Resurrection Morning

24 On^(A) the first day of the week,^(B) very early in the morning, they^[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. ² They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. ³ They went in but did not find the body^(C) of the Lord Jesus.^{(D) 4} While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling^(E) clothes. ⁵ So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.^[b]

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. ⁶ “He is not here, but He has been resurrected!^(F) Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,^{(G) 7} saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed^(H) into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise^(I) on the third day’?” ⁸ And they remembered His words.

⁹ Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven^(J) and to all the rest. ¹⁰ Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James,^(K) and the other women with them were telling the apostles^(L) these things. ¹¹ But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe^(M) the women. ¹² Peter,^(N) however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.^[c](O) So he went home, amazed^(P) at what had happened.

The Emmaus Disciples

¹³ Now^(Q) that same day two of them were on their way to a village called^[d] Emmaus, which was about seven miles^[e](R) from Jerusalem.^{(S) 14} Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. ¹⁵ And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them. ¹⁶ But they^[f] were prevented from recognizing Him.^{(T) 17} Then He asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having^[g] with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.

¹⁸ The one named Cleopas answered Him, “Are You the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”^(U)

¹⁹ “What things?” He asked them.

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,^(V) who was a Prophet^(W) powerful in action and speech^(X) before God and all the people,^{(Y) 20} and how our chief priests and leaders^(Z) handed Him over to be sentenced to death,^(AA) and they crucified Him.^{(AB) 21} But we were hoping that He was the One who was about to redeem^(AC) Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day^(AD) since these things happened. ²² Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, ²³ and when they didn’t find His body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. ²⁴ Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see Him.”^(AE)

²⁵ He said to them, “How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken!^{(AF) 26} Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer^(AG) these things and enter into His glory?”^{(AH) 27} Then beginning with Moses^(AI) and all the Prophets,^(AJ) He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.^(AK)

²⁸ They came near the village where they were going, and He gave the impression that He was going farther.^{(AL) 29} But they urged Him: “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.

³⁰ It was as He reclined at the table with them that He took the bread, blessed and broke^(AM) it, and gave it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened,^(AN) and they recognized Him, but He disappeared from their sight.^{(AO) 32} So they said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures^(AP) to us?” ³³ That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven^(AQ) and those with them gathered together, ³⁴ who said,^[h] “The Lord has certainly been raised, and has appeared to Simon!”^{(AR) 35} Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.^(AS)

The Reality of the Risen Jesus

³⁶ And^(AT) as they were saying these things, He Himself stood among them. He said to them, “Peace^(AU) to you!” ³⁷ But they were startled and terrified^(AV) and thought they were seeing a ghost.^{(AW) 38} “Why are you troubled?”^(AX) He asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? ³⁹ Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself!^(AY) Touch Me and see,^(AZ) because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” ⁴⁰ Having said this, He showed them His hands and feet. ⁴¹ But while they still were amazed and unbelieving because of their joy, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish,^{[i] 43} and He took it and ate in their presence.

⁴⁴ Then He told them, “These are My words^(BA) that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets,^(BB) and the Psalms^(BC) must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then He opened their minds^(BD) to understand^(BE) the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He also said to them, “This is what is written:^[j] The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day,^{(BF) 47} and repentance for^[k] forgiveness of sins^(BG) would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations,^(BH) beginning at Jerusalem.^{(BI) 48} You are witnesses^(BJ) of these things. ⁴⁹ And look, I am sending you^[l] what My Father promised.^(BK) As for you, stay in the city^[m] until you are empowered^[n](BL) from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

⁵⁰ Then He led them out as far as Bethany,^(BM) and lifting up His hands^(BN) He blessed them. ⁵¹ And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.^{(BO) 52} After worshiping Him,^(BP) they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.^{(BQ) 53} And they were continually in the temple complex praising God.^[o](BR)

Repent or Perish

13 At that time,^(A) some people came and reported to Him about the Galileans^(B) whose blood Pilate^(C) had mixed with their sacrifices. ² And He^[a] responded to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all Galileans because they suffered these things?^{(D) 3} No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well! ⁴ Or those 18 that the tower in Siloam^(E) fell on and killed—do you think they were more sinful than all the people who live in Jerusalem? ⁵ No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well!”

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

⁶ And He told this parable:^(F) “A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He came looking for fruit on it and found none.^{(G) 7} He told the vineyard worker, ‘Listen, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down!^(H) Why should it even waste the soil?’^(I)

⁸ “But he replied to him, ‘Sir,^[b] leave it this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.^{(J) 9} Perhaps it will bear fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Healing a Daughter of Abraham

¹⁰ As He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath,^{(K) 11} a woman was there who had been disabled by a spirit^[c](L) for over 18 years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.^{[d] 12} When Jesus saw her, He called out to her,^[e] “Woman, you are free of your disability.” ¹³ Then He laid His hands on her,^(M) and instantly she was restored^(N) and began to glorify God.^(O)

¹⁴ But the leader of the synagogue, indignant^(P) because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, responded by telling the crowd, “There are six days when work should be done;^(Q) therefore come on those days and be healed and not on the Sabbath day.”

¹⁵ But the Lord answered him and said, “Hypocrites!^(R) Doesn’t each one of you untie his ox^(S) or donkey from the feeding trough^(T) on the Sabbath and lead it to water?^{(U) 16} Satan^(V) has bound^(W) this woman, a daughter of Abraham,^(X) for 18 years—shouldn’t she be untied from this bondage on the Sabbath day?”

¹⁷ When He had said these things, all His adversaries^(Y) were humiliated,^(Z) but the whole crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things He was doing.^(AA)

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and of the Yeast

¹⁸ He said, therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like,^(AB) and what can I compare it to? ¹⁹ It’s like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky nested in its branches.”

²⁰ Again He said, “What can I compare the kingdom of God^(AC) to? ²¹ It’s like yeast^(AD) that a woman took and mixed into 50 pounds^[f] of flour until it spread through the entire mixture.”^[g]

The Narrow Way

²² He went through one town and village after another, teaching and making His way to Jerusalem.^{(AE) 23} “Lord,” someone asked Him, “are there few being saved?”^[h](AF)

He said to them, ²⁴ “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door,^(AG) because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able ²⁵ once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door.^(AH) Then you will stand^[i] outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up for us!’ He will answer you, ‘I don’t know you or where you’re from.’ ²⁶ Then you will say,^[j] ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets!’ ²⁷ But He will say, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you’re from. Get away from Me,^(AI) all you workers of unrighteousness!’ ²⁸ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth^(AJ) in that place,^(AK) when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God,^(AL) but yourselves thrown out. ²⁹ They will come from east and west, from north and south, and recline at the table^(AM) in the kingdom of God. ³⁰ Note this: Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”^(AN)

Jesus and Herod Antipas

³¹ At that time some Pharisees came and told Him, “Go, get out of here! Herod^(AO) wants to kill You!”^(AP)

³² He said to them, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look! I’m driving out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day^[k] I will complete My work.’^{[l](AQ) 33} Yet I must^(AR) travel today, tomorrow, and the next day, because it is not possible for a prophet^(AS) to perish^(AT) outside of Jerusalem!

Jesus’ Lamentation over Jerusalem

³⁴ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem!^(AU) She who kills the prophets and stones^(AV) those who are sent to her.^(AW) How often I wanted to gather your children^(AX) together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,^(AY) but you were not willing!^{(AZ) 35} See, your house^[m] is abandoned to you.^(BA) And I tell you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One’!”^(BB)[n]

A Sabbath Controversy

14 One Sabbath, when He went to eat^[o] at the house of one of the leading Pharisees,^(BC) they were watching Him closely.^{(BD) 2} There in front of Him was a man whose body was swollen with fluid.^{[p] 3} In response, Jesus asked the law experts^(BE) and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?”^{(BF) 4} But they kept silent. He took the man, healed him, and sent him away. ⁵ And to them, He said, “Which of you whose son or ox falls into a well, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?”^{(BG) 6} To this they could find no answer.

Teachings on Humility

⁷ He told a parable^(BH) to those who were invited, when He noticed how they would choose the best places^(BI) for themselves: ⁸ “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don’t recline at the best place, because a more distinguished person^(BJ) than you may have been invited by your host.^{[q] 9} The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in humiliation, you will proceed to take the lowest place.

¹⁰ “But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ You will then be honored^(BK) in the presence of all the other guests.^{(BL) 11} For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”^(BM)

¹² He also said to the one who had invited Him, “When you give a lunch or a dinner, don’t invite your friends, your brothers, your relatives, or your rich neighbors, because they might invite you back, and you would be repaid. ¹³ On the contrary, when you host a banquet,^(BN) invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind.^{(BO) 14} And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you will be repaid^(BP) at the resurrection of the righteous.”^(BQ)

The Parable of the Large Banquet

¹⁵ When^(BR) one of those who reclined at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “The one who will eat bread in the kingdom of God^(BS) is blessed!”

¹⁶ Then He told him: “A man was giving a large banquet and invited many. ¹⁷ At the time of the banquet, he sent his slave to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’

¹⁸ “But without exception^[r] they all began to make excuses. The first one said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. I ask you to excuse me.’

¹⁹ “Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m going to try them out. I ask you to excuse me.’

²⁰ “And another said, ‘I just got married,^[s](BT) and therefore I’m unable to come.’

²¹ “So the slave came back and reported these things to his master. Then in anger, the master of the house told his slave, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in here the poor, maimed, blind, and lame!’^(BU)

²² “‘Master,’ the slave said, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there’s still room.’

²³ “Then the master told the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and lanes and make them come in, so that my house may be filled. ²⁴ For I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will enjoy my banquet!’”

The Cost of Following Jesus

²⁵ Now^(BV) great crowds were traveling with Him. So He turned and said to them: ²⁶ “If anyone comes to Me^(BW) and does not hate^(BX) his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. ²⁷ Whoever does not bear his own cross^(BY) and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

²⁸ “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost^(BZ) to see if he has enough to complete it? ²⁹ Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to make fun of him, ³⁰ saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

³¹ “Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and decide if he is able with 10,000 to oppose the one who comes against him with 20,000? ³² If not, while the other is still far off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. ³³ In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say good-bye to^[t] all his possessions^(CA) cannot be My disciple.

³⁴ “Now,^(CB) salt^(CC) is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty? ³⁵ It isn’t fit for the soil or for the manure pile; they throw it out. Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!”^(CD)

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

15 All^(CE) the tax collectors^(CF) and sinners were approaching to listen to Him. ² And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners^(CG) and eats with them!”

³ So He told them this parable:^{(CH) 4} “What man among you, who has 100 sheep and loses one of them,^(CI) does not leave the 99 in the open field^[u] and go after the lost one until he finds it? ⁵ When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, ⁶ and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ ⁷ I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven^(CJ) over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

⁸ “Or what woman who has 10 silver coins,^[v] if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ When she finds it, she calls her women friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the silver coin I lost!’ ¹⁰ I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels^(CK) over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son

¹¹ He also said: “A man had two sons. ¹² The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets^[w] to them. ¹³ Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered^(CL) his estate in foolish living.^{(CM) 14} After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.^{[x] 15} Then he went to work for^[y] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.^{(CN) 16} He longed to eat his fill from^[z] the carob pods^[aa] the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any. ¹⁷ When he came to his senses,^[ab] he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger!^{[ac] 18} I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned^(CO) against heaven^(CP) and in your sight. ¹⁹ I’m no longer worthy^(CQ) to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.^(CR) He ran, threw his arms around his neck,^[ad] and kissed^(CS) him. ²¹ The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe^(CT) and put it on him; put a ring^(CU) on his finger^[ae] and sandals^(CV) on his feet. ²³ Then bring the fattened calf^(CW) and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, ²⁴ because this son of mine was dead and is alive again;^(CX) he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he summoned one of the servants and asked what these things meant. ²⁷ ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’^[af]

²⁸ “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets^[ag] with prostitutes,^(CY) you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’

³¹ “‘Son,’^[ah] he said to him, ‘you are always with me,^(CZ) and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

16 He also said to the disciples: “There was a rich^(DA) man who received an accusation that his manager^(DB) was squandering^(DC) his possessions. ² So he called the manager in and asked, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management,^(DD) because you can no longer be my manager.’

³ “Then the manager said to himself, ‘What should I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I’m not strong enough to dig; I’m ashamed to beg. ⁴ I know what I’ll do so that when I’m removed from management, people will welcome me into their homes.’

⁵ “So he summoned each one of his master’s debtors. ‘How much do you owe my master?’ he asked the first one.

⁶ “‘A hundred measures of olive oil,’ he said.

“‘Take your invoice,’ he told him, ‘sit down quickly, and write 50.’

⁷ “Next he asked another, ‘How much do you owe?’

“‘A hundred measures of wheat,’ he said.

“‘Take your invoice,’ he told him, ‘and write 80.’

⁸ “The master praised the unrighteous manager^(DE) because he had acted astutely. For the sons of this age^(DF) are more astute than the sons of light^(DG) in dealing with their own people.^{[ai] 9} And I tell you, make friends^(DH) for yourselves by means of the unrighteous money^(DI) so that when it fails,^[aj] they may welcome you into eternal dwellings. ¹⁰ Whoever is faithful^(DJ) in very little^(DK) is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. ¹¹ So if you have not been faithful with the unrighteous money, who will trust you with what is genuine? ¹² And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own? ¹³ No^(DL) household slave can be the slave of two masters, since either he will hate^(DM) one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t be slaves to both God and money.”

Kingdom Values

¹⁴ The Pharisees, who were lovers of money,^(DN) were listening to all these things and scoffing^(DO) at Him. ¹⁵ And He told them: “You are the ones who justify^(DP) yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts.^(DQ) For what is highly admired by people is revolting^(DR) in God’s sight.

¹⁶ “The^(DS) Law and the Prophets^(DT) were^[ak] until John; since then, the good news of the kingdom of God^(DU) has been proclaimed, and everyone is strongly urged to enter it.^{[al] 17} But it is easier^(DV) for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter in the law to drop out.

¹⁸ “Everyone^(DW) who divorces^(DX) his wife and marries another woman commits adultery,^(DY) and everyone who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen,^(DZ) feasting lavishly every day. ²⁰ But a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, was left at his gate.^{(EA) 21} He longed to be filled^(EB) with what fell from the rich man’s table,^(EC) but instead the dogs^(ED) would come and lick his sores. ²² One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side.^[am](EE) The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ And being in torment^(EF) in Hades,^(EG) he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. ²⁴ ‘Father Abraham!’^(EH) he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony^(EI) in this flame!’

²⁵ “‘Son,’^[an] Abraham said, ‘remember that during your life you received your good things,^(EJ) just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here,^(EK) while you are in agony. ²⁶ Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.’

²⁷ “‘Father,’ he said, ‘then I beg you to send him to my father’s house— ²⁸ because I have five brothers—to warn^(EL) them, so they won’t also come to this place of torment.’

²⁹ “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets;^(EM) they should listen to them.’

³⁰ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said. ‘But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

³¹ “But he told him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”^(EN)

Warnings from Jesus

17 He^(EO) said to His disciples, “Offenses^[ao] will certainly come,^[ap] but woe^(EP) to the one they come^(EQ) through! ² It would be better for him if a millstone^[aq] were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble.^{(ER) 3} Be^(ES) on your guard. If your brother sins,^[ar] rebuke^(ET) him, and if he repents, forgive^(EU) him. ⁴ And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Faith and Duty

⁵ The^(EV) apostles^(EW) said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”^(EX)

⁶ “If you have faith the size of^[as] a mustard seed,”^(EY) the Lord said, “you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

⁷ “Which one of you having a slave tending sheep or plowing will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? ⁸ Instead, will he not tell him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, get ready,^[at] and serve me while I eat and drink; later you can eat and drink’?^{(EZ) 9} Does he thank that slave because he did what was commanded?^{[au] 10} In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are good-for-nothing^(FA) slaves; we’ve only done our duty.’”

Ten Men Healed

¹¹ While traveling to Jerusalem,^(FB) He passed between^[av] Samaria and Galilee.^{(FC) 12} As He entered a village, 10 men with serious skin diseases^(FD) met Him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master,^(FE) have mercy on us!”

¹⁴ When He saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”^(FF) And while they were going, they were healed.^[aw]

¹⁵ But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God.^{(FG) 16} He fell facedown^(FH) at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan.^(FI)

¹⁷ Then Jesus said, “Were not 10 cleansed? Where are the nine? ¹⁸ Didn’t any return^[ax] to give glory to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ And He told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.”^[ay](FJ)

The Coming of the Kingdom

²⁰ Being^(FK) asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come,^(FL) He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; ²¹ no one will say,^[az] ‘Look here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is among you.”

²² Then He told the disciples: “The days are coming^(FM) when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it.^{(FN) 23} They will say to you,^(FO) ‘Look there!’ or ‘Look here!’ Don’t follow or run after them.^{(FP) 24} For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in His day.^{(FQ) 25} But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.^(FR)

²⁶ “Just as it was in the days of Noah,^(FS) so it will be in the days of the Son of Man: ²⁷ People went on eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage^(FT) until the day Noah boarded the ark,^(FU) and the flood came and destroyed them all. ²⁸ It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot:^(FV) People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. ²⁹ But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed^(FW) them all. ³⁰ It^(FX) will be like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed.^{(FY) 31} On that day, a man on the housetop, whose belongings are in the house, must not come down to get them. Likewise the man who is in the field must not turn back. ³² Remember Lot’s wife!^{(FZ) 33} Whoever tries to make his life secure^[ba][bb] will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.^{(GA) 34} I tell you, on that night^(GB) two will be in one bed: One will be taken and the other will be left. ³⁵ Two women will be grinding grain together: One will be taken and the other left. [³⁶ Two will be in a field: One will be taken, and the other will be left.]”^[bc]

³⁷ “Where, Lord?”^(GC) they asked Him.

He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there also the vultures^(GD) will be gathered.”

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

18 He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray^(GE) always and not become discouraged:^{(GF) 2} “There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God^(GG) or respect man. ³ And a widow^(GH) in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

⁴ “For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps^(GI) pestering me,^[bd] I will give her justice, so she doesn’t wear me out^[be] by her persistent coming.’”

⁶ Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ Will not God grant justice^(GJ) to His elect^(GK) who cry out to Him day and night?^(GL) Will He delay^(GM) to help them?^{[bf] 8} I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes,^(GN) will He find that faith^[bg] on earth?”

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

⁹ He^(GO) also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves^(GP) that they were righteous^(GQ) and looked down^(GR) on everyone else: ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple complex to pray,^(GS) one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee took his stand^[bh](GT) and was praying like this: ‘God, I thank You that I’m not like other people^[bi] —greedy,^(GU) unrighteous,^(GV) adulterers,^(GW) or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast^(GX) twice a week; I give a tenth^[bj](GY) of everything I get.’

¹³ “But the tax collector, standing far off,^(GZ) would not even raise his eyes to heaven^(HA) but kept striking his chest^[bk](HB) and saying, ‘God, turn Your wrath from me^[bl](HC)—a sinner!’^{(HD) 14} I tell you, this one went down to his house justified^(HE) rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”^(HF)

Blessing the Children

¹⁵ Some^(HG) people were even bringing infants to Him so He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ Jesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to Me,^(HH) and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ I assure you:^(HI) Whoever does not welcome^(HJ) the kingdom of God like a little child^(HK) will never enter it.”

The Rich Young Ruler

¹⁸ A^(HL) ruler^(HM) asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”^(HN)

¹⁹ “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good but One—God. ²⁰ You know the commandments:

²¹ “I have kept all these from my youth,” he said.

²² When Jesus heard this, He told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor,^(HP) and you will have treasure in heaven.^(HQ) Then come, follow Me.”^(HR)

²³ After he heard this, he became extremely sad,^(HS) because he was very rich.

Possessions and the Kingdom

²⁴ Seeing that he became sad,^[bn] Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

²⁶ Those who heard this asked, “Then who can be saved?”^(HT)

²⁷ He replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”^(HU)

²⁸ Then Peter said, “Look, we have left what we had and followed^(HV) You.”

²⁹ So He said to them, “I assure you: There is no one who has left a house, wife or brothers, parents or children because of the kingdom of God, ³⁰ who will not receive many times more at this time,^(HW) and eternal life in the age to come.”

The Third Prediction of His Death

³¹ Then^(HX) He took the Twelve aside and told them, “Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem.^(HY) Everything that is written^(HZ) through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.^{(IA) 32} For He will be handed over to the Gentiles,^(IB) and He will be mocked,^(IC) insulted, spit^(ID) on; ³³ and after they flog Him, they will kill Him, and He will rise on the third day.”^(IE)

³⁴ They understood none of these things.^(IF) This saying^[bo](IG) was hidden^(IH) from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

A Blind Man Receives His Sight

³⁵ As^(II) He drew near Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. ³⁶ Hearing a crowd passing by, he inquired what this meant. ³⁷ “Jesus the Nazarene^(IJ) is passing by,” they told him.

³⁸ So he called out,^(IK) “Jesus, Son of David,^(IL) have mercy^(IM) on me!” ³⁹ Then those in front told him to keep quiet,^[bp] but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

⁴⁰ Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him. When he drew near, He asked him, ⁴¹ “What do you want Me to do for you?”

“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”

⁴² “Receive your sight!”^(IN) Jesus told him. “Your faith has healed you.”^{[bq](IO) 43} Instantly he could see, and he began to follow Him, glorifying God.^(IP) All the people,^(IQ) when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Jesus Visits Zacchaeus

19 He entered Jericho and was passing through. ² There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. ³ He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. ⁴ So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since He was about to pass that way. ⁵ When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today I must stay at your house.”

⁶ So he quickly came down and welcomed Him joyfully. ⁷ All who saw it began to complain,^(IR) “He’s gone to lodge with a sinful man!”

⁸ But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give^[br] half of my possessions to the poor,^(IS) Lord! And if I have extorted^(IT) anything from anyone, I’ll pay^[bs] back four times as much!”^(IU)

⁹ “Today salvation^(IV) has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham.^{(IW) 10} For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”^[bt](IX)

The Parable of the 10 Minas

¹¹ As^(IY) they were listening to this, He went on to tell a parable because He was near Jerusalem,^(IZ) and they thought the kingdom of God was going to appear right away.^(JA)

¹² Therefore He said: “A nobleman traveled to a far country to receive for himself authority to be king^[bu] and then return. ¹³ He called 10 of his slaves, gave them 10 minas,^[bv] and told them, ‘Engage in business until I come back.’

¹⁴ “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us!’

¹⁵ “At his return, having received the authority to be king,^[bw] he summoned those slaves he had given the money to, so he could find out how much they had made in business. ¹⁶ The first came forward and said, ‘Master, your mina has earned 10 more minas.’

¹⁷ “‘Well done, good^[bx] slave!’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithful^(JB) in a very small matter, have authority over 10 towns.’

¹⁸ “The second came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’

¹⁹ “So he said to him, ‘You will be over five towns.’

²⁰ “And another came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina. I have kept it hidden away in a cloth ²¹ because I was afraid of you, for you’re a tough man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’^(JC)

²² “He told him, ‘I will judge you by what you have said,^[by] you evil slave! If you knew I was a tough man, collecting what I didn’t deposit and reaping what I didn’t sow, ²³ why didn’t you put my money in the bank? And when I returned, I would have collected it with interest!’ ²⁴ So he said to those standing there, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has 10 minas.’

²⁵ “But they said to him, ‘Master, he has 10 minas.’

²⁶ “‘I tell you, that to everyone who has, more will be given; and from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away.^{(JD) 27} But bring here these enemies of mine,^(JE) who did not want me to rule over them, and slaughter^[bz] them in my presence.’”

The Triumphal Entry

²⁸ When^(JF) He had said these things, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.^{(JG) 29} As He approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives,^(JH) He sent two of the disciples ³⁰ and said, “Go into the village ahead of you. As you enter it, you will find a young donkey tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say this: ‘The Lord needs it.’”

³² So those who were sent left and found it just as He had told them.^{(JI) 33} As they were untying the young donkey, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the donkey?”

³⁴ “The Lord needs it,” they said. ³⁵ Then^(JJ) they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their robes on the donkey, they helped Jesus get on it.^{(JK) 36} As He was going along, they were spreading their robes on the road.^{(JL) 37} Now He came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen:

³⁹ Some of the Pharisees from the crowd told Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”

⁴⁰ He answered, “I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!”^(JQ)

Jesus’ Love for Jerusalem

⁴¹ As He approached and saw the city, He wept^(JR) over it, ⁴² saying, “If you knew^(JS) this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden^(JT) from your eyes. ⁴³ For the days will come on you^(JU) when your enemies will build an embankment against you, surround you, and hem you in on every side.^{(JV) 44} They will crush you and your children within you to the ground,^(JW) and they will not leave one stone on another^(JX) in you, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”^(JY)

Cleansing the Temple Complex

⁴⁵ He^(JZ) went into the temple complex and began to throw out those who were selling,^{[cc] 46} and He said, “It is written, My house will be a house of prayer,^(KA) but you have made it a den of thieves!”^(KB)[cd]

⁴⁷ Every day He was teaching^(KC) in the temple complex. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were looking for a way to destroy^(KD) Him, ⁴⁸ but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people^(KE) were captivated by what they heard.^[ce]

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

20 One^(KF) day^[cf] as He was teaching^(KG) the people in the temple complex and proclaiming the good news,^(KH) the chief priests and the scribes, with the elders,^(KI) came up ² and said to Him: “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who is it who gave You this authority?”

³ He answered them, “I will also ask you a question. Tell Me, ⁴ was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”

⁵ They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ ⁶ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people^(KJ) will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet.”^(KK)

⁷ So they answered that they did not know its origin.^[cg]

⁸ And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

The Parable of the Vineyard Owner

⁹ Then^(KL) He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard,^(KM) leased it to tenant farmers, and went away for a long time. ¹⁰ At harvest time he sent a slave to the farmers so that they might give him some fruit from the vineyard. But the farmers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. ¹¹ He sent yet another slave, but they beat that one too, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. ¹² And he sent yet a third, but they wounded this one too and threw him out.

¹³ “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I will send my beloved^(KN) son. Perhaps^[ch] they will respect him.’

¹⁴ “But when the tenant farmers saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let’s kill him, so the inheritance will be ours!’^{(KO) 15} So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“Therefore, what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? ¹⁶ He will come and destroy^(KP) those farmers and give the vineyard to others.”

But when they heard this they said, “No—never!”^(KQ)

¹⁷ But He looked at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of this Scripture:^[ci](KR)

¹⁸ Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and if it falls on anyone, it will grind him to powder!”^(KT)

¹⁹ Then the scribes and the chief priests^(KU) looked for a way to get their hands on Him^(KV) that very hour, because they knew He had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.^(KW)

God and Caesar

²⁰ They^[cl](KX) watched closely^(KY) and sent spies^(KZ) who pretended to be righteous,^[cm] so they could catch Him in what He said,^[cn](LA) to hand Him^(LB) over to the governor’s^(LC) rule and authority. ²¹ They questioned Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly,^(LD) and You don’t show partiality,^[co](LE) but teach truthfully the way of God.^{(LF) 22} Is it lawful^(LG) for us to pay taxes^(LH) to Caesar^(LI) or not?”

²³ But detecting their craftiness, He said to them,^{[cp] 24} “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?”

“Caesar’s,” they said.

²⁵ “Well then,” He told them, “give back to Caesar^(LJ) the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”

²⁶ They were not able to catch Him in what He said^[cq] in public,^[cr] and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.^(LK)

The Sadducees and the Resurrection

²⁷ Some^(LL) of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,^(LM) came up and questioned Him: ²⁸ “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother has a wife, and dies childless, his brother should take the wife and produce offspring for his brother.^{(LN)[cs] 29} Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife and died without children. ³⁰ Also the second^{[ct] 31} and the third took her. In the same way, all seven died and left no children. ³² Finally, the woman died too. ³³ In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For all seven had married her.”^[cu]

³⁴ Jesus told them, “The sons of this age^(LO) marry and are given in marriage.^{(LP) 35} But those who are counted worthy^(LQ) to take part in that age^(LR) and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. ³⁶ For they cannot die anymore,^(LS) because they are like angels and are sons of God,^(LT) since they are sons of the resurrection. ³⁷ Moses even indicated in the passage about the burning bush that the dead are raised, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.^{(LU)[cv] 38} He is not God of the dead but of the living, because all are living to^[cw] Him.”^(LV)

³⁹ Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” ⁴⁰ And they no longer dared to ask Him anything.

The Question about the Messiah

⁴¹ Then^(LW) He said to them, “How can they say that the Messiah is the Son of David?^{(LX) 42} For David himself says in the Book of Psalms:^(LY)

⁴⁴ David calls Him ‘Lord’; how then can the Messiah be his Son?”^(MA)

Warning against the Scribes

⁴⁵ While^(MB) all the people were listening, He said to His disciples, ⁴⁶ “Beware^(MC) of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.^{(MD) 47} They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive greater punishment.”^[cy]

The Widow’s Gift

21 He^(ME) looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.^{(MF) 2} He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.^{[cz](MG) 3} “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them.^{(MH) 4} For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Destruction of the Temple Predicted

⁵ As^(MI) some were talking about the temple complex, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God,^[da] He said, ⁶ “These things that you see—the days will come^(MJ) when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down!”^(MK)

Signs of the End of the Age

⁷ “Teacher,” they asked Him, “so when will these things be? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”^(ML)

⁸ Then He said, “Watch out that you are not deceived.^(MM) For many will come in My name,^(MN) saying, ‘I am He,’^(MO) and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them.^{(MP) 9} When you hear of wars and rebellions,^[db] don’t be alarmed. Indeed, these things must take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”

¹⁰ Then He told them: “Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.^{(MQ) 11} There will be violent earthquakes,^(MR) and famines and plagues^(MS) in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.^{(MT) 12} But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you^(MU) and persecute^(MV) you. They will hand you over to the synagogues^(MW) and prisons,^(MX) and you will be brought before kings and governors^(MY) because of My name. ¹³ It will lead to an opportunity for you to witness.^{[dc](MZ) 14} Therefore make up your minds^[dd] not to prepare your defense ahead of time,^{(NA) 15} for I will give you such words^[de](NB) and a wisdom^(NC) that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.^{(ND) 16} You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends.^(NE) They will kill some of you. ¹⁷ You will be hated by everyone because of My name,^{(NF) 18} but not a hair of your head will be lost.^{(NG) 19} By your endurance gain^[df] your lives.^(NH)

The Destruction of Jerusalem

²⁰ “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,^(NI) then recognize that its desolation^(NJ) has come near. ²¹ Then those in Judea must flee^(NK) to the mountains!^(NL) Those inside the city^[dg] must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, ²² because these are days of vengeance^(NM) to fulfill all the things that are written. ²³ Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,^(NN) for there will be great distress in the land^[dh] and wrath against this people. ²⁴ They will fall by the edge of the sword^(NO) and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles^[di](NP) until the times of the Gentiles^(NQ) are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

²⁵ “Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars;^(NR) and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves.^{(NS) 26} People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken.^{(NT) 27} Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud^(NU) with power and great glory.^{(NV) 28} But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!”^(NW)

The Parable of the Fig Tree

²⁹ Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. ³⁰ As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near. ³¹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize^[dj] that the kingdom of God is near. ³² I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place.^{(NX) 33} Heaven and earth will pass away,^(NY) but My words will never pass away.^(NZ)

The Need for Watchfulness

³⁴ “Be on your guard,^(OA) so that your minds are not dulled^[dk] from carousing,^[dl] drunkenness,^(OB) and worries of life,^(OC) or that day will come on you unexpectedly^{(OD) 35} like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ But be alert at all times,^(OE) praying that you may have strength^[dm] to escape^(OF) all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

³⁷ During^(OG) the day, He was teaching in the temple complex,^(OH) but in the evening He would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives.^{(OI) 38} Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear Him in the temple complex.^(OJ)

The Plot to Kill Jesus

22 The^(OK) Festival of Unleavened Bread,^(OL) which is called Passover,^(OM) was drawing near. ² The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death,^(ON) because they were afraid of the people.^(OO)

³ Then^(OP) Satan entered Judas,^(OQ) called Iscariot,^(OR) who was numbered among the Twelve. ⁴ He went away and discussed with the chief priests and temple police^(OS) how he could hand Him over^(OT) to them. ⁵ They were glad and agreed to give him silver.^{[dn] 6} So he accepted the offer and started looking for a good opportunity to betray Him to them when the crowd was not present.

Preparation for Passover

⁷ Then^(OU) the Day of Unleavened Bread came when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.^{(OV) 8} Jesus sent Peter and John,^(OW) saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us, so we can eat it.”

⁹ “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked Him.

¹⁰ “Listen,” He said to them, “when you’ve entered the city, a man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him into the house he enters. ¹¹ Tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ ¹² Then he will show you a large, furnished room upstairs.^(OX) Make the preparations there.”

¹³ So they went and found it just as He had told them,^(OY) and they prepared the Passover.

The First Lord’s Supper

¹⁴ When^(OZ) the hour came, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. ¹⁵ Then He said to them, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶ For I tell you, I will not eat it again^[do] until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”^{(PA) 17} Then He took a cup,^(PB) and after giving thanks,^(PC) He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. ¹⁸ For I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

¹⁹ And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is My body,^(PD) which is given for you. Do this in remembrance^(PE) of Me.”

²⁰ In the same way He also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant^(PF) established by My blood;^(PG) it is shed for you.^{[dp] 21} But^(PH) look, the hand of the one betraying Me is at the table with Me!^{(PI) 22} For the Son of Man will go away as it has been determined,^(PJ) but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”

²³ So they began to argue^(PK) among themselves which of them it could be who was going to do this thing.

The Dispute over Greatness

²⁴ Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest.^{(PL) 25} But He said to them,^(PM) “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called^[dq] ‘Benefactors.’^{[dr] 26} But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest,^(PN) and whoever leads, like the one serving. ²⁷ For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves.^{(PO) 28} You are the ones who stood by Me in My trials.^{(PP) 29} I bestow on you a kingdom,^(PQ) just as My Father bestowed one on Me, ³⁰ so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom.^(PR) And you will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.^(PS)

Peter’s Denial Predicted

³¹ “Simon, Simon,^[ds] look out! Satan^(PT) has asked to sift you^[dt] like wheat.^{(PU) 32} But I have prayed^(PV) for you^[du] that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen^(PW) your brothers.”

³³ “Lord,”^(PX) he told Him, “I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!”

³⁴ “I tell you, Peter,” He said, “the rooster will not crow today until^[dv] you deny three times that you know Me!”

Be Ready for Trouble

³⁵ He also said to them, “When I sent you out^(PY) without money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Not a thing,” they said.

³⁶ Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one. ³⁷ For I tell you, what is written must be fulfilled in Me: And He was counted among the outlaws.^(PZ)[dw] Yes, what is written about Me is coming to its fulfillment.”^(QA)

³⁸ “Lord,” they said, “look, here are two swords.”

“Enough of that!”^[dx] He told them.

The Prayer in the Garden

³⁹ He went out and made His way^(QB) as usual^(QC) to the Mount of Olives,^(QD) and the disciples followed Him. ⁴⁰ When He reached the place,^(QE) He told them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”^{(QF) 41} Then He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray,^{(QG) 42} “Father, if You are willing, take this cup^(QH) away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”

[⁴³ Then an angel from heaven^(QI) appeared to Him, strengthening Him. ⁴⁴ Being in anguish,^(QJ) He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.]^{[dy] 45} When He got up from prayer and came to the disciples, He found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief.^{[dz] 46} “Why are you sleeping?” He asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation.”

The Judas Kiss

⁴⁷ While^(QK) He was still speaking, suddenly a mob was there, and one of the Twelve named Judas was leading them. He came near Jesus to kiss Him, ⁴⁸ but Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

⁴⁹ When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” ⁵⁰ Then one of them struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear.

⁵¹ But Jesus responded, “No more of this!”^[ea] And touching his ear, He healed him. ⁵² Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple police, and the elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal?^{[eb] 53} Every day while I was with you in the temple complex,^(QL) you never laid a hand on Me. But this is your hour^(QM)—and the dominion of darkness.”^(QN)

Peter Denies His Lord

⁵⁴ They seized Him, led Him away, and brought Him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peter^(QO) was following at a distance. ⁵⁵ They^(QP) lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard^(QQ) and sat down together, and Peter sat among them. ⁵⁶ When a servant saw him sitting in the firelight, and looked closely at him, she said, “This man was with Him too.”

⁵⁷ But he denied it: “Woman, I don’t know Him!”

⁵⁸ After a little while, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too!”

“Man, I am not!” Peter said.

⁵⁹ About an hour later, another kept insisting, “This man was certainly with Him, since he’s also a Galilean.”

⁶⁰ But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. ⁶¹ Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter.^(QR) So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”^{(QS) 62} And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Jesus Mocked and Beaten

⁶³ The men who were holding Jesus started mocking and beating Him.^{(QT) 64} After blindfolding Him, they kept^[ec] asking, “Prophesy! Who hit You?” ⁶⁵ And they were saying many other blasphemous^(QU) things against Him.

Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin

⁶⁶ When daylight came,^(QV) the elders^[ed] of the people, both the chief priests and the scribes,^(QW) convened and brought Him before their Sanhedrin.^{(QX) 67} They said,^(QY) “If You are the Messiah, tell us.”

But He said to them, “If I do tell you, you will not believe. ⁶⁸ And if I ask you, you will not answer. ⁶⁹ But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God.”^(QZ)

⁷⁰ They all asked, “Are You, then, the Son of God?”^(RA)

And He said to them, “You say that I am.”^(RB)

⁷¹ “Why do we need any more testimony,” they said, “since we’ve heard it ourselves from His mouth?”

Jesus Faces Pilate

23 Then^(RC) their whole assembly rose up and brought Him before Pilate. ² They began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, opposing payment of taxes^(RD) to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is the Messiah, a King.”

³ So Pilate asked Him,^(RE) “Are You the King of the Jews?”^(RF)

He answered him, “You have said it.”^[ee]

⁴ Pilate then told the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no grounds^(RG) for charging this man.”

⁵ But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people,^(RH) teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee^(RI) where He started even to here.”

Jesus Faces Herod Antipas

⁶ When Pilate^(RJ) heard this,^[ef] he asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷ Finding that He was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod,^(RK) who was also in Jerusalem during those days. ⁸ Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle^[eg] performed by Him. ⁹ So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him.^{(RL) 10} The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him. ¹¹ Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked^(RM) Him, dressed Him in a brilliant robe,^(RN) and sent Him back to Pilate. ¹² That very day Herod and Pilate became friends.^[eh](RO) Previously, they had been hostile toward each other.

Jesus or Barabbas

¹³ Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people,^{(RP) 14} and said to them, “You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people.^(RQ) But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no grounds^(RR) to charge this man with those things you accuse Him of. ¹⁵ Neither has Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death. ¹⁶ Therefore, I will have Him whipped^[ei](RS) and then release Him.” [¹⁷ For according to the festival he had to release someone to them.]^[ej](RT)

¹⁸ Then^(RU) they all cried out together, “Take this man away!^(RV) Release Barabbas to us!” ¹⁹ (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)

²⁰ Pilate, wanting to release Jesus,^(RW) addressed them again, ²¹ but they kept shouting, “Crucify! Crucify Him!”

²² A third time he said to them, “Why? What has this man done wrong?^(RX) I have found in Him no grounds^(RY) for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him.”

²³ But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices^[ek] won out. ²⁴ So^(RZ) Pilate decided to grant their demand^{(SA) 25} and released the one they were asking for, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will.^(SB)

The Way to the Cross

²⁶ As^(SC) they led Him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian,^(SD) who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross^(SE) on him to carry behind Jesus. ²⁷ A large crowd of people followed Him, including women who were mourning and lamenting Him.^{(SF) 28} But turning to them, Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem,^(SG) do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children. ²⁹ Look, the days are coming^(SH) when they will say, ‘The women without children, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed, are fortunate!’^{(SI) 30} Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’^(SJ)[el]