b i b l e i l lu m i n at ed
the book new testament a good investment page 95 all power comes to an end page 193 Questions about marriage page 187 If love gets cold page 260 eyewitness page 80
© Ami Vitale/Panos/Bildbyrån Silver
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The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God’s blessings were upon him.
eight ways to change the world. A photography exhibition on the Millennium Development Goals by Panos Pictures in association with ActionAid, Concern, Interact Worldwide, Panos Institute, Plan International, VSO, and WaterAid.
We know what happens in the world’s poorest countries every year, every day, and every minute. Every year 11 million children die from curable diseases. Every day 800 million people go hungry. Every minute six people die from AIDS. In 2000, the 189 countries in the United Nations promised to deliver eight Millennium Development Goals by 2015. These goals – to end extreme poverty and hunger, reverse the spread of HIV/ AIDS and malaria, and give all children an education – are ambitious. But they are simple and achievable. Let us keep poverty and development at the top of the political agenda so that rich countries will fulfill their promise to increase aid, cancel debt, and make trade fair. We must keep them to their promise. That is why Panos Pictures has invited its award-winning, internationally recognized and highly committed photographers to bring the Millennium Development Goals to life. Each photographer, sponsored by a leading development agency, has produced a set of poignant photographs from the developing world, along with a personal testimony about what the experience meant to him or her. Only world leaders can deliver aid, cancel debt, and make trade fair. But it is ordinary citizens who have brought them to the negotiating table, by standing up and demanding justice.
We want to show that it is only where you happen to be born that determines how long you will live, and whether you will have a home and a job or spend your whole life searching for water and food. Extreme poverty deprives people of everything we take for granted, their health, an education, their hopes, and dreams. As part of the eighth goal, we invite every one of you to do one thing. Every act of witness, every individual pledge each of us makes will create a ripple that will form an unstoppable tide. Together we can change the world.
© Ami Vitale/Panos/Bildbyrån Silver
Mom’s dying. Does anyone care? Half a million women die from pregnancy-related causes every year. That’s one woman every minute. If their lives are to be saved, women need access to care from skilled professionals, including in emergencies. Sometimes, just a dollar to buy soap, some rubber gloves, and other simple items could save a mother’s life.
eight ways to change the world.
Noorjahan gives birth to her first child, Jahis Mohammed. It was a difficult delivery as the baby was born breach and needed oxygen to stay alive. Noorjahan was lucky to be in the district hospital for the birth. Orissa, India.
LUKE Dear Theophilus: Many people have done their best to write a report of the things that have taken place among us. They wrote what we have been told by those who saw these things from the beginning and who proclaimed the message. And so, Your Excellency, because I have carefully studied all these matters from their beginning, I thought it would be good to write an orderly account for you. I do this so that you will know the full truth about everything which you have been taught. The Birth of John the Baptist Is Announced During the time when Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife’s name was Elizabeth; she also belonged to a priestly family. They both lived good lives in God’s sight and obeyed fully all the Lord’s laws and commands. They had no children because Elizabeth could not have any, and she and Zechariah were both very old. One day Zechariah was doing his work as a priest in the Temple, taking his turn in the daily service. According to the custom followed by the priests, he was chosen by lot to burn incense on the altar. So he went into the Temple of the Lord, while the crowd of people outside prayed during the hour when the incense was burned. An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar where the incense was burned. When Zechariah saw him, he was alarmed and felt afraid. But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You are to name him John. How glad and happy you will be, and how happy many others will be when he is born! John will be great in the Lord’s sight. He must not drink any wine or strong drink. From his very birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and he will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go ahead of the Lord, strong and mighty like the prophet Elijah. He will bring fathers and children together again; he will turn disobedient people back to the way of thinking of the righteous; he will get the Lord’s people ready
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for him.” Zechariah said to the an- six months pregnant, even though son. Her neighbors and relatives gel, “How shall I know if this is she is very old. For there is noth- heard how wonderfully good the so? I am an old man, and my wife ing that God cannot do.” “I am the Lord had been to her, and they all is old also.” “I am Gabriel,” the Lord’s servant,” said Mary; “may rejoiced with her. angel answered. “I stand in the it happen to me as you have said.” When the baby was a week old, presence of God, who sent me to And the angel left her. they came to circumcise him, and they were going to name him Zechspeak to you and tell you this good ariah, after his father. But his mothnews. But you have not believed Mary Visits Elizabeth my message, which will come true Soon afterward Mary got ready er said, “No! His name is to be at the right time. Because you have and hurried off to a town in the John.” They said to her, “But you not believed, you will be unable to hill country of Judea. She went don’t have any relative with that speak; you will remain silent until into Zechariah’s house and greeted name!” Then they made signs to the day my promise to you comes Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard his father, asking him what name he true.” In the meantime the people Mary’s greeting, the baby moved would like the boy to have. Zechwere waiting for Zechariah and within her. Elizabeth was filled with ariah asked for a writing pad and wrote, “His name is John.” wondering why he was spendHow surprised they all were! ing such a long time in the “What is this child going to be?” At that moment Zechariah Temple. When he came out, he was able to speak again, and could not speak to them, and he started praising God. The so they knew that he had seen a vision in the Temple. Unable to the Holy Spirit and said in a loud neighbors were all filled with fear, say a word, he made signs to them voice, “You are the most blessed of and the news about these things with his hands. all women, and blessed is the child spread through all the hill country When his period of service in the you will bear! Why should this great of Judea. Everyone who heard of it Temple was over, Zechariah went thing happen to me, that my Lord’s thought about it and asked, “What back home. Some time later his wife mother comes to visit me? For as is this child going to be?” For it was Elizabeth became pregnant and did soon as I heard your greeting, the plain that the Lord’s power was not leave the house for five months. baby within me jumped with glad- upon him. “Now at last the Lord has helped ness. How happy you are to believe me,” she said. “He has taken away that the Lord’s message to you will Zechariah’s Prophecy John’s father Zechariah was filled my public disgrace!” come true!” with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke The Birth of Jesus Is Announced Mary’s Song of Praise God’s message: “Let us praise the Lord, In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s Mary said, the God of Israel! pregnancy God sent the angel Ga- “My heart praises the Lord; He has come to the help of his briel to a town in Galilee named my soul is glad because of God my people and has set them free. Nazareth. He had a message for Savior, for he has remembered me, He has provided for us a mighty a young woman promised in mar- his lowly servant! Savior, a descendant of his servant riage to a man named Joseph, who From now on all people will call David. was a descendant of King David. me happy, because of the great He promised through his holy Her name was Mary. The angel things the Mighty God has done prophets long ago that he would came to her and said, “Peace be for me. save us from our enemies, from the with you! The Lord is with you and His name is holy; power of all those who hate us. has greatly blessed you!” Mary was from one generation to another He said he would show mercy to deeply troubled by the angel’s mes- he shows mercy to those who our ancestors and remember his sage, and she wondered what his honor him. He has stretched out sacred covenant. words meant. The angel said to her, his mighty arm and scattered the With a solemn oath to our ancestor “Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has proud with all their plans. been gracious to you. You will be- He has brought down mighty kings Abraham he promised to rescue us from our enemies and allow us to come pregnant and give birth to a from their thrones, serve him without fear, so that we son, and you will name him Jesus. and lifted up the lowly. might be holy and righteous before He will be great and will be called He has filled the hungry with good him all the days of our life. the Son of the Most High God. The things, and sent the rich away with “You, my child, will be called a Lord God will make him a king, as empty hands. prophet of the Most High God. his ancestor David was, and he will He has kept the promise he made You will go ahead of the Lord to be the king of the descendants of Ja- to our ancestors, and has come to prepare his road for him, to tell his cob forever; his kingdom will nev- the help of his servant Israel. people that they will be saved by er end!” He has remembered to show having their sins forgiven. Mary said to the angel, “I am a mercy to Abraham and to all his Our God is merciful and tender. virgin. How, then, can this be?” The descendants forever!” angel answered, “The Holy Spirit Mary stayed about three months He will cause the bright dawn of will come on you, and God’s power with Elizabeth and then went back salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on all those who live will rest upon you. For this reason home. in the dark shadow of death, the holy child will be called the Son to guide our steps into the path of of God. Remember your relative The Birth of John the Baptist Elizabeth. It is said that she cannot The time came for Elizabeth to have peace.” have children, but she herself is now her baby, and she gave birth to a
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The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel. The Birth of Jesus At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. When this first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria. Everyone, then, went to register himself, each to his own hometown. Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David. He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger – there was no room for them to stay in the inn. The Shepherds and the Angels There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born – Christ the Lord! And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger. When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and
seen; it had been just as the angel had told them.
God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.
John son of Zechariah in the desert. So John went throughout the whole territory of the Jordan River, Jesus Is Named preaching, “Turn away from your A week later, when the time came The Return to Nazareth sins and be baptized, and God will for the baby to be circumcised, he When Joseph and Mary had fin- forgive your sins.” was named Jesus, the name which ished doing all that was required by As it is written in the book of the the angel had given him before he the Law of the Lord, they returned prophet Isaiah: “Someone is shouthad been conceived. to their hometown of Nazareth in ing in the desert: ‘Get the road ready Galilee. The child grew and became for the Lord; make a straight path Jesus Is Presented in the Temple strong; he was full of wisdom, and for him to travel! Every valley must The time came for Joseph and Mary God’s blessings were upon him. be filled up, every hill and mountain to perform the ceremony of purifileveled off. The winding roads must cation, as the Law of Moses com- The Boy Jesus in the Temple be made straight, and the rough manded. So they took the child Every year the parents of Jesus went paths made smooth. The whole to Jerusalem to present him to the to Jerusalem for the Passover Festi- human race will see God’s salvaLord, as it is written in the law of val. When Jesus was twelve years tion!’” Crowds of people came out the Lord: “Every first-born male is old, they went to the festival as usu- to John to be baptized by him. “You to be dedicated to the Lord.” They al. When the festival was over, they snakes!” he said to them. “Who told also went to offer a sacrifice of started back home, but the boy Je- you that you could escape from the a pair of doves or two young pi- sus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents punishment God is about to send? geons, as required by the law of the did not know this; they thought that Do those things that will show that Lord. At that time there was a man he was with the group, so they trav- you have turned from your sins. named Simeon living in Jerusalem. eled a whole day and then started And don’t start saying among yourHe was a good, God-fearing man looking for him among their rela- selves that Abraham is your ancesand was waiting for Isrator. I tell you that God can el to be saved. The Holy take these rocks and make Spirit was with him and “Whoever has two shirts must give one descendants for Abraham! had assured him that to the man who has none, and whoever The ax is ready to cut down he would not die before the trees at the roots; evhas food must share it.” he had seen the Lord’s ery tree that does not bear promised Messiah. Led good fruit will be cut down by the Spirit, Simeon went into the tives and friends. They did not find and thrown in the fire.” The peoTemple. When the parents brought him, so they went back to Jerusa- ple asked him, “What are we to do, the child Jesus into the Temple to lem looking for him. On the third then?” He answered, “Whoever has do for him what the Law required, day they found him in the Temple, two shirts must give one to the man Simeon took the child in his arms sitting with the Jewish teachers, lis- who has none, and whoever has and gave thanks to God: tening to them and asking questions. food must share it.” “Now, Lord, you have kept your All who heard him were amazed at Some tax collectors came to promise, and you may let your his intelligent answers. His parents be baptized, and they asked him, servant go in peace. With my own were astonished when they saw him, “Teacher, what are we to do?” “Don’t eyes I have seen your salvation, and his mother said to him, “Son, collect more than is legal,” he told which you have prepared in the why have you done this to us? Your them. Some soldiers also asked him, presence of all peoples: A light to father and I have been terribly wor- “What about us? What are we to reveal your will to the Gentiles and ried trying to find you.” do?” He said to them, “Don’t take bring glory to your people Israel.” He answered them, “Why did money from anyone by force or acThe child’s father and mother you have to look for me? Didn’t cuse anyone falsely. Be content with were amazed at the things Sime- you know that I had to be in my your pay.” People’s hopes began on said about him. Simeon blessed Father’s house?” But they did not to rise, and they began to wonder them and said to Mary, his moth- understand his answer. So Jesus whether John perhaps might be the er, “This child is chosen by God went back with them to Nazareth, Messiah. So John said to all of them, for the destruction and the salva- where he was obedient to them. His “I baptize you with water, but sometion of many in Israel. He will be mother treasured all these things in one is coming who is much greater a sign from God which many peo- her heart. Jesus grew both in body than I am. I am not good enough ple will speak against and so reveal and in wisdom, gaining favor with even to untie his sandals. He will their secret thoughts. And sorrow, God and people. baptize you with the Holy Spirit and like a sharp sword, will break your fire. He has his winnowing shovel The Preaching of John the Baptist own heart.” with him, to thresh out all the grain There was a very old prophet, a It was the fifteenth year of the rule and gather the wheat into his barn; widow named Anna, daughter of of Emperor Tiberius; Pontius Pi- but he will burn the chaff in a fire Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She late was governor of Judea, Herod that never goes out.” In many differhad been married for only sev- was ruler of Galilee, and his broth- ent ways John preached the Good en years and was now eighty-four er Philip was ruler of the territory News to the people and urged them years old. She never left the Temple; of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysani- to change their ways. But John repday and night she worshiped God, as was ruler of Abilene, and Annas rimanded Governor Herod, because fasting and praying. That very same and Caiaphas were High Priests. At he had married Herodias, his brothhour she arrived and gave thanks to that time the word of God came to er’s wife, and had done many oth-
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er evil things. Then Herod did an even worse thing by putting John in prison. The Baptism of Jesus After all the people had been baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.” The Ancestors of Jesus When Jesus began his work, he was about thirty years old. He was the son, so people thought, of Joseph, who was the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Kenan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. The Temptation of Jesus Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the desert, where he was tempted by the Devil for forty days. In all that time he ate nothing, so that he was hungry when it was over.
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The Devil said to him, “If you are the son of Joseph?” He said to them, God’s Son, order this stone to turn “I am sure that you will quote this into bread.” But Jesus answered, proverb to me, ‘Doctor, heal your“The scripture says, ‘Human beings self.’ You will also tell me to do here cannot live on bread alone.’” Then in my hometown the same things the Devil took him up and showed you heard were done in Caperhim in a second all the kingdoms naum. I tell you this,” Jesus added, of the world. “I will give you all “prophets are never welcomed in this power and all this wealth,” their hometown. Listen to me: it is the Devil told him. “It has all been true that there were many widows handed over to me, and I can give in Israel during the time of Elijah, it to anyone I choose. All this will when there was no rain for three be yours, then, if you worship me.” and a half years and a severe famine Jesus answered, “The scripture says, spread throughout the whole land. ‘Worship the Lord your God and Yet Elijah was not sent to anyone in serve only him!’” Then the Devil Israel, but only to a widow living in took him to Jerusalem and set him Zarephath in the territory of Sidon. on the highest point of the Temple, And there were many people sufand said to him, “If you are God’s fering from a dreaded skin disease Son, throw yourself down from who lived in Israel during the time here. For the scripture says, ‘God of the prophet Elisha; yet not one will order his angels to take good of them was healed, but only Naacare of you.’ It also says, ‘They will man the Syrian.” When the people hold you up with their hands so in the synagogue heard this, they that not even your feet will be hurt were filled with anger. They rose on the stones.’” But Jesus answered, up, dragged Jesus out of town, and “The scripture says, ‘Do not put the took him to the top of the hill on Lord your God to the test.’” When which their town was built. They the Devil finished tempting Jesus in meant to throw him over the cliff, every way, he left him for a while. but he walked through the middle of the crowd and went his way. Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee Then Jesus returned to Galilee, and A Man with an Evil Spirit the power of the Holy Spirit was Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a with him. The news about him town in Galilee, where he taught spread throughout all that territo- the people on the Sabbath. They ry. He taught in the synagogues and were all amazed at the way he was praised by everyone. taught, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue was a man Jesus Is Rejected at Nazareth who had the spirit of an evil demon Then Jesus went to Nazareth, in him; he screamed out in a loud where he had been brought up, and voice, “Ah! What do you want with on the Sabbath he went as usual to us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here the synagogue. He stood up to read to destroy us? I know who you are: the Scriptures and was handed the you are God’s holy messenger!” Jebook of the prophet Isaiah. He un- sus ordered the spirit, “Be quiet rolled the scroll and found the place and come out of the man!” The dewhere it is written, mon threw the man down in front “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, of them and went out of him withbecause he has chosen me to bring out doing him any harm. The peogood news to the poor. ple were all amazed and said to one He has sent me to proclaim liberty another, “What kind of words are these? With authority and powto the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the er this man gives orders to the evil oppressed and announce that the spirits, and they come out!” And time has come when the Lord will the report about Jesus spread evsave his people.” erywhere in that region. Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat Jesus Heals Many People down. All the people in the syna- Jesus left the synagogue and went gogue had their eyes fixed on him, to Simon’s home. Simon’s motheras he said to them, “This passage in-law was sick with a high fever, of scripture has come true today, and they spoke to Jesus about her. as you heard it being read.” They He went and stood at her bedside were all well impressed with him and ordered the fever to leave her. and marveled at the eloquent words The fever left her, and she got up that he spoke. They said, “Isn’t he at once and began to wait on them.
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After sunset all who had friends who were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus; he placed his hands on every one of them and healed them all. Demons also went out from many people, screaming, “You are the Son of God!” Jesus gave the demons an order and would not let them speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. Jesus Preaches in the Synagogues At daybreak Jesus left the town and went off to a lonely place. The people started looking for him, and when they found him, they tried to keep him from leaving. But he said to them, “I must preach the Good News about the Kingdom of God in other towns also, because that is what God sent me to do.” So he preached in the synagogues throughout the country. Jesus Calls the First Disciples One day Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret while the people pushed their way up to him to listen to the word of God. He saw two boats pulled up on the beach; the fishermen had left them and were washing the nets. Jesus got into one of the boats – it belonged to Simon – and asked him to push off a little from the shore. Jesus sat in the boat and taught the crowd. When he finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Push the boat out further to the deep water, and you and your partners let down your nets for a catch.” “Master,” Simon answered, “we worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will let down the nets.” They let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets were about to break. So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats so full of fish that the boats were about to sink. When Simon Peter saw what had happened, he fell on his knees before Jesus and said, “Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man!” He and the others with him were all amazed at the large number of fish they had caught. The same was true of Simon’s partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” They pulled the boats up on the beach, left everything, and followed Jesus.
Jesus Heals a Man “Happy are you who are hungry his office. Jesus said to him, “Fol- The Man with a Paralyzed Hand Once Jesus was in a town where low me.” Levi got up, left every- On another Sabbath Jesus went into now; you will be filled! there was a man who was suffering thing, and followed him. a synagogue and taught. A man was “Happy are you who weep now; from a dreaded skin disease. When Then Levi had a big feast in his there whose right hand was para- you will laugh! he saw Jesus, he threw himself house for Jesus, and among the lyzed. Some teachers of the Law “Happy are you when people hate down and begged him, “Sir, if you guests was a large number of tax and some Pharisees wanted a rea- you, reject you, insult you, and say collectors and other people. Some son to accuse Jesus of doing wrong, that you are evil, all because of the want to, you can make me clean!” Jesus reached out and touched Pharisees and some teachers of the so they watched him closely to see Son of Man! Be glad when that him. “I do want to,” he answered. Law who belonged to their group if he would heal on the Sabbath. But happens and dance for joy, because “Be clean!” At once the disease left complained to Jesus’ disciples. Jesus knew their thoughts and said a great reward is kept for you in the man. Jesus ordered him, “Don’t “Why do you eat and drink with tax to the man, “Stand up and come heaven. For their ancestors did the tell anyone, but go straight to the collectors and other outcasts?” they here to the front.” The man got up very same things to the prophets. priest and let him examine you; asked. Jesus answered them, “Peo- and stood there. Then Jesus said to “But how terrible for you who are then to prove to everyone that you ple who are well do not need a doc- them, “I ask you: What does our rich now; you have had your easy are cured, offer the sacrifice as Mo- tor, but only those who are sick. I Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? life! ses ordered.” But the news about have not come to call respectable To help or to harm? To save some- “How terrible for you who are full Jesus spread all the more wide- people to repent, but outcasts.” one’s life or destroy it?” He looked now; you will go hungry! ly, and crowds of people came to around at them all; then he said to “How terrible for you who laugh hear him and be healed from their The Question about Fasting the man, “Stretch out your hand.” now; you will mourn and weep! diseases. But he would go away to Some people said to Jesus, “The dis- He did so, and his hand became well “How terrible when all people speak lonely places, where he prayed. ciples of John fast frequently and again. They were filled with rage well of you; their ancestors said the offer prayers, and the disciples of and began to discuss among them- very same things about the false Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man prophets. the Pharisees do the same; but your selves what they could do to Jesus. One day when Jesus was teach- disciples eat and drink.” Love for Enemies ing, some Pharisees and teachers Jesus answered, “Do you think Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles of the Law were sitting there who you can make the guests at a wed- At that time Jesus went up a hill “But I tell you who hear me: Love had come from every town in Gali- ding party go without food as long to pray and spent the whole night your enemies, do good to those lee and Judea and from Jerusalem. as the bridegroom is with them? Of there praying to God. When day who hate you, bless those who came, he called his disciples to him curse you, and pray for those who The power of the Lord was present course not! But the day will come for Jesus to heal the sick. Some men when the bridegroom will be tak- and chose twelve of them, whom he mistreat you. If anyone hits you on came carrying a paralyzed man on a en away from them, and then they named apostles: Simon (whom he one cheek, let him hit the other one bed, and they tried to carry him into will fast.” Jesus also told them this named Peter) and his brother An- too; if someone takes your coat, let the house and put him in front of Je- parable: “You don’t tear a him have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks sus. Because of the crowd, however, piece off a new coat to patch you for something, and they could find no way to take him up an old coat. If you do, you “And if you lend only to those from whom you hope to get it back, when someone takes what in. So they carried him up on the will have torn the new coat, roof, made an opening in the tiles, and the piece of new cloth why should you receive a blessing?” is yours, do not ask for it and let him down on his bed into will not match the old. Nor back. Do for others just what the middle of the group in front of do you pour new wine into Jesus. When Jesus saw how much used wineskins, because the new drew; James and John, Philip and you want them to do for you. “If faith they had, he said to the man, wine will burst the skins, the wine Bartholomew, Matthew and Thom- you love only the people who love “Your sins are forgiven, my friend.” will pour out, and the skins will be as, James son of Alphaeus, and Si- you, why should you receive a blessThe teachers of the Law and the ruined. Instead, new wine must be mon (who was called the Patriot), ing? Even sinners love those who Pharisees began to say to them- poured into fresh wineskins! And Judas son of James, and Judas Iscar- love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why selves, “Who is this man who you don’t want new wine after iot, who became the traitor. should you receive a blessing? Even speaks such blasphemy! God is the drinking old wine. ‘The old is betJesus Teaches and Heals sinners do that! And if you lend only one who can forgive sins!” Je- ter,’ you say.” sus knew their thoughts and said When Jesus had come down from only to those from whom you hope the hill with the apostles, he stood to get it back, why should you reto them, “Why do you think such The Question about the Sabbath things? Is it easier to say, ‘Your sins Jesus was walking through some on a level place with a large num- ceive a blessing? Even sinners lend are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up wheat fields on a Sabbath. His dis- ber of his disciples. A large crowd to sinners, to get back the same and walk’? I will prove to you, then, ciples began to pick the heads of of people was there from all over amount! No! Love your enemies that the Son of Man has authority wheat, rub them in their hands, Judea and from Jerusalem and from and do good to them; lend and exon earth to forgive sins.” So he said and eat the grain. Some Pharisees the coast cities of Tyre and Sidon; pect nothing back. You will then to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, asked, “Why are you doing what they had come to hear him and to have a great reward, and you will get up, pick up your bed, and go our Law says you cannot do on the be healed of their diseases. Those be children of the Most High God. who were troubled by evil spir- For he is good to the ungrateful and home!” At once the man got up in Sabbath?” front of them all, took the bed he Jesus answered them, “Haven’t its also came and were healed. All the wicked. Be merciful just as your had been lying on, and went home, you read what David did when the people tried to touch him, for Father is merciful. praising God. They were all com- he and his men were hungry? He power was going out from him and Judging Others pletely amazed! Full of fear, they went into the house of God, took healing them all. “Do not judge others, and God will praised God, saying, “What mar- the bread offered to God, ate it, velous things we have seen today!” and gave it also to his men. Yet it is Happiness and Sorrow not judge you; do not condemn othagainst our Law for anyone except Jesus looked at his disciples and ers, and God will not condemn you; Jesus Calls Levi forgive others, and God will forgive the priests to eat that bread.” And said, After this, Jesus went out and saw a Jesus concluded, “The Son of Man “Happy are you poor; you. Give to others, and God will tax collector named Levi, sitting in is Lord of the Sabbath.” the Kingdom of God is yours! give to you. Indeed, you will receive
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© Chris de Bode/Panos/Bildbyrån Silver
a full measure, a generous helping, to Jesus and begged him earnestly, many people from their sicknesses, Jesus was eating in the Pharisee’s poured into your hands – all that “This man really deserves your help. diseases, and evil spirits, and gave house, so she brought an alabasyou can hold. The measure you use He loves our people and he himself sight to many blind people. He an- ter jar full of perfume and stood for others is the one that God will built a synagogue for us.” swered John’s messengers, “Go behind Jesus, by his feet, crying use for you.” So Jesus went with them. He back and tell John what you have and wetting his feet with her tears. And Jesus told them this parable: was not far from the house when seen and heard: the blind can see, Then she dried his feet with her “One blind man cannot lead anoth- the officer sent friends to tell him, the lame can walk, those who suf- hair, kissed them, and poured the er one; if he does, both will fall into “Sir, don’t trouble yourself. I do not fer from dreaded skin diseases are perfume on them. When the Pharia ditch. No pupils are greater than deserve to have you come into my made clean, the deaf can hear, the see saw this, he said to himself, “If their teacher; but all pupils, when house, neither do I consider my- dead are raised to life, and the this man really were a prophet, he they have completed their training, self worthy to come to you in per- Good News is preached to the poor. would know who this woman is will be like their teacher. “Why do son. Just give the order, and my ser- How happy are those who have no who is touching him; he would you look at the speck in your broth- vant will get well. I, too, am a man doubts about me!” After John’s know what kind of sinful life she er’s eye, but pay no attention to the placed under the authority of supe- messengers had left, Jesus began lives!” Jesus spoke up and said to log in your own eye? How can you rior officers, and I have soldiers un- to speak about him to the crowds: him, “Simon, I have something to say to your brother, ‘Please, brother, der me. I order this one, ‘Go!’ and “When you went out to John in the tell you.” “Yes, Teacher,” he said, let me take that speck out of your he goes; I order that one, ‘Come!’ desert, what did you expect to see? “tell me.” “There were two men eye,’ yet cannot even see the log and he comes; and I order my slave, A blade of grass bending in the who owed money to a moneylendin your own eye? You hypocrite! ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Jesus wind? What did you go out to see? er,” Jesus began. “One owed him First take the log out of your own was surprised when he heard this; A man dressed up in fancy clothes? five hundred silver coins, and the eye, and then you will be able to he turned around and said to the People who dress like that and live other owed him fifty. Neither of see clearly to take the speck out of crowd following him, “I tell you, in luxury are found in palaces! Tell them could pay him back, so he I have never found faith like this, me, what did you go out to see? A canceled the debts of both. Which your brother’s eye. not even in Israel!” The messengers prophet? Yes indeed, but you saw one, then, will love him more?” “I A Tree and Its Fruit went back to the officer’s house and much more than a prophet. For suppose,” answered Simon, “that “A healthy tree does not bear bad found his servant well. John is the one of whom the scrip- it would be the one who was forfruit, nor does a poor tree bear good ture says: ‘God said, I will send my given more.” “You are right,” said fruit. Every tree is known by the Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son messenger ahead of you to open Jesus. Then he turned to the womfruit it bears; you do not pick figs Soon afterward Jesus went to a the way for you.’ I tell you,” Jesus an and said to Simon, “Do you from thorn bushes or gather grapes town named Nain, accompanied by added, “John is greater than any- see this woman? I came into your from bramble bushes. A good per- his disciples and a large crowd. Just one who has ever lived. But the one home, and you gave me no water son brings good out of the treasure as he arrived at the gate of the town, who is least in the Kingdom of God for my feet, but she has washed my of good things in his heart; a bad a funeral procession was coming is greater than John.” feet with her tears and dried them person brings bad out of his trea- out. The dead man was the only All the people heard him; they and with her hair. You did not welsure of bad things. For the mouth son of a woman who was a widow, especially the tax collectors were come me with a kiss, but she has speaks what the heart is full of. and a large crowd from the town the ones who had obeyed God’s not stopped kissing my feet since was with her. When the Lord saw righteous demands and had been I came. You provided no olive oil The Two House Builders her, his heart was filled with pity for baptized by John. But the Pharisees for my head, but she has covered “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ her, and he said to her, “Don’t cry.” and the teachers of the Law rejected my feet with perfume. I tell you, and yet don’t do what I tell you? Then he walked over and touched God’s purpose for themselves and then, the great love she has shown Anyone who comes to me and lis- the coffin, and the men carrying it refused to be baptized by John. Je- proves that her many sins have tens to my words and obeys them – I stopped. Jesus said, “Young man! sus continued, “Now to what can been forgiven. But whoever has will show you what he is like. He Get up, I tell you!” The dead man I compare the people of this day? been forgiven little shows only a is like a man who, in building his sat up and began to talk, and Jesus What are they like? They are like little love.” house, dug deep and laid the foun- gave him back to his mother. They children sitting in the marketplace. Then Jesus said to the woman, dation on rock. The river flooded all were filled with fear and praised One group shouts to the other, ‘We “Your sins are forgiven.” The others over and hit that house but could God. “A great prophet has ap- played wedding music for you, but sitting at the table began to say to not shake it, because it was well peared among us!” they said; “God you wouldn’t dance! We sang fu- themselves, “Who is this, who even built. But anyone who hears my has come to save his people!” This neral songs, but you wouldn’t cry!’ forgives sins?” But Jesus said to the words and does not obey them news about Jesus went out through John the Baptist came, and he fasted woman, “Your faith has saved you; is like a man who built his house all the country and the surround- and drank no wine, and you said, go in peace.” without laying a foundation; when ing territory. ‘He has a demon in him!’ The Son the flood hit that house it fell at of Man came, and he ate and drank, Women Who Accompanied Jesus once – and what a terrible crash The Messengers from John the and you said, ‘Look at this man! Some time later Jesus traveled Baptist He is a glutton and wine drinker, through towns and villages, preachthat was!” When John’s disciples told him a friend of tax collectors and other ing the Good News about the KingJesus Heals a Roman Officer’s about all these things, he called two outcasts!’ God’s wisdom, however, dom of God. The twelve disciples Servant of them and sent them to the Lord is shown to be true by all who ac- went with him, and so did some When Jesus had finished saying to ask him, “Are you the one John cept it.” women who had been healed of all these things to the people, he said was going to come, or should evil spirits and diseases: Mary (who Jesus at the Home of Simon the went to Capernaum. A Roman of- we expect someone else?” was called Magdalene), from whom ficer there had a servant who was When they came to Jesus, they Pharisee seven demons had been driven out; very dear to him; the man was sick said, “John the Baptist sent us to A Pharisee invited Jesus to have din- Joanna, whose husband Chuza was and about to die. When the officer ask if you are the one he said was ner with him, and Jesus went to his an officer in Herod’s court; and Suheard about Jesus, he sent some going to come, or should we expect house and sat down to eat. sanna, and many other women who In that town was a woman who used their own resources to help JeJewish elders to ask him to come someone else?” At that very time Jesus healed lived a sinful life. She heard that sus and his disciples. and heal his servant. They came
eight ways to change the world.
Today, 100 million children in the world are denied the basic right of a primary school education. Without the chance to learn, these children will grow up in poverty with no hope, no ambition, and no future. Children in a classroom at Chimbri school, Ethiopia. March 12, 2006.
Š Chris de Bode/Panos/Bildbyrün Silver
Tayee Halle Micale, 10, wants to be a school principal when he grows up.
Students run to school for the morning lessons, from enthusiasm, not because they are late.
© Chris de Bode/Panos/Bildbyrån Silver
A classroom at Chimbri school, Ethiopia.
Meseker Gacia, 9, wants to be a teacher when she grows up.
Š Chris de Bode/Panos/Bildbyrün Silver
Feleke Shalachewu, 10, wants to become a doctor.
Akilile Halle Mariam, 10, dreams of being a pilot.
The Parable of the Sower People kept coming to Jesus from one town after another; and when a great crowd gathered, Jesus told this parable: “Once there was a man who went out to sow grain. As he scattered the seed in the field, some of it fell along the path, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it up. Some of it fell on rocky ground, and when the plants sprouted, they dried up because the soil had no moisture. Some of the seed fell among thorn bushes, which grew up with the plants and choked them. And some seeds fell in good soil; the plants grew and bore grain, one hundred grains each.” And Jesus concluded, “Listen, then, if you have ears!” The Purpose of the Parables His disciples asked Jesus what this parable meant, and he answered, “The knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of God has been given to you, but to the rest it comes by means of parables, so that they may look but not see, and listen but not understand. Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower “This is what the parable means: the seed is the word of God. The seeds that fell along the path stand for those who hear; but the Devil comes and takes the message away from their hearts in order to keep them from believing and being saved. The seeds that fell on rocky ground stand for those who hear the message and receive it gladly. But it does not sink deep into them; they believe only for a while but when the time of testing comes, they fall away. The seeds that fell among thorn bushes stand for those who hear; but the worries and riches and pleasures of this life crowd in and choke them, and their fruit never ripens. The seeds that fell in good soil stand for those who hear the message and retain it in a good and obedient heart, and they persist until they bear fruit. A Lamp under a Bowl “No one lights a lamp and covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, it is put on the lampstand, so that people will see the light as they come in. “Whatever is hidden away will be brought out into the open, and whatever is covered up will be found and brought to light. “Be careful, then, how you listen;
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because those who have something will be given more, but whoever has nothing will have taken away from them even the little they think they have.”
one denied it, and Peter said, “Master, the people are all around you and crowding in on you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I knew it when power went out of me.” The woman saw that she had Jesus’ Mother and Brothers been found out, so she came tremJesus’ mother and brothers came to bling and threw herself at Jesus’ him, but were unable to join him befeet. There in front of everybody, cause of the crowd. Someone said she told him why she had touched him and how she had been healed at to Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to once. Jesus said to her, “My daughsee you.” Jesus said to them all, “My ter, your faith has made you well. mother and brothers are those who Go in peace.” While Jesus was sayhear the word of God and obey it.” ing this, a messenger came from the official’s house. “Your daughter has Jesus Calms a Storm died,” he told Jairus; “don’t bother One day Jesus got into a boat with the Teacher any longer.” But Jesus his disciples and said to them, “Let heard it and said to Jairus, “Don’t us go across to the other side of the be afraid; only believe, and she will lake.” So they started out. As they be well.” When he arrived at the were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. house, he would not let anySuddenly a strong wind blew one go in with him except Pedown on the lake, and the “No one lights a lamp and covers it ter, John, and James, and the boat began to fill with water, child’s father and mother. Evwith a bowl or puts it under a bed. eryone there was crying and so that they were all in great Instead, it is put on the lampstand, danger. The disciples went to mourning for the child. Jesus so that people will see the light as Jesus and woke him up, saysaid, “Don’t cry; the child is ing, “Master, Master! We are not dead – she is only sleepthey come in.” about to die!” ing!” They all made fun of Jesus got up and gave him, because they knew that an order to the wind and to the the people how the man had been she was dead. But Jesus took her by stormy water; they quieted down, cured. Then all the people from that the hand and called out, “Get up, and there was a great calm. Then territory asked Jesus to go away, be- child!” Her life returned, and she he said to the disciples, “Where is cause they were terribly afraid. So got up at once, and Jesus ordered your faith?” But they were amazed Jesus got into the boat and left. The them to give her something to eat. and afraid, and said to one another, man from whom the demons had Her parents were astounded, but “Who is this man? He gives orders gone out begged Jesus, “Let me go Jesus commanded them not to tell to the winds and waves, and they with you.” But Jesus sent him away, anyone what had happened. obey him!” saying, “Go back home and tell what God has done for you.” The Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Jesus Heals a Man with Demons man went through the town, telling Disciples Jesus and his disciples sailed on over what Jesus had done for him. Jesus called the twelve disciples toto the territory of Gerasa, which is gether and gave them power and across the lake from Galilee. As Je- Jairus’ Daughter and the Woman authority to drive out all demons sus stepped ashore, he was met by Who Touched Jesus’ Cloak and to cure diseases. Then he sent a man from the town who had de- When Jesus returned to the other them out to preach the Kingdom of mons in him. For a long time this side of the lake, the people wel- God and to heal the sick, after sayman had gone without clothes and comed him, because they had all ing to them, “Take nothing with would not stay at home, but spent been waiting for him. Then a man you for the trip: no walking stick, his time in the burial caves. When named Jairus arrived; he was an no beggar’s bag, no food, no money, he saw Jesus, he gave a loud cry, official in the local synagogue. He not even an extra shirt. Wherever threw himself down at his feet, and threw himself down at Jesus’ feet you are welcomed, stay in the same shouted, “Jesus, Son of the Most and begged him to go to his home, house until you leave that town; High God! What do you want with because his only daughter, who was wherever people don’t welcome me? I beg you, don’t punish me!” twelve years old, was dying. you, leave that town and shake the He said this because Jesus had orAs Jesus went along, the people dust off your feet as a warning to dered the evil spirit to go out of him. were crowding him from every side. them.” The disciples left and travMany times it had seized him, and Among them was a woman who eled through all the villages, preacheven though he was kept a prisoner, had suffered from severe bleed- ing the Good News and healing his hands and feet tied with chains, ing for twelve years; she had spent people everywhere. he would break the chains and be all she had on doctors, but no one driven by the demon out into the had been able to cure her. She came Herod’s Confusion desert. up in the crowd behind Jesus and When Herod, the ruler of GaliJesus asked him, “What is your touched the edge of his cloak, and lee, heard about all the things that name?” “My name is ‘Mob,’” he her bleeding stopped at once. Jesus were happening, he was very conanswered – because many demons asked, “Who touched me?” Every- fused, because some people were had gone into him. The demons begged Jesus not to send them into the abyss. There was a large herd of pigs near by, feeding on a hillside. So the demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he let them. They went out of the man and into the pigs. The whole herd rushed down the side of the cliff into the lake and was drowned. The men who had been taking care of the pigs saw what happened, so they ran off and spread the news in the town and among the farms. People went out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were all afraid. Those who had seen it told
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saying that John the Baptist had come back to life. Others were saying that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. Herod said, “I had John’s head cut off; but who is this man I hear these things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus. Jesus Feeds Five Thousand The apostles came back and told Jesus everything they had done. He took them with him, and they went off by themselves to a town named Bethsaida. When the crowds heard about it, they followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed it. When the sun was beginning to set, the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the people away so that they can go to the villages and farms around here and find food and lodging, because this is a lonely place.” But Jesus said to them, “You yourselves give them something to eat.” They answered, “All we have are five loaves and two fish. Do you want us to go and buy food for this whole crowd?” (There were about five thousand men there.) Jesus said to his disciples, “Make the people sit down in groups of about fifty each.” After the disciples had done so, Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, thanked God for them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and had enough, and the disciples took up twelve baskets of what was left over. Peter’s Declaration about Jesus One day when Jesus was praying alone, the disciples came to him. “Who do the crowds say I am?” he asked them. “Some say that you are John the Baptist,” they answered. “Others say that you are Elijah, while others say that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “What about you?” he asked them. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are God’s Messiah.” Jesus Speaks about His Suffering and Death Then Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell this to anyone. He also told them, “The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. He will be put
to death, but three days later he will keeps on hurting him and will hard- When the disciples James and John be raised to life.” ly let him go! I begged your disciples saw this, they said, “Lord, do you And he said to them all, “If you to drive it out, but they couldn’t.” want us to call fire down from want to come with me, you must Jesus answered, “How unbe- heaven to destroy them?” Jesus forget yourself, take up your cross lieving and wrong you people are! turned and rebuked them. Then every day, and follow me. For if you How long must I stay with you? Jesus and his disciples went on to want to save your own life, you will How long do I have to put up with another village. lose it, but if you lose your life for you?” Then he said to the man, my sake, you will save it. Will you “Bring your son here.” As the boy The Would-Be Followers of Jesus gain anything if you win the whole was coming, the demon knocked As they went on their way, a man world but are yourself lost or de- him to the ground and threw him said to Jesus, “I will follow you feated? Of course not! If you are into a fit. Jesus gave a command to wherever you go.” Jesus said to ashamed of me and of my teach- the evil spirit, healed the boy, and him, “Foxes have holes, and birds ing, then the Son of Man will be gave him back to his father. All the have nests, but the Son of Man has ashamed of you when he comes in people were amazed at the mighty no place to lie down and rest.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” his glory and in the glory of the Fa- power of God. But that man said, “Sir, first let me ther and of the holy angels. I assure go back and bury my father.” Jesus you that there are some here who Jesus Speaks Again about His will not die until they have seen the Death answered, “Let the dead bury their Kingdom of God.” The people were still marveling at own dead. You go and proclaim the everything Jesus was doing, when Kingdom of God.” Someone else The Transfiguration he said to his disciples, “Don’t for- said, “I will follow you, sir; but first About a week after he had said these get what I am about to tell you! The let me go and say good-bye to my things, Jesus took Peter, John, and Son of Man is going to be handed family.” Jesus said to him, “Anyone James with him and went up a hill over to the power of human beings.” who starts to plow and then keeps to pray. While he was praying, his But the disciples did not know what looking back is of no use for the face changed its appearance, and this meant. It had been hidden from Kingdom of God.” his clothes became dazzling white. them so that they could not underSuddenly two men were there talk- stand it, and they were afraid to ask Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two ing with him. They were Moses and him about the matter. After this the Lord chose anothElijah, who appeared in heavenly er seventy-two men and sent them glory and talked with Jesus about Who Is the Greatest? out two by two, to go ahead of him the way in which he would soon An argument broke out among the to every town and place where he fulfill God’s purpose by dying in Je- disciples as to which one of them himself was about to go. He said to rusalem. Peter and his companions was the greatest. Jesus knew what them, “There is a large harvest, but were sound asleep, but they woke they were thinking, so he took a few workers to gather it in. Pray to up and saw Jesus’ glory and the child, stood him by his side, and the owner of the harvest that he will two men who were standing with said to them, “Whoever welcomes send out workers to gather in his him. As the men were leaving Je- this child in my name, welcomes harvest. Go! I am sending you like sus, Peter said to him, “Master, how me; and whoever welcomes me, lambs among wolves. Don’t take good it is that we are here! We will also welcomes the one who sent me. a purse or a beggar’s bag or shoes; make three tents, one for you, one For the one who is least among you don’t stop to greet anyone on the for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He all is the greatest.” road. Whenever you go into a house, did not really know what he was first say, ‘Peace be with this house.’ Whoever Is Not against You Is saying.) If someone who is peace-loving lives While he was still speaking, a for You there, let your greeting of peace recloud appeared and covered them John spoke up, “Master, we saw a main on that person; if not, take with its shadow; and the disciples man driving out demons in your back your greeting of peace. Stay in were afraid as the cloud came over name, and we told him to stop, that same house, eating and drinkthem. A voice said from the cloud, because he doesn’t belong to our ing whatever they offer you, for “This is my Son, whom I have cho- group.” “Do not try to stop him,” workers should be given their pay. sen – listen to him!” When the voice Jesus said to him and to the other Don’t move around from one house stopped, there was Jesus all alone. disciples, “because whoever is not to another. Whenever you go into The disciples kept quiet about all against you is for you.” a town and are made welcome, eat this and told no one at that time what is set before you, heal the sick A Samaritan Village Refuses to anything they had seen. in that town, and say to the peoReceive Jesus ple there, ‘The Kingdom of God Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil As the time drew near when Jesus has come near you.’ But whenever Spirit would be taken up to heaven, he you go into a town and are not welThe next day Jesus and the three made up his mind and set out on his comed, go out in the streets and say, disciples went down from the hill, way to Jerusalem. He sent messen- ‘Even the dust from your town that and a large crowd met Jesus. A man gers ahead of him, who went into a sticks to our feet we wipe off against shouted from the crowd, “Teacher! village in Samaria to get everything you. But remember that the KingI beg you, look at my son – my only ready for him. But the people there dom of God has come near you!’ son! A spirit attacks him with a sud- would not receive him, because it I assure you that on the Judgment den shout and throws him into a fit, was clear that he was on his way Day God will show more mercy to so that he foams at the mouth; it to Jerusalem. Sodom than to that town!
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The Unbelieving Towns “How terrible it will be for you, Chorazin! How terrible for you too, Bethsaida! If the miracles which were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, the people there would have long ago sat down, put on sackcloth, and sprinkled ashes on themselves, to show that they had turned from their sins! God will show more mercy on the Judgment Day to Tyre and Sidon than to you. And as for you, Capernaum! Did you want to lift yourself up to heaven? You will be thrown down to hell!” Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” The Return of the Seventy-Two The seventy-two men came back in great joy. “Lord,” they said, “even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name!” Jesus answered them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you. But don’t be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven.” Jesus Rejoices At that time Jesus was filled with joy by the Holy Spirit and said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and learned. Yes, Father, this was how you were pleased to have it happen. “My Father has given me all things. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said to them privately, “How fortunate you are to see the things you see! I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, but they could not, and to hear what you hear, but they did not.” The Parable of the Good Samaritan A teacher of the Law came up and tried to trap Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “What do the Scriptures say? How
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gives him the power to drive them do you interpret them?” The man Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your One day Jesus was praying in a cer- out.” Others wanted to trap Jesus, God with all your heart, with all tain place. When he had finished, so they asked him to perform a miryour soul, with all your strength, one of his disciples said to him, acle to show that God approved and with all your mind’; and ‘Love “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John of him. But Jesus knew what they your neighbor as you love your- taught his disciples.” were thinking, so he said to them, self.’” “You are right,” Jesus re“Any country that divides itself into Jesus said to them, groups which fight each other will plied; “do this and you will live.” “When you pray, say this: But the teacher of the Law wanted ‘Father: not last very long; a family divided to justify himself, so he asked Je- May your holy name be honored; against itself falls apart. So if Sasus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus may your Kingdom come. tan’s kingdom has groups fighting answered, “There was once a man Give us day by day the food we each other, how can it last? You say who was going down from Jeru- need. Forgive us our sins, that I drive out demons because salem to Jericho when robbers at- for we forgive everyone who Beelzebul gives me the power to do tacked him, stripped him, and beat does us wrong. so. If this is how I drive them out, how do your followers drive them him up, leaving him half dead. It so And do not bring us to hard happened that a priest was going testing.’” out? Your own followers prove that down that road; but when he saw And Jesus said to his disciples, you are wrong! No, it is rather by the man, he walked on by on the “Suppose one of you should go to a means of God’s power that I drive other side. In the same way a Lev- friend’s house at midnight and say, out demons, and this proves that ite also came there, went over and ‘Friend, let me borrow three loaves the Kingdom of God has already looked at the man, and then walked of bread. A friend of mine who is come to you. on by on the other side. But a Sa- on a trip has just come to my house, “When a strong man, with all his maritan who was traveling that way and I don’t have any food for him!’ weapons ready, guards his own came upon the man, and when he And suppose your friend should house, all his belongings are safe. saw him, his heart was filled with answer from inside, ‘Don’t both- But when a stronger man attacks pity. He went over to him, poured er me! The door is already locked, him and defeats him, he carries oil and wine on his wounds and and my children and I are in bed. I away all the weapons the owner bandaged them; then he put the can’t get up and give you anything.’ was depending on and divides up man on his own animal and took Well, what then? I tell you that even what he stole. “Anyone who is not him to an inn, where he took care if he will not get up and give you for me is really against me; anyone of him. The next day he took out the bread because you are his friend, who does not help me gather is retwo silver coins and gave them to yet he will get up and give you ev- ally scattering. the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ erything you need because you are he told the innkeeper, ‘and when I not ashamed to keep on asking. The Return of the Evil Spirit come back this way, I will pay you And so I say to you: Ask, and you “When an evil spirit goes out of a whatever else you spend on him.’” will receive; seek, and you will find; person, it travels over dry country And Jesus concluded, looking for a place to rest. “In your opinion, which If it can’t find one, it says one of these three act- “Listen! I have given you authority, so that to itself, ‘I will go back to ed like a neighbor tomy house.’ So it goes back you can walk on snakes and scorpions ward the man attacked and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and finds the house clean by the robbers?” The and all fixed up. Then it and nothing will hurt you.” teacher of the Law angoes out and brings seven swered, “The one who other spirits even worse was kind to him.” Jesus replied, knock, and the door will be opened than itself, and they come and live “You go, then, and do the same.” to you. For those who ask will re- there. So when it is all over, that ceive, and those who seek will find, person is in worse shape than at Jesus Visits Martha and Mary and the door will be opened to the beginning.” As Jesus and his disciples went anyone who knocks. Would any on their way, he came to a village of you who are fathers give your True Happiness where a woman named Martha son a snake when he asks for fish? When Jesus had said this, a woman welcomed him in her home. She Or would you give him a scorpion spoke up from the crowd and said had a sister named Mary, who sat when he asks for an egg? As bad to him, “How happy is the woman down at the feet of the Lord and lis- as you are, you know how to give who bore you and nursed you!” But tened to his teaching. Martha was good things to your children. How Jesus answered, “Rather, how hapupset over all the work she had to much more, then, will the Father in py are those who hear the word of do, so she came and said, “Lord, heaven give the Holy Spirit to those God and obey it!” don’t you care that my sister has left who ask him!” The Demand for a Miracle me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!” The Jesus and Beelzebul As the people crowded around JeLord answered her, “Martha, Mar- Jesus was driving out a demon that sus, he went on to say, “How evil tha! You are worried and troubled could not talk; and when the de- are the people of this day! They ask over so many things, but just one is mon went out, the man began to for a miracle, but none will be given needed. Mary has chosen the right talk. The crowds were amazed, but them except the miracle of Jonah. thing, and it will not be taken away some of the people said, “It is Beel- In the same way that the prophet from her.” zebul, the chief of the demons, who Jonah was a sign for the people of
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Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be a sign for the people of this day. On the Judgment Day the Queen of Sheba will stand up and accuse the people of today, because she traveled all the way from her country to listen to King Solomon’s wise teaching; and there is something here, I tell you, greater than Solomon. On the Judgment Day the people of Nineveh will stand up and accuse you, because they turned from their sins when they heard Jonah preach; and I assure you that there is something here greater than Jonah! The Light of the Body “No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a bowl; instead, it is put on the lampstand, so that people may see the light as they come in. Your eyes are like a lamp for the body. When your eyes are sound, your whole body is full of light; but when your eyes are no good, your whole body will be in darkness. Make certain, then, that the light in you is not darkness. If your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be bright all over, as when a lamp shines on you with its brightness.” Jesus Accuses the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law When Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and sat down to eat. The Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus had not washed before eating. So the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of your cup and plate, but inside you are full of violence and evil. Fools! Did not God, who made the outside, also make the inside? But give what is in your cups and plates to the poor, and everything will be ritually clean for you. “How terrible for you Pharisees! You give to God one tenth of the seasoning herbs, such as mint and rue and all the other herbs, but you neglect justice and love for God. These you should practice, without neglecting the others. “How terrible for you Pharisees! You love the reserved seats in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces. How terrible for you! You are like unmarked graves which people walk on without knowing it.” One of the teachers of the Law said to him, “Teacher, when you say this, you insult us
too!” Jesus answered, “How ter- is forgotten by God. Even the hairs Trust in God rible also for you teachers of the of your head have all been counted. Then Jesus said to the disciples, Law! You put onto people’s backs So do not be afraid; you are worth “And so I tell you not to worry about loads which are hard to carry, but much more than many sparrows! the food you need to stay alive or you yourselves will not stretch out about the clothes you need for your a finger to help them carry those Confessing and Rejecting Christ body. Life is much more imporloads. How terrible for you! You “I assure you that those who declare tant than food, and the body much make fine tombs for the proph- publicly that they belong to me, the more important than clothes. Look ets – the very prophets your ances- Son of Man will do the same for at the crows: they don’t plant seeds tors murdered. You yourselves ad- them before the angels of God. But or gather a harvest; they don’t have mit, then, that you approve of what those who reject me publicly, the storage rooms or barns; God feeds your ancestors did; they them! You are worth so murdered the prophmuch more than birds! “If your whole body is full of light, with no ets, and you build their Can any of you live a bit tombs. For this reason longer by worrying about part of it in darkness, it will be bright all it? If you can’t manage the Wisdom of God over, as when a lamp shines on you with even such a small thing, said, ‘I will send them its brightness.” why worry about the othprophets and messengers; they will kill some er things? Look how the wild flowers grow: of them and persecute others.’ So Son of Man will also reject them the people of this time will be pun- before the angels of God. “Whoev- they don’t work or make clothes ished for the murder of all the er says a word against the Son of for themselves. But I tell you that prophets killed since the creation Man can be forgiven; but whoev- not even King Solomon with all his of the world, from the murder of er says evil things against the Holy wealth had clothes as beautiful as Abel to the murder of Zechariah, Spirit will not be forgiven. “When one of these flowers. It is God who who was killed between the altar they bring you to be tried in the syn- clothes the wild grass – grass that and the Holy Place. Yes, I tell you, agogues or before governors or rul- is here today and gone tomorrow, the people of this time will be pun- ers, do not be worried about how burned up in the oven. Won’t he ished for them all! “How terrible you will defend yourself or what be all the more sure to clothe you? for you teachers of the Law! You you will say. For the Holy Spir- What little faith you have! “So don’t have kept the key that opens the it will teach you at that time what be all upset, always concerned about door to the house of knowledge; you should say.” what you will eat and drink. (For the you yourselves will not go in, and pagans of this world are always conyou stop those who are trying to go The Parable of the Rich Fool cerned about all these things.) Your in!” When Jesus left that place, the A man in the crowd said to Jesus, Father knows that you need these teachers of the Law and the Phari- “Teacher, tell my brother to divide things. Instead, be concerned with sees began to criticize him bitterly with me the property our father left his Kingdom, and he will provide and ask him questions about many us.” Jesus answered him, “Friend, you with these things. things, trying to lay traps for him who gave me the right to judge and catch him saying something or to divide the property between Riches in Heaven wrong. you two?” And he went on to say “Do not be afraid, little flock, for to them all, “Watch out and guard your Father is pleased to give you A Warning against Hypocrisy yourselves from every kind of greed; the Kingdom. Sell all your belongAs thousands of people crowded to- because your true life is not made ings and give the money to the gether, so that they were stepping up of the things you own, no mat- poor. Provide for yourselves purses on each other, Jesus said first to his ter how rich you may be.” Then Je- that don’t wear out, and save your disciples, “Be on guard against the sus told them this parable: “There riches in heaven, where they will yeast of the Pharisees – I mean their was once a rich man who had land never decrease, because no thief hypocrisy. Whatever is covered up which bore good crops. He began can get to them, and no moth can will be uncovered, and every se- to think to himself, ‘I don’t have a destroy them. For your heart will cret will be made known. So then, place to keep all my crops. What always be where your riches are. whatever you have said in the dark can I do? This is what I will do,’ he will be heard in broad daylight, told himself; ‘I will tear down my Watchful Servants and whatever you have whispered barns and build bigger ones, where “Be ready for whatever comes, in private in a closed room will be I will store the grain and all my oth- dressed for action and with your shouted from the housetops. er goods. Then I will say to myself, lamps lit, like servants who are Lucky man! You have all the good waiting for their master to come Whom to Fear things you need for many years. back from a wedding feast. When “I tell you, my friends, do not be Take life easy, eat, drink, and en- he comes and knocks, they will open afraid of those who kill the body joy yourself’ But God said to him, the door for him at once. How hapbut cannot afterward do anything ‘You fool! This very night you will py are those servants whose master worse. I will show you whom to have to give up your life; then who finds them awake and ready when fear: fear God, who, after killing, will get all these things you have he returns! I tell you, he will take has the authority to throw into hell. kept for yourself?’” And Jesus con- off his coat, have them sit down, Believe me, he is the one you must cluded, “This is how it is with those and will wait on them. How hapfear! “Aren’t five sparrows sold for who pile up riches for themselves py they are if he finds them ready, two pennies? Yet not one sparrow but are not rich in God’s sight.” even if he should come at midnight
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or even later! And you can be sure that if the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, he would not let the thief break into his house. And you, too, must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him.”
Understanding the Time Jesus said also to the people, “When you see a cloud coming up in the west, at once you say that it is going to rain – and it does. And when you feel the south wind blowing, you say that it is going to get hot – and it does. Hypocrites! You can look at the earth and the sky and predict the weather; why, then, don’t you know the meaning of this present time?
The Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant Peter said, “Lord, does this parable apply to us, or do you mean it for everyone?” The Lord answered, Settle with Your Opponent “Who, then, is the faithful and wise “Why do you not judge for yourservant? He is the one that his mas- selves the right thing to do? If ter will put in charge, to run the someone brings a lawsuit against household and give the other ser- you and takes you to court, do vants their share of the food at the your best to settle the dispute beproper time. How happy that ser- fore you get to court. If you don’t, vant is if his master finds him doing you will be dragged before the this when he comes home! Indeed, judge, who will hand you over to I tell you, the master will put that the police, and you will be put in servant in charge of all his proper- jail. There you will stay, I tell you, ty. But if that servant says to him- until you pay the last penny of self that his master is taking a long your fine.” time to come back and if he begins to beat the other servants, both Turn from Your Sins or Die the men and the women, and eats At that time some people were there and drinks and gets drunk, then who told Jesus about the Galileans the master will come back one day whom Pilate had killed while they when the servant does not expect were offering sacrifices to God. Jehim and at a time he does not know. sus answered them, “Because those The master will cut him in pieces Galileans were killed in that way, and make him share the fate of the do you think it proves that they disobedient. were worse sinners than all other “The servant who knows what his Galileans? No indeed! And I tell master wants him to do, but does you that if you do not turn from not get himself ready and do it, will your sins, you will all die as they be punished with a heavy whipping. did. What about those eighteen But the servant who does not know people in Siloam who were killed what his master wants, and yet does when the tower fell on them? Do something for which he deserves a you suppose this proves that they whipping, will be punished with a were worse than all the other peolight whipping. Much is required ple living in Jerusalem? No indeed! from the person to whom much is And I tell you that if you do not turn given; much more is required from from your sins, you will all die as the person to whom much more is they did.” given. The Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Jesus the Cause of Division Tree “I came to set the earth on fire, and Then Jesus told them this parable: how I wish it were already kindled! “There was once a man who had I have a baptism to receive, and how a fig tree growing in his vineyard. distressed I am until it is over! Do He went looking for figs on it but you suppose that I came to bring found none. So he said to his garpeace to the world? No, not peace, dener, ‘Look, for three years I have but division. From now on a family been coming here looking for figs of five will be divided, three against on this fig tree, and I haven’t found two and two against three. Fathers any. Cut it down! Why should it go will be against their sons, and sons on using up the soil?’ But the garagainst their fathers; mothers will dener answered, ‘Leave it alone, be against their daughters, and sir, just one more year; I will dig daughters against their mothers; around it and put in some fertilizer. mothers-in-law will be against their Then if the tree bears figs next year, daughters-in-law, and daughters-in- so much the better; if not, then you law against their mothers-in-law.” can have it cut down.’”
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Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on But he will say again, ‘I don’t know the Sabbath where you come from. Get away One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in a from me, all you wicked people!’ synagogue. A woman there had an How you will cry and gnash your evil spirit that had kept her sick for teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, eighteen years; she was bent over and Jacob, and all the prophets in and could not straighten up at all. the Kingdom of God, while you When Jesus saw her, he called out are thrown out! People will come to her, “Woman, you are free from from the east and the west, from the your sickness!” He placed his hands north and the south, and sit down on her, and at once she straightened at the feast in the Kingdom of God. herself up and praised God. Then those who are now last will The official of the synagogue was be first, and those who are now first angry that Jesus had healed on the will be last.” Sabbath, so he spoke up and said to the people, “There are six days Jesus’ Love for Jerusalem in which we should work; so come At that same time some Pharisees during those days and be healed, came to Jesus and said to him, “You but not on the Sabbath!” The Lord must get out of here and go someanswered him, “You hypocrites! where else, because Herod wants Any one of you would untie your to kill you.” Jesus answered them, ox or your donkey from the stall “Go and tell that fox: ‘I am driving and take it out to give it water on out demons and performing cures the Sabbath. Now here is this de- today and tomorrow, and on the scendant of Abraham whom Sa- third day I shall finish my work.’ tan has kept in bonds for eighteen Yet I must be on my way today, toyears; should she not be released morrow, and the next day; it is not on the Sabbath?” His answer made right for a prophet to be killed anyhis enemies ashamed of themselves, where except in Jerusalem. “Jerusawhile the people rejoiced over all lem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophthe wonderful things that he did. ets, you stone the messengers God has sent you! How many times The Parable of the Mustard Seed I wanted to put my arms around Jesus asked, “What is the Kingdom all your people, just as a hen gathof God like? What shall I compare ers her chicks under her wings, but it with? It is like this. A man takes you would not let me! And so your a mustard seed and plants it in his Temple will be abandoned. I assure field. The plant grows and becomes you that you will not see me until a tree, and the birds make their the time comes when you say, ‘God nests in its branches.” bless him who comes in the name of the Lord.’” The Parable of the Yeast Again Jesus asked, “What shall I Jesus Heals a Sick Man compare the Kingdom of God with? One Sabbath Jesus went to eat It is like this. A woman takes some a meal at the home of one of the yeast and mixes it with a bushel leading Pharisees; and people were of flour until the whole batch of watching Jesus closely. A man dough rises.” whose legs and arms were swollen came to Jesus, and Jesus spoke up The Narrow Door and asked the teachers of the Law Jesus went through towns and vil- and the Pharisees, “Does our Law lages, teaching the people and allow healing on the Sabbath or making his way toward Jerusalem. not?” Someone asked him, “Sir, will just But they would not say a thing. a few people be saved?” Jesus an- Jesus took the man, healed him, swered them, “Do your best to go and sent him away. Then he said in through the narrow door; be- to them, “If any one of you had a cause many people will surely try child or an ox that happened to fall to go in but will not be able. The in a well on a Sabbath, would you master of the house will get up and not pull it out at once on the Sabclose the door; then when you stand bath itself” But they were not able outside and begin to knock on the to answer him about this. door and say, ‘Open the door for us, sir!’ he will answer you, ‘I don’t Humility and Hospitality know where you come from!’ Then Jesus noticed how some of the you will answer, ‘We ate and drank guests were choosing the best placwith you; you taught in our town!’ es, so he told this parable to all
of them: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place. It could happen that someone more important than you has been invited, and your host, who invited both of you, would have to come and say to you, ‘Let him have this place.’ Then you would be embarrassed and have to sit in the lowest place. Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that your host will come to you and say, ‘Come on up, my friend, to a better place.’ This will bring you honor in the presence of all the other guests. For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great.” Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors – for they will invite you back, and in this way you will be paid for what you did. When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind; and you will be blessed, because they are not able to pay you back. God will repay you on the day the good people rise from death.” The Parable of the Great Feast When one of the guests sitting at the table heard this, he said to Jesus, “How happy are those who will sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God!” Jesus said to him, “There was once a man who was giving a great feast to which he invited many people. When it was time for the feast, he sent his servant to tell his guests, ‘Come, everything is ready!’ But they all began, one after another, to make excuses. The first one told the servant, ‘I have bought a field and must go and look at it; please accept my apologies.’ Another one said, ‘I have bought five pairs of oxen and am on my way to try them out; please accept my apologies.’ Another one said, ‘I have just gotten married, and for that reason I cannot come.’ The servant went back and told all this to his master. The master was furious and said to his servant, ‘Hurry out to the streets and alleys of the town, and bring back the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ Soon the servant said, ‘Your order has been carried out, sir, but there is room for more.’ So the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the country roads and lanes and make people come in, so that my house will be full. I tell
you all that none of those who were invited will taste my dinner!’”
over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent.
The Cost of Being a Disciple The Lost Coin Once when large crowds of peo- “Or suppose a woman who has ten ple were going along with Jesus, he silver coins loses one of them – what turned and said to them, “Those does she do? She lights a lamp, who come to me cannot be my dis- sweeps her house, and looks careciples unless they love me more fully everywhere until she finds than they love father and mother, it. When she finds it, she calls her wife and children, brothers and sis- friends and neighbors together, and says to them, ‘I am so happy I found ters, and themselves as well. Those who do not carry their own cross the coin I lost. Let us celebrate!’ In and come after me cannot be my the same way, I tell you, the angels disciples. If one of you is planning of God rejoice over one sinner who to build a tower, you sit down first repents.” and figure out what it will cost, to see if you have enough money to The Lost Son finish the job. If you don’t, you will Jesus went on to say, “There was not be able to finish the tower af- once a man who had two sons. The ter laying the foundation; and all younger one said to him, ‘Father, who see what happened will make give me my share of the property fun of you. ‘You began to build but now.’ So the man divided his propcan’t finish the job!’ they will say. If erty between his two sons. After a a king goes out with ten thousand few days the younger son sold his men to fight another king who part of the property and left home comes against him with twenty with the money. He went to a counthousand men, he will sit down first try far away, where he wasted his and decide if he is strong enough money in reckless living. He spent to face that other king. If he isn’t, everything he had. Then a severe he will send messengers to meet the famine spread over that country, other king to ask for terms of peace and he was left without a thing. So while he is still a long way off. In the he went to work for one of the citisame way,” concluded Jesus, “none zens of that country, who sent him of you can be my disciple unless you out to his farm to take care of the give up everything you have. pigs. He wished he could fill himself with the bean pods the pigs ate, but Worthless Salt no one gave him anything to eat. At “Salt is good, but if it loses its salti- last he came to his senses and said, ness, there is no way to make it salty ‘All my father’s hired workers have again. It is no good for the soil or for more than they can eat, and here the manure pile; it is thrown away. I am about to starve! I will get up Listen, then, if you have ears!” and go to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against God and The Lost Sheep against you. I am no longer fit to be One day when many tax collectors called your son; treat me as one of and other outcasts came to listen to your hired workers.” So he got up Jesus, the Pharisees and the teach- and started back to his father. ers of the Law started grumbling, “He was still a long way from “This man welcomes outcasts and home when his father saw him; his even eats with them!” So Jesus told heart was filled with pity, and he ran, them this parable: threw his arms around his son, and “Suppose one of you has a hun- kissed him. ‘Father,’ the son said, ‘I dred sheep and loses one of have sinned against God and against them – what do you do? You leave you. I am no longer fit to be called the other ninety-nine sheep in the your son.’ But the father called to pasture and go looking for the one his servants. ‘Hurry!’ he said. ‘Bring that got lost until you find it. When the best robe and put it on him. Put you find it, you are so happy that a ring on his finger and shoes on his you put it on your shoulders and feet. Then go and get the prize calf carry it back home. Then you call and kill it, and let us celebrate with your friends and neighbors togeth- a feast! For this son of mine was er and say to them, ‘I am so happy dead, but now he is alive; he was I found my lost sheep. Let us cel- lost, but now he has been found.’ ebrate!’ In the same way, I tell you, And so the feasting began. there will be more joy in heaven “In the meantime the older son over one sinner who repents than was out in the field. On his way
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back, when he came close to the house, he heard the music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him, ‘What’s going on?’ ‘Your brother has come back home,’ the servant answered, ‘and your father has killed the prize calf, because he got him back safe and sound.’ The older brother was so angry that he would not go into the house; so his father came out and begged him to come in. But he spoke back to his father, ‘Look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends! But this son of yours wasted all your property on prostitutes, and when he comes back home, you kill the prize calf for him!’ ‘My son,’ the father answered, ‘you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.’” The Shrewd Manager Jesus said to his disciples, “There was once a rich man who had a servant who managed his property. The rich man was told that the manager was wasting his master’s money, so he called him in and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in a complete account of your handling of my property, because you cannot be my manager any longer.’ The servant said to himself, ‘My master is going to dismiss me from my job. What shall I do? I am not strong enough to dig ditches, and I am ashamed to beg. Now I know what I will do! Then when my job is gone, I shall have friends who will welcome me in their homes.’ So he called in all the people who were in debt to his master. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ ‘One hundred barrels of olive oil,’ he answered. ‘Here is your account,’ the manager told him; ‘sit down and write fifty.’ Then he asked another one, ‘And you – how much do you owe?’ ‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he answered. ‘Here is your account,’ the manager told him; ‘write eight hundred.’ As a result the master of this dishonest manager praised him for doing such a shrewd thing; because the people of this world are much more shrewd in handling their affairs than the people who belong to the light.”
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© Adam Hinton/Panos/Bildbyrån Silver
The Guatemalan girls in these photographs are fortunate. They are learning to read and write, and their mothers have hopes and dreams for their future. ”I‘ve learnt from going to school to see things from a different point of view. I feel very lucky. I can face life on my own,” says Jackeline Yumira Rivera Torres, 6. Girls who have been educated can light up the world. We must not leave them in the dark.
eight ways to change the world.
The United Nations’ Millennium Goal of achieving equality in education between boys and girls was originally set for 2005. But in the last five years, very little progress has been made toward achieving this goal. Educated girls are more likely to have their own children immunized, and are less likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases.
© Pep Bonet/Panos/Bildbyrån Silver
© Pep Bonet/Panos/Bildbyrån Silver
“I’m so happy that I’m alive again. I tell everyone that they should not be ashamed to test themselves. I don’t want to live in fear. I don’t want to think about death every day. I want to know for sure that I can take ARV my whole life, even when I’m old and have no money left.” Anthony Mpundu, 40, Kabuta village, Zambia.
eight ways to change the world.
In rich countries, anti-retroviral drug treatments (ARV) can keep people with HIV healthy for many years; in poor countries, where 95 percent of people with HIV live, only a few have access to these drugs. In June, 2005, the Zambian government finally announced that free ARVs would be available through the public sector for all who need them.
this is where you come in...
Only world leaders can tackle injustice on an international scale – they can cancel the poorest countries’ debts, give more aid, and make trade fair. But they won’t do it without pressure from you. In every nation, region, city, town, and village – every single one of us can help to bring about change. That means you. We are not asking you to give us all your money, to wear a hair shirt, or to stop eating ice cream. We ask only that when you leave, you make a pledge to do one thing, just one thing – to help make the world a better and a fairer place. Remember – every action, no matter how small, will create a tide that will help to change the world.
“It’s not kings and generals who make history, but the masses of the people” Nelson Mandela
eight ways to change the world.
And Jesus went on to say, “And so I tell you: make friends for yourselves with worldly wealth, so that when it gives out, you will be welcomed in the eternal home. Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones. If, then, you have not been faithful in handling worldly wealth, how can you be trusted with true wealth? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what belongs to you? “No servant can be the slave of two masters; such a slave will hate one and love the other or will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Some Sayings of Jesus When the Pharisees heard all this, they made fun of Jesus, because they loved money. Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people’s sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God’s sight. “The Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets were in effect up to the time of John the Baptist; since then the Good News about the Kingdom of God is being told, and everyone forces their way in. But it is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest detail of the Law to be done away with. “Any man who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery; and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The Rich Man and Lazarus “There was once a rich man who dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in great luxury every day. There was also a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who used to be brought to the rich man’s door, hoping to eat the bits of food that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the feast in heaven. The rich man died and was buried, and in Hades, where he was in great pain, he looked up and saw Abraham, far away, with Lazarus at his side. So he called out, ‘Father Abraham! Take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and
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cool off my tongue, because I am meal.’ The servant does not deserve in great pain in this fire!’ But Abra- thanks for obeying orders, does he? ham said, ‘Remember, my son, that It is the same with you; when you in your lifetime you were given all have done all you have been told to the good things, while Lazarus got do, say, ‘We are ordinary servants; all the bad things. But now he is en- we have only done our duty.’” joying himself here, while you are in pain. Besides all that, there is a deep Jesus Heals Ten Men pit lying between us, so that those As Jesus made his way to Jerusalem, who want to cross over from here he went along the border between to you cannot do so, nor can any- Samaria and Galilee. He was going one cross over to us from where you into a village when he was met by are.’ The rich man said, ‘Then I beg ten men suffering from a dreaded you, father Abraham, send Lazarus skin disease. They stood at a disto my father’s house, where I have tance and shouted, “Jesus! Master! five brothers. Let him go and warn Have pity on us!” them so that they, at least, will not Jesus saw them and said to them, come to this place of pain.’ Abra- “Go and let the priests examine ham said, ‘Your brothers have Mo- you.” On the way they were made ses and the prophets to warn them; clean. When one of them saw that your brothers should listen to what he was healed, he came back, praisthey say.’ The rich man answered, ing God in a loud voice. He threw ‘That is not enough, father Abra- himself to the ground at Jesus’ feet ham! But if someone were to rise and thanked him. The man was a from death and go to them, then Samaritan. Jesus spoke up, “There they would turn from their sins.’ were ten who were healed; where But Abraham said, ‘If they will not are the other nine? Why is this forlisten to Moses and the prophets, eigner the only one who came back they will not be convinced even if to give thanks to God?” And Jesus someone were to rise from death.’” said to him, “Get up and go; your faith has made you well.” Sin Jesus said to his disciples, “Things The Coming of the Kingdom that make people fall into sin are Some Pharisees asked Jesus when bound to happen, but how terrible the Kingdom of God would come. for the one who makes them hap- His answer was, “The Kingdom pen! It would be better for him if of God does not come in such a a large millstone were tied around way as to be seen. No one will say, his neck and he were thrown into ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’; the sea than for him to cause one because the Kingdom of God is of these little ones to sin. So watch within you.” what you do! “If your brother sins, Then he said to the disciples, “The rebuke him, and if he repents, for- time will come when you will wish give him. If he sins against you sev- you could see one of the days of the en times in one day, and each time Son of Man, but you will not see it. he comes to you saying, ‘I repent,’ There will be those who will say to you must forgive him.” you, ‘Look, over there!’ or, ‘Look, over here!’ But don’t go out looking Faith for it. As the lightning flashes across The apostles said to the Lord, the sky and lights it up from one “Make our faith greater.” The Lord side to the other, so will the Son of answered, “If you had faith as big Man be in his day. But first he must as a mustard seed, you could say to suffer much and be rejected by the this mulberry tree, ‘Pull yourself up people of this day. As it was in the time of Noah so by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!’ and it would obey you. shall it be in the days of the Son of Man. Everybody kept on eating and A Servant’s Duty drinking, and men and women mar“Suppose one of you has a servant ried, up to the very day Noah went who is plowing or looking after the into the boat and the flood came and sheep. When he comes in from the killed them all. It will be as it was field, do you tell him to hurry along in the time of Lot. Everybody kept and eat his meal? Of course not! In- on eating and drinking, buying and stead, you say to him, ‘Get my sup- selling, planting and building. On per ready, then put on your apron the day Lot left Sodom, fire and suland wait on me while I eat and fur rained down from heaven and drink; after that you may have your killed them all. That is how it will
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be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. “On that day someone who is on the roof of a house must not go down into the house to get any belongings; in the same way anyone who is out in the field must not go back to the house. Remember Lot’s wife! Those who try to save their own life will lose it; those who lose their life will save it. On that night, I tell you, there will be two people sleeping in the same bed: one will be taken away, the other will be left behind. Two women will be grinding meal together: one will be taken away, the other will be left behind.” The disciples asked him, “Where, Lord?” Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a dead body, the vultures will gather.” The Parable of the Widow and the Judge Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged. “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. And there was a widow in that same town who kept coming to him and pleading for her rights, saying, ‘Help me against my opponent!’ For a long time the judge refused to act, but at last he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don’t, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out!’” And the Lord continued, “Listen to what that corrupt judge said. Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be slow to help them? I tell you, he will judge in their favor and do it quickly. But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes?” The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Jesus also told this parable to people who were sure of their own goodness and despised everybody else. “Once there were two men who went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, ‘I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there. I fast two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all my income.’
But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, ‘God, have pity on me, a sinner!’ I tell you,” said Jesus, “the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great.” Jesus Blesses Little Children Some people brought their babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. The disciples saw them and scolded them for doing so, but Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” The Rich Man A Jewish leader asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; respect your father and your mother.’” The man replied, “Ever since I was young, I have obeyed all these commandments.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “There is still one more thing you need to do. Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me.” But when the man heard this, he became very sad, because he was very rich. Jesus saw that he was sad and said, “How hard it is for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God! It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” The people who heard him asked, “Who, then, can be saved?” Jesus answered, “What is humanly impossible is possible for God.” Then Peter said, “Look! We have left our homes to follow you.” “Yes,” Jesus said to them, “and I assure you that anyone who leaves home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God will receive much more in this present age and eternal life in the age to come.”
Jesus Speaks a Third Time about His Death Jesus took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, “Listen! We are going to Jerusalem where everything the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will come true. He will be handed over to the Gentiles, who will make fun of him, insult him, and spit on him. They will whip him and kill him, but three days later he will rise to life.” But the disciples did not understand any of these things; the meaning of the words was hidden from them, and they did not know what Jesus was talking about.
back four times as much.” Jesus said to him, “Salvation has come to this house today, for this man, also, is a descendant of Abraham. The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” The Parable of the Gold Coins While the people were listening to this, Jesus continued and told them a parable. He was now almost at Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God was just about to appear. So he said, “There was once a man of high rank who was going to a country far away to be made king, after which he planned to come back home. Before he left, he called his ten servants and gave them each a gold coin and told them, ‘See what you can earn
has ten coins!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘that to those who have something, even more will be given; but those who have nothing, even the little that they have will be taken away from them. Now, as for those enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and kill them in my presence!’”
The Triumphant Approach to Jerusalem After Jesus said this, he went on in front of them toward Jerusalem. As he came near Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead with these instructions: “Go to the village there Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar ahead of you; as you go in, you As Jesus was coming near Jericho, will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it there was a blind man sitting by the here. If someone asks you why road, begging. When he heard you are untying it, tell him that the crowd passing by, he asked, the Master needs it.” “What is this?” “Jesus of Naz- “If you only knew today what is They went on their way and areth is passing by,” they told needed for peace! But now you him. He cried out, “Jesus! Son found everything just as Jecannot see it! of David! Have mercy on me!” sus had told them. As they The people in front scolded were untying the colt, its ownhim and told him to be quiet. But with this while I am gone.’ Now, ers said to them, “Why are you he shouted even more loudly, “Son his own people hated him, and so untying it?” “The Master needs of David! Have mercy on me!” So they sent messengers after him to it,” they answered, and they took Jesus stopped and ordered the blind say, ‘We don’t want this man to be the colt to Jesus. Then they threw man to be brought to him. When he our king.’ their cloaks over the animal and came near, Jesus asked him, “What “The man was made king and helped Jesus get on. As he rode on, do you want me to do for you?” came back. At once he ordered his people spread their cloaks on the “Sir,” he answered, “I want to see servants to appear before him, in road. When he came near Jerusaagain.” Jesus said to him, “Then order to find out how much they lem, at the place where the road see! Your faith has made you well.” had earned. The first one came went down the Mount of Olives, At once he was able to see, and he and said, ‘Sir, I have earned ten the large crowd of his disciples befollowed Jesus, giving thanks to gold coins with the one you gave gan to thank God and praise him in God. When the crowd saw it, they me.’ ‘Well done,’ he said; ‘you are a loud voices for all the great things all praised God. good servant! Since you were faith- that they had seen: “God bless the ful in small matters, I will put you king who comes in the name of the Jesus and Zacchaeus in charge of ten cities.’ The second Lord! Peace in heaven and glory servant came and said, ‘Sir, I have to God!” Then some of the PharJesus went on into Jericho and was passing through. There was a chief earned five gold coins with the one isees in the crowd spoke to Jesus. tax collector there named Zac- you gave me.’ To this one he said, “Teacher,” they said, “command chaeus, who was rich. He was try- ‘You will be in charge of five cities.’ your disciples to be quiet!” Jesus ing to see who Jesus was, but he Another servant came and said, ‘Sir, answered, “I tell you that if they was a little man and could not see here is your gold coin; I kept it hid- keep quiet, the stones themselves Jesus because of the crowd. So he den in a handkerchief. I was afraid will start shouting.” ran ahead of the crowd and climbed of you, because you are a hard man. a sycamore tree to see Jesus, who You take what is not yours and reap Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem was going to pass that way. When what you did not plant.’ He said to He came closer to the city, and Jesus came to that place, he looked him, ‘You bad servant! I will use when he saw it, he wept over it, sayup and said to Zacchaeus, “Hurry your own words to condemn you! ing, “If you only knew today what down, Zacchaeus, because I must You know that I am a hard man, is needed for peace! But now you stay in your house today.” taking what is not mine and reap- cannot see it! The time will come Zacchaeus hurried down and ing what I have not planted. Well, when your enemies will surround welcomed him with great joy. All then, why didn’t you put my mon- you with barricades, blockade you, the people who saw it started ey in the bank? Then I would have and close in on you from every side. grumbling, “This man has gone received it back with interest when They will completely destroy you as a guest to the home of a sinner!” I returned.’ Then he said to those and the people within your walls; Zacchaeus stood up and said to the who were standing there, ‘Take the not a single stone will they leave in Lord, “Listen, sir! I will give half gold coin away from him and give its place, because you did not recmy belongings to the poor, and if it to the servant who has ten coins.’ ognize the time when God came to I have cheated anyone, I will pay But they said to him, ‘Sir, he already save you!”
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Jesus Goes to the Temple So they threw him out of the vine- happened to all seven – they died Jesus Speaks of the Destruction Then Jesus went into the Temple and yard and killed him. without having children. Last of all, of the Temple began to drive out the merchants, “What, then, will the owner of the the woman died. Now, on the day Some of the disciples were talking saying to them, “It is written in the vineyard do to the tenants?” Jesus when the dead rise to life, whose about the Temple, how beautiful Scriptures that God said, ‘My Tem- asked. “He will come and kill those wife will she be? All seven of them it looked with its fine stones and ple will be a house of prayer.’ But men, and turn the vineyard over to had married her.” Jesus answered the gifts offered to God. Jesus said, you have turned it into a hideout other tenants.” When the people them, “The men and women of this “All this you see – the time will come for thieves!” Every day Jesus taught heard this, they said, “Surely not!” age marry, but the men and women when not a single stone here will be in the Temple. The chief priests, the Jesus looked at them and asked, who are worthy to rise from death left in its place; every one will be teachers of the Law, and the lead- “What, then, does this scripture and live in the age to come will not thrown down.” ers of the people wanted to kill him, mean? ‘The stone which the build- then marry. They will be like anbut they could not find a way to do ers rejected as worthless turned out gels and cannot die. They are the Troubles and Persecutions it, because all the people kept lis- to be the most important of all.’ Ev- children of God, because they have “Teacher,” they asked, “when will tening to him, not wanting to miss eryone who falls on that stone will risen from death. this be? And what will happen in a single word. be cut to pieces; and if that stone And Moses clearly proves that order to show that the time has falls on someone, that person will the dead are raised to life. In the come for it to take place?” Jesus The Question about Jesus’ be crushed to dust.” passage about the burning bush said, “Watch out; don’t be fooled. Authority he speaks of the Lord as ‘the God Many men, claiming to speak for of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and me, will come and say, ‘I am he!’ One day when Jesus was in the The Question about Paying Taxes Temple teaching the people and The teachers of the Law and the the God of Jacob.’ He is the God and, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t preaching the Good News, the chief chief priests tried to arrest Jesus on of the living, not of the dead, for follow them. Don’t be afraid when priests and the teachers of the Law, the spot, because they knew that he to him all are alive.” Some of the you hear of wars and revolutions; together with the elders, came and had told this parable against them; teachers of the Law spoke up, “A such things must happen first, but said to him, “Tell us, what right do but they were afraid of the people. good answer, Teacher!” For they they do not mean that the end is you have to do these things? Who So they looked for an opportunity. did not dare ask him any more near.” gave you such right?” They bribed some men to pretend questions. He went on to say, “Countries Jesus answered them, “Now let they were sincere, and they sent will fight each other; kingdoms will me ask you a question. Tell me, did them to trap Jesus with questions, The Question about the Messiah attack one another. There will be John’s right to baptize come from so that they could hand him over Jesus asked them, “How can it be terrible earthquakes, famines, and God or from human beings?” They to the authority and power of the said that the Messiah will be the plagues everywhere; there will be started to argue among themselves, Roman Governor. These spies said descendant of David? For David strange and terrifying things com“What shall we say? If we say, ‘From to Jesus, “Teacher, we know that himself says in the book of Psalms, ing from the sky. Before all these God,’ he will say, ‘Why, then, did what you say and teach is right. ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit here things take place, however, you will you not believe John?’ But if we say, We know that you pay no atten- at my right side until I put your be arrested and persecuted; you will ‘From human beings,’ this whole tion to anyone’s status, but teach enemies as a footstool under your be handed over to be tried in synacrowd here will stone us, because the truth about God’s will for peo- feet.’ David called him ‘Lord’; how, gogues and be put in prison; you they are convinced that John was a ple. Tell us, is it against our Law then, can the Messiah be David’s will be brought before kings and prophet.” So they answered, “We for us to pay taxes to the Roman descendant?” rulers for my sake. This will be don’t know where it came from.” Emperor, or not?” your chance to tell the Good News. And Jesus said to them, “Neither But Jesus saw through their trick Jesus Warns against the Teachers Make up your minds ahead of time will I tell you, then, by what right I and said to them, “Show me a sil- of the Law not to worry about how you will ver coin. Whose face and name As all the people listened to him, defend yourselves, because I will do these things.” are these on it?” “The Emperor’s,” Jesus said to his disciples, “Be on give you such words and wisdom The Parable of the Tenants in the they answered. So Jesus said, “Well, your guard against the teachers of that none of your enemies will be Vineyard then, pay to the Emperor what be- the Law, who like to walk around able to refute or contradict what Then Jesus told the people this par- longs to the Emperor, and pay to in their long robes and love to be you say. You will be handed over by able: “There was once a man who God what belongs to God.” There greeted with respect in the mar- your parents, your brothers, your planted a vineyard, rented it out to before the people they could not ketplace; who choose the reserved relatives, and your friends; and tenants, and then left home for a catch him in a thing, so they kept seats in the synagogues and the some of you will be put to death. long time. When the time came to quiet, amazed at his answer. best places at feasts; who take ad- Everyone will hate you because of gather the grapes, he sent a slave to vantage of widows and rob them of me. But not a single hair from your the tenants to receive from them his The Question about Rising from their homes, and then make a show heads will be lost. Stand firm, and share of the harvest. But the tenants Death of saying long prayers! Their pun- you will save yourselves. beat the slave and sent him back Then some Sadducees, who say ishment will be all the worse!” Jesus Speaks of the Destruction without a thing. So he sent another that people will not rise from death, of Jerusalem slave; but the tenants beat him also, came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, The Widow’s Offering treated him shamefully, and sent Moses wrote this law for us: ‘If a Jesus looked around and saw rich “When you see Jerusalem surroundhim back without a thing. Then man dies and leaves a wife but no people dropping their gifts in the ed by armies, then you will know he sent a third slave; the tenants children, that man’s brother must Temple treasury, and he also saw a that it will soon be destroyed. Then wounded him, too, and threw him marry the widow so that they can very poor widow dropping in two those who are in Judea must run out. Then the owner of the vineyard have children who will be con- little copper coins. He said, “I tell away to the hills; those who are in said, ‘What shall I do? I will send sidered the dead man’s children.’ you that this poor widow put in the city must leave, and those who my own dear son; surely they will Once there were seven brothers; more than all the others. For the are out in the country must not go respect him!’ But when the tenants the oldest got married and died others offered their gifts from what into the city. For those will be ‘The saw him, they said to one another, without having children. Then the they had to spare of their riches; Days of Punishment,’ to make come ‘This is the owner’s son. Let’s kill second one married the woman, but she, poor as she is, gave all she true all that the Scriptures say. How him, and his property will be ours!’ and then the third. The same thing had to live on.” terrible it will be in those days for
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women who are pregnant and for mothers with little babies! Terrible distress will come upon this land, and God’s punishment will fall on this people. Some will be killed by the sword, and others will be taken as prisoners to all countries; and the heathen will trample over Jerusalem until their time is up. The Coming of the Son of Man “There will be strange things happening to the sun, the moon, and the stars. On earth whole countries will be in despair, afraid of the roar of the sea and the raging tides. People will faint from fear as they wait for what is coming over the whole earth, for the powers in space will be driven from their courses. Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in a cloud with great power and glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your salvation is near.” The Lesson of the Fig Tree Then Jesus told them this parable: “Think of the fig tree and all the other trees. When you see their leaves beginning to appear, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that the Kingdom of God is about to come. “Remember that all these things will take place before the people now living have all died. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. The Need to Watch “Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you like a trap. For it will come upon all people everywhere on earth. Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.” Jesus spent those days teaching in the Temple, and when evening came, he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives. Early each morning all the people went to the Temple to listen to him. The Plot against Jesus The time was near for the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were afraid of the people, and so they were try-
ing to find a way of putting Jesus to death secretly. Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples. So Judas went off and spoke with the chief priests and the officers of the Temple guard about how he could betray Jesus to them. They were pleased and offered to pay him money. Judas agreed to it and started looking for a good chance to hand Jesus over to them without the people knowing about it.
The one who betrays me is here at the table with me! The Son of Man will die as God has decided, but how terrible for that man who betrays him!” Then they began to ask among themselves which one of them it could be who was going to do this.
ture which says, ‘He shared the fate of criminals,’ must come true about me, because what was written about me is coming true.” The disciples said, “Look! Here are two swords, Lord!” “That is enough!” he replied.
Jesus Prays on the Mount The Argument about Greatness of Olives An argument broke out among the Jesus left the city and went, as he disciples as to which one of them usually did, to the Mount of Olshould be thought of as the great- ives; and the disciples went with est. Jesus said to them, “The kings him. When he arrived at the place, of the pagans have power over their he said to them, “Pray that you will people, and the rulers claim the title not fall into temptation.” Then he went off from them ‘Friends of the People.’ Jesus Prepares to Eat the Passover But this is not the way it is with about the distance of a stone’s Meal you; rather, the greatest one among throw and knelt down and prayed. The day came during the Festi- you must be like the youngest, and “Father,” he said, “if you will, take val of Unleavened Bread when the the leader must be like the servant. this cup of suffering away from me. lambs for the Passover meal were Who is greater, the one who sits Not my will, however, but your to be killed. Jesus sent Peter and down to eat or the one who serves? will be done.” An angel from heavJohn with these instructions: “Go The one who sits down, of course. en appeared to him and strengthand get the Passover meal ened him. In great anguish ready for us to eat.” he prayed even more fer“Where do you want us “This is my body, which is given for you. vently; his sweat was like to get it ready?” they asked drops of blood falling to Do this in memory of me.” him. He answered, “As the ground. Rising from you go into the city, a man his prayer, he went back to carrying a jar of water will meet But I am among you as one who the disciples and found them asleep, you. Follow him into the house serves. “You have stayed with me worn out by their grief. He said to that he enters, and say to the owner all through my trials; and just as them, “Why are you sleeping? Get of the house: ‘The Teacher says to my Father has given me the right up and pray that you will not fall you, Where is the room where my to rule, so I will give you the same into temptation.” disciples and I will eat the Passover right. You will eat and drink at meal?’ He will show you a large fur- my table in my Kingdom, and you The Arrest of Jesus nished room upstairs, where you will sit on thrones to rule over the Jesus was still speaking when a will get everything ready.” They twelve tribes of Israel. crowd arrived, led by Judas, one went off and found everything just of the twelve disciples. He came up as Jesus had told them, and they Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said, prepared the Passover meal. “Simon, Simon! Listen! Satan has “Judas, is it with a kiss that you bereceived permission to test all of tray the Son of Man?” The Lord’s Supper When the disciples who were you, to separate the good from When the hour came, Jesus took his the bad, as a farmer separates the with Jesus saw what was going to place at the table with the apostles. wheat from the chaff. But I have happen, they asked, “Shall we use He said to them, “I have wanted prayed for you, Simon, that your our swords, Lord?” And one of so much to eat this Passover meal faith will not fail. And when you them struck the High Priest’s slave with you before I suffer! For I tell turn back to me, you must strength- and cut off his right ear. But Jesus you, I will never eat it until it is giv- en your brothers.” Peter answered, said, “Enough of this!” He touched en its full meaning in the Kingdom “Lord, I am ready to go to prison the man’s ear and healed him. Then of God.” with you and to die with you!” “I Jesus said to the chief priests and Then Jesus took a cup, gave tell you, Peter,” Jesus said, “the the officers of the Temple guard thanks to God, and said, “Take rooster will not crow tonight until and the elders who had come there this and share it among yourselves. you have said three times that you to get him, “Did you have to come I tell you that from now on I will do not know me.” with swords and clubs, as though not drink this wine until the KingI were an outlaw? I was with you dom of God comes.” Then he took Purse, Bag, and Sword in the Temple every day, and you a piece of bread, gave thanks to Then Jesus asked his disciples, did not try to arrest me. But this is God, broke it, and gave it to them, “When I sent you out that time with- your hour to act, when the power of saying, “This is my body, which is out purse, bag, or shoes, did you darkness rules.” given for you. Do this in memory lack anything?” “Not a thing,” they of me.” In the same way, he gave answered. “But now,” Jesus said, Peter Denies Jesus them the cup after the supper, say- “whoever has a purse or a bag must They arrested Jesus and took him ing, “This cup is God’s new cove- take it; and whoever does not have away into the house of the High nant sealed with my blood, which a sword must sell his coat and buy Priest; and Peter followed at a disis poured out for you. “But, look! one. For I tell you that the scrip- tance. A fire had been lit in the cen-
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until three o’clock; and the curter of the courtyard, and Peter joined riot among the people all through Jesus Is Crucified those who were sitting around Judea. He began in Galilee and now The soldiers led Jesus away, and as tain hanging in the Temple was it. When one of the servant wom- has come here.” they were going, they met a man torn in two. en saw him sitting there at the fire, from Cyrene named Simon who Jesus cried out in a loud voice, she looked straight at him and said, Jesus before Herod was coming into the city from the “Father! In your hands I place my “This man too was with Jesus!” When Pilate heard this, he asked, country. They seized him, put the spirit!” He said this and died. The But Peter denied it, “Woman, I “Is this man a Galilean?” When he cross on him, and made him carry army officer saw what had hapdon’t even know him!” After a little learned that Jesus was from the re- it behind Jesus. pened, and he praised God, saying, while a man noticed Peter and said, gion ruled by Herod, he sent him A large crowd of people fol- “Certainly he was a good man!” “You are one of them, too!” But Pe- to Herod, who was also in Jerusa- lowed him; among them were When the people who had gathered ter answered, “Man, I am not!” And lem at that time. Herod was very some women who were weeping there to watch the spectacle saw about an hour later another man pleased when he saw Jesus, because and wailing for him. Jesus turned what happened, they all went back insisted strongly, “There isn’t any he had heard about him and had to them and said, “Women of Je- home, beating their breasts in sordoubt that this man was with Je- been wanting to see him for a long rusalem! Don’t cry for me, but for row. All those who knew Jesus persus, because he also is a Galilean!” time. He was hoping to see Jesus yourselves and your children. For sonally, including the women who But Peter answered, “Man, I don’t perform some miracle. So Herod the days are coming when peo- had followed him from Galilee, know what you are talking about!” asked Jesus many questions, but ple will say, ‘How lucky are the stood at a distance to watch. At once, while he was still speaking, Jesus made no answer. The chief women who never had children, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned priests and the teachers of the Law who never bore babies, who nev- The Burial of Jesus around and looked straight at Peter, stepped forward and made strong er nursed them!’ That will be the There was a man named Joseph and Peter remembered that the Lord accusations against Jesus. Herod time when people will say to the from Arimathea, a town in Judea. had said to him, “Before the roost- and his soldiers made fun of Jesus mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the He was a good and honorable man, er crows tonight, you will say three and treated him with contempt; hills, ‘Hide us!’ For if such things who was waiting for the coming of times that you do not know me.” Pe- then they put a fine robe on him as these are done when the wood the Kingdom of God. Although he ter went out and wept bitterly. and sent him back to Pilate. On is green, what will happen when it was a member of the Council, he that very day Herod and Pilate be- is dry?” Two other men, both of had not agreed with their decision Jesus Is Mocked and Beaten came friends; before this they had them criminals, were also led out and action. He went into the presThe men who were guarding Je- been enemies. to be put to death with Jesus. When ence of Pilate and asked for the sus made fun of him and beat him. they came to the place called “The body of Jesus. Then he took the They blindfolded him and asked Jesus Is Sentenced to Death Skull,” they crucified Jesus there, body down, wrapped it in a linen him, “Who hit you? Guess!” And Pilate called together the chief and the two criminals, one on his sheet, and placed it in a tomb which they said many other insulting priests, the leaders, and the people, right and the other on his left. Jesus had been dug out of solid rock and things to him. and said to them, “You brought said, “Forgive them, Father! They which had never been used. It was this man to me and said that he don’t know what they are doing.” Friday, and the Sabbath was about Jesus before the Council was misleading the people. Now, They divided his clothes among to begin. The women who had followed JeWhen day came, the elders, the I have examined him here in your themselves by throwing dice. The chief priests, and the teachers of the presence, and I have not found him people stood there watching while sus from Galilee went with Joseph Law met together, and Jesus was guilty of any of the crimes you ac- the Jewish leaders made fun of him: and saw the tomb and how Jesus’ brought before the Council. “Tell cuse him of. Nor did Herod find “He saved others; let him save him- body was placed in it. Then they us,” they said, “are you the Mes- him guilty, for he sent him back to self if he is the Messiah whom God went back home and prepared the siah?” He answered, “If I tell you, us. There is nothing this man has has chosen!” spices and perfumes for the body. you will not believe me; and if I ask done to deserve death. So I will The soldiers also made fun of On the Sabbath they rested, as the you a question, you will not answer. have him whipped and let him him: they came up to him and of- Law commanded. fered him cheap wine, and said, But from now on the Son of Man go.” will be seated at the right side of AlThe whole crowd cried out, “Kill “Save yourself if you are the king of The Resurrection mighty God.” They all said, “Are him! Set Barabbas free for us!” ( Ba- the Jews!” Above him were writ- Very early on Sunday morning the you, then, the Son of God?” He an- rabbas had been put in prison for ten these words: “This is the King women went to the tomb, carrying swered them, “You say that I am.” a riot that had taken place in the of the Jews.” One of the criminals the spices they had prepared. They And they said, “We don’t need any city, and for murder.) Pilate wanted hanging there hurled insults at him: found the stone rolled away from witnesses! We ourselves have heard to set Jesus free, so he appealed to “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save your- the entrance to the tomb, so they what he said!” the crowd again. But they shouted self and us!” The other one, how- went in; but they did not find the back, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” ever, rebuked him, saying, “Don’t body of the Lord Jesus. They stood Jesus before Pilate Pilate said to them the third time, you fear God? You received the there puzzled about this, when The whole group rose up and took “But what crime has he committed? same sentence he did. Ours, how- suddenly two men in bright shinJesus before Pilate, where they be- I cannot find anything he has done ever, is only right, because we are ing clothes stood by them. Full of gan to accuse him: “We caught this to deserve death! I will have him getting what we deserve for what fear, the women bowed down to man misleading our people, telling whipped and set him free.” we did; but he has done no wrong.” the ground, as the men said to them, them not to pay taxes to the EmBut they kept on shouting at the And he said to Jesus, “Remember “Why are you looking among the peror and claiming that he him- top of their voices that Jesus should me, Jesus, when you come as King!” dead for one who is alive? self is the Messiah, a king.” Pilate be crucified, and finally their shout- Jesus said to him, “I promise you He is not here; he has been raised. asked him, “Are you the king of ing succeeded. So Pilate passed the that today you will be in Paradise Remember what he said to you the Jews?” “So you say,” answered sentence on Jesus that they were with me.” while he was in Galilee: ‘The Son Jesus. Then Pilate said to the chief asking for. He set free the man they of Man must be handed over to sinpriests and the crowds, “I find no wanted, the one who had been put The Death of Jesus ners, be crucified, and three days reason to condemn this man.” But in prison for riot and murder, and It was about twelve o’clock when later rise to life.’” Then the womthey insisted even more strongly, he handed Jesus over for them to do the sun stopped shining and dark- en remembered his words, returned “With his teaching he is starting a as they wished. ness covered the whole country from the tomb, and told all these
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things to the eleven disciples and all the rest. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; they and the other women with them told these things to the apostles. But the apostles thought that what the women said was nonsense, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; he bent down and saw the grave cloths but nothing else. Then he went back home amazed at what had happened. The Walk to Emmaus On that same day two of Jesus’ followers were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. As they talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them; they saw him, but somehow did not recognize him. Jesus said to them, “What are you talking about to each other, as you walk along?” They stood still, with sad faces. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have been happening there these last few days?” “What things?” he asked. “The things that happened to Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet and was considered
by God and by all the people to be bread and gave it to them. Then powerful in everything he said and their eyes were opened and they did. Our chief priests and rulers recognized him, but he disappeared handed him over to be sentenced from their sight. They said to each to death, and he was crucified. And other, “Wasn’t it like a fire burning we had hoped that he would be the in us when he talked to us on the one who was going to set Israel free! road and explained the Scriptures Besides all that, this is now the third to us?” They got up at once and day since it happened. Some of the went back to Jerusalem, where they women of our group surprised us; found the eleven disciples gathered they went at dawn to the tomb, but together with the others and saying, could not find his body. They came “The Lord is risen indeed! He has back saying they had seen a vision appeared to Simon!” The two then explained to them what had hapof angels who told them that he is alive. Some of our group went to pened on the road, and how they the tomb and found it exactly as had recognized the Lord when he the women had said, but they did broke the bread. not see him.” Then Jesus said to them, “How Jesus Appears to His Disciples foolish you are, how slow you are While the two were telling them to believe everything the prophets this, suddenly the Lord himself said! Was it not necessary for the stood among them and said to Messiah to suffer these things and them, “Peace be with you.” They then to enter his glory?” And Jesus were terrified, thinking that they explained to them what was said were seeing a ghost. But he said to about himself in all the Scriptures, them, “Why are you alarmed? Why beginning with the books of Moses are these doubts coming up in your and the writings of all the proph- minds? Look at my hands and my ets. As they came near the village feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel to which they were going, Jesus act- me, and you will know, for a ghost ed as if he were going farther; but doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you they held him back, saying, “Stay can see I have.” with us; the day is almost over and He said this and showed them it is getting dark.” So he went in his hands and his feet. They still to stay with them. He sat down to could not believe, they were so full eat with them, took the bread, and of joy and wonder; so he asked said the blessing; then he broke the them, “Do you have anything here
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to eat?” They gave him a piece of cooked fish, which he took and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later, and in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you.” Jesus Is Taken Up to Heaven Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven. They worshiped him and went back into Jerusalem, filled with great joy, and spent all their time in the Temple giving thanks to God.
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