WHY THIS IS GOOD NEWS - LUKE.
This is based on the N.I.V. Translation and the
Nestle Greek text of Luke's Gospel written about
A.D. 70 or 27 lifetimes ago.
Many have written of what's been fulfilled among
us,
-as handed down to us
-by those who were from the first
-eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
-Therefore, having investigated from their
source,
-all things accurately,
-it seemed good for me to write to you
-most excellent Theophilus,
-so you might know the reliability
-of what you've been taught.
-In the days of Judea's King Herod,
-there was a priest named Zechariah,
-whose wife was named Elizabeth (both of
priestly descent from Aaron).
-They were both righteous before God,
-blamelessly keeping His commandments
and ordinances.
-But they were childless, because
-Elizabeth was barren
-and they were both old.
-While serving as high priest before God
-according to priestly custom,
-it fell to him by lot to burn incense
in the Lord's Temple.
-A multitude of people
-were praying outside
-at the incense hour.
-And an angel of the Lord appeared to him
-standing at the right side of the incense
altar.
-Zechariah was troubled and fearful.
-The angel said,"Don't fear
-your prayer's been heard,
-your wife will have a son
-and you'll call him John.
-You'll have joy and gladness
-and many will rejoice at his
birth
-for he'll be great in the
Lord's eyes.
-He'll drink neither wine nor
strong drink
-and he'll be filled with the
Holy Spirit
-from his mother's womb
-and many of Israel's sons
-will turn to the Lord their
God.
-And he'll go before Him
-in the spirit and power of
Elijah
-to turn fathers' hearts to
children
-and disobedient to the wisdom
of the just
-to make ready a people
prepared for the Lord.
-Zechariah replied "How can I be sure of this,
-I'm old and so's my wife?"
-The angel said "I'm Gabriel,
-I stand in God's presence
-and I was sent to tell you this,
-but because you didn't believe me
-You'll be dumb 'til what I've
said happens."
-Expecting Zechariah, the people marvelled at
his delay.
-Going out dumb, they knew he'd seen a
vision
-for he beckoned them but remained
speechless.
-Completing his days of service, he
went home.
-Elizabeth conceived and hid herself
for five months
-saying, "The Lord's done this to
me,
-He's shown His favour
-and taken away my disgrace
among the people."
-In the sixth month the angel Gabriel
-was sent from God to Nazareth
-to a virgin called Mary who was betrothed
to Joseph of David's house.
-Coming to her he said,
-"Hail highly favoured one,
-the Lord's with you."
-Greatly disturbed, she considered
-what sort of greeting this
might be.
-The angel said, "Don't fear Mary,
you've found favour with God,
-you'll conceive, bear a son and
call Him Jesus.
-He'll be great,
-called the Son of the Most High
and
-the Lord God will give Him the
throne of His father David.
-He'll reign over Jacob's house
forever,
-His kingdom will never end."
-Mary said, "How will this be, since
I'm a virgin?"
-The angel said, "The Holy Spirit will
come upon you,
-the power of the Most High will
overshadow you
-so the Holy One born of you will be
called God's Son.
-Your relative Elizabeth's conceived
a son
-in her old age,
-the one called barren is six
months pregnant
-for when God says the word,
nothing's impossible."
-Mary said "I'm the Lord's servant
-may it happen to me according to
your word."
-And the angel left.
-Mary hastened up to a city in Judah's
mountain country,
-entered Elizabeth's house and greeted her.
-When Elizabeth heard the greeting
-the babe leapt in her womb
-and Elizabeth was filled with the
Holy Spirit.
-With a great cry she said
-"You're blessed among women
-and blessed is the child you'll
bear.
-Why am I so favoured that my
Lord's mother comes to me?
-When I heard your greeting
-the babe in my womb leapt for
joy.
-You're blessed for believing
that what
-the Lord said to you will
happen."
-Mary said,
-"My soul magnifies the Lord
-and my spirit exulted in God my Saviour
-because He looked upon my humble status
-so that now all generations will call
me blessed
-because the Mighty One did great
things to me
-and Holy is His Name.
-He's merciful to all who fear Him (have
reverent awe)
-from generation to generation.
-With His mighty arm
-He scattered those with haughty
hearts,
-pulling down the mighty from
their thrones
-and exalting the humble,
-filling the hungry with good
things
-and sending the rich away
empty.
-Remembering to be merciful, He's nurtured
His child Israel
-as He spoke to our fathers
-Abraham and his descendants forever."
-Mary stayed about three months before
returning home.
-When it was time, Elizabeth gave birth to a
son.
-Neighbours and relatives heard of
-the Lord's great mercy to her
-and rejoiced with her.
-Coming to circumcise him on the eighth day
-they called him Zechariah after his
father.
-But his mother said, "No, he's to be
named John."
-They said "None of your relatives has
that name."
-By signs they asked his father to
name him.
-Asking for a tablet he wrote John.
-They all marvelled.
-Instantly he could speak
-and he spoke blessing God.
-Fear came upon their neighbours
-and in all Judea's mountain country
-these facts were talked about.
-Everyone who heard wondered
-"What will this child be
-for the Lord's hand was with
him."
-Zechariah filled with the Holy Spirit
prophesied.
-"Blessed be the Lord, Israel's God
-because He visited and redeemed His
people
-and raised up a horn of salvation for
us
-in the house of His servant David
-as He spoke in the past through
the mouth of His holy prophets
-to save us from our enemies
-and out of the hand of all
those hating us.
-To perform mercy to our
fathers
-and remember His holy
covenant,
-the oath He swore to our
father Abraham
-to deliver us from our
enemies
-so we might serve Him without
fear
-in holiness and righteousness
before Him
-all our life.
-And you child shall be called a prophet of
the Most High
-for you'll go before the Lord to prepare
His ways
-to give knowledge of salvation to His
people
-by the forgiveness of their sins
-through the tender mercy of our God
-whereby light from on high will
visit us
-shining on those sitting in
darkness
-and death's shadow
-to guide our feet into the
way of peace."
-And the child grew and
-became strong in spirit
-living in deserts
-until the days of his public appearance
to Israel.
(Chapter 1)
In those days Caesar Augustus (B.C. 31- A.D. 41)
-decreed that a census be taken of all the
(Roman) world.
-(This first census was when Quirinius
governed Syria).
-And everyone went to his own town to
register.
-So Joseph went from Nazareth in Galilee
-to Bethlehem, a city of David
-because he was of David's family,
-to register with pregnant Mary,
betrothed in marriage to him,
(also of David's family).
-While there, she gave birth to
her firstborn son,
-wrapped Him in cloths
-and laid Him in an animal's
feed trough
-because there was no room for
them in the inn.
-And shepherds were in the same country
-living in the fields
-guarding their flock by night.
-And an angel of the Lord came upon
them
-and the glory of the Lord shone
around them.
-And they feared exceedingly.
-The angel said to them
-"Fear not, I announce a great
joy
-to all the people
-because to you to-day in a
city of David
-A SAVIOUR WAS BORN
-WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD.
-And this will be a sign to
you
-you'll find a baby
-wrapped in cloths
-and lying in an animal's feed
trough."
-Suddenly with the angel was
-a heavenly multitude praising
God and saying
-glory to God in the highest
-and on earth peace among men
-of goodwill.
-Then the angels returned to heaven.
-The shepherds said to each other
-"Let's go to Bethlehem and see
-what the Lord made known to us."
-Hastening they found Mary, Joseph
-and the baby, lying in a manger.
-They then spread the word about
the child
-and all those hearing
marvelled.
-But Mary pondered these
things in her heart.
-The shepherds returned
-glorifying and praising God
-for the things they'd
heard and seen as spoken to
them.
-On the eighth day, when He was circumcised,
-He was called Jesus
-the name the angel had given Him before
He was conceived.
-After their purification according to
Moses' law
-they took Him to Jerusalem to present
Him to the Lord
-as written in the Lord's law,
-"Every male born shall be called
holy to the Lord."
-And to give a sacrifice
according to the Lord's law,
-a pair of turtledoves
-or two young pigeons.
-Simeon, a just and devout man, was expecting
the
-consolation of Israel.
-The Holy Spirit who was upon him
-had told him he wouldn't die 'til he
saw the Lord's Christ.
-Moved by the Spirit he came into the
Temple
-just as Jesus' parents brought Him,
obeying the law.
-He took Jesus in his arms,
-blessed God and said,
-"Master, release your slave
in peace
-according to your word.
-Because I saw your salvation
-which you've prepared in the
sight of all peoples.
-A light for revelation to the
Gentiles
-and a glory of your people
Israel."
-His father and mother marvelled at what was
said.
-Simeon blessed them and said to Mary,
-"This child's set for the fall and rising
again
-of many in Israel
-and will be a sign spoken against
-revealing the thoughts of many
hearts
-and a sword will pierce your
soul."
-Anna was a prophetess of Asher's tribe.
-Being widowed after seven years' marriage
she was now 84.
-She never left the Temple
-with fasting and petitions serving
night and day.
-Coming upon them that same hour
-she thanked God
-and spoke about Jesus
-to everyone expecting
redemption in Jerusalem.
-When they'd done everything according to the
Lord's law
-they returned to Nazareth
-their home town in Galilee.
-Jesus grew, became strong
-being filled with wisdom
-and God's grace was on Him.
-Each year His parents went to Jerusalem for
the Passover Feast.
-When He was twelve He remained in Jerusalem
after the Passover.
-Thinking He was with their relatives and
acquaintances,
-his parents travelled home for a day
before missing Him.
-They then returned to Jerusalem
looking for Him.
-After three days they found Him in
the Temple,
-sitting in the midst of the
teachers,
-listening to and questioning
them.
-All hearing Him were
astonished
-at His intelligence and
answers.
-Seeing Him, His parents were astounded.
-His mother said
-"Child why did you do this to us?
-Your father and I have been
seeking you,
-greatly distressed."
-He replied,
-"Didn't you know I must be about
-the affairs of my Father?"
-But they didn't understand.
-He went down with them to
Nazareth
-and was obedient to them.
-His mother carefully kept all these
things in her heart.
-And Jesus grew in age, wisdom and
favour
-before God
-and men.
(Chapter 2)
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius
Caesar (A.D. 25)
-Pontius Pilate governed Judea,
-Herod ruled as tetrarch of Galilee,
-his brother Philip was tetrarch of
Ituraea Trachonitis,
-Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,
-and Annas and Caiaphas were high
priests,
-when a word of God came to
-John, son of Zechariah, in the
desert.
-He came to all the country around the Jordan
-proclaiming a baptism of repentance
-for forgiveness of sins.
-As written in the book of the words of
Isaiah the prophet:
-"A voice of one crying in the desert,
-prepare the Lord's way
-make straight His paths.
-Every valley shall be filled,
-every mountain and hill shall be laid
low.
-The crooked (places) made straight
-the rough (places) made smooth.
-And all flesh shall see God's
salvation."
-He said to the crowds coming to be baptised
by him,
-"Vipers' offspring,
-who warned you to flee from the coming
wrath?
-Prove by how you live you've repented.
-You won't be saved because you're
Abraham's children
-because God can make these stones
Abraham's children.
-Already God's judgment axe is
poised over you,
-if you don't produce good fruit
-you'll be cut down and cast
into fire."
-The crowds asked "What then shall we do?"
-He replied "If you've got two tunics
-give one to the one with none,
-the same with food."
-Tax collectors, coming for baptism,
asked what they should do.
-He said, "Collect only the
correct tax." (No lining your
own pockets)!
-Soldiers asked likewise.
-He said "Don't intimidate or
accuse falsely
-be satisfied with your
pay."
-Expectantly the people debated in their
hearts
-if John might be the Christ (Messiah).
-John answered "I baptise you with water
-but one stronger than me comes
-whose sandal thong I'm not worthy
to untie.
-He'll baptise you with
-the Holy Spirit and fire.
-His fan is in His hand
-to cleanse His threshing
floor
-and gather the wheat into
His barn
-but He will burn the
chaff.
-with unquenchable fire."
-With many and different exhortations he
-evangelised the people.
-But when John reproved Herod
for marrying Herodias, his
brother's wife
-and for all the other evil things
he'd done,
-he added to them, by
imprisoning John.
-When all the people were baptised
-including Jesus who was praying,
-heaven was opened,
-and the Holy Spirit came down
-as a dove upon Him
-and a voice out of heaven said
-"You're my beloved Son,
-I'm well pleased with you."
-Jesus was at the beginning of His 30th year,
-being the son, so it was thought, of
Joseph.
-(Whose ancestry is traced in the original
text through and including,
-Amos, Levi, Simeon, Joseph, David,
-Jesse, Boaz, Judah, Jacob, Isaac,
Abraham, Terah, Noah, Enosh
-and Adam, God's son).
(Chapter 3)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from
the Jordan
-and was led by the Spirit in the desert
-for forty days being tempted by the devil.
-After 40 days without food He was hungry.
-So the devil said to Him,
-"If you're God's Son,
-turn this stone into bread."
-Jesus replied, "It's written, man
shall not live on bread alone."
(Quoting Deut. 8:3, which
concludes "But by every word God
speaks").
-Then the devil in a moment of time,
showed Jesus
-all the kingdoms of the inhabited
earth
-and said, "I'll give you all their
authority and glory
-because it's been delivered to me
-and I can give it to anyone I
want to,
-if you'll worship me."
-Jesus replied "It's been
written
-you shall worship the Lord
your God
-and serve Him only." (Deut.
6:13).
-Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem,
-set Him on the gable of the Temple
and said,
-"If you're God's son
-throw yourself down
-for it's been written 'He'll
command His angels to preserve
you and bear you up on their
hands lest you dash your foot
against a stone.'" (misquoting
Ps. 91:11-12).
-Jesus replied, "It's been
written
-'Do not put the Lord your God
to the test.'"
-Having finished every temptation the
devil
-left Him to wait for a more opportune
time.
-Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to
Galilee
-and news about Him spread through all the
countryside.
-He taught in their synagogues
-being glorified by all.
-Coming to Nazareth where He was brought up
-He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath
-as was His custom
-and stood up to read.
-Being given the book of Isaiah the
prophet
-He opened it and found where it's
written
-"The Lord's Spirit's upon me,
-therefore He's anointed me
-to evangelise (bring good news
to) the poor,
-He's sent me to proclaim release
to captives,
-recovery of sight to the blind,
-to release and set free those
who've been crushed and to
proclaim the accptable year of
the Lord."
-Then He closed the book, returned it to the
attendant and sat down.
-And every eye in the synagogue was on Him.
-Then He said, "To-day this scripture's
been fulfilled in your ears." (It's come
true to-day).
-Everyone bore witness to Him,
-marvelling at the words of grace He
spoke
-and saying, "Isn't this Joseph's
son?"
-He said, "Surely you'll say this parable to
me,
-'Physician heal yourself.
-The things we heard you did in Capernaum
-do here also in your home town.'
-But no prophet's accepted in his home
town.
-Truly there were many widows in
Elijah's time
-when there was drought and severe
famine for three years
-but instead of being sent to
them,
-he was sent to one who was a
foreigner from the land of
Sidon.
-Many in Israel had leprosy in the
time of the prophet Elisha
-but only the Syrian foreigner
Naaman, was cleansed."
-Hearing this, everyone in the Synagogue was
filled with anger
-so they rose and cast Him outside the city
-and led Him to a brow of the hill on
which the city stood
-so as to cast Him down.
-But He passed through their midst and
left.
-He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee
-and taught each Sabbath.
-His teaching astounded them
-because His word was with authority.
-There was a man in the Synagogue
-possessed by an unclean spirit
demon, who shouted loudly,
-"What do you want with us Jesus
of Nazareth?
-Have you come to destroy us?
-I know who you are, the Holy
One of God."
-Jesus rebuked him "Be muzzled and
come out of him."
-After throwing him down before them
-the demon came out without
injuring him.
-Astonished, everyone said to
each other,
-"What's this word?
-With authority and power He
commands the unclean
spirits and they come
out."
-And word about Him spread through the
surrounding area.
-Leaving the Synagogue, He entered the house
of Simon,
-whose mother-in-law was seized with a great
fever,
-so they asked Jesus' help.
-Standing over her, he rebuked the fever
which left her.
-At once she rose and served them.
-At sunset all those sick with various
diseases were brought to Jesus.
-Laying His hands on each one He healed
them.
-Demons came out from many, shouting
-"You're God's Son."
-Rebuking them, He wouldn't allow them
to speak
-because they knew He was the
Christ.
-At daybreak He went out to a desert place.
-The crowds sought, found Him and tried to
keep Him from leaving them.
-He said, "I must preach (the good news
of) the Kingdom of God (me) to other
cities
-because that's why I was sent."
-So He kept on proclaiming in the
Synagogues of Judea.
(Chapter 4)
Crowds pressed upon Him to hear the word of God.
-As He was standing by the Sea of Galilee,
-He saw two boats left by fishermen who were
washing their nets.
-Getting into Simon's boat, He asked him
to put out a little from the shore.
-Sitting down He taught the people from
the boat.
-Finishing speaking, He asked Simon to
-put out into deep water and let down their
nets for a catch.
-Simon said, "Master we laboured all night
and caught nothing
-but at your word I'll let the nets
down."
-They caught so many fish that their
nets began to tear,
-so they signalled their partners in
the other boat
-to come and help.
-They came and filled both boats
so they began to sink.
-Seeing this, Simon Peter fell
at Jesus' knees saying,
"Depart from me for I'm a
sinful man Lord."
-Astonishment seized him and those with
him at what they'd seen,
-also James and John, Zebedee's sons,
Simon's partners.
-Jesus said to Simon
-"Fear not, from now on you'll be
taking men alive."
-So they pulled their boats
ashore, left everything and
followed Him.
-In one of the cities, a man full of leprosy,
-seeing Jesus, fell on his face and begged
Him
-"Lord, if you will, you can cleanse me."
-Stretching out His hand, He touched him
saying
-"I'm willing, be cleansed."
-Immediately the leprosy left him.
-Jesus told him to tell no one but
to
-go to the priest and offer
(sacrifices) for the cleansing
-according to Moses' law, as a
testimony to them.
-But the word about Him spread all the more
-so crowds came to hear and be healed of
their sicknesses.
-But He was withdrawing into the deserts
and praying.
-As He was teaching, Pharisees and law
teachers
-from every village in Galilee, Judea and
Jerusalem
-were sitting there.
-And the Lord's healing power was in
Him.
-And men brought a paralysed man on a
couch seeking to lay him before
Jesus.
-Unable to do so because of the
crowd,
-They went up on the roof
-and lowered him on the couch
through the tiles in front
of Jesus.
-Seeing their faith, He said
-"Man, your sins are forgiven."
-The Scribes and Pharisees said
-"Who's this man who blasphemes?
-Only God can forgive sins."
-Knowing their reasonings Jesus said
-"Why think this in your hearts?
-What's easier to say,
-your sins are forgiven
-or rise and walk?
-But so you'll know the Son of Man
-has authority on earth to
forgive sins...."
-He said to the paralysed
man, "Rise take up your
couch and go home."
-And he did that immediately,
glorifying God as he went.
-Everyone was bewildered and they glorified
God
-being filled with fear
-and saying "We saw wonderful things
to-day."
-Going forth He saw Levi a tax collector
-sitting at his tax booth and said to Him
-"Follow me."
-He got up, left everything and followed
Him.
-He held a great banquet in his house
for Jesus,
-attended by many tax collectors and
others.
-The Pharisees and Scribes
complained to His disciples,
-"Why do you eat and drink with
tax collectors and sinners?"
-Jesus answered
-"The sick need a doctor not the
healthy.
-I've come to call sinners to
repentance
-not the righteous."
-They replied,
-John's disciples fast often and
pray,
-so do Pharisees' disciples,
-but yours eat and drink."
-Jesus said,
-"Can you make the bridegroom's
guests fast while He's with them?
-but when He's taken from them,
they'll fast."
-And He told them this parable.
-"No-one tears a patch from a new
garment
-and sews it on an old one because
-the new garment would be torn
-and the new patch won't match
the old garment.
-No-one puts new wine into old
wineskins
-because the new wine will burst
the skins
-and both wine and skins be
lost.
-But new wine must be put in
new skins.
-Those used to the old wine
don't want the new."
(Chapter 5)
-Going through cornfields on the Sabbath
-Jesus' disciples picked and ate corn.
-Pharisees asked "Why do you break the
Sabbath law?"
-Jesus answered, "Haven't you read how
David,
-when hungry, with his men,
-entered God's house, took and ate the
consecrated bread,
-which only priests may lawfully
eat,
-and also gave some to his
companions?"
-And He told them "The Son of Man is Lord
of the Sabbath."
-On another Sabbath He entered a Synagogue and
taught.
-A man was there with a withered right hand.
-The law teachers and Pharisees, wanting
an excuse to accuse Jesus,
-watched carefully to see if He'd heal
on the Sabbath.
-Knowing their thoughts, He asked the
man
-to rise and stand in their midst,
which he did.
-Jesus said, "Is it lawful on the
Sabbath
-to do good or evil?
-To save life or destroy it?"
-Looking round at them all, He said to
the man,
-"Stretch your hand out."
-He did and it was restored.
-Furious, they plotted against
Jesus.
-At that time He went to a mountain
-and spent the whole night in prayer.
-Next morning He called His disciples
-and chose twelve
-whom He named Apostles (specially
commissioned men).
-Simon whom He also named Peter,
-Andrew his brother,
-James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James and Judas,
son of James, Simon and Judas
Iscariot the betrayer.
-Coming down with them He stood on a
level place.
-A large crowd of His disciples
-and a great number from
-Judea, Jerusalem, and the
coast of Sidon
-came to hear,
-be cured of diseases,
-and those tormented by
unclean spirits, healed.
-All the crowd tried to touch Him
because
-power went forth from Him and
cured all.
-And looking at His disciples He said,
-"There's peace of heart for the poor
(unassuming)
-because you allow me to rule.
-There's peace of heart for those who hunger
now (for a better world)
-because you'll be satisfied.
-There's peace of heart for those weeping
(over the human condition)
-because you'll laugh.
-There's peace of heart for you when hated,
separated, reproached and your name
rejected as evil for my sake.
-Rejoice and leap for joy when it happens,
-your reward's great in heaven,
-because their fathers did the same to
the prophets.
-But woe to you rich (self sufficient)
-because you've got all you're going to
get.
-Woe to you who are full (content with this
world)
-because you'll hunger (for me).
-Woe to you laughing now (unmoved by the
human condition)
-because you'll mourn and lament (when
it's too late to care).
-Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you
-because that's what their fathers said
about the false prophets.
-But to you who hear I say,
-love your enemies.
-Do good to those hating you.
-Bless (ask peace of heart)
-those cursing you.
-Pray for those insulting you.
-To the one striking you on the cheek
-turn the other also.
-Let the one taking your coat
-also take your shirt.
-Give to everyone who asks.
-If anyone takes what's yours
-Don't demand it back.
-Treat others
-the way you'd like them to treat you.
-If you love those who love you, it proves
nothing,
-even sinners do that.
-If you do good to those doing good to you
it proves nothing,
-even sinners do that.
-If you lend looking for gain, what's it
prove?
-Even sinners do that.
-But love your enemies,
-Do good,
-lend looking for no return,
-your reward will be great,
-and you'll be called God's sons
-because He's kind to the
ungrateful and evil.
-Be compassionate as is your
Father.
-Don't judge and you won't be judged.
-Don't condemn and you won't be condemned.
-Forgive and you'll be forgiven.
-Give and it will be given you
-good measure, pressed down, shaken
together,
-and running over.
-For the measure you give
-is the measure you'll get."
-And He told them this parable.
-"If a blind man leads another they'll both
end up in the ditch.
-A disciple isn't above his teacher.
-But everyone perfectly trained
-will be as his teacher.
-Why concentrate on a speck in your
brother's eye
-and do nothing about the log in your own?
-How can you ask him to remove his speck
-when you can't see the log in your
own?
-Hypocrite, first remove your log
-and with clear vision
-you'll be able to remove his
speck.
-Good trees don't produce bad fruit
-nor bad trees good fruit.
-Each is recognised by its fruit.
-You don't pick figs from thorn bushes
-or grapes from briars.
-The good man out of his heart's
good treasure brings forth good.
-The evil man out of his evil
-brings forth evil.
-His speech reveals his heart.
-Why call me Lord, Lord
-when you don't do what I say?
-If you come to me,
-hear my words,
-and do them,
-you're like a house
-built on a solid rock foundation,
-which therefore withstood a
raging flood.
-But if you hear my words
-and don't do them,
-you're like a house built on dirt
without a foundation
-which immediately collapses in
great ruin
-when hit by a flood."
(Chapter 6)
Then Jesus returned to Capernaum.
-A Centurion (probably a Roman) had a valued
servant
-who was sick and about to die.
-Hearing about Jesus, he sent some Jewish
elders
-to ask Him to come and heal him.
-They earnestly asked Jesus, saying
-"He's worthy because he loves our
nation
-and built our Synagogue."
-So Jesus went with them.
-He wasn't far from the house
-when the Centurion sent
messengers saying,
-"Lord, don't trouble,
-I'm not worthy for you to
enter my house.
-That's why I didn't come to
you,
-But say the word
-and my servant will be
healed.
-For I'm a man with authority,
-I say the word and the
soldier or servant obeys."
-Hearing this Jesus marvelled, turned to the
crowd following and said,
-"In all Israel I haven't found such faith."
-Returning, the messengers found the
servant well.
-Next day He went (south west for about 20
miles)
-to a city called Nain, with His disciples
and a large crowd.
-Nearing the city gate
-He met a large funeral procession.
-The deceased was a widow's only son.
-Seeing her, the Lord felt
compassion and said to her,
-"Don't weep."
-He touched the coffin and those
carrying it stood.
-He said, "Young man I say to
you, rise."
-The dead man sat up and
started speaking
-and Jesus gave him to his
mother.
-In fear they glorified God saying
-"A great prophet is raised among us"
and
-"God's visited His people."
-Word of this spread in all Judea
-the surrounding country.
-John's disciples told him all these things.
-He sent two to the Lord to ask
-"Are you the one who's to come or someone
else?"
-They arrived and asked Jesus, just as
He'd
-healed many of diseases, plagues and
evil spirits.
-and given sight to many blind
people.
-So He said, "Tell John what you
saw and heard, that
-the blind see,
-the lame walk,
-lepers are cleansed,
-the deaf hear,
-the dead are raised,
-the poor are evangelised,
-and blessed is whoever isn't
offended by me."
-After John's messengers left, He said to the
crowd
-concerning John "What did you go into the
desert to see?
-A reed shaken by the wind (a weak opinion
poll driven messenger)?
-A man in splendid clothing fit for a
royal palace?
-A prophet?
-Yes and more than a prophet.
-He's the one of whom it's written
-'Behold I send my messenger before
your face
-who'll prepare your way before
you.' (Malachi 3:1)
-No man born is greater than John,
-yet the least in God's kingdom's
greater than he."(Those who follow
Jesus with unquestioning faith).
-All those hearing, including tax collectors,
-agreed God was just (in calling them to
turn decisively away from sin to God)
-being baptised by John.
-But the Pharisees and lawyers (of
Moses' law) rejected
-God's counsel by not being baptised
by John.
-(So Jesus said) "To what can I compare this
generation?
-They're like children sitting in the market
place calling to each other
-'We played music but you wouldn't dance,
-we mourned but you wouldn't weep.'
-For John the Baptist came neither
eating nor drinking wine
-and you say 'He has a demon.'
-I (the Son of Man) come eating and
drinking
-and you say 'Behold a glutton and a
drunkard,
-a friend of tax collectors and
sinners.'
-But wisdom's justified by her
children." (The spiritually wise
recognise us both).
-A Pharisee invited Him for a meal.
-As He reclined in his house
-a woman of the city, a sinner
-brought an alabaster box of ointment
-and standing behind at His feet
weeping,
-wet His feet with her tears, wiped
them with her hair,
-fervently kissed His feet
-and anointed them with the
ointment.
-But the Pharisee who invited Him said to
himself
-"If He was a prophet He'd know what kind of
woman's
-touching Him, that she's a sinner."
-So Jesus said, "Simon, I've something
to say to you."
-He replied "Tell me teacher."
-"Two men were in debt to a money
lender,
-one owed $5000, the other $500.
-Neither could pay up so the money
lender cancelled both debts.
-Which one would love him more?"
(be most grateful).
-Simon said "I suppose the one
owing most."
-Jesus said "You've judged correctly."
-Turning to the woman, He said to
Simon,
-"Do you see this woman?
-I entered your house, you didn't
offer to wash my feet,
-but this woman's wet my feet
with her tears
-and wiped them with her hair.
-You didn't give me a (greeting)
kiss.
-But she hasn't ceased kissing
my feet since I entered.
-You didn't anoint my head with
oil
-but she has anointed my feet
with oil.
-Therefore her many sins have
been forgiven
-because she loved much.
-But the one forgiven little,
loves little.
-He said to her, "Your sins are
forgiven."
-The other guests said "Who's this
who forgives sins?"
-He said to the woman "Your faith's
saved you,
-Go in peace."
(Chapter 7)
-He journeyed through every city and village
-proclaiming and preaching God's kingdom.
-The twelve were with Him
-and some women who'd been healed from
evil spirits and infirmities.
-Mary Magdalene from whom seven demons
had gone out,
-Joanna wife of Herod's steward Chuza,
-Suzanna and many others who
ministered to them out of their own
means.
-People gathered from town after town making a
great crowd.
-He told them this parable.
-"A farmer went to sow his seed,
-some fell on the path so
-birds ate it.
-Some fell on rock,
-it grew but died for lack of
moisture.
-Some fell among thorns
-which grew with it and choked it.
-Other seed fell in good soil
-where it produced fruit a hundredfold
more than was sown."
-Then He cried out
-"He who has ears let him hear."
-His disciples asked what the parable meant.
-He said
-"It's been given to you to know the
mysteries of God's (my) kingdom
-but to others I speak in parables, so
that
-seeing, they may not see and
-hearing they may not understand.
(Isaiah 6:9).
-The parable means this.
-The seed's God's word.
-The ones on the path
-are those hearing, but the devil takes
God's word
-from their hearts lest they believe
and are saved.
-Those on the rock are those
-who hear, receive the word with joy,
-believe for a while but having no
root, when tested, fall away.
-Those falling among thorns are those
-who hear but are choked by life's cares
riches and pleasures and don't mature
to bear fruit.
-Those in the good soil are those
-with a worthy and good heart who hear
the word, hold fast and with patience,
bear fruit.
-No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or
under the bed.
-Instead he puts it on a lampstand so those
coming in can see the light.
-Everything hidden will be disclosed.
-Everything secret will be brought out
in the open.
-So listen (to me) carefully for
-whoever has (understanding of Jesus) will
be given more,
-whoever has not (understanding of Jesus)
will have what he seems to have, taken
away."
-Jesus' mother and brothers came, but couldn't
get near for the crowd.
-When told they were standing outside
wishing to see Him
-He said "My mother and brothers are those
-hearing God's word and doing it."
-At that time He embarked in a boat with His
disciples
-saying "Let's cross the lake" and they put
to sea.
-As they sailed, He fell asleep.
-A windstorm came down on the lake,
-the boat was being swamped
-and they were in danger.
-Waking Him the disciples said
-"Master, master, we're
perishing."
-He, awakened, rebuked the wind and water
-and there was calm.
-Then He said to them
-"Where's your faith?"
-They feared and marvelled, saying
to each other
-"Who's this man who commands wind
and
-water and they obey Him?"
-They sailed to Gerasene country opposite
Galilee.
-Disembarking, a naked demon possessed man
-who lived among the tombs, met Him.
-Seeing Him, he fell prostrate before
Him
-and in a loud voice said
-"What have you got to do with me
-Jesus, Son of God most high?
-Don't torture me."
-For Jesus charged the unclean spirit to
come out of him
-for it often seized him
-and though chained hand and foot
and guarded,
-he'd torn apart his chains
-and been driven by the demon
into deserts.
-Jesus asked "What's your
name?"
-He replied "Legion" because many demons
had entered him.
-They begged Him not to send them away
into the abyss.
-A large herd of pigs were on the
mountain feeding.
-The demons begged Jesus to send
them into the pigs.
-He allowed this to happen.
-Leaving the man and entering
the pigs
-they rushed into the lake
and drowned.
-Seeing this, the pig herders fled and
reported it in town and countryside.
-So people went out to see what
happened.
-Coming to Jesus they found the man
-clothed, in his right mind,
sitting at Jesus' feet.
-And they feared.
-Those who'd seen it, told how he'd been
healed.
-So the people of the region of the
Gerasenes
-asked Jesus to leave
-because they were seized with
great fear.
-So entering the boat He
returned.
-The man begged to be with
Him.
-But Jesus dismissed him
saying
-"Return home and tell what
God did."
-So he proclaimed all over the
city
-all Jesus did to him.
-Returning, the expectant crowd welcomed Him.
-Jairus, a Synagogue ruler, fell at His feet
-and asked Him to come to His house
because
-his 12 year old only daughter was
dying.
-As He went, crowds pressed on Him.
-A woman with a flow of blood for 12
years,
-whom no one had been able to heal,
-approached from behind,
-touched His garment's fringe
-and was instantly healed.
-Jesus said, "Who touched me?"
-When all denied it, Peter said, "Master
the crowds press and jostle."
-But Jesus said, "Someone touched me
-for I know power's gone out of me."
-Seeing she wasn't hidden, the woman
-came trembling, fell at His feet,
-and told everyone of her instant
cure.
-Jesus said to her
-"Daughter, your faith's
healed you,
-go in peace."
-While still speaking,
-a messenger from Jairus' house
announced,
-"Your daughter's dead, don't trouble
the teacher."
-Jesus said, "Fear not, only believe
-and she'll be healed."
-Coming to the house He only allowed
Peter, John, James
-and the child's mother and father to
enter.
-Everyone was weeping and wailing
-but He said, "Don't weep, she's not
dead but asleep."
-They ridiculed Him knowing she
was dead.
-But He, holding her hand, said
"Maid arise."
-Her spirit returned,
-she rose at once,
-and He commanded she be given
something to eat.
-Her parents were amazed
-but He ordered them to tell
no one.
(Chapter 8)
Calling the twelve together,
-He gave them power and authority over all the
-demons
-and to heal diseases
-and sent them to proclaim God's kingdom
-and to heal, telling them
-"Take nothing for the road, no
-staff,
-bag,
-bread,
-money,
-extra shirt,
-stay only at one house in each
town.
-As for those who won't receive
you,
-when you leave their city,
-shake the dust from your feet
-as a testimony against them."
-They went through the villages
-evangelising
-and healing everywhere.
-Tetrarch Herod heard and was perplexed
-because some said John was raised from the
dead,
-others that Elijah had appeared
-and others that one of the ancient
prophets had risen.
-But Herod said, "I beheaded John,
who's this I hear about?"
-And he sought to see Him.
-The Apostles returned and reported.
-He took them and went privately to
Bethsaida
-but the crowds knew and followed.
-Welcoming them He spoke about God's
(His) kingdom (rule)
-and cured those needing healing.
-Nearing sunset, the twelve asked
Him to
-dismiss the crowd to find food
and lodging
-because it was a desert place.
-He said, "You give them
something to eat."
-They said "We've only five loaves and
two fish
-unless we go and buy food for all the
people."
-There were about 5000 men.
-Jesus said "Make them recline in
groups of about 50."
-They did so.
-Taking the five loaves and
two fish
-He looked up to heaven,
-blessed,
-broke them
-and gave to His disciples to
set before the crowd.
-They ate, were satisfied,
-and twelve baskets of leftovers
were gathered.
-Later, after praying alone, while accompanied
by His disciples
-He asked them "Who do the crowds say I am?"
-They replied, "John the Baptist,
-others Elijah,
-others one of the old prophets risen
again."
-He asked, "But who do you say I am?"
-Peter answered, "The Christ."
(Messiah).
-He strictly warned them to tell
no one saying
-"I (the Son of Man) must first
suffer many things,
-be rejected by the elders,
chief priests and scribes,
-be killed and
-rise on the third day."
-Then He said to all
-"Anyone wishing to come after me
-must deny himself,
-take his cross daily
-and follow me.
-For whoever wishes to save his life
-will lose it
-but whoever loses his life for my sake
-will save it.
-What's it profit you
-to gain the whole world and
-lose your (true) self
-or suffer loss?
-Whoever's ashamed of me
-and my words
-I'll be ashamed of
-when I come in the glory of Myself,
-the Father
-and the Holy Spirit.
-There are some standing here
-who won't die 'til they see
God's (my) kingdom."
-About eight days later,
-taking Peter, John and James,
-He went up into the mountain to pray.
-As He prayed
-the appearance of His face changed
-and His clothing was gleaming
white.
-Two men talked with Him,
-Moses
-and Elijah
-who, appearing in glory,
-spoke of His departure
-about to be accomplished at
Jerusalem.
-But Peter and those with him
-were very sleepy.
-But waking fully
-they saw His glory
-and the two men standing with
Him.
-As they were leaving
-Peter said to Jesus.
-"Master it's good for us to be
here,
-let's make three tents,
-one for you,
-one for Moses
-and one for Elijah,"
-not knowing what he was
saying.
-While speaking, a cloud overshadowed
them
-and they feared as they entered it.
-A voice came out of it saying
-"This is my chosen Son,
-hear Him."
-After the voice had spoken
-they found Jesus alone.
-They kept this to themselves
-telling no one what they'd
seen.
-Next day, coming down from the mountain,
-a big crowd met Him.
-A man cried out "Teacher, I beg you to
look at
-my son, my only child.
-A spirit seizes him
-and suddenly cries out,
-convulsing him with foaming
(mouth).
-It scarcely stops bruising him.
-I begged your disciples to
expel it
-but they couldn't."
-Jesus said, "O unbelieving and perverted
generation
-how long shall I be with you and endure
you?
-Bring your son here."
-While approaching, the demon tore
and threw him violently.
-But Jesus rebuked the unclean
spirit,
-cured the boy
-and restored him to his father.
-And all were astonished
-at the majesty of God.
-While all marvelled at what He did,
-He told His disciples
-"Listen carefully,
-I (the Son of Man) am about to be
betrayed into men's hands."
-But they didn't understand,
-its meaning being hidden, they
didn't grasp it
-and they feared to ask Him.
-A debate arose about who might be the
greatest of them.
-Jesus, knowing the debate of their heart,
-took a child, stood him at his side and
said
-"Whoever receives this child in my name
-receives me
-and the One who sent me
-for the least among you is the
greatest."
-John said "Master we saw someone in your name
-expelling demons
-and we stopped him
-because he's not one of us."
-Jesus said "Don't stop him
-for he who's not against you
-is for you."
-When it was time for Him to be received up
(to heaven)
-He (resolutely) set out for Jerusalem.
-Sending messengers to a Samaritan village
-to prepare for Him, they wouldn't
receive Him
-because He was going to Jerusalem.
-Disciples James and John said
-"Lord shall we call fire from
heaven to destroy them?"
-But He rebuked them
-so they went to another
village.
-As they went, one said "I'll follow you
wherever you go."
-Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes
-heaven's birds have nests
-but I (the Son of Man) have nowhere to
lay my head."
-He said to another "Follow me."
-But he said, "First let me bury my father."
-Jesus said "Leave the dead to bury their
dead
-but you go and announce God's kingdom."
-Another said "Lord I'll follow you, but first
-let me say good-bye to those at home."
-But He said "No one putting his hand to the
plough
-and looking at the things behind
-is fit for God's kingdom."
(Chapter 9)
Then the Lord appointed seventy two others
-and sent them two by two
-to every city and place
-where He was about to go.
-He said to them
-"There's a big harvest, but few
workmen
-so beg the Lord of the harvest
-to thrust workers forth into His
harvest.
-Go.
-I send you as lambs in the
midst of wolves.
-Don't carry a
-purse,
-bag,
-sandals,
-nor greet anyone by the road
(the mission's urgent).
-When entering a house first
say
-'Peace to this house.'
-If a son of peace is there
-your peace will rest on
him.
-If not it'll return to you.
-Stay, eating and drinking
with them
-for the workman's worthy of
his pay.
-Don't move from house to
house.
-When you enter a city and are
welcomed,
-eat what they give you,
-heal the sick and tell them
-'God's kingdom has drawn
near you.'
-But if a city doesn't welcome
you
-go into its streets and say
-'We shake your dust from
our feet
-but know this, that God's
kingdom's drawn near.'
-Sodom will come off better on
that (Judgment) day than
that town.
-Woe to you (Jewish) Chorazin
and Bethsaida (on the north
western/northern shores of
Galilee).
-Because if the powerful deeds
(miracles)
-happening in you had
happened in
-the (Gentile Phoenecian
coastal) towns of Tyre and
Sidon,
-they'd have repented
sitting in sackcloth and
ashes.
-Tyre and Sidon will come off
better
-in the Judgment than you.
-And you (Jewish) Capernaum
-weren't you lifted to
heaven?
-You'll come down to hell.
-Whoever hears you (disciples)
-hears me.
-Whoever rejects you,
-rejects me,
-and also He (the Father)
who sent me."
-The seventy two joyfully returned reporting
-"Lord, even the demons submit to us in your
name."
-He said "I saw Satan fall as lightning
out of heaven.
-I've given you authority to tread on
-snakes, scorpions,
-all the enemy's power and
-nothing shall hurt you.
-But don't rejoice that the spirits submit
to you,
-rejoice that your names are enrolled in
heaven."
-That hour He exulted in the Holy Spirit
and said
-"Praise you Father, Lord of heaven and
earth,
-because you hid these things from the
wise and intelligent
-and revealed them to infants.
-Yes, Father for this was your
good pleasure.
-All things were delivered to me
-by the Father
-and no one knows
-who (I) the Son is, except the
Father nor
-who the Father is except (me) the
Son
-and those to whom it's my will
to reveal Him."
-Turning to His disciples privately He said,
-"Blessed are your eyes for what they've
seen.
-Many prophets and kings desired to see
what you have
-but didn't
-and to hear what you hear but
didn't."
-A lawyer stood up tempting Him by saying
-"What must I do to get eternal life?"
-Jesus said, "How do you read what's been
written in the law?"
-He said "Love the Lord your God with
all your
-heart,
-soul,
-strength and
-mind
-and your neighbour as yourself."
-Jesus said "Correct, do it and live."
-But wanting to justify himself, (for
being choosy about his neighbours),
-He asked "And who is my neighbour?"
-Jesus replied
-"A man went down from Jerusalem to
Jericho.
-Robbers attacked leaving him half
dead.
-A (Jewish) priest also came down,
saw him and passed by on the
opposite side.
-A Levite (priestly Jew) did the
same.
-A Samaritan (despised half
breed Jew) saw him,
-was filled with pity,
-poured oil and wine on his
wounds, bound them up,
-put him on his own donkey,
and
-brought him to an inn and
cared for him.
-Next day he gave the
innkeeper enough money for
him to stay for about two
months.
-And said 'Look after him and
if this isn't enough money
I'll pay you the extra when
I return.'
-Which of these three do you
think became neighbour to
the robbed man?"
-He replied, "The one who showed
mercy."
-Jesus said (as before) "You go
and do the same."
-As they went, He entered a village and
-a woman named Martha received Him into her
house.
-Her sister Mary sat beside the Lord's
feet
-listening to His word.
-Martha, hot and bothered with all the
serving
-said "Lord, don't you care that my
sister's left me to do all the
serving alone?
-Tell her to help me."
-Jesus said
-"Martha, Martha, you're anxious and
disturbed
-about many things
-but only one thing's needed,
-it's what Mary chose
-which won't be taken from
her."
(Chapter 10)
After finishing praying in a certain place
-A disciple asked "Lord, teach us to pray
-just as John taught his disciples."
-He said "When you pray say
-'Father,
-let your name be honoured (as pure
and holy),
-let your kingdom come (your rule as
Lord accepted and therefore your
will obeyed).
-Give us each day, bread for the next
(food day by day).
-Forgive our sins
-for we forgive everyone indebted to
us.
-Let us not come (enter, fall) into
temptation.'"
-He said to them
-"Who of you will come to a friend at
midnight
-and ask for food
-because a visitor has caught you
without food?
-He'll say 'Don't trouble me
-the door's shut
-my children are in bed with me
-I can't get up and give you food.'
-If he won't get up because he's your
friend,
-he will because of your need. He'll meet
it in full.
-So I say to you,
-ask and it'll be given,
-seek and you'll find,
-knock and it'll be opened to you.
-Everyone asking receives.
-The one seeking will find.
-To the one knocking it'll be
opened.
-Fathers, if your son asks for a fish
-will you hand him a serpent?
-If he asks for an egg
-will you hand him a scorpion?
-If you who are evil, know how to
give good gifts to your children,
-how much more the Father of
heaven
-will give the Holy Spirit to
those asking."
-Jesus was expelling a dumb spirit.
-As the demon went out
-the dumb man spoke
-and the crowds marvelled.
-But some said "He expels demons by Satan
their chief."
-Others tempted Him asking for a sign from
heaven.
-But knowing their thoughts He said
-"A kingdom divided against itself is
made desolate
-and a house divided against itself
falls.
-If Satan's divided against
himself
-how will his kingdom stand?
-(I say this) because you say
that by Satan
-I cast demons out.
-But if I by Satan expel demons
-by whom do your sons cast them
out?
-Therefore they'll be your
judges.
-But if I by God's finger expel
demons
-then God's kingdom's come upon
you.
-When a strong well armed man guards his
palace
-his goods are safe.
-But when one stronger overcomes him, the
stronger man
-takes the armour the strong man relied
on and distributes his spoils.
-He who is not with me
-is against me.
-He who doesn't gather with me
-scatters.
-When an unclean spirit leaves a man
-It goes through dry places seeking rest.
-Finding none he says 'I'll return to the
house I left.'
-So he comes, finds it swept and
furnished
-and goes and brings back seven
spirits
-more wicked than he.
-So the man's worse off than at
the start."
-As Jesus was saying these things
-a woman of the crowd
-called out "Blessed is the womb that bore
you and the breasts you sucked."
-But He said, "Blessed rather are those
-hearing and keeping God's word."
-As the crowd pressed upon Him He said
-"This evil generation seeks a sign
-and no sign will be given
-except the sign of Jonah.
-For as Jonah became a sign to the
Ninevites
-so will I (the Son of Man) be a
sign to this generation.
-The Queen of Sheba
-will be raised in the judgment of the
men
-of this generation
-and condemn them.
-For she travelled far
-to hear Solomon's wisdom
-and one greater than Solomon
is here.
-No one lights a lamp
-and puts it where it can't be seen,
-or under a cover,
-but on a lamp stand
-that those entering may see the
light.
-Your eye is the lamp of the body,
-when it sees with simple purity
-all your body's full of light.
-But when your eye's evil
-the body is dark.
-Watch lest the light in you is
darkness.
-So if your body's full of light
-and no part dark,
-all of it will be bright,
-as when a lamp shines on
you."
-As he spoke a Pharisee asked Him to dine with
him.
-So He entered and reclined.
-The Pharisee marvelled He'd not washed
before dinner.
-But the Lord said to him,
-"You Pharisees cleanse the outside of
dish and cup
-but the inside's full of robbery
and wickedness.
-Foolish men didn't He who makes
the outside also make the
inside?
-Give what's inside to the poor
-and everything will be clean to
you.
-But woe to you Pharisees.
-You give God a tenth of your garden
herbs
-but neglect (showing) justice and
-God's love.
-You should have practised both
the latter and former.
-Woe to you Pharisees.
-You love the chief seat in the
Synagogues
-and greetings in the market places.
-You're like unmarked graves men
unknowingly walk over."
-One of the law experts said "You're
also insulting us."
-Jesus said
-"Woe to you lawyers,
-you load men with burdens they can
hardly carry
-and won't lift a finger to help
them.
-You build tombs for the prophets
-your fathers killed
-which shows you approve your
fathers' actions.
-That's why God in His wisdom
said
-'I'll send prophets and
apostles
-whom they'll kill and
persecute.'
-Therefore this generation will
be held responsible
-for the blood of all the
prophets
-shed since the beginning of
the world.
-From the blood of Abel to
-the blood of Zechariah
-killed between the altar
and the Temple.
-I repeat, this generation
will be held responsible for
it all.
-Woe to you lawyers,
-you've taken away the key of
knowledge
-not entering yourselves
-and preventing others from
entering.
-Leaving there, the Scribes and Pharisees
-began to be terribly angry,
-questioning Him about a great number
of things,
-lying in wait to catch Him
-in something He said.
(Chapter 11)
Meanwhile a crowd of thousands gathered,
-so many they were trampling each other.
-Jesus spoke first to His disciples,
-"Beware of Pharisees' leaven (hidden
influence) which is hypocrisy.
-Everything covered will be uncovered,
-everything hidden will be made known.
-What you said in the dark
-will be heard in the light.
-What you whispered in private
rooms
-will be proclaimed from the
rooftops.
-My friends,
-don't fear those killing the body,
-that's all they can do.
-But fear Him who, after killing,
-has authority to cast into hell,
-I repeat, fear Him.
-With 2 pennies you can buy five sparrows
-but not one is forgotten before God.
-Even the hairs of your head are
numbered.
-Fear not, you're worth more than
many sparrows.
-I tell you, everyone confessing me before
men
-I will confess before God's angels
-and the one denying me before men
-I'll deny before God's angels.
-Everyone saying a word against me
-will be forgiven.
-But anyone blaspheming against the
Holy Spirit
-won't be forgiven.
-When they bring you before
-Synagogues, rulers and
authorities,
-don't be anxious about what
to say.
-The Holy Spirit will teach
you in that hour what to
say."
-One of the crowd said,
-"Teacher, tell my brother to divide the
inheritance with me."
-He said, "Who appointed me judge or
arbiter between you?"
-He said to them "Beware and guard
against all covetousness (greed)
-because your life isn't in the
abundance of your possessions."
-He told them this parable.
-"A rich man's land produced abundantly.
-He reasoned with himself and concluded
he'd
-have to pull down his barns and build
bigger ones
-as stores for his wheat and goods,
-and then say to his soul
-'Soul, you've laid up
-many goods for many years,
-take rest, eat, drink, be
glad.'
-But God said,
-'Foolish man,
-to-night they (God's
messengers) demand your soul
-then who'll get your goods?'
-That's how it is for anyone storing
treasures for himself
-and not being rich towards God."
-He said to His disciples,
-"Therefore, don't be anxious about your
life,
-what you'll eat,
-or your body,
-what you'll put on.
-Life's more than food,
-the body's more than clothing.
-Consider the ravens, they
-don't sow nor reap,
-don't have storehouses or barns
-but God feeds them.
-and you're much more valuable than
them.
-Can you increase your height by
being anxious?
-Since you can't change small
things like that,
-why worry about the rest?
-Consider the lilies.
-They don't spin nor weave
-but Solomon in all his glory
-wasn't arrayed like one of these.
-If God so clothes field grass which
is
-here to-day and burned to-morrow
-how much more will He clothe
you
-O you of little faith?
-Don't be suspenseful about
-what you may eat and drink,
-that's what all the non believers run
after,
-but your Father knows you need them.
-But seek, His kingdom (rule)
-and these things will be added to you.
-Fear not little flock, because
-your Father was well pleased
-to give you the kingdom.
-Sell your possessions,
-give to the poor,
-make purses that won't wear out,
-an unfailing treasure in the
heavens
-where a thief won't break in
-nor moth destroy.
-For your heart is where
-your treasure is.
-Be awake, dressed with lights burning
-like men waiting for their lord
-as he returns from a wedding
-so when he knocks
-immediately you can open to
him.
-Such servants will be blessed when
-the lord comes and finds them
watching.
-He'll put on a waiter's uniform,
-have them recline for a meal
-and serve them.
-If he comes at 9 p.m. or midnight
-and finds you waiting you'll be
blessed.
-But if the house owner
-knew when the thief was coming
-there'd be no break in.
-So be prepared
-for you don't know
-when I'll return."
-Peter said "Is this parable for us or
everyone?"
-The Lord said
-"Who's the faithful, prudent
steward
-that the Lord will appoint over
-His household attendants
-to feed them at the right
time?
-Blessed the servant whom
the Lord
-finds so doing when He
returns
-for He'll appoint him over
all His possessions.
-But if the servant says in his
heart
-'My Lord's delayed'
-and begins to mistreat the men
and maidservants,
-eating, drinking and getting
drunk,
-the Lord will come
-at a day and hour he didn't
expect,
-cut him asunder
-and place his portion with
the unbelievers.
-The servant knowing the Lord's will
-and not doing it
-will be beaten with many blows.
-But the one not knowing (the Lord's
will)
-but having done things worthy of
stripes
-will be beaten with few
stripes.
-To whom much has been given
-much will be demanded.
-and of the one entrusted with
much
-men will ask more.
-I've come to cast fire on the earth and
-I wish it were already kindled.
-I've a baptism to undergo
-and how distressed I am until it's
accomplished.
-Do you think I've come to give peace
in the earth?
-No, but rather division.
-From now on, a house of five will
-be divided, three against two.
-Father will be divided against
son
-mother against daughter.
-Daughter-in-law against
mother-in-law."
-He said to the crowds
-"You see a cloud rising in the west
-and say 'A storm's coming'
-and it does.
-When a south wind blows you say
-'It'll be hot'
-and it is.
-Hypocrites, you can interpret the
appearance of earth and sky,
-how come you can't interpret this
(present) time?
-Why don't you judge what's right?
-On your way with your adversary to the
judge,
-try hard to be reconciled as you go,
-or you may end up in prison,
-in which case you won't get out
-'til you've paid up in full."
(Chapter 12)
Some told Him that Pilate mixed the blood
-of Galileans with their sacrifices.
-Jesus said "Were they worse sinners than
other Galileans
-because they so suffered?
-No! Unless you repent you'll all
likewise perish.
-Or those eighteen who died when the tower
in Siloam fell on them
-do you think they were more guilty than
all the others living in Jerusalem?
-No! Unless you repent you too will all
perish."
-Then He told this parable.
-"A man planted a fig tree in his vineyard
and
-came to get its fruit and found none.
-He said to the vinedresser,
-'For three years it's not borne fruit
-cut it down, why waste space?'
-But he said 'Lord give it another
year
-'til I tend and fertilise it.
-If it then doesn't yield
fruit, cut it down.'
-While teaching in a Synagogue on a Sabbath
-He saw a woman having had a spirit of
infirmity for eighteen years
-so that she was bent double and unable to
stand erect.
-He called her to Him and said
-"Woman you're loosed from your
infirmity."
-He put His hands on her.
-At once she was straightened and
glorified God.
-Angry that Jesus healed on the Sabbath,
-the Synagogue ruler said to the crowd,
-"There's six days for work,
-be healed on them
-not on the Sabbath."
-But the Lord answered,
-"Hypocrites, on the Sabbath
-you untie your ox or ass from the
manger
-and lead it to water.
-So shouldn't this daughter of
Abraham,
-bound by Satan for eighteen
years,
-have been loosed from her
bond
-on the Sabbath?"
-Thus all opposing Him were
shamed
-and all the crowd rejoiced
over
-all the glorious things He
did.
-Then He said "What's God's (my) kingdom like?
-It's like a (tiny) mustard seed a man
planted
-which grew into a tree where birds could
nest.
-It's like leaven a woman hid in
-about 22 litres of dough
-until all was leavened."
-He passed through cities and villages
teaching,
-making His way to Jerusalem.
-Someone asked "Lord, will only a few be
saved?"
-He replied "Struggle to enter by the
narrow door
-because many will seek to enter and
be unable.
-Once the house owner rises and
shuts the door
-you'll stand outside knocking and
pleading to get in.
-But he'll answer "I don't know
where you're from.'
-And you'll say 'We ate and
drank before you
-and you taught in our
streets.'
-But he'll answer
-'I don't know where you're
from
-stand away from me all
workers of iniquity.'
-There'll be weeping and
gnashing of teeth
-when you see Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob and all the
prophets
-in God's (my) kingdom
-while you're thrust
outside.
-They'll come from north, south,
and west
-recline in God's kingdom
-and the last shall be first
-and the first last."
-That hour Pharisees said "Move on, Herod
wants to kill you."
-He said "Tell that fox 'To-day and
to-morrow I expel demons
-and accomplish cures
-and on the third day I am perfected.
-But I must journey on to-day,
to-morrow and next day,
-for it's not possible for a prophet
to
-perish outside Jerusalem.
-Jerusalem, Jerusalem killing
the prophets
-and stoning those sent to
her.
-How often I wished to gather
your children
-like a hen gathers her chicks
under her wings
-but you wouldn't let me.
-So your house (Temple) is left to
you
-but you won't see me
-until you say 'Blessed is the
one coming in the Lord's
name.'"
(Chapter 13)
He went to a leading Pharisee's house for a meal
on a Sabbath
-and they carefully watched Him.
-In front of Him was a man with dropsy.
-Jesus said to the lawyers and Pharisees,
-"Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or
not?"
-No reply.
-So He took, cured, dismissed the
man
-and said to them "If your son, or
ox
-fell into a pit on a Sabbath
-wouldn't you immediately pull
it out?"
-They weren't able to
answer.
-Noticing how the guests picked the honoured
places at the table
-He told a parable. "When you're invited to
a wedding,
-don't pick the chief seat,
-lest someone more honourable than you
is invited.
-and the host has to ask you to move,
-and you'll be humiliated into
taking the least important place.
-But when invited, take the least
important place,
-then, when the host comes he'll say
-'Friend, go up higher.'
-Then you'll be honoured before all
the guests.
-For every one exalting himself
will be humbled
-and the one humbling himself will
be exalted."
-He said to His host
-"When you invite people to a meal,
-don't invite family, relatives, friends
or rich neighbours
-because they may invite you back in
repayment.
-Instead invite the poor, maimed, lame and
blind,
-you'll be blessed because they can't
repay you - you'll be repaid in the
resurrection of the righteous."
-One, reclining with Him, said "Blessed is he
who eats bread in God's kingdom."
-And Jesus said, "A man made a great
banquet and invited many.
-When it was ready he sent a servant to
those invited
-to tell them it was ready.
-But they all made excuses.
-The first one said 'I've bought a
farm and must go see it.'
-Another said 'I've bought five
oxen and I'm on my way to try
them out. Please excuse me.'
-Another said, 'I just got married
so I can't come.'
-The servant reported to his lord
-who became angry
-and told his servant to go quickly
into city
-streets and lanes and bring in
the
-poor, maimed, blind and lame.
-The servant reported that he'd obeyed
but
-there was still room at the table.
-The Lord told the slave to go out
-into country ways and hedges and
compel
-them to come in to fill his
house
-saying, 'Not one of those
invited will taste my
banquet.'"
-Large crowds came to him and turning He said
-"You can't be my disciple unless you:
-Hate your father, mother, wife, children,
brothers and sisters
-and your own life.
-Bear your own cross and
-follow me.
-To build a tower you first
-estimate its cost
-to see if you can afford to finish it.
-Otherwise if you lay the foundation
-and can't finish it,
-everyone will mock you saying 'He
started but can't finish.'
-A king before declaring war, works out if
he
-can win with 10,000 men when his opponent
has 20,000.
-If not, he will make peace instead of
war.
-Likewise, unless you say farewell to all
your possessions
-you can't be my disciple.
-Salt's good, but if it loses its saltiness
-how can it be made salty again?
-It's fit for neither the soil
-nor the manure heap
-so it's thrown out.
-He who has ears to hear let him
hear."
(Chapter 14)
All the tax collectors and sinners drew near to
hear Him.
-The Pharisees and Scribes complained that He
-"Receives and eats with sinners."
-So He told them this parable.
-"If you've got 100 sheep and lose one,
-won't you leave the 99 and seek the
lost 'til you find it?
-Then put it on your shoulders
rejoicing
-and coming home
-call friends and neighbours
saying,
-'Rejoice with me, I've found
my lost sheep.'
-Likewise there'll be (more) joy in heaven
-over one sinner repenting
-than over 99 just men who have no
need of repentance.
-If a woman has 10 $100 notes and loses
one
-won't she light a lamp, sweep the house
and
-seek carefully 'til she finds it?
-And when she does, calls friends
and neighbours
-Saying, 'Rejoice with me I've
found the lost note.'
-Likewise, there's joy before God's angels
over one
-sinner that repents."
-He said "A man had two sons,
-the younger asked for and received his
inheritance.
-Soon after, having gathered his
possessions,
-he went to a far country
-where he squandered his wealth in
wild living.
-A severe famine struck,
-he had no money and was in
real need
-so he hired himself out to
feed pigs in the fields.
-He longed to eat the pigs'
food
-but no one gave him anything.
-'Waking up' to himself he said
-'My father's hired servants have
-an abundance of bread
-while I'm starving here.
-I'll go and say to my father
-I've sinned against heaven and
you
-I'm no longer worthy to be
called your son,
-make me as one of your hired
servants.'
-So he returned,
-but while still far away,
-his father saw him
-and moved with pity
-ran,
-embraced and fervently kissed
him.
-The son said 'Father I've sinned
against
-heaven and
-you,
-I'm no longer worthy to be
called your son.'
-But the father said to his
servants,
-'Quickly bring out the best
robe
-put it on him,
-put a ring on his hand
-and sandals on his feet.
-Bring and kill the fattened
calf,
-let's eat and be merry,
-because this son of mine
-was dead
and is alive,
-was lost
and is found.'
-But the older son was in a field.
-Drawing near to the house
-he heard music and dancing.
-So he asked a servant what was
going on.
-Hearing his brother was home
safe and sound,
-he angrily refused to enter.
-So his father came out and pleaded
with him.
-He said
-'I've served you for years,
-I've never disobeyed your
command.
-But you've never given me a
goat
-so I could make merry with my
friends.
-Yet when this son of yours
returns,
-who's squandered your
property on harlots,
-you kill the fatted calf.'
-The father said
-'Child, you're always with me,
-and everything that's mine is
yours.
-Be merry, rejoice
-because your brother was dead
-and came to life,
-he was lost
-and is found.'"
(Chapter 15)
He said to the disciples,
-"A rich man had a manager
-who was accused of wasting his possessions.
-So he called him to account saying,
-'You can't be manager any longer.'
-The manager said to himself
-'What can I do?
-I'm losing my job,
-I'm too weak to dig,
-I'm ashamed to beg.
-This is what I'll do so when I lose
my job
-people will welcome me into their
houses.'
-He called in each of his
master's debtors.
-He asked the first 'How much
do you owe?'
-'800 gallons of olive oil'
he replied.
-The manager said 'Quickly
change your bill to 400.'
-He asked the second 'How much
do you owe?'
-'1000 bushels of wheat' he
replied.
-He told him 'Change your bill
to 800.'
-The master commended the dishonest
manager
-because he acted shrewdly.
-For the world's people are
-more shrewd in dealing with
their own kind
-than are God's people.
-And (shall) I (ironically) tell you
(to)
-make friends by unrighteous money
-so when it fails
-they'll receive you into
eternal dwellings (hell).
-(No) if you're faithful in small
matters
-You'll be faithful in bigger
ones.
-If you're dishonest in small
matters
-You'll be dishonest in big
ones.
-If you've not been trustworthy in
handling unrighteous money
-who'll trust you with true
riches?
-And if you're not trustworthy
with others' property
-who'll give you property of
your own?
-You can't serve two masters because
-you'll either hate the one and love the
other
-or love the one and hate the other.
-YOU CAN'T SERVE BOTH GOD AND MONEY."
-The Pharisees, being money lenders,
-heard all this and sneered at Jesus.
-He said "You justify yourselves before
men
-but God knows your hearts.
-What's highly valued among men
-is an abomination before God.
-The law and the prophets were until John,
-since then God's kingdom's being preached
-and everyone's pressing into it.
-But it's easier for heaven and earth to
disappear
-than for the minutest part of the law
to fail.
-Everyone divorcing his wife and marrying
another
-commits adultery.
-And if the divorced wife marries
-she commits adultery.
-A rich man dressed in purple and fine linen
-lived in splendid merriment every day.
-At the gate was placed a poor man named
Lazarus,
-covered with sores and
-longing to eat the scraps falling
from
-the rich man's table.
-Even the dogs came and licked his
sores.
-The poor man died and was carried by
angels
-to Abraham's side.
-The rich man also died and was
buried.
-Tormented in hell,
-he looked up and saw Abraham with
Lazarus.
-He called 'Father Abraham, pity
me.
-Send Lazarus to dip his
finger in water
-and cool my tongue,
-for I'm suffering in this
flame.'
-But Abraham said 'Child, remember
that
-in your lifetime you received good
things
-and Lazarus, bad.
-Now he's comforted and
-you're suffering.
-Moreover, a great chasm has
been firmly fixed
-so no-one can pass from one
side to the other.'
-He said 'Father, send him to my
father's house
-so he may warn my five brothers
-to avoid this place of torment.'
-Abraham replied 'They've got Moses
and the prophets
-let them hear them.'
-But he said 'No Father Abraham,
-but if someone from the dead goes
to them they'll repent.'
-But he said 'If they don't hear Moses
and the prophets,
-someone rising from the dead won't
persuade them.'"
(Chapter 16)
He told His disciples "Offences (against God)
are inevitable
-but woe to he that causes them.
-He'd be better off being thrown into the
sea with a millstone tied round his neck
-than offend one of these little ones
(cause them to sin).
-So watch yourselves.
-If your brother sins, rebuke him
-and if he repents
-forgive him.
-Even if he sins against you
seven times in the day
-and turns to you and repents,
-you shall forgive him."
-His apostles said to Him "Increase our
faith."
-He replied "If you had faith as small as a
mustard seed,
-and told this sycamore tree
-to be uprooted and planted in the sea,
-it would have obeyed you.
-If you had a servant ploughing or herding
-you wouldn't say to him when he returns
from the field
-'Sit down and eat.' Instead,
-you'd say 'Prepare my food
-and wait on me while I eat and
drink
-then you can eat and drink.'
-Would he thank his servant for
obeying?
-Likewise, when you've done
everything commanded of you
-you should say 'We're
unprofitable servants,
-we've only done our duty.'"
-On the way to Jerusalem He passed through
Samaria and Galilee.
-Entering a village, 10 lepers stood at a
distance
-and said "Jesus, Master, pity us."
-He replied "Show yourselves to the
priests."
-As they went they were cleansed.
-One returned glorifying God with a
loud voice and
-fell at Jesus' feet thanking Him.
-He was a Samaritan.
-Jesus said "Weren't 10
cleansed?
-Where are the other 9?
-Did only this stranger
return to
-give glory to God?"
-He said to him "Rise up,
go,
-your faith's healed you."
-Questioned by the Pharisees,
-when God's kingdom would come,
-Jesus answered "It doesn't come with
careful observation
-nor will people say 'It's here or
there'
-for God's (my) kingdom's within you."
-He told His disciples "The days will come
when
-you'll long to, but won't, see one of my
days.
-They'll say to you 'He's here or there.'
-Don't follow them
-for as lightning flashing from one
end of
-heaven to the other,
-so will I be in my day.
-But first I must suffer
-and be rejected by this
generation.
-As in Noah's days, it will be in mine.
-They ate, drank and married until the
day Noah entered the ark
-and the flood came and destroyed them
all.
-Likewise in Lot's day.
-They ate, drank, bought, sold, planted
and built
-but on the day Lot left Sodom
-fire and brimstone from heaven
destroyed all.
-That's how it will be when I'm revealed.
-On that day anyone on his roof
-shouldn't go inside to get his goods.
-Anyone in a field shouldn't return
for anything.
-Remember Lot's wife.
-Seek to preserve your life and
you'll lose it,
-lose your life and you'll
preserve it.
-That night, of two men on a couch,
-one will be taken and one left.
-Of two women grinding together
-one will be taken and one left."
-The disciples asked "Where Lord?"
-He said "Where there's a body the
eagles gather."
(Chapter 17)
He told them a parable to show they should
persist in prayer.
-"A city judge neither feared God or cared for
men.
-A widow kept coming to him asking for
justice against an adversary.
-For a time he refused but then he said to
himself
-'Though I neither fear God nor man
-I'll vindicate this woman
-before she wears me out by her
persistence.'"
-The Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge
says.
-Won't God see justice is done for His
chosen ones
-who cry out to Him day and night?
-And be patient over them?
-I tell you He'll see they get justice
quickly.
-But when I come will I find faith
on earth?"
-To those relying on themselves as being
righteous
-and despising others, He told this
parable.
-"Two men went up to the Temple to pray.
-One was a Pharisee,
-the other a (despised) tax collector
(for Rome).
-The Pharisee prayed to himself.
-'God, thanks that I'm not like
everyone else,
-rapacious, unjust, adulterers,
or even like this tax
collector.
-I fast twice weekly,
-I give you 10% of my income.'
-But the tax collector stood far
off,
-wouldn't even lift his eyes to
heaven,
-but smote his breast saying,
-'God be merciful to me a
sinner.'
-This man returned home justified before
God (right with God), because
-everyone exalting himself will be
humbled
-and the one humbling himself will
be exalted."
-People brought babies for Jesus to touch.
-The disciples rebuked them.
-But Jesus called them (the babies) to
Him saying,
-"Allow the children to come to me,
don't stop them
-for of such is God's (my) kingdom.
-Whoever doesn't receive God's
kingdom
-as a child (with their
uncomplicated faith)
-will never enter it."
-A ruler asked "Good master, what must I do to
get eternal life?"
-Jesus said "Why call me good?
-No-one's good except God.
-You know the commandments,
-don't commit adultery,
-don't kill,
-don't steal,
-don't bear false witness,
-honour your father and mother."
-He said "I've kept all these from my
youth."
-Jesus said "You lack one thing,
-sell all your possessions,
-distribute to the poor
-and you'll have treasure in heaven
-and come follow me."
-This grieved him for he was very rich.
-Jesus said "It's hard for the rich to enter
God's (my) kingdom.
-It's easier for a camel to go through a
needle's eye
-than for a rich man
-to enter God's kingdom."
-Those hearing said "Then who can be saved?"
-He said "What's impossible with men
-is possible with God."
-Peter said "We've left all to follow you."
-Jesus said "Everyone leaving house, wife,
brothers,
-parents or children for God's kingdom
-will receive many times as much in
this age
-and in the age to come, eternal
life."
-He said to the twelve,
-"We're going to Jerusalem
-and everything written through the
prophets
-about me will be accomplished,
-for I'll be delivered to the Gentiles
-mocked,
-insulted,
-spat on,
-flogged,
-killed
-and rise again on the third day."
-They didn't understand, the meaning was
hidden from them.
-They didn't know what He was talking
about.
-Drawing near to Jericho a blind beggar sat by
the road.
-Hearing the crowd passing, he asked who it
was.
-Being told it was Jesus of Nazareth
-he called out "Jesus, son of David,
pity me."
-Those leading the way rebuked him to
be quiet
-but he shouted all the more,"Son of
David pity me."
-Standing, Jesus commanded he be
brought to Him.
-Drawing near He asked, "What do
you want me to do?"
-He said, "Lord that I may see
again."
-Jesus said "See again,
-your faith's healed you."
-He saw immediately
-and followed Him glorifying God
-and all the people who saw it gave
praise to God.
(Chapter 18)
Passing through Jericho a man called Zacchaeus,
-a rich tax collector, sought to see Jesus.
-But being short, he couldn't see for the
crowd.
-Running to the front of the crowd he
climbed
-a sycamore tree to see Him as He passed
by.
-Arriving there, Jesus looked up and
said
-"Zacchaeus come quickly down
-for to-day I must stay at your
house."
-Hastily coming down, he
welcomed Him rejoicing.
-The crowd complained that
He'd
-lodged with a sinful man.
-Standing, Zacchaeus said to the Lord,
-"Behold, half my possessions I give to
the poor
-and if I've accused anyone falsely
-I'll restore it fourfold."
-Jesus said to him,
-"To-day salvation's come to this house,
-because even he's a son of Abraham.
-For I came to seek and save the
lost."
-As they heard these things He told a parable
-because He was near Jerusalem
-and they thought God's kingdom was about
to appear.
-He said "A nobleman went to a far
country
-to receive a kingdom and return.
-He called his 10 servants and gave
each
-the equivalent of 3 months' wages
to invest while he was gone.
-But his subjects hated him
-and sent a delegation after
him
-saying 'We don't want you to
reign over us.'
-When he returned, having received the
kingdom,
-he called the servants to whom he'd
given the money
-to see what they'd gained by
trading.
-The first reported 'Lord, I've
multiplied your $2000 by 10
times.'
-He said 'Well done, good
servant.
-Because you've been faithful
in a small thing I give you
authority over 10 cities.'
-The second reported 'Lord, I've
multiplied your $2000 by 5
times.'
-He said 'I give you authority
over 5 cities.'
-The third reported 'Here's your
$2000.
-I hid it because I feared,
knowing you're an exacting
man, taking what you didn't
put in and reaping what you
didn't sow.'
-He said 'I'll judge you by your
own words,
-you wicked servant.
-You know I'm a hard man,
-so why didn't you put my
money on deposit then I'd
have at least earned
interest.'
-To those standing by he said,
-'Take his $2000 and give it to
the one with $20,000.'
-They said 'Lord, he already has
$20,000.
-I tell you that everyone who has,
will get more
-but the one with nothing will have
even what he has, taken away.
-But those enemies who didn't want
me to reign over them,
-bring them here and slay them
before me.'"
-After this, Jesus led the way, going up to
Jerusalem.
-Nearing Bethany and Bethphage near the
Mount of Olives
-He sent two disciples, saying,
-"Go into the opposite village where
you'll find a colt tied up,
-which has never been ridden.
-Untie and bring it and
-if anyone asks why, say,
-'The Lord needs it.'"
-They went, everything happened just as
Jesus said it would,
-and they led the colt to Him.
-After throwing their garments on the
colt
-they put Jesus on him.
-As He went, they strewed their
garments on the road.
-Beginning to descend the Mount
of Olives,
-the multitude of disciples
began to
-joyfully praise God
-with a loud voice,
-for all the powerful deeds
they'd seen,
-saying, "Blessed is the King
-coming in the Lord's name,
-peace in heaven,
-and glory in the highest
places."
-Pharisees told Him to rebuke His
disciples.
-He replied "If they were silent,
-the stones would cry out."
-Nearing Jerusalem, He wept over it,
saying
-"If you'd only known to-day
-what would bring you peace -
-but now it's hidden from you.
-Because days will come when
your enemies will
-raise up a (siege) rampart
against you,
-surround you,
-press in on all sides,
-dash your children to the
ground,
-and not leave one stone
upon another,
-because you didn't know (me
when I came) the time of
your visitation."
-Entering the Temple,
-He began expelling those selling, saying,
-"It's written, my house shall be a house
of prayer
-but you've made it a den of robbers."
-He taught daily in the Temple.
-The chief priests, scribes and chief men
of the people
-sought to destroy Him,
-but they couldn't work out how,
-for all the people hung on His
words.
(Chapter 19)
As He taught and preached good news to the
people in the Temple,
-the chief priests, scribes and elders said to
Him
-"What authority have you to do this or who
gave it to you?"
-He said, "I'll ask you a question to
answer,
-was John's baptism from heaven or men?"
-Debating among themselves they said,
-"If we say from heaven He'll say
-'Why didn't you believe him?'
-If we say from men
-the people will stone us
-for they believe He's a
prophet."
-So they replied, "We don't know."
-So Jesus said "Neither will I tell you
by what authority I do these things."
-He then told the people this parable.
-"A man planted a vineyard, rented it to
farmers
-and went away for a long time.
-At harvest, he sent a servant to get
his share of the produce,
-but they beat him and sent him away
with nothing.
-He sent another servant whom they beat,
insulted and sent away with nothing.
-He sent a third, whom they wounded and
threw out.
-The vineyard's owner said 'I'll send my
beloved son, perhaps they'll respect
him.'
-But seeing him, the farmers decided
to kill him,
-so they'd inherit the vineyard.
-So they threw him out of the
vineyard and killed him.
-What will the owner do?
-He'll come, destroy the farmers and
give the vineyard to others."
-The people said "May it not be."
-Looking at them He said, "What's the
meaning of this which has been
written,
-'The stone the builders rejected
-has become the head of the corner
(cornerstone).'
-Everyone falling on it will be broken
to pieces,
-but whoever it falls on
-will be crushed to powder."
-The scribes and chief priests
-sought to lay their hands on Him that
hour,
-knowing He told the parable against
them,
-but they feared the people.
-Watching carefully, they sent
spies
-who pretended to be sincere,
-so as to seize His words
-and deliver Him to the rule
and authority of the
governor.
-So they questioned Him saying
"Teacher, we know you speak and
teach what's right,
-impartially and truthfully teaching
the way of God.
-Is it lawful to pay taxes to
Caesar?"
-Seeing through their duplicity,
He said,
-"Show me a denarius (coin).
-Whose portrait and name's
on it?"
-They said "Caesar's."
-He said, "Render to Caesar what's
Caesar's
-and to God what's God's."
-So they were unable to trap Him
publicly
-and marvelling at His answer
they were silent.
-Sadducees who say there's no resurrection,
questioned Him.
-"Moses wrote that if a married man dies
childless
-his brother should marry her and have
children for his brother.
-Seven brothers married her and each
died childless,
-then the woman died.
-So whose wife will she be at the
resurrection?"
-Jesus replied "In this age people
marry
-but those counted worthy to
obtain that (heavenly) age
-and resurrection out of the
dead,
-don't marry,
-no longer die,
-are equal to angels and
-are God's sons,
-being sons of the
resurrection.
-But even Moses pointed out at
the bush
-that the dead are raised.
-For he calls the Lord the God
of
-Abraham, Israel and Jacob.
-He's not the God of the dead
-but of the living,
-for to Him all are alive."
-Some of the scribes said "Well said
teacher."
-No one dared ask more questions.
-He asked "How can they say the Christ is
David's son?
-David himself says in the Psalms,
-'The Lord said to my Lord'
-'Sit at my right hand
-until I make your enemies
-a footstool for your feet.'
-David calls Him 'Lord' so how can He be his
son?"
-In the hearing of all the people Jesus told
His disciples,
-"Beware of the scribes who like
-to walk around in robes,
-greetings in the market places,
-chief seats in the Synagogues and
-honoured places at banquets.
-They devour widows' houses
-and for show make lengthy prayers.
-They'll receive severer judgment."
(Chapter 20)
Looking up, He saw the rich putting gifts into
the Temple treasury.
-He also saw a poor widow putting in two
copper (one cent) coins.
-He said "She's put in more than all the
rest,
-they gave out of their abundance
-but she out of her poverty,
-put in all she had to live on."
-Some spoke about how the Temple was adorned
-with beautiful stones and gifts.
-He said "As for what you see,
-the time will come when not one stone
will be left on another,
-every one will be overthrown."
-They asked Him "When will it happen?"
-and "What will be the sign it's about to
happen?"
-He said "Don't be led astray.
-Many will come in my name saying 'I'm He'
-and 'The time's near',
-don't follow them.
-When you hear of wars and commotions,
don't be afraid.
-These things must happen first,
-but the end won't follow
immediately.
-Nation will rise against nation
-and kingdom against kingdom.
-There'll be great earthquakes,
-pestilences,
-famines,
-terrors,
-and great signs from heaven.
-But before this they'll
-lay hands on you,
-persecute you,
-deliver you to Synagogues,
-and prisons,
-lead you before kings and
-governors for the sake of my
name.
-The result will be your
testimony to them.
-Decide in your hearts not to
practise beforehand
-how to defend yourselves,
-for I'll give you a mouth
-and wisdom
-that no adversary
-will be able to withstand.
-You'll be betrayed by parents,
brothers, relatives and friends
-and some will be put to death.
-You'll be hated by all men
-because of my name
-but not a hair of your head
will perish.
-In your endurance you'll gain
your souls.
-But when you see Jerusalem surrounded
by camps
-you'll know the desolation's drawn
near.
-Then let those in Judea flee to the
mountains.
-Those in its (Jerusalem's) midst
depart and
-those in the country not enter
it.
-These are the days of vengeance
-fulfilling all that's been written.
-Woe to pregnant women
-and nursing mothers in those
days.
-There'll be great distress in
the land
-and wrath against this
people.
-They'll fall by the sword,
-be led captive to all nations
-and Jerusalem will be trodden
down by Gentiles
-until God fulfills the time
of Gentile control.
-There'll be signs in sun, moon and
stars
-and on earth anxiety of nations
-and perplexity at the sound of sea
and surf.
-Men will faint from fear,
-apprehensive of what's coming
on the world,
-for the powers of the heavens
will be shaken
-Then they'll see me coming,
-in a cloud with great power and glory.
-When these things begin,
-stand erect,
-lift your heads up,
-because your redemption
(deliverance) draws near."
-He told them this parable.
-"See the fig tree and all the trees,
-when leaves sprout
-you know summer's near.
-Likewise, when you see these things
happening
-you know God's kingdom's near.
-This generation (or race) won't
pass away
-until all these things happen.
-Heaven and earth will,
-but my words won't.
-Take heed to yourselves
-lest your hearts be burdened
-with dissipation,
-drunkenness,
-and the anxieties of life.
-For the day (of my return) will come on
you suddenly
-for it'll come as a snare to all
dwelling on earth.
-Watch and pray constantly,
-that you may be able to escape
-these things about to happen
and (be able) to stand before
me."
-In the day He taught in the Temple
-and at night He went out (of the city)
-and lodged in the Mount of Olives.
-All the people came each morning
-to hear Him in the Temple.
(Chapter 21)
The Passover drew near.
-The chief priests and scribes
-sought how to destroy Him
-for they feared the people.
-Satan entered Judas Iscariot,
-one of the twelve.
-He went and conversed with the
-chief priests and captains how to
betray Jesus.
-They rejoiced and agreed to pay
him.
-He fully consented and sought
-opportunity to betray Him
away from the crowd.
-On the day the Passover lamb was to be killed
-Jesus sent Peter and John saying,
-"Prepare the Passover for us."
-They said "Where?"
-He said "As you enter the city
-a man carrying a pitcher of water,
will meet you.
-Follow him to the house and
-say to the house owner
-"The teacher says 'Where's
the guest room where I may
eat the Passover with my
disciples?'
-He'll show you a prepared
large upper room.
-Prepare it."
-They went, found it as He'd
said
-and prepared the Passover.
-(At the appointed hour) Jesus reclined
with the apostles.
-He said "I desired to eat this Passover
with you
-before I suffer
-for I won't eat it again 'til
-God's (my) kingdom's fulfilled."
-Taking the cup, having given
thanks He said
-"Take this and divide among
yourselves
-for I won't drink wine
until God's kingdom
comes."
-After giving thanks,
-He took a loaf, broke it and
gave it to them
-saying "This is my body being
given for you,
-do this in memory of me."
-Similarly, after supper He took
the cup, saying
-"This is the new covenant in
my blood being shed for you.
-But the hand of my betrayer's
with me on the table,
-I go as it's been determined.
-But woe to my betrayer."
-They debated with themselves who
was about to do this.
-There was also rivalry as to who
was the greatest.
-So Jesus said "Gentiles' kings lord
it over them
-and those in authority are called
benefactors (well doers),
-not so among you.
-The greater, let him become
as the youngest.
-The chief as a servant.
-Who is greater, the one sitting
-or the one serving?
-It's the one sitting.
-But I'm in your midst as the
one serving.
-But you've remained with me
-in my temptations.
-And I appoint a kingdom to you,
-as the Father has to me,
-so you may eat and drink
-at my table,
-in my kingdom.
-And you'll sit on thrones
-judging Israel's twelve
tribes.
-Simon, Simon, Satan begged
earnestly to sift you as wheat.
-But I've requested that your
faith might not fail.
-And when you've turned (back to
me)
-support your brothers."
-Peter said "Lord I'm prepared to
go to
-prison and death with you."
-But He said "Peter, before the
rooster crows to-day
-you'll deny you know me three
times."
-And He said to them "When I sent
you out without
-purse, bag or sandals,
-did you lack anything?"
-They said "No."
-And He said "But now, take purse
and bag.
-If you don't have a sword
-sell your garment and buy one.
-It's written 'He was reckoned with
lawless men.' (Isaiah 53:12).
-This must be fulfilled in me.
-What's written about me is
reaching fulfillment."
-They said "Here are two
swords."
-He replied "It's enough."
-He went out (of Jerusalem) as usual, to the
Mount of Olives
-followed by His disciples.
-Arriving, He said to them "Pray you don't
enter into temptation."
-Withdrawing about a stone's throw,
-He knelt and prayed,
-"Father, if it's your will, take
this cup from me.
-but not my will but yours be
done."
-An angel appeared from heaven
-strengthening Him.
-Becoming agonised, He prayed more
earnestly
-and His sweat became as drops of
blood
-falling to the earth.
-Rising, He came to His disciples
-and found them sleeping from the
grief.
-He said "Why sleep, rise and pray
-lest you enter into
temptation."
-While still speaking, a crowd arrived
-led by Judas, one of the twelve,
-who approached Jesus to kiss Him.
-Jesus said "Judas, do you betray the
Son of Man (me)
-with a kiss?"
-Seeing what was going to happen, the
disciples said
-"Lord, shall we strike with a sword?"
-One struck, cutting off the right ear
of the
-high priest's servant.
-Jesus said, "Let them do this."
-And touching the ear, He cured
him.
-Jesus said to the chief priest, Temple
captains and elders
-who'd come for Him, "Do you come out
-as against a robber
-with swords and clubs?
-While I was with you daily in the
Temple
-you didn't stretch out your hands
against me.
-But this is your hour
-and the authority of the
darkness."
-Having arrested Him, they led and brought Him
-into the high priest's house.
-And Peter followed afar off.
-Lighting a fire in the centre of the
court
-they, with Peter, sat round it.
-A maidservant, seeing him seated in
the firelight
-gazed at him and said "This man
was with Him."
-He denied it saying, "I don't
know Him."
-Shortly afterwards another said
"You're one of them."
-He said "Man I'm not."
-About an hour later another man
emphatically asserted
-"This man was with Him, for he's
a Galilean."
-But Peter said "Man, I don't
know what you're talking
about."
-While he was still speaking, a cock
crowed.
-The Lord turned and looked at
Peter
-who remembered the Lord's word
to him,
-"That before a cock crows
to-day you'll deny me three
times."
-And going outside
-he wept bitterly.
-The men guarding Jesus began mocking and
beating Him.
-Blindfolding Him, they asked "Prophesy, who
hit you?"
-And they said many other blasphemous
things against Him.
-At daybreak, the elders, chief priests and
scribes assembled
-and led Him away to their council saying
-"If you're the Christ tell us."
-He said "If I tell you, you won't
believe.
-If I question you, you won't answer.
-But from now on I'll be sitting at
-the right hand of God's power."
-They all asked "Are you God's
Son?"
-He said "You say I am."
-They said "Why do we need more witnesses?
-We've heard it from His own mouth."
(Chapter 22)
The whole multitude rose up and led Him to
Pilate.
-They began to accuse Him saying
-"We found this man perverting our nation,
-forbidding to give tribute to Caesar
-and saying He's Christ, a king."
-Pilate asked "Are you King of the
Jews?"
-He replied "So you say."
-Pilate said to the chief priests
and crowds
-"I find no crime in Him."
-But they insisted saying,
-"He excites the people,
-teaching throughout all Judea,
-beginning from Galilee to here."
-Pilate asked if He were a Galilean.
-Perceiving He was under Herod's
jurisdiction
-he sent Him to Herod who was then in
Jerusalem.
-Seeing Jesus, Herod rejoiced
greatly
-for he'd long wanted to see Him,
-having heard about Him
-and hoping to see Him perform
some sign.
-So he questioned Him at length.
-But Jesus said nothing.
-The chief priests and scribes
vehemently accused Him.
-Despising Him, Herod and his soldiers mocked
Him,
-threw splendid clothes on Him
-and sent Him back to Pilate.
-Herod and Pilate became friends that
day
-having previously been enemies.
-Pilate called together the chief
priests, leaders and people
-saying "You brought this man for
-perverting the people,
-and examining Him before you
I find no basis for your
charges.
-Neither did Herod who sent Him
back to us.
-He's done nothing worthy of
death
-so I'll chastise and release
Him."
-But the whole multitude shouted
-"Take Him
-and release Barabbas."
-(Who'd been thrown into prison for
-insurrection and murder in the city).
-Again Pilate called to them wishing to
release Jesus.
-But they shouted "Crucify, crucify Him."
-Pilate for the third time asked
-"What evil's He done?
-I find nothing worthy of the death
penalty
-so I'll chastise and release Him."
-But with loud voices they
insisted
-He be crucified
-and their voices prevailed.
-So Pilate decided to grant their request.
-He released the one they asked for who'd
been thrown into prison for
-insurrection and murder
-and delivered Jesus to their will.
-As they led Him away, they
-seized Simon a Cyrenian (from Libya)
-coming from the country
-and put the cross on him
-to carry behind Jesus.
-A great multitude of people
followed Him, and women,
-mourning and lamenting Him.
-Turning to them Jesus said,
-"Daughters of Jerusalem don't
weep for me,
-but weep for yourselves and
your children,
-because days are coming when
they'll
-say 'Blessed are the barren
and
-the wombs which never bare
-and the breasts that never
nursed.'
-They'll say to the mountains
-'Fall on us' and to the hills
'cover us'
-because if they do these
things when the tree's green
-what will happen when it's
dry?"
-Two others, both criminals, were
led
-to be killed with Him.
-When they came to the place
-called The Skull, there
-they crucified Him
-and the criminals one on each side.
-Jesus said "Father, forgive them for
they don't know what they do."
-They divided His garments by
casting lots.
-People stood watching
-and the rulers scoffed,
-"He saved others
-let Him save Himself
-if this man's the Christ,
the chosen one of God."
-The soldiers also mocked Him
-offering vinegar and saying
-"If you're the King of the
Jews save yourself."
-The notice above Him read
-"The King of the Jews."
-One of the criminals hanging there blasphemed
Him,
-"If you're the Christ
-save yourself and us."
-But the other rebuked him saying,
-"Don't you fear God since you're under
the same sentence?
-We're punished justly, getting back
what we deserve
-but this man did nothing wrong."
-And he said "Jesus remember me when
you come into your kingdom."
-He replied "Truly I tell you, to-day
you'll be with me in Paradise."
-It was now about noon and darkness came over
all the land until 3 p.m.
-As the sun stopped shining, the Temple's
veil
-(separating the holy from the most holy
place), was torn in two.
-Crying with a great voice Jesus said
"Into your hands I commit my spirit."
-Then He expired (died).
-The Roman centurion, seeing what happened,
-glorified God saying "This man really was
righteous (right with God)."
-When all the crowds saw this
-they returned (home) beating their
breasts.
-All those known to Him,
-the women and those who accompanied Him
from Galilee,
-stood afar off.
-A good and righteous man named Joseph, a
councillor, from Arimathea,
-who didn't agree with the council's action,
-and was awaiting God's kingdom,
-asked Pilate for Jesus' body.
-He took it down,
-wrapped it in linen
-and placed Him in an unused hewn
tomb.
-It was Preparation Day
-and a Sabbath was about to
begin.
-The women who'd come with Jesus from Galilee
-followed Joseph and saw the tomb and where
His body was placed.
-They went home and prepared spices and
ointment
-and rested on the Sabbath according to
the commandment.
(Chapter 23)
-Very early on the first day of the week they
came to the tomb,
-carrying the spices they'd prepared
-and found the stone rolled away from the
tomb.
-And entering they found the body of the
Lord Jesus
-wasn't there.
-As they were perplexed about this,
-two men in shining clothing stood
by them.
-Becoming terrified they bowed
their faces to the ground.
-The men said to them
"Why seek the living one
with the dead ones?
He is not here but was
raised.
-Remember He said when He was
in Galilee 'I must be
delivered into the hands of
sinful men, crucified and
rise the third day.'"
-And they remembered.
-Returning from the tomb,
-they reported all this to the
disciples and the rest.
-It was Mary Magdalene,Joanna,
-Mary, James' mother, and
those with them who told
the apostles these things.
-But they didn't believe the
women,
-their words seemed like
nonsense.
-But Peter ran to the tomb.
-He saw the strips of linen lying
by themselves
-and went wondering what had
happened.
-The same day two of them
-were going to a village named Emmaus about
7 miles from Jerusalem.
-They talked of all that had happened.
-Jesus Himself drew near and journeyed
with them.
-But they didn't recognise Him.
-He said "What were you discussing
as you walked?"
-Standing sad faced, one named
Cleopas said
-"Are you a stranger to
Jerusalem
-not knowing what's happened
in these days?"
-He said "What things?"
-They replied "About Jesus the
Nazarene
-who was a prophet
-powerful in work and word
before God and the people.
-The chief priests and rulers
handed Him over to death's
judgment and crucified Him.
-But He hoped He'd redeem
Israel.
-And it's the third day since
it happened.
-Additionally, some of our
women amazed us
-by going to the tomb early
(this morning)
-and not finding His body.
-They told us they'd seen a
vision of angels
-and said He was alive.
-Our companions went to the
tomb, found it as the women
said,
-but they didn't see Him."
-He said "O foolish and slow in heart
to believe
-all the prophets have spoken.
-Didn't Christ have to suffer
these things
-and enter into His glory?"
-And beginning with Moses and all
the prophets
-He explained in all the
scriptures the
-things concerning Himself.
-Drawing near to their
destination village
-He pretended to journey
further.
-They urged Him saying
-"Remain with us as it's
evening."
-He did, and as He reclined He
-took the loaf, blessed, broke and
handed it to them.
-Their eyes were opened and they
recognised Him.
-And He became invisible to
them.
-And they said to each other,
-"Didn't our hearts burn within us
-as He spoke on the road
-opening the scriptures to
us."
-They returned that hour to
Jerusalem,
-found the eleven and those with
them assembled
-and said "The Lord really was
raised and appeared to Simon."
-They told what happened on
the way
-and how they recognised Him
-when He broke the loaf.
-As they spoke He stood in their midst.
-Becoming scared and terrified
-they thought they'd seen a spirit.
-He said "Why are you troubled?
-And why do thoughts (doubts) come
into your hearts?
-See my hands and feet
-that I am myself,
-feel me and see
-because a spirit doesn't have
flesh and bones
-as you see I have."
-While they were filled with disbelief
joy and amazement
-He said "Have you any food?"
-They handed Him part of a broken
fish
-which He ate before them.
-He said "I told you while still
with you
-that everything written about me
in
-the law of Moses, Prophets and
Psalms
-will be fulfilled."
-Then He opened their minds to
understand the scriptures
-and said "It's written that
Christ will suffer
-and rise out of the dead the
third day
-and that in His name
-repentance unto forgiveness
of sins
-be proclaimed to all nations
-beginning at Jerusalem.
-You're witnesses of these
things.
-I send forth the Father's
promise on you.
-But stay in the city until
-you're clothed with power
from on high.
-And He led them toward Bethany
-and lifting up His hands He blessed them.
-While He blessed them He withdrew from
them (being carried up to heaven).
-They returned to Jerusalem with great
joy
-and were continually in the Temple
blessing God.
(Chapter 24)
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