sixty and some thirty. Let him who has ears hear what I saying."

The disciples came to Him afterwards and said, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" Jesus answered, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. But they have not been granted this. For whoever has, even more shall be given to him. And he who does not have, even that which he has shall be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables. They see, but do not see. They hear but do not hear, for they lack understanding."

"Isaiah's prophecy applies to them where it says, 'You keep hearing, but you do not understand. You keep seeing but you will not perceive.' For the heart of this people has become dull. With their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they would see and hear, and understand with their heart and return to Me. Then I would heal them. But your eyes are blessed, because they see. And your ears are blessed because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men wanted to see what you see and hear what you hear, but they were not granted this."

"Here is the explanation of the parable of the sower. When a person hears the words of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one come and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is illustrated by the seed sown by the roadside which the birds ate. The seed sown on rocky ground represents those who hear and receive it with great joy. Yet because they do not have deep roots, when affliction or persecution comes as a result of what they have heard, they immediately fall away. The seed that falls among thorns represents those who hear the word, but the worries and cares of the world choke out the word and they becomes unfruitful. And the seed sown on good soil represents those who hear the word and understands it. These will bear fruit, some a hundred fold, some sixty fold and some thirty fold."

Jesus presented another parable to them. He said, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man sowing good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds in with the wheat. When the wheat sprouted and was about to put out heads of grain, the weeds became evident. His workers came to him asking, 'Sir, you sowed good seed. Where did the weeds come from?' He answered them saying, 'An enemy has done this.' They said, 'Shall we pull the weeds?' He said, 'No. You might uproot the wheat while pulling the weeds.' Let them grow together and at the harvest the reapers will gather the weeds into bundles and burned them. Then the wheat will be gathered into my barn."

He presented another parable, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed sown in a field. It is smaller than other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the other garden plants, for the birds can make nests in."

He spoke yet another parable to them."The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman hides in three measures of flour so that all the flour becomes leavened."

Everything Jesus spoke to the crowds He spoke in parables. This fulfilled what the prophet had said: "I will open My mouth in parables. I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world."

After this Jesus sent the crowds away and entered a house. His disciples came to Him and asked Him to explain the parable of the weeds in the field. He said, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seed are the sons of the kingdom, and the weeds are the sons of the evil one. The enemy who sowed the weeds is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age and the reapers are the angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned, so it shall be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send His angels to gather out of his kingdom every stumbling block and all who break the law. They will be burned in the furnace which will be a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear."

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure which a man found hidden in a field. In order to own the treasure he hid it and sold everything he had so that he could buy the field and the treasure in it."

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he finds the one pearl of surpassing value, he sells everything he has in order to obtain that one pearl."

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea, bringing up all kinds of fish. When the net is full, it is drawn up on the beach and they sit down and gather the good fish into containers and throw away what is bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and take the wicked from among the righteous. The wicked will be thrown into the furnace which will be a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth."

"Have you understood everything I have said?" They answered, "Yes." Then Jesus said, "Every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out his treasure, both new and old."

66. The Calming Of The Sea - Back to Page Index
Mark 4:35-41
Later that day as the evening came on, He said, "Let's go over to the other side of the sea." Leaving the crowd they took Him in the boat. Other boats followed them. A gale came up so that fierce waves broke over the sides of their boat. Jesus was in the back, sleeping on a pillow. They woke Him up, saying, "Master, don't You care that we are perishing?" Jesus got up and rebuked the wind, saying to the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased and the sea became calm. Then He asked them, "Why were you afraid? How is it that you still lack faith?" This made them afraid and they said to each other, "Who is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"
67. Gadarene Demoniac Healed - Back to Page Index
Mark 5:1-20
They came to the other side of the sea into the region of Gadarenes. As Jesus got out of the boat He was met by a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit. This man lived among the tombs and no one could restrain him, even with chains. He had often been bound with chains and had been able to tear them apart. No one had been able to subdue him. He screamed day and night among the tombs and in the mountains, cutting himself with stones. Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up to Him and bowed down before Him. He shouted in a loud voice, "Son of the Most High, why are You here? I implore You by God, do not torment me!" All the while Jesus had been saying to the unclean spirit, "Come out of the man." Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" The spirit answered, "My name is legion, for we are many." He earnestly begged Jesus not to send him out of the country. There was a large herd of swine nearby on the mountain. The demons implored Him to send them into the swine. Jesus gave His permission and the unclean spirits then entered the swine. The entire herd of about two thousand pigs rushed down the steep bank and drowned in the sea. The herdsmen fled to the city to report what had happened. And the people of the city came out to see for themselves. They saw Jesus and the man who had been demon possessed. He was now clothed and in his right mind sitting with Jesus. Seeing this they were frightened. Those who had witnessed it described everything that had happened. They began to beg Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to be allowed to go with Him. Jesus did not let him enter the boat, but instead said to him, "Go home and tell everyone what great things the LORD had done for you." So the man went away and began proclaiming in Decapolis the great things Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.

68. Woman With A Hemorage Healed And Jairus' Daughter Raised - Back to Page Index
Mark 5:21-43
When Jesus had crossed to the other side in the boat, a large crowd gathered around Him. So He stayed by the sea shore. There was a synagogue official named Jairus, who came to Him and fell at His feet. He implored Jesus earnestly, saying, "My little daughter is about to die. Please come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be well again." So Jesus left with the man and a large crowd followed after, pressing in from every side.

There was a woman following along in the crowd who had had an issue of blood for the previous twelve years. She had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent everything she had, without getting any better. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him and touched His cloak. She had decided that if she could just touch His garment, she would be made well. When she touched it, the blood flow stopped immediately. She felt that she had been healed. Perceiving that power had gone out of Him, Jesus turned around and said, "Who touched My clothing?" His disciples said, "The crowd has been pressing around You."Why would you say, 'Who touched Me?'. As He looked around, He saw the woman who had touched Him. But she was afraid and trembled as she realized what had happened to her. She fell at His feet and told Him what she had done. Jesus then said, "Daughter, your faith has made you whole. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction."

While He was speaking with the woman, news arrived from the synagogue official's house. The little girl had died. They said, "Why bother the Teacher anymore?" Jesus overheard the conversation and said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid. Only believe." He allowed no one to go with Him except Peter, James and his brother John. Coming to the synagogue official's house, they heard a great commotion. People were loudly weeping and wailing. Entering into the house, Jesus said, "The child has not died. She is asleep." Those who had come to mourn laughed with scorn when He said this. Jesus then insisted that they all leave the house. He took only the child's parents and His own companions into the room where the child lay. Taking the child's hand, He said to her, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. Those watching were astonished. Jesus said to them, "Give her something to eat." He then gave strict orders to tell no one about this.

69. Two Blind Men Have Their Sight Restored - Back to Page Index
Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus went on from that place, two blind men followed Him, crying out, "Son of David! Have mercy on us." When He entered a house, the blind men came close to Him. Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to heal you?" They answered, "Yes, Lord." Then He touched their eyes and said, "What happens to you depends on your faith." Then their eyes were opened. Jesus sternly warned them not to tell anyone about what had been done for them. But they went out telling everyone everywhere they went.

70. Mute Demoniac Healed - Back to Page Index
Matthew 9:32-34
As they left that place, a man was brought to Him. He was possessed by a demon and could not speak. After the demon had been cast out the man was able to speak. The crowds were amazed, and said, "We have never seen anything like this in Israel." But the Pharisees were saying, "He casts out demons by the ruler of demons."

71. Nazareth Reject Jesus A Second Time - Back to Page Index
Mark 6:1-6
Jesus left that place and went to His home town with His disciples. When the Sabbath came He began to teach in the synagogue. Everyone listened with astonishment. They said, "Where did this man get His understanding? Where did such wisdom come from? How does He do these miracles? Isn't He the carpenter, Mary's son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon? Aren't His sisters here with us? His presence offended them." Jesus said to them, "A prophet has honor except in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own household." And He could do no miracle there except to lay His hands on a few sick people and heal them. He marveled at their unbelief. So instead spending more time with them, He taught instead in the surrounding villages.

72. Jesus Sends Out The Twelve - Back to Page Index
Mark 6:7-13
Calling together the twelve, He sent them out by twos, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He said, "Take nothing for your journey except a staff. Take no bag, no bread, or money. Wear sandals and do not take an extra tunic." He said, "Wherever you entered a house, stay there until you leave that town. Any place that does not receive you and listen to what you have say, as you leave that place, shake the dust from your feet as a witness against them."

They went out preaching repentance, casting out demons and anointing the sick with oil and healing them.

73. Herod Beheads John The Baptist - Back to Page Index
Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of this, for Jesus had become well known. Some people were saying that John the Baptist had risen from the dead and was performing these mighty works. Still others were saying that Elijah had come. And yet others said He was a prophet like one of the prophets of old. When Herod heard these things, he thought to himself, "I beheaded John and he has risen!" For he had arrested John and placed him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife whom he had married. John had told him it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife. So Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted him to be put to death but could not do this herself. Herod was afraid of John. He knew that he was a righteous man. So he would not kill him. And He liked to listen to John, though what John said perplexed him.

Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his lords, his military commanders and leading men of Galilee. The Herodias' daughter came in and danced for them. She so pleased Herod and his guests, that he told her she could have whatever she wanted. He swore that she could ask for up to half of his kingdom. Going to her mother she said, "What shall I ask for?" Her mother said, "Ask for the head of John the Baptist." Hurrying to the king she said, "I want the head of John the Baptist on a platter." Although the king was very sorry for the oath he had made, because of his dinner guests, he granted her request. And he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to behead John the Baptist. When it had been brought to Herod, he gave it to the girl who then gave it to her mother. When John's disciples heard about this, they came and took John's body away and laid it in a tomb.

74. Return Of The Twelve And Feeding The 5,000 - Back to Page Index
Mark 6:30-44
The apostles gathered together with Jesus to report to Him everything that had happened since He had sent them out. Jesus said, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest." For there were so many people coming and going, and they didn't even have time to eat.

They went away in a boat to a secluded place by themselves. However, the people saw them go and ran ahead on foot from the surrounding cities and got there ahead of them. When Jesus went ashore, He saw the large crowd and felt compassion for them. They were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things.

When it was quite late His disciples came to Him and said, "This is a desolate place and it is late. Send the people away into the surrounding communities so they can buy something to eat." But Jesus answered them, "You feed them." They said, "Shall we spend two hundred days wages to buy enough bread?" Jesus said, "Go see how many loaves you have." They reported that they had five loaves and two fish. Jesus commanded that everyone sit down by groups on the green grass. They sat in groups of fifties and hundreds. He took the five loaves and two fish and looking up into heaven, blessed it and began breaking it into pieces. He kept giving the food to the disciples who then set it before the people. And everyone ate and was satisfied. Afterwards they gathered what was left over, filling twelve baskets with bread and fish. Five thousand men had eaten that day.

75. Jesus Walks On Water - Back to Page Index
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately Jesus commanded His disciples to get in the boat and head for the other side without Him. He would dismissed the crowds.

After sending the crowd away, Jesus went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. It was evening and He was alone. Meanwhile the boat with the disciples was a long way from shore and was being battered by the storm's waves. In the fourth watch of the night Jesus came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the water they were terrified, and cried out saying, "It is a ghost." Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, "Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid." Peter said, "If it is You Lord, bid me come to You on the water." Jesus said, "Come!" Peter got out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus. Seeing the wind whipping up the waves he became frightened. As he began to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand, and taking hold of Peter, said, "Your faith is too small. Why do you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And the disciples worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son."

76. Sick Of Gennesaret Healed - Back to Page Index
Matthew 14:34-36
When they had crossed over to the other side they came to Gennesaret. Recognizing Jesus, the men of that place sent word throughout the district and people brought their sick to Him, begging Him to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. Those who did this were healed.
77. Jesus Popularity Passes It Peak In Galilee - Back to Page Index
John 6:22-71
The following day the crowd that had been with Him on the other side of the sea knew His disciples had left that place without Him. Other small boats came from places near where Jesus had fed them. Seeing that Jesus was no longer there they got into the small boats and came over to Capernaum to look for Him. When they found Him on the other side, they asked, "Teacher, how did You get here?" Jesus said, "The truth is, you are looking for Me because you saw signs and had your fill of bread. Do not work for food that will not last. Rather, seek the food that leads to eternal life. This is what the Son of Man wants to give you. This is the Bread God the Father has set His seal on." So they asked Him, "What shall we do in order to do the work of God?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is to believe in the One whom He has sent." So they asked Jesus, "What sign will You do that we may see and believe You are Who You say You are? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness. As it was written, He gave them bread from heaven." Jesus replied, "The truth is, it was not Moses who gave you this bread from heaven. And it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes from heaven. And it gives life to the world." Then they said, "Lord, give us this bread so that we may always have it." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. But it is plain to Me that though you have seen Me you do not believe I am who I say I am. Everyone the Father gives Me will be Mine. And those who come to Me I will certainly not cast out."

"I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him Who sent Me. And His will is that I do not lose any of those He has given to me, but to raise them up at the last day. The will of My Father is that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life. I Myself will raise him up on the last day."

The Jewish leaders grumbled because Jesus had said that He was the bread that came down from heaven. They were saying, "Isn't this Jesus, Joseph's son? Don't we know His father and mother? How can He say that He came from heaven?" Jesus answered them, saying, "Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. The prophets wrote, 'They shall be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. No one has seen the Father except the One who is from God. And I tell you the truth, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness and they died. I am offering the bread from heaven that will keep you alive. I am living bread from heaven. Anyone eating this bread will live forever. I will give My flesh for the life of the world."

The Jews began arguing among themselves, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" So Jesus said to them, "The truth is, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life. I will raise him up on the last day. My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. By eating my flesh and drinking My blood a person abides in Me and I in Him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of Him, so the one who eats Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven. It is not like the bread the fathers ate and died. He who eats this bread will live forever."

He taught these things in the synagogue in Capernaum.

After hearing this, many of His disciples said, "This is too difficult to accept." Jesus was aware of their grumbling and said, "Does this cause you to stumble? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where He came from? It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken are spirit and life."

"Some of you do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe and who would betray Him. "This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by the Father." After this many of His disciples did not follow Him any more. So Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you want to leave Me, too?" Simon Peter answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to understand that You are the Holy One of God." Jesus then said, "Even though I chose each of you, one of you is of the devil." He was speaking of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, because he was going to betray Him.

78. Traditions Attacked - Back to Page Index
Mark 7:1-23
When Jesus came to Jerusalem some scribes and Pharisees gathered around Jesus. They had noticed some of His disciples eating without first washing their hands. The Pharisees followed the tradition of the elders by never eating without washing their hands. When they would come from the market, they never ate without first cleansing themselves. This was one of the many things they did, like the washing of cups, pitchers and copper pots.

They asked Jesus, "Why don't Your disciples follow the traditions of the elders. They eat without first washing their hands." Jesus answered them, saying, "Isaiah was correct when he prophesied of you hypocrites, saying, 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me..' They worship in vain because they teach as doctrine what men have commanded. And you neglect the commandment of God while holding to the tradition of men. You are experts at setting aside God's commands in order to keep your traditions. For Moses said, 'Honor your father and mother,' and 'He who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.' You also say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever I might have helped you with is Corban, or promised to God."' In this way you sanction his not providing for his parents. You use your traditions to invalidate the word of God. You do many other things like this."

Calling the crowd to Him, He said, "Pay attention to what I am about to say, that you may understand. There is nothing outside a man which will defile him when it goes into him. Instead, it is those things that proceed from him that defile him. If you have ears, you should be hearing what I just said."

After this he left the crowd and entered a house. His disciples question Him about the parable. He said, "Are you also so lacking in understanding? Don't you see that a person is not defiled by eating with unwashed hands. What enters his body does not go into his heart, but into his stomach and is then eliminated. That which proceeds out of a man's mouth is what defiles him. For out a man's heart comes evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within a man and defile him."

79. Canaanite Woman's Daughter Healed - Back to Page Index
Mark 7:24-30
Jesus left that place for the region of Tyre. He didn't want anyone to know which house He had entered. But He could not escaped notice. A woman of the region had a daughter with an unclean spirit and she had heard that Jesus was there. She came and fell at His feet. She was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician. She begged Jesus to cast the demon out of her daughter. Jesus said to her, "Let the children eat first. It is not good to take their food and give it to the dogs." She answered Him, "But even the dogs under the table eat the crumbs dropped by the children." Then He said to her, "Because of your answer, go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." When the woman got home she found her child lying in bed, and the demon had departed.

80. The Afflicted Are Healed - Back to Page Index
Mark 7:31-37
Jesus left the region of Tyre and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee to the region of Decapolis. A deaf man was brought to Him who also talked with difficulty. They implored Him to lay His hands on the man. Taking the man aside, Jesus put his fingers in the man's ears. Then He put some of His saliva on the man's tongue. Looking up to heaven He sighed and said, "Be opened." The mans ears were opened and he could speak plainly. Then Jesus told him to tell no one. But the more Jesus asked this of those He healed, the more widely they proclaimed what He had done. Those watching were utterly astonished, saying, "He does all things well. He even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."
81. The Feeding Of 4,000 - Back to Page Index
Mark 8:1-9
On another occasion there was a large crowd with nothing to eat. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, "I feel compassion for these people because they have been here three days and have had nothing to eat. If I send them away to their homes when they are this hungry, they may faint on the way. Some have come a long way." His disciples said, "Where can this crowd find enough bread in this desolate place?" Jesus said, "How many loaves do you have?" They answered, "Seven." Directing the people to sit down on the ground, He took the seven loaves, gave thanks and broke the bread. He began giving the pieces to His disciples to serve to the people. There were also a few small fish. Having blessed these, he ordered them to be served as well. Everyone ate and was satisfied. After picking up the leftovers they had seven full baskets of broken pieces. There were about four thousand that ate that day. After they had eaten He sent them on their way.

82. The Pharisees Increase Their Attack - Back to Page Index
Mark 8:10-13
Then Jesus and His disciples got into the boat and went to the district of Dalmanutha. Pharisees came and began to argue with Him. They wanted a sign from heaven as a test of who He was. Sighing deeply He said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? The truth is, no sign will be given."

Leaving them, He went to the other side of the lake.

83. Jesus Condemns The Disciples Little Faith - Back to Page Index
Mark 8:14-21
They had only one loaf of bread with them and it would not be enough. Jesus was saying to them, "Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod." They decided among themselves that Jesus was speaking of the bread they had forgotten to purchase. Jesus knew their thoughts and asked them, "Why are you talking about not having enough bread? Are your hearts so hardened that you cannot understand? Do you have eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear? Don't you remember? When I broke the five loaves and fed five thousand, how many baskets were left over?" They said, "Twelve." And He continued, "When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets were left over?" They answered, "Seven." Then He asked them, "Do you not yet understand?"

84. Blind Man Healed - Back to Page Index
Mark 8:22-26
They came to Bethsaida and the people brought a blind man to Jesus begging Him to touch him. Taking the blind man by the hand, Jesus brought him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes Jesus laid His hands on the man. Then He asked him, "Do you see anything?" The man looked about and said, "I see men who look like trees walking." Again Jesus laid His hands on the man's eyes. Then he could see clearly. Jesus sent him straight home and told him not to enter the village.

85. Peter Confesses That Jesus Is The Christ - Back to Page Index
Mark 8:27-30
Jesus went with His disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. As they traveled, He asked them, "Who do people say that I am?" They said, "John the Baptist. Others say Elijah and some say that You are one of the prophets." Jesus then asked, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." Jesus then warned them not to tell anyone what Peter has said.
86. Jesus Foretells His Death - Back to Page Index
Mark 8:31-38
He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things. He must be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the scribes. And He must be killed but after three days He would rise again. He was being so clear, that Peter took Him aside to take Him to task. Jesus turned and looked at His disciples. He then rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me Satan. For you are seeing through man's eyes when you should be seeing as God sees."

Speaking to the crowd, as well as His disciples, He said, "Anyone wanting to follow Me must deny himself, pick up his cross and follow in My footsteps. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's, will save it. What profit is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, will result in the Son of Man being ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

87. Kingdom Is Promised - Back to Page Index
Matthew 16:27-28
"For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels. And at that time He will repay every man according to his works. The truth is, some standing here will see the Son of Man coming in His glory before tasting death."
88. The Transfiguration - Back to Page Index
Matthew 17:1-13
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John, up on a high mountain by themselves. There they watched as He was transfigured. His face shown like the sun, and his garments became white with light. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Him. Peter spoke up, saying, "Lord, it is wonderful to be here. If You like I will make three tabernacles, one for each of you." While he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them and a voice from out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son. In Him I am well please. Listen to what He says." At the sound of this voice the disciples fell with their faces to the ground. They were very afraid.

Then Jesus came to them and touching them, said, "Get up, and do not be afraid." They opened their eyes and looked around. They saw no one except Jesus.

As they came down the mountain Jesus told them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They asked Him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" He answered, "Elijah is coming and will restore all things, but I say that he has already come and they did not recognize him. They did to him whatever they wanted to do. And so, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands, too." Then the disciples understood He was talking about John the Baptist.

89. Epileptic Healed - Back to Page Index
Matthew 17:14-21
When they had come to a crowd, a man came to Jesus and fell down before Him. He said, "Lord, have mercy on my son. He is very ill, he is out of his mind. He often falls into the fire and at other times into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him." Jesus said, "How long shall I remain with you and put up with your unbelief and perverted ways? Bring him to Me." Jesus then rebuked the demon and he came out of the boy and the boy was immediately cured. Later the disciples asked Jesus, "Why were we unable to cast out the demon?" He said, "Because of your unbelief. Even faith as small as a mustard seed will allow you to tell a mountain to move. Nothing will be impossible. But this kind of miracle comes only with much prayer and fasting."

90. Jesus Tells Again Of His Death And Resurrection - Back to Page Index
Mark 9:30-32
From there they began to pass through Galilee. He didn't want anyone to know about this. He spent the time telling His disciples that the Son of Man must be delivered up to be killed and that He would then rise on the third day. They did not understand what He was saying and were afraid to ask Him what He meant.

91. Taxes Paid With Money From A Fish - Back to Page Index
Matthew 17:24-27
When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected tribute money came to Peter and asked, "Does your Master pay tribute?" Peter said, "Yes." Then when he came to the house Jesus said to him, "What do you think, Simon? Who pays tax to the kings of the earth? Their sons or strangers?" Peter answered, "Strangers." Jesus then said, "So the sons are exempt." Then He added, "Just so they are not offended, go to the sea and throw in a hook. When you have caught a fish you will find a shekel in it mouth. Take that and give it for both of us."
92. The Disciples Argue About Who Is The Greatest - Back to Page Index
Luke 9:46-62
The disciples began to argue about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what they had been thinking and taking a child and standing him by His side, he said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me. Whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. The one among you who is least among all of you, he is the one who is great."

John spoke up saying, "Master we saw someone casting out demons in Your name. We tried to prevent him from doing this, because he does not follow along with us." Jesus replied, "Do not stop him, for he who is not against you is on your side."

As the day of His ascension approached, He resolutely headed for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him there. Since He was headed for Jerusalem, they would not receive Him. Seeing their attitude toward Jesus, James and John asked Him, "Do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven to consume them?" But Jesus rebuked them saying, "You do not know what kind of spirit is prompting you to say such a thing. The Son of Man did not come to destroy men, but to save." So they went to a different village.

As they traveled, someone said to Jesus, "I will follow You wherever You go." Jesus replied, "The foxes have holes and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." And to another, he said, "Follow Me." But that one said, "Please let me bury my father first." Jesus said, "Let the dead bury their own dead. As for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God everywhere." Another said, "I will follow You, Lord. But let me first say good bye to those at home." Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

93. Departure From Galilee And The Rejection Of The Samaritans - Back to Page Index
Luke 9:51-56
As the day of His ascension approached, He resolutely headed for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him there. Since He was headed for Jerusalem, they would not receive Him. Seeing their attitude toward Jesus, James and John asked Him, "Do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven to consume them?" But Jesus rebuked them saying, "You do not know what kind of spirit is prompting you to say such a thing. The Son of Man did not come to destroy men, but to save." So they went to a different village.

94. Cost Of Discipleship - Back to Page Index
Luke 9:57-62
As they traveled, someone said to Jesus, "I will follow You wherever You go." Jesus replied, "The foxes have holes and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." And to another, he said, "Follow Me." But that one said, "Please let me bury my father first." Jesus said, "Let the dead bury their own dead. As for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God everywhere." Another said, "I will follow You, Lord. But let me first say good bye to those at home." Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
95. Feast Of Tabernacles - Back to Page Index
John 7:2-52
The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was not far off, and His brothers encouraged Him to go down to Judea so that His disciples would be able to see His works. They said, "You can't be well known if you hide from people." Even His brothers did not believe in Him. Jesus said to them, "Its is not the right time for Me, but, it's always the right time for you. The world cannot hate you but it does hate Me because I point out its evil deeds. You go to the feast. I am not going right now because My time has not yet come." So He stayed in Galilee. After Jesus' bothers had gone up to the feast He went up secretly.

At the feast the Jews were watching for Jesus. Many of the people grumbled among themselves concerning Him. Some were saying, "He is a good man." Others answered, "No, He is leading people astray." But no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jewish leaders.

In the middle of the feast, Jesus went into the temple and began to teach. The Jewish leaders marveled saying, "How has this man learn so much without attending our schools?" Jesus answered by saying, "My teaching is not actually Mine, but His who sent Me. Those willing to do His will know whether My teaching is of God or if I speak on My own. A person speaking from himself seeks his own glory. But a person who is looking for the glory of the One who sent Him, is true and righteous. Moses gave you the law. Yet you do not follow it. If you did you would not be trying to kill Me." The crowd said, "You have a demon. No one is trying to kill You." Jesus replied, "I did one good deed and you all marveled. Moses gave you circumcision, though it was first given to Abraham."And you know that you can circumcise a man on the Sabbath. "If the law requires circumcision on the Sabbath, why be angry with Me for making a man well on the Sabbath? Your judgment should be based on righteousness instead of appearance." Some of the people in Jerusalem were saying, "Isn't this the man they want to kill? Yet He speaks publicly and no one apprehends Him. Might the rulers think this Man is the Christ? But we know where this man is from. No one will know where the Christ comes from." Then Jesus cried out in the temple, saying, "You know Me and where I am from. I have not come on My own accord. He who sent me is true but you do not know Him. I know Him because I was sent from Him." They wanted to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.

Many in the crowd believed in Him, saying, "When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs that this Man has?" The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring such things about Jesus and sent officers to seize Him. Because of this Jesus said, "I am with you just a little longer. Then I will go to the One who sent Me. You will look for Me but you will not find Me. Where I am going you cannot come." The Jews said to each other, "Where does He intend to go that we cannot find Him? Will He go teach the Dispersion among the Greeks? What about the idea that we will look for Him and not find Him because we will not be able to go where He is?" On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. As the scripture says, he who believes in Me will have rivers of living water flow from his innermost being." He was speaking of the Spirit whom those who believed would receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified. When they heard these words, some of the people said, "This is certainly the Prophet." And others said, "This is the Christ." But still others said, "Surely the Christ will not come from Galilee, will He? Don't the scriptures say that the Christ comes from the line of David and Bethlehem where David was born?"

The crowd was divided as to what they thought about Him. Some wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. When the officers who had been sent by the Pharisees to get Jesus came back without Him, they were asked, "Why didn't you bring Him back?" The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man." The Pharisees said, "Have you also been led astray? None of the rulers or Pharisees have believed in Him. None but this accursed crowd that does not know the law." Nicodemus, who had come to Jesus in the evening said, "Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him out?" They answered him, "Are you from Galilee? Look in the scripture. You will find that no prophet has ever come from Galilee."

96. Forgiveness Of An Adulteress - Back to Page Index
John 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, and early the following morning He returned to the temple. All the people were coming to Him as He sat down and began to teach.

The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery and placed her in the middle of the court. They said, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses instructs us to stone such women. What do You say?" The Pharisees were looking for some grounds on which to accuse Him. Jesus stooped down and began to write with His finger in the dust of the temple pavement. They continued pressing Him with their question. Straightening up, He said, "Whoever among you is without sin may throw the first stone." Then He stooped down and continued writing on the ground. After hearing His answer they were convicted by their own conscience, and one by one they left, the older leaving first followed by the younger. He was left alone with the woman in the middle of the court. Straightening up and seeing that her accusers were all gone, Jesus said to her, "Where are those who accused you? Does anyone condemn you?" She said, "No one, Lord." Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more."

97. Christ Is The Light Of The World - Back to Page Index
John 8:12-20
Jesus continued teaching, saying, "I am the light of the world. Those who follow Me will not walk in darkness, but have the Light of life." The Pharisees said, "You are testifying about Yourself. Your testimony is not true." Jesus said, "Even if I do testify about Myself, My testimony is true. I know where I came from and where am going. You do not know where I am going. You judge according to the flesh while I judge no one. But if I were to judge, it would be true judgment. And I am not alone in My judgment. My Father is with Me. Even in your law it says that the testimony of two men is to be trusted. I testify about Myself and My Father who sent Me also testifies of Me." So they asked Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You do not know Me or My Father. If you knew Me, you would know My Father." He spoke these words in the treasury as He taught in the temple. None laid hands on Him because His hour had not yet come.

98. The Pharisees Cannot Accept What Jesus Says About Himself - Back to Page Index
John 8:21-59
Jesus continued, saying, "I am going away. You will seek Me and die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot follow." The Jews were saying to themselves, "Surely He is not planning to kill Himself?" Jesus then said, "You are from below. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world. This is why I have said you will die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Then they asked, "Who are You?" Jesus said, "I am who I have claimed to be from the beginning. I have many things to speak and judge concerning you. And He who sent Me is true and I say only those things I hear from Him." They did not understand that He was talking about His Father. So Jesus said, "When you lift up the son of Man, you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own initiative. I speak only those things the Father has taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me. I am not alone. I always do what pleases Him."

Many believed in Him when He said these things. To those who believed, Jesus said, "If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free." They answered, "We are Abraham's children and have never yet been made slaves. How is it that you say we will be free?" Jesus said, "The truth is, anyone who sins is a slave to sin. And the slave cannot be sure how long he will remain in the house. But the son will always be in the house. If the Son makes you free, then you will be free indeed."

"I know that you descended from Abraham. Yet you seek to kill Me because you will not listen to what I say. I speak those things I have seen in My Father's presence. And you do the things you've heard from your father." They said, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did. But instead, you are planning to kill Me because I told you the truth I heard from God. Abraham would not do this. You are doing the deeds of your father." They said to him, "We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God." Jesus said, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from Him. I did not come on My own but was sent by Him. You cannot understand what I say because you cannot bear to hear it. You are of your father the devil, for you want the same thing he wants. He was a murderer from the beginning and there is no truth in him. He speaks only lies. This is his very nature, for he is the father of lies. I am speaking the truth, but you do not believe Me. Which one of you can point out where I am wrong? And if I am right, why don't you believe Me? He who is of God hears His words. But you do not hear them because you are not of God."

The Jews replied, "We are speaking the truth when we say that you are a Samaritan and have a devil." Jesus answered, "I do not have a devil. I honor My Father and you dishonor Me. But I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it and judges accordingly. I tell you the truth, the one who keeps My word will never see death." The Jews said to Him, "Now we can see You have a devil. Abraham died and so did the prophets. And You say that the person who keeps Your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died. The prophets also died. Whom do You make yourself out to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father that glorifies Me. And He is the one you claim as your Father. But you do not know Him. I know Him. If I should say otherwise, I would be a liar like you. I do know Him and I keep His word. Your father, Abraham rejoiced to see My day." The Jews then said, "You are not yet fifty years old. Have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said, "The truth is, before Abraham existed, I Am." When He had said this they picked up stones to throw at Him, but He hid himself from them and slipped out of the temple.

99. Consequences Of Healing Of The Man Born Blind - Back to Page Index
John 9:1-41
As Jesus walked He passed a man who had been blind since his birth. His disciples asked Jesus, "Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his sin or the sin of his parents?" Jesus answered, "Neither. He was born blind that the works of God might be displayed in him. I must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no man can work. While I am in the world I am the light of the world." Then He spit on the ground and made clay with His saliva which He applied to the man's eyes. Then He told the man to go to the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent), and to wash the clay from his eyes. After doing this, he came back seeing." His neighbors and others who knew him as a beggar, said, "Isn't this the man who used to sit and beg?" Not everyone agreed but the man himself kept saying, "I am the one." So they asked him, "How were your eyes opened?" He said, "The man they call Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes. Then He told me to go wash in the pool of Siloam. When I did this I received my sight." They asked him, "Where is the one who healed you?" The man said, "I do not know." They then took the man to the Pharisees. Jesus had made the clay and opened the man's eyes on the Sabbath. The Pharisees asked him, "How did you regained your sight." He told them, "A man put clay on my eyes and I washed and now I can see. Because if this, " some of the Pharisees said, "This man cannot be from God because he does not keep the Sabbath." But others said, "How can a sinner perform such a sign?" So there was a division of opinion among them. They again asked the man who had been blind, "What can you say about the man who opened your eyes?" He answered, "He is a prophet."

The Jews could not believe that this man had actually been blind and had then been given his sight. They called his parents, and asked them, "Is this your son? Was he born blind? How is it that he able to now see?" His parents said, "Yes, this is our son and he was born blind. But we do not know how he is now able to see. He is of age. Let him speak for himself." They feared being put out of the synagogue if they should say the wrong thing. This is the reason they answered as they did."

" Speaking to the man who had been blind the leaders said, "Give all the glory to God for we know the man who healed you is a sinner." He answered them, saying, "I do not know if He is a sinner. But I do know that I was blind and now I see." So they asked again, "What did He do to open your eyes?" He replied, "I already told you and you do not listen. Why do you keep asking? Do you want to become His disciples?" At this remark they reviled him, saying, "You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man came from." The man answered them, saying, "You are amazing. You do not know where He came from, yet He opened my eyes." We know that God does not hear sinners, but He does hear those who fear Him and do His will. "Since the beginning of time no one has ever heard of a man being made to see who was born blind. If this man were not from God He could not have done this." They answered him saying, "You were born blind and entirely in sins and you think to teach us?" So they put him out of the synagogue.

Jesus heard that they had put the man out and went to find him. He said to the man, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man said, "Who is He, Lord, so that I may believe." Jesus said, "You are talking to Him. I am He." The man then said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped Him.

Jesus said, "I came into the world for judgment so that those who do not see may see and those who do see may become blind." There were Pharisees there who heard Him say this. They said to Him, "We are not blind, are we?" Jesus replied, "If you were blind you would have no sin. But since you say you see, your sin remains."

100. Parable Of The Good Shepherd - Back to Page Index
John 10:1-21
"The truth is, the one who enters the sheepfold by any way other than the door is a thief. The shepherd of the sheep enters through the door. The door keeper opens the door for him. The sheep know his voice. He calls his sheep by name and leads them out. He does not send them out on their own but with His own voice He bids them to follow Him. They will not follow a stranger, for they do not know his voice, but run from him." Jesus used this parable but they did not understand its meaning.

So Jesus explained it again. He said, "The truth is, I am the door for the sheep. All who came before Me were thieves and the sheep did not hear them. I am the door and those who enter through Me will be saved and have pasture. The thief comes to steal and destroy. I have come that they may have an abundant life. I am the good shepherd for I lay down My life for the sheep. A hireling will run away when he sees the wolf. Then the wolf snatches some of the sheep and scatters the rest. The hireling is not really looking out for the sheep."

"I am the good shepherd. I know My own and they know Me, just as Father knows Me and I know Him. I lay down My life for the sheep. I have sheep that are not in this fold. I must bring them in, too. They will hear My voice and be part of the flock which has only one shepherd."

"This is why the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life, that I may take it up again. No one forces Me to do this. I do it on My own initiative. I have the authority to lay it down and to take it up again. I have received this command from My Father."

These sayings caused a division among the Jews. Many said, "He has a demon. He is insane. Why listen to Him?" But others said, "These are not the sayings of someone with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"

101. Mission Service Of The Seventy - Back to Page Index
Luke 10:1-24

After this the LORD appointed seventy others and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city He was coming to. He said to them, "A great harvest is ready and the laborers are few in number. Pray the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Carry no money, bag or shoes. Do not stop to greet anyone. When you enter a house, say, 'Peace be to this house.' If a man of peace lives there, your peace will rest on him. Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you. The laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not move from house to house. When you enter a city, if they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal those who are sick and tell them the kingdom of God has come near to them. But if a city does not receive you, do not enter its streets, instead say, Even the dust that clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you. Know this, the kingdom of God has come near to you. I say to you, it will be better for Sodom than for that city. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the same miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented sitting in sackcloth and ashes. In the judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalt to heaven but instead brought down to hell. The one who listens to you listens to Me. The one who rejects you rejects Me and therefore he rejects the One who sent Me."

The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." Jesus said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightening. Behold, I have given you authority to walk on serpents and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you. Rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."

At this time Jesus rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, saying, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because it has been pleasing to You to hide these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to babes. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father. Only the Father knows the Son and only the Son knows the Father, and anyone to whom He wishes to reveal Him." Turning to the disciples, He said, "What you have seen is a great blessing. For many prophets and kings wished to see and hear what you have seen and heard."

102. A Lawyer Hears The Parable Of The Good Samaritan - Back to Page Index
Luke 10:25-37

A lawyer stood up to test Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to have eternal life?" Jesus replied, "What do you read in the law?" The man answered, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Jesus told him that his answer was correct and he should do this. But the lawyer, wishing to justify his question said, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied by telling a story."a man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. Robbers met him and stripped him of everything he had. They beat him and left him for dead. It happened that a priest passed by. Seeing the man, he then passed by on the other side of the road. A Levite followed and when he saw the man, he too passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan came that way, and seeing the man, felt compassion for him. He put wine and oil on the man's wounds before bandaging them. Then he placed the man on his donkey and brought him to an inn. There he continued to care for the him. The next day he gave the inkeeper extra money and said, 'Take care of this man. If it costs more than this, I'll make it right when I return.' Which of the three travelers proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among thieves?" The lawyer said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said, "Go and do the same."

103. Hospitality Of Martha And Mary - Back to Page Index
Luke 10:38-42

As they traveled, Jesus came into a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Her sister Mary remained seated at Jesus feet listening to His every word. Martha had so many things to do in preparation for the meal. She came to Jesus and said, "Don't You care that I have so much to do without Mary's help? Tell her to help me." But the LORD answered and said, "Martha, you care about many things. But in fact, only one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen it. It shall not be taken from her."
104. Another Lesson On Prayer - Back to Page Index
Luke 11:1-13

One time when Jesus had finished praying in a certain place, one of His disciples said, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples to pray." So Jesus said to them, "When you pray say, 'Our Father, Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven..' Give us our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive everyone who sins against us. Lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil."

"Then Jesus said to them, "Suppose one of you goes to a friend at midnight and asks to borrow three loaves of bread? "You explain that a friend came from a journey unexpectedly and you have nothing to feed him. From inside he says to you, 'Don't bother me now. The door is locked, my family and I are in bed. I cannot help you.' Even though he will not get up for you, yet if you are persistent, he will give you as much as you need for your friend. So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks, it will be opened. If one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish, will he give him a snake? Or if he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."

105. Jesus Accused Of Healing By The Power Of Beelzebub - Back to Page Index
Luke 11:14-36

At another time Jesus was casting out a demon who had made a man mute. When the demon was gone, the man was able to speak. This amazed the crowds. But there were those who said, "He casts out the demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons." Still others wanted Him to give them a sign from heaven. Knowing their thoughts He said, "Any kingdom divided against itself falls and is laid waste. If Satan works against himself, how can he hope to further his kingdom? You have said that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Let them be the judge in this matter."

"But if I cast out demons by God's power, then His kingdom has come upon you. When a strong man guards his house, no one bothers his possessions. But when someone stronger overpowers him, the stronger one takes what he wants. He who is not with Me is against Me. And he who does not gather with Me, scatters. When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it looks for a place to rest. When it finds none, it tries to return to its former dwelling. When it comes and finds it swept and in order, it goes and finds seven other spirits more evil then itself and they come to live there. The last state of the man is worse than the first."

While Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd said in a loud voice, "Blessed is the woman who bore and nursed You." But Jesus replied, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and do what He says." As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This generation is wicked and looks for a sign. But no sign will be given it other than the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment and condemn the men of this generation, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Behold, Someone greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will rise in judgment to condemn this generation, for they repented at Jonah's preaching and Someone greater than Jonah is here. No one lights a lamp and then puts it in some out of the way place or under a basket. Instead he puts it on a lampstand so that everyone in the room may benefit from the light. The eye is the lamp of your body. When it is clear your whole body is full of light. A bad eye means your body is full of darkness. So make sure that the light is in you rather than darkness. If your body is full of light and has no darkness in it, it will be wholly illumined the way a lamp lights up a room."

106. Judgments Against Pharisees And Lawyers - Back to Page Index
Luke 11:37-54

When He had spoken these things a Pharisee invited Him over for lunch. So Jesus went and reclined at his table. The Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not go through the motions of ceremonially washing His hands before the meal. So the LORD said to him, "You Pharisees clean the outside of the dish and leave the inside full of robbery and wickedness. You foolish ones. Didn't He who made the outside also make the inside? Give what you have from within and all things can be clean for you. Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithe on mint and rue and every kind of garden herb. Yet you disregard justice and the love of God. These you should have done without neglecting the tithe. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the chief seats and respectful greetings in the market place and synagogues. Woe to you! For you are actually like tombs that have been concealed so that people walk over them without realizing it."

A lawyer said to Him, "Teacher, You insult us as well." Jesus replied, "Woe to you lawyers! You weigh men down with difficult burdens and do nothing to lighten their load. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets and it was your fathers who killed them. Truly, you bear witness and approve the deeds of your fathers, and you build their tombs." God in His wisdom said, "I will send them prophets and apostles. Some they will persecute and some they will kill." Therefore, the blood of all the prophets shed since the beginning of the world may be charged against this generation. "From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the house of God. Yes, it shall be charged to this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You do not go in and you prevent others from entering."

As He left there the scribes and Pharisees became very hostile and questioned Him closely about many things. They were planned to use His answers against Him.

107. Jesus Talks About Hypocrisy, Covetousness And Worry - Back to Page Index
Luke 12:1-59

At this time so many people had gathered to hear Jesus, that they were stepping on each other. He began by teaching His disciples. He said, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing covered up that will not be brought out in the open. Whatever is said in the dark will be brought to light so that everyone knows. But My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill only the body. Instead, fear the One with authority to kill and cast into hell. You know that five sparrows are sold for two cents. Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight. He even knows the number of hairs on your head. Have no fear, for you are more valuable than sparrows."

"I tell you, whoever confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him before the angels of God. But the one who denies Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man may be forgiven. But blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven."

"When you are brought before rulers and authorities in the synagogues, do not worry about what to say to them. The Holy Spirit will show you what to say when you need to say it."

Someone in the crowd said, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But Jesus said, "Man, who appointed Me to be your arbitrator?" Then He said, "Be on your guard against every form of greed. One's life does not consist of what he owns."

And He told them a parable."A rich man had very productive land. He decided he must do something because his crops were too great to store in his barns. He decided to tear down his old barns and replace them with bigger ones. He was figured that this would provide him with security for many years. But God said to him, 'You fool. Tonight I will require your soul. Now what will become of all you have?' So it is for the man who stores up treasure for himself, but is not rich toward God." And He said to His disciples, "This is why I tell you not to worry about how you will provide food and clothing for yourselves. Life is more than food and clothing. See how the ravens are fed by God even though they do not sow or reap. And you are more valuable than the birds. Which of you can add to the length of his life by worry? If you cannot do this, then why worry about other things? Look at the lilies. They grow without working. Even Solomon's glory cannot be compared to their's. If God clothes the grass of the field with such beauty, and it is soon gone, how much more will He cloth you, though you have so little faith. Do not concern yourself over what you will eat or drink. The world eagerly seeks these things, but your Father know that you need them. Seek His kingdom and these will be provided to you. Fear not. Your Father is happy to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give it to others. Convert your money to treasure in heaven where no thief can steal it and no moth will come to destroy it. Your heart will be where your treasure is."

"Be dressed and ready with your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding, so that they are ready to open the door for him the moment he knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds ready and waiting for his return. I tell you the truth, he will gird himself and serve them as they recline at his table. Even if he comes in the second or third watch, blessed are those servants who are ready and waiting."

"You can be sure that if the head of house had known exactly when the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You too must be ready, for the Son of Man will come when you are not expecting Him." Peter asked Him, "Lord are you addressing this parable just to us, or is it for everyone?" Jesus answered, "Who is the faithful steward, whom the LORD will put in charge of His servants, to give them their portion at the right time? Blessed is that servant who is found ready when his Lord comes. Truly, He will put him in charge of all he has. But if the servant should say to himself, 'My master will not come for a long time,' and he begins to beat the other servants, and feast and get drunk, his master will come unexpectedly and cut him in pieces, assigning him a place with the unbelievers. The servant who knew what his master wanted and did not do it, will receive many lashes. But the servant who did not know what his master wanted and did things worthy of a flogging, will receive only a few lashes. Those to whom much is given, much will be required. The more they are entrusted with, the more will be expected of them. I have come to cast fire on the earth and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism coming. How I wish it was already accomplished!"

"Do you think that I came to grant peace on earth? No, My coming causes division. Five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. Father may be against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, and sometimes the -in-laws against their -in-laws."

He was also saying, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you expect a shower and one comes. When you see a south wind blowing, you correctly predict a hot day. You are hypocrites! You can discern the signs in the sky and on the earth, but you do not discern this present time."

"Why do you not see what is right? While you and your opponent are going to appear before the magistrate, make every effort to settle your differences, lest the judge sentence you to prison. And you will not get out of prison until you have paid the last cent."

108. Repent Or Perish - Back to Page Index
Luke 13:1-5

On that same occasion someone told him of some Galileans whose blood Pilate has mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus said to them, "Do you think that these Galileans suffered this fate because they were greater sinners than other Galileans? I tell you, no! And unless you repent you will perish, too. Or do you think that when the tower of Siloam fell on the eighteen causing their deaths, that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too, will perish."

109. Barren Fig Tree - Back to Page Index
Luke 13:6-9

He told them this parable."A man had a fig tree in his vineyard. He came expecting fruit but did not find any. He said to the vineyard keeper, 'See here, I have waited three years for fruit on this fig tree and have found none. Cut it down so that it does not use up the ground.' But the vineyard keeper said to him, 'Leave it for one more year. I will dig around it and fertilize it.' If it does not bear fruit next year, then I will cut it down."

110. Crippled Woman Healed On The Sabbath - Back to Page Index
Luke 13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. A woman was there who had a sickness caused by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent double, unable to straighten up. Seeing her, Jesus called her over and said, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." He laid His hands on her and she was immediately made well. Standing erect she began glorifying God. But the synagogue official was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He said to the crowd, "There are six days for work to be done. So do not come on the Sabbath day to be healed." But the LORD answered him, saying, "You hypocrites. Don't you untie your ox or your donkey on the Sabbath day and lead it to water? Here is a woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound for eighteen years. Shouldn't she be released from her bond on the Sabbath day?" This humiliated His opponents and the entire crowd rejoiced over the glorious things that He was doing.
111. Parables Of The Mustard Seed And Leaven - Back to Page Index
Luke 13:18-21

So He said, "What is the kingdom of God like? What can it be compared to? It is like a mustard seed which a man planted and it grew big enough for birds to nest in. What else can the kingdom of God be compared to? It is like yeast which a woman mixes with three measures of flour, causing all the flour to rise."

112. Feast Of Dedication - Back to Page Index
John 10:22-39

This was the time of the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. It was winter. Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon's portico. The Jews gathered around Him and asked Him, "How long will You keep us in suspense? Tell us plainly if You are the Christ." Jesus replied, "I have told you and you do not believe. The things I do speak for Me. You do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice. I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life and no one will snatch them from Me. My Father has given them to me. He is greater than all, so no one can take them out of His hand. And I am one with My Father." When He said this, the Jews picked up stones to stone Him. As they stood ready to stone Him, Jesus said, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you stoning me?" They said, "We are not stoning You for a good work, but for making Yourself equal with God when you are only a man." Jesus said, "Haven't you read in the law. 'I said, You are gods..' If He called them gods, and His word cannot be broken, Do you then say of the One He sanctified and sent that He blasphemes because He said, 'I am the Son of God?' If My works are not the works of My Father, then do not believe Me. But if I do His works, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works and understand that it is the Father doing these works through Me." At this moment they tried to seize Him, but He eluded their grasp.

113. Withdrawal Beyond The Jordon - Back to Page Index
John 10:40-42

Jesus went beyond the Jordan and stayed at the place where John had first baptized. Many came to him, saying, "John performed no signs, but everything he said about this man has been true." And many in that place believed in Him.
114. Jesus Begins His Return To Jerusalem And His Death - Back to Page Index
Luke 13:22-35

Jesus was passing from one city and village to another, teaching as He headed for Jerusalem. Someone said, "Lord, only a few are being saved." And He replied, "strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many trying to enter will not be able. When the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, though you stand outside and knock, asking, Lord, 'Open up to us,' He will say, I do not know you! You may say, 'We ate and drank at your table. You taught in our streets.' And He will answer, 'I do not know you. Depart from Me, you evildoers.' At that time there will be weeping and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as well as all the prophets, in God's kingdom, and you having been shut out. Many will come from east and west, and from north and south, to recline at the table in the kingdom of God. Behold, some who are last will be first. And some who are first will be last."

Just then some Pharisees came and told Him, "Go away. Herod wants to kill you." He answered them, saying, "Go tell that fox that I cast out devils and cure people today and tomorrow. The third day I reach My goal. Nevertheless, I must journey on today, tomorrow and the next day. For a prophet must not perish outside of Jerusalem."

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not have it! Behold, your house is left to you desolate. You will not see Me until that time when you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'"

115. A Meal With The Pharisee Ruler And Where To Sit - Back to Page Index
Luke 14:1-24

Jesus went to the house of a leaders of the Pharisees. It was Sabbath and they watched Him closely. A man was there who suffered from dropsy, or edema. Jesus questioned the lawyers, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" They would not answer. Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him away. Then He said to them, "Which one of you who has an ox or a donkey, if it falls into a pit will not immediately pull it out on a Sabbath day?" They could make no reply to this.

Jesus gave a parable to the invited guests as He noticed them trying to take places of honor at the table. He said, "When you are invited to a feast, do not take the place of honor. Someone more distinguished than you may have been invited. You might be asked to give your place to that person and then in disgrace be asked move to the last place. When invited, go to the last place so that the one who invited you may invite you to a place at the table with more honor. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Then He said to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a dinner or supper, do not call your friends, relatives or rich neighbors, who can return the favor by then returning the favor. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. You will be blessed in doing this because they do not have the means to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection."

One who reclined at the table with Him heard this, and said, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" Then Jesus said to him, "A man was giving a great supper to which he invited many people. When the time came for the meal, he sent his servant to tell those invited that everything was ready. Please come. All those who had been invited made excuses. One begged off saying he had bought some land needed to go out and look at it. Another said that he had just bought five yoke of oxen and was about to try them out. Yet another said he had just married a wife and could not come. The servant came back with his report and the master of the house was angry at those people who placed such a light value on his offer. So he told his servant to go out into the streets and alleys of the city and bring in the poor, blind and lame. The servant did this and reported that there was still room for more people. His master said, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come, so that my house may be filled.' For I tell you, none of those originally invited shall taste of my dinner."

116. Demands Of Discipleship - Back to Page Index
Luke 14:25-35

Large crowds were accompanying Jesus. He turned to them and said, "Anyone coming to me who places his father or mother, wife or children, brothers or sisters, even his own life, ahead of Me, cannot be My disciple. Anyone following Me must be willing to carry his cross or he cannot be My disciple. If you want to build a tower don't you first sit down and count what it will cost so you may know if you have enough to complete it? Otherwise after laying the foundation, when you are unable to finish the project you will be the object of ridicule. People will say, 'What he started he was not able to finish.' Or what king plans for a battle against another king without first determining if he is strong enough to win the battle with fewer men then his opponent has. He may need to send messengers to the other king with terms of peace. Just so, no one can be My disciple who does not give up everything that is his. Therefore, salt is good, but if it has lost its saltiness, of what value is it? It is of no use for anything and is thrown away. So give serious thought to what I have said."
117. Parable Of The Lost Sheep - Back to Page Index
Luke 15:1-7

Tax collectors and sinners were coming to be near to Jesus and hear what He was saying. As a result, the scribes and Pharisees grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and even eats with them." So Jesus told them a parable. "Which of you, if he had one hundred sheep and loses one will not leave the ninety nine in the pasture and go look for the lost sheep? After finding it, you will rejoice as you carry it home on your shoulders. When you get home you will call together your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me for I have found my lost sheep!' I tell you, there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine who do not need to repent."

118. Parables Of The Lost Coin - Back to Page Index
Luke 15:8-10

"Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them, will not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it. After she finds it she will call together her friends and neighbors, and say, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin!' In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

119. Parables Of The Lost Boy - Back to Page Index
Luke 15:11-32

Then He said, "A man had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Give me the portion of the estate that falls to me.' So his father divided his wealth between his sons. Not long after that the younger son gathered what he would take with him and journeyed to a distant country. There he squandered his estate with riotous living. When his money was gone, a severe famine came to that country and he began to suffer from want. He hired himself out to someone who sent him into his fields to feed his pigs. He was so hungry he thought about eating what the pigs were eating. No one gave him anything. Then he came to his senses, saying to himself, 'My father's hire hands have plenty to eat and I am starving.' I will leave this place and go to my father and admit to him that I have sinned against heaven and against him. I will say to him, 'I am no longer worthy to be called your son. I want to be one of your hired men.' So he got up and headed home to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion. He ran to meet his son and hugged and kissed him. The son said to his father, 'I have sinned against heaven and in you sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the Father said to his servants, go and get the best robe for my son. Put a ring on his hand sandals on his feet. Prepare the fatted calf so we can eat and celebrate. My son was dead and now he is alive. He was lost and now has been found.' And they began to celebrate. His older son was in the field working and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He asked one of the servants what was happening. They answered, 'Your brother has come home and your father has killed the fatted calf to celebrate his safe return.' But the older son became angry and would not go in. His father came out and pleaded with him. But he said to his father, 'See how many years I have served you and neglected none of your commands. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. Now that this son of yours, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, comes home, you kill the fatted calf for him.' His father said, 'Son, you have always been with me. Everything I have is yours. But we must celebrate your brother's return, for he was dead and has begun to live again. He was lost and has been found.'"
120. Parable Of The Unjust Steward - Back to Page Index
Luke 16:1-18

Jesus told His disciples this parable: "A rich man had a manager who he discovered was squandering his possessions. He called the man in and said, 'What is this I hear? You must give an accounting of your management because I am letting you go.' The manager said to himself, 'What can I do if I lose my Job? I can't dig and I won't beg. I know what I can do when I am no longer a manager so that I will be welcomed in someone's home. Calling each of his master's debtors, he asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' He answered, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he cut the man's bill in half. The next man came in and he cut his bill from a hundred measures of wheat to eighty. As a result, his master praised the unrighteous manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this age are more shrewd than the sons of light. I tell you that you should make friends for yourselves using your unrighteous wealth so that when it fails they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. He who is faithful in small things will be faithful in greater things. And he who is unrighteous in little ways will be unrighteous in greater ways. So if you have been unfaithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will trust you with true riches? If you cannot be faithful when caring for someone else's wealth, who will give you your own?"

"No one can serve two masters. He will surely love one and hate the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. The Pharisees who loved money scoffed as they listen to Him." So He said to them, "You justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. That which men place great value on is detestable in God's sight. The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time the gospel of the kingdom has been preached and everyone is trying to get in. It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for any part of the Law to fail. Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

121. Parable Of The Rich Man And Lazarus - Back to Page Index
Luke 16:19-31

"There was a rich man who was used to dressing in purple and fine linen. He lived in splendor every day. A poor man named Lazarus was covered with sores and sat at the rich man's gate. His only hope was to receive the crumbs falling from the rich man's table. Dogs would come and licked his sores. The poor man eventually died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom. Later the rich man also died and was buried. In hell he looked up and in his torment saw Abraham far away with Lazarus in his bosom. He cried out saying, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to give me just a little water to cool my tongue. I am in agony in this flame..' But Abraham replied, 'You remember that during your lifetime you had it good and Lazarus had it bad. Now he is being comforted and while you are in agony.' And there is a great chasm between you and us so that no one get across.' Then the rich man said, 'I beg you to send Lazarus to warn my father's house.' I have five brothers and I want them to be warned so they may avoid this place. But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the prophets. They should pay attention to them.' The rich man said, 'But if someone from the dead warns them, they will repent.' Abraham replied, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded even if someone were to rise from the dead.'"
122. Lessons Of Service, Faith And Influence - Back to Page Index
Luke 17:1-10

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Stumbling blocks are inevitable, but woe to the one through whom they come! Anyone causing little ones to stumble would be better off having a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea. Watch out! If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times a day, and then repents each time, forgive him."

The apostles said, "Lord, increase our faith!" He said to them, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can tell this mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will obey you. Which of you having a servant plowing or tending your sheep, will say to him after he comes in from the field, 'Come, sit and eat?' Instead, you will say to him, 'Change your clothes and serve me while I eat and drink. Afterward you may also eat and drink?' You will not thank the servant for doing what he has been told to do, will you? It is the same when you do what is commanded of you. You say, we are unworthy servants who are doing what we ought to do."

123. The Resurrection Of Lazarus - Back to Page Index
John 11:1-44

Lazarus lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. He became sick. This was the same Mary who would later anoint the LORD with ointment and wipe His feet with her hair. When their brother became sick they sent a message to Jesus saying, "Lord, the one You love is sick." When Jesus got the message, He said, "This sickness will not end in death, but is meant to glorify God and His Son." Jesus loved Martha and Mary, and their brother Lazarus.

After receiving the message about Lazarus, He remained where He was for two more days. Then He said, "Let's go to Judea." His disciples said, "Master, the Jews have been trying to stone you. Is it wise to go there now?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? While a person walks in the light he does not stumble because he sees the Light of the world. But if a man walks during the night he stumbles because the light is not in him." Then He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus is sleeping. I am going wake him up." His disciples said, "If he is sleeping surely he is getting better." However, Jesus was speaking of Lazarus' death instead of regular sleep. So Jesus spoke plainly and said, "Lazarus is dead." And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there so that you may believe. Let us be going. Then Thomas, who is called the twin, said to the other disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days.

Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem. After their brother's death, many of the Jews had come to console Martha and Mary. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. Martha said to Jesus, "If You had been here my brother would not have died. But I know that even now, whatever You ask of God He will give You." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha replied, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection of the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? Yes, Lord, " she said, "i believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One Who has come from heaven to our world." After saying this she went quietly to call Mary, and tell her that the Master had come and wanted to see her. When she heard this, Mary quickly went out to meet Jesus, for He had not yet come to the village but had remained where He had talked with Martha. Some of the Jews who were visiting saw Mary get up, so they followed her, thinking that she was going to the grave to weep.

When Mary came to Jesus, she fell at His feet, saying, "Lord if You had been here my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had followed her also weeping, He was deeply moved in Spirit and troubled. He asked, "Where have you laid him?" They said, "Come and see Lord." Jesus wept. The Jews were saying, "See how much He loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind have kept this man from dying?" Jesus groaned within himself again as He came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone lying against its opening.

Jesus asked them to take the stone away. Martha protested saying, "The smell will be bad because he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Didn't I say that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" The stone was removed and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, "Father I thank You that You have heard Me. I know that You always hear Me. But because of the people standing here, I have said this so that they may believe that You sent Me." Then He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." And he that was dead came out. He was bound hand foot with wrappings, including his face. Jesus said, "Take the wrappings off."

124. Reaction To Lazarus' Resurrection And The Withdrawal Of Jesus - Back to Page Index
John 11:45-54

Many of the Jews which had followed Mary, saw what Jesus had done and believed in Him. But some went to the Pharisees told them what had happened. The chief priests and the Pharisees called a counsel."What can we do?" They asked each other."This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him and the Romans will come and take away our authority and destroy our nation." One of them named Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, said, "You know nothing at all. You are not considering that it is expedient for us that one man die for the people so that the whole nation does not perish." He did not say this from his own understanding, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation. And not for the nation only, but in order that He might gather together into one group the children of God scattered abroad. From that day on they continued to plan what would be the best way to put Him to death.

For this reason Jesus no longer moved publicly among the Jews. He went with His disciples to the city of Ephraim which was near the wilderness.

125. The Last Journey To Jerusalem - Back to Page Index
Luke 17:11

While Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem He was passing between Samaria and Galilee.
126. Healing Ten Lepers - Back to Page Index
Luke 17:17-19

Jesus said, "Weren't there ten lepers cleansed? Where are the other nine? Why did only this foreigner returned to give God glory?" Then He told the man, "Be on your way. Your faith has made you whole."

127. Lessons On The Coming Kingdom - Back to Page Index
Luke 17:20-37

The Pharisees questioned Jesus as to when the kingdom of God would come? He answered them, saying, "The kingdom of God is not something you will see. No one will be able to say, 'Look, there it is!' The kingdom of God is in your midst."

He said to His disciples, "The day will come when you will long for the time when the Son of Man walked here with you. Someone will say to you, 'He is in such and such a place.' Do not go where they say He is. When the Son of Man comes it will be like lightening, seen everywhere at once. But first, the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. As it was in Noah's day, so it will be with the Son of Man. In Noah's day they ate and drank, and had weddings, right up to the time Noah went into the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed every one of them. It was the same in Lot's day. They were eating, drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But on the day Lot went out of Sodom, heaven rained fire and brimstone on all of them. That is how it will be when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day those on their housetops must not go down to gather up their belongings. And those in the field must not go home before fleeing. Remember Lot's wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it. The one not afraid to lose his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night there will be two in bed. One will be taken and the other will be left alive. Two women will be grinding. One will be taken and the other will be left alive. Two men will be in the field. One will be taken the other will be left alive." They asked Him, "Taken where Lord?" Jesus replied, "Where the body is, there the vultures will gather."

128. The Persistent Widow - Back to Page Index
Luke 18:1-8

He told them a parable to show that at all times they should pray and not be discouraged. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who feared neither God or man. A widow in that city kept coming to him and asking for legal protection against her adversary. At first he was unwilling to help her. But after a while he decided that even though he had no respect for God or man, this woman was wearing him down. So he helped her." The LORD said, "Notice why the unrighteous judge listened to her. Won't God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night? Will He make them wait for long? I tell you, He will quickly bring about justice. However, when the Son of Man comes will He find faith on the earth?"

129. The Pharisee And The Tax Collector - Back to Page Index
Luke 18:9-14

"And He told another parable to people who trusted in their own righteousness and looked down on others. Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed, saying, "God I thank You that I am not as other people, breaking Your commandments, as this tax collector does. "I fast twice a week and I pay an honest tithe. But the tax collector stood some distance away, unwilling to lift his eyes to heaven. Beating his breast he said, 'God be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went to his house justified. But the other did not. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

130. Doctrine On Divorce - Back to Page Index
Matthew 19:1-12

When Jesus had finished these sayings, He left Galilee for the coasts of Judea beyond the Jordon. Large crowds followed Him and He healed them. Some Pharisees tested Him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife under any circumstance?" Jesus answered, "Haven't you read that He Who created them at the beginning made them male and female? For this reason a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife. The two then become one flesh. Because of this they are no longer two, but one flesh. What God has joined together, let no man separate." They then asked, "Why did Moses say to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?" Jesus said, "Because of your hard hearts Moses permitted you to divorce your wives. But it was not this way from the beginning. I can tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." The disciples then said, "If this is the way it is, it would be better not to marry." Jesus replied, "Only the men to whom it is given can accept that idea. There are eunuchs born that way, eunuch made that way be men and eunuchs who have made themselves that way for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let those who can, accept this."

131. Jesus Blesses Children In Spite Of Objections - Back to Page Index
Mark 10:13-16

Some people were bringing children to Jesus so that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those bringing them. When Jesus saw this it displeased Him. He said, "Let the children come to Me. Do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. The truth is, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter in." Taking the children in His arms, He laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

132. Rich Young Ruler - Back to Page Index
Mark 10:17-31

As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran after Him and kneeling down, said, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one but God is good. You know the commandments. Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and mother." And the man replied, "Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth." As Jesus looked at the man, He felt love for him. He said, "You lack one thing. Go and sell all you possess and give it to the poor so that you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow Me." After hearing these words, the man went away sad, because he owned a lot of property. Looking around, Jesus said, "It will be very difficult for those with wealth to enter the kingdom of God." This statement amazed the disciples. So Jesus said it another way."Children, how hard it is for those who trust riches to enter God's kingdom!" It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter God's kingdom. They were astonished to hear this and wondered among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Peter began to say to Him, "Behold, we have left everything to follow you." Jesus said, "The truth is, the one who leaves brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife or children, or farms, for My sake, and the gospels, will receive a hundred times as much in this age, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and lands, along with persecutions. And in the world to come he will have eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last will be first."

133. Laborers In The 11th Hour - Back to Page Index
Matthew 20:1-16

"The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. When he had made an agreement with them for a day's wages, he sent them out to work. Later at about nine o'clock he noticed others standing in the market place. He offer them work in his vineyard and promised to pay them a fair wage. At noon and again at three o'clock he did the same thing. At five o'clock he went out and found still others standing idle. He said to them, 'Why aren't you working today?' They said no one has hired us. He sent them to work in the vineyard. When the day was over he had the foreman call the workers beginning with those he had hired near the end of the day. Each was given a full day's wage. When those who were hired first came for their pay, they supposed they would receive more. But they each were paid the same full day's wage. They grumbled to the landowner, saying, 'These last workers labored for only one hour and you paid them just as much as you paid us and we worked through the heat of the day.' But the landowner answered, 'I have done you no wrong. Didn't you agree to work for the wage I gave to you? Take your pay and go. I can give whatever I wish to whomever chooses to work for me. I have broken no law. Perhaps my generosity makes you envious. So those who come last are treated like those who come first."

134. Jesus Foretells His Death And Resurrection - Back to Page Index
Matthew 20:17-19

As Jesus was about to head for Jerusalem, He gave special instruction to the twelve disciples. He said, "We are going to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death. He will be handed over to the Gentiles who will mock and scourge Him before they crucify Him. But on the third day He will be raised up."

135. The Ambition Of James And John - Back to Page Index
Matthew 20:20-28

At this time the mother of James and John came to Jesus with her sons to make a request. Jesus said, "What is your request?" She said, "Grant that my two sons will sit on thrones on either side of You in Your kingdom." Looking at James and John, Jesus said, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I shall drink? Yes, " they said."we are able." Jesus replied, "You shall drink from My cup. But who will sit next to Me is not for Me to say. My Father makes this decision." When the other ten heard of this they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said to them, "Gentile rulers exercise dominion over their subjects, and their great men Lord it over them. This is not how it will be with you. Anyone who would become great shall be your servant. Whoever wants to be first shall be your slave. This is what the Son of Man is doing. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

136. Blind Bartimaeus Healed - Back to Page Index
Mark 10:46-52

As they passed through Jericho, a large crowd followed after them. A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus was sitting by the road. Hearing that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began calling out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many sternly admonished him to be quiet. But he only called out louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and asked them to bring the blind man to Him. So they went and got him, saying, "Get up! Jesus is calling for you." Throwing aside his cloak he got up and went to Jesus. Jesus asked him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" And the blind man said, "Lord, I want to receive my sight." And Jesus said, "Go. Your faith has made you well." And immediately, the man could see. And he followed Jesus on the road.
137. Zacchaeus - Back to Page Index
Luke 19:1-10

Jesus was passing through Jericho. A rich man named Zaccheus was a chief tax collector there. He wanted to see Jesus but could not see over the crowd because he was so short. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree for a better view as Jesus passed by. When Jesus came near the tree where Zaccheus was, He looked up at Zaccheus and said to him, "Come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." So Zaccheus hurried down out of the tree and received Jesus with great joy. Some began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to be a guest of a sinner." Zaccheus stopped and said, "Lord, I will give half of my wealth to the poor and if I have defrauded anyone I will repay fourfold." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house. This man is a son of Abraham." For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.

138. Parable Of The Minas - Back to Page Index
Luke 19:11-27

While they were listening to these things, Jesus told a parable. He was near Jerusalem and many of them expected that the kingdom of God was about to come. He said, "A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them each a mina worth fifty shekels. He told them to invest it while he was away. His citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him saying, 'This man shall not reign over us.'"

"After receiving his kingdom, he returned and ordered his servants to give an account of the money he had given them. The first appeared, saying, 'Master, I have invested your mina and made ten more.' He told the servant, 'Well done. You have been faithful with a little. I am placing you in charge of ten cities.' The second came, saying, 'I was able to invest your mina has make five more.' And he told that servant, 'Well done. You shall be in charge of five cities.' Another servant came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina. I kept it in a handkerchief. I was afraid of you, knowing you expect a lot, reaping where you did not sow, so I took no chances.' The nobleman said, 'You are condemned by your own words. Yes, I am exacting and I pick up where I have not laid down. Why then didn't you at least place my money in a bank where it could have drawn interest?' To the bystanders he said, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who made ten minas.' They said, 'Master, he already has ten minas.'" Then Jesus said, "I tell you that to everyone who produces, more shall be given, but the one who does not produce, even what he has will be taken from him. As for my enemies who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence."

139. The Jewish Leaders Determine That Jesus Be Taken - Back to Page Index
John 11:55-57

The time of Passover was near, and many went up to Jerusalem early to purify themselves. People were looking for Jesus. Among themselves they were saying, "Do you think He will come to the feast this year?" Both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, they were to report it so that they might seized Him.
140. A Plot To Kill Lazarus - Back to Page Index
John 12:9-11

Many people had come to see Jesus who was eating with Lazarus. They also wanted to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised form the dead. The chief priests were planning to put Lazarus to death as well. Since he had been raised from the dead, many of the Jews were leaving and believing in Jesus.

141. Triumphal Entry - Back to Page Index
Mark 11:1-11

As they approached Jerusalem, while they were at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of His disciples ahead. He told them, "Go into the village opposite you. When you enter the village, you will find a colt tied that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone questions what you are doing, tell them that the LORD needs it, and they will let you bring it here." The two disciples went and found the colt tied out on the edge of the street. As they untied it, some bystanders asked them, "What are you doing?" They answered just as Jesus had instructed them and were given permission to take the colt. Bringing the colt to Jesus they placed their garments over it and Jesus sat on it. Many others spread their garments on the road ahead of Him while still others cut leafy branches to also place on the road. People all around Him were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD. Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the LORD. Hosanna in the highest!"

Entering Jerusalem, Jesus went into the temple. After looking around, He left for Bethany with the twelve because it was already late in the day.

142. Fig Tree Cursed And The Temple Cleansed - Back to Page Index
Mark 11:12-18

On the next day, as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Some distance from them was a fig tree in leaf. He went over to it hoping for some fruit. He found no fruit on it, because it was not the season for figs. His disciples heard Him say, "From now on fruit will not grow on you."

When Jesus came to Jerusalem He went into the temple and began driving out those who were buying and selling. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. Then He began to teach, saying, "It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves." The chief priests and the scribes heard of what He had done and wanted to destroy Him. But they were afraid of Him because the people were captivated by His teaching.

143. The Greeks Want To See Jesus - Back to Page Index
John 12:20-50

There were some Greeks coming to worship at the feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee and said to him, "We want to see Jesus." Philip told Andrew and then Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. Jesus said to them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. The truth is, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it. And he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who serves Me must follow Me and the Father will honor him. Now My soul is troubled. Shall I say, Father, 'Save Me from this hour?' But this is the reason I came. Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven saying, "I have glorified it and I will do so again." The voice sounded like thunder to the crowd of people. Some said, "An angel spoke to Him." Jesus said, "The Voice was for your benefit and not Mine. Judgment is about to come when the ruler of this world will be cast out. And if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all men to Myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death He was to die.

The crowd said to Jesus, "We have heard from the law that the Christ is to remain forever. Why do you say the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus replied, "For a little longer you will have the Light among you. Walk while you have the Light so that the darkness does not overtake you. If you walk in the dark you do not know where you are going. While you have the Light, believe in the Light so that you can become sons of Light." After saying these things He hid Himself from them.

Though He had performed so many signs, they did not believe in Him. This fulfilled the words of Isaiah, "Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" Isaiah gave the reason they could not believe. "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that their eyes will not see or their hearts perceive, that they may be converted and healed." Isaiah said this after he saw His glory and spoke to Him.

In spite of this, many of the rulers believed in Him. But they feared the Pharisees and would not confess their belief, lest they be put out of the synagogue, for they loved the approval of men more than the approval of God.

Jesus cried out, "He who believes in Me is actually believing in the One who sent Me. If you see Me you have seen the One who sent Me. I have come as a Light to the world so that whoever believes in Me will not remain in darkness. I do not judge those who hear My sayings and do not keep them. I did not come to judge the world, but to save. Those who do not receive My words will be judged in the last day by the words I have spoken. I have not spoken on My own initiative. The Father who sent Me has told Me what to say. I know that His commandment is eternal life. Therefore, I say what the Father tells Me."

144. The Withered Fig Tree - Back to Page Index
Mark 11:19-26

When evening came he went out of the city.

The next morning as they passed the fig tree, the disciples saw that it was withered all the way down to the roots. Peter said, "Lord, look, the fig tree that You cursed has died." Jesus answered, "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, whoever says to this mountain, be moved into the sea, and does not doubt, it will be granted to him."

"When you pray for something, believe that you have received it. Then it will be granted to you. When you are praying, if you have something against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins. If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you."

145. The Sanhedrin Challenges Jesus - Back to Page Index
Mark 11:27-33

They came to Jerusalem. As Jesus walked into the temple, the chief priests, the scribes and the elders came to Him. They asked Him, "By what authority are you doing the things You do?" Jesus said to them, "I will ask you a question and when you give me your answer, I will tell you by what authority I do what I do. Tell Me, was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men?" They reasoned among themselves that if they said from heaven, He would then ask why they hadn't believed him. But if they said from men, the people would surely make trouble, for they believed John to have been a prophet. So they said to Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
146. Parable Of Two Sons - Back to Page Index
Matthew 21:28-32

Then Jesus said, "Here is a parable for you to consider. A man had two sons. He came to the first son and said, go work in the vineyard today." The first son said, "I will not go, but afterward he changed his mind and went." The man asked his second son the same thing and he answered, "I will do as you have asked, but then he didn't go to the vineyard. Which of the two sons did as his father asked?" They said, "The first son." Jesus then said, "The truth is, the tax collectors and prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you. John came to you in the way of righteousness, but you did not accept his message. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes did believe. You watched all this without remorse for your lack of belief."

147. Parable Of The Wicked Vinedressers - Back to Page Index
Matthew 21:33-46

"Here is another parable: A landowner planted a vineyard, placed a wall around it and built a wine press. He built a guard tower and rented out the vineyard to those who would manage it while he went on a journey. As the time of harvest approached, he sent his servants to receive his share of the produce. Those managing the vineyard mistreated his servants, even killing one and stoning another. So the owner sent more servants and they were treated the same. He decided to send his son, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the vinegrowers saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Let's kill him and seize his inheritance.' They took him out of the vineyard and killed him. When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinegrowers?" They said, "He will destroy those wicked men and rent the vineyard out to those who will pay him when the harvest time comes."

Jesus said to them, "Haven't you read in the scriptures, the stone the builders rejected became the chief corner stone. This is the LORD's doing and it is wonderful to behold. I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people producing its fruit. The one who falls on this stone is broken, but the one on whom it falls is ground to bits and blows away as dust is scattered in the wind."

When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that He was speaking about them, and wanted to immediately seize Him. But they feared the people who considered Him to be a prophet.

148. Parable Of The Kings Wedding Feast - Back to Page Index
Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus spoke several more parables. He said, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He sent out his servants to call those who had been invited, but they did not come. He sent still others to tell them that the best of everything had been prepared. The wedding feast was about to begin. They paid him no heed, each one going about his own business. One went to his farm and another to his business. Some of them seized his servants, mistreating them, and even killing some. The king was very angry with them, and after destroying them he set their city on fire. He then instructed his servants that since the wedding was ready and those who had been invited were not worthy, they must go out on the main roads and invite anyone they saw to the wedding feast. So his servants went out and invited everyone they saw, whether they were good or bad, until the wedding hall was filled with guests. When the king came in to look everyone over, he saw a man not dressed in the wedding clothes that had been provided. He asked the man how he had come in without the proper clothes. The man had no answer. The king had him bound and cast out into the outer darkness where there was weeping and grinding of teeth. Many are invited but few take advantage of the opportunity."

149. Tribute To Caesar - Back to Page Index
Matthew 22:15-22

After this the Pharisees made plans to catch Jesus in something He said. They sent their disciples to Him along with some Herodians. These said to Him, "Teacher, we know You speak the truth according to God. Tell us, is lawful to pay tribute to Caesar." Jesus saw through their pretended respect and asked them, "Why do you test Me? You are only acting as though you respect My opinion. Show Me the money used to pay tribute. So they brought Him a denarius." He asked them, "Whose likeness and inscription do you see on this coin?" They said, "Caesar's." Then He said, "Give to Caesar what belongs to him and give to God what belongs to Him." They went away amazed at His wisdom.

150. Sadducees Question The Resurrection - Back to Page Index
Matthew 22:23-33

The same day some Sadducees, who say that the dead are not resurrected, came to Jesus with a question. "Teacher, Moses said that if a Man dies without children his brother should marry his brother's wife and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The oldest of them married and died without children. So he left his wife the next oldest brother. The second also died without children and then the third, and so forth on down to the seventh brother. Last of the All the woman died. In the resurrection, whose wife will she be? Each of the brothers had been married her." Jesus replied, "You are mistaken concerning the certainty of the resurrection in scripture. You do not understand the power of God. And in the resurrection they will be as the angels who do not marry. But concerning the reality of the resurrection of the dead, haven't you read what God has said? He said, 'I Am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' He was their God, not only while they lived, but He will also be their God when they are raised up in the resurrection." The crowds were astonished at His teaching.
151. Which Is The Greatest Commandment - Back to Page Index
Matthew 22:34-40

This only motivated the Pharisees to find another way to bring about His downfall.

A lawyer among them put this question to Jesus: "teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus said to him, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the greatest commandment. The second commandment is like the first. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The entire Law and the Prophets are built on these two commandments."

152. Jesus And David - Back to Page Index
Matthew 22:41-46

While the Pharisees were gathered together Jesus asked them a question. "Whose Son do you think Christ is?" They replied, "The Son of David." He then asked, "How then does David, when speaking in the Spirit, called Him Lord, when he says, The LORD said to my Lord, sit at My right hand until I put your enemies under your feet? If David calls Him Lord, how is He his son?" No one had an answer and they did not ask Him any more questions.
153. Jesus Last Sermon - Back to Page Index
Matthew 23:1-39

Then Jesus said to the crowd and to His disciples: "the scribes and the Pharisees sit with the authority of Moses. Do what they tell you but not what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They place heavy burdens on people which they themselves do not carry. They do their deeds in order to be noticed. They even making their phylacteries wide and wear long tassels on their garments. Public honor is important to them. They want to be greeted with respect and called Rabbi. But you should not be called Rabbi. Only One is your teacher and you are all brothers."

"And do not call anyone on earth father because you have one Father Who is in heaven. Do not be called Master, for only Christ is your Master. The greatest among you must be your servant. The one who exalts himself shall be humbled. And the one who humbles himself shall be exalted."

"Woe to you scribes and Pharisees. You are hypocrites! You shut people away from the kingdom of heaven and you are unwilling to go in yourselves. Woe to you, for you take the houses of widows while praying long prayers. Your condemnation will be great. Woe to you, because you go to any length to make one convert who thinks like you, and he turns out twice the child of hell that you are. Woe to you. You are blind guides when you say that swearing by the gold on the temple is more binding than swearing on the temple itself. You are blind fools. Which is more important, the gold on the temple, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? You say that swearing by the alter is not nearly as binding as swearing by the offering on the altar. You are blind for not understanding that the alter is more important than the offering. When swearing by the alter you are swear by it and everything on it. When you swear by the temple you are swearing by the temple and by Him that dwells within it. And whoever swears by heaven swears by both the throne of God and Him who sits upon it."

"Woe to you hypocrites. You tithe your tiny garden plants while ignoring such matters of the law as justice, mercy and faithfulness. These must be done without neglecting the tithe. You are blind guides because you strain out a gnat while swallowing a camel."

"Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup while the inside is full of robbery and self indulgence. First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside will become clean as well. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you are like tombs that are beautiful outside but inside are full of dead men's bones. You appear righteous to those watching while you are actually full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Woe to you, for you build tombs commemorating the prophets, and say to yourselves, 'Had we lived when they lived we would not have taken part in their death.' Your lives testify that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. You will finish filling the cup of guilt your fathers started. You are a brood of vipers. How do you think you will escape hell? Behold, I send prophets, wise men and scribes to you. Some you will kill and some you will crucify. Some you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city. Upon you will fall all the guilt of righteous blood shed, from Abel to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the alter. The truth is, recompense for all of these things will fall on this generation."

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Now your house is forsaken and desolate! For I say to you, After this you will not see Me until the day you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD..'"

154. The Widow's Mite - Back to Page Index
Mark 12:41-44

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched those bringing their gifts. Many were rich and placed large sums in the box. A poor widow came and put in two small coins worth about a cent. Calling His disciples, He said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow put more in the treasury than all the others put together. For they gave out of their surplus, but she put in all she had to live on."
155. Jesus Tells The Future - Back to Page Index
Matthew 24:1-51

As Jesus was leaving the temple His disciples came to Him pointing out the beauty of the temple buildings. He said to them, "Do you admire these buildings? The truth is, the day is coming when not one stone will be left on top of another. Everything will be torn down." Later He sat on the Mount of Olives and His disciples came to Him privately, and asked, "When will these things happen? Surely it will be a sign of Your coming at the end of the age." Jesus answered, "Don't let anyone deceive you. There will be many who come claiming to be Christ. And many will be mislead by them."

"When you hear of wars and rumors of yet more wars, do not be frightened. These must take place before the end. For nations will rise up against each other. There will be famines and earthquakes. All of this is merely the beginning of sorrows. At that time they will deliver you up to be mistreated, hated and killed by people everywhere. Because of this many will fall away. Some will betray and hate one another."

"There will be many false prophets who will mislead many. Lawlessness will increase and people's love will grow cold. But those who endure to the end will be saved. This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to the whole world. After that the end will come."

"When the abomination of desolation stands in the holy place, as spoken of by the prophet Daniel, those who are in Judea are to flee to the mountains. If they are on their housetops, they must not go down and try to save things in the house. Those in the field must not return to get their clothing. Those days will be very hard for those who are pregnant or nursing babies. Pray that your flight is not in winter or on a Sabbath."

"This will be the greatest tribulation since time began. Those days will be cut short for the sake of the elect."

"And if someone tries to tell you that the Christ is in a certain place, do not believe him. False Christs and false prophets will arise. They will manifest great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect. I am telling you of this before it happens. If someone says 'Christ is in the wilderness,' do not go out to see. The same thing if they say He is in some inner room. Do not believe it. In the same way that lightening is seen in the west when it flashes in the east, so will be coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light. The stars will fall from the heavens and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the heavens. This will cause all the tribes of the earth to mourn as they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. At that time He will send His angels with the sound of a great trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from every part of the earth."

"So learn from the parable of the fig tree. When its branches become tender and put forth leaves, know that summer is near. When you see all these signs, know and recognize that Christ's coming is very near."

"As a matter of fact, this generation will not pass without seeing the fulfillment of all these things. Even if heaven and earth were to pass away, My words will not pass away. As to the day and hour of My return, not even the angels of heaven have any knowledge of this. Only My Father knows this."

"When the Son of Man comes, people's attitudes will be like it was in the days of Noah. They were eating and drinking right up until the flood came. They were planning their weddings as though everything would continue just as it always had. Those people were without understanding until the flood came and took them away. So it will be when the Son of Man comes back."

"Two men will be working in the field. One will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken and the other left."

"So be alert, for you do not know when your Lord will return. You may be certain that if the head of the house had known the time when the thief would come, he would surely have been ready to protect his house. Always be ready because the you can be sure the Son of Man will come at an hour you are not expecting."

"Who is the faithful and wise servant whose master has left him in charge of his household, to give out food at the proper time? It is the servant whose master finds him doing just as he has been instructed. His master will bless him when he returns. And in fact, his master will put him in charge of everything."

"But the evil servant will think his master will be a long time in coming. He will beat his fellow servants, and drink and eat with the drunkards. Then his master will return on a day and hour he is not expecting him. And he will cut his evil servant in pieces, assigning him a place with the hypocrites, where people weep and grind their teeth."

156. Parable Of The Ten Virgins - Back to Page Index
Matthew 25:1-13

"Then kingdom of heaven may be compared to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to wait for the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. The foolish brought no extra oil, but the wise did bring extra oil, just in case they needed more. The bridegroom took longer to come than they expected, so they slept while they waited. At midnight a shout went up, 'The bridegroom is coming. Go out and meet him.' All ten virgins awoke and trimmed their lamps and prepared to meet the bridegroom. The foolish asked the wise to give them oil, for the oil in their lamps had burned low. But the wise said that they might not have enough if they gave any of their oil away. They said, 'Go and buy oil. While the foolish went to buy oil, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door to the feast was shut. Later the foolish came to the door trying to enter into the wedding feast. But the lord of the feast turned them away saying he did not know them. Always be ready, for you do not know the day or the hour."

157. Parable Of The Talents - Back to Page Index
Matthew 25:14-30

"The kingdom of heaven is like a man about to take a long trip. Calling his servants he left them in charge of his possessions. He gave five talents to one (about $100,000), to another he gave two talents (about $40,000) and to yet another he gave one talent (about $20,000), each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The first servant with five talents began trading right away. He gained five more talents. The second servant with two talents gained two more talents. But the servant who had received one talent dug a hole and hid it in the ground. After a long time the master of those servants came back to settle accounts with them. The one, who had doubled his five talents to ten, brought everything to his master. His master was very pleased and made him responsible for even more than before. The second servant who had received two talents brought four to his master. His master told him he had also done well, and he put him in charge of even more. When the servant who had received the one talent came with it to his master, 'He said, I knew that you were a hard man, who gathered where he had not planted.' I was afraid of losing your talent and I hid it in the ground so you would suffer no lose. But his master was not happy about this. He called him wicked and lazy, and said, 'You knew I wanted some gain from that which I put in your charge.' You should have at least put the money in the bank and I could have at least had interest on it. Then he said, 'Take the talent away from him and give it to the one with ten talents.' For everyone who has, more shall be given to him. The one who does not have any increase, whatever he has will be taken away from him. Throw this worthless servant into the outer darkness, to a place where they weep and grind their teeth."

158. The Day Of Judgment - Back to Page Index
Matthew 25:31-46

"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and brings His angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him and He will sort them out just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. And He will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you at the foundation of the world. For when I was hungry, you gave Me food. And when I was thirsty, you gave Me water to drink. I was a stranger and you invited Me in. I was naked, and you clothed Me. I was sick and you visited Me. I was in prison and you came to Me. But the righteous will say, 'When did we ever see You hungry and feed You, or see You thirsty and give You something to drink?' When did we see You a stranger, invite You in, or see you in need of clothing and give You clothes? When did we see you sick or in prison and come to You? The King will answer, 'The truth is, when you did it to the least of My brothers, you were doing it for Me.'"

"But to those on His left He will say, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into eternal fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels.' For I was hungry and thirsty and you did nothing for Me. I was a stranger and you did not invite Me in. I was naked but you did not help Me. I was sick and in prison, but you did not visit Me. Those on His left will say, 'When did we see You in any need and not help You? Then He will answer, 'The truth is, when you did not help one of the least of My brothers, you did not help Me.' These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will enter into eternal life."

159. Jesus Tells When He Will Be Crucified - Back to Page Index
Matthew 26:1-5

When Jesus had finished explaining how He would determine who would be in His kingdom, He said to His disciples, "you realize that the Passover is coming in two days, and the Son of Man will be betrayed and handed over to be crucified." While Jesus was saying this to his disciples, the chief priests and the elders were gathering in the court of Caiaphas, the high priest, making plans to secretly seize Jesus and kill Him. They had decided to not attempt this during the festival lest, it cause a riot.

160. Anointed By Mary At Simon's Feast - Back to Page Index
Matthew 26:6-13

It was at this time that Jesus went to the home of Simon the leper. A woman approached Him with an alabaster container of very costly perfume. She poured it on His head while He was reclining at the table. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. They asked among themselves what purpose this extravagance served? They were saying, "The perfume could have been sold for a great deal of money and given to the poor." Aware of what they were saying about her, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering her? She has done a very nice thing for me. You will always have the poor, but you will not always have Me. She has poured this perfume on My body to prepare Me for My burial. Everywhere this Gospel is preached throughout the world, this act will be told in memory of her."

161. Judas Contracts The Betrayal - Back to Page Index
Matthew 26:14-16

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests, And bargained with them over what they would pay him to betray Jesus to them. They promised him thirty pieces of silver if he did this. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

162. Preparation For The Passover - Back to Page Index
Luke 22:7-13

Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread when the Passover lamb must be killed. Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare the Passover for them. They asked Him, "Where do You want us to prepare it?" He said, "When you enter the city you will see a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house he goes in to. Say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher is asking, where is the guest room where I and My disciples may eat the Passover?' He will show you a large, furnished room. Prepare the Passover there." They left and found everything just as Jesus had told them and they prepared the Passover.

163. Passover Eaten - Back to Page Index
Luke 22:14-23

At the appointed hour Jesus reclined at the table with the apostles. He said to them, "I have wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." When He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, "Share this among yourselves. I will not drink of the fruit of the vine anymore until the kingdom of God comes." Then He took some bread and after giving thanks, broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way after they had eaten He took the cup and said, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. The hand of the one who will betray Me is on the table with My hand. It has been determined how the Son of Man will die but woe to the one who betrays Him." They began to discuss among themselves which of them would do this.

164. Jealousy Rebuked - Back to Page Index
Luke 22:24-30

And there was also a dispute among them as to who was the greatest. Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise authority over those they want to be thought of as benefactors. It must not be this way with you. The one who is greatest among you must consider himself as a servant to the rest. Who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? It is not the one who reclines at the table, but the one who serves, for I have given you an example as One who serves. You have stood by Me in My trials. I am giving you a kingdom just as My Father has appointed it to Me. In My kingdom you will eat and drink at My table and you will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel."

165. Jesus Washes The Disciples Feet - Back to Page Index
John 13:1-20

It was just before the Feast of Passover. Jesus knew that His hour of sacrifice was at hand. Soon He would return to His Father. He had loved His own in this world. He would now show them the full extent of His love. It was supper time and the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had placed everything in His hands. He had come from God and was about to go back to God.

Getting up from supper and laying aside His garments, Jesus girded Himself with a towel. Pouring water into a basin He began to wash the disciple's feet and wipe them with the towel He had wrapped around Himself. When He came to Peter, he said, "Lord, how can You wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You do not understand what I am doing, but, eventually you will." Peter said, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus said, "Unless I wash you, you can have no part with Me." Peter replied, "Then Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head." Jesus replied, "He who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed to be completely clean. You are clean. But this is not true of everyone here." Jesus knew the one who was betraying Him. This is why He said."Not everyone here is clean."

After Jesus had finished washing their feet, He put His garments on again and reclined at the table. He said, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you too should wash each other's feet. I have given you an example. Do as I have done. The truth is, just as a slave is not greater than his master, neither is the one sent greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you. I know whom I have chosen. The scripture will be fulfilled that says, 'He who eats My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.' I am telling you of this before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you may believe that I am the Son of God. I tell you the truth, he who receives the one I send receives Me. And he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."

166. Judas Revealed - Back to Page Index
John 13:21-30

After saying this Jesus became very troubled in spirit and said, "Truly, one of you is going betray Me." The disciples looked around at each other. Everyone was at a loss to know who He was talking about. The disciple that Jesus loved was reclining on His bosom. Simon Peter gestured to him to find out who Jesus was talking about. So John leaned back on Jesus bosom and asked, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus said, "I will dip this morsel and give it to him." And He gave the morsel to Judas Iscariot.

After that Satan entered into Judas. And Jesus spoke to him saying, "Quickly do what you are going to do." No one at the table knew why Jesus had said this to Judas. Some thought that because Judas carried the money box he might be going out to buy something for the feast, or to give something to the poor.

After receiving the morsel, Judas left immediately. It was night.

167. Jesus Warns Of Future Desertion - Back to Page Index
John 13:31-38

When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in what I do, He will glorify Me right away. Little children, I am with you just a little longer. You will look for Me and just as I told the Jews, where I am going you cannot come."

"I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. This is how all men will know that you are My disciples." Simon Peter said, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus said, "Although you cannot come with Me right now, you will follow later." Peter said, "Lord, why can't I come with You now? I'll follow you even if it means death." Jesus said, "Will you die for Me? The truth is, you will deny me three times before the rooster crows."

168. Institution Of The Lord's Supper - Back to Page Index
Matthew 26:26-29

While they ate, Jesus took some bread, blessed it and broke it. Giving it to the disciples, He said, "Take and eat. This is My body." He also took the cup and after giving thanks, passed it to them, saying, "Everyone drink from this cup, for this is My blood of the new covenant which is poured out for the forgiveness of the sins of many. I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the day I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."

169. Last Words - Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled - Back to Page Index
John 14:1-31

"Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwellings. You may be sure that I am telling the truth when I say that I am going to prepare a place for you. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will return for you so that where I am you can be also. And you know where I am going." Thomas said, "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the place You speak of?" Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. The only way to the Father is through Me. If you have known Me then you know the Father. So you know Him and have seen Him."

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and it will be enough for us." Jesus said, "Philip, have I been with you this long and you do not know Me yet? If you have seen Me, then you have seen the Father. Don't you believe that the Father and I are one? The words I speak are not my own but the Father's who abides in Me. Believe that the Father and I are one, or believe because of the works I do. I tell you the truth when I say that he who believes in Me and the works I do, will do even greater works after I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name I will do for you. This will glorify the Father. If you ask anything in My name I will do it."

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him because it does not see or know Him. But you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will come to you even though I have left this world. In a little while the world will no longer see Me. But you will. And because I live, you will also live. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you will be in Me and I in you. He who knows My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The Father loves the one who loves Me, and I will make Myself known to him."

Judas, not Iscariot, said, "Lord, how will we see You while the world does not?" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves Me he will keep My word, and My Father and I will make Our abode with him. The one who does not keep My words does not love Me. The words I have spoken are actually the words of My Father who sent Me. While I have been with you I have spoken of these things. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things. And He will help you remember the things I have said to you."

"I am leaving you with peace. My peace is not like the world's peace. You do not need to be troubled or afraid. You have heard Me say that I am going away and will come to you again. If you love Me this will make you happy, because I am going to the Father who is greater than Me. I have told you this before it happens so that when it happens you will believe. I cannot speak much longer because the ruler of this world is coming. But he has no power over Me. In order that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as He has commanded Me. Come now. Let us be going."

170. Last Words - I Am The Vine - Back to Page Index
John 15:1-27

"I am the true vine, and My Father cares for the vine. He removes every branch in Me that does not bear fruit. And He prunes the branches that bear fruit so that they may bear even more fruit. And you have been pruned because of what I have taught you. But you cannot bear fruit unless you abide in Me and I in you. I am the vine and you are the branches. Apart from Me you cannot bear fruit. Those branches that do not abide in Me wither and are cut off. Eventually they will be gathered and burned."

"If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask what you will and it will be granted to you. My Father is glorified when you bear much fruit. This is how you remain My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you. Abide in My love. By keeping My commandments you are abiding in My love, the same way I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

"This is My commandment. Love one another the way I have loved you. No one has greater love than the one who lays down his life for his friends. And you are My friends if you do what I command you. From now on I will not call you servants, for servants do not know what their master is doing. I will call you My friends. Everything My Father tells me, I will then make known to you."

"You did not choose Me. I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit that endures. Then whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give to you. My command to you is to love one another."

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, the world would love you. But I have chosen you and you are not of the world. Therefore it hates you."

"Remember what I have told you, a servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they value what I have said, they will value what you say. All these things they will do to you because of Me, for they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. The one who hates Me also hates My Father. If I had not done the works which no one has ever done, they would not have sin. But after seeing these things, they hate Me and My Father. What they have done fulfills what was written in their law, 'They hated Me without cause.'"

"When the Helper who is the Spirit of truth comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you will testify of Me because you have been with Me from the beginning."

171. Last Words - I Will Send The Helper - Back to Page Index
John 16:1-33

"I have told you these things so that you will not stumble. You will be put out of the synagogues and the time will come when those who kill you will think they are doing a service to God. They will do this because they have not known the Father or Me. I have told you about this so that when the time comes you will remember that you were warned. I did not tell you about this to begin with because I was here with you. But now I am going away to Him who sent Me. Why aren't any of you asking Me where I am going? Sorrow fills your heart when I say this. But it is to your advantage that I go away. The Helper will not come until I have gone. After I am gone I will send Him to you. When He comes He will convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He will convict them of their sin in not believing in Me. And concerning righteousness because I go to the Father and you will no longer see Me. He will convict of judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged."

"I have many more things I would like to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will only speak of whatever He hears, and He will show you things yet to come. He will glorify Me by disclosing to you what is Mine. Whatever belongs to the Father belongs to Me and this is what He will disclose to you. In a little while you will no longer see Me. And then in a little more time you will see Me once more."

Some of the disciples said among themselves, "What does He mean when He says that in a little while we will not see Him, and that He is going to the Father? We do not know what He is talking about."

Jesus knew that they were questioning what He had said and He said to them, "Are you wondering what I mean when I say that in a little while you will not see Me, and then in a little more time you will see Me? The truth is, you will weep and lament while the world rejoices. But your grief will turn to joy. When a woman is in labor, as her hour approaches, she has pain. But when she has given birth she forgets the anguish she experienced because of the joy that her child has been born into the world. That is how it will be for you. You have grief now, but when I see you again you will rejoice and no one will take away your joy. In that day your questions will all be answered. The truth is, you will be able to ask the Father for anything in My name, and He will give it to you. Up to now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, in order that your joy may be full."

"I have spoken figuratively, but the time is coming when I will speak plainly of the Father. In that day you will ask in My name and I will not need to ask the Father for you. For the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that He sent Me. I came from the Father into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

His disciples said, "Now You are speaking plainly and not using a figure of speech. Now we know that You know all things and do not need to be questioned by anyone. Because of this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered, "Do you now believe? The hour is almost here when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and I will be left alone. Yet I am not alone for the Father is with Me. I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage, I have overcome the world."

172. Last Words - Full Joy - Back to Page Index
John 17:1-26

After Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted His eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son that He may glorify You. Even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, and eternal life to those You have given to Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on earth, and I have accomplished the work You gave Me to do. Now, O Father, glorify Me together with You, with the glory I had with You before the world was. I have made Your name known to those whom you gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours and You gave them to Me. And they have kept Your word. And they have come to realize that everything You have given Me came from You. For the words which You gave Me I have given to them. And they have received them and truly understood that I came forth from You. They have believed that You sent Me. I do not pray on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those You gave Me, and who belong to You. All that I have is Yours and all that is Yours is Mine. And I am glorified in them. Now I am no more in the world, but they are. I am coming to You, Holy Father. And I ask that You keep them in Your name, the name you have given Me, that they may be one, even as we are one."

"While I was with them I kept them in Your name. None of them are lost except the son of perdition, so that scripture will be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and I speak these things in the world that they may have My joy fully in themselves. I have given them Your word. The world hates them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify Myself for their sakes so that they may be sanctified in truth."

"I am not asking for just these, but for all those who will believe through their word." I want them to be one, just as You and I are one, and that they may be one with Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me. "The glory which You gave Me I have given to them, so that they may be one, just as We are one. I in them and You in Me, that they may be in perfect unity, that the world may know that You sent Me, and love them, as you have loved Me."

"Father, I desire that those You have given Me may be with Me where I am, and that they may see My glory which You gave to Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O Righteous Father, the world has not known You, but I have known You, and these know that You have sent Me. I have made Your name known to them, and will continue to do so, that the love which You had for Me may be in them, and I in them."

173. The Grief Of Gethsemane - Back to Page Index
Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus came to a place called Gethsemane and asked His disciples to sit there while He went over a little way to pray. He took Peter, James and John with Him. He then became very sorrowful, weighed down with grief. He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved. Please wait here and keep watch with Me." Then He went on a little farther and fell on His face and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will."

He came back to His disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Why couldn't you have kept watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." He went away once more and prayed, "My Father, if this cup cannot pass from me, and I must drink it, Your will be done." Again He came and found them asleep for they were very tired. He left them again and prayed the same prayer a third time.

Then coming to His disciples, He said to them, "Are you still sleeping? Well, the hour is at hand for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hand of sinners. Let us be going. The one who betrays Me is at hand!"

174. Betrayal, Arrest, Deserted - Back to Page Index
Matthew 26:47-56

Even as He spoke, Judas, one of the twelve, came with a large crowd carrying swords and clubs. They had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Judas had told them, "Whomever I kiss, seize Him. He is the one you want." Judas went to Jesus and said, "Hail Rabbi!" And he kissed Him. Then Jesus said to Judas, "Friend, what have you come for." So the crowd laid their hands on Jesus to take Him away. One of those who was with Jesus drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest cutting off his ear. Jesus said, "Put your sword away. Those taking up the sword will perish by the sword. Don't you realize that I could ask My Father and He would at once send more than twelve legions of angels? But how else will the scriptures be fulfilled which say that this must happen."

Then Jesus addressed the crowd, saying, "Why have you come to arrest me with swords and clubs as though I was a robber? All the time I was teaching in the temple you could have seize Me. Everything that is happening tonight fulfills the words of the prophets." Then all the disciples deserted Him.

175. Examined By Annas - Back to Page Index
John 18:12-14

Then the band of men with the officers of the Jews and their captain bound Jesus and took Him. They led Him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man die for the people.

John 18:19-23

The high priest was questioning Jesus about His disciples and the things He had taught. Jesus said, "I spoke openly to everyone. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple where all the Jews came together and anyone could listen. I said nothing in secret. Why question Me? Ask those who heard what I said to them." When He had said this, one of the officers standing near Jesus struck Him, saying, "Is that how you speak to the high priest?" Jesus answered him saying, "If I said something wrong, tell Me what it was. If I spoke correctly, why do you strike Me?"

176. Trial By Caiaphas And Council - Back to Page Index
Matthew 26:57-68

Those who had seized Him took Him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered. But Peter followed Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. Entering in, he sat with the officers to see what would happen to Jesus.

The chief priests, the elders and the whole council were trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus so they could put Him to death. There were many that offered false witness but no two agreed. Finally two were found whose testimony agreed. They said, "This man said, I am able destroy this temple and rebuild it again in three days." The high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "What do You have to say about what these men have testified against You?" Jesus said nothing. Then the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "What you have said is true. And I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." At these words, the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! Do we need more witnesses. What do you say?" They all answered, "He deserves to die!"

They spit in His face and beat Him with their fists. Others slapped Him. They said, "Prophesy to us, You Christ. Tell us who hit You."

177. Peter Denies Jesus Three Times - Back to Page Index
Mark 14:54-72

And Peter followed at a distance. He went right into the courtyard of the high priest and sat with the officers warming himself by the fire.

Now the chief priests and the whole Council tried to obtain something to use against Jesus so they could put Him to death. But they couldn't find anything. There were plenty of false testimonies, but no two agreed. Some gave this false testimony: "we heard Him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands and in three days I will build another not made with hands.'" The witnesses could not agree on this testimony.

The high priest stood up. Coming forward he questioned Jesus, saying, "Don't You have an answer to these accusations?" But Jesus kept silent. Then the high priest asked Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus replied, "I Am. And you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, coming in the clouds of heaven." Tearing his clothes, the high priest said, "Why do we need any other witnesses? You heard Him speak blasphemy. What do you say?" And they all condemned Him as deserving death. Some began to spit on Him. Others put a blindfold on Him and beat Him with their fists, saying, "Prophesy. Who hit you?" And others were slapping Him.

Peter was still sitting down below in the courtyard. One of the high priest's servant girls came over to where he was. Seeing Peter she said, "You were with Jesus of Nazareth." But Peter denied any connection to Jesus, saying, "I have no idea what you are talking about." He went out on the porch just as a rooster crowed. A servant girl out there saw him and said to those around her, "This man is one of them!" Again Peter denied it. A short time later someone else said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them. Your speech shows you are from Galilee." Peter began to curse and swear, and then said, "I do not know the man you are talking about!" At that moment the rooster crowed a second time. Peter then remembered what Jesus had said earlier, that he, Peter, would deny his Master three times before a rooster crowed twice. And Peter began to weep.

178. Condemnation By The Council - Back to Page Index
Luke 22:66-71

At daybreak the elders, the chief priests and the scribes led Him away to their council chamber. They said, "If You are the Christ, tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe Me. And if I ask you a question, you will not answer or let Me go. The time will come when the Son of Man will sit on the throne at the right hand of the power of God." Then they asked Him, "So are You the Son of God?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes, I am." Having heard His answer, they said, "What other testimony is required? We have heard Him say it with His own mouth."
179. Suicide Of Judas - Back to Page Index
Matthew 27:3-10

When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, was sorry for what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying to them, "I have betrayed an innocent Man." They replied, "What is that to us? That's your problem." Judas threw the money on the temple floor and went out and hanged himself. Picking up the money, the chief priests said, "This is blood money. The law will not allow us to put this money into the temple treasury." Conferring together, they decided that the money should be used to buy the Potter's Field to be used as a burial place for strangers. That is how that field came to be known as the Field of Blood. The words of the prophet Jeremiah were fulfilled where he said, "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set by the children of Israel. They gave it for the Potter's Field, as the LORD directed."

180. Before Pilot - Back to Page Index
John 18:28-38

It was now early morning as they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. They did not want to enter it themselves because this would defile them and prevent them from eating the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and said, "What accusation are you bringing against this Man?" They answered saying, "If this Man had done no wrong we would not be delivering Him to you." So Pilate said, "Take Him and judge Him according to your own law." The Jews replied, "We are not allowed to put anyone to death." This fulfilled what Jesus had said about how He would die. Pilate took Jesus into the Praetorium and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "Are you asking this on your own initiative, or because others said it about Me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? The chief priests of Your nation have brought You to me. What have You done?" Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it was My servants would be fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as I have said, My kingdom is not of this realm." Pilate said, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "Yes. I was born for this purpose, to testify to the truth. Those who are of the truth hear My voice." Pilate said, "What is truth?" After saying this, he went out to the Jews and said, "I find no fault in this Man."
181. Before Herod - Back to Page Index
Luke 23:6-12

Hearing this, Pilate wanted to know if Jesus was Galilean? Learning that he belonged in Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time.

Now Herod was glad to meet Jesus for he had wanted to see Him for some time. He had heard about the signs He had done and he wanted to see some of them. When Jesus had been brought to Herod, he questioned Jesus at length but Jesus would not answer any questions. All the while the chief priests and scribes stood by accusing Him vehemently.

Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt. They mocked Him, dressed Him in a royal robe and sent Him back to Pilate. Previously Herod and Pilate had been enemies but after this they became friends.

182. Before Pilate A Second Time - Back to Page Index
Matthew 27:15-26

During this feast it was the governor's custom to release any prisoner the people asked for. A notorious prisoner named Barabbas was currently being held. So Pilate offered the people a choice."Shall I release Barabbas to you, or Jesus Who is called Christ?" He knew why Jesus had been handed over to him. Then he received a message from his wife, saying, "Have nothing to do with this righteous Man. I have had a frightening dream because of Him." But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitude to ask for the release of Barabbas and that Jesus be put to death. Pilate, however, persisted, asking the crowd once more, "Which of the two shall I release to you?" And they said, "Barabbas." Then Pilate said, "What shall I do with Jesus called the Christ?" They all said, "Crucify Him! Why?" He asked."What evil has He done?" But they kept shouting all the more, "Crucify Him!"

When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing and a riot was in the making, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. He said, "I am innocent of this Man's blood. See to it yourselves." And all the people said, "His blood be upon us and on our children."

So Pilate released Barabbas to them, and had Jesus scourged before handing Him over to be crucified.

183. Mocked By The Roman Soldiers - Back to Page Index
Matthew 27:27-30

The governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and the entire Roman cohort gathered around Him. They stripped Him of His garments and placed a scarlet robe on Him. They made a crown of thorns which they placed on His head. Placing a reed in His right hand, they knelt before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spit on Him and took the reed from Him and began beating Him on the head.
184. Led To Golgotha - Back to Page Index
Matthew 27:31-34

When they had finished mocking Him they replace the scarlet robe with His own garments and led Him out to be crucified. On the way they compelled a man of Cyrene named Simon to carry His cross.

When they had come to a place called Golgotha, which means, Place of a Skull, they offered Him some wine mixed with gall. But when He had tasted it He would not drink it.

185. First Three Hours On The Cross - Back to Page Index
Matthew 27:35-44

After crucifying Him they divided His garments between them by casting lots. Then they sat down to watch Him die.

Pilate had an inscription placed above His head. It was the accusation against Him, reading, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews."

Two robbers had been condemned and were crucified with Him, one on His right and the other on His left. People passed by the place. They were reviling Him and wagging their heads, As they said, "So You were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days? Save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." In the same manner the chief priests, the scribes and the elders mocked Him saying, "He saved others. He cannot save Himself. If He is the King of Israel let Him come down from the cross. Then we will believe His claim. He trusts in God. Let God rescue Him now if He delights in Him. After all, He did say that He is God's Son." The robbers who had been crucified with him were also insulting Him with similar words.

186. Last Three Hours On The Cross - Back to Page Index
Matthew 27:45-50

From the sixth hour (noon) darkness fell over all the land until the ninth hour (three o'clock). At about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" Translated: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Some of those standing by said, "He is calling for Elijah." One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine. Placing it on a reed, he offered it to Him. But the rest of them said, "Let us watch to see if Elijah will come and save Him." Jesus cried out once more with a loud voice and then yielded up His spirit.
187. Events Attending Jesus Death - Back to Page Index
Matthew 27:51-56

At this moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth shook. Rocks were split. Tombs were opened and many bodies of saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After His resurrection they came out of their tombs and entered the holy city where they were seen by many.

The centurion, and the others keeping guard over Jesus, were frightened by the earthquake and said, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" Many women who had followed Jesus and ministered to Him in Galilee, were watching from a distance. Among them was Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph. Also there was the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

188. Burial Of Jesus - Back to Page Index
John 19:31-42

Because it was the day of preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross over the Sabbath, because it was a high day. They asked Pilate to break the legs of those who had been crucified and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus they discovered that He was already dead, so they did not break His legs. One of the soldiers thrust a spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water came out.

The one who saw this has testified to what he saw, and his testimony is true. He is telling the truth so that you may believe. These things happened to fulfill scripture, "Not a bone of Him shall be broken." And in another place scripture says, "They shall look upon Him whom they have pierced."

After this Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate for the body of Jesus, and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, also came with about one hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes. They bound the body of Jesus in linen wrappings along with the spices, as was the burial custom of the Jews.

Near the place where He was crucified there was a garden with a new tomb which had never been used. And because it was the Jewish day of preparation, and the tomb was near by, they laid Jesus in it.

189. Tomb Sealed - Back to Page Index
Matthew 27:61-66

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat near the grave.

The next day after they had buried the body of Jesus, the chief priests and the Pharisees came to Pilate. They said, "Sir, we remember that this man said that He would rise again after three days. For this reason a guard should be placed to make the grave secure until the third day. Otherwise His disciples may come and steal the body from the grave and say that He has risen from the dead. The last deception would be even worse than the first." Pilate gave them a guard and told them to make the grave as secure as they could. So they took the guard to make the grave secure, and placed a seal on the stone.

Mark 15:47

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He had been laid.

190. Early Visitors To The Tomb - Back to Page Index
John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb. It was still dark and she saw that the stone had been rolled away. She ran to find Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the LORD out of the tomb and we do not know where they have laid Him." So Peter and the other disciple left for the tomb. They were running together but the other disciple ran faster and came to the tomb first. Stooping down he looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived, he entered the tomb and saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the napkin that had been around Jesus head. It was folded and laid to one side by itself. Then the other disciple also entered the tomb and saw and believed. They had not understood the scripture that said He must rise again from the dead. Then Simon Peter and the other disciple each returned to his own home.

Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept she stooped and looked into the tomb. She saw two angels dressed in white, sitting there. One was at the head and the other at the foot of where Jesus had been laid. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She answered, "Because they have taken my Lord away and I do not know where they have laid Him." After saying this, she turned away and saw someone standing behind her. She did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?" Thinking He was the gardener she said, "Sir, if you have taken Him out of the tomb, tell me where you have laid Him and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" Then it was that she recognized Him. Turning to Him, she exclaiming, "Rabboni!" (Which in Hebrew means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not detain Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. Go to My brethren and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene then went to the disciples and told them that she had seen the LORD, and what He had said to her.

191. The Guards Report Of The Resurrection - Back to Page Index
Matthew 28:11-15

At this time some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. When the elders had assembled and consulted together they then gave the soldiers a large sum of money, and said, "When asked what happened, say that His disciples came at night and stole Him out of the tomb while you slept. If the governor hears about this we will deal with him in order to keep you out of trouble." The soldiers took the money and did as they had been instructed. The story has been widely told and believed among the Jews to this day.

192. On The Road To Emmaus - Back to Page Index
Luke 24:13-35

Later that day two of them were going to the village of Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were discussing everything that had happened. While they talked, Jesus approached and traveled with them. They were prevented from recognizing Him. He said to them, "What have you been discussing?" At this question they became very sad. One of them named Cleopas said, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem who is unaware of what has happened?" And Jesus said, "What things?" So they told Him about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a mighty prophet in the sight of God. They said, "Everyone knows this." They told how the chief priests and rulers had delivered Him to be crucified. "And we had hoped that He was the One who would redeem Israel. This is the third day since this happened. And today some women amazed us, telling us how they were at the tomb early this morning, and did not find His body. They said they had seen a vision of angels who said that He is alive. Some of us went to the tomb and found it just as they had described it. His body was not there."

Then Jesus said to them, "O foolish men, so slow to believe everything spoken of by the prophets! Wasn't it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things before entering into His glory?" Then, beginning with Moses and the prophets, He explained all the prophesies concerning Himself in the scriptures. They were approaching the place where they would stay and Jesus acted as though He was going farther. They said, "It will soon be evening. Stay the evening with us." So He went in and stayed with them. When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it before breaking it. Then He gave it to them. At that moment their eyes were opened and they knew Who He was. Then He vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road as He explained the scriptures to us?"

They immediately returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven gathered with some of the others. They were discussing how the LORD has risen and had appeared to Simon. Then the two who had just arrived told how Jesus had talked with them on the road and how they recognized Him when He broke the bread.

193. Jesus Appears To The Disciples Without Thomas - Back to Page Index
Luke 24:36-43

While they were discussing these things, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." They thought they were seeing a spirit and it frightened them. He said to them, "Why are you troubled and why do you doubt? See My hands and My feet. Touch Me. A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." While saying this, He was showing them His hands and His feet. As they looked on with joy and amazement He asked for something to eat. They gave Him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb. He ate it as they watched.
194. Jesus Appears To The Disciples With Thomas - Back to Page Index
John 20:26-31

Eight days later the disciples were together again and this time Thomas was with them. Though the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger and feel My hands. And put your hand into My side, and believe." Thomas answered Him, saying, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Do you believe because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who believe without seeing."

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of the disciples that are not written in this book. These things have been recorded so that you may believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have eternal life through His name.

195. Jesus Appears To Seven Disciple By The Sea Of Galilee - Back to Page Index
John 21:1-25

After this Jesus showed Himself to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). It happened this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples, were together. Simon Peter said, "I am going fishing." And the others said, "We will go with you." So they took a boat out all night and caught nothing. As the day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know it was Him. Calling out to them, He said, "Children, did you catch any fish?" They answered, "No." Then He said to them, "Cast your net on the other side of the boat and you will find fish." So they cast their net on the other side and were not able to haul the net in because there were so many fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the LORD." Hearing this, Peter put on his outer garment, for he had stripped down for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came to shore in the boat which was about a hundred yards from shore. They were dragging the net full of fish. When they got to land they discovered a fire that had burned down to coals and was cooking fish and bread.

Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you just caught." Simon Peter went and pulled the net to land. It was full of one hundred and fifty three large fish, yet the net had not broken. Jesus said, "Come, have breakfast." None of the disciples asked Him, "Who are You?" They knew it was the LORD.

Jesus gave them bread and fish. This was the third time that Jesus showed Himself to the disciples after He was raised from the dead.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" Peter said, "Yes Lord. You know that I love You." Jesus said, "Feed My lambs." A second time Jesus said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Jesus, "Yes Lord, You know I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep." Then He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because Jesus had asked him a third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were young you would dress yourself and go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and bring you where you do not wish to go." Jesus said this to signify with what sort of death Peter would glorify God. And when Jesus had said this, He then said to him, "Follow Me."

Peter turned and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. This was the disciple who had leaned on Jesus bosom at the supper to ask who it was that was betraying Jesus. Seeing this disciple, Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, what will happen to this man?" Jesus said to him, "If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you? Follow Me." Because Jesus had said this to Peter, many of the brethren thought that He had said that this disciple would not die before Jesus had come, but Jesus did not say this.

This same disciple is testifying to these things and has written them down, and we know he is telling the truth. Jesus did many other signs, which if they were all written down, I suppose that the world could not contain the books that would be written.

196. The Great Commission - Back to Page Index
Matthew 28:16-20

"The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain that Jesus had designated." When they saw Him they worshiped Him, though some remained doubtful. Jesus spoke to them saying, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me. You are go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you. Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen."
197. Jesus Ascends Into Heaven - Back to Page Index
Luke 24:50-53

He led them out of the city as far as Bethany where He lifted His hands and blessed them. While He was doing this, He was separated from them and carried up into heaven. They worshiped Him and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were in the temple continually praising God.
198. Jesus' Ascension According Acts - Back to Page Index
Acts 1:6-11

So when they were all together they asked Him, "Lord, is the kingdom of Israel being restored at this time?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know the time for the things the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, then Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth." And after He had said these things. He was lifted up from them. As they watched a cloud receive Him out of their sight. As they continued gazing intently into the sky, having watched Him rise, two men in white clothing stood next to them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, whom you have watched go up, shall come back in the same manner."

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