WHY THIS IS GOOD NEWS - MARK.
This is based on the N.I.V. translation and the
Nestle Greek text of Mark's Gospel, written
about A.D. 60 or 27 lifetimes ago.
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ
-As has been written in the prophet Isaiah,
-I send my messenger
-Before your face
-Who'll prepare your way.
-A voice crying in the desert,
-Prepare the Lord's way,
-Make His paths straight.
John the Baptiser came,
-Baptising in the desert
-Proclaiming a baptism
-Of repentance
-For forgiveness of sins.
-Everyone from the Judean countryside
-And Jerusalem
-Went out to him,
-Being baptised by him
-In the Jordan River,
-Confessing their sins.
-John's clothing was camel hair
-With a leather belt.
-His food was
-Locusts
-And wild honey.
-He proclaimed
-"One stronger than I
-Is coming.
-I'm not worthy to stoop
-And loosen the thong of His sandals.
-I baptised you in water,
-But He'll baptise you in the Holy
Spirit."
Then Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee
-Came and was baptised in the Jordan by John.
-Immediately going up out of the water
-He saw the heavens being rent
-And the Spirit as a dove
-Coming down to Him.
-And there was a voice out of the heavens,
-"You're my beloved Son,
-I'm well pleased in you."
-Immediately the Spirit
-Drove Him into the desert.
-He was there 40 days
-Being tempted by Satan
-While with the wild beasts.
-And the angels ministered to Him.
After John's imprisonment
-Jesus came into Galilee,
-Proclaiming God's gospel saying,
-"THE TIME'S FULFILLED,
-GOD'S KINGDOM'S (I'VE) DRAWN NEAR,
-REPENT
-AND BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS."
-Passing by the Sea of Galilee He saw
-Fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew
-Casting a net into the sea.
-He said to them,
-"Come after me
-And I'll make you fishers of men."
-Immediately, leaving their nets they
followed Him.
-Then He saw brothers James and John
-In a ship
-Mending their nets.
-Immediately He called them
-And leaving their father Zebedee with
the hired servants in the ship,
-They went after Him.
-Entering Capernaum
-Immediately He taught in the synagogue,
-On the Sabbaths
-His teaching astounded them
-Because He was teaching as having
authority
-And not as the Scribes.
-Immediately, in the synagogue
-A man with an unclean spirit cried out
-"What have you to do with us
-Jesus of Nazareth?
-Have you come to destroy us?
-I know who you are,
-The holy one of God."
-Jesus rebuked him saying,
-"Be quiet and come out of him."
-Convulsing him and shouting with a
loud voice, the unclean spirit
-Came out of him.
-Everyone was astounded, questioning,
-"What's this?
-He commands unclean spirits
-And they obey Him."
-Immediately word spread about Him in all
Galilee.
-Immediately they went from the synagogue
to Simon
-And Andrew's house,with James and John.
-Simon's mother-in-law was fever
stricken.
-Immediately they told Jesus
-He raised her, holding her hand.
-The fever left
-And she served them.
-After sunset they brought
-All the sick
-And demon possessed.
-All the city gathered at the door
-And He healed many
-With various diseases
-And cast out many demons,
-Not allowing the demons to
speak
-Because they knew Him.
-Hours before dawn next day
-He went to a desert place and prayed.
-Simon and others found Him and said
-"Everyone's looking for you."
-He said "Let's go to neighbouring
towns
-So I can proclaim why I came
forth."
-So He proclaimed in their synagogues in
all Galilee
-And expelled demons.
-A leper came to Him
-Beseeching Him and falling on his knees
saying,
-"If you're willing you're able to
cleanse me."
-Filled with tenderness Jesus
-Stretched out His hand, touched him
and said,
-"I'm willing, be cleansed."
-The leprosy immediately departed and he
was cleansed.
-Jesus, sternly admonishing him
-Immediately put him out saying,
-"Tell no one.
-Show yourself to the priest
-And offer for your cleansing
-What Moses commanded
-As a testimony to them."
-But going out, he told everyone, so
that Jesus
-Could no longer openly enter a
city,
-But was outside in desert places
-And people came from all
directions. (Chapter 1)
Entering Capernaum again, after some days
-Word spread that He was in the house.
-Many assembled, so there was no longer room
at the door
-And He spoke the word to them.
-Four men carried a paralytic to Him.
-Unable to get through the crowd
-They opened the roof
-And lowered the paralytic on his
stretcher.
-Seeing their faith, He said to the paralytic
-"Child, your sins are forgiven."
-Some of the Scribes sitting there
-Reasoned in their hearts,
-"Why does this man speak blasphemy?
-Who can forgive sins except God?"
-Immediately Jesus, knowing in His Spirit
-What they reasoned among themselves, said
to them
-"Why do you so reason in your hearts?
-Which is easier to say to the paralytic
-Your sins are forgiven or
-Rise, take up your stretcher and walk?
-But so you'll know I have authority to
forgive sins on earth-
-He said to the paralytic,
-'I say to you, rise take your
stretcher
-And go to your house.'"
-He rose immediately,
-Took the stretcher and went forth.
-All were astonished and
-Glorified God saying,
-"We never saw anything like this."
He went forth again by the lake.
-The crowd came to Him
-And He taught them.
-Passing by He saw Levi (Matthew)
-Sitting at the tax office
-And said to him "Follow me."
-He rose and followed Him.
-Later, Jesus and His disciples, reclined
(for a meal) at Matthew's house,
-Together with many tax collectors and
sinners,
-For many followed Him.
-Seeing this, the Scribes and Pharisees
said to His disciples,
-"(Why) does He eat with tax collectors
and sinners?"
-Hearing, Jesus said to them,
-"The strong don't need a physician
-But the sick do.
-I didn't come to call righteous men
-But sinners."
-The disciples of John (the Baptist) and the
Pharisees were fasting,
-So they asked why His disciples didn't.
-Jesus replied,
-"Can wedding guests fast while the
bridegroom's with them?
-Of course not.
-But when the bridegroom's taken from them
-They'll fast on that day.
-No one sews a patch of new cloth on an
old garment
-Because it would only tear away and
make a worse hole.
-No one puts new wine into old wineskins
-Because they'd burst,destroying both
wine and skins.
-New wine's for new skins."
Passing through cornfields on the Sabbath
-His disciples picked ears of corn.
-The Pharisees asked why He broke the Sabbath
law.
-He said to them,
-"Have you never read what David and those
with him did when they were hungry?
-How he entered God's house and with those
with him, ate the sacred bread
-Which only the priests can lawfully eat?
-The Sabbath was made for man
-Not man for the Sabbath.
THEREFORE I'M LORD OF THE SABBATH."
(Chapter 2)
He entered again into a synagogue.
-A man was there with a withered hand.
-They watched carefully
-To see if He'd heal on the Sabbath
-So as to accuse Him.
-He said to the man
-"Rise in their midst."
-He said to them,
-"Is it lawful on the Sabbath
-To do good
-Or evil.
-To save life
-Or kill?"
-Dead silence.
-Looking round on them in anger,
-Greatly grieved at their hardness of heart,
-He said to the man
-"Stretch forth the hand."
-He did and it was restored.
-Going forth, the Pharisees immediately took
counsel
-With the Herodians
-Against Him to destroy Him.
Jesus departed with His disciples to the lake.
-A great multitude, hearing what He did, came
to Him and followed from
-Galilee,
-Judea,
-Jerusalem,
-Idumea,
-Beyond the Jordan,
-Round Tyre and Sidon.
-He told His disciples to have a boat handy
-In case the crowd pressed upon Him,
-For He'd healed many,
-So that all who had diseases
-Pressed upon Him to fall upon and touch
Him.
-Unclean spirits, seeing Him
-Fell before Him crying out
-"You're the Son of God"
-And He repeatedly warned them
-Not to make Him known.
-Going up into the mountain
-He called those He desired, who went to
Him.
-And He appointed twelve to be with Him and
be sent
-To proclaim
-And have authority to expel demons.
-Simon He surnamed Peter,
-James and
-John, his brother, whom He surnamed
Sons of Thunder,
-Andrew,
-Philip,
-Bartholomew,
-Matthew,
-Thomas,
-James, the son of Thaddaeus,
-Simon,
-And Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him.
-Coming into a house (possibly Peter's at
Capernaum),
-The crowd came together again
-So they couldn't even eat bread.
-Hearing this, those with Him (His
relations)
-Went to seize Him, saying
-"He's beside Himself."
-Scribes from Jerusalem said
-"He's possessed By Satan,
-By the power of demons He casts
demons out."
-Calling them to Him He said in parables
-"How can Satan cast Satan out?
-A kingdom divided against itself cannot
stand..
-A house divided itself cannot stand.
-If Satan's divided, opposing himself, he
cannot stand.
-No one can enter and plunder a strong
man's house
-Unless he first binds the strong man.
-All men's sins and blasphemies will be
forgiven,EXCEPT whoever blasphemes against
the Holy Spirit,
-Will not be forgiven
-And is liable of an eternal sin
(damnation)"
-BECAUSE THEY SAID "HE HAS AN UNCLEAN
SPIRIT."
-Then His mother and brothers,
-Standing outside, called to Him
-And a crowd sat round Him saying
-"Your mother, brothers and sisters
outside seek you."
-He answered,
-"Who's my mother and brothers?"
-And looking at those sitting in a circle
round Him He said,
-"Behold, my mother and brothers.
-WHOEVER DOES GOD'S WILL
-IS MY BROTHER, SISTER AND
MOTHER."
(Chapter 3)
Again He taught by the lake.
-A very large crowd assembled on the shore
-So He sat on a boat in the lake
-And taught in parables saying,
-"A sower went out to sow.
-Some seed fell on the path
-And birds devoured it.
-Other seed fell on a rocky place with
not much soil.
-It sprang up immediately, there being
little soil,
-But the sun scorched and having no
root it withered.
-Others fell among thorns
-Which choked it so it was
unfruitful.
-Others fell on good earth
-And bore fruit
-30, 60 and 100 fold."
-He said "Who has ears to hear let him
hear."
-When alone, those round Him with the twelve
disciples asked
-Him the meaning.
-He said, "You've been given the secret
of God's kingdom (me)
-But to outsiders, everything's in
parables
-That they may see but not perceive
-And hear but not understand
-Lest they turn and be forgiven.
-If you don't understand this parable
-How will you know all the parables?
-The sower sows God's word.
-The path represents hearers from
whom Satan immediately takes the
word.
-The rocky places represent hearers
who immediately
-Receive the word with joy,
-But having no root in themselves
are shortlived
-And when affliction or
persecution because of
-The word comes,
-They give up.
-Those sown among thorns represent
those who
-Hear the word but
-Life's cares,
-The deceitfulness of riches
-And the desires for other
things
-Choke the word which becomes
unfruitful.
-Those sown on good soil represent
those who
-Hear and welcome the word
-Which bears fruit 30, 60 and 100
fold."
-He asked, "Is a lamp brought to be hidden
under
-A bowl or bed, or put on a lampstand?
-Nothing's hidden except to be revealed,
-Nor covered except to come into the
open.
-If you have hearing ears then listen.
-Act upon what you hear.
-The more you do, the more you'll
learn (from Me)
-He who has, will get more
-He who has not, will lose the
little he has."
-He said, "God's kingdom's (I'm) like
-A man scattering seed on the earth.
-He doesn't know how it sprouts and
bears fruit.
-First the grass
-Then the ear
-Then the full ear of corn.
-But when ripe, he immediately
-Wields the sickle
-Because it's harvest time."
-Jesus said, "How can I explain God's
(my) kingdom?
-Or illustrate it with a story?
-It's like a mustard seed,
-The smallest of all seeds, which when
sown
-Grows to be the biggest of shrubs
-With great branches
-Providing shade where heaven's
birds may dwell."
-In many such parables
-He spoke the word
-As they were able to understand it.
-He spoke only in parables
-Explaining everything privately
-To His disciples.
-On the evening of that day He said,
-"Let's cross the lake."
-Leaving the crowd
-They took Him
-As He was
-In a boat
-Accompanied by other boats.
-And a great windstorm
-Beat waves into the boat,
-Filling it.
-But Jesus slept on a pillow in the
stern.
-Rousing Him they said
-"Teacher, don't you care if we
drown?"
-And He rebuked the wind and sea saying
to the sea,
-"Be quiet,
-Be muzzled."
-The wind dropped
-And there was a great calm.
-He said to them,
-"Why fear?
Why don't you have faith?"
-Fearing greatly
-They said to each other,
-"Who's this man
-That even the wind and
-Sea obey Him?"
(Chapter 4)
Crossing the lake they landed
-In Gerasene territory.
-Coming out of the ship,
-Immediately a man with an unclean spirit
-Who lived among the tombs,
-Met Him.
-He couldn't be restrained, even
with chains.
-His ankles had often been bound
with fetters
-And his wrists with chains
(handcuffs)
-But he'd burst the chains,
-Broke the fetters
-And no one could subdue him.
-Always by day and night
-Among the tombs
-And in the mountains
-He was crying out
-And cutting himself with
stones.
-Seeing Jesus from afar
-He ran and worshipped Him,
-Crying in a loud voice
-"What have you to do with me
-Jesus, Son of the Most High
God?
-Don't torment me."
-For Jesus had said,
-"Come out of the man
-unclean spirit."
-Jesus asked his name.
-He replied, "Legion, for we are
many."
-And he earnestly besought Him
-Not to send them out of the
country.
-A great herd of pigs were feeding
nearby
-On the mountain.
-They besought Him to send them
into the pigs.
-He allowed them.
-Coming out, the unclean spirits
-Entered about 2000 pigs
-Who rushed down the precipice
-Into the lake and drowned.
-The herdsmen fled and told what had
happened
-In the city
-And fields.
-People came to Jesus,
-Saw the demon possessed man
-Sitting,
-Clothed
-And in his right mind
-And they feared.
-Those who saw it, told what had
happened.
-And they besought Jesus to leave
their territory.
-As Jesus embarked,
-The man besought Jesus to let him be
with Him.
-But He refused saying
-"Go to your house and people
-And tell what the Lord's
compassionately done to you."
-So he went and proclaimed what Jesus had
done in the Decapolis (10 local Greek
cities).
-And all men marvelled.
-When Jesus had crossed to the other side
-A great crowd assembled by the shore.
-Jairus, a syagogue chief, came and
-Fell at His feet beseeching Him,
-"My daughter's at death's door,
-Come, lay your hands on her
-So she'll be healed and live."
-Jesus went with him
-And a great crowd followed
-Pressing on Him,
-And a woman having a flow of blood for
12 years,
-Who'd suffered much under many
physicians
-And spent all she had
-For nothing, as she got worse,
-Hearing about Jesus,
-Came up behind Him in the crowd
-Touched His garment,
-Saying, "If I touch His garments
I'll be healed,"
-Immediately the flow of blood
ceased
-And she knew she'd been cured.
-Immediately Jesus, knowing power had
gone forth from Him,
-Turned and asked who'd touched Him.
-One of His disciples said,
-"You see the crowd pressing on you
-And say, 'Who touched me?'"
-And He looked around to see who'd touched
Him.
-Fearing and trembling, the woman
-Fell before Him and told all the truth.
-He said to her,
-"Daughter your faith has healed you.
-Go in peace
-And be free from your disease."
-While still speaking, messengers announced
-Jairus' daughter had died, asking
-"Why trouble the teacher?"
-Overhearing, Jesus said to Jairus,
-"Fear not, only believe!"
-He allowed only Peter, James and brother
John to accompany Him.
-Coming to the house
-And seeing the uproar of men weeping
and crying aloud,
-He entered saying,
-"Why the uproar?
-She's not dead but asleep."
-They ridiculed Him,
-But putting them all out,
-He took father, mother and
-Those with Him
-And entered where she was.
-Taking her hand He said,
-"Talitha koum" meaning
-"Maid I say to you, rise."
-She immediately rose and walked, for
-She was 12 years old.
-Immediately there was great
astonishment.
-He ordered no one be told,
-Telling them to give her food.
(Chapter 5)
Jesus left there and returned to His own country
(Nazareth)
-With His disciples.
-On the Sabbath He taught in their
synagogue.
-Many hearers were astonished, saying,
-"Where did this (local) man get these
abilities?
-What's the wisdom given him?
-And the powerful deeds done through his
hands?
-Isn't he the carpenter?
-Mary's son?
-Brother of
-James,
-Joses,
-Judas
-and Simon?
-And aren't his sisters here with
us?"
-And they were offended at Him.
-Jesus said to them,
-"A prophet is honoured everywhere
-Except in his home country and
-Among his relatives, in his own house."
-He couldn't do powerful works there
-Except laying hands on
-And healing a few sick people.
-He marvelled because of their unbelief.
-And went round their villages teaching.
-He called the twelve
-And sent them out two by two,
-Giving them power over unclean spirits.
-Commanding them to
-Take nothing for their journey
-Except
-A staff
-But no
-Bread,
-Wallet,
-Money,
-Sandals,
-Only one tunic.
-Enter and remain in a house
-And if not received or heard to
-Shake off the dust under your
feet
-As a testimony to them.
-Going forth, they
-Proclaimed that men should repent,
-Expelled many demons,
-Anointed the sick with oil and healed
them.
King Herod heard of Him for some were saying,
-John the Baptist was risen from the dead and
-Doing these powerful deeds.
-But others said "It's Elijah,"
-While others, "He's a prophet like the
prophets of old."
-But Herod said,
-"It's John whom I beheaded,
-Risen from the dead."
-For Herod, to please his wife Herodias,
had seized, bound and imprisoned John
-Because he'd said it was unlawful
that
-He'd married the wife of Philip his
brother.
-So Herodias, having a grudge against
him, wanted him killed,
-But couldn't because Herod
-Feared John and
-Knowing him to be just and holy,
kept him safe.
-He listened to him often and
gladly
-Even though it greatly
disturbed him.
-At his festive birthday supper for his
-Courtiers, army officers and chief men of
Galilee,
-His daughter came, danced for and pleased
-Him and those reclining with him.
-So he swore he'd grant anything she
asked,
-Up to half his kingdom.
-Going out, she said to her mother, "What
may I ask?"
-She replied, "John's head."
-So she returned immediately with haste to
Herod and asked,
-"I want, at once, John's head on a
dish."
-Deeply grieved,
-But because of his oaths,
-And those reclining with him,
-He didn't want to refuse her,
-So he immediately sent an
executioner
-Who beheaded John in the prison
and
-Brought the head on a dish to
the girl
-Who gave it to her mother.
-John's disciples took his corpse and put it
in a tomb.
-The people gathered and reported to Jesus
-All they'd done and taught.
-He said, "Come privately to a desert
place and rest a little,"
-For many were coming and going,
-Giving them no opportunity (even) to
eat.
-So they departed in a ship.
-Seeing this, many ran ahead from all
the cities,
-Arriving before Him.
-Disembarking, He saw a great crowd
-And had compassion on them
-Because they were like sheep without a
shepherd
-And He began to teach them many
things.
-Late in the afternoon the disciples said
to Him,
-"It's late in this desert place,
-Dismiss them so they can go and buy
food for themselves."
-But He said to them,
-"You give them food."
-They replied,
-"It would take a year's wages to buy
enough bread."
-He said,
-"Go and see how many loaves you have."
-Knowing, they said, "Five and two
fish."
-He instructed them to recline on the
green grass.
-They did, in groups
-By hundreds and fifties.
-Taking the five loaves and two fish
-He looked up to heaven,
-Blessed and broke the loaves
-And gave them to the disciples to
set before them
-And He divided the two fish among
all.
-All ate and were satisfied
-And the bread and fish left over filled
twelve baskets.
-Five thousand men ate of the loaves.
-Immediately, He made His disciples embark
in the boat
-And cross the lake to Bethsaida
-While He dismissed the crowd.
-After farewelling them
-He went to the mountain to pray.
-At evening the boat was in the middle of the
lake
-And He was alone on the land.
-Seeing them distressed in rowing because
the wind was against them,
-At about 3 a.m. He came towards them
-Walking on the lake,
-And wished to pass by.
-But they all saw Him walking on the lake
and they were troubled
-Thinking it was a phantom,
-And called out.
-But He immediately said to them,
-"Be of good cheer I am (it is I),
-Don't fear."
-He got into the boat.
-The wind ceased
-And they were utterly astonished
-For they didn't understand about the
loaves,
-Their hearts having been hardened.
-Crossing to Gennesaret they anchored (on
the western shore),
-Disembarking and being recognised.
-People ran all around the countryside
-And brought sick people on
stretchers.
-Wherever He entered
-Villages, cities or into the country
-They put the sick
-In marketplaces
-And besought Him to let them touch
the fringe of His garment.
-And all who touched Him were
healed.
(Chapter 6)
Pharisees and some of the scribes came from
Jerusalem.
-Pharisees and all Jews won't eat
-Unless they wash their hands
-Holding to the traditions of elders.
-Likewise coming from the marketplace
-They don't eat until hands are washed.
-And they hold to many other things
(such as)
-Washing of
-Cups,
-Utensils,
-Bronze vessels.
-Seeing some of His disciples eat with
unwashed hands
-They questioned why they didn't walk
according
-To the tradition of the elders.
-Jesus said,
-"Isaiah prophesied accurately concerning
you hypocrites
-As he wrote, (29:13)
-'This people honours me with their
lips
-But their heart's far away from me
-They worship me in vain
-Teaching men's commands.'
-You let the commandments of God go
-And hang on to the tradition of men.
-Well you set aside God's commandment
-To keep your tradition.
-For Moses said, 'Honour your father and
mother' (Ex 20:12)
-And 'Anyone who speaks evil of his
father or mother must be put to
death.' (Ex 21:17)
-But you say
-'A man may tell his father or
mother
-That the gift I was going to give
you
-Is a gift devoted to God
-So I don't have to give it to
you.'
-You stop him doing anything for his
father or mother
-Annulling God's word
-By your tradition
-And you do many similar
things."
-Calling the crowd to Him He said, "Hear and
understand,
-Nothing outside a man, entering in,
-Can defile him.
-But the things coming out of him
-Are what defile him."
-Having entered a house from the crowd
-His disciples questioned Him about the
parable
-And He said "Are you also without
understanding?
-Can't you see that whatever a man eats
can't defile him
-Because it doesn't enter his heart
-But his belly
-And from there into the drain
-And out again purged with all
foods."
-And He said "It's what comes out of a man
that defiles him.
-From within, out of men's hearts come
-Evil thoughts,
-Fornications,
-Thefts,
-Murders,
-Adulteries,
-Greediness,
-Iniquities,
-Deceit,
-Lewdness,
-An evil eye,
-Blasphemy,
-Arrogance,
-Foolishness.
-All these evil things from within
-Come forth and defile a man."
-From there He went to the district of Tyre
-And entered a house, not wanting anyone to
know.
-But He couldn't be hidden.
-But immediately a Greek Syrophoenician
woman hearing about Him,
-Whose daughter had an unclean spirit,
-Came and fell at His feet asking
-Him to expel a demon out of her
daughter.
-He said,
-"Let the children first be satisfied.
-It's not good to take their bread
-And throw it to the dogs."
-She answered
-"Yes Lord, yet the dogs under the table
-Eat the children's crumbs."
-He said,
-"Because of this word
-Go, henceforth the demon's gone out of
her."
-Going home she found
-The child, laid on the couch and the
- demon gone.
-Departing from Tyre through Sidon He returned
to
-The Sea of Galilee in the Decapolis
district (10 Greek cities east of the
Jordan).
-And they brought a deaf man
-With a speech impediment
-And besought Him to lay His hand on
him.
-Taking him from the crowd privately
-He put His fingers into his ears
-And spitting,
-Touched his tongue
-And looking up into heaven,
-Groaned and said, "Ephphatha"
meaning "Be opened."
-Immediately he could hear and speak
correctly.
-He ordered that no one be told,
-But the more He did so,
-The more they talked.
-Exceedingly astonished, people
said,
-"He does all things well,
-Making deaf hear and
-Dumb speak."
(Chapter 7)
-In those days, there being a great crowd
-Without food,
-He said to His disciples,
-"I've compassion on the crowd
-Because they've been with Me for
three days
-Having nothing to eat.
-And if I dismiss them hungry
-They'll faint on the way
-Because some have come a long
way."
-They answered, "How can anyone in this
desert
-Satisfy this crowd with bread?"
-He asked, "How many loaves have
you?"
-They said "Seven."
-He commanded the crowd
-To recline on the ground,
-And taking the seven loaves
-And giving thanks
-He broke and gave them to His
disciples
-Who served the crowd.
-They had a few fish
-And blessing them
-He told the disciples to serve
them.
-They ate, were satisfied
-And gathered seven baskets of
leftovers.
-About four thousand were fed.
-And He dismissed them.
-Immediately embarking in a boat with His
disciples,
-He crossed to the western shore of Galilee.
-And Pharisees debated with Him,
-Tempting Him to perform a sign from
heaven.
-Groaning in His Spirit, He said,
-"Why does this generation seek a
sign?
-None will be given."
-He left, embarked and crossed
to the other side.
-The disciples had forgotten to take bread.
-They only had one loaf in the boat.
-Jesus warned, "Beware of the leaven of
the Pharisees
-And the leaven of Herod."
-They reasoned together that He was
talking
-About their lack of bread.
-Knowing this He said,
-"Why talk about lack of bread?
-Don't you understand or realise?
-Has your heart been hardened?
-Are your eyes blind?
-Your ears deaf?
-Don't you remember?
-When I broke the 5 loaves among
5000
-How many baskets of leftovers
did you gather?"
-They replied "Twelve."
-"And the 7 for the 4000?"
-They replied "Seven."
-And He said to them,
-"Don't you yet understand?"
-Arriving at Bethsaida (on Galilee's north
shore)
-They brought a blind man
-And beseeched Him to touch him.
-Taking his hand, Jesus took him outside
the village,
-Spat in his eyes,
-Put His hands on Him and
-Asked, "Do you see anything?"
-Looking up, he said, "I see
men as trees walking."
-He again put His hands on his
eyes.
-He looked intently, was
restored
-And saw everything clearly.
-He sent him to his house
saying
-"Don't enter the village."
-Jesus and His disciples went (north) to the
villages of Caesarea Philippi.
-On the way He questioned them
-"Who do man say I am?"
-They said, "John the Baptist,
-Elijah,
-Or one of the prophets."
-Then He said, "But who do you say I am?"
-Peter said,
-"You're the Christ (Messiah)."
-He warned them to tell no one
-And taught them that He'd have to
-Suffer many things,
-Be rejected by the elders, chief
priests and scribes,
-Be killed and
-After three days rise again.
-He was very explicit.
-Peter took Him aside and began to
rebuke Him.
-But He turning round and seeing His
disciples
-Rebuked Peter, saying
-"Get behind me Satan.
-You're looking at this from
men's viewpoint,
-Not God's."
-Calling the crowd and disciples He said,
-"If anyone wishes to follow Me he must
-Deny himself,
-Take up the cross
-And follow me.
-FOR WHOEVER WISHES TO SAVE HIS LIFE
WILL LOSE IT.
-BUT WHOEVER WILL LOSE HIS LIFE FOR
MY SAKE
-AND THE GOSPEL (GOOD NEWS) WILL
SAVE IT.
-FOR WHAT DOES IT PROFIT A MAN
-IF HE GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD
-IN EXCHANGE FOR (AND LOSE) HIS
SOUL?
-WHAT WOULD A MAN SELL HIS SOUL
FOR?
-IF YOU'RE ASHAMED OF ME
-AND MY WORDS IN THIS ADULTEROUS
GENERATION,
-I'LL BE ASHAMED OF YOU
-WHEN I COME IN THE GLORY OF
-MY FATHER WITH THE HOLY
ANGELS."
(Chapter 8)
-He said to them
-"Some standing here
-Will see God's kingdom coming in power
-Before they die."
-Six days later Jesus took
-Peter, James and John
-Into a high mountain privately
(possibly Mt Hermon)
-And He was transfigured before them,
-His garments becoming dazzling
white
-Like no one on earth could make
them.
-And Elijah and Moses appeared to,
-And talked with Him.
-Peter said, "It's good we're
here.
-Let's make a tent for each of
you."
-He didn't know what to say
-For they'd become
exceedingly afraid.
-A cloud overshadowed them
-And a voice from it said,
-"THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, HEAR
HIM."
-Suddenly looking around,
-They saw no one but Jesus.
-As they came down, He ordered
them
-To tell no one
-Until He'd risen from the
dead.
-They kept it to themselves,
-Debating what rising from the
dead meant.
-They asked Him why the scribes say Elijah
must come first (before the Messiah).
-He said,
-"Elijah, coming first, will restore
everything.
-How was it written about Me,
-That I should suffer many things and
be (utterly) rejected?
-But Elijah has come
-And they did to him as they wished,
-As it has been written about him."
-When they came to the (other 9) disciples
-They saw a big crowd around them
-And the scribes debating with them.
-Immediately all the crowd seeing Him,
-Greatly astonished, ran up and greeted
Him.
-He asked, "What are you debating with
them?"
-One answered, "I brought my son
-Who has a dumb spirit, to you.
-And wherever it seizes him it
-Tears him and he foams, grinds
his teeth
-And wastes away.
-I told your disciples to expel it
But they couldn't."
-He said, "Unbelieving generation
-How long shall I be with you?
-How long shall I endure you?
-Bring him to me."
-They did, and, seeing Jesus, the
spirit
-Immediately violently threw him
-And falling on the earth he
wallowed foaming.
-He asked his father "When did this
begin?"
-He answered "From childhood
-And often it throws him into fire
and water to destroy him.
-But, if you can,
-Help us, having compassion on
us."
-Jesus said
-"If you can,
-All things are possible to the one
believing."
-Immediately crying out, the child's
father said
-"I believe, help my unbelief."
-Seeing a crowd running towards them
-Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit
saying,
-"Dumb and deaf spirit I command you
-Come out and never re enter him."
-Crying out and violently convulsing him
-It came out and the child appeared
dead.
-Many said he had died
-But Jesus took his hand, raised
him up and he stood.
-When He entered a house the disciples
questioned Him privately.
-"Why couldn't we expel it?"
-He said, "This kind won't come out
except by prayer."
-Departing, they passed through Galilee and He
didn't want anyone to know
-For He was teaching His disciples.
-"I'm betrayed into men's hands who'll
-Kill me
-And after three days I'll rise
again."
-But they didn't understand and feared to
question Him.
-Coming to Capernaum, in the house
-He asked what they'd been debating.
-They said nothing, because they'd been
debating which was the greatest.
-Sitting, He called the twelve and
said,
-"Anyone wishing to be first
-shall be last and servant of
all."
-Taking a child, He put him in their
midst
-and folding it in his arms said,
-"Whoever receives one such child
-In my name receives Me,
-And whoever receives Me,
-Receives not only Me
-But He who sent Me."
-John said, "We saw someone expelling
demons in your name
-And we forbade him because he was
not following us."
-Jesus said, "Don't forbid him
-For no one shall do a mighty work in
my name
-And be quickly able to speak evil
of me.
-For whoever isn't against us
-Is for us
-And whoever gives you a cup of
water
-Because you are Mine,
-Won't lose his reward.
-And whoever offends one of these
little ones who believes in Me
-Would be better off having a
millstone round his neck
-And being cast into the sea.
-If your hand offends you
-Cut if off.
-Better to enter into life maimed than
with two hands and
-having to go away into the
unquenchable fire of hell.
-If your foot offends you
-Cut if off.
-Better to enter life lame than having
two feet and
-having to be cast into hell.
-If your eye offends you
-Cast it out.
-Better to enter God's kingdom with
one eye
-Than with two and having to be cast
into hell
-Where their worm never dies
-And the fire isn't quenched.
-For everyone shall be salted with fire.
-Salt's good, but if it loses its
saltiness
-How can it be restored?
-Have salt in yourselves and be at
peace one with the other.
(Chapter 9)
Leaving there He went into Judea beyond the
Jordan.
-Crowds went with and gathered to Him
-And as usual He taught them.
-Pharisees tested Him by asking whether it
was lawful
-For a man to divorce his wife.
-He replied, "What did Moses command?"
-They said, "Moses permitted a man to
write
-A divorce certificate and put her
away."
-Jesus said, "He wrote this commandment
because of
-Your hardness of heart.
-But from the beginning of creation
-God made them male and female.
-Because of this a man leaves
-Father and mother
-And two become one flesh,
-No longer two but one.
-SO WHAT GOD'S JOINED LET MAN
NOT SEPARATE."
-In the house again, the disciples asked Him
about this.
-He said
-"Whoever divorces and remarries commits
adultery."
-They brought children for Him to touch
-But the disciples rebuked them.
-Seeing this, Jesus was angry and said
to them
-"ALLOW THE CHILDREN TO COME TO ME,
-DON'T PREVENT THEM
-FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF
GOD.
-WHOEVER DOESN'T RECEIVE GOD'S
KINGDOM AS A CHILD
-WILL NEVER ENTER IT."
-AND FOLDING THEM IN HIS ARMS
-HE BLESSED THEM
-PUTTING HIS HANDS ON THEM.
-Going forth on the road
-One ran up, knelt and asked, "Good teacher,
-What may I do to inherit eternal life?"
-Jesus said, "Why call me good?
-No one's good except God.
-You know the commandments,
-Don't kill.
-Don't commit adultery.
-Don't steal.
-Don't bear false witness.
-Don't defraud.
-Honour your father and mother."
-He said to Him, "Ive observed all these
from my youth."
-Jesus looking at him loved him and said,
-"You lack one thing.
-Go sell all your possessions.
-Give to the poor
-And you'll have treasure in
heaven
-And come follow me."
-Saddened by that word, he went away
grieving
-For he had many possessions.
-Looking around, Jesus said to His
disciples,
-"It's hard for the rich to enter God's
(my) kingdom."
-The disciples were amazed at His words and
Jesus said,
-"Children, it's hard to enter God's
kingdom.
-It's easier for a camel to go through
a needle's eye
-Than for a rich man to enter God's
kingdom."
-Exceedingly astonished, they said to
themselves,
-"Who can be saved?"
-JESUS SAID,
-"WITH MEN, IMPOSSIBLE.
-WITH GOD, EVERYTHING'S POSSIBLE."
-Peter said, "We've left everything and
followed you."
-Jesus said, "No one will leave
-house
-brothers, sisters, mother, father,
children
-or fields
-for my sake
-and for the sake of the gospel
-without receiving one hundred fold
now in this time
-houses
-brothers and sisters
-mothers and children
-and fields
-with persecutions
-and in the coming age eternal
life.
-But many now first
-will be last
-and the last first."
-On the way up to Jerusalem
-Jesus went before them.
-They were astonished
-and those following were afraid.
-Taking the twelve, He began to tell
them what would happen to Him.
-"At Jerusalem I'll be betrayed to
chief priests and scribes
-who'll condemn Me to death
-and deliver Me to the nations.
-I'll be mocked
-spat on
-scourged
-killed
-and after three days rise again."
-James and John said "We want to ask a
favour."
-Jesus said, "What is it?"
-They said, "That each of us may sit on your
right and left hand in your glory."
-Jesus said, "You don't know what you ask.
-Can you drink My cup?
-or undergo my Baptism?"
-"Yes" they said.
-Jesus said "You'll drink My cup
-and undergo My Baptism
-but it's not for Me to say if you can sit
on my right and left.
-Those places are for whom it's been
prepared."
-Hearing this the other ten were incensed
about James and John.
-Calling them together Jesus said,
-"Nations' rulers lord it over their
subjects
-but not so among you.
-To be great you must be a servant.
-To be first you must be a slave of all.
-FOR I DIDN'T COME TO BE SERVED
-BUT TO SERVE
-AND TO GIVE MY LIFE A RANSOM FOR
MANY."
-Going out of Jericho with His disciples and a
big crowd,
-Bartimaeus a blind beggar, sat by the road.
-Hearing it was Jesus he cried out,
-"Son of David Jesus pity me."
-Many rebuked him to be quiet.
-But he cried out the more.
-Standing, Jesus said
-"Call him."
-So they said to him
-"Be of good courage, rise, He
calls you."
-So throwing his garment away
-and leaping up
-He came to Jesus.
-Jesus said, "What do you want me to
do?"
-He said "That I may see again."
-And Jesus said
-"Go your faith has healed you."
-And immediately he saw again
-and followed Him in the way.
(Chapter 10)
At Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives
near Jerusalem
-Jesus told two disciples to
-"Go into the village opposite.
-Immediately entering you'll find a colt
tied
-not yet ridden by men.
-Loosen and bring it.
-If anyone asks why say
-'The Lord needs it'
-and immediately he'll send it."
-They went, everything was as Jesus had
said
-and they returned with the colt.
-Throwing their garments on it,
Jesus sat on it.
-Many spread their garments on the
road.
-Others spread leafy branches
they'd cut from the fields.
-Those going before and
following cried out
-"Hosanna, blessed is the one
coming in the Lord's name.
-Blessed be the coming kingdom
of our father David,
-Hosanna in the highest."
-He entered into the Temple at Jerusalem
-looked around at everything, then,
-it being late, He went out to Bethany
with the twelve.
-Next day, leaving Bethany, He was hungry.
-Seeing a fig tree, with leaves, in the
distance
-He came seeking fruit
-but found no fruit only leaves
-for it wasn't yet time for figs.
-He said to it, heard by His disciples,
-"No one will ever eat of your fruit."
-Coming to Jerusalem and entering the Temple,
He
-cast out those selling and buying in the
Temple,
-overturning money changers' tables,
-the seats of dove sellers,
-and stopping anyone from carrying a
vessel
-through the Temple.
-He taught,
-"It's been written that My house
shall
-be called a house of prayer for all
the nations
-but you've made it a den of
robbers."
-The chief priests and scribes heard
this
-and sought how to destroy Him
-for they feared Him because all
the
-crowd were astounded at His
teaching.
-Late that day Jesus and His
disciples went back outside
Jerusalem.
-Passing by the fig tree early next morning
-they saw it had withered from the roots.
-Peter pointed out to Jesus that the tree
He'd cursed had withered.
-Jesus replied, "Have the faith of God.
-Whoever tells this mountain to be
cast into the sea
-and doesn't doubt in his heart
-but believes what he says will
happen
-and it will.
-Therefore what you pray and
ask for
-believe that you've received
it
-and you will.
-When you stand praying
-forgive if you have anything
against anyone
-that your Father in the heavens
-may forgive your trespasses
(sins)."
-After returning to Jerusalem
-as Jesus walked in the Temple,
-the chief priests, scribes and elders
asked
-"What authority do you have to do these
things
-or who gave you the authority?"
-Jesus replied "Answer this question
and I'll answer yours.
-Was John's Baptism from heaven or
men?
-Answer me."
-They debated with themselves,
-"If we say of heaven
-He'll say why didn't you believe
him,
-but if we say of men......" (they
feared the crowd
-for all held that John was
really a prophet),
-so they said to Jesus, "We
don't know."
-And Jesus said
-"Neither will I tell you by what
authority I do these things."
(Chapter 11)
-He spoke to them in Parables.
-"A man planted a vineyard
-hedged it, dug a winepress, built a tower
-let it out to tenants, and went away.
-At the season he sent a servant to
get the vineyard's fruits
-from the tenants.
-But they beat him up and sent him
off with nothing.
-He sent another and they insulted
him and wounded his head.
-He sent another whom they killed.
-And many others, some they beat
and others they killed.
-Still one he had,
-a beloved son.
-He sent him last saying
'They'll reverence (respect)
my son.'
-But they said to themselves
-'This is the heir, let's kill him
and the inheritance will be ours.'
-So they killed him and cast him
outside the vineyard.
-What will the vineyard's owner do?
-He'll come,
-destroy the tenants
-and give the vineyard to
others.
-Haven't you read the
scripture
-a stone the builders rejected
-has become the corner stone
-this was the Lord's doing
-and it's marvellous in our
eyes."
-They knew He told the parable against them
-and sought to seize Him
-but feared the crowd
-so they left Him, went away
-and sent Pharisees and Herodians
-to trap Him into saying something
He could be arrested for.
-They said "We know you're true
-and don't speak to please men
-but teach God's ways in truth.
-Is it lawful to give tribute to
Caesar?"
-Knowing their hypocrisy He said
-"Why try to trap me?
-Bring me a denarius to see."
-They did.
-He asked "Whose image and
inscription is this?"
-They replied "Caesar's."
-Jesus said "Render to Caesar
what's his
-and to God what's His."
-And they marvelled at Him.
-Sadducees, who say there's no resurrection
questioned Him,
-"Moses wrote, if a man's brother dies
leaving a childless wife
-he should take the widow and raise
children for his brother.
-Seven brothers married her in turn
and died none having children,
-so in the resurrection, whose wife
will she be?"
-Jesus said to them
-"You err because you know
-neither the scriptures
-nor God's power.
-For when they rise again out of the
dead
-they neither marry, or are given in
marriage
-but are like heaven's angels.
-But concerning the dead that are
raised
-haven't you read in the Book of
Moses
-how God said to him at the
bush
-'I'm the God of Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob'?
-He's not the God of the dead
-but of the living.
-You err greatly."
-One of the scribes heard them debating
-and knowing Jesus answered them well,
questioned Him.
-"What's the first commandment?"
-Jesus answered
-"Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is
one
-and you shall love the Lord your
God with
-all your
-heart
-soul
-mind
-and strength.
-And the second is this
-you shall love your neighbour as
yourself
-There's no commandment greater than
these."
-The scribe said
-"In truth you say there's one God and
none besides Him
-and to love Him with all the
-heart
-understanding and
-strength
-and to love one's neighbour as himself
-is more than all burnt offerings and
sacrifices."
-Jesus, seeing He answered sensibly said
-"You're not far from God's kingdom."
-From then on no one dared question Him.
-Teaching in the Temple Jesus asked
-"How do the scribes say the Christ is
David's son?
-For David said by the Holy Spirit
-'The Lord said to my Lord
-sit at my right hand
-until I put your enemies under your
feet.'
-David calls Him Lord, so how's He His
son?"
-The great crowd heard Him gladly.
-He said,
-"Beware of the scribes, who like to
-walk about in robes,
-have salutations in the market places,
-have chief seats in the synagogues,
-have chief places in the dinners,
-who devour widows' houses,
-and under pretence make long prayers.
-They'll receive greater condemnation."
-Sitting opposite the treasury He saw the
crowd
-putting money in
-and many rich men put in large sums.
-And one poor widow put in two of the
smallest coins then in circulation.
-Calling His disciples He said,
-"That poor widow has put in more than all
the rest
-for they gave out of their abundance
-BUT SHE PUT IN ALL SHE HAD, HER WHOLE
LIVING."
(Chapter 12)
Leaving the Temple His disciples said,
-"What great stones and buildings."
-Jesus replied
-"See these great buildings?
-Every stone will be overthrown."
-As He sat on the Mount of Olives,
-OPPOSITE THE TEMPLE,
-Peter, James, John and Andrew
questioned Him privately.
-"When will these things be
-what will be the sign they're about
to happen?"
-Jesus replied,
-"Don't be deceived,
-many will come saying I'm the Christ,
-and lead many astray.
-When you hear of wars and rumours of
wars,
-Don't be disturbed,
-it must happen before the end.
-For nation will be raised against
nation
-and kingdom against kingdom.
-There'll be earthquakes and
famines,
-these are the beginning of birth
pangs.
-But see to yourselves, they'll
-deliver you to councils,
-beat you in synagogues,
-stand you before rulers and kings
-for my sake, for a testimony to
them.
-And the gospel must first be
proclaimed to all nations.
-And when they lead and
deliver you,
-don't be anxious beforehand
what to speak,
-but speak whatever's given
you in that hour,
-for it's not you speaking,
-but the Holy Spirit.
-Brother will deliver brother to death,
-and a father his child,
-and children will rise against
parents and
-put them to death.
-And you'll be hated by all men
-on account of My name
-but the one enduring to the end
-will be saved.
-But when you see the abomination of
desolation
-stand where it shouldn't,
-(let the reader understand) then let
-those in Judea flee to the
mountains,
-him on the roof not come down
-nor enter to take anything out of
his house,
-Him in the field, not return
-to take the garment he's left
behind.
-But woe to pregnant women,
-and those giving suck in those days,
-pray it may not happen in winter
-for in those days there'll be
-such affliction
-as has not been since the
beginning of God's creation
-nor will be again.
-And unless the Lord shortened the
days,
-no flesh would be saved,
-but on account of His chosen
-He shortened the days.
-And if anyone tells you,
-'Look, here's the Christ, or there He
is'
-don't believe him,
-for false Christs,
-and false prophets
-will be raised
-who'll do signs and wonders
-to lead astray if possible
-God's chosen.
-But see to yourselves (be warned)
-I've told you everything in
advance.
-But in those days,
-after the affliction,
-the sun will be darkened,
-the moon won't shine,
-stars will fall from heaven
-and the powers in the heavens
will be shaken.
-Then they'll see Me coming,
-in clouds,
-with great power and glory,
-and I'll send the angels,
-and assemble My chosen,
-out of the four winds
-from earth's ends to heaven's
ends.
-From the fig tree learn the parable,
-when its branch becomes tender and
puts forth leaves
-you know summer's near.
-So also with you, when you see
these things happening
-YOU KNOW I'M AT THE DOORS.
-This generation (or race)
won't pass 'til these things
all happen.
-Heaven and earth will pass away,
-but my words won't.
-But only the Father knows the day
or the hour
-no one else does, not even
-the angels in heaven,
-or the Son (Me).
-Look, be wide awake,
-for you don't know when the time is.
-It's like a man going on a journey,
-who puts his servants in charge,
-each with his own job to do,
-and commands the doorkeeper
to watch.
-Watch like that,
-for you don't know when
-the lord of the house will
come, either,
-at evening,
-midnight,
-early dawn,
-or in the morning,
-lest coming suddenly
-He finds you sleeping.
-And what I say to you
-I say to all
WATCH."
(Chapter 13)
-It was two days before the Passover,
-and the chief priests,
-and scribes,
-sought to seize Him by guile
-and kill Him, for they said,
-"Not at the feast lest there be a
riot."
-Jesus was in Bethany (just outside Jerusalem)
-in Simon the leper's house,
-reclining (for a meal)
-when a woman with an alabaster jar
-of costly perfume made of pure nard
-broke it and poured it over His
head.
-Some angrily said among
themselves
-"Why this waste?
-It could have been sold for a
year's wages
-and given to the poor"
-and they reproached her.
-But Jesus said,
-"Leave her,
-why trouble her?
-She's done a beautiful thing to me.
-You always have the poor with you,
-and you can do good to them
anytime,
-But you won't always have me.
-She did what she could,
-anointing my body beforehand
for burial.
-Wherever the gospel's
proclaimed
-in all the world
-what she did
-will be told in memory of
her."
-And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve,
-went to the chief priests to betray Him.
-They rejoiced and promised him silver
-so he watched for an opportunity to
betray Him.
-On the first (of the eight days) of the
Feast of Unleavened Bread
-when the Passover lamb was sacrificed,
-His disciples said to Him,
-"Where do you want us to go and
prepare the Passover for you to
eat?"
-He sent two of them saying,
-"Go into the city
-and you'll meet a man carrying a
pitcher of water (a woman's job).
-Follow him and where he enters
-tell the householder
-'The teacher says, Where's
the guest room
-where I may eat the
Passover with my
disciples?'
-and he'll show you a large
upper room
-furnished and ready, there
prepare for us."
-The disciples went, found everything
exactly as
-He'd told them and prepared the
Passover.
-At evening He came with the twelve.
-As they reclined and ate, Jesus
said,
-"One of you eating with Me will
betray Me."
-Beginning to grieve they said
to Him one by one,
-"Is it I?"
-He replied "It's one of you,
-the one dipping bread with me
in the dish.
-I go as it's been written
about Me,
-but woe to the man betraying
Me,
-it would have been better for
him not to have been born."
-As they ate, He took a loaf,
-blessed, broke and gave to them
saying,
-"Take eat, this is my body."
-Taking a cup and giving thanks
-He gave it to them,
-and they drank all of it.
-He said "This is my blood of the
covenant being
-shed for many,
-I won't drink again of the vine's
fruit,
-until the day I drink it new
-in God's (my) kingdom."
-Having sung a hymn they went forth
-to the Mount of Olives.
-There He said, "You'll all fall away,
-because it's been written,
-'I'll strike the shepherd and the
sheep will be scattered.'
(Zechariah 13:7),
-but after I'm raised I'll go
before you to Galilee."
-Peter said "If everyone falls away, I
won't."
-Jesus replied, "To-night before the
cock crows twice
-you'll deny me three times."
-Peter insisted emphatically "If
I must die with you
-no way will I deny you."
-All the others said the same.
-Going to a place called Gethsemane
Jesus said to His disciples
-"Sit here while I pray."
-Taking Peter, James and John, He
began to be
-greatly astonished and
distressed.
-He said to them
-"My soul's deeply grieved to
the point of death,
-remain here and watch."
-Going forward a little, He fell on the
ground and prayed
-that, if possible, the hour may pass
away from Him
-saying, "Father, Father all's
possible to you,
-remove this cup from me
-but not My will but yours (be
done)."
-Finding His apostles sleeping,
-He said to Peter,
-"Simon, do you sleep?
-Couldn't you watch one hour?
-Watch and pray lest you come
into temptation,
-the spirit's eager, but the
flesh weak."
-Going away again He prayed as before.
-Coming again, He found them sleeping,
-their eyes being heavy and
-they didn't know what to say to
Him.
-Returning the third time He
said
-"Sleep and rest, the hour's
come for
-me to be betrayed into
sinners' hands.
-Rise, let's go,
-the one betraying Me's near."
-While still speaking, Judas, one of the
twelve, arrived
-with a crowd with swords and clubs
-from the chief priests, scribes and
elders.
-The betrayer had arranged a
signal with them saying
-"The one I kiss is He,
-seize Him and lead Him away
securely."
-Judas immediately approached Jesus,
called Him Rabbi
-and kissed Him.
-So they seized and arrested Jesus.
-But one standing by drew his
sword
-and cut off the ear
-of the high priest's servant.
-Jesus said to them,
-"As against a robber do you come
-with swords and clubs to arrest me?
-I was with you daily in the
Temple teaching
-and you didn't seize me
-but the scriptures must be
fulfilled."
-Then everyone deserted Him and fled.
-A young man wearing nothing but a
linen garment was following Jesus.
-They seized him
-and leaving his garment, he fled
naked.
-They led Jesus away to the high priest.
-And all the chief priests, elders and
scribes came together.
-Peter followed at a distance
-into the high priest's courtyard,
-sat with the attendants
-and warmed himself by the fire.
-The chief priests and council
unsuccessfully sought
-witness against Jesus
-so as to put Him to death.
-Many stood and falsely witnessed,
-some said, "We heard Him say
-I'll overthrow this handmade Temple
-and without hands build another in
three days."
-But their testimonies disagreed.
-Standing up in their midst
-the high priest questioned Jesus.
-"Aren't you going to answer what they
testify against you?"
-Jesus remained silent.
-The high priest asked
-"Are you the Christ, the Son of the
Blessed?"
-"I AM" Jesus replied,
-"and you'll see me sitting at
the right hand of power
-and coming with heaven's
clouds."
-The high priest rent his clothes and said
-"We don't need further witnesses,
-you've heard the blasphemy, what do you
think?"
-They all condemned Him to death.
-Some spat at Him and
-blindfolded Him
-saying, "Prophesy"
-and the attendants took and
slapped Him.
-Below in the courtyard
-a maid of the high priest
-seeing Peter warming himself, said
-"You were with the Nazarene."
-He denied it saying
-"I neither know or understand what
you say."
-And he went out into the
forecourt.
-The maid seeing him said to
those standing by
-"This is one of them."
-He again denied it.
-A little later those standing by said
-"You're one of them for you're a Galilean."
-He began to curse and swear,
-"I don't know the man you speak of."
-Immediately a rooster crowed a second
time
-and Peter remembered Jesus' words,
-"Before a cock crows twice
-you'll deny me three times."
-Thinking about this he wept.
(Chapter 14)
-Early in the morning (Friday)
-the chief priests, elders, scribes and all
the council
-bound Jesus, led Him away
-and delivered Him to Pilate.
-Pilate asked Him
-"Are you the King of the Jews?"
-Jesus replied, "It's what you say."
-The chief priests, accused Him of many
things.
-Pilate said, "Aren't you going to
answer?
-They accuse you of many things."
-Jesus remained silent.
-Pilate marvelled.
-At a (Jewish) feast Pilate (customarily)
released
-one prisoner they asked for.
-Barabbas, who'd murdered in a rebellion
-was in prison bound with the rebels.
-The crowd began to ask for a
prisoner.
-Pilate said to them "Do you want me
to release
-the King of the Jews?"
-He knew the chief priest had
delivered
-Jesus to him because of envy.
-But the chief priests stirred up the crowd
to ask
-him to release Barabbas.
-Pilate said to them
-"What shall I do to the one you call
-the King of the Jews?"
-They again cried out
-"Crucify Him."
-Pilate said, "What evil's He
done?"
-They cried out the more
-"Crucify Him."
-To satisfy the crowd Pilate
-released Barabbas,
-flogged Jesus
-and delivered Him to them
-to be crucified.
-The soldiers led Him away inside the court
(the praetorium)
-and called together all the palace guard
who
-put a purple robe on Him,
-a thorny crown on His head,
-began to salute Him "Hail King of the
Jews"
-struck His head with a reed
-spat at Him and
-bending their knees worshipped
Him.
-When they'd mocked Him
-they removed the purple robe
-put His garments on Him
-and led Him forth to crucify Him.
-They compelled a passer by from the
country,
-Simon, a Cyrenian (from North
Africa),
-the father of Alexander and Rufus
-to bear His cross.
-And they brought Him to Golgotha
-meaning the place of a skull.
-They gave Him wine spiced with myrrh (a
pain killer)
-but He wouldn't drink it.
-AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM.
-And divided His garments,
-casting a lot for them.
-He was crucified at 9 a.m.
-The notice of the accusation
against Him read,
-The King of the Jews.
-To the left and right of Him they crucified
two robbers.
-Passers by blasphemed Him,
-wagging their heads and saying,
-"Ha! You'd overthrow the Temple
-and rebuild it in three days,
-save yourself and come down from
the cross."
-Likewise the chief priests and
scribes
-mocked Him among themselves.
-"He saved others, but He
can't save Himself.
-Let the Christ (Messiah)
Israel's King
-come down from the cross
-so we can see and believe."
-And those crucified with Him
reproached Him.
-At noon darkness came over all the land
until 3 p.m.
-At 3 p.m. Jesus cried out with a loud
voice,
-"Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani?" meaning
-"My God, my God why did you forsake
me?"
-Bystanders said, "He calls Elijah."
-One ran, filled a sponge with
vinegar
-put it round a reed
-and gave Him to drink, saying
"Wait,
-Let's see if Elijah comes to
take Him down."
-But Jesus, with a loud cry,
breathed His last.
-And the Temple veil (separating the Holy
Place from the Most Holy Place)
-was torn in two
-from top to bottom.
-When the centurion standing opposite
Him saw how He died,
-he said, "Truly this was God's Son."
-Women watched from a distance
including
-Mary Magdalene (Jesus had driven
seven demons from her),
-Mary,
-and Salome (probably the mother
of James and John),
-who had followed and served Him
in Galilee along with many
others who came up with Him to
Jerusalem.
-When evening came, since it was the day
before the Sabbath,
-Joseph from Arimathea (a village 20
miles N.W. of Jerusalem),
-an honourable councillor
-who was expecting God's kingdom,
-took courage, went to Pilate
-and asked for Jesus' body.
-Pilate couldn't believe He was already
dead.
-So he called the (Roman) centurion and
asked him if He'd been dead long.
-Finding He was, he granted the corpse
to Joseph.
-Having brought some unused linen,
-taking Jesus down he wrapped Him
with the linen
-and put Him in a tomb
-hewn out of rock
-and rolled a stone against
its door.
-Mary Magdalene and the other
Mary
-saw where He'd been laid.
(Chapter 15)
After the Sabbath was over (after sundown
Saturday when trading was allowed),
-Mary Magdalene, the other Mary and Salome
-bought spices so they could come and anoint
Him.
-At sunrise next morning (Sunday)
-they came to the tomb saying to
themselves
-"Who'll roll the stone from the
tomb's door for us?"
-Looking up they saw the exceedingly
large stone
-had been rolled back.
-Entering into the tomb
-they saw a young man
-sitting on the right side
-clothed in a white robe
-and they were greatly
astonished.
-He said "Don't be greatly astonished,
-you seek Jesus the Nazarene
-who was crucified.
-He was raised, He's not here,
-see the place they put Him.
-But go tell His disciples and
Peter
-that He goes before you to
Galilee.
-You'll see Him there as He
told you."
-They went forth and fled from the tomb
-trembling and bewildered
-and told no one, for they were
afraid.
-When Jesus had risen early that Sunday
-He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from
whom He'd cast out seven devils.
-She went and told those who'd been with
Him
-who had been mourning and weeping
-But they didn't believe her.
-Then He appeared in another form to two of
them who were
-walking into the country.
-They reported to the rest
-but they didn't believe.
-Later, as the eleven reclined (at a meal)
-He was manifested
-and reproached their disbelief
-and hardness of heart because
-they didn't believe those who'd
seen Him
-after He'd been raised.
-He said to them,
-"GO INTO ALL THE WORLD
-AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO ALL
CREATION.
-Those receiving and being baptised
will be saved
-but the disbelieving will be
condemned.
-These signs will follow the
believers, they'll:
-Expel demons in My Name
-speak with new tongues
-take serpents up
-if they drink any poison
-it won't hurt them,
-lay hands on the sick who'll
recover."
-After Jesus had spoken to them
-He was taken up into heaven
-and sat at God's right hand.
-And going forth they proclaimed (the
Good News everywhere),
-the Lord working with them
-and confirming the word
-with accompanying signs.
(Chapter 16)
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