User:IndependentSkeptic/draft page

For now I'm just setting up this page. This way I'll have a place to assemble and put materials together in developing new articles for Conservapedia as a contributor. I noticed that other people have already done the same thing.

I'm planning on using it first to create an adapted narrative form of the nine pages of the Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version). I just finished my first proposal of boldfacing every occurrence of "Lord" there. I have listened to Read aloud of every page of the shorter form and there's potential for some unexpected insights that you only get from hearing it. The text really needs some phonetic adaptations of some of the spellings on the page for listening. That way an audio computer "Read aloud" will not give weird readings of some of the words in the text when listened to. I really want to do this for the benefit of people who just want to listen to the narrative. Mainly because I care about people who have impaired eyesight or are blind and just want to hear how the whole New Testament fits together with first century Roman history, like you have it here. --IndependentSkeptic (talk) 17:57, 5 March 2020 (EST)

I'm going to complete as many drafts of the pages of the narrative form as possible here, before posting them as finished on what I assume you call "main space" of created articles. --IndependentSkeptic (talk) 15:49, 13 March 2020 (EDT)

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Draft of Pages

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Draft of Index page for narrative form of Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version)

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form - Index for audio computer Read aloud

Main article

Index

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 1-7, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 8-14, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 15-21, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 22-28, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 29-35, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 36-42, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 43-49, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 50-56, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 57-63, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Click here to go to the next page: Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form - Introduction for audio computer Read aloud.

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Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form - Introduction for audio computer Read aloud

click here to go to the Main article - Introduction

The narrative form of the Harmony of the Gospel Conservative Version on Conservapedia is a dedicated audio adaptation of the redacted text of the same encyclopedic feature. The peculiarities of a computerized mechanical audio reading needs to be adapted with the use of unusual phonetic spellings on the displayed print page, along with some very peculiar-looking punctuation and omissions. This is so that the mechanical limitations of the audio computer "Read aloud" function reads it more naturally, as a kind of "radio narrative". This is intended as a dedicated audio form, primarily for people with bad vision or who are blind, or are simply unable to look at a computer screen or read the printed page for very long. But in any case, people who simply listen to the Bible being read often get unexpected insights when they can hear it read. This is a benefit.

Chapter headings

Chapter headings are not properly a part of the narrative text, so they are not included in the text adapted here for a computer audio narrative of the page readings. Each page of the normal printed form of the text of this encyclopedic Harmony of the Gospel is seven chapters. Each of these seven-chapter pages is presented in the narrative form of this feature as a continuous reading for listening instead, without any mention of the chapter headings. The chapters of each page being read are mentioned in the heading of the page. A notation at the top of each audio-adapted page tells the listener how long the uninterrupted narration will be.

Text additions

Some minor additions to the text of the standard print form of this Harmony of the Gospel Conservative Version have been made, so that the reading is more understandable and easier to follow. For example, instead of abruptly beginning the reading of some of the epistles or some of the historical documents suddenly without any warning, an introductory statement is used, such as, "This is what he wrote to them". In some places it's enough to begin the reading of it with the simple word, "Now", followed by the reading. This is so the listener will know what's happening and be able to follow the narrative. In the same way, to make clear that the epistle or document reading is finished, a statement saying so is added before going on with the narrative, such as ending the text of a passage from the Torah with the statement, "This is the law of Moses".

Some few instances of the information found in the marginal notes of the longer form of this Harmony of the Gospel are very briefly condensed and essentially summarized and inserted for the benefit of the listener. For example, a statement is added as a summary of the information from the marginal notes of the longer form, as a statement inserted in the text of Chapter Two, immediately after the quotations from the law of Moses about the vowing of persons to the service of God as dedicated whole living offerings set apart as holy to the Lord. It explains why a daughter, vowed by her parents as a consecrated virgin to "know not a man", should be pledged to become a wife to a man. It says,

"And Mary, being vowed to the Lord by her parents when she was a child, and consecrated to him by them as a perpetual virgin to not know a man, a vow she had not made, which her husband therefore could not make void; when the angel told her she would conceive in her womb and bear a son; for this reason she said, 'How can this be?' "

This summarizes the reading from the law of Moses that had just been given in the text. The reasoning behind this summarized reading is dealt with in detail in the marginal notes of the longer form of the Harmony of the Gospel. This summarization of the marginal material is followed by a repeat of the conversation with the angel Gabriel, to pick up where the narrative left off with the quotation of texts from the Torah, and going on from there. Most questions raised by parts of the New Testament texts that are controversial are tackled by the marginal notes of the longer form. At the bottom of each page of this narrative form is a link to the longer form of this Harmony of the Gospel, so the listener can access the marginal notes for some explanation of why the text says what it does, as a way of justification for the reading.

Proclamation

According to several sources, and commentaries on the Bible, the word "Gospel" is from the Greek word "evangelion", literally, "good message". Several modern Bible translations use the term "good news" in place of the word "gospel". The redacted text of this Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) based on the World English Bible version (the WEB) also reads it as "good news". The Gospel is much more than that. Since "gospel" also means "proclamation", and the encyclopedic purpose of this Harmony of the Gospel is to be informative and increase understanding of the Christian New Testament, in this audio reading adaptation, the word "proclamation" is used as much as possible in place of "good news". For example, "The beginning of the proclamation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God", as the first verse from Mark chapter one.

Adapting large paragraphs

In some places of the reading of the text of this Harmony of the Gospel Conservative Version, the computer sometimes skips reading whole sections of large continuous paragraphs. For this audio narrative adaptation these paragraphs have been broken up into smaller segments on the page, to compensate for this kind of mechanical failure to process the whole of the copy. This is in order for the computer to read all of the text it otherwise mechanically fails to read in the normal printed form, without any such omissions, whole and entire, like the Genealogies, and the more extensive sections of the historical narrative from Josephus.

Punctuation

Visual punctuation on the page has been adapted so that the computer reading of the narrative is smoother and more natural to listen to. These odd-looking punctuations and omissions of punctuation are not errors that need to be corrected by a proofreader. They have been carefully checked for audio accuracy. What results is a narrative according to a kind of vocal "manual of style" in speech that is proper to the narration form of the text, but improper on the printed page.

Mechanical computer reading sometimes abruptly pauses or falters over some of the standard punctuation of regular printed text. In other cases, some odd pauses in the mechanical computer reading occur when it encounters a particular word or phrase. Many commas have been removed from the display of the print copy, simply because they produce unnatural pauses in an audio computer reading. But some commas or other useful punctuation marks have been added, to provide a pause where necessary, to avoid an unintended hurried reading-through of a sentence without pause, so that the computer reading aloud of the page makes more sense to the listener.

A period or colon is sometimes inserted into the print copy in order to force a necessary pause in the reading where vocal emphasis is appropriate and natural, where the computer fails to provide for it; and sometimes the capitalization of a word in the middle of a sentence is used for the same reason. Some periods have been removed, because the computer actually reads them as the word "dot", yes, "dot", or the period mark has been repositioned to avoid its being pronounced.

Question marks can be inflected by the human reader as a rising tone of query, or as representing a falling tone of challenge or certainty at the end of a sentence posing a question. For this reason, here in this narrative form, question marks sometimes appear on the page following a quotation mark, instead of immediately preceding it, as a quotation-mark-and-question-mark together, the question mark being positioned after the quotation mark, to cause a normal rising tone of query, or without any quotation mark at all in order to cause a normal tone of finality in the sentence of a question, so that the peculiar placement of it on the printed page or its omission entirely is not an error, but an accommodation to the limitations of mechanical computer reading in order to cause a proper inflection of tone. With this in mind, almost all quotation marks have been removed for the most part from the page, as unnecessary for a vocal narration, but when used, appear in conjunction with the question mark. They do not appear as indicating a quotation but as a cue-mark to the automated computer reading for the intended inflection. In some instances, the question mark itself has been replaced by a period, in order to give the proper inflection of tone. A period at the end of a question in this audio adapted narrative form isn't a typo.

The punctuation of "dashes" in the printed text, normally intended to indicate a pause for emphasis, is totally ignored by the computer reading as if they don't exist, thus entirely omitting a necessary pause, sometimes even when the dash is disconnected or isolated in the sentence by a space before and after it. For this reason a comma or a semi-colon or colon, or even a period, is used in place of the dash in the regular text, to produce the same intended effect.

Inverted phrases

In some cases, phrases or single words have been rearranged from the end of a sentence to its beginning or its middle, either because the structure of the sentence as it is, is hard to follow in the narrative, or because the mechanical reading of the computer breaks up the sentence of the normal text into two or more parts, which it then reads as separate sentences, or dangling phrases, that don't make much sense as read aloud by the computer. The rearrangement doesn't change the meaning. It's just a necessary adaptation to get around the limitations of mechanical computer reading, which simply makes more sense of the text of the narrative when read that way.

Weird mispronunciations

Mechanical computer reading also weirdly mispronounces some proper names of people and even some ordinary words. For example, the name Onesimus is read by the computer as "One sime us". For this reason phonetic spellings have been substituted on the visual display of the page for the sake of proper pronunciation by the Read aloud and Read out loud audio functions of the computer. In the particular case of the computer misreading the name of Onesimus the visual spelling of his name is rendered "O-nessymus". Charism is mechanically read wrongly with a soft "c h" by the computer as if it's the name of a belief in burning things called "char-ism", when it should be pronounced with the hard form of "c h" as "care-ism". The name of Decebalus in Suetonius is rendered phonetically on the page as "Desseb all us". A similar technique of phonetic adaptation is made for other names of people and places, so the computer audio reading will say it right.

Useless dictionary phonetic forms

Substituting the standard forms of dictionary phonetic spellings of these words with the phonetic characters of their dictionary definitions just doesn't work. Available audio computer Read aloud functions are not currently adapted for reading dictionary phonetical spellings with special phonetic characters, and they are not phonetically read right by the computer according to the sounds they are intended to represent. The same goes for any computer Read aloud of any words spelled with the International Phonetic Alphabet. It doesn't work.

Vocal tense

The computer often cannot distinguish the past and present tenses of some words. Sometimes it doesn't use the right inflexion or accentuation of syllables of words in the context of the reading. For example, the past tense of "read", r e a d, is sometimes given by the computer as the verb to read something as if reading right now, "to read it", but for the narrative form on the page the intended past tense of the word needs to be phonetically corrected to r e d, "red", within the context of the text, "I have red this". On the page it doesn't look right, but in the audio computer reading these odd spellings sound right. The word "live" is sometimes read as in "alive", when it should be pronounced "liv", l i v, without the misleading cue of the silent 'e' on the end of the word, which the machine mindlessly interprets as a direction to pronounce the alphabetic character, ' i ', "eye", as a long "vowl", vowel, instead of the proper short "vowl", vowel, according to the context of the verbal tense of the setting within the sentence. The word "untie" is O.K., but the computer reads "untying" as "un-tee-ing". And the computer sometimes pronounces "present" with the accent on the second syllable as presenting something, to "pree Zent" it, and sometimes reads it with the accent on the first syllable of "present", as "Preznt" in attendance. The normal text of the Harmony of the Gospel Conservative Version has been carefully audited to determine where phonetic adaptations are needed in the narrative form.

The computer forms of pronunciation can also change between episodes of reading the words of the same ordinary text, as when you log off and go away and come back and log on for a second reading of it again and the uncommon words are read differently from before, sometimes changing their meanings, which can be confusing for the listener who can't read print, especially for students who study class-assigned books and materials with the aid of audio readings. For this reason phonetic spellings are used in this narrative form of Harmony of the Gospel in order to produce the right pronunciation in the computer narrative of the text each time. To accommodate the sighted reader of this narrative form of Harmony of the Gospel Conservative Version, all necessary phonetic spellings on the page are bracketed by quotation marks, to show the sighted reader that they are not misspelling accidents or "typos" overlooked by tired proofreaders.

An illustration

As an illustration, turn on the Read aloud function on your computer or device, and listen to this page. The term "Read aloud function" can be phonetically adapted as "Reed aloud function", which looks wrong but reads right. Vocally, context is everything when reading out loud. Compare the reading of the text here below of the genealogy from Chapter Five of Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) shorter form and the phonetic adaptation of the same text from the Harmony of the Gospel Conservative Version narrative form. In the first part of this example the computer's reading omits a large section of the block of text after the fact that Joseph died, skipping everything in the genealogy up to the words "the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab". Then it reads it from there all the way to the words at the end, "Adam, the son of God", and then it repeats everything it has already read, starting again from the same place with "the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab", down to the end again with "Adam, the son of God". For the audio narrative adaptation of this text, this defect in the mechanical computer reading of the regular existing text of this Harmony of the Gospel is eliminated with the dividing up of the paragraph into smaller segments on the page. The computer then reads the whole genealogy without omission with some brief pauses in the sequence. The bizarre audio mispronunciations of the normal standard spellings of some of the names of the genealogy are also corrected by the adapted phonetic spellings of the narrative form.

Listen to this illustrative example, first part:

Harmony of the Gospel Shorter Form, the legal genealogy of Joseph the husband of Mary

Now Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ, died. And Jesus himself, who was born of the offspring of David according to the flesh, when he began, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Here is the illustrative example, second part:

Harmony of the Gospel Narrative Form, the legal genealogy of Joseph the husband of Mary

Now Joseph, the husband of Mary from whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. Died.

And Jesus himself who was born of the offspring of David according to the flesh, when he began was about thirty years old, being the son as was supposed of Joseph, the son of "Heeligh", the son of "Matt that", the son of Levi, the son of "Mel-kye", the son of "Jan Eye".

the son of Joseph, the son of "Matt-athigh-us", the son of Amos, the son of "Nay-hum", the son of "Ess-lie", the son of "Nag-gai", the son of "Ma Hath".

the son of "Matt-athigh-us", the son of "Semmy-in", the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, the son of "Jo-annan", the son of "Reesa", the son of "Zerrubba-bell".

the son of "She-al-tiel", the son of "Nair-rye", the son of "Mel-kye", the son of "Ad Die", the son of "Co-sam", the son of "Elmo-dam", the son of "Erh".

the son of "Joes-ehh", the son of "A-lee-ayzer", the son of Jorim, the son of "Matt That", the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah.

the son of Joseph, the son of "Jo-nan", the son of "A-lee-aykim", the son of "Mellee-ah", the son of Menan, the son of "Matt-atha", the son of Nathan.

the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of "O-bed", the son of Boaz, the son of "Sallmon", the son of Nahshon, the son of "Am-min-adab".

the son of Aram, the son of "Hezzron", the son of "Pairezz", the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham.

the son of Terah, the son of "Nay-hore", the son of "Sair-ugh", the son of "Ree-you", the son of "Pel-egg", the son of "E-ber", the son of "She-lah".

the son of "Kigh-nan", the son of "Arh Faxad", the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch.

the son of Jared, the son of "Ma Halla-leel", the son of "Kigh-nan", the son of "Enos", the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

You can hear the difference.

Listening times

At the top of each page of seven-chapters, just before the reading of the text, is a note telling the total reading time of the whole page. Except for the first page, Chapters 1-7, each page is over two hours listening time.

The Read aloud function

The Read aloud function tool-bar includes back-up, pause, and skip-forward, and also a choice of audio reading voice. While the Read aloud function is on, and reading, the cursor can be placed anywhere on the page being read, "red", and clicked, to jump the reading immediately to that place where the cursor was positioned in the text to continue the reading from that point. It can be placed anywhere back of where the text is being read, "red", and clicked, to jump the reader there to begin reading immediately from that point.

If you are unfamiliar with the Read out loud or Read aloud function of your device, you can access a tutorial online by doing a search for "How to use the Read aloud function". (Try simultaneous Ctrl + Shift + G or Ctrl + Shift + F.)

Here is an Index of direct links to each of the pages of the Harmony of the Gospel Conservative Version narrative form

Go to Chapters 1-7

Go to Chapters 8-14

Go to Chapters 15-21

Go to Chapters 22-28

Go to Chapters 29-35

Go to Chapters 36-42

Go to Chapters 43-49

Go to Chapters 50-56

Go to Chapters 57-63

Click here to go to the next page: Chapters 1-7.

Click here to go to the narrative form Index

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Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 1-7, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Reading time 1 hour 5 minutes.

Prologue

Peace be with you. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen. Hear O Israel. The Lord our God, the Lord is one!

Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order most excellent Friend of God, that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were "in-struct-ted".

Let us begin.

The beginning of the everlasting Proclamation of Jesus Christ the Son of God (which is being interpreted: Jesus Anointed, the Son of God).

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life (and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and declare to you the life, the eternal life which was with the Father and was revealed to us). That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. And we write these things to you that our joy may be fulfilled.

For God having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as the more excellent name he has inherited is better than theirs.

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain of transfiguration. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses. But grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, God, who is in the bosom of the Father has declared him.

Without "contro-versy" the core mystery of truly godly religion is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.

He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and those who were his own did not receive him. But as many as received him, to them he gave the power to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also. Therefore as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. This is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life.

This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. Let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for I delight in these things says the LORD.

No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up in the sight of all, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed that they have been done in God.

He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. What he has seen and heard, of that, he testifies; and no one receives his witness. He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Not everyone who calls him Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of his Father in heaven.

God will pay back to everyone according to their works: to those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath, indignation, oppression, and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. But glory, honor, and peace, go to every man who does good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. For there is no partiality with God.

Jesus said, This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent:

Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say? Belief by itself, if it has no works, is dead. You say you believe in God. Even the demons believe: and they shudder. As a body without the spirit is a dead corpse, so belief without works is dead. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world. And he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen. But Jesus said to them, As the Father has sent me: even so I send you. Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me, rejects him who sent me. He said My Teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the Teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself. And he said, If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him: and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot endure to hear my word. Whoever is of God hears the words of God; the reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me.

Amen. Yes. Come Lord Jesus.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Now. As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before your face who will prepare your way before you: the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight! There came a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

And so it was, that in the days of Herod the king of Judea there was a certain priest named "Zacka-rye-us" of the priestly division of "Abbyeja". He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priest’s office his lot was to enter into the Temple of the Lord and burn incense. The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

An angel of the Lord appeared to him standing on the right side of the altar of incense. "Zacka-rye-us" was troubled when he saw him and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid "Zacka-rye-us", because your request has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.

"Zacka-rye-us" said to the angel, How can I be sure of this, for I am an old man and my wife is well advanced in years.

The angel answered him, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this Proclamation. Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak before the day that these things will happen, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.

The people were waiting for "Zacka-rye-us", and they marveled that he delayed in the Temple. When he came out he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the Temple. He continued making signs to them and remained mute. When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.

After these days, Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked on me to take away my reproach among men.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. She was consecrated to the Lord as a perpetual virgin according to the law of the Lord; and possessing an inheritance of her father according to the law of the Lord, a descendant of David according to the flesh, she was pledged to be married to one of the family of the tribe of her father according to the law of the Lord. And Joseph of David’s house, was a just man who feared the Lord, and according to the law of the Lord he would not make void her consecration to the Lord. Having come in, the angel said to her, I salute you full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!

But when she saw him she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. The angel said to her, Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son and will call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.

Mary said to the angel, How can this be, seeing I am a virgin, I do not know man. For she was consecrated to the Lord.

The angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing spoken by God is impossible.

Mary said, Behold the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.

The angel then departed from her. And the Word became flesh and lived among us. For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins. Therefore when he comes into the world he says, You did not desire sacrifice and offering, but you prepared a body for me. You had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin. Then I said Behold, I have come (in the scroll of the book it is written of me) to do your will O God. When He brings in the firstborn into the world He says Let all the angels of God worship him.

Now as it is written in the law of the Lord: according to the law of the Lord:

Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes concerning the descendants of Israel saying, This is what the Lord has commanded. If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that "pro seeds" out of his mouth.

If a woman also vows a vow to the Lord and binds herself by a bond in her father’s house in her youth; and her father hears her vow and her bond with which she has bound her soul and her father shall hold his peace: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she has bound her soul shall stand. But if her father does not allow her vow in the day he hears it, none of her vows or of her bonds with which she has bound her soul shall stand: and the Lord shall forgive her because her father did not allow her vow. And if she had at all a husband when she vowed or uttered any vow from her lips with which she bound her soul, and her husband heard and held his peace in the day that he heard: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds with which she bound her soul shall stand. But if her husband does not allow her vow on the day that he heard, then he shall make her vow which she vowed and what she uttered with her lips with which she bound her soul of no effect, and the Lord shall forgive her. And if she vowed in her husband’s house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath, and her husband heard and held his peace and did not disallow her vow, then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she bound her soul shall stand. But if her husband has utterly made them void on the day he heard, whatever "pro seeded" from her lips concerning her vows or concerning the bond of her soul shall not stand: her husband has made them void, and the Lord shall forgive her. Every vow and every binding oath to afflict the soul her husband may establish, or her husband may make void. But if her husband entirely holds his peace from day to day, then he establishes all her vows, or all her bonds which are on her: he confirms them, because he held his peace in the day he heard of them. But if he shall in any way make them void after he has heard, then he shall bear her iniquity. These are the statutes which the Lord commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, and between the father and his daughter in her youth in her father’s house.

The Lord spoke to Moses saying, When a man makes a special vow of persons to the Lord, the estimated value of a male from twenty years old even to sixty years old shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. And if it be a female, then the estimation shall be thirty shekels. And if from five years old even to twenty years old, then your estimation of the male shall be twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels. And if from a month old even to five years old, then your estimation of the male shall be five shekels of silver, and for the female your estimation shall be three shekels of silver. And if from sixty years old and above, if a male, then your estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels. But if he is poorer than your estimation then he shall present himself before the priest and the priest shall value him, according to his ability who vowed shall the priest value him. No devoted thing that a man shall devote to the Lord of all he has, of man and beast, of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy to the Lord.

And the Lord spoke to Moses saying, Speak to Aaron and to his sons, that they keep away from the holy things of the people of Israel which they dedicate to me, so that they may not profane my holy name in what they consecrate to me: I am the Lord. Say to them, ‘Whoever of all your descendants throughout your generations who approaches the holy things which the people of Israel dedicate to the Lord, having an uncleanness, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the Lord.

Every daughter who possesses an inheritance in any tribe of the descendants of Israel, shall be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the descendants of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers. Neither shall the inheritance be transferred from tribe to tribe, but every one of the tribes of Israel shall keep to himself his own inheritance, this is the law of Moses.

For this reason, possessing an inheritance, even a consecrated virgin vowed to the Lord to know no man, is pledged to be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father according to the law of Moses, and still remain a virgin consecrated to God, bound by vow to the Lord. And Mary, being vowed to the Lord by her parents when she was a child, and consecrated to God by them as holy to the Lord, as a perpetual virgin to not know a man, a vow she had not made, which her husband therefore could not make void; when the angel told her she would conceive in her womb and bear a son, for this reason Mary said to the angel, How can this be, seeing I am a virgin, I do not know man. For she was consecrated to the Lord.

The angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing spoken by God is impossible.

And Mary said, Behold the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. The angel departed from her, and the Word became flesh.

Mary arose in those days and went from Galilee south into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah called Ain Karim, just southwest of Jerusalem, and entered into the house of "Zacka-rye-us" and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice and said, Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!

Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed, for he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him. He has shown strength with his arm, He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down princes from their thrones, And has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, He has sent the rich away empty. He has given help to Israel his servant that he might remember mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.

And Mary stayed with her about three months.

Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her and they rejoiced with her. Then Mary returned to her house.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him "Zacka-rye-us" after the name of his father. His mother answered Not so; but he will be called John.

They said to her, There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.

They made signs to his father what he would have him called. He made signs to them and asked for a writing tablet and wrote, His name is John.

They all marveled. His father "Zacka-rye-us" was filled with the Holy Spirit, his mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God and prophesied saying, Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people; and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old) salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. To show mercy toward our fathers, to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he swore to Abraham our father to grant to us that we; being delivered out of the hand of our enemies; should serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. All who heard them laid them up in their heart saying What then will this child be.

The hand of the Lord was with him.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ occurred this way. (Christ means Anointed).

After his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph as his wife, before they came together she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly. As it is written in the law of Moses, When a man takes a wife and marries her, then it shall be if she finds no favor in his eyes, because he has found some unseemly thing in her, that he shall write her a certificate of divorce, and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take to yourself Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet saying, Behold, the virgin shall conceive and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel; which is being interpreted, God with us. Joseph arose from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself; and he did not know her sexually at any time before she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus (which means God saves).

Now this is an account of the ancestry of Joseph son of David. Jacob was the father of Joseph the son of "Heeligh", according to what is written in the law of the Lord, If brethren dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead shall not be married outside to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. It shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall succeed in the name of his brother who is dead, that his name not be blotted out of Israel.

And Jacob was the half-brother of "Heeligh", according to "You see be-us", born of one woman, "Esstha" their mother, who was wife to "Matt than" and to "Matt that", first to one and then to the other in succession; for the law of Moses does not forbid a widow to marry again. Thus Jacob the son of "Matt than" of the house of David became the father of Joseph the son of "Heeligh" the son of "Matt that" of the house of David.

And this is the genealogy of Joseph son of David. The sons of David who were born to him in "Heb-ron": "Ammnon", Daniel, Absalom, "Ad-doh-nighja", "Shepha-tiah", "Ithree-amm": six were born to him in Hebron. And these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, Ibhar, "Eleeshama", "Elleefellet", Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, "Eleeshama", "El-yada", and "Elleefellet", nine. All these were the sons of David. These are the heads of the clans of the house of David.

David became the father of Solomon. Solomon became the father of "Reho-boam". "Reho-boam" became the father of "Abbyeja". "Abbyeja" became the father of Asa. Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of "Uz-zigha". "Uz-zigha" became the father of "Joetham". "Joetham" became the father of "Eh-haz". "Eh-haz" became the father of "Hezzy-kigh-ah". "Hezzy-kigh-ah" became the father of Manasseh. Manasseh became the father of "A-mon". "A-mon" became the father of "Jo-sigh-ah". "Jo-sigh-ah" became the father of "Jecho-niya". "Jecho-niya" became the father of "She-al-tiel". "She-al-tiel" became the father of "Zerrubba-bell". "Zerrubba-bell" became the father of "Ab-eye-udd". "Ab-eye-udd" became the father of "Eli-akim". "Eli-akim" became the father of "A-zor". "A-zor" became the father of "Zad-ock". "Zad-ock" became the father of "Ah-kim". "Ah-kim" became the father of "E-lie-ood". "E-lie-ood" became the father of "Elee-a-zar". "Elee-a-zar" became the father of "Matt than". "Matt than" became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of Joseph, the son of "Heeligh", the son of "Matt that", the son of Levi, the son of "Mel-kye", the son of "Jan-nai", the son of Joseph, the son of "Matt-athigh-us", the son of Amos, the son of "Nay-hum", the son of "Ess-lie", the son of "Nag-gai", the son of "Ma Hath", the son of "Matt-athigh-us", the son of "Semmy-in", the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, the son of "Jo-annan", the son of "Reesa", the son of "Zerrubba-bell", the son of "She-al-tiel", the son of "Nair-rye", the son of "Mel-kye", the son of "Ad Die", the son of "Co-sam", the son of "Elmo-dam", the son of "Erh", the son of "Joes-ehh", the son of "A-lee-ayzer", the son of Jorim, the son of "Matt that", the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of "Jo-nan", the son of "A-lee-aykim", the son of "Mellee-ah", the son of Menan, the son of "Matt-atha", the son of Nathan, the son of David.

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, made later when "Kye-rinnius" was governor of Syria. All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. But Joseph moreover went up from Galilee, out of his own city the city of Nazareth, into Judea instead, to David’s city which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.

While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough because there was no room for them in the inn. As it is written in the law of Moses, If a woman conceives and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her monthly period she shall be unclean. As it is written, She shall be in her impurity seven days. Whoever touches her shall be unclean before the evening. Everything that she lies on in her impurity shall be unclean. Everything also that she sits on shall be unclean. Whoever touches her bed shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean before the evening. Whoever touches anything that she sits on shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean before the evening. If it is on the bed or on anything she sits on, when he touches it he shall be unclean before the evening. And Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, so they will not die in their uncleanness when they defile my tabernacle that is among them, this is the law of Moses.

Now there were shepherds in the same country, staying in the field and keeping watch by night over their flock. Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you the Proclamation of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today in David’s city a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.

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

When the angels went away from them into heaven the shepherds said to one another, Let us go to Bethlehem now and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.

They came with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen just as it was told them.

When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Behold the blood of the Lord, begone you hostile powers! His name shall be called in Israel, Yeshua ben David, ben Avraham, ben Adonai, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Jesus Anointed, the son of David the son of Abraham. Now the number of the name of David by the reckoning of "gem-ah-tria" is fourteen. And this is the reckoning of the generations.

Abraham, one, became the father of Isaac, two. Isaac became the father of Jacob, three. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brethren, four. Judah became the father of "Pairez" and Zerah by "Tay Mar", five. "Pairez" became the father of Hezzron, six. Hezzron became the father of Ram, seven. Ram became the father of "Am-min-adab", eight. "Am-min-adab" became the father of "Nah-shon", nine. "Nah-shon" became the father of "Sallmon", ten. "Sallmon" became the father of Boaz by Rahab, eleven. Boaz became the father of "O-bed" by Ruth, twelve. "O-bed" became the father of Jesse, thirteen. Jesse became the father of King David, fourteen.

David became the father of Solomon by her who had been "You-riah's" wife, one. Solomon became the father of "Reho-boam", two. "Reho-boam" became the father of "Abbyeja", three. "Abbyeja" became the father of Asa, four. Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat, five. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram, six. The son of Joram was "A-ha-zigha", seven. The son of "A-ha-zigha" was "Jo-ash", eight. The son of "Jo-ash" was "Amma-zigha", nine. The son of "Amma-zigha" was "Azza-riah", also called "Uz-zigha", ten (But "Jo-ram" was the father of "Uz-zigha"). "Uz-zigha" became the father of "Joetham", eleven. "Joetham" became the father of "Eh-haz", twelve. "Eh-haz" became the father of "Hezzy-kigh-ah", thirteen. "Hezzy-kigh-ah" became the father of Manasseh, the first of that generation deported to Babylon, fourteen. (The king of Assyria took Manasseh in chains, bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.) Manasseh became the father of Amos, who was called "A-mon", the second generation. "A-mon" became the father of "Jo-sigh-ah", the third generation. "Jo-sigh-ah" became the father of "Jecho-niya" and his brethren, the fourth generation, at the time of the exile to Babylon, according to what is written, In the fourth generation they will come here again.

After the exile to Babylon, "Jecho-niya" became the father of "She-al-tiel", one. "She-al-tiel" became the father of "Zerrubba-bell", two. "Zerrubba-bell" became the father of "Ab-eye-udd", three. "Ab-eye-udd" became the father of "Eli-akim", four. "Eli-akim" became the father of "A-zor", five. "A-zor" became the father of "Zad-ock", six. "Zad-ock" became the father of "Ah-kim", seven. "Ah-kim" became the father of "E-lie-ood", eight. "E-lie-ood" became the father of "Elee-a-zar", nine. "Elee-a-zar" became the father of "Matt than", ten. "Matt than" became the father of Jacob, eleven. Jacob became the father of Joseph, twelve. Joseph became the husband of Mary, thirteen (a full generation younger than he). From Mary was born Jesus who is called Christ, Anointed, fourteen.

When the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ the Anointed, fourteen generations.

Now, as it is written in the Law of the Lord: The LORD spoke to Moses saying, Speak to the children of Israel saying, If a woman conceives and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her monthly period she shall be unclean. In the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. She shall continue in the blood of purification thirty-three days. She shall not touch any holy thing, nor come into the sanctuary, before the days of her purifying are completed, this is the law of Moses.

When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ, the Lord’s Anointed. He came in the Spirit into the Temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, then he received him into his arms and blessed God, and said, Now you are releasing your servant Master according to your word in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of "Phan-you-el" of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, about one hundred and six years, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, from about the age of fifteen to the age of twenty-two, and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years) who did not depart from the Temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day. Coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, two years later wisemen from the east came to Jerusalem saying, Where is he who is born King of the Jews, for we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.

When King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ the Anointed One would be born. They said to him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet, You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come a Governor who shall shepherd my people Israel.

Then Herod secretly called the wisemen, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go-and-search" diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word so that I also may come and worship him.

Having heard the king, they went their way; and behold, the star which they saw in the east went on ahead of them, and they did not see it before it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. They came into the house and saw the young toddler-child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him offerings of gifts: gold, "frankin-cense", and myrrh. Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.

Now when they had departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt, and stay there up to when I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

He arose and took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt, and was there up to the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet saying, Out of Egypt I called my Son.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wisemen, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wisemen. Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; she would not be comforted, because they are "No-more"

But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.

He arose, and took the young child and his mother and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that "Arkay-lay-us" was reigning over Judea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee. When they had thus accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own city Nazareth. He came and lived in a city called Nazareth that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, He will be called a Nazarene, which is being interpreted, Branch. As it is written in Isaiah, A Shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a Branch out of his roots will bear fruit.

And in Jeremiah, Behold, the days come says the LORD that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and, In those days and at that time I will cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up to David.

And in Zechariah: Behold, I will bring out my servant the Branch; Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the LORD’s Temple.

The child was growing and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. As it is written in the Psalms, Let your hand be on the man of your right hand, on the son of man whom you made strong for yourself.

Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, and when they had fulfilled the eight days of Passover called Unleavened Bread, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find him they returned to Jerusalem looking for him anxiously. After three days they found him in the Temple, sitting in the middle of the Teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Jesus, from infancy having known the holy Scriptures, said to them:

What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not grab on to it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.

Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him; how he entered into God’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath day the priests in the Temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?

David himself says in the book of Psalms, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, up to the moment I make your enemies the footstool of your feet. David therefore calls him Lord, so how is he his son?

One of the scribes asked him, Which commandment is the greatest of all?

Jesus answered, The greatest is: Hear Israel. The Lord our God, the Lord is one: you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. The second is like this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.

When they saw him they were astonished, and his mother said to him, Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold your father and I were anxiously looking for you.

He said to them, Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house”?

They did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was "sub-ject" to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men, according to what is written, Do not let kindness and truth forsake you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, and they said: Is this not Joseph’s son"?

Now Joseph, the husband of Mary from whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. Died.

And Jesus himself who was born of the offspring of David according to the flesh, when he began was about thirty years old, being the son as was supposed of Joseph, the son of "Heeligh", the son of "Matt that", the son of Levi, the son of "Mel-kye", the son of "Jan Eye".

the son of Joseph, the son of "Matt-athigh-us", the son of Amos, the son of "Nay-hum", the son of "Ess-lie", the son of "Nag-gai", the son of "Ma Hath".

the son of "Matt-athigh-us", the son of "Semmy-in", the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, the son of "Jo-annan", the son of "Reesa", the son of "Zerrubba-bell".

the son of "She-al-tiel", the son of "Nair-rye", the son of "Mel-kye", the son of "Ad Die", the son of "Co-sam", the son of "Elmo-dam", the son of "Erh".

the son of "Joes-ehh", the son of "A-lee-ayzer", the son of Jorim, the son of "Matt That", the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah.

the son of Joseph, the son of "Jo-nan", the son of "A-lee-aykim", the son of "Mellee-ah", the son of Menan, the son of "Matt-atha", the son of Nathan.

the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of "O-bed", the son of Boaz, the son of "Sallmon", the son of Nahshon, the son of "Am-min-adab".

the son of Aram, the son of "Hezzron", the son of "Pairezz", the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham.

the son of Terah, the son of "Nay-hore", the son of "Sair-ugh", the son of "Ree-you", the son of "Pel-egg", the son of "E-ber", the son of "She-lah".

the son of "Kigh-nan", the son of "Arh Faxad", the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch.

the son of Jared, the son of "Ma Halla-leel", the son of "Kigh-nan", the son of "Enos", the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

So all the generations from Adam to Jesus are seventy-seven generations: from Adam to Enoch seven generations, and from Enoch to "She-lah" seven generations, and from "She-lah" to Abraham seven generations, and from Abraham to Admin seven generations, and from Admin to David seven generations, and from David through Nathan to Joseph seven generations, and from Joseph to Joshua seven generations, and from Joshua to "She-al-tiel" seven generations, and from "She-al-tiel" through "Reesa" son of "Zer-rubba-bell" to "Matt-athigh-us" seven generations, and from "Matt-athigh-us" to Joseph seven generations, and from Joseph to Jesus seven generations.

And the child John the son of "Zecha-rye-us" and Elizabeth was growing and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert to the day of his public appearance to Israel. He was by birth a priest descended from Aaron the priest the brother of Moses, of the sons of Levi son of Jacob called Israel.

Now at this time, in A.D. 20 Parthian generals conquered the regions of northern India and declared independence to form the Indo-Parthian Kingdom. Roman-Parthian relations had become increasingly centered on Armenia, which was situated geo-politically between the Roman Empire and Parthia, Rome’s implacable foe in the east, the kings of the east. In both Crassus’s and Antony’s campaigns (ending 53 and 31 B.C., near the end of the Roman Republic in 27 B.C.) the Armenians had already played an influential role in the early history of Roman-Parthian relations; the Armenian king had a large role as a guide, and betrayer, as some sources state. Since the reign of Augustus Caesar it had been Roman policy to appoint vassal kings there and so make Armenia a buffer state against Parthia and the kings of the east. An advance on Armenia from one side was often interpreted as a pretext for war by the other. Throughout the remaining history of Roman-Parthian relations Armenia would have the role of a buffer state between the two powers.

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and "Lye-say-nias" tetrarch of Abilene, in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of "Zecha-rye-us" in the wilderness. He who sent him to baptize with water said to him, On whomever you will see the Spirit descending and remaining on him is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

In those days John the Baptizer came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!

He came into all the region around the Jordan preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins. For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the way of the Lord ready, make his paths straight! As it is written in the Book of the Words of Isaiah the Prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled, every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth. All flesh will see God’s salvation.

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair, John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey, he ate locusts and wild honey. Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea and all the region around the Jordan, all the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

He preached saying, After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen. I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

He said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say among yourselves ‘We have Abraham for our father;’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not produce good fruit, is cut down and thrown into the fire.

The multitudes asked him, What then must we do?

He answered them, He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.

Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, Teacher, what must we do?

He said to them, Collect no more than that which is appointed to you.

Soldiers also asked him, saying What about us? What must we do?

He said to them, Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be "cunTent" with your wages.

As the people were in expectation and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, the Anointed One, John answered them all, I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire, whose winnowing-fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Then with many other exhortations he preached the Proclamation to the people.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance! Do not think to yourselves ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

I indeed baptize you with water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.

If you are willing to receive it, John is Elijah who is to come. As it is written in the book of the prophet Malachi, Behold, the day comes, it burns as a furnace; and all the proud and all who work wickedness will be stubble; and the day that comes will burn them up’ says the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. And, Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.

It is as the angel Gabriel sent from God declared to "Zacka-rye-us" concerning John before he was conceived, He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.

Then in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him. But John would have hindered him saying, I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me”?

But Jesus answering, said to him Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.

Then he allowed him; and Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Now when all the people were baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying; when Jesus was baptized he went up directly from the water. Immediately on coming up from the water the sky was opened. He saw the heavens parting, and behold the heavens were opened to him! He saw the Spirit, the Spirit of God, descending as a dove, descending like a dove and alighting on him. The Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on him, and a voice came out of the sky saying, You are my beloved Son, in you I am well pleased. Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.

Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness of Judea west of the Jordan, and John cried out saying, This was he of whom I said, He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.

Jesus full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan westward. And then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he was there in the wilderness for forty days. He fasted forty days and forty nights, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; tempted by the devil; and he ate nothing in those days.

When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, when they were completed, he was hungry afterward; he was hungry.

The devil said to him, If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.

Jesus answered him saying, It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

The devil leading him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil said to him, I will give you all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I want. If you therefore will worship before me, it will all be yours.

Jesus answered him, Get behind me Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.

He led him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the Temple, and said to him, If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down from here, for it is written, He will put his angels in charge of you to guard you; and On their hands they will bear you up, lest perhaps you dash your foot against a stone.

Jesus answering said to him, It has been said, You shall not test the Lord your God.

The tempter came close, and said to him, If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.

But he answered, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that "pro-seeds" out of the mouth of God.

Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the Temple and said to him, If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, He will command his angels concerning you, and On their hands they will bear you up, so that you do not dash your foot against a stone.

Jesus said to him, Again, it is written, You shall not test the Lord your God.

Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. He said to him, I will give you all of these things if you will fall down and worship me.

Then Jesus said to him, Get behind me Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.

Then when the devil had completed every temptation, the devil left him; he departed from him, awaiting another time. And behold, angels came and served him; and the angels were serving him.

To which of the angels did he say at any time, You are my Son, today I have become your father, and again, I will be to him a Father and he will be to me a Son. When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, Let all the angels of God worship him. Of the angels he says, He makes his angels powerful winds, and his servants a flame of fire. But of the Son he says, Your throne O God is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows, and, You Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. You will roll them up like a mantle and they will be changed; but you are the same, your years will not fail. But which of the angels has he told at any time, Sit at my right hand, to the day I make your enemies the footstool of your feet. Are they not all serving spirits sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation"?

And behold, angels came and served him; and the angels were serving him. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee.

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Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 8-14, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Reading time 2 hours and 8 minutes

Now this is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and "Lee-vytes" from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? he declared and did not deny, but he declared I am not the Christ.

They asked him, What then, are you Elijah”?

He said I am not.

Are you the Prophet”?

He answered No.

(They asked this because it is written, Moses said, The LORD your God will raise up to you a Prophet from among you of your brethren like me. You shall listen to him. This is according to all that you desired of the LORD your God in Horeb, in the day of the Assembly, saying Let me not hear again the LORD my God’s voice, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I not die. The LORD said to me, They have well said that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like you. I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him. It shall happen that whoever will not listen to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.)

They said therefore to him: Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?

He said I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness Make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said.

The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees. They asked him, Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet.

John answered them, I baptize with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know. He is the one who comes after me who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loosen.

These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan where John was baptizing.

The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him and said, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me. I did not know him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water: that he would be revealed to Israel.

And John testified saying, I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him. I did not recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, On whomever you will see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. I have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.

Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his followers his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked and said, Behold the Lamb of God!

The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, What are you looking for?

They said to him, Rabbi (which is to say being interpreted, Teacher), where are you staying?

He said to them, Come and see.

They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour (which is about four o'clock in the afternoon, sixteen hundred hours military time). One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, We have found the Messiah! (which is being interpreted Christ, Anointed).

He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas (which means Peter, being interpreted: Rock. For both Cephas or "Keppas" in Aramaic and Peter in Greek mean Rock, or Stone).

On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, Follow me.

Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found "Naa-thaniel", and said to him, We have found him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

"Naa-thaniel" said to him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth”?

Philip said to him, Come and see.

Jesus saw "Naa-thaniel" coming to him, and said about him Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!

"Naa-thaniel" said to him, How do you know me?

Jesus answered him, Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.

"Naa-thaniel" answered him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are King of Israel!

Jesus answered him, Because I told you I saw you underneath the fig tree, do you believe"? You will see greater things than these!

And He said to him, Most certainly I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

According to tradition, "Naa-thaniel" is the apostle Bartholomew, which is interpreted son of "Tolla-meuss".

The third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there. Jesus also was invited with his followers his disciples to the wedding: Jesus, Peter, John, Andrew, Philip, and "Naa-thaniel", six. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother said to him, They have no wine.

(Now no more wine for the marriage feast would shame and disgrace the bridegroom the bride and their families. Remember the word that Isaiah spoke, that his virgin mother would conceive and bear a son and call him Emmanuel, which means, "God-with-us". She therefore interceded, in saying to Jesus They have no wine.)

Jesus said to her, Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.

His mother said to the servants, Whatever he says to you, do it.

Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three firkins or "mettre-tess" apiece, each holding twenty or thirty gallons, a total volume of one hundred twenty to one hundred eighty gallons. Jesus said to them, Fill the water pots with water.

So they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.

So they "took-it". When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine "to-now"!

This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

After this, he went down to "Cap Pair-nayum", he, and his mother, his brethren, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, the eight days of the festival of Unleavened Bread, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the Temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the Temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he "poured-out" the changers’ money and overthrew their tables. To those who sold the doves he said, Take these things out of here! Do not make my Father’s house a marketplace!

His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for your house will eat me up.

The Jews therefore answered him, What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?

Jesus answered them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

The Jews therefore said, It took forty-six years to build this Temple! Will you raise it up in three days”?

But he spoke of the Temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his followers his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover during the feast many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. But Jesus did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people everywhere, and because he did not need for anyone to testify concerning mankind; for he himself knew what was in man.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a Teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.

Jesus answered him, Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see God’s Kingdom.

Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born”?

Jesus answered, Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter into God’s Kingdom. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born anew. The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered him, How can these things be?

Jesus answered him, You are the Teacher of Israel, and do not understand these things"? Most certainly I tell you, We speak that which We know, and testify of that which We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

After these things, Jesus came with his disciples, Peter, John, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael, into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing in "E-non" near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized; for John was not yet thrown into prison. Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s followers with some Jews about purification. They came to John and said to him, Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, he baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.

John answered, A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. You yourselves testify that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. This my joy therefore is made full. He must increase, but I must decrease.

Now Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison. For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John said to him It is not lawful for you to have her; for he had married her. For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.

When Herod would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Herodias set herself against him and desired to kill him, but she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.

Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more followers, more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples), when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he left Judea and departed into Galilee.

He needed to pass through Samaria. So he came to a city of Samaria, called "Sigh-car", near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. As it is written, I have given to you one portion above your brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. It was about the sixth hour of the day, about noon, twelve hundred hours military time.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, Give me a drink.

The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?

(For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.

The woman said to him, Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. So where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his children and his livestock”?

Jesus answered her, Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.

The woman said to him, Sir, give me this water, so that I do not get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw.

Jesus said to her, Go, call your husband, and come here.

The woman answered, I have no husband.

Jesus said to her, You said well I have no husband, for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly.

The woman said to him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.

Jesus said to her, Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father. You worship that which you do not know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

The woman said to him, I know that Messiah comes, he who is called Christ. When he has come, he will declare to us all things.

Jesus said to her, I AM: the one who speaks to you.

At this, his disciples came. They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said What are you looking for? or Why do you speak with her? So the woman left her water pot, went away into the city and said to the people, Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ”?

They went out of the city, and were coming to him. In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him saying, Rabbi, eat.

But he said to them, I have food to eat that you do not know.

The disciples therefore said to one another, Has anyone brought him something to eat”?

Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say There are yet four months before the harvest"? Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already. He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true, One sows, and another reaps. I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.

From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman who testified, He told me everything that I did. So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days. Many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

After the two days he went out from there and went into Galilee. Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. He withdrew into Galilee, for Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast, for they also went to the feast. Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee where he made the water into wine.

There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at "Cap Pair-nayum", a full day's journey from Cana, more than twenty-six miles. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and begged him that he would come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him, Unless you see signs and wonders, you will in no way believe.

The nobleman said to him, Sir, come down before my child dies.

Jesus said to him, "Go-your-way". Your son lives.

The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. As he was now going down, the next day his servants met him and reported, saying Your child "livs!"

So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. They said therefore to him, Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him.

The seventh hour is one o'clock in the afternoon, thirteen hundred hours military time. So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, Your son "livs". He believed, as did his whole house. This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.

And news about him spread through all the surrounding area. He Taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

Now, after John was taken into custody Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Proclamation of God’s Kingdom, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Proclamation.

He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the Proclamation to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began to tell them, Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.

All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, and they said, Is this not Joseph’s son”?

He said to them, Doubtless you will tell me this parable, Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at "Cap Pair-nayum", do also here in your hometown.

He said, Most certainly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land. Elijah was sent to none of them, except to "Zar-ephath", in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except "Na-aman", the Syrian.

They were all filled with wrath in the synagogue as they heard these things. They rose up, threw him out of the city, and led him up to the brow of the hill that their city was built on, that they might throw him off the cliff. But he, passing through the middle of them, went his way: the greatest among them did not grasp him, they could not hold him.

Leaving Nazareth, he came down to "Cap Pair-nayum", a city of Galilee, and lived in "Cap Pair-nayum", which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.

From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

He was Teaching them on the Sabbath day, and they were astonished at his Teaching, for his word was with authority.

Passing along by the sea of Galilee, walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon, two brethren: Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

He, Jesus, said to them, Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.

Immediately they left their nets, they immediately left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little farther from there, he saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. Immediately he called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him, and followed him.

They went into "Cap Pair-nayum", and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and Taught. They were astonished at his Teaching, for he Taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, according to what is written, To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess that they know God, but by their deeds they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work; and he cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Awe"! what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God!

Jesus rebuked him, saying “Be silent, and come out of him!

When the demon had thrown him down in the middle of them, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, he, the unclean spirit came out of him, having done him no harm. They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying What is this? A new Teaching"? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!

Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!

The report of him went out immediately everywhere. News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region, into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.

Immediately, he rose up from the synagogue, and when they had come out of the synagogue, they came and entered into Simon’s house, the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. (The house was next door to the synagogue.) Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her: Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever and they begged him for her. He came and stood over her and rebuked the fever, and took her by the hand and raised her up; and it left her, the fever left her. Immediately she rose up, and she served them.

When the sun was setting, at evening, when the sun had set, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him; they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons. All the city was gathered together at the door. He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons, and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. Demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, You are the Christ, the Son of God!

Rebuking them, he did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew him. He did not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ, the Anointed One of God.

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up; and when it was day, he departed and went out into an uninhabited place, a deserted place, and prayed there. Simon and those who were with him searched for him. They found him and told him, Everyone is looking for you.

He said to them, Let us go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.

And the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he would not go away from them. But he said to them, I must preach the Proclamation of God’s Kingdom to the other cities also. For this reason I have been sent.

He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee. Jesus went about in all Galilee, Teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Proclamation of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them.

While he was in one of the cities a leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him and saying to him, If you will to do it, you can make me clean.

Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, I will to do it. Be made clean.

When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was made clean. He strictly warned him, and immediately sent him out, and said to him, See you say nothing to anyone, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.

But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread the matter all about, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places. People came to him from everywhere. Great multitudes from Galilee, "De-capolis", Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his followers his disciples came to him. He opened his mouth and Taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For most certainly I tell you, before heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, before all things are accomplished. Whoever therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and Teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and Teach them, shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, You shall not murder; and Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, Raca! will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, You fool! will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there before you have paid the last penny.

You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery; but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

It was also said, Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce, but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery.

Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows, but I tell you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your Yes be Yes and your No be No. Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and do not turn away him who desires to borrow from you.

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same"? If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Do not even the tax collectors do the same"? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Be careful that you do not do your charitable alms-giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Therefore when you do merciful deeds, do not sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you do merciful deeds, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. In praying, do not use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Therefore do not be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, amen.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Moreover when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Do not lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? See the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of much more value than they?

Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, neither do they spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith?

Therefore do not be anxious, saying What will we eat?, What will we drink? or With what will we be clothed? For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.

Do not condemn, so that you will not be condemned. For with whatever condemnation you condemn, you will be condemned; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the wooden beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, Let me remove the speck from your eye; and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Do not give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. Or who is there among you, who if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent? If you then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree cannot produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works? Then I will tell them, I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.

Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

Everyone who hears these words of mine, and does not do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell: and great was its fall.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his Teaching, for he Taught them with authority, and not like the scribes. When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if you will to do it, you can make me clean.

Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, I will to do it. Be made clean.

Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Jesus said to him, See that you tell no one, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.

When he entered again into "Cap Pair-nayum" after some days, when he came into "Cap Pair-nayum", a centurion came to him, asking him, and saying Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented.

Jesus said to him, I will come and heal him.

The centurion answered, Lord, I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, "Goe", and he goes; and tell another, Come, and he comes; and tell my servant, Do this, and he does it.”

When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, Most certainly I tell you, I have not found so great a faith, not even in Israel. I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus said to the centurion, "Go-your-way". Let it be done for you as you have believed.”

His servant was healed in that hour.

When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and served him. When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.

Now while the multitude pressed on him and heard the word of God, he was standing by the lake of "Ghen-nesaret", the lake of Galilee. He saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He entered into one of the boats which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and Taught the multitudes from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.

Simon answered him, Master, we worked all night and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.

When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. They beckoned to their partners in the other boat that they should come and help them. They came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’s knees saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful "man-Lord".

For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.

When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything, and followed him.

A scribe came, and said to him, Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.

Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.

Another of his followers said to him, Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.

But Jesus said to him, Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.

When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.

Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep. They came to him, and woke him up saying, Save us Lord, we are dying!

He said to them, Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?

Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.

The men marveled, saying What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

When he came to the other side, into the country of the "Ger-guess-eens", two people possessed by demons met him there coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. Behold, they cried out saying, What do we have to do with you Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time”?

Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding far away from them. The demons begged him saying, If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs.

He said to them: “Goe!”

They came out, and went into the herd of pigs: and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea, and died in the water. Those who fed them fled and went away into the city and told everything, including what happened to those who were possessed with demons. Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.

He entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city. Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.

Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, This man blasphemes.

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven"? or to say, Get up, and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins (then he said to the paralytic), Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house.

He arose and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection post, the tax station. He said to him, Follow me.

He got up and followed him. As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his followers. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his followers his disciples, Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?

When Jesus heard it, he said to them, Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. But you go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

It was heard that he was in the house. Immediately many were gathered together so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them. Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you.

But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?

Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, Why do you reason these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven"? or to say, Arise, and take up your bed, and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins: he said to the paralytic, I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house.

He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God saying, We never saw anything like this!

On one of those days, he was Teaching; and there were Pharisees and Teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal them. Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus. Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the middle before Jesus. Seeing their faith, he said to him, Man, your sins are forgiven you.

The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, Why are you reasoning so in your hearts? Which is easier to say, Your sins are forgiven you"? or to say, Arise and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins (he said to the paralyzed man), I tell you, arise, take up your cot, and go to your house.

Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God. Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying We have seen strange things today.

After these things, He went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he Taught them.

And as he passed by, he saw a tax collector named Levi, the son of Alphaeus (like James, the son of Alphaeus), sitting at the tax post, and he said to him, Follow me.

And he arose and followed him. He left everything, and rose up and followed him.

Levi made a great feast for him in his house. There was a great crowd of tax collectors and others who were reclining with them. Their scribes and the Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?

Jesus answered them, Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

They said to him, Why do John’s disciples often fast and pray, likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?

He said to them, Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them"? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast in those days.

He also told a parable to them. No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old garment, or else he will "tair" the new, and also the piece from the new will not match the old. No one puts new wine into old wine skins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wine skins, and both are preserved. No man having drunk old wine immediately desires new, for he says, The old is better.

John’s followers and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, Why do John’s followers and the followers of the Pharisees fast, but your followers do not fast?

Jesus said to them, Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them"? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and the new "tairs" away from the old, and a worse hole is made. No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine "pours-out", and the skins will be destroyed; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins.

Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?

Jesus said to them, Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them"? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would "tair" away from the garment, and a worse hole is made. Neither do people put new wine into old wine skins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wine skins, and both are preserved.

While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him saying, My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will "liv".

Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples.

Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said within herself, If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.

But Jesus, turning around and seeing her said, Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.

And the woman was made well from that hour.

When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the crowd in noisy disorder, he said to them, Make room, because the girl is not dead, but sleeping.

They were ridiculing him. But when the crowd was put out, he entered in, took her by the hand, and the girl arose. The report of this went out into all that land.

As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, Have mercy on us, son of David!

When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this?

They told him, Yes Lord.

Then he touched their eyes saying, According to your faith be it done to you.

Their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, See that no one knows about this.

But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.

As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him. When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!

But the Pharisees said, By the prince of the demons, he casts out demons.

Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, Teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Proclamation of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his followers, The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.

He was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and his followers his disciples began as they went, to pluck the ears of grain. The Pharisees said to him, Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?

He said to them, Did you never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry, he, and those who were with him"? How he entered into God’s house at the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the "sho-bread", which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him”?

He said to them, The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.

He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered. They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him. He said to the man who had his hand withered, Stand up.

He said to them, Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?

But they were silent. When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, Stretch out your hand.

He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other. The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. (The Pharisees and the Herodians previously had no dealings with each other; the Pharisees hated the Herodians, and the Herodians despised the Pharisees.)

Now on the second Sabbath after the first, he was going through the grain fields. His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said to them, Why do you do that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?

Jesus, answering them, said, Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he, and those who were with him; how he entered into God’s house, and took and ate the "sho-bread", and gave also to those who were with him, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests alone”?

He said to them, The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.

It also happened on another Sabbath that he entered into the synagogue and Taught. There was a man there, and his right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts; and he said to the man who had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand in the middle.

He arose and stood. Then Jesus said to them, I will ask you something: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?

He looked around at them all, and said to the man, Stretch out your hand.

He did, and his hand was restored as sound as the other. But they were filled with rage, and talked with one another about what they might do to Jesus. For he was exposing their lack of compassion.

Jesus withdrew to the sea with his disciples, and a great multitude followed him from Galilee, from Judea, from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came to him. He spoke to his followers that a little boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they would not press on him. For he had healed many, so that as many as had diseases pressed on him that they might touch him. The unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, You are the Son of God!

He sternly warned them that they should not make him known.

After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel went down at certain times into the pool and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. A certain man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, Do you want to be made well”?

The sick man answered him, Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.

Jesus said to him, Arise, take up your mat, and walk.

Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked.

Now it was the Sabbath on that day. So the Jews said to him who was cured, It is the Sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry the mat.

(They said this according to their interpretation of what is written in the law of Moses, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. You shall labor six days, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy. The Pharisees had added to this word by declaring that healing is work.)

He answered them, He who made me well said to me, Take up your mat and walk.

Then they asked him, Who is the man who said to you, Take up your mat and walk?

But he who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place. Afterward Jesus found him in the Temple, and said to him, Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you.

The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, My Father is still working, so I am working too.

For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus therefore answered them, Most certainly I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise. For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom he desires. For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. Most certainly I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice; and those who hear will "liv". For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself. He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for the hour comes in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I do not seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid. It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true. You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. But the testimony which I receive is not from man. However, I say these things that you may be saved. He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me. The Father himself who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. You do not have his word living in you; because you do not believe him whom he sent.

You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men. But I know you, that you do not have God’s love in yourselves. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you, even Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A great multitude followed him, because they saw his signs which he did on those who were sick.

In these days he went out into the hills to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. When it was day, he called his followers.

Jesus went up into the mountain. He went up into the mountain, and called to himself those whom he wanted, and they went to him, and he sat there with his disciples. And from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he also named Peter. Rock. Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus; Simon, who was called the Zealot; Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor. He appointed twelve, that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach, and to have authority to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter. Rock). James the son of Zebedee; and John, the brother of James, (whom he called "Bo-an-er-gees", which means, Sons of Thunder); Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

He came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his followers his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; as well as those who were troubled by unclean spirits, and they were being healed. All the multitude sought to touch him, for power came out of him and healed them all.

He lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said, Blessed are you who are poor, God’s Kingdom is yours. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets.

But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation. Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe, when men speak well of you, for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets.

But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your coat also. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free.

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.

He spoke a parable to them. Can the blind guide the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his Teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his Teacher. Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the wooden beam that is in your own eye? Or how can you tell your brother, Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye. For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree that produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I say? Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who he is like. He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock. But he who hears, and does not do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.

After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into "Cap Pair-nayum". Then he came into a house.

A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and save his servant. When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly saying, He is worthy for you to do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us.

Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, "Goe"! and he goes; and to another, Come! and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.”

When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.

Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.

Soon afterward, he went to a city called "Nay-in". Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him. Now when he came near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were "with-her". When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, Do not cry.

He came near and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. He said, Young man, I tell you, arise!

He who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God saying, A great prophet has arisen among us! and, God has visited his people!

This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea, and in all the surrounding region. The followers of John told him about all these things. John, calling to himself two of his followers, sent them to Jesus, saying, Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?

When the men had come to him, they said, John the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?

In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind he gave sight. Jesus answered them, Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Proclamation preached to them. Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”

When John’s messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. But what did you go out to see? A prophet"? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you. For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in God’s Kingdom is greater than he.

When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John’s baptism. But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves.

To what then should I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call to one another, saying, We piped to you, and you did not dance. We mourned, and you did not weep. For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, He has a demon. The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners! Yet Wisdom is justified by all her children.

One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee’s house, and sat at the table. Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner.

Jesus answered him, Simon, I have something to tell you.

He said, Teacher, say on.

A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?

Simon answered, He I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.

He said to him, You have judged correctly.

Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, Do you see this woman"? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.

He said to her, Your sins are forgiven.

Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, Who is this who even forgives sins?

He said to the woman, Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.

Soon afterward, he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the Proclamation of God’s Kingdom. With him were the twelve, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; and Joanna, the wife of "Chu-zas", Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others; who served them from their possessions.

When a great multitude came together, and people from every city were coming to him, he spoke by a parable. The farmer went out to "so" his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the sky devoured it. Other seed fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture. Other fell amid the thorns, and the thorns grew with it, and choked it. Other fell into the good ground, and grew, and produced one hundred times as much fruit.

As he said these things, he called out, He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Then his disciples asked him, What does this parable mean?

He said, To you it is given to know the mysteries of God’s Kingdom, but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those along the road are those who hear, then the devil comes, and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation. That which fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. Those in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and produce fruit with perseverance.

No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed; nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever does not have, from him will be taken away even that which he thinks he has.

His mother and brethren came to him, and they could not come near him for the crowd. Some people told him, Your mother and your brethren stand outside, desiring to see you.

But he answered them, My mother and my brethren are these who hear the word of God, and do it.

The multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. When his friends heard it, they went out to seize him; for they said, He is insane. (It does not say his brothers, sisters and mother. It says that his friends said, He is insane.)

The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, He has Beelzebul, and, By the prince of the demons he casts out the demons.

He summoned them, and said to them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. If Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. But no one can enter into the house of the strongman to plunder unless he first binds the strongman; then he will plunder his house. Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme; but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation.” —because they said, He has an unclean spirit.

His mother and his brethren came, and standing outside, they sent to him, calling him. A multitude was sitting around him, and they told him, Behold, your mother, your brethren, and your sisters are outside looking for you.

He answered them, Who are my mother and my brethren?

Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, Behold, my mother and my brethren! For whoever does the will of God is my brother, my sister, and mother.

Now on one of those days, again he began to Teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea. He Taught them many things in parables, and told them in his Teaching, Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow, and as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it. Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil. When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much.

He said, Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.

When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. He said to them, To you is given the mystery of God’s Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables, that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.

He said to them, Do you not understand this parable"? How will you understand all of the parables? The farmer sows the word. The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan the Accuser comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them. These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.”

He said to them, Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed"? Is it not put on a stand"? For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.

He said to them, Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he who does not have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.

He said, God’s Kingdom is as if a man should cast seed on the earth, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, though he does not know how. For the earth bears fruit: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.

He said, How will we liken God’s Kingdom? Or with what parable will we illustrate it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less important than all the seeds that are on the earth, yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow.

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. Without a parable he did not speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

Now on that day, when evening had come, he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said to them, Let us go over to the other side of the lake.

Leaving the multitude, they took him with them even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him. So they launched out. But as they sailed, he fell asleep.

A big wind storm arose. A wind storm came down on the lake, and the waves beat into the boat, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water, so much that the boat was already filled. He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. They came to him, and awoke him saying, Master master we are dying! They woke him up, and told him, Teacher, do you not care that we are dying?

He awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! and they ceased, The wind ceased, and there was a great calm; it was calm.

He said to them, Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?

And he said to them, Where is your faith?

Being afraid they marveled, saying to one another, Who is this then, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?

They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

They came to the other side of the sea. They arrived at the country of the "Gada-reens", which is opposite Galilee.

When Jesus stepped ashore, when he had come out of the boat, into the country of the "Gada-reens", immediately a certain man out of the city with an unclean spirit who had demons for a long time met him out of the tombs. He wore no clothes, and did not live in a house, but he lived in the tombs. Nobody could bind him any more, not even with chains, because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him. Always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones. For the unclean spirit had often seized the man. He was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters. Breaking the bonds apart, he was driven by the demon into the desert. When he saw Jesus from afar he cried out! And the man immediately began running toward him. He ran toward him and Jesus said to him, Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!

He immediately bowed down to him, for Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man, for he said to him, Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!

Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to come out. And he fell down before him, and crying out with a loud voice, he said, What have I to do with you Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, I beg you, do not torment me, do not torment me!

Jesus asked him, What is your name?

He asked him, What is your name?

He said to him, My name is Legion, for we are many.

He said, Legion, for many demons had entered into him. He begged him much that he would not send them away out of the country. They begged him that he would not command them to go into the abyss.

Now on the mountainside, there was there a great herd of many pigs feeding on the mountain, and they begged him that he would allow them to enter into those. All the demons begged him saying, Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them.

Then at once he allowed them, Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out. The demons came out of the man, and entered into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake, the sea of Galilee. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea.

When those who fed them saw what had happened they fled. Those who fed them fled and told it in the city and in the country.

People went out to see what had happened. The people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting at Jesus’s feet, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.

Those who saw it declared to them what happened to him who was possessed by demons, told them how he who had been possessed by demons was healed, and about the pigs. All the people of the surrounding country of the "Gada-reens" asked him to depart from them. They began to beg him to depart from their region, for they were very much afraid.

As he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. He did not allow him, but said to him, Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.

Then he entered into the boat. But the man from whom the demons had gone out begged him that he might go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to your house, and declare what great things God has done for you.

He went his way, and began to proclaim in "De-capolis" how Jesus had done great things for him, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side and returned, a great multitude was gathered to him; the multitude welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him; and he was by the sea.

Behold, a man named Jairus came. He was a ruler of the synagogue. One of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell down at Jesus’s feet. He fell at his feet, and begged him to come into his house, and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.”

For he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

He went with him, and a great multitude followed him. But as he went, the multitudes pressed against him, and they pressed upon him on all sides.

A certain woman, who had a discharge of blood for twelve years, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things by many physicians, who had spent all her living on physicians and could not be healed by any, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse, having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd, and touched his clothes, the fringe of his cloak. For she said, If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well.

Immediately the flow of her blood stopped, was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus said, Who touched me?

Jesus, immediately perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, Who touched my clothes?

This he said to test her, for he himself knew who had touched him. His disciples said to him, You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, Who touched me”?

When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, Who touched me”?

But Jesus said, Someone did touch me, for I perceived that power has gone out of me.

He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But when the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. Falling down before him she declared to him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. He said to her, Daughter, cheer up. Your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.

While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?

While he still spoke, one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house came, saying to him, Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.

But Jesus hearing it, answered him, Do not be afraid. Only believe, and she will be healed.

Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be afraid, only believe.

He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.

He came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing. When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter in except Peter, John, James, the father of the child and her mother. All were weeping and mourning her, but he said, Do not weep. She is not dead, but sleeping.

They ridiculed him.

When he had entered in, he said to them, Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.

They were ridiculing him, knowing that she was dead. But he put them all outside; he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying. Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, Talitha cumi! which means, being interpreted, Girl, I tell you, get up!

And taking her by the hand, he called, saying, Child, arise!

Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement. Her parents were amazed, but he commanded them to tell no one what had been done. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.

He called to himself his twelve disciples. He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over unclean spirits, over all demons, to cast them out, and to cure diseases, to heal every disease and every sickness. He sent them out to preach God’s Kingdom and to heal the sick. He said to them, Take nothing for your journey. No staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money. Do not have two coats each. Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there. As many as do not receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.”

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter. Rock. Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them saying, Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not enter into any city of the Samaritans. Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. Do not take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts. Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there, before you go on. As you enter into the household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. Whoever does not receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be smooth as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you. Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations. But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man has come.

A disciple is not above his Teacher, nor a servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be like his Teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! Therefore do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will, but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore do not be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.

Do not think that I came to send peace on the earth. I did not come to send peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s foes will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. He who does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward.

When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to Teach and preach in their cities. They departed and went throughout the villages, preaching the Proclamation and healing everywhere.

Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to him, Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?

Jesus answered them, Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Proclamation preached to them. Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.

As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you. Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptizer to now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied up to John. If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions and say, We played the flute for you, and you did not dance. We mourned for you, and you did not lament. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! But wisdom is justified by her children.

Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. Woe to you "Core-a-zin"! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. You, "Cap Pair-nayum", who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you.”

At that time, Jesus answered, I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. Yes Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight. All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.

Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.

But he said to them, Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him; how he entered into God’s house, and ate the "sho-bread", which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law, that on the Sabbath day, the priests in the Temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? But I tell you that One greater than the Temple is here. But if you had known what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.

He departed from there, and went into their synagogue. And behold there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day”? that they might accuse him.

He said to them, What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not grab on to it and lift it out"? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.

Then he told the man, Stretch out your hand.

He stretched it out; and it was restored whole, just like the other. But the Pharisees went out, and conspired against him, how they might destroy him. Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all, and commanded them that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him. He will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not strive, nor shout; neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed. He will not quench a smoking flax, before he leads justice to victory. In his name, the nations will have confident expectation.

Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. All the multitudes were amazed, and said, Can this be the son of David”?

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you. Or how can one enter into the house of the strongman, and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strongman? Then he will plunder his house.

He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters. Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in that which is to come.

Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit. You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things. I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.

But he answered them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, someone greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, someone greater than Solomon is here.

When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and does not find it. Then he says, I will return into my house from which I came out, and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first. Even so will it be also to this evil generation.

While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood outside, seeking to speak to him. One said to him, Behold, your mother and your brethren stand outside, seeking to speak to you.

But he answered him who spoke to him, Who is my mother? Who are my brethren?

He stretched out his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold, my mother and my brethren! For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.

On that day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside. The twelve were away, preaching the Proclamation throughout the villages and healing everywhere. Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the multitude stood on the beach. He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, a farmer went out to "so". As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them. Others fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away. Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

The disciples came, and said to him, Why do you speak to them in parables?

He answered them, To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance, but whoever does not have, from him will be taken away even that which he has. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing, they do not hear, neither do they understand. In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand; Seeing you will see, and will in no way perceive: for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, they have closed their eyes; or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again; and I would heal them.

But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and did not see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.

Hear then, the parable of the farmer. When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown by the roadside. What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word, and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit, and produces, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.

He set another parable before them saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel seeds also among the wheat, and went away. But when the blade sprang up and produced fruit, then the darnel weeds appeared also. The servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where did these darnel weeds come from?

He said to them, An enemy has done this.

The servants asked him, Do you want us to go and gather them up"?

But he said, No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together to the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.

He set another parable before them, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.

He spoke another parable to them. The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, not stopping before it was all leavened.

Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.

Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the darnel weeds of the field.

He answered them, He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel seeds are the children of the evil one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea, and gathered some fish of every kind, which when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down, and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked from among the righteous, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus said to them, Have you understood all these things”?

They answered him, Yes Lord.

He said to them, Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings out of his treasure new and old things.

When Jesus had finished these parables, he departed and went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. Coming into his own country, he Taught them in their synagogue. When the Sabbath had come, he began to Teach in the synagogue, so that they were astonished; and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Where did this man get these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Jo-sess, Judah, and Simon? Are not his sisters here with us”?

They were offended at him, and said, Where did this man get this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brethren, James, Jo-sess, Simon, and Judas"? Are not all of his sisters with us"? Where then did this man get all of these things?

They were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.

He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them. He marveled because of their unbelief.

He went around the villages Teaching.

He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics. He said to them, Wherever you enter into a house, stay there to the day you depart from there. Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

They went out and preached that people should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.

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Click here to go to Harmony of the Gospel Conservative Version longer form Chapters 7-14 with notes

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Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) narrative form of Chapters 15-21, adapted for audio computer Read aloud

Now Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by John the baptizer, the son of Zechariah, for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, had added this also to them all, that he had shut up John in prison. Now Herodias had a grudge against John the baptizer, whom Herod had imprisoned, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.

He swore to her, Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.

She went out, and said to her mother, What shall I ask?

She said, The head of John the Baptizer.

She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.

The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he did not wish to refuse her. Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother.

At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus; King Herod heard this, and said to his servants, This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him, for his name had become known, and he said, John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.

But others said, He is Elijah.

Others said, He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets.

But Herod, when he heard this said, This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead.”

When his followers heard this, they came and took up his corpse; his disciples came, and took the body, and buried it, and laid it in a tomb. Thus Herod was persuaded that John was indeed dead. Then they went and told Jesus When Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. She, being prompted by her mother, said, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.

The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given, and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. His head was brought on a platter, and given to the young lady; and she brought it to her mother.

They testified that when they heard this they went and took the body, and buried it, and laid it in a tomb, and came and told Jesus.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him, and he was very perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. Herod said, I beheaded John, but who is this about whom I hear such things?

He sought to see him.

Now when Jesus heard this, the apostles, when they returned, gathered themselves together to Jesus; the apostles told him what things they had done, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had Taught.

He said to them, You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile.

For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

He took them and withdrew from there in a boat. They went away in the boat to go to a deserted place apart by themselves, to a city called Bethsaida, to a desert region of the Jordan, west of the city, which is situated across from it on the east side, the other side of the Jordan river; from Capernaum a distance of about seven miles. But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed him. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities. They saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him at an open and deserted area on the western side of the Jordan river.

Jesus came out, and he saw a great multitude. Jesus went out, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He welcomed them, and he began to Teach them many things, spoke to them of God's Kingdom, and healed their sick, and he cured those who needed healing.

Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. The day began to wear away.

When it was late in the day, when evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.

And the twelve came and said to him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms, and lodge, and get food, for we are here in a deserted place.

His disciples came to him, and said, This place is deserted, and it is late in the day. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.

But he answered them, Jesus said to them, They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.

Now Judas Iscariot Simon's son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, having the money box, used to steal what was put into it, because he was a thief.

They asked him, Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give them something to eat”?

Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?

He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may receive a little.

He said to them, How many loaves do you have? "Go-see".

When they knew, they said, Five, and two fish.

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?

They told him, We only have here five loaves and two fish.

They said, We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people.

For they were about five thousand men.

He said, Bring them here to me.

Now there was much grass in that place. Jesus said, Have the people sit down.

He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; he commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass. He said to his disciples, Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.

They did so, and made them all sit down. They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand, in addition to women and children.

And he took the five loaves and the two fish. Jesus took the loaves; and looking up to heaven, looking up to the sky, he blessed them, and broke them. He broke the loaves, and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples. And he gave the broken loaves to the disciples, gave them to the disciples, to set before the multitude. He gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two broken fish among them all. And the disciples gave to the multitudes, to those who were sitting down; likewise also of the fish as much as they desired.

They ate and were all filled. They all ate, and were filled. When they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.

So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish, of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over. Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.

When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, This is truly the Prophet who comes into the world.

Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and go ahead of him to the other side of the Jordan river, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away, while he sent the multitudes away. After he had taken leave of them, after he had sent the multitudes away, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself; he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.

When evening came, it was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them. His disciples went down to the sea. They entered into the boat, and were going over the sea west to Capernaum; from Bethsaida a distance of about seven miles. When evening had come, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land.

The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, about three or four miles, and seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. About the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them. But they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid. When they saw him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him, and were troubled. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying It is a ghost! and they cried out for fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, he immediately spoke with them, saying, I AM! Do not be afraid, and he said to them Cheer up! I AM! Do not be afraid.

Peter answered him and said, Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.

He said, Come!

Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out saying, Lord save me!

Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, You of little faith, why did you doubt?

They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat. He got into the boat with them; and when they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. Immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. And they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled; for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him saying, You are truly the Son of God!

When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him. When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region, and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard he was, and brought to him all who were sick; and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.

Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.

On the next day, that is, the day after the feeding of the five thousand, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except the one in which his disciples had embarked, and that Jesus had not entered with his disciples into the boat, but his disciples had gone away alone. However boats from Tiberias came near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. When the multitude therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea in the synagogue as he Taught in Capernaum, they asked him Rabbi, when did you come here?

Jesus answered them, Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.

They said therefore to him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?

Jesus answered them, This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.

They said therefore to him, What then do you do for a sign, that we may see and believe you? What work do you do? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness. As it is written, He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.

Jesus therefore said to them, Most certainly I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.

They said therefore to him, Lord, always give us this bread.

Jesus said to them, I AM the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you do not believe. All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

The Jews therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, I AM the bread which came down out of heaven. They said, Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, I have come down out of heaven?

Therefore Jesus answered them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day. It is written in the prophets, They will all be taught by God.

Therefore everyone who hears from the Father and has learned, comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God. He has seen the Father. Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life. I AM the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. I AM the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.

The Jews therefore contended with one another saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

Jesus therefore said to them, Most certainly I tell you, unless you actually eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves. He who actually eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is indeed food, and my blood is indeed drink. He who actually eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who physically feeds on me, he will also live because of me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven: not as our fathers ate the manna and died. He who actually eats this bread will live forever.

He said these things in the synagogue as he Taught in Capernaum. Therefore many of his followers, when they heard this, said This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?

But Jesus knowing in himself that his followers his disciples murmured at this said to them, Does this cause you to falter"? Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.

For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.

He said, For this cause I have said to you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father.

At this, many of his followers went back, and walked no more with him. Jesus said therefore to the twelve, You do not also want to go away, do you?

Simon Peter answered him, Lord to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Jesus answered them, Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil”?

Now he spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve.

After these things, Jesus was walking in Galilee, for he would not walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him.

Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was at hand. His brethren therefore said to him, Depart from here and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see your works which you do. For no one does anything in secret while he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, reveal yourself to the world.

For even his brethren did not believe in him.

Jesus therefore said to them, My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I testify about it, that its works are evil. You go up to the feast. I AM not going up this feast, because my time is not yet fulfilled.

Having said these things to them, he stayed in Galilee. But when his brethren had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly, but as it were in secret. The Jews therefore sought him at the feast and said, Where is he?

There was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him. Some said, He is a good man.

Others said Not so, but he leads the multitude astray.

Yet no one spoke openly of him for fear of the Jews.

But when it was now the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the Temple and Taught. The Jews therefore marveled saying, How does this man know the writings, having never studied?

Jesus therefore answered them, My Teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the Teaching, whether it is from God, or if I AM speaking from myself. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?

The multitude answered, You have a demon! Who seeks to kill you?

Jesus answered them, I did one work and you all marvel because of it. Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy. If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath"? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Therefore some of them of Jerusalem said, Is this not he whom they seek to kill"? Behold, he speaks openly and they say nothing to him. Can it be that the rulers indeed know that this is truly the Christ"? However we know where this man comes from, but when the Christ comes, no one will know where he comes from.

The Christ is the Anointed of God. Jesus therefore cried out in the Temple, Teaching and saying, “You both know me, and know where I AM from. I have not come of myself, but he who sent me is true, whom you do not know. I know him, because I AM from him, and he sent me.”

They sought therefore to take him; but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. But of the multitude, many believed in him. They said, When the Christ comes, he will not do more signs than those which this man has done, will he”?

The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. Then Jesus said, I will be with you a little while longer, then I go to him who sent me. You will seek me, and will not find me. You cannot come where I AM.

The Jews therefore said among themselves, Where will this man go that we will not find him? Will he go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and Teach the Greeks"? What is this word that he said, You will seek me, and will not find me; and Where I am, you cannot come?

Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! He who believes in me as the Scripture has said: from within him will flow rivers of living water.

But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Many of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said This is truly the Prophet.

Others said This is the Christ.

But some said, What, does the Christ come out of Galilee"? Has the Scripture not said that the Christ comes of the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem the village where David was”?

So a division arose in the multitude because of him. Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him. The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, Why did you not bring him?

The officers answered, No man ever spoke like this man!

The Pharisees therefore answered them, You are not also led astray are you? Have any of the rulers believed in him, or of the Pharisees"? But this multitude that does not know the law is cursed.

Nicodemus (he who came to him by night, being one of them) said to them, Does our law judge a man, unless it first hears from him personally and knows what he does”?

They answered him, Are you also from Galilee"? Search, and see that no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.

Everyone went to his own house, but Jesus went with his disciples over the brook Kidron to the Mount of Olives, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered; for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

Now very early in the morning, he came again into the Temple, and all the people came to him. He sat down and Taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman taken in adultery. Having set her in the middle, they told him, Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act. Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What then do you say about her?

They said this testing him, that they might have something to accuse him of. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he looked up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.

Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger. They, when they heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest, even to the last. Jesus was left alone with the woman where she was in the middle. Jesus, standing up, saw her and said, Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?

She said, No one Lord.

Jesus said, Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more.

Again therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, I AM the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.

The Pharisees therefore said to him, You testify about yourself, Your testimony is not valid.

Jesus answered them, Even if I testify about myself my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I AM going; but you do not know where I came from, or where I AM going. You judge according to the flesh, I judge no one. Even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for I AM not alone, but I AM with the Father who sent me. It is also written in your law that the testimony of two people is valid. I AM one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.

They said therefore to him, Where is your Father?

Jesus answered, You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.

Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as he Taught in the Temple. Yet no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. Jesus said therefore again to them, I AM going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you cannot come.

The Jews therefore said, Will he kill himself, because he says, Where I am going you cannot come?

He said to them, You are from beneath, I AM from above. You are of this world, I AM not of this world. I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.

They said therefore to him, Who are you?

Jesus said to them, Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these I say to the world.

They did not understand that he spoke to them about the Father. Jesus therefore said to them, When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father Taught me, I say these things. He who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.

As he spoke these things, many believed in him. Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

They answered him, We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, You will be made free?

Jesus answered them, Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. A bondservant does not live in the house forever. A son remains forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s offspring, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father.

They answered him, Our father is Abraham.

Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the works of your father.

They said to him, We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father, God.

Therefore Jesus said to them, If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I have not come of myself, but he sent me. Why do you not understand my speech? Because you cannot hear my word. You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? He who is of God hears the words of God. For this cause you do not hear, because you are not of God.

Then the Jews answered him, Do we not say well that you are a Samaritan, and have a demon”?

Jesus answered, I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. But I do not seek my own glory. There is one who seeks and judges. Most certainly I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death.

Then the Jews said to him, Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, as did the prophets; and you say, If a man keeps my word, he will never taste of death. Are you greater than our father Abraham who died? The prophets died. Who do you make yourself out to be?

Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God. You have not known him, but I know him. If I said I do not know him, I would be like you, a liar. But I know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad.

The Jews therefore said to him, You are not yet fifty years old! Have you seen Abraham”?

Jesus said to them, Most certainly I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.

Therefore they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden, and went out of the Temple, passing through the middle of them, their eyes were kept from recognizing him, and so passed by.

And outside the Temple, as he passed on from there he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?

Jesus answered, This man did not sin, nor did his parents; but that the works of God might be revealed in him. I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work. While I AM in the world, I AM the light of the world.

When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man's eyes with the mud, and said to him, "Goh". wash in the pool of Siloam (which means Sent).

So he went away, washed, and came back seeing. It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. The neighbors therefore and those who saw that he was blind before said, Is this not he who sat and begged”?

Others were saying It is he.

Still others were saying He looks like him.

He said, I am he.

They therefore were asking him, How were your eyes opened?

He answered, A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, Go to the pool of Siloam and wash. So I went away and washed, and I received sight.

Then they asked him, Where is he?

He said, I do not know.

They brought him who had been blind to the Pharisees. It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. He said to them, He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I see.

Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he does not keep the Sabbath.

Others said, How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?

There was division among them. Therefore they asked the blind man again, What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?

He said, He is a prophet.

The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and had received his sight, before they called the parents of him who had received his sight and asked them, Is this your son, whom you say was born blind? How then does he now see?

His parents answered them, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself.

His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, He is of age. Ask him. So they called the man who was blind a second time, and said to him, Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.

He therefore answered, I do not know if he is a sinner. One thing I "do-know": that though I was blind, now I see.

They said to him again, What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?

He answered them, I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You do not also want to become his disciples, do you”?

They insulted him and said, You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses. But as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.

The man answered them, How amazing! You do not know where he comes from yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, he listens to him. Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.

They answered him, You were altogether born in sins, and do you Teach us”?

Then they threw him out.

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and finding him he said, Do you believe in the Son of God”?

He answered, Who is he Lord, that I may believe in him?

Jesus said to him, You have both seen him, and it is he who speaks with you.

He said, Lord, I believe! and he worshiped him.

Jesus said, I came into this world for judgment, that those who do not see may see; and that those who see may become blind.

Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, Are we also blind”?

Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, We see. Therefore your sin remains.

Most certainly I tell you, one who does not enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber. But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they do not know the voice of strangers.

Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they did not understand what he was telling them. Jesus therefore said to them again, Most certainly I tell you, I AM the sheep’s door. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I AM the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and does not care for the sheep. I AM the good shepherd. I know my own, and I AM known by my own; even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.

Therefore a division arose again among the Jews because of these words. Many of them said, He has a demon, and is insane! Why do you listen to him?

Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It is not possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it”?

Jesus departed from there with his disciples and returned to Galilee.

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.

He answered them, Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, Honor your father and your mother, and, He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death. But you say, Whoever may tell his father or his mother, Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God, he shall not honor his father or mother. You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. And in vain do they worship me, Teaching as doctrine rules made by men.

He summoned the multitude, and said to them, Hear and understand. That which enters into the mouth does not defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.

Then the disciples came and said to him, Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying”?

But he answered, Every plant which my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.

Peter answered him, Explain the parable to us.

So Jesus said, Do you also still not understand? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.

Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered together to him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is unwashed, hands, they found fault. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders. They do not eat when they come from the marketplace unless they bathe themselves, and there are many other things, which they have received to hold to: washings of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches) The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?

He answered them, Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But they worship me in vain, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men: the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.

He said to them, Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother; and, He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death. But you say, If a man tells his father or his mother, Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban, (that is to say, given to God,) then you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother, making void the word of God by your tradition, which you have handed down. You do many things like this.

He called all the multitude to himself, and said to them, Hear me, all of you, and understand. There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!

When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, Are you also without understanding"? Do you not perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine”? thus making all foods clean. Thus he declared all foods clean.

He said, That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

From there he arose, and went away. Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, into the parts of Tyre and Sidon.

Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried saying, Have mercy on me Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!

But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him saying, Send her away; for she cries after us.

But he answered, I was not sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

But she came and worshiped him, saying Lord, help me.

But he answered, It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.

But she said, Yes Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

Then Jesus answered her, Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.

And her daughter was healed from that hour.

He entered into a house, and did not want anyone to know it, but he could not escape notice. For a woman, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, having heard of him, came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. She begged him that he would cast the demon out of her daughter. But Jesus said to her, Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.

But she answered him, Yes Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.

He said to her, For this saying, go your way. The demon has gone out of your daughter.

She went away to her house, and found the child having been laid on the bed, with the demon gone out.

Again he departed from the region of Tyre, through Sidon, and came to the east side of the sea of Galilee, through the middle of the region of Decapolis.

They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside from the multitude, privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, Ephphatha! that is, Be opened!

Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly. He commanded them that they should tell no one, but the more he commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it. They were astonished beyond measure saying, He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!

Jesus departed from there, and came near to the sea of Galilee.

And he went up into the mountain, and sat there. In those days, great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them, so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind seeing—and they glorified the God of Israel.

When there was a very great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said to them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have stayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away fasting. If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way.

His disciples answered him, the disciples said to him, From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place? Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?

Jesus said to them, he asked them, How many loaves do you have?

They said, Seven, and a few small fish.

He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves; he gave thanks and having given thanks, he broke them, and the fish: they had a few small fish. Having blessed and broken them, he said to serve these also, and gave them to his disciples to serve. He gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes, and they served the multitude. They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. Those who had eaten were about four thousand. Those who ate were four thousand men, in addition to women and children. Then he sent them away, he sent away the multitudes.

Immediately he entered into the boat with his disciples, got into the boat, and came into the Dalmanutha near the borders of Magdala (also called Magadan).

The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, and testing him. He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, Why does this generation seek a sign? Most certainly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.

He left them, and again entering into the boat, departed north a short distance, continuing on to the other side. They forgot to take bread; and they did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them. He warned them, saying, Take heed: beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.

They reasoned with one another saying, It is because we have no bread.

Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, Why do you reason that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive, neither understand"? Is your heart still hardened"? Having eyes, do you not see"? Having ears, do you not hear"? Do you not remember"? When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?

They told him, Twelve.

When the seven loaves fed the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?

They told him, Seven.

He asked them, Do you not yet understand"?

And they came into the borders of Magdala (also called Magadan). The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red. In the morning, It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening. Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times! An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

He left them, and departed northeast toward Bethsaida, east of the Jordan.

The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. Jesus said to them, Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

They reasoned among themselves saying, We brought no bread.

Jesus, perceiving it, said, Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have brought no bread? Do you not yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up"? Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up"? How is it that you do not perceive that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the Teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

He came to Bethsaida. They brought a blind man to him, and begged him to touch him. He took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village. When he had spat on his eyes, and laid his hands on him, he asked him if he saw anything.

He looked up, and said, I see men; for I see them like trees walking.

Then again he laid his hands on his eyes. He looked intently, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly. He sent him away to his house, saying, Do not enter into the village, nor tell anyone in the village.

Jesus went out, with his disciples, and journeyed north into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, on the way, as he was praying privately, the twelve disciples were with him, and he asked them, Who do men say that I the Son of Man am?

He asked his disciples, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?

They answered, Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. They told him, John the Baptizer, and others say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets. They said, John the Baptizer, but others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the old prophets has risen again.

He said to them, But who do you say that I am?

Simon Peter answered, The Christ of God. You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. I also tell you that you are Peter (the word means, stone. and, rock), and on this rock I will build my Assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth is released in heaven.

But then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ. He warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be "raised-up".

He commanded them that they should tell no one about him. He began to Teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. He spoke to them openly. Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, Far be it from you Lord! This will never be done to you.

But he turned, and said to Peter, Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.

He, turning around, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and said, Get behind me Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.

He called the multitude to himself with his disciples, and said to them, Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Proclamation will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? For what will a man give in exchange for his life? For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when he comes in his Father’s glory, with the holy angels.

He said to them, Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death before they see God’s Kingdom come with power.

Raising his voice, He said to all, If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self? For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels. But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here who will in no way taste of death before they see God’s Kingdom.

After six days, about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain, brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves; he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray.

Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep. But when they were fully awake, as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no fuller's earth on earth can whiten them. He was transformed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light, and he was changed into another form in front of them. Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory. Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. They saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him. And they were talking with Jesus, and spoke of his exodus, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. And behold, a cloud came, overshadowing them. A bright cloud came and overshadowed them. Then they parted from him and entered into the cloud. And they, Peter John and James, were afraid as they entered into the cloud. As they were parting from him, Peter answered and said to Jesus (he did not know what to say), Rabbi, Master, Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let us make three Tabernacles here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not knowing what he said.

For he did not know what to say, for they were very afraid. And while he said these things, while he was still speaking, behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.

When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.

Jesus came and touched them and said, Get up, and do not be afraid.

Lifting up their eyes, and suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only; they saw no one, except Jesus alone.

On the next day, as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, Do not tell anyone what you saw, before the Son of Man has risen from the dead.

He commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, before the Son of Man shall have risen from the dead. They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. His disciples, they asked him, saying, Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?

Jesus answered them, Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Son of Man? that he should suffer many things and be despised. But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him.

Then he said to them, Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them.

Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.

When they had come down from the mountain, immediately a great multitude met him. All the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him. Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.

When they came to the multitude, behold, a man from the crowd called out, saying, Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams, and it hardly departs from him, bruising him severely. I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they could not.

He asked the scribes, What are you asking them?

One of the multitude, calling out, answered, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.

Jesus answered, Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me.

The man came to him, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. So I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him.

Jesus answered, he answered him, Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring your son here. Bring him to me.

They brought him to him, and while he was still coming, when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him; the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth.

He asked his father, How long has it been since this has come to him?

He said, From childhood. Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.

Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.

Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, I believe, Help my unbelief!”

But when Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit; Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, Jesus rebuked him, saying to him, You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!”

After crying out and convulsing him greatly, the demon went out of him, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead, so much that most of them said, He is dead.

But Jesus healed the boy, took him by the hand, and raised him up, and he arose, and gave him back to his father. And the boy was cured from that hour.

They were all astonished at the majesty of God. But while all were marveling at all the things which Jesus did, he said to his disciples, Let these words sink into your ears, for the Son of Man will be delivered up into the hands of men.

But they did not understand this saying. It was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, Why were we not able to cast it out?

When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could we not cast it out?

He said to them, Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

He said to them, This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting.

They went out from there, and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it. For he was Teaching his disciples, and said to them, The Son of Man is being handed over to the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, on the third day he will rise again.

But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.

They were exceedingly sorry.

He came to Capernaum.

An argument arose among them about which of them was the greatest. But they said nothing about this to him. Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side, and said to them, Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.

John answered, Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.

Jesus said to him, Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.

When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins, the double-drachma coins, for the regular Temple tax came to Peter, and said, Does your Teacher not pay the didrachma”?

He said, Yes.

When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?

Peter said to him, From strangers.

Jesus said to him, Therefore the children are exempt. But lest we cause them offense, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”

And when he was in the house he asked them, What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?

But they were silent, for they had disputed with one another on the way about who was the greatest. He sat down, and called the twelve; and he said to them, If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.

He took a little child, and set him in the middle of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, does not receive me, but him who sent me.

John said to him, Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he does not follow us.

But Jesus said, Do not forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is on our side. For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward. Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he were thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck.

If your hand causes you to falter, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

If your foot causes you to falter, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into Gehenna, into the fire that will never be quenched: where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

If your eye causes you to falter, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into God’s Kingdom with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.

In that hour the disciples his followers came to Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them, and said, Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to falter, it would be better for him if a huge millstone were hung around his neck, and that he were sunk in the depths of the sea.

Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes! If your hand or your foot causes you to falter, cut it off, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire. If your eye causes you to falter, pluck it out, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost.

What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray"? If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

If your brother sins against you, "goh", show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Assembly. If he refuses to hear the Assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will be released in heaven. Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.

Then Peter came and said to him, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times”?

Jesus said to him, I do not tell you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he could not pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all! The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat saying, Pay me what you owe!

So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will repay you! He would not, but went and cast him into prison, up unto the day he should pay back that which was due. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him in, and said to him, You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you"? His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, up unto the very day he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you do not each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds.

When Jesus had finished these words, he arose from there. He departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Great multitudes followed him. Multitudes came together to him again, and he healed them there. As he usually did, he was again Teaching them.

Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?

He answered, What did Moses command you?

They said, Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.

But Jesus said to them, For your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.

In the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter. He said to them, Whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery against her. If a woman herself divorces her husband, and marries another, she commits adultery.

They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, Allow the little children to come to me! Do not forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.

He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.

He answered, Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh, So that they are no more two, but one flesh"? What therefore God has joined together, do not let man tear apart.”

They asked him, Why then did Moses command us to give her a certificate of divorce, and divorce her?

He said to them, Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so. I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.

His disciples said to him, If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.

But he said to them, Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Allow the little children, and do not forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.

He laid his hands on them, and departed from there.

As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good except one: God. You know the commandments: Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.

He said to him, Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.

Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack. "Goh", sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.

But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!

The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into God’s Kingdom! It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.

They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, Then who can be saved?

Jesus, looking at them, said, With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.

Peter began to tell him, Behold, we have left all, and have followed you.

Jesus said, Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brethren, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last first.

Then Jesus continued on the way.

It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem, called Hanukkah. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the Temple, in Solomon’s portico. The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.

Jesus answered them, I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, these testify about me. But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.

Therefore the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?

The Jews answered him, We do not stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God.

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, you are gods"? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, You blaspheme, because I said, I AM the Son of God"? If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I do them, though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I AM in the Father.

They sought again to seize him, and he went out of their hand. He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was baptizing at first, and he stayed there. Many came to him. They said, John indeed did no sign, but everything that John said about this man is true.

Many believed in him there.

Behold, one came to him and said, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

He said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.

He said to him, 'Which ones?

Jesus said, You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. ‘You shall not steal. You shall not offer false testimony. Honor your father and your mother. And, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

The young man, not satisfied with this answer, said to him, All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?

Jesus said to him, If you want to be perfect, "goh", sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.

But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions. Jesus said to his disciples, Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.

When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, Who then can be saved?

Looking at them, Jesus said, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Then Peter answered, Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?

Jesus said to them, Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Everyone who has left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.

For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace. He said to them, You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you. So they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. About the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle. He said to them, Why do you stand here all day idle? They said to him, Because no one has hired us. He said to them, You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right. When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.

When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius. When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household, saying, These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat! But he answered one of them, Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius"? Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own"? Or is your eye evil, because I am good? So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.

It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem and sent messengers before his face. They went and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him. They did not receive him, because he was traveling with his face set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?

But he turned and rebuked them, You do not know of what kind of spirit you are. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.

They went to another village.

As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, I want to follow you wherever you go Lord.

Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.

He said to another, Follow me!

But he said, Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.

But Jesus said to him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God’s Kingdom.

Another also said, I want to follow you Lord, but first allow me to say good-bye to those who are at my house.

But Jesus said to him, No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.

Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. He said to them, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house. If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you. Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, God’s Kingdom has come near to you. But into whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, Even the dust from your city that clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that God’s Kingdom has come near to you. I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.

Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.

They went forth. War arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven; and the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

The seventy returned with joy, saying Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!

He said to them, I saw that Satan had fallen like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

Turning to the disciples, he said, All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son desires to reveal him.

Turning to the disciples, he said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.

Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

He said to him, What is written in the law? How do you read it?

He answered, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

He said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.

But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, Who is my neighbor?

Jesus answered, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the host, and said to him, Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return. Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?

He said, He who showed mercy on him.

Then Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise.

As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus's feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister left me to serve alone"? Ask her therefore to help me.

Jesus answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.

When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, Teach us to pray, just as John also Taught his disciples.

He said to them, When you pray, say, Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

He said to them, Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell him, Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him, and he from within will answer and say, Do not bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give it to you. I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs.

“I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he asks for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?

He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled. But some of them said, He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.

Others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if I by God’s finger cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come to you.

When the strongman, fully armed, guards his own dwelling, his goods are safe. But when someone stronger attacks him and overcomes him, he takes from him his whole armor in which he trusted, and divides his plunder.

He that is not with me is against me. He who does not gather with me scatters. The unclean spirit, when he has gone out of the man, passes through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he says, I will turn back to my house from which I came out. When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first.

It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!

But he said, Yes, even more, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.

(And indeed, the Gospel proclaims that all generations shall call his mother Mary blessed, she who believed, for she kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Whoever curses whom God has blessed is cursed, except they repent.)

When the multitudes were gathering together to him, he began to say, This is an evil generation. It seeks after a sign. No sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah, the prophet. For even as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will also be to this generation. The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and will condemn them: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, one greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, one greater than Jonah is here.

No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore see whether the light that is in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light.

Now as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. He went in, and sat at the table. When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed himself before dinner. The Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness. You foolish ones, did not he who made the outside make the inside also? But give for alms as gifts to the needy those things which are within, and behold, all things will be clean to you. But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and God’s love. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like hidden graves, and the men who walk over them do not know it.

One of the lawyers answered him, Teacher, in saying this you insult us also.

He said, Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves will not even lift one finger to help carry those burdens. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. So you testify and consent to the works of your fathers. For they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the wisdom of God said, I will send to them prophets and apostles; and some of them they will kill and persecute, that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you took away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered.

As he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be terribly angry, and to draw many things out of him; lying in wait for him, and seeking to catch him in something he might say, that they might accuse him.

Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are five sparrows not sold for two assaria coins"? Not one of them is forgotten by God. But the very hairs of your head are all counted. Therefore do not be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will also confess before the angels of God; but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of God’s angels. Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say; for the Holy Spirit will Teach you in that same hour what you must say.

One of the multitude said to him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.

But he said to him, Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?

He said to them, Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.

He spoke a parable to them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man produced abundantly. He reasoned within himself, saying, What will I do, because I do not have room to store my crops? He said, This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. I will tell my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said to him, You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared—whose will they be? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

He said to his disciples, Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they do not sow, they do not reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? If then you are not able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow. They do not toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Do not seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning. Be like men watching for their Lord, when he returns from the wedding feast; that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will dress himself, make them recline, and will come and serve them. They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you do not expect him.

Peter said to him, Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?

The Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? Blessed is that servant whom his Lord will find doing so when he comes. Truly I tell you, that he will set him over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, My Lord delays his coming, and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, then the Lord of that servant will come in a day when he is not expecting him, and in an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful. That servant, who knew his Lord’s will, and did not prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes, but he who did not know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.

I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled. But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am before it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace in the earth"? I tell you, no, but rather division. For from now on, there will be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

He said to the multitudes also, When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, A shower is coming, and so it happens. When a south wind blows, you say, There will be a scorching heat, and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you do not interpret this time? Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from him, lest perhaps he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will by no means get out of there, before you have paid the very last penny.

Now there were some present at the same time who told him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered them, Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things"? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem"? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.

He spoke this parable. A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none. He said to the vine dresser, Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down. Why does it waste the soil? He answered, Lord, leave it alone this year also, while I dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.

He was Teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day. Behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years. She was bent over, and could in no way straighten herself up. When Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.

He laid his hands on her, and immediately she stood up straight and glorified God. The ruler of the synagogue, being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day!

Therefore the Lord answered him, You hypocrites! Does each one of you not free his ox or his donkey from the stall on the Sabbath, and lead him away to water"? Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham whom Satan had bound eighteen long years, be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath day"?

As he said these things, all his adversaries were disappointed and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

He said, What is God’s Kingdom like? To what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and put in his own garden. It grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the sky live in its branches.

Again he said, To what shall I compare God’s Kingdom? It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, not stopping before it was all leavened.

He went on his way through cities and villages, Teaching, and traveling on to Jerusalem. One said to him, Lord, are they few who are saved"?

He said to them, Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen up, and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us! then he will answer and tell you, I do not know you or where you come from. Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you Taught in our streets. He will say, I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's Kingdom, and yourselves being thrown outside. They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will sit down in God's Kingdom. Behold, there are some who are last who will be first, and there are some who are first who will be last.

On that same day, some Pharisees came, saying to him, Get out of here, and go away, for Herod wants to kill you.

He said to them, Go and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I complete my mission. Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, for it cannot be that a prophet would perish outside of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings, and you refused! Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me before you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

When he went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, they were watching him. Behold, a certain man who had dropsy was in front of him. Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath"?

But they were silent.

He took him, and healed him, and let him go. He answered them, Which of you, if your son or an ox fell into a well, would not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?

They could not answer him regarding these things.

He spoke a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the best seats, and said to them, When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by him, and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, Make room for this person. Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, Friend, move up higher. Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

He also said to the one who had invited him, When you make a dinner or a supper, do not call your friends, nor your brethren, nor your kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, or perhaps they might also return the favor, and pay you back. But when you make a feast, ask the poor, the maimed, the lame, or the blind; and you will be blessed, because they do not have the resources to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous.

When one of those who sat at the table with him heard these things, he said to him, Blessed is he who will feast in God’s Kingdom!

But he said to him, A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people. He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, Come, for everything is ready now. They all as one began to make excuses.

The first said to him, I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused. Another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go try them out. Please have me excused. Another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. That servant came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, maimed, blind, and lame. The servant said, Lord, it is done as you commanded, and there is still room. The lord said to the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you that none of those men who were invited will taste of my supper.

He departed from there and continued on his journey to Jerusalem. Great crowds of the people followed him.

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