Jesus Heals a Great Multitude

17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, with a crowd of his disciples, and a large multitude of people out of all Judah and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to listen intently to him, and to be healed of their diseases; 18 As well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits, and they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude was trying to touch him, because power was going out from him, and was healing everyone.

Jesus Pronounces Blessings

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, "Supremely blessed are you who are poor: because God's Kingdom is yours.

21 Supremely blessed are you who hunger now: because you will be filled. Supremely blessed are you who weep now: because you will laugh.

22 Supremely blessed are you, when people hate you, and when they exclude you from their company, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man.

23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy: for behold, your reward in heaven is great; for their fathers also did likewise to the prophets.

Jesus Pronounces Woes

24 But woe to you who are rich! Because you've already received your consolation.

25 Woe to you who are full! Because you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now! Because you will mourn and weep.

26 Woe to you when all people speak well of you! For their fathers did likewise of the false prophets.

Love Your Enemies

27 But I tell you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 Bless and speak well of those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 29 Whoever strikes you on the cheek, offer the other to them as well; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And the one who takes away your belongings, don't demand them back from them. 31 And treat others the same way you want them to treat you.

32 But if you only love those who love you, what favor is that to you? Because even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what favor is that to you? Because even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what favor is that to you? Because even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the Most High: because he is kind to the unthankful and the evil. 36 Therefore be compassionate, just as your Father also is compassionate.

Don't Judge Others

37 Stop judging, and you will not be judged. Stop condemning, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, will people give into your lap. Because with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

39 And he spoke an allegory to them, "Can the blind lead the blind? Won't they both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple isn't above their teacher: but everyone who has been perfectly trained will be like their teacher. 41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but don't notice the log in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? Pretender! First remove the log from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.

A Tree is Known by it's Fruit

43 For a good tree doesn't produce bad fruit, nor does a bad tree produce good fruit. 44 So each tree is known by its own fruit. For no one gathers figs from a thorn-bush, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble-bush. 45 A good person out of the good treasure of their heart brings forth good things; and an evil person out of the evil treasure of their heart brings forth evil things. Because the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart.

The Wise and Foolish Builder

46 But why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say? 47 Everyone who comes to me, and listens to my words and does them, I will show you who they are like: 48 They're like a person building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood came, the river burst against that house, but it wasn't able to shake it, because it had been founded on the rock. 49 But whoever hears my words, but doesn't do them, is like someone who built a house on the ground, without any foundation, which when the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and the wreckage of that house was great."

 Luke 7

Jesus Heals a Centurion's Slave

1 Now when he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and about to die. 3 And when he heard about Jesus, he sent the elders of the Jews to him, pleading with him that he would come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying that the one for whom he should do this was deserving, 5 "Because he loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue." 6 Then Jesus went with them.

And when he was now not very far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, "Lord, don't trouble yourself: because I'm not worthy that you should enter under my roof: 7 Therefore I didn't even consider myself worthy to come to you. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 Because I also am a man set under authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned around, and told the people who followed him, "I tell you, Not even in Israel, have I found such great faith." 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Jesus Raises a Widow's Son

11 Now it happened the day after that, he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and a great multitude. 12 And when he came near the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow. And a great multitude from the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and told her, "Don't weep." 14 Then he came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And he said, "Young man, I tell you, 'Wake up.'" 15 And he who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

16 Then fear took hold of everyone, and they were glorifying God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us!" and "God has visited his people!" 17 And this report about him spread throughout all Judah, and all the surrounding region.

John the Baptizer Sends Messengers to Jesus

18 And John's disciples told him about all these things. 19 Then John, having called two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for someone else?"

20 When the men had come to him, they said, "John Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for someone else?'" 21 And in that very hour he healed many from diseases, and torments, and evil spirits, and he granted sight to many who were blind.

22 Then Jesus answering, told them, "Go and report to John the things you have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor. 23 And supremely blessed is the person who finds no cause for stumbling in me."

24 And when John's messengers had gone, he began to speak to the multitudes concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid apparel and live in luxury are in kings courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he, of whom it's written,

'Behold, I’m sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.'

28 For I tell you, Among those who are born of women there isn't a greater prophet than John the Baptizer: but whoever is least in God's Kingdom is greater than he is."

29 (And when all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God's righteousness, having been baptized with John's baptism. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in the Law rejected God's counsel for themselves, because they had not been baptized by him.)

31 And the Lord said, "To whom then can I compare the people of this generation? And what are they like? 32 They're like children sitting in the marketplace, and calling out to one another, and saying,

'We played the flute for you, but you didn't dance; we sang a mournful song to you, but you didn't weep.'

33 For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and you said, 'He has a demon!' 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking; and you say, 'Look, he's a glutton, and a wino! A friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by all her children."  

A Sinful Woman Forgiven

36 Then one of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him. And entering into the Pharisee's house, he reclined to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus was dining in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of perfumed oil, 38 And she stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears, and to wipe them with the hairs of her head, and she kissed his feet and anointed them with the perfumed oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, "This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what sort of woman this is who touches him: because she is a sinner."

40 But Jesus answering, told him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he said, "Teacher, say it."

41 "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors: one owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay him, he freely forgave them both. So, tell me, which of them will love him more?"

[6:41 A denarii was equal to a day's wages.]

43 Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."

And he told him, "You have judged rightly."

44 Then he turned to the woman, and told Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I entered into your house, you gave me no water for my feet: but she has washed my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 You didn't give me a kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hasn't ceased kissing my feet. 46 You didn't anoint my head with oil: but this woman has anointed my feet with perfumed oil. 47 Therefore I tell you, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; because she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

48 Then he told her, "Your sins are forgiven."

49 And those who were reclining with him at the dinner began to say within themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

50 Then he told the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Luke 8

Many Women Minister to Jesus

1 Now it happened after that, that he was traveling through every city and village, proclaiming and announcing the Good News about God's Kingdom: and the 12 were with him, 2 And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses; Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had gone seven demons, 3 And Joanna, the wife of Herod's household manager Chuza; Susanna; and many others who supported him out of their resources. 

The Allegory of the Sower

4 And a great multitude came together, they came to him from every city, and he spoke to them by an allegory: 5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and were trampled underfoot, and the birds of the heavens devoured it. 6 And some fell on rocky ground; and as soon as it sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorn-bushes; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil, and having sprung up produced a crop, 100 times as much." As he said these things, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them listen intently!"

The Purpose of Allegories

9 And his disciples asked him, saying, "What does this allegory mean?"

10 And he said, "To you it's been given to know the secret things of God's Kingdom: but to the rest I speak in allegories, that,

'Seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.'

The Allegory of the Shower Explained

11 Now the allegory is this: The seed is God's Word. 12 Those along the path are those who hear, then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they won't believe and be saved. 13 And those on the rocky ground are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a little while, but in a time of testing fall away. 14 And those which fell among the thorn-bushes, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and their fruit doesn't mature. 15 But those on the good soil are those, who in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, observe it, and bring forth fruit with perseverance.

The Allegory of the Revealed Light

16 No one lights a lamp and covers it with a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Rather they set it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see by the light. 17 Because nothing is concealed that won't be revealed, and nothing is hidden that won't be made known and brought to light. 18 So listen intently: because whoever has, will be given more; but whoever doesn't have, even what they think they have will be taken from them."

Jesus' Mother and Brothers Come to Him

19 Then his mother and brothers and sisters came to him, but they weren't able to meet with him because of the crowd. 20 And it was reported to him, saying, "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are standing outside, wanting to see you."

21 But he answering, told them, "My mother and my brothers and sisters are those who listen intently to God's Word and do it."

The Wind and Waves Obey Jesus

22 Now it happened on a certain day, that he got into a boat with his disciples. And he told them, "Let's cross over to the other side of the sea." And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed, he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're perishing!"

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and became calm. 25 But he said to them, "Where is your faith?"

And being afraid, they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this? That he even commands the winds and the water, and they obediently listen to him."

A Demon-Possessed Man Delivered

26 And they sailed to the region of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when he got out on the land, a certain man met him from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he dwell in a house, but among the tombs. 28 And when he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice he said, "What have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!" 29 (Because he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him: and he was kept bound with chains and in shackles; but he broke the bands, and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.)

30 Then Jesus asked him, saying, "What is your name?"

And he said, "Legion," because many demons had entered into him. 31 And he pleaded with him that he would not command them to go out into the abyss.

32 Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding there on the mountain: and they pleaded with him that he would permit them to enter into them. And he permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man, and entered into the pigs: and the herd ran violently down a steep cliff into the lake, and drown.

34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and they went and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened; and they came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the demons had gone, sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. 36 Those also who saw it, told them by what means he who had been demon possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude from the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked him to go away from them, because they were gripped with great fear. And he got into the boat and returned.

38 Now the man out of whom the demons had gone pleaded with him that he might remain with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 "Return to your home, and declare what great things God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city all the things that Jesus had done for him..

A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed

40 Now it happened when Jesus had returned, that the multitude welcomed him, because they were all waiting for him. 41 And behold, there came a man whose name was Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and pleaded with him that he would come into his house: 42 Because his daughter was his only child, she was about 12 years old, and she was dying.

But as he went the people thronged him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for 12 years, and she had spent all her living on doctors, but she couldn't be healed by any. 44 She came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment: and instantly her discharge of blood stopped.

45 And Jesus said, "Who touched me?"

When everyone denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes are thronging and press in on you, and you say, 'Who touched me?' "

46 But Jesus said, "Somebody touched me, because I know that power has gone out from me." 47 And when the woman saw that she wasn't hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared to him before all the people for what reason she had touched him, and how she was healed instantly.

48 And he told her, "Daughter, have courage. Your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

49 While he was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter has died. Don't trouble the Teacher."

50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, "Don't be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." 51 And when he came into the house, he allowed no one to go in, except Peter and James and John, and the father and the mother of the girl. 52 And everyone was weeping and mourning for her; but he said, "Don't weep; she isn't dead, but sleeping." 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 

54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called out, saying, "Child, get up." 55 And her spirit came again, and she immediately got up: and he commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished: but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Luke 9

Jesus Sends Out the 12

1 And having called his 12 disciples, he gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them out to proclaim God's Kingdom, and to heal the sick. 3 And he told them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither walking sticks, nor provision bag, nor bread, nor money; nor have two shirts apiece.

4 And whatever house you may enter, stay there, and from there go out. 5 And as many as will not receive you, when you go out from that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them."

6 And they went out, and went through the towns proclaiming the Good News, and healing everywhere.

Herod Seeks to See Jesus

7 Now Herod the governor heard about all that were done by him: and he was perplexed, because it was said by some, that John had risen from the dead; 8 And by others that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had risen. 9 And Herod said, "John I have beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things?" And he sought to see him.

Feeding the 5,000

10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told him all that they had done. Then he took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 And the multitude, when they knew it, followed him: and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about God's Kingdom, and he healed those who needed healing. 12 When the day began to decline, the 12 came and said to him, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and region, and find lodging and get provisions; because we are in a deserted place here."

13 But he told them, "You can give them something to eat."

And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people." 14 Because they were about 5,000 men.

And he told his disciples, "Make them sit down in groups of fifties." 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down.

16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 So they all ate and were filled, and 12 baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

18 Now it happened as he was alone praying, and his disciples were with him: he asked them, saying, "Who do the multitudes say that I am?"

19 And they answered and said, "John the Baptizer, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the ancient prophets has risen."

20 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

Peter answering said, "The Christ God's Anointed."

Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

21 And he warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone; 22 Saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised on the third day."

Take Up the Cross and Follow Him

23 And he told them all, "If anyone wants to come after me, let them deny themself, and take up their cross daily, and follow me. 24 Because whoever wants to save their life will lose it: but whoever loses their life on account of me, the same will save it. 25 Because what will it benefit a person if they gain the whole world, but destroy themself or are lost? 26 Because if anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and the holy messengers. 27 But I tell you truly, There are some standing here, who will not taste of death, until they see God's Kingdom." 

Jesus Transfigured on the Mount

28 Now it happened about eight days after these sayings, that he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And it happened as he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as white as a flash of lightning. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 Who appeared in glory and spoke about his departure which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep; but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him. 33 Now it happened, as they were leaving him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it's good for us to be here; and let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what he was saying.

34 While he was saying these things, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and in those days they didn't tell anyone about the things which they had seen.

A Boy is Healed

37 Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him. 38 And behold, a man from the multitude called out, saying, "Teacher, I plead with you, look upon my son: because he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and it leaves him with great difficulty, bruising him. 40 And I pleaded with your disciples to cast him out; but they couldn't."

41 And Jesus answering said, "O unbelieving and corrupt generation! How much longer must I be with you, and put up with you? Bring your son here." 42 And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

43 And everyone marveled at the magnificence of God.

But while they marveled at all the things which Jesus did, he told his disciples, 44 "Let these words sink down into your ears: because the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into human hands." 45 But they didn't understand this saying, and it was concealed from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Who is the Greatest?

46 Then an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child and set him beside him, 48 And told them, "Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. Because whoever is least among you all will be great."

Jesus Forbids Sectarianism

49 And John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he doesn't follow with us."

50 But Jesus told him, "Don't stop him. Because whoever isn't against us is for us."

A Samaritan Village Rejects the Savior

51 Now it happened, when the days were almost fulfilled for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers before his face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, so that they might prepare for him. 53 But they wouldn't receive him, because his face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did?"

55 But turning, he scolded them, and said, "You don't know of what sort of spirit you are of. 56 Because the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy people's lives but to save them." And they went to another village.

The Cost of Discipleship

57 Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone told him, "Lord, I will follow you wherever you go."

58 And Jesus told him, "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has not where to lay his head."

59 And he said to another, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."

60 But Jesus told him, "Let the dead bury their dead. But you're to go and proclaim God's Kingdom."

61 And another also said, "Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say goodbye to those who are in my house."

62 But Jesus told him, "No one, having put his hand on the plow, and looking back, is fit for God's Kingdom."

Luke 10

The 70 Sent Out

1 Now after these things the Lord also appointed 70 others, and he sent them out two by two ahead of him, into every city and place where he himself was about to come. 2 Therefore he told them, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers out into his harvest. 3 Go! Behold, I'm sending you out like lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Don't carry a money bag, nor provision bag, nor sandals: and greet no one along the road. 5 And into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace upon this house.' 6 And if the son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon it; but if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in that same house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, because the worker is worthy of his wages. Don't move from house to house. 8 And into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat whatever is set before you: 9 And heal the sick there, and tell them, 'God's Kingdom has come near to you.' 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its open square and say, 11 'The very dust from your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that God's Kingdom has come near to you.' 12 But I tell you, that it will be more tolerable on the Day of judgment for Sodom, than for that city. 

Wow to the Impenitent Cities

13 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! Because if the powerful works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have changed their minds long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the Judgment, than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, which are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. 16 Whoever hears you hears me; and whoever despises you despises me; and whoever despises me despises him who sent me."

The 70 Return

17 And the 70 returned again with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us through your name."

18 And he told them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 Behold, I give you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing will by any means harm you. 20 Nevertheless don't rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names have been written in heaven."

Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit

21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit, and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in your sight." 22 And turning to the disciples he said, "All things have been delivered to me by my Father: and no one knows who the Son is, except the Father; and who the Father is, except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wants to reveal him."

23 And having turned to the disciples he privately said, "Supremely blessed are the eyes which see what you see: 24 Because I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

The Allegory of the Good Samaritan

25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"

27 And he answering said, "'You're to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind;' and, ‘your neighbor as yourself.' "

28 And he told him, "You've answered rightly. Do this, and you will live."

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30 And Jesus answering said, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothes, and wounded him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a certain priest was coming down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he came to that place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion, 34 And coming to him, he bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And the next day, when he was leaving, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the innkeeper, and told him, 'Take care of him; and whatever you spend in addition, when I come back, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?"

37 And he said, "The one who had compassion on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Mary Listens While Martha Serves

38 Now it happened as they traveled, that he entered into a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and was listening intently to his word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came to him and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."

41 But Jesus answered and told her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. 42 But only one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 11

How We Are to Pray

1 Now it happened that as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."

2 And he told them, "When you pray, say, 'Our Father in heaven, May your name be honored as holy. May your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.

3 Give us our necessary bread for today.

4 And forgive us of our sins, because we also forgive everyone who owes us. And let us not be brought into a time of testing, but deliver us from the evil one.' "

A Friend Comes at Midnight

5 And he told them, "Suppose one of you had a friend, and you went to him at midnight and said to him, 'Friend, let me borrow three loaves of bread. 6 Because a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, even though he won't get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

9 So I tell you: Keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you; 10 Because everyone who keeps asking will receive, and the one who keeps searching will find, and the one who keeps knocking will have the door opened.

11 And what father among you, if his son asked for bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asked for a fish, would give him a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asked for an egg, would give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

A House Divided Cannot Stand

14 And he was casting out a demon, and it was mute. Now it happened, when the demon had gone out, the mute spoke; and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the chief of the demons!"

16 And others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, told them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against itself falls. 18 If Satan is also divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. 19 But if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, then God's Kingdom has come to you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his possessions are in peace. 22 But when one stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his plunder. 23 Whoever isn't with me is against me, and whoever doesn't gather with me scatters.

An Unclean Spirit Returns

24 When an unclean spirit goes out of a person, he goes through waterless places, seeking rest; and not finding any, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came out.' 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and brings with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they come and dwell there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first."

Keep Focused on the Word

27 Now it happened, while he spoke these things, that a certain woman from the multitude raised her voice and said to him, "Supremely blessed is the womb which bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!"

28 But he said, "More than that, supremely blessed are those who listen intently to God's Word and keep focused on it."

Seeking a Sign

29 And when the multitudes gathered thickly together, he began to say, "This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 30 Because as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the south will rise up in the Judgment with the men of this generation, and will condemn them: because she came from the utmost parts of the earth to listen intently to the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, one greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it: because they changed their minds at the proclamation of Jonah; and, behold, one greater than Jonah is here.

The Lamp of the Body

33 No one, having lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see by the light. 34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35 Therefore watch out that the light in you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light."

Wow to the Pharisees and Lawyers

37 And as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. And having entered, he reclined to eat. 38 And the Pharisee was astonished to see that he didn't first wash before dinner.

39 And the Lord told him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but on the inside you are full of greed and evil. 40 Fools! Didn't he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give compassionately from within; then, behold, everything will be clean for you.

42 But woe to you, Pharisees! Because you tithe a tenth of mint and rue and every vegetable; but you pass over justice and the love of God. These things you should have done, and not dismissed the others. 43 Woe to you, Pharisees! Because you love the first seats in the synagogues and greetings in the market places. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders! Because you are like unmarked graves, and the people who walk over them do not know it."

45 Then one of the experts in the Law answered and said to him, "Teacher, by saying these things you insult us also."

46 And he said, "Woe to you experts in the Law also! Because you load people down with burdens hard to carry, yet you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! Because you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 So you testify that you approve of what your fathers did: because they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore the wisdom of God also says, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and others persecute:' 50 So that the blood of all the prophets which has been shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, 51 From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the temple. Indeed! I tell you, It will be required of this generation.

52 Woe to you experts in the Law! Because you have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves didn't enter in, and those who were entering in you hindered."

53 And as he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to oppose him fiercely, and to interrogate him about many things: 54 Laying in wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Luke 12

Beware of Hypocrisy

1 In the mean time, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered, so that they were stepping on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 But there's nothing covered up, that will not be revealed; nor hidden, that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in darkness will be heard in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Jesus Teaches the Fear of God

4 But my friends, I tell you, Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will show you clearly whom you should fear: Fear him who after he kills, has authority to throw you into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don't be afraid: because you are more valuable than many sparrows.

8 Also I tell you, Whoever acknowledges me before people, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before God's messengers. 9 But whoever denies me before people will be denied before God's messengers.

10 And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven them. But anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, will not be forgiven.

11 And whenever they bring you before assemblies and rulers and authorities, don't worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say: 12 Because the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you should say."

The Allegory of the Rich Fool

13 Then someone from the multitude said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

14 But he told him, "Man, who appoint me a judge or an divider over you?" 15 Then he told them, "Watch out and be on your guard against covetousness, because a person's life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions."

16 Then he spoke an allegory to them, saying, "The land of a certain rich man produced abundantly: 17 And was reasoning within himself, saying, 'What should I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' 18 Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my crops and goods. 19 And I'll say to my soul, "Soul, you've stored up plenty of good things for many years. Take it easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself." ' 20 But God told him, 'Fool! This very night your soul will be demanded back from you: then whose will those things be, which you have provided?'

21 That's how it will be with the one who stores up treasure for themself, but is not rich toward God."

Do Not Worry

22 Then he told is disciples, "Therefore I tell you, Don't worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, because they neither sow nor harvest, which have neither storeroom nor barn; and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 Therefore if you cannot do a very small thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider how the lilies grow. They neither work hard nor spin yarn, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his splendor was not clothed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the garden in the feild, which today is in the field, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? [12:25 Roughly, 18 inches.]

29 And you shouldn't seek what you may eat or what you may drink, and don't be anxious. 30 Because all the nations of the world seek after these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But rather seek God's Kingdom; and all these things will be added to you.

32 Don't be afraid, little flock; because it pleases your Father to give you the Kingdom. 33 Sell what you have, and give compassionately to the poor; make money bags for yourselves which do not grow old, a treasure in heaven which will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 Because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The Faithful and Evil Servant

35 Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36 And you yourselves be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 Supremely blessed are those servants whom their master, when he comes, will find watching. Indeed, I tell you, He will gird himself and have them recline to eat, and will come and serve them. 38 And if he comes in the second watch, or comes in the third watch, and finds them so doing, supremely blessed are those servants.

39 But know this, If the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have kept watch, and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

41 Then Peter said to him, "Lord, are you speaking this allegory to us, or also to everyone?"

42 And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise manager, whom their master will place over his household, to give them their portion of grain at the proper time? 43 Supremely blessed is that servant, whom when his master comes will find them so doing. 44 Truly, I tell you, He will place them over all his possessions.

45 But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 The master of that servant will come on a day which they do not expect him, and at an hour which they do not know, and he will cut them with a whip and appoint them their portion with the unbelievers.

47 And that servant who knew his master's will, and didn't get ready or do according to his will, will be beaten with many lashes. 48 But the one who didn't know, yet committed things deserving of lashes, will be beaten with few. And to everyone to whom much was entrusted, from them much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of them they will ask the more.

Christ Brings Division

49 I have come to throw fire into the earth, and how I wish it were already burning. 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished. 51 Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No indeed, I tell you, but rather disunity. 52 Because from now on there will be five in one household divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father will be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Discern the Time

54 And he also told the multitudes, "When you see a cloud rising from the west, you say at once, 'A thunder storm is coming,' and so it happens. 55 And when the south wind is blowing, you say, 'It's going to be a scorcher!' and it happens. 56 Pretenders! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky and the earth, but why do you not discern this present time?

Make Peace with Your Adversary

57 And why do you not also judge for yourselves what is right? 58 For example, when you go with your opponent in front of a magistrate, try diligently to be reconciled with them on the way there; so that they won't drag you before the judge, and the judge hand you over to an officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, by no means will you get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny."

Luke 13

Change Your Mind or Perish

1 And there were some present at that same time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and told them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 No indeed, I tell you; but unless you change your minds you all will likewise perish. 4 Or those 18, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that these were worse offenders than all the people who dwell in Jerusalem? 5 No indeed, I tell you; but if you don't change your minds you all will likewise perish."

6 He also spoke this allegory: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he told the worker of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and I haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it even deplete the soil?' 8 But he answering said to him, 'Sir, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it and throw in manure to fertilize it. 9 Then if it indeed produces fruit in the coming year, good. But if not, you can cut it down.' "

A Sprint of Infirmity

10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the days of Rest. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity 18 years, and she was bent over and wasn't able to straighten herself up completely. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and told her, "Lady, you're released from your infirmity." 13 And he laid his hands on her: and instantly she was made straight, and she glorified God.

14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Day of Rest, and he told the multitude, "There are six days in which one should work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Day of Rest."

15 The Lord then answered him, and said, "You pretender! Doesn't each of you on the Day of Rest untie your ox or donkey from the feeding trough on the Day of Rest and lead it away to water? 16 So shouldn't this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound, lo, these 18 years! be released from this bondage on the Day of Rest?" 17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced because of all the wonderful things he had done. [Note: Jesus blamed Satan for this woman's infirmity. See Acts 10:38]

The Allegory of the Mustard Seed

18 Then he said, "What is God's Kingdom like? And to what can I compare it? 19 It's like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches."

The Allegory of the Leaven

20 And again he said, "To what can I compare God's Kingdom? 21 It's like yeast which a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour, until it all was leavened."

The Narrow Way

22 And he was going through cities and villages teaching, as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 And someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" And he told them,

24 "Strive to enter through the narrow gate. Because many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able to; 25 When once the master of the house has gotten up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us.' And he will answer and tell you, 'I don't know where you're from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you have taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, 'I tell you, I don't know you, nor where are you from. Get away from me, all you workers of iniquity!' 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in God's Kingdom, and you yourselves thrown out. 29 And they will come from the east, and the west, and from the north, and the south, and will sit down in God's Kingdom. 30 And behold, some who are last will be first, and some who were first will be last.”

31 The same day some Pharisees came and told him, “Go away and leave this place, because Herod wants to kill you!"

32 And he told them, "Go, and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons, and perform complete healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will accomplish my purpose.' 33 Nevertheless I must travel on today, tomorrow, and the next day; because it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.

Jesus Laments over Jerusalem

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to you; how often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. 35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate! And indeed, I tell you, You will not see me again, until the time comes when you says, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' "

Luke 14

A Man with Edema Healed on the Day of Rest

1 Now it happened, when he came into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees to eat bread on a Day of Rest, that they were watching him closely. 2 And behold, there was a certain man before him who had edema (extreme swelling). 3 And Jesus answering spoke to the experts in the Law and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Day of Rest?"

4 But they were silent. And taking hold of him, he healed him, and let him go. 5 Then he answered them, saying, "Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit on the Day of Rest, will not immediately pull him out?" 6 And they weren't able to answer him concerning these things. 

Take the Lowly Place

7 And he spoke an allegory to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the first seats for themselves, telling them, 8 "When you're invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don't sit down in the first seats, lest someone more distinguished than you has been invited by him; 9 And he who invited both of you comes and says to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you're invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may tell you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 Because everyone who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

12 Then he also said to the one who had invited him, "When you prepare a breakfast or a dinner; don't invite your friends, or your brothers and sisters, or your relatives, or your rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But whenever you prepare a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 And you will be supremely blessed; because they don’t have the resources to repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

The Allegory of the Great Banquet

15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Supremely blessed is the one who will eat bread in God's Kingdom." 

16 Then he told him, "A certain man prepared a great banquet, and he invited many, 17 And at dinner time sent his servant to tell those who were invited, 'Come; because everything is ready now.' 18 And they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first told him, 'I've bought a piece of land, and I must go and see it. I ask you, have me excused.' 19 And another said, 'I've bought five team of oxen, and I'm going to test them. I ask you, have me excused.' 20 And another said, 'I've married a wife, and therefore I can’t come.' 21 So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, told his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor, and the maimed, and the lame, and the blind.' 22 And the servant said, 'Master, it's done as you have commanded, and there's still room.' 23 And the master told the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.' 24 Because I tell you that none of those men who were invited will taste of my dinner.' "

To Follow Jesus Requires Complete Commitment

25 And great multitudes were traveling with him. And turning, he told them, 26 "If anyone comes to me, and doesn't hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, they cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever doesn't take up their cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see whether they have enough to finish it? 29 Lest perhaps, after they have laid the foundation, they aren't able to finish it, and everyone who see it begin to ridicule them, 30 Saying, 'This person began to build, and wasn't able to finish.' 31 Or what king, going to engage another king in battle, doesn't first sit down and take counsel, whether he's able with 10,000 to meet him who comes against him with 20,000? 32 But if he isn’t, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks the terms for peace. 33 So likewise, every one of you who doesn't forsake all their possessions cannot be my disciple.

[Note: Sadly, these verses aren't taught in most Churches today. And as a result many people believe they are saved, just because they prayed "The Sinners Prayer." But Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus as Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." So if Jesus isn't LORD of everything in your life, He's not really your Lord at all! For Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens; but the one who does the will of my Father who is in the heavens. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name? And in your name cast out demons? And in your name do many wonderful works?' But then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matthew 7:21-23) Therefore, Paul said, "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Don't you yourselves realize, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified." 2 Corinthians 13:5]