CHAPTER X-XX He arose from there and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Multitudes came together to him again. As he usually did, he taught them again. There came to him Pharisees 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 bill of divorce to be written and to divorce her. 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 will a man 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 will divorce his wife and marry 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, don't forbid them, for to such belong the kingdom of God. Most assuredly, I tell you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he will in no way enter therein. He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. As he was going forth into the way, one ran to him, kneeled to 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, all these things have I observed from my youth. Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack, go, 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 the kingdom of God. The disciples were amazed at his words, but Jesus answered again, Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 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 assuredly I tell you there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the gospel's sake. But he will receive one hundred times now in this time, houses, brothers, 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. They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He again took the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were going to happen to him. Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death, and will deliver him to the Gentiles.  On the third day he will rise again. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask. He said to them, What do you want me to do for you? They said to him, Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory. But Jesus said to them, You don't know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They said to him, We are able. Jesus said to them, You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared. When the ten heard it, they began to move with indignation towards James and John. Jesus called them to him and said to them, You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant. Whoever of you wants to become first among you shall be servant of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road.  Many rebuked him that he should be quiet, but he cried out the more a great deal. You son of David, have mercy on me. Jesus stood still and said, Call him. They called the blind man saying to him, Cheer up.  He's calling you. He, casting away his cloak, sprang up and came to Jesus. Jesus answered him, What do you want me to do for you? The blind man said to him, Rabboni, that I may see again. Jesus said to him, Go your way. Your faith has made you well. Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way. Chapter 11 When they drew near to Jerusalem to Beth's fage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it you will find a cult tied on which no one has sat. Untie him and bring him. If anyone asks you why are you doing this, say the Lord needs him, and immediately he will send him back here. They went away and found a cult tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him. Some of those who stood there asked them, What are you doing, untieing the cult? They said to them, Just as Jesus had said, and they let them go. They brought the cult to Jesus and threw their garments on him, and Jesus sat on him. Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. Those who went in front and those who followed cried, Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, blessed is the kingdom of our Father David that is coming in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. The next day, when they had come out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Jesus told it, May no one ever eat fruit from you again, and his disciples heard it. They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold the doves. He would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple. He taught, saying to them, Isn't it written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations, but you have made it a den of robbers. The chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him, for they feared him, for all the multitude was astonished at his teaching. When evening came, he went forth out of the city. As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots. Peter, remembering, said to him, Rabbi, look, the fig tree which you cursed has withered away. Jesus, answering, said to them, Have faith in God, for assuredly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says happens. He shall have whatever he says. Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions. They came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they were asking him, by what authority do you these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things? Jesus said to them, I will ask you one question, answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer me. They reasoned with themselves, saying, if we should say from heaven, he will say, why then did you not believe him? If we should say from men, they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet. They answered Jesus, we don't know, Jesus said to them, neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. Chapter 12. He began to speak to them in parables. A man planted a vineyard, set a hedge around it, dug a pit for the wine press, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country. When it was time, he sent a servant to the farmer to get from the farmer his share of the fruit of the vineyard. They took him, beat him, and sent him away empty. Again he sent another servant to them, and they threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away, shamefully treated. Again he sent another, and they killed him, and many others beating some and killing some. Therefore he had yet one, a beloved son. He sent him last to them, saying, they will respect my son. But those farmers said among themselves, this is the heir, come let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours. They took him, killed him, and cast him forth out of the vineyard. What therefore will the Lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers, and will give the vineyard to others. Haven't you even read this scripture? The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord, it is marvellous in our eyes. They tried to seize him, but they feared the multitude, for they perceived that he spoke the parable against them. They left him, and went away. They sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to him, that they might catch him in words. When they had come they asked him, teacher, we know that you are honest and don't defer to any one, for you aren't partial to any one, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, why do you test me? Bring me a denarius that I may see it. They brought it. He said to them, whose is this image and inscription? They said to him, Caesar's. Jesus answered them, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. They marveled greatly at him. There came to him Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection. They asked him, saying, teacher, Moses wrote to us, if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife behind him, and leaves no child, that his brother should take his wife and raise up children to his brother. There were seven brothers. The first took a wife and dying, left no children. The second took her and died, leaving no children behind him. The third likewise, and the seven took her and left no children. Last of all, the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be of them? For the seven had her as a wife. Jesus answered them, isn't this because you are mistaken, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they will rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But about the dead that they are raised, haven't you read in the book of Moses at the bush how God spoke to him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are therefore badly mistaken. One of the scribes came and heard them questioning together, knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, what commandment is the greatest of all? Jesus answered, the greatest is, here Israel the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  This is the primary commandment. The second is like this. You shall love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. The scribe said to him, truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one and that there is none other but he, and to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the soul and with all the strength and to love his neighbour as himself is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, you are not far from the kingdom of God. No one dared ask him any question after that. Jesus responded as he taught in the temple, how is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said in the Holy Spirit, the Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies the footstall of your feet. Therefore David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his Son? The common people heard him gladly. In his teaching he said to them, beware of the scribes who desire to walk in long robes and to get greetings in the marketplaces and chief seats in the synagogues and chief places at feasts. Those who devour widow's houses and for a pretence make long prayers, these will receive greater condemnation. Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast much. There came a poor widow and she cast in two leptor which make a quadrans. He called his disciples to himself and said to them, most assuredly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on. Chapter 13. As he went forth out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings. Jesus said to him, do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another which will not be thrown down. As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, tell us when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be accomplished? Jesus answering began to tell them, be careful that no one leads you astray, for many will come in my name saying I am he and will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, don't be troubled, for those must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, there will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains. But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues, before governors and kings will you stand for my sake for a testimony to them. The gospel must first be preached to all nations. When they lead you away and deliver you up, don't be anxious beforehand or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 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 the same will be saved. But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, let the reader understand. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let him who is on the house-top not go down, nor enter in to take anything out of his house. Let him who is in the field not return back to take his cloak, but woe to those who are with child, and to those who nurse babies in those days. Pray that your flight won't be in the winter, for in those days there will be oppression, such as there has not been the like from the beginning of the creation, which God created until now, and never will be. Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved, but for the elect's sake, whom he chose, he shortened the days. Then if any one tells you, look, here is the Christ, or look there, don't believe it. For there will arise false Christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders that they may lead astray, if possible, also the elect. But you watch. Behold, I have told you all things beforehand. But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give her light, the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. Then will they see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then will he send forth his angels, and will gather together his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky. Now from the fig tree learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near. Even so, you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near at the doors. Most assuredly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things are accomplished. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but only the Father. Watch, keep alert, and pray, for you don't know when the time is. It is like a man travelling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. Watch, therefore, for you don't know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether at evening or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning, lest, coming suddenly, he might find you sleeping.  Watch. End of chapters 10 to 13. Chapters 14 to 16 of the Book of Mark from the World English Bible. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Book of Mark from the World English Bible Chapters 14 to 16. Chapter 14. It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception and kill him. For they said, not during the feast, because there might be a riot of the people. While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, there came a woman having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard, very costly. She broke the jar and poured it over his head. But there were some who had indignation among themselves, saying, Why has this ointment been wasted? For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. They grumbled against her. But Jesus said, Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. For you always have the poor with you. And whenever you want to, you can do them good. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying. Most assuredly, I tell you, whenever this gospel may be preached throughout the whole world, that also which this woman has done will be spoken of for a memorial of her. Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them. They, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. He sought how he might conveniently deliver him. On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover, his disciples asked him, Where do you want us to go and make ready that you may eat the Passover? He sent two of his disciples and said to them, Go into the city, and there you will meet a man carrying a picture of water. Follow him, and wherever he enters in, tell the master of the house. The teacher says, Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples? He will himself show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make ready for us there. His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found things as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he came with the twelve. As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, Most assuredly I tell you, one of you will betray me, he who eats with me. They began to be sorrowful, and to ask him one by one, surely not I? And another said, Surely not I? He answered them, It is one of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish. For the son of man goes, even as it is written about him, but woe to that man through whom the son of man is betrayed, it would be better for that man if he had not been born. As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed, he broke it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat, this is my body. He took the cup, and when he had given thanks he gave to them. They all drank of it, he said to them, This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. Most assuredly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God. When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus said to them, All of you will be made to stumble because of me to-night. For it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said to him, Although all will be offended, yet I will not.   Likewise, they all said so. They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, Sit here while I pray. He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly alarmed and distressed. He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch. He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I want, but what you want. He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you watch one hour? Watch and pray that you not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. Again he returned, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they didn't know what to answer him. He came the third time, and said to them, Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Arise, let us be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand. Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came. And with him a multitude, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, Whoever I will kiss, that is he. Take him, and lead him away safely. When he had come, immediately he came to him, and said, Rabbi, Rabbi, and kissed him. They laid their hands on him, and took him. But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Jesus answered them, Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to seize me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me. But this is so that the scriptures might be fulfilled. They all left him, and fled. A certain young man followed with him, having a linen cloth thrown around him over his naked body. The young men grabbed him, but he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. They led Jesus away to the high priest. There came together with him all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. Peter had followed him afar off, until he came into the court of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire. Now the chief priests, and the whole council, sought witnesses against Jesus, to put him to death, and found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn't agree with each other. Some stood up, and gave false testimony against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands. Even so, their testimony did not agree. The high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you? But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? Jesus said, I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of the sky. The high priest tore his clothes, and said, What further need have we of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think? They all condemned him to be worthy of death.  The officers struck him with the palms of their hands. As Peter was beneath in the court, one of the maids of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, You were also with the Nazarene Jesus. But he denied it, saying, I neither know nor understand what you're saying.  The maids saw him, and began again to tell those who stood by. This is one of them. But he again denied it.     When he thought about that, he wept. Chapter 15 Immediately in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate. Pilate asked him, Are you the king of the Jews? he answered. So you say. The chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate again asked him, Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you. But Jesus made no further answer. So Pilate marveled. Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner whom they asked of him. There was one called Barabbas, bound with those who had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. Pilate answered them, saying, Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews? For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the multitude that he should release Barabbas to them instead. Pilate again asked them, What then should I do to him whom you call the king of Jews? They cried out again, Crucify him. Pilate said to them, Why, what evil has he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Crucify him. Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and delivered Jesus when he had flogged him to be crucified. The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium, and they called together the whole cohort. They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns they put it on him. They began to salute him, hail king of the Jews. They struck his head with a reed and spat on him, and bowing their knees did homage to him. When they had mocked him, they took the purple off him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him. They compelled one passing by, coming from the contrary, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross. They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is being interpreted the place of a skull. They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn't take it. Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take. It was the third hour, and they crucified him. The superscription of his accusation was written over him, the king of the Jews. With him they crucified two robbers, one on his right hand, and one on his left. The scripture was fulfilled, which says he was numbered with transgressors.  Likewise, also the chief priests, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, He saved others, he can't save himself. Let the Christ, the king of Israel, now come down from the cross that we may see and believe him. Those who were crucified with him reproached him. When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Alloy! Alloy! Lama sabbathani! Which is being interpreted, My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me? Some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold! He calls Elijah!  Let's see whether Elijah comes to take him down. Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. The veil of the temple was torn in two, from the top to the bottom. When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this, and breathed his last, he said, Truly, this was the Son of God! There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the Mother of James the Less, and of Joseph, and Salome, who, when he was in Galilee, followed him and served him, and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. When evening had now come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council of Honourable Estate, who also himself was looking for the Kingdom of God, came. He boldly went into Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate marvelled if he were already dead, and calling to him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for a while. When he learned it from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. He bought a linen cloth, and, taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. Chapter 16 When the Sabbath was passed, Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him. Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying among themselves, Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us? For it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back. Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed. He said to them, Don't be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen. He is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him. But go! Tell his disciples and Peter. He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he said to you. They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Now, when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they disbelieved. After these things, he was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked on their way into the country. They went away and told it to the rest. They didn't believe them either. Afterward, he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart. Because they didn't believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved, but he who disbelieves will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe. In my name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new languages, they will take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them.  So then, the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. They went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen. CHAPTER 1 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 where I witnesses 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 theophilus, that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed. CHAPTER 2 There were in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. 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 it happened 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. Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.  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 make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Zacharias 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 good news. Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. The people were waiting for Zacharias, 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. It happened 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 at 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 the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  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, Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  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? 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 everything spoken by God is possible. Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it to me according to your word. The angel departed from her. Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste into a city of Judah, and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. It happened when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting that 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 handmaid. 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 and the imagination of their heart. He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and 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 seed forever. Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house. Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. It happened on the eighth day that they came to circumcise the child, and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father. His mother answered, not so, but he will be called John. They said to her, There was no one among your relatives who was called by this name. They made signs to his father what he would have him called. He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, His name is John. They all marveled. His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God. Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill-country of Judea. All who heard them lay them up in their hearts, saying, What then will this child be? The hand of the Lord was with him. His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and worked redemption for 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 towards our fathers, to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he spoke 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 make ready his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dawn from on high will visit us, to shine on those who sit in darkness in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. The child was growing and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel. Chapter 2 Now it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made while Corinias was governor of Syria. All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth and to Judea, to the city of David, 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. It happened while they were there that the day had come that she should give birth. She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. 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, Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, 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. It happened when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said to one another, Let's 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 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. 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 turtle doves 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. 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 and peace.  Joseph and his mother were marveling at all 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 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 Panuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years, who didn't 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. When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own city Nazareth. The child was growing and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 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 days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn't know it, but supposing him to be in the company, they went to day's journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they didn't find him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for him. It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 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? Didn't you know that I must be in my father's house? They didn't understand the saying when she spoke to them, and he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was subject 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. 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 Iteria and Trachionitis, and Lysanius, tetrarch of Abilene, in the high priesthood of Anias and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, and the wilderness. He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for a mission of sins, 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. 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. Bring therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and don't 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 axe also lies at the root of the trees, every tree therefore that doesn't bring forth 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 content with your wages. As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, John answered them all, I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen.  Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people, but 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 showed up John in prison. Now it happened when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying. The sky was opened, and 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, and you I am well pleased.  4. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. He ate nothing in those days. Afterward, when they were completed, 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.  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 shall 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 tempt the Lord your God. When the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until another time. Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about him spread through all the surrounding area. He taught in their synagogues being glorified by all. 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 is written. The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, 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, Isn't this Joseph's son? He said to them, Doubtless you will tell me this parable, Physician heal yourself. Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum Do also hear 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 Zarephath in the land of Sidon to a woman who was a widow. There were many lepers in Israel at the time of Elisha the prophet. But not one of them was cleansed except Naaman 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 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 midst of them, went his way. He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath day, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority.   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 their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 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. News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region. He rose up from the synagogue and entered into Simon's house. Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged him for her. He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them. When the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.  Rebuking them, he didn't allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. When it was day he departed and went into an uninhabited place, and the multitudes looked for him and came to him and held on to him, so that he wouldn't go away from them. But he said to them, I must preach this good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also. For this reason I have been sent. He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee. Chapter 5 Now it happened, while the multitude pressed on him and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Genesaret. 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' 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, Don't 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. It happened while he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus he fell on his face and begged him, saying, Lord, if you want to you can make me clean. He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, I want to, be made clean. Immediately the leprosy left him. He commanded him to tell no one, but go on your way and show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded for a testimony to them. But the report concerning him spread much more and great multitudes came together to hear and to be healed by him of their infirmities. But he withdrew himself into the desert and prayed. It happened on one of those days that 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.  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 midst 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.  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 and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office and said to him, Follow me. 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 tear the new and also the piece from the new will not match the old. No one puts new wine into old wineskins 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 wineskins and both are preserved. No man having drunk old wine immediately desires new for he says the old is better. CHAPTER VI Now what happened on the second Sabbath after the first that 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, Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, how he entered into the house of God and took and ate the showbread 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. It happened in those days that he went out to the mountain to pray and he continued all night in prayer to God. When it was day he called his disciples and from them he chose twelve whom he also named apostles, Simon whom he also named Peter, Andrew his brother, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Simon who was called the zealot, Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor. He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of his disciples and a great number of the people from Al Judea in Jerusalem and the sea coast of Tyre in 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 from him and healed them all. He lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said, Blessed are you who are poor for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh.  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 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.  To him who strikes you on the cheek offer also the other. And from him who takes away your cloak don't withhold your coat also. Give to everyone who asks you and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. 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 hope 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. Don't judge and you won't be judged. Don't condemn and you won't 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? Won't they 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 don't consider the 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 don't see the beam that is in your own eye.  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 brings forth rotten fruit nor again a rotten tree that brings forth good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people don't 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 don't 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 doesn't 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. Chapter 7 After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people he entered into Capernaum.  When he heard about Jesus he sent to him elders of the Jews asking him to come and save his servant.  Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house the Centurion sent friends to him saying to him Lord don't trouble yourself for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof.  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 go 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 them 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. It happened soon afterwards that he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples along with a great multitude went with him. Now when he drew 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 don't cry. He came near and touched the coffin and the bearers stood still. He said young man I tell you arise.  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 disciples of John told him about all these things. John calling to himself two of his disciples 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 good news preached to them. Blessed is he who is not offended by me. When John's messengers had departed he began to tell the multitudes about John. What did you come 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 king's 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 profit than John the baptizer yet he who is least in the kingdom of God 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 council of God not being baptized by him themselves. To what then will I liken 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 didn't dance we mourned and you didn't 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 wisdom is justified by all her children one of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him he entered into the Pharisees 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 Pharisees house she 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 one owed 500 denarii and the other 50 when they couldn't 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 didn't 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 to whom little is forgiven the same 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 end of chapters four through seven