22:1 And seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up into the mountain: and when he sat down as teachers were wont to do, his disciples all came to him. 2 He lifted up his eyes on his disciples as the objects of his delivery, and he opened up his mouth and taught them, saying,

3 “Fortunate are those religiously destitute, morally bankrupt, totally broken individuals who are, with a sincere and contrite heart, humbly submissive to the Spirit; for heaven’s kingdom is now theirs alone.

4 “Fortunate are those continually mourning and grieving over their inherent, persistent, personal sinfulness; for they alone shall be now continuously comforted with forgiveness.

5 “Fortunate are those willingly and trustingly submitting themselves to divine taming, resulting in a quiet, dependent, personal strength which is under divine control; for, being thus brought to meekness, they alone shall receive an allotted portion of the earth.

6 “Fortunate are those continually hungering and thirsting with an urgent, intense desperation after the necessity of positional — even practical righteousness; for their continuous, longing desire shall be fully satisfied with a resultant salvation and progressive sanctification.

7 “Fortunate are the sympathetically and compassionately merciful who without vengeful retaliation lovingly relent in administering to others what they richly deserve; for they shall in the same way likewise receive mercy.

8 “Fortunate are those alone who obtain God’s standard of righteousness through internal regeneration resulting in a clean and purified heart; for they themselves shall be continually admitted to behold God.

9 “Fortunate are those who make peace with God through an aggressive confrontation and resolution of the issue of their sin, resulting in reconciliation with God; for, being born again from above, they alone shall have the privilege of being called the sons of God.

10 “Fortunate are those who have willingly allowed themselves to continually suffer persecution on account of their commitment to the godly virtue of righteousness; for heaven’s kingdom is now theirs alone.

11 “Yea fortunate are you whenever men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and may be saying every malignant accusation against you, speaking falsely, deceitfully and lying about you on account of me; 12 be rejoicing and celebrate, for your reward in the heavens is great; for so men persecuted the prophets who preceded you.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. Salt seasons, preserves, makes men thirsty, and burns in the open wounds of sin. 14 If the salt is rendered insipid, by what will the earth be influenced? 15 Insipid salt is good for nothing but to be tossed out into the street, and to be trampled under foot by men.

16 “You are the light of the world; a city situated on a mountain is not able to be hidden; nor do men light up a lamp and place it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all those in the house. 17 So in this way let your light shine in the presence of men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in the heavens.

18 “Do not think that I came to abrogate the Law or the Prophets. 19 I came not to abrogate them, but to fulfill them for each and every one of you; for truly I say to you all, until the heavens and the earth pass away, in no way shall one point or one iota disappear from that Law that hangs over your head until all its requirements can be satisfied for you. 20 Whoever then may infringe the smallest one of these following injunctions that I am about to give, and may teach men to do so, he shall be regarded as least in heaven’s kingdom; 21 but whoever executes and may teach them, this one be shall be designated great in heaven’s kingdom.

22 “Also I say to you all, that if your virtuous rectitude is not more excellent than that of the meticulous, Law-keeping scribes and Pharisees, you can in no way enter into heaven’s kingdom. Therefore, I myself, in fulfilling the Law’s requirements for you, am your virtuous rectitude excelling all that of the scribes and Pharisees.

23 “You heard that it was commanded to the ancients: ‘Do not commit murder,’ and, ‘Whoever may commit murder, shall be answerable to the court of justice.’ 24 But I say to you all, that each of you who is hateful toward his brother in his heart, or angry without due cause, shall be answerable to the court of justice, 25 and whoever overtly says to his brother with resultant contempt, ‘stupid idiot,’ shall be answerable to the local assembly, 26 and whoever in loveless wickedness says to his brother, ‘you moron,’ shall be put on the shelf — out of service; for covert sin generally results in overt sin, even as a mental attitude of hatred begets murder. The heart covertly motivated by love will not allow overt acts of sin to occur.

27 “If, then, you may be offering your gift on the altar, and there perchance remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; 28 first be reconciled to your brother, and then, returning, be offering your gift to God.

29 “Be cordial, not hostile, with your lawsuit opponent — immediately — even while you yet accompany him to the entrance of the court, lest perchance the lawsuit opponent deliver you up to the judge, and the judge deliver you up to the officer, and you be thrown into debtor prison. 30 Truly I say to you, you may in no way come out from there until you pay the very last coin.

31 “You heard that it was commanded to the ancients: ‘Commit not adultery.’ 32 But I say to you all, that each one casting a leering, ogling look upon a (married) woman so as to lust after her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 33 So if your dominant right eye is continually causing you to falter and err, excise the same and throw it from you; 34 for it is more expedient for you that you might be deprived of one part of your body, and that your entire body be not rendered useless and cast off into the burning refuse heap. 35 And if peradventure your dominant right hand is continually causing you to falter and err, amputate the same and throw it from you; 36 for it is more expedient for you that you might be deprived of one part of your body, and that your entire body be not rendered useless and cast off into the burning refuse heap. Take extreme measures in avoiding sin, and guard your heart against its assaults. Covert mental attitude sins issue in overt acts of sin, rendering one unfit for service.

37 “And you heard that it was commanded to the ancients: ‘Whoever may divorce his wife, he is to give her a deed of divorce.’ 38 But I say to you all, that whoever divorces his wife except for/apart from a plea/matter of adulterous fornication, causes her to commit/be guilty of adultery/fornication; 39 and whoever the divorced one may marry is committing and therefore guilty of adultery. Stop dealing treacherously with your wives.

23:1 “Again, you heard that it was commanded to the ancients: ‘You shall not fail to observe your vows, but you will discharge your vows to the Lord.’ 2 But I say to you all, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God; neither by the earth, because it is footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King. 3 Neither should you swear by your head, because you are not intrinsically able to make one hair black or white. 4 But let your word simply be ‘Yes, yes;’ or ‘No, no;’ for the excess over and above of these is out of the tendency of man toward evil. Be a man of your word.

5 “You heard that it was commanded to the ancients: ‘An eye in retribution for an eye,’ and, ‘A tooth in retribution for a tooth.’ 6 But I say to you all, do not set yourself in opposition to the evil of man, but to whosoever will be back-handing you upon your right cheek, turn to him also the other; 7 and to the one intending to sue you for to seize your vest, surrender to him also the jacket. 8 And whosoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two. 9 Give to the one asking of you, and do not turn away empty the one wanting to borrow from you. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

10 “You heard that it was commanded to the ancients: ‘You shall value, esteem, be faithful towards, and manifest genuine concern for your friendly neighbor,’ and, ‘You shall regard your enemy with hatred and ill-will.’ 11 But I say to you all, be continually seeking the highest good of, and selflessly caring for, your enemies — valuing, esteeming and manifesting genuine concern for them, and being faithful towards them. 12 Always be invoking a blessing upon, and be speaking well of, those wishing and imprecating evil upon you. 13 Practice conferring benefits and doing good to those hating you with ill-will. 14 And be offering prayer in behalf of those harassing and insulting you, and in behalf of those persecuting you, in order that you can be mature offspring of your Father in the heavens: 15 because he himself causes his sun to rise upon both the evil and the good, and sends rain upon both the just and the unjust. 16 And if you perchance lovingly care for those who are lovingly caring for you, what reward do you now have? Do not even the publicans/tax collectors practice the same? 17 And if you perchance treat with affection your brothers only, what do you do that is extraordinary? Do not even the publicans do so? 18 You be perfect, mature and without shortfall, then, even as your Father in the heavens is himself perfect, mature and without shortfall; for God himself is the standard by which you are to measure yourselves. When you learn that by yourselves you can never measure up, then you are to come to me for to attain that right standing with God you all are in need of.

24:1 “Take care and guard against approbation lust, being aware not to perform your merciful, compassionate almsgiving in front of men in order to be seen by them. 2 Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in the heavens, who shares his glory with no one. 3 Therefore, whenever you might be executing, and thus manifesting, merciful, compassionate almsgiving, you should not sound a trumpet before you in order to announce it, 4 just like the hypocritical religious counterfeits are constantly doing in their assemblies and congregations and streets, so that they might be magnified in receiving recognition from men. 5 In truth I say to you, they are currently enjoying the reward they seek in full. 6 But you, in practicing merciful, compassionate almsgiving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 7 so that your compassionate kindnesses and mercies may remain concealed in the realm of secrecy, and your Father, seeing in the realm of secrecy, will himself repay you in the realm of openness.

8 “And whenever you may be offering prayer, you shall not be just like the religiously hypocritical counterfeits, 9 because they are accustomed/prone/inclined to offer prayer standing in their assemblies and congregations, and on the projecting corners of their broad streets, hoping that they might show/be visible to the people. 10 In truth, I say to you that they are currently enjoying the reward they seek in full. 11 But you, whenever you may be offering prayer, enter into your private room, and shutting your door, pray to your Father in the realm of secrecy; 12 and your Father, who shares his glory with no one, seeing in the realm of secrecy, will himself repay you in the realm of openness.

13 “Also, when praying, you may not babble, using vain repetition just like the heathen seeking to impress God; for they think/imagine/suppose/presume that in their loquaciousness their petitions will be accepted. 14 Therefore, do not be like them; for your Father knows absolutely what things you need/require/want before you have to ask him.

15 “So then, you be praying: ‘Our Father in the heavens: your Name be consecrated/sanctified and reverenced as holy. 16 Your kingdom come, your will, purpose, design and sovereign pleasure be done, fulfilled and satisfied, like as in heaven, so also over the inhabitants of the earth. 17 Give to us this day sufficient daily bread for tomorrow, our necessities for life, and maintenance for the coming day. 18 And pardon, pass over and forgive us our delinquencies, offenses, faults, failures and sins, as we are also pardoning, overlooking and forgiving delinquents, offenders, and those who fail us in duty. 19 And please lead us not into trial, testing, calamity and affliction, where a solicitation to do evil or a temptation to do wrong may occur, but save, deliver, rescue, even drag us out of bad, wrong, and evil; 20 for the kingdom, and the power, and the glory is yours on to the ages. Amen.’ 21 Therefore, if you pass over, pardon and forgive people their trespasses, offences, transgressions, faults, oversights and ineptitudes, your heavenly Father will pass over, pardon and forgive you yours also. 22 But if you do not pass over, pardon and forgive men their trespasses, offences, transgressions, faults, oversights and ineptitudes, neither will your Father pass over, pardon and forgive your trespasses, offences, transgressions, faults, oversights and ineptitudes.

23 “And whenever you may be fasting, do not assume that character and appearance — a stern, morose, sour, gloomy, and dejected countenance — like as the religiously hypocritical counterfeits suffering from the mental attitude sin of approbation lust do; 24 for they are deforming and disfiguring their faces so as that they might show or be visible to the people to be fasting. 25 In truth, I say to you that they are currently enjoying the reward they seek in full. 26 But when you are fasting, groom your head, and wash your face, so as not to appear to people to be fasting, but to your Father in the realm of secrecy; 27 and your Father, who shares his glory with no one, seeing in the realm of secrecy, will recompense/repay you in the realm of openness.

25:1 “Do not be amassing, collecting or gathering up treasures for yourself upon the earth, where moth and corrosion are consuming, and where thieves are breaking in and stealing. 2 But be laying up/storing precious deposits for yourself in heaven, where neither moth nor corrosion are consuming, and where thieves are not breaking in nor stealing; 3 for where your treasury is, there will your heart be also. 4 It is better and more profitable to be giving than to be receiving.

5 “The intellectually perceptive eye is the light of the body. If then your intellectually perceptive eye is functional, and dedicated to what is right, your entire body will be illuminated and enlightened, and as a result become a light to the world. 6 But if your intellectually perceptive eye is dysfunctional, and dedicated to what is wrong, your entire body will become darkened with evil, and as a result become darkness to the world. 7 If then the light in you is moral and spiritual darkness, how great that darkness is! You become what you look to: if a man habitually takes in truth and good he will become fit for use by God; but if he pursues a steady diet of smut and filth he will be a lascivious reprobate, unfit for anything.”

8 “Choose your god. No one is able to slave for two lords, and a slave cannot have two masters; for either he will care less for the first one, and be devoted to the other; or he will exercise a zealous care for the first one, and the other he will slight and neglect. 9 You are not able at the same time to be a slave to both God and Money. 10 Therefore, with a view to this I say to you, do not be concerned for your life, what you might eat, and what you might drink — nor for your body, what you might put on. 11 Is not living more than its maintenance, and the body more than a garment? 12 Look attentively to the birds of the air, for they are not sowing, nor are they reaping, and they are not collecting substance into a storehouse; yet your heavenly Father is providing for them all; for he is a thoughtful, good and reliable slave-owner. 13 Are you not highly superior to them? 14 And who among you by expending careful thought and worrying and obsessing is presently able to adjoin or add onto the duration of his life one span of time? 15 And concerning clothing: why are you anxious and worrying? 16 Contemplate, thoroughly observe, diligently learn of, and consider accurately, the lilies of the cultivated field — how they are growing: 17 they are not spent, fainting and wearied with toil and labor, nor are they spinning cloth for garments. 18 And I say to you that not even Solomon, in all his glory and majesty, was clothed as one of these. 19 But if the verdure/lush herbage of the cultivated field God is so clothing, exists today, and is being put into an oven tomorrow, are you not much greater in degree, you whose faith is scant and weak? 20 Therefore try not to be anxious or solicitous or obsessing, saying, “What can we eat?” or, “What are we going to drink?” or, “What may we be clothed with?” 21 Because the multitudes are continually seeking all these things with anxiety and concern, and your responsible heavenly Father knows absolutely everything that you are continually needing and wanting. 22 But first, before all other things, be seeking and striving for God’s kingdom, and me — his Righteousness — and all those things — food, drink, clothes — shall be adjoined, added and supplied to you. 23 Therefore try not to be anxious or solicitous or obsessing, anticipating the next day; for the next day will have its own anxieties and concerns. 24 Sufficient from dawn to dawn is its own trouble, calamity and evil.

26:1 “Do not assume censorial power over others, illegitimately calling others to account, critically judging others, even condemning them, in order that you yourselves may not be censored, called to account, critically judged, or condemned; 2 for with whatever criticism, judgment, award or sentence you presume to apply to others, you will be so criticized, judged, awarded and sentenced; 3 and with whatever standard or measure you mete out, deal out, or utilize, it will be meted out, dealt out, or used on you in return. 4 All, then, whatsoever you may be desiring that people might always be doing to you, so also you be constantly doing to them; 5 for this is the meaning and thrust of the Law and the Prophets. 6 Also, why are you always observing the sliver, as it were, in the eye of your brother, but are not discerning/discovering the plank, as it were, in your own eye? 7 Or how shall you say to your brother, “Permit or allow me to extract the sliver from your eye?” And behold! The plank is in your own eye! 8 You morally religious hypocrite! First remove the plank out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly in order to remove the sliver out of the eye of your brother. You all without exception are damaged goods; so treat one another with grace. Instead of trying to change others, change yourself. Leave the changing of others to God.

9 “You may not give that which is hallowed, sacred, sanctified, consecrated and ceremonially pure to unbelieving dogs — nor may you throw your pearls of wisdom before antagonistic boars — lest perchance they trample them down under with their feet, and turning back around they might bite, tear or lacerate you for your indiscretion.

10 “Be continually asking, and what you ask will be given to you; be continually seeking, and you will find; be continually knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 11 For each one continually asking, keeps on receiving; and he continually seeking, keeps on finding; and to the one continually knocking, the door will be opened. 12 Or who out of you being a man, which if his son should ask of him a loaf of bread: will he give into his hands a stone? Certainly not! 13 And if he should ask for a fish: will he give into his hands a serpent? Certainly not ! 14 If you, then, being evil, absolutely know now how to give good, proper, beneficent gifts to your children, how much more certainly will your Father in the heavens give good, proper, beneficent things to those who are asking him!

15 “Enter in through the narrow, exclusive Gate: for wide and inclusive is the gate, and broad and easy is the way leading men off into personal ruin, spiritual death and eternal destruction, and many are those entering and going in through to this gateway. 16 How straight and narrow is the Gate, and restricted and confined is the Way leading men off into spiritual life, and few are those finding their way into it!

17 “Now beware of and take heed, guarding against the false prophets who are coming to you, particularly in sheep’s clothing; but within themselves they are wildly ravenous persons — like wolves in character. 18 You will certainly discern and detect them by deriving knowledge from the observation of their fruits. 19 Clusters of grapes are not being gathered forth from thorn bushes, neither are figs derived from thistles. 20 So also, every good, beneficent tree continually bears/yields/produces select, choice, excellent, goodly fruits, 21 but the bad, corrupt tree continually bears/yields/produces foul, bad, unsound fruits. 22 A good, beneficent tree is not intrinsically able to be characteristically producing/bearing/yielding foul, bad, unsound fruits; 23 nor a corrupt tree to be characteristically producing/bearing/yielding select, choice, excellent, goodly fruits. 24 Every tree not characteristically producing/bearing/yielding select, choice, excellent, goodly fruits is in the process of being cut off, removed, and thrown into fire. 25 Surely, then, you will certainly discern and detect false prophets by deriving knowledge from the observation of their fruits.

26 “Not all of those overtly saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into heaven’s kingdom: only those continually doing and persevering in the will, purpose, design of my Father in the heavens shall enter with me into the kingdom of heaven. 27 Masses will say to me in that my day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not exercise the functions of spokesman, interpreter and prophet in your Name, 28 and cast out evil spirits/demons in your Name?’ 29 and, ‘We made, did, effected, caused to take place and brought to pass many mighty accomplishments and results in your Name!’ 30 And then at that time I will openly and solemnly declare and avouch to those who think they can be saved by works, 31 “Depart and go away from me, you who are actively trafficking in works of sin/iniquity as a way of life; for, not being born from above, I do not acknowledge you, because we have no relationship.”

32 “Now then, everyone, whosoever is listening, hearing these my words, and is heeding/doing/executing/keeping/ observing/fulfilling/obeying them, I will compare, likening him to a prudent man who built his house upon the bedrock. 33 And the rain fell down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and rushed violently upon and beat against that house; yet it fell not; for its foundation had been laid upon bedrock. 34 And everyone listening and hearing these my words, and not heeding/doing/executing/keeping/ observing/fulfilling/obeying them, will be likened and compared to a foolish man/moron who built his house upon the sand; 35 and the rain fell down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and dashed against and beat upon that house; and it fell in ruins, and great was its collapse.”

36 And it happened that, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching: For he taught them as having authority, and not as their scribes. Error: Reference source not found

27:1 After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, he came down from the mountain, and great multitudes followed after him as he entered into Capernaum. 2 And when he was entered into Capernaum, there was a certain centurion whose slave, which was precious, honorable and dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. 3 And when the centurion heard concerning Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would save his bond-slave. 4 And they, when they came to Jesus, besought him earnestly saying, “He is worthy that you should do this for him: for he loves our nation, and he himself built us our synagogue.” 5 And so Jesus went with them. 6 And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion came out to him with some friends, beseeching and saying to him, “Lord, my bond-slave lies in the house sick with convulsions, and is grievously tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 Then the centurion answered and said, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, neither thought I myself worthy to come out to you; but only say a word, and my bond-slave shall be healed; 9 for I also am a man set under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my bond-slave, “Do this,” and he does it.” 10 And when Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, “Truly I say to you, I have not encountered such great faith in all Israel. 11 And I say to you, that many will come from the east and west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in heaven’s kingdom: 12 but the sons of the kingdom, will be dismissed, and cast out into the realm of outer gloomy darkness: where there shall be weeping and the gnashing of teeth.” 13 And Jesus said to the centurion, his friends, and those he had sent, “Go your way! According as you have believed, so be it to you.” 14 And the bond-slave was healed in that hour, and they that came to Jesus, returning to the house, found the bond-slave whole.

15 Now it came to pass on the next day that Jesus went to a town called Nain. 16 His disciples went with him, and also a great multitude. 17 And when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was carried out one that was dead — the only son of his mother. 18 She was a widow: and many people of the town were with her. 19 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, “Stop crying.” 20 Then he came near and touched the funeral bier: and the bearers stood still. 21 And he then said, “Young man, I say to you, Arise.” 22 And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. 23 And he then gave him to his mother. 24 Fear took hold on all: and they glorified God saying, “A great prophet is arisen among us,” and, “God has visited his people,” 25 and this report went forth concerning him in the whole of Judaea, and all the region round about, 26 and the disciples of John the Baptist went to the prison and told him of all these things.

28:1 Now when John, beginning to doubt and second-guess himself, heard in prison of the works of Christ, he called to himself two of his disciples, and sent by them to the Lord to ask of him, “Are you the One that is to come, or may we expect another?” 2 And when the men had come to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, asking, ‘Are you the One that is to come, or may we expect another?’” 3 During that time Jesus cured many of the people’s diseases, scourges and plagues, and he expelled evil spirits; and upon many who were blind he bestowed sight. 4 And Jesus answered the disciples and said to them, “Go your way, and relate to John the things which you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk about, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor are evangelized. 5 Fortunate is he who so ever may not be affected with scruples and repugnance towards me with regard to my claims and pretensions.”

6 And when these messengers of John departed and went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see, a reed being shaken by the wind? 7 But what did you go out for to see, a man dressed in soft garments? Behold, those that wear soft, splendid apparel, and live in luxury, are in the courts and houses of kings! 8 But what did you go out to see — a prophet? Yes, I say to you all: even one more excellent than a prophet! 9 For this is he about whom Malachi has written, “Behold, I will send my messenger before your face, he who shall prepare the way before me.” 10 For truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen any greater than John the Baptist: 11 yet the one that is least in God’s kingdom is greater than he. 12 All of the people and publicans who heard John, avouched God to be both good and true by being baptized with John’s baptism; 13 but the Pharisees and lawyers set aside and rejected the counsel of God regarding themselves by refusing his baptism. 14 And from the days of John the Baptist until now heaven’s kingdom remains the object of an impetuous movement, and all of those who are forceful in eager pursuit, avidly and eagerly seize upon and appropriate it. 15 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied up until John; and if you are willing to receive it — he is Elijah — the one who according to scripture was about to come. 16 He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

17 “But to what shall I compare the men of this generation? To what are they like? 18 They are like children sitting in the marketplaces, calling to one another — even their playmates, saying, “We piped for you, and you did not dance; we mourned for you, and you wept and wailed not.” 19 For John the Baptist has come, neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and they say, “He has a demon.” 20 The Son of man has come eating and drinking, and they say, “Behold, a gluttonous man and a wine drinker — a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” 21 But wisdom has received vindication derived from her children.”

22 Then Jesus began to upbraid and reproach the towns wherein his most powerful deeds had occurred because they repented not: 23 “Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the powerful deeds happening in you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 24 Nevertheless I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment, than for you. 25 And, Capernaum, who has been exalted even to heaven: you shall be brought down to the pits! 26 For if the powerful deeds happening in you, occurred in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 27 Nevertheless I say to you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.’

29:1 At that same time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and avowed saying, “I celebrate you, O Father, Lord of the heaven and the earth, that you concealed these things from the educated and sagacious, and revealed them to the simple, even babes. 2 Yes, Father, for in your sight and estimation this way is your good pleasure, purpose and intention.” 3 Then he said to them, “All has been committed and entrusted to me by my Father. 4 And no one is arriving at, or attaining to, a knowledge of who the Son is through the observation of preliminaries except the Father; 5 nor is anyone arriving at or attaining to a knowledge of who the Father is through the observation of preliminaries except the Son, 6 and to whomsoever the Son may be desiring/intending to reveal him.

7 “Come to me all those of you being spent, wearied and fainting with labor, and that have been heavily burdened, and I will soothingly and refreshingly cause you to rest. 8 Take up and bear my yoke of obligatory service upon you, and be taught and learn from me; 9 for I am meek, gentle, kind, forgiving and modest — humble in heart: and you shall find/land upon/discover/acquire/gain/realize rest for your souls. 10 For my yoke of obligatory service is easy, pleasant and agreeable, and my burden is light with regard to its weight.”

11 Later, a certain one of the Pharisees asked that Jesus would eat with him. And entering into the Pharisee’s house he reclined to dine. 12 And behold, a woman who was in the city — a sinner — upon understanding that Jesus had reclined in the Pharisee’s house, came there also. 13 And taking an alabaster cruse of unguent, weeping and standing behind at his feet, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she was wiping them with the hair of her head, 14 and she was earnestly and affectionately kissing his feet, and anointed them with the unguent. 15 Now when the Pharisee that had invited him observed it, he sinfully spoke in judgment within himself, saying, “If this one were a prophet, he would have been perceiving who and what this woman is who touches him — because she is a sinner.” 16 And speaking, Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” 17 And Simon said, “Teacher, say on.” 18 Then Jesus said, “There were two that were debtors to a certain creditor. The one owed five hundred dollars, and the other fifty. 19 And they having nothing to render or repay, he had remitted/forgiven them both. 20 Tell, then, which of them will appreciate him more?” 21 And answering, Simon said, “I suppose the one to whom he had remitted/forgiven the most.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “You have discerned correctly.” 23 And turning to the woman, he further said to Simon, “You are beholding/observing this woman. I came into your house: you put no water upon my feet; but she wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them off with the hairs of her head. 24 You gave me no kiss: but from the time I came in she has not stopped affectionately and earnestly kissing my feet. 25 You have not anointed my head with oil: but she has anointed my feet with unguent. 26 For this reason I say to you, be glad that she has been most grateful and appreciative: 27 for her multitudinous sins have been, and therefore presently are, remitted/forgiven: for whoever receives remission/forgiveness for less, appreciates less.” 28 And Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 29 And those reclining with him began to say within themselves, “Who is this who is now forgiving sins?” 30 But he said to the woman, “Your firm conviction and confident trust has presently saved you. Journey in peace.”

30:1 And later, he traveled, even through every town and village, announcing and proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom. 2 And with him were the twelve, and also certain women who were healed of evil spirits and infirmities: 3 Mary called Magdalene from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward named Chuza, Susanna, and many others that ministered to him out of their substance. 4 And he came into a house, and a multitude crowded together again so as that they were not even able to eat bread. 5 And his relatives, having heard he was there, set forth in order to seize him, for they said, “He is insane!”

6 Then was brought to him one who was demon-possessed — both blind and dumb: and he healed him insomuch that the one blind and dumb could both speak and see. 7 And the whole multitude was amazed and said, “Isn’t this the son of David?” 8 But the Pharisees and the scribes coming down from Jerusalem, hearing this said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub,” and, “This man does not cast out the devils but by Beelzebub — the ruler of the devils.” 9 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, and calling them near, he said to them in illustrations, “How is Satan able to cast out Satan? 10 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom is not able to stand, but is brought to ruin. 11 Every town divided against itself will not stand. 12 Even if a house is divided against itself, that house is not able to stand. 13 So if Satan rises up against himself and casts out Satan, he has been divided against himself and he is not able to stand, but has a demise. 14 How then can his kingdom stand? 15 And if I cast out devils through Beelzebub, by whom are your sons casting them out? 16 By this they shall be your judges. 17 But if I cast out devils through the Spirit of God, then God’s kingdom has overtaken and come upon you. 18 How can anyone enter into the house of the Strong to plunder his goods and vessels except, upon entering into that house, he first binds the Strong? 19 No one is able to plunder unless he first binds the Strong, and then he will plunder his house. 20 The one not existing on the same side with my party is against me; and the one not gathering with me is scattering and wasting. 21 With a view toward this, I truly say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and their blasphemies wherewith so ever they may have blasphemed — every sin and blasphemy. 22 And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him also: 23 but whosoever may blaspheme, calumniate, revile and contumaciously speak with impious irreverence against the Holy Spirit has not forgiveness. 24 It shall not be forgiven him — neither in this age, nor in the one that is coming. 25 He is legally responsible, exposed and liable to an eternal judgment.” 26 Jesus said these things because they said in unbelief of heart, “He has a foul spirit,” and the only unforgivable sin is unbelief when the God of this age judicially hands one over to his own depravity.

27 Then Jesus said, “Offspring of vipers! How can you being evil speak good things? 28 For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 29 Hypocrites! Either make the tree good and the fruit of it good, or make the tree corrupt and the fruit of it corrupt; for a tree is known/identified by the fruit of it. 30 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart/mind puts forth good things, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart/mind puts forth evil things. Renovate your hearts/minds with care; for what you take in determines what will come out, and as a man thinks in his heart so he is, and so he will do. Thus the battle for good is either won or lost in one’s heart/mind. 31 Therefore I say to you all, that every idle word, whatever men may speak, they will give account concerning it in the day of judgment: 32 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Your words reveal the condition of your heart/mind, and the heart/mind can only be successfully renovated by the Spirit.”

31:1 Then answered some of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, “Teacher, we want to see proof, evidence or a convincing sign from you.” 2 But answering he said to them, “An evil, malignant, wicked, malevolent, faithless, ungodly and spiritually adulterous generation requires/demands proof by a sign or compelling token, 3 and no sign or indication shall be exhibited/provided/given to it but the unobserved sign of the prophet Jonah; 4 for just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so, in this way will the Son of man be in the inner part of the earth three days and three nights. 5 Ninevites — men of full stature — will resurrect in the judgment with this generation and will certainly condemn it by contrast as guilty, because they repented in accordance with the public proclamation of Jonah, and behold, One more important than Jonah is here in this place. 6 The queen of the south will certainly be raised in the judgment with this generation and will certainly condemn it by contrast as guilty; 7 because she came from the extremity of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, One more important than Solomon is here in this place.”

8 And Jesus said further, “Now whenever a foul/unclean spirit happens to depart away from a man due to riddance, it travels over land, wandering about through dry, barren, desert areas seeking after a place to live; 9 and continually finding/acquiring nothing, it then says, “I will go back and return to the use of my dwelling from where I came out.” 10 And coming it discovers the man again, finding him unoccupied — the man having been swept clean and set in order. 11 Then it proceeds and takes along together with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and forcefully breaking in and entering the man they dwell there in that abode; 12 and the results for that man become progressively worse/more severe than his original state. 13 So, thus it will be also for this evil, malignant, wicked, malevolent, impious generation.”

14 While he was yet speaking to the multitude, behold, there arrived his mother and his brothers. 15 And standing outside they called to him; for they could not reach him due to the press of the crowd, and because a multitude was sitting all around him. 16 Therefore some spoke and said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to see you, and to speak with you.” 17 But he answered and said to those that told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 18 And surveying those which sat and stood all around him, he stretched forth his hand towards all his disciples and said, 19 “Behold, my mother and my brothers are these which hear the word of God and do it: 20 for whosoever shall do the will/purpose/intent and sovereign pleasure of God my Father who is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

32:1 On that same day Jesus went out of that house, and he began to teach again as he sat by the sea side. 2 And when a very great multitude came and was gathered together to him out of every town, he entered into a boat floating nearby in the water, and sat down and commenced teaching them while they all stood on the beach. 3 And he taught them many things, speaking to them in parables, and said to them in his teaching, 4 “Listen! Behold, the Sower went forth to sow his seed: and it came to pass that as he sowed, some actually fell by the way side; 5 and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air came and devoured it. 6 And other seed fell upon the rocky places where it had not much earth; 8 and when the sun was risen, immediately it sprang up, but it was scorched and withered away as soon as it grew, because it had no root, depth of soil, nor moisture. 9 And other seed fell amongst thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 10 And other seed fell upon good soil, growing up and increasing, and it brought forth, yielding fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some a hundred-fold.” 11 And as he said these things, he said, “He that has ears to ear, let him hear!”

12 He set another parable before them, saying, “Heaven’s kingdom is likened to a man that sowed good seed in his fields. 13 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares amidst the wheat, and went away. 14 And when the blade sprang up and produced fruit, then appeared the tares also. 15 And the slaves of the householder came near and said to him, “Lord, did you not sow good seed in your field? Whence then has it tares choking the wheat?” 16 And he said to them, “An enemy of man has done this.” 17 And the slaves said to him, “Do you want us to go out and collect them up?” 18 But he said, “No, lest perchance while you are collecting up the tares, you root up the wheat with them. 19 Allow both to grow together until the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, 20 “Collect first the tares and bind them up in bundles for to burn them: and then gather the wheat into my granary.””

21 He set another parable before them, saying, “How may we analogize God’s kingdom? 22 To what is God’s kingdom like? By what parable may we compare it? 23 The kingdom of heaven is likened to a kernel of mustard, which a man took and sowed upon the soil in his field. 24 Though it is indeed the smallest of all the seeds that are upon earth, yet when it is fully grown, it becomes greater than all other plants, 25 putting out large branches and becoming a great tree, so that the birds of the air can come and perch under its shade and in its branches.”

26 He spoke again another parable to them saying: “How shall we analogize or compare God’s kingdom? 27 Heaven’s kingdom is likened to leaven, which a woman took and folded into three measures of meal until it was all leavened.”

28 All these things spoke Jesus to the multitude in parables, and with many such parables spoke he the word to them, even as they were able to hear it. 29 He spoke nothing to them that was not in a parable, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by one prophet, saying, 30 “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.” 31 But he expounded all things privately to his disciples.

33:1 Then Jesus dismissed the multitude and went back into the house, and his twelve disciples came to him when he was alone, and they asked him saying, “Why did you speak to them in parables?” 2 And he answered, saying to them, “Because to you it has been granted to know and understand the mysteries of heaven’s kingdom — even God’s kingdom; 3 but to the rest — those who are outsiders — all things are done in parables: for to them it has not been granted; 4 for whosoever has perspicacity and understanding, to him more will be given, and he will have an abundance; 5 but whosoever has not perspicacity and understanding, from him will be taken away even that which he has. 6 For this reason I speak to them in parables: because seeing they may see not and not perceive, and hearing they may hear not and not understand, 7 lest perchance they should turn back, repent, and their sinful, stubborn obstinacy should be forgiven them. 8 And so upon them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says, “In hearing you will hear, and in no way understand; and seeing you will see, and in no way perceive: 9 for this people’s heart has been rendered insensitive; and with plugged ears they have heard; and their eyes they have closed; 10 lest they should perceive with their eyes, and should hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” 11 But fortunate are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear: 12 for truly I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which you hear, and heard them not.”

13 Then they said, “Explain the parable of the Sower.” 14 And answering he said to them, “If you do not understand this parable, how will you understand all of the other parables? 15 Hear then this parable of the Sower.

16 “The Sower sows the word. And those by the way side where the word was sown are they that have heard the word concerning the kingdom and understand it not. 17 Then immediately comes the evil One and snatches away the word from them which has been sown in their hearts, in order that they might not believe and be saved.

18 “And in like manner, the rocky places are those upon which the word was sown, who, when they have heard the word concerning the kingdom, immediately receive it with joy; 19 but these which believe for awhile endure temporarily, because they have no root in themselves, 20 and when a time of trial, trouble, tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, they immediately become offended, falter, draw back and fall away.

21 “And the thorns among which was sown the word, these are they that have heard the word concerning the kingdom; 22 and as they go on their way, they are choked under the burden and pressure of cares, anxieties and concerns of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, the pleasures of life, and lusts for other things that enter in, and they become unfruitful, bringing no fruit to maturity.

23 “And the good soil upon which the word was sown are those who hear the word concerning the kingdom, understand it, accept it, and hold it fast with an honest and good heart, indeed bringing forth fruit with endurance, some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some a hundred-fold.”

24 And then he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! 25 No man having lit a lamp covers it with a basket or puts it underneath the bed: 26 he puts it on a lamp-stand so that all those coming in may see the light. 27 There is nothing hidden which will not be made manifest, nor anything secret that will not be made known, come to light, or be revealed. 28 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear! In what measure you distribute, it shall be measured to you again. 29 Therefore, take heed: see to it, and be careful of how and what you hear; for more will be added to those of you attentively and receptively hearing; 30 for he that has, to him more will be given, and he that has not, even that which he seems to have will be taken away from him.” 31 Then he said, “Thus is God’s kingdom: as if a man should cast the seed upon the earth, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, as he knows not how; 32 for the earth bears fruit by itself: first shoots, then an ear, then full corn in the ear. 33 But when the fruit is yielded, immediately he puts forth the sickle, because the harvest has come and is ready. He that has ears, let him hear.”

34 Then his disciples asked him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” 35 And answering he said to them, “The One sowing the good seed is the Son of man; and the field is the world; 36 and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; 37 and the tares are the sons of the evil One; and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil; 38 and the harvest is the consummation of the age; and the reapers are angels. 39 Therefore, as tares are collected up and consumed with fire, so shall it be in the consummation of this age. 40 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall collect out of his kingdom all impediments that cause stumbling, scandal, ruin, destruction and misery, and them that are continually or habitually practicing lawlessness as a way of life, 41 and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 42 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in their Father’s kingdom.

43 “Again, heaven’s kingdom is likened to a treasure hidden in a field; which a man having found, he hid; and for the joy thereof, he goes and he sells all whatsoever that he has, and buys that field.

44 “Again, heaven’s kingdom is likened to a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls, and having found one extremely precious pearl, leaving, he sold all things that he had, and bought it.

45 “Again, heaven’s kingdom is likened to a drag-net that was cast into the sea, gathering together fish of every kind. 46 When it was filled and drawn up on the beach, sitting down the fishermen salvaged the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. 47 So shall it be in the consummation of the age: the angels shall go out and separate the evil from the midst of the just, and will throw them into the furnace of fire: 48 there, there will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things?” 49 They said to him, “Yeah, Lord.” 50 And he said to them, “Because of all these things, every scribe who has been discipled into heaven’s kingdom is likened to a man that is a householder, who sets forth out of his treasure both new and old.” 51 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, they departed from that house.

34:1 Now on that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the sea.” 2 And when he himself was entered into a boat, even as he was, then his disciples followed and took him with them, and they launched forth; 3 and other boats were with them also; and as they sailed Jesus fell asleep in the stern on a cushion. 4 And behold, there arose a great wind storm on the sea, and the waves beat into the boat insomuch that the boat was being covered with the waves and was now filling and they felt that they were in jeopardy. 5 And they came to him and awoke him, saying to him, “Master! Master! Save us Lord! Care you not that we perish?” 6 Then he awoke and said to them, “Where is your faith?” because he himself was with them. 7 He then arose, and rebuked the winds, and said to the raging sea of water, “Peace! Be still!” 8 And the wind and water ceased, and there was a great calm. 9 And being afraid, they marveled, saying one to another, “Who then is this? What manner of man is he? 10 He commands even the winds and the water, and the winds and sea obey him!”

11 And when they came to the other side of the sea, arriving at the land of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee, Jesus had come out of the boat and had set forth on land. 12 Then there met him a man of the town possessed by unclean demons, coming forth from out of the tombs where he stayed. 13 For a long time he had worn no clothes, and abode not in a house, but in those tombs; and he was always crying out, both night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, and cutting himself with stones. 14 He was so fierce, that no man could pass by that way, and no one could tame or bind him any more — no, not even with a chain — 15 because he had frequently been kept under guard, being bound with chains and fetters; and oftentimes the demons would seize him, tearing the chains apart, and breaking the fetters in pieces, and he would be driven by them into the desert. 16 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran up, cried out with a loud voice and fell down before him in worship. 17 And behold, a demon crying out with a loud voice said, “What is the extent of our business, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? 18 Have you come here to this place to afflict and torment us before the destined time? I beseech/adjure you by God, please do not afflict nor torment me.” 19 For Jesus had commanded and said to the unclean spirit, “Depart and come out of the man you lewd, unclean, foul spirit!” 20 And Jesus asked the demon, “What is your proper name?” 21 And it responded to him, “Legion is my proper name; for we are many;” for many demons had entered into the man. 22 Then they begged, besought and entreated him much that he would not send them away out of the country, nor command them to depart into the abyss.

23 Now there was there afar off from them a great herd of contraband — many swine feeding on the mountain. 24 And the demons besought/entreated him that he would give them leave to enter into them, saying, “Since you are casting us out, our destiny is in your hands. 25 Allow/permit us to go away/depart/go forth into the herd of swine. Send us in order that we may enter into them.” 26 And he immediately gave them leave, saying, “Be gone!” 27 And the unclean spirits came out from the man, and went and entered into the swine: and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep mountain into the sea, and were drowned in the sea — about two thousand of them perished in the waters. 28 And when they that fed them saw what had come to pass, they fled away and went into both the town and the countryside, and told everything, and also what had befallen him that was possessed by demons. 29 And behold, all came out to see what it was that had come to pass, and to meet Jesus. 30 They came to Jesus, found and beheld the man that was possessed, from whom the demons were gone out, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind — even him that had the legion of demons, and they were afraid. 31 And they that saw it declared/told it to them how he that was possessed with demons was made whole, and also concerning the swine. 32 And then all the people from round about the country of the Gadarenes besought Jesus that he would depart from their borders, for they were gripped with great fear. 33 And as Jesus was entering into the boat for to return, the man that had been possessed by demons petitioned him that he might go with him. 34 But Jesus did not allow him, but said to him, “Go your way and return to your house, and to your friends: declare, telling them what great things the Lord God has done for you.” 35 And the man went his way and began publishing throughout the whole town and the Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him, and all men did marvel.

35:1 Now when Jesus had crossed back over again to the other side of the sea in the boat to Galilee, as he returned, a great multitude was gathered to him and welcomed him; for as he was near the shore, they were all waiting for him. 2 And behold, there came one man named Jarius, one of the rulers of the synagogue; and seeing Jesus, he fell down at his feet and worshipped him, and besought him much to come to his house; for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. 3 He beseeched him saying, “My little daughter is barely hanging on, but if you come and lay hands on her, she may be cured and restored to health, and she will surely live.” 4 And Jesus arose and went with him, and so followed his disciples; but as he went, the great multitude followed him also, and thronged him.

5 And behold, there was a woman who had an issue of blood for nearly twelve years, who had suffered many things, and had spent all of her livelihood upon physicians. 6 She could not be healed of anything, and she was not improving but rather growing worse. 7 She, having heard things concerning Jesus, came up in the crowd from behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 8 For she had said within herself, “If I only but touch his garment, I will be cured, healed, and restored to health.” 9 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, turned about in the crowd and said, “Who is it that touched my garments?” 10 And when all denied it, Peter and the disciples that were with him said, “Master. You see that the multitudes are thronging, pressing and crushing upon you, and you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 11 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me: for I perceived power emanating from me.” 12 And he looked round about to see the one that had done this thing. 13 And when the woman, understanding what had been done to her, saw that she could not hide, she came fearing and trembling and fell down before him and declared in the presence of all the people for what cause she touched him, and told him all the truth, how she was healed immediately. 14And Jesus, looking upon her, said to her, “Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith — firm persuasion, assurance and firm conviction — has presently made you well with certainty; be going in peace, and exist hale, and be sound from your scourge of disease.” 15 And the woman remained whole from that time on.

16 While he was yet speaking, there came someone from the ruler of the synagogue’s home, saying, “Your daughter has died. Trouble not the Teacher any further.” 17 But Jesus, overhearing it, heeded not the words which were spoken, but said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Fear not: be only mentally persuaded toward faith and she will be preserved and restored to health.” 18 And he allowed none to follow and enter in with him, save Peter, and James, and John, the brother of James, the father of the maiden, and her mother. 19 And when they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, Jesus beheld the flute-players and the crowd causing a commotion and all were weeping and bewailing her much. 20 And when Jesus was entered in he said, “Why be lamenting and weeping? Cease weeping for the child. She has not died; but she is presently sleeping.” 21 And they derided him and jeered at him, knowing that the girl was dead. 22 But he said, “Get out!” And having put all the crowd forth, he took the father of the child, and her mother, and they that were with him, and went in where the child was. 23 And Jesus, taking the child by the hand, said to her in Aramaic, “Talitha koumi;” which is translated: ‘Child, I say to you, awaken and arise.’ 24 And her spirit returned, and immediately the girl rose up and walked; for she was twelve years old. 25 And her parents and they that were with him were instantly amazed with great amazement. 26 And he ordered that food be given her to eat; and he greatly charged them that no man should know or tell of what had been done there; but word of this incident went forth into all that land.

36:1 And Jesus then went out from there and came into his native territory, and his disciples followed with him. 2 And when the Sabbath occurred, he began to teach those in the synagogue insomuch that many of those hearing him were astonished and astounded, even saying, “What are these things? 3 From where has this man gotten his wisdom; and what gives him the ability to do works of power such as these wrought by his hands? 4 Is not this the carpenter, son of Joseph? Is he not son of his mother called Mary? 5 Is he not the brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not all his sisters here with us also?” 6 And in them were excited feelings of repugnance and they became offended at him; but Jesus said to them anyway, 7 “A prophet is not without honor save/except in his own native land, and among his own relatives/kin, and in his own home.” 8 And he could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them; but he marveled at their unbelief.

9 Now as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed after him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy, pity and compassion on us.” 10 And when he had gone into a house, the blind men came near to him: and Jesus said to them alone, just this one time, “Are you mentally persuaded, believing that I am absolutely able to do this?” 11 And they said to him, “Yes, truly, Lord.” 12 Then he touched their eyes, saying just this one time, “According and in proportion to the extent of your faith, belief or firm persuasion, let it be done to you.” 13 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, saying, “See to it that no one finds this out.” 14 But going out they broadcast abroad concerning him throughout the whole land.

15 As Jesus went forth from there with his disciples, a crowd gathered, and behold, there was brought to him a demon possessed man who could not speak. 16 And when the demon was cast out, the man who was dumb spoke, 17 and the crowd marveled, saying, “Such a thing has never been seen in Israel!” 18 But the Pharisees said, “By the Prince of the devils he casts out the devils.” 19 But despite this, Jesus went round about all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the good news of the kingdom to all the crowds that followed him, while healing all manner of disease, and all manner of sickness among the people.

37:1 Now when Jesus observed the crowds around him, he was moved with compassion towards them, because they were weary, distressed and scattered, like sheep not having a shepherd. 2 Then he said to all his disciples, “The harvest of the good news is great indeed, but the harvesting laborers few. 3 Consequently, you all being in need, petition the Lord of the harvest so that he might compellingly send forth such laborers into his harvest.” 4 Then he called together to himself his twelve previously chosen disciples, and began to send them out two by two as apostles; 5 and he gave them authority over all demons and unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure all manner of disease, and to heal all manner of sickness. 6 And the names of these twelve apostles were Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 7 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, 8 and Judas Iscariot, who also handed Jesus over. 9 These twelve Jesus sent forth as apostles, to announce God’s kingdom, and to heal the sick: 10 and he charged them all saying, “You may not go forth into the region or territory of the Gentiles, or other nations, and you may not enter a Samaritan town; 11 but go rather to the lost, stray sheep of the house of Israel. 12 And traveling on your way, you all proclaim openly and publicly, saying that heaven’s kingdom has approached and is here; for wherever the King is, there is the kingdom. 13 Heal the infirm; cleanse the leprous; raise the dead; cast out demons. Freely and gratuitously you all have received, so freely and gratuitously give.”

14 And he further charged them, saying, “Take nothing for your journey, neither sticks, nor bag, nor money, nor food: for a laborer is worthy and deserving of his sustenance. 15 You may not get, procure or provide gold, nor silver, nor copper in your pouches, nor a stipend-sack for the roadway; 16 neither is each of you to wear extra tunics, nor shoes; but being shod with sandals carry a staff. 17 And whatever city or village you may enter into, search out and inquire who is equally worthy or deserving in it; 18 and whatsoever house you may enter into, stay there until you should leave/depart from there. 19 Wherever you might enter into a house, entering in, pay respect and express good wishes. 20 And if in fact the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 21 And whoever in whatever place may not receive or accept you, or when they may not want to hear from you or listen to your words, 22 going forth from out of the house or that city, shake off even the dust that is from under your feet as a testimony against them. 23 Truly I say to you all, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that town.

24 “Behold, I send you all out into action like as sheep in the midst of wolves: 25 consequently, you must assume these characteristics: become prudent, discrete, wise and deliberate as serpents, yet be pure, blameless, guileless and sincere as doves. 26 Whenever they may malignantly pursue and persecute you in this town, flee into another: 27 for truly I say to you, you shall in no way finish circulating in the towns of Israel while ere the Son of man should come after you. 28 A student or disciple is not above the teacher, nor is a slave above his lord. 29 It is sufficient or enough that the student or disciple might become similar to, or assume the same character or appearance as, his teacher or master, 30 and that the slave might become similar to, or assume the same character or appearance as, his lord. 31 Since they called, named and styled the Head of the household or family of God ‘Beelzebub’ and ‘Satan,’ how much more will they denigrate those of his household or family?

32 “Consequently, you yourselves should not fear nor dread them: 33 for nothing is being hidden/covered/concealed that will not be disclosed/uncovered/revealed; and secret/clandestine which will not be made known/discovered. 34 What I may tell you in dark privacy, you all declare in broad daylight; and what you are hearing in the ear, publicly proclaim upon the rooftops. 35 And you yourselves should not derive fear or dread from those destroying/annihilating the body, but not being able to annihilate/destroy the immaterial soul: 36 but rather, you yourselves fear the One being able to negate and utterly destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 37 Are they not selling two sparrows for a penny? And not one among them will fall down dead upon the ground alone without your Father. 38 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered; therefore, you yourselves should not fear or dread. You are all superior, excelling many sparrows in value. 39 All, then, whosoever will accord belief in me before/in the presence of others, upon him also I will accord recognition/approbation/acknowledgment before/in the presence of my Father in the heavens. 40 But if anyone should deny, disclaim or disown me before/in the presence of others, him will I also deny, disclaim or disown before/in the presence of my Father in the heavens.

38:1 “You all should not hold as settled and established the idea that I came to send forth peace upon/over/towards the inhabitants of the earth: 2 I came not to send forth peace, but war! 3 For I came to set at variance/dissever/divide a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a bride against her mother-in-law. 4 The enemies or adversaries of a man will be the members of his own household/family/kin. 5 One loving, regarding with care, and having affection for father or mother above or more than me is not worthy or deserving of me; 6 and one loving, regarding with care, and having affection for son or daughter above or more than me is not worthy or deserving of me. 7 And one who is not continually taking up and bearing his/her cross of obedient self-sacrificial living, being ready to encounter any extremity their cross may bring, and not continually following after me in imitation, is not worthy or deserving of me. 8 He appropriating his life by exploiting it for selfish gain, will waste, ruin, and utterly destroy it, thus in essence rendering it dead, void, and lost; 9 and he negating, neutralizing and utterly putting to death his self-life, thus in essence rendering it ineffective, inactive and inoperative for my sake, by reason of me, or on my account, will encounter, realize and discover life through experience.

10 “He kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming you, is kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming me; 11 and he kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming me is kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming the One sending me forth. 12 He kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming a divinely commissioned, inspired spokesman or prophet in the Name of a divinely commissioned, inspired Spokesman or Prophet will receive the reward of a divinely commissioned, inspired spokesman or prophet; 13 and he kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming a fair, just, righteous man of integrity in the Name of a fair, just, righteous Man of integrity will receive a fair, just and equitable reward. 14 And whoever might give to drink even the cool contents of a cup of water only to one of these lowly, humble ones because he is named a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall in no way possible lose or be deprived of his reward.” 15 And when Jesus had finished commanding his twelve disciples/apostles, they all departed from there and went throughout all the cities and villages teaching and preaching, proclaiming the good news, and that men should repent; 16 and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed all everywhere.

17 Now, at that time, king Herod the tetrarch heard the fame of all those things that were happening by means of Jesus, and he sought to see him, for his name and reputation had become well known. 18 But Herod was also very perplexed because he had heard that it was said by some that it is John that has been raised from the dead; and by some others that it is Elijah that had appeared; and by even more that he is a prophet that was risen again from among one of the ancients — or even that he is likened to one of those prophets. 19 And Herod fearfully said to his servants, “John I beheaded: so who is this about whom I hear such things? 20 This one must be John the Baptist whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead, and because of this, these powerful deeds are functioning in him.”

21 Now Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her; 22 for John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have the wife of your brother.” 23 And Herodias set herself against John also, and desired to kill him, but she could not, so she waited for a convenient day to come; 24 for Herod feared John and kept him safe, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. 25 And when he gave John audience, he was much perplexed, yet he heard him gladly. 26 And even when Herod would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted John a prophet.

27 So when Herod’s birthday came, he on that day made a feast for his lords, the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee; 28 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced in their midst, she pleased Herod, and them that sat to feast with him. 29 So he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask as follows: 30 the king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatsoever you desire, and I will give it to you.” 31 And he swore to her, “Whatsoever you shall ask of me, I will give it to you, to the half of my kingdom.” 32 And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” 33 And her mother said, “The head of John the Baptizer.” 34 And she, being urged on and put forward by her mother, immediately came in with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I desire that you give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.” 35 And the king became exceedingly grieved and sorry that he did this; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat to eat with him, he would not turn down her request. 36 And immediately the king commanded it be given her, and that John’s head be brought immediately; 37 and he sent forth a soldier of his guard, who went and beheaded John in the prison, 38 and his head was brought in on a platter, and he gave it to the girl, and the girl brought it to her mother. 39 And when John’s disciples heard of it, they came and took up his discarded corpse, and buried him by laying it in a tomb; and they went and told Jesus.

39:1 Now when Jesus heard about John’s fate, he withdrew from there; and the apostles he had sent out came back and gathered themselves together to him, 2 and they told all, declaring to him all things whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever things they had taught. 3 And he took them and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida for to be refreshed. 4 But the multitudes perceiving it followed him, and he welcomed them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured. 5 And after these things he said to his disciples, “You all come privately apart by yourselves into a deserted place and take a little rest.” 6 For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure nor opportunity to so much as to even eat. 7 Yet a great multitude followed Jesus to the shore, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick; 8 so Jesus and the twelve went away in a boat apart to a deserted place of Tiberius on the other side of the sea of Galilee. 9 But when the multitudes heard of it and saw them going, they knew, and they followed them, running there on foot from all the surrounding cities, and the multitudes did out-run them. 10 And when Jesus came forth on the other side and saw, behold, a great multitude awaited him; and he had compassion on them and healed their sick, because they were like as to sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach the multitudes many things.

11 And Jesus then went up into the nearby mountain where he was, and there he sat with his disciples. 12 And the day was far spent and began to fade away, for evening had come. 13 Then the twelve disciples came to him and they said to him, “Dismiss/send away the crowd, so that in going away into the surrounding farms and villages, they may lodge, and may find/obtain for themselves a supply of food/provisions to buy and eat; for they have nothing that they can eat.” 14 But Jesus said to them, “They have no need to go away. You supply and give them to eat! 15 He said this because the disciples had just returned from their mission, bragging on all that they had been able to do. 16 But they responded, “Shall we be going and buy two hundred dollars worth of food and give them to eat? 17 We are in this deserted place, and the time is past. It is already too late. 18 Jesus replied, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” 19 And when they found out, they said, “We have no more than five barley loaves and two small fish, unless going we might buy food for all these people. 20 And Jesus said, “Bring them here to me.”

21 Then Jesus commanded, saying to his disciples, “Make all the people sit down upon the green grass in companies of about fifty each.” 22 And they did so making them all sit down. 23 So the people sat down in ranks, by hundreds and fifties — about five thousand men in number — along with women and children. 24 And Jesus then took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up into heaven, he blessed them; 25 and having given thanks, he broke and gave the loaves to the disciples to set before the multitude, 26 and the two fishes he divided among them all, and the disciples in turn gave to the multitude, and they all did eat and were filled. 27 When the people had eaten and were all filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up together/collect the excess broken pieces/fragments which are left over so that nothing may be wasted.” 28 So they gathered them up; and they filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves which remained left over from them that had eaten, and also of the fishes. 29 And again, they that ate the loaves were above five thousand men, besides women and children. 30 Then he immediately constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side — back into Bethsaida — while he himself should send the multitudes away; 31 and his disciples went down to the sea and entered into the boat. 32 After Jesus had left them, and sent the crowds away, since evening was at hand, he withdrew apart, departing up into the mountain there alone by himself to pray.

40:1 Now when evening had come, it was now dark, and the disciples had been blown over the sea towards Capernaum. 2 And Jesus had not yet come to them, for he was alone on land, while the boat was now in the middle of the sea. 3 And the sea began rising by reason of the great wind that blew, and the boat had become distressed by waves driven by the contrary wind. 4 When therefore they had rowed about three and a half miles, Jesus seeing them distressed in their rowing, came to them, walking upon the sea, about the fourth watch of the night, and made like he would by-pass them. 5 But when the disciples looked and saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat, they were troubled and afraid, supposing that it was an apparition. 6 And they cried out, saying, “It is a phantom — specter or ghost!” 7 And they wailed in fear; for they all saw him, and were greatly troubled by it. 8 But he immediately spoke to them, saying, “Be courageous. It is I. Do not fear.” 9 But Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come out to you upon the waters.” 10 And Jesus said, “Come.” And then Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters, and came to Jesus; 11 but it was dark, and when he felt the strong wind blowing upon him, and experienced the waves thrashing about him, he became afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord! Save me!” 12 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, saying to him, “O one of scant, small, weak faith. Why did you doubt, waver or vacillate?” 13 And when they both went up out of the water into the boat, the wind ceased: and the disciples were exceedingly amazed beyond measure in themselves: 14 for they understood not concerning the loaves, that he was the Creator himself, 15 for their hearts were hardened; yet they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “You are truly Son of God.” 16 Then immediately they crossed over and came to the land of Gennesaret. 17 And when they disembarked, the men of that place immediately knew him, and they ran round about that whole region, sending into it the news of his arrival, and they began to bring out to Jesus all that were sick, carrying them about on their cots to where they heard he was. 18 And where so ever he entered, whether into villages or into towns, or into the countryside, they laid the sick in the market places, and they besought him that they might only touch if it were the fringe of his garment: and as many as touched it were made whole.

19 And then there approached and were assembled together to Jesus some Pharisees and certain of the scribes which had come from Jerusalem. 19 And they had seen that some of his disciples had eaten their bread with defiled — that is unwashed — hands; and they discontentedly censured and blamed, finding fault. 20 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they first diligently wash their hands up to the elbows, holding to the tradition of the elders. 21 And coming straight from the marketplace even, they do not eat unless they wash themselves. 22 And there are many other things which they have accepted to observe: the washing of cups, pots, utensils, brazen vessels, and even couches.

23 So the Pharisees and the scribes questioned him, “Why are your disciples not living according to the ancestral tradition, but transgressing and violating the traditional law handed down over our generations by eating their bread with unwashed hands? 22 They are not washing their hands for personal cleanliness whenever they eat bread”

23 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Why are you also transgressing the commandment of God by reason of your tradition? 24 For God through Moses commanded saying, “Honor, reverence, respect and hold in high esteem your father and your mother: and the one contemning father or mother, treating them with disrespect or addressing them with offensive language, let his end be death — even the violent extinction of life.” 25 But you all say, “If a man, or otherwise, shall say to their father or their mother, “Whatever help, profit or benefit you might have received or gained from me is Corban — a gift, offering and sacrifice made to God in fulfillment of a vow — that is to say, it is already spoken for,” he/she does not have to in any way honor, reverence, respect or esteem his/her father or his/her mother.” 26 You no longer allow him/her to do anything for his/her father or his/her mother. 27 You are nullifying, setting aside, displacing, and making void and deprived of authority the commandment/word of God because of your tradition which you have promoted; and you do many other such like things.”

28 “You religious hypocrites! Isaiah appositely prophesied concerning you, saying as it is written, “This people offers me reverence and worship with their mouth, and are respecting, esteeming and honoring me with lip service; but their heart, as the seat of feeling, desire and affection, and the inner mental frame, is distantly estranged from me. 29 And they are worshipping me in futility, teaching as precepts the ordinances of men.” 30 You abandon the commandments of God, and hold fast to the traditions of men — acts of dipping and immersing utensils, and cups, and many such similar things you do. 31 Full well do you reject the commandment of God so that you may observe your tradition.”

41:1 Then he called near to himself the multitude again, and said to them, “Hear me all of you, and thoroughly understand: 2 There is nothing from without the man that being put into the mouth is defiling him or rendering the man ceremonially unclean. 3 Nothing external entering the man is able to profane or desecrate him. That which enters the mouth does not defile, but that which is proceeding from out of the speaking mouth. 4 The things which proceed out of the mouth of man are those that are profaning, defiling, polluting and rendering the man ceremonially unclean. 5 He that has ears to hear, let him hear!” 6 Then came the disciples and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees became shocked, pained and offended upon hearing this saying?” 7 But he answered and said, “Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted/situated shall be rooted up and eradicated. 8 Do not care for them. Let them alone. They are mentally blind guides — leaders and instructors and teachers of the mentally blind; and if the mentally blind lead or guide the mentally blind, both will fall into the proverbial pit.”

9 And when he had entered into a house to get away from the multitude, Peter and the rest of his disciples asked and said to him, “Explain, expound or interpret for us this illustration.” 10 And he said to them, “Are you even now unintelligent and dull in understanding? 11 Are you not yet comprehending that everything external, being put into a man by way of his mouth, cannot ceremonially defile him because it does not enter into his heart, but is moving or passing into his belly, and is eventually excreted, thus purging/eliminating/emptying all foods out into the receptacle? 12 But the things proceeding from out of the speaking mouth of the man, are emanating/rising forth from out of the heart, and this is what is profaning, defiling, polluting and rendering the man ceremonially unclean. 13 For out of/from within the hearts/minds of men are proceeding/coming forth/emanating the sins of wrongful, wicked, evil thoughts: sinful reasonings, intentions, cogitations and ratiocinations such as the hateful and selfish mental attitudes behind: murders, killings, 14 adulteries, fornications, whoredoms, lustful passions, thefts, lies, false witnesses and testimonies, even calumnies, blasphemies, railings and reproaches, 15 moreover covetings, greedy desires and iniquities, furthermore wickedness, lasciviousness, deceit, fault-finding, pride, foolishness: 16 all of these evil things and more are the things which proceed from within a man and are profaning, desecrating, defiling, polluting and rendering the man ceremonially unclean. For all, without exception, this condition is necessitating a new birth by the Spirit for immediate positional sanctification, together with a subsequent progressive renovation of the heart/mind for practical sanctification over time; 17 but to eat with unwashed hands is not profaning, desecrating, defiling, polluting and rendering the man ceremonially unclean.”

42:1 And rising up Jesus went away, going out from there and withdrawing into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. 2 And he entered into a house, desiring that no man would know it, but he could not be hidden. 3 And behold, immediately a Cananitish woman came out from those borders, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, and having heard of him, she came and fell down at his feet. 4 Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race, and she cried, saying, “Have pity and compassion on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is being grievously and vehemently possessed, afflicted and vexed with a demon.” 5 But he answered her not a word. And then his disciples came and besought him, saying, “Send her away; for she is crying out after us.” 6 But he answered and said, “I have not been sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 7 But she came and worshipped him, saying, “Lord, help me!” And she besought him much that he would expel the devil out of her daughter. 8 Then he answered and said to her, “First let/permit/allow the children to be fed, filled and satisfied: for it is not proper to take the children’s bread and toss it to the foreign dogs.” 9 But she answered and said to him, “Yea, Lord: but even the little dogs underneath the table are always eating of the children’s bits, crumbs and morsels falling from their lord’s table.” 10 And then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith; because of this your saying, let it be done to you even as you are desiring. 11 Be going your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter and she is free.” 12 And her daughter was healed from that very hour. 13 And the woman went away to her house, and found the child lying upon the bed, and the demon was gone.

14 And again Jesus departed from there, leaving the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon, near to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. 15 And going up into the mountain, he sat there. And there came to him great multitudes, having with themselves the lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, 16 and they cast them down at the feet of Jesus and he healed them insomuch that the multitudes wondered when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing: 17 and they glorified, magnified and extolled the virtues of the God of Israel.

18 And they brought to him one that was deaf, and who had a speech impediment; and they begged him that he would lay his hand upon him. 19 And he privately took him aside from the crowd, and thrust his fingers into his ears, and spitting he touched his tongue; and looking up into heaven, he inwardly sighed, and said to him in Aramaic, “Ephphatha,” which means, ‘be opened.’ 20 And instantly his ears were opened, and the bond of his tongue was loosened, and he spoke plainly. 21 And Jesus charged them that they should tell no one: but the more he charged them, so much the more they abundantly published it. 22 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well: he makes even the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” Yet, even after all of this, they did not understand that the miraculous signs that were done by Jesus were the divine credentials lending veracity to the message of repentance and faith which he bore.

23 In those days, when there was again a great multitude, and they had had nothing to eat, Jesus called near to himself his disciples and said to them, “I am moved with pity and compassion over the multitude, because they are continuing and remaining with me now three days, and they do not have or possess anything at all that they may eat. 24 I do not want to send them away fasting. If I dismiss/send them away to their home fasting, they may become weary and will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar.” 25 And his disciples answered and said to him, “From where can we get for us so many loaves for these here, and how will anyone be able to fill and satisfy so great a multitude with bread here in a desert?” 26 And Jesus asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven — and a few small fish.” 27 And he ordered the multitude to recline on the ground: and taking the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and the disciples set them before the multitude. 28 And since they had a few small fish: having blessed them, he commanded to set these also before them. 29 And they did all eat and were filled: and they took up of broken pieces which remained over, seven hand-baskets full. 30 And they that did eat were about four thousand men, beside women and children: and then he sent the multitude away.

43:1 And immediately he entered into a boat with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha near the borders of Magadan. 2 And both the Pharisees and the Sadducees came forth, mischievously proving him and putting him to the test; 3 and they began to argue with him, seeking after and asking for him to show them evidential proof, or a convincing token from heaven. 4 And sighing deeply in his spirit he answered, saying to them, “When sunset occurs, you are saying, ‘Fair weather and clear skies: for the sky is red.’ 5 And in early morning, you are saying, ‘Stormy weather today: for the sky is red and lowering.’ 6 Hypocrites! You are indeed skilled and masterful to discriminately discern the appearance of the sky; but you are not able to discern the signs of the seasons marked by characteristic circumstances as this signal juncture is. 7 Why does this generation seek a sign? An evil, malignant, impious, wicked, spiritually adulterous, faithless, ungodly generation is requiring/demanding a sign. 8 Truly I say to you, there will be no received sign given/presented to this generation but the unobservable sign of Jonah the prophet.” 9 And he forsook them, departing with his disciples.

10 And entering again into the boat they came to the other side; but for one loaf they forgot to take enough bread; and they had not more than that one loaf with them in the boat. 11 And Jesus charged, saying to them, “Observe and mark this: watch out, shun and beware: avoid the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the leaven of Herod’s Herodians.” 12 And they deliberated with one another and reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we took no bread and therefore we have none.” 13 And Jesus perceiving it said to them, “You all of scant, weak, little faith! 14 Why do you reason and deliberate among yourselves ‘because you have taken no bread?’ 15 You are not yet observing and clearly perceiving, neither thoroughly comprehending and understanding. 16 You are still becoming dense, callous and un-impressible in your mind. Having intellectual eyes, you are not seeing; and having ears, you are not hearing, and not remembering. 17 When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand — are you now perceiving and recalling how many baskets full of broken pieces you did take up?” 18 They said to him, “Twelve.” 19 And he then said, “When I broke the seven loaves among the four thousand, how many hand-baskets filled with broken pieces did you take up?” 20 And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “How is it that you are not thoroughly comprehending and understanding? 22 Since I can provide, how does it come to pass that you do not clearly perceive that I spoke not to you concerning bread? 23 But beware of the leaven — the influence of the system of thinking, doctrine, morals and conduct — of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians.” 24 Then they understood that he bade them not to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the instruction, doctrine, teaching of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians.

44:1 And they came again to Bethsaida. And there was brought to Jesus a blind man, and they begged him to touch him. 2 And he took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him outside of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes, and laid his hands upon him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 3 And the man looked up and said, “I see men; for I behold them as trees walking about.” 4 Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes for an adjustment; and the man looked steadfastly, and was restored, seeing all things clearly. 5 And Jesus sent him away to his home, saying, “You may not enter into the village, nor may you tell anyone in the village.”

6 Now Jesus and his disciples went forth and came into the parts and villages of Caesarea Philippi. 7 And it came to pass, as he was praying within himself on the way, that he interrogated/inquired/questioned/asked of his disciples, 8 saying to them, “What are the multitudes of men saying of me, the Son of man, to be?” 9 And they answered and told him, saying, “Some: John the Baptist; and some others: Elijah; and others besides these: Jeremiah — or a certain one of the old prophets risen again.” 10 And he asked, saying to them, “And all of you, who are you saying me to be?” 11 And Simon Peter answered and said to him, “You are the Christ — the Messiah — the Son of the living God.” 12 And Jesus answered and said to him, “You are happy, blessed and fortunate, Simon Bar Jonah: for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in the heavens. 13 And I also now say to you, that you are a petros; yet upon this petra I will establish and construct my Church; and the gates of hades — death — shall not overpower her. 14 And I will give/bestow/present and entrust/commit to your charge the keys to the kingdom of the heavens: 15 and whatsoever you may pronounce or declare to be binding and obligatory, or prohibited and unlawful upon the earth, will be, having been already pronounced or declared to be binding and obligatory, or prohibited and unlawful in the heavens; 16 and whatsoever you may declare free regarding privileges or with respect to lawfulness upon earth, will be, having been already declared free and lawful in the heavens.” 17 And then he charged his disciples, commanding, interdicting and prohibiting that they should tell no one that he is the Messiah.

18 And from that time on Jesus began to teach them, showing to his disciples how that he must go away into Jerusalem, saying, 19 “It behooves the Son of man to be affected, and to suffer and endure many cruel, evil things, and to be disallowed his claim of derivation and origination from heaven — all at the hands of the elders and the chief priests and the scribes — and to be disfigured, rendered unrecognizable and killed, and the third day to rise — be raised up from the dead.” 20 And he said this thing openly; and mere moments after his previously brilliant declaration, Simon Peter, taking him aside to himself for to address him, began to remonstrate with him, saying, “God forbid! Far be it from you, Lord: This will never be to you.” 21 But Jesus, turning his back to him while beholding his other disciples, rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind me, adversary! 22 You are a spring-trap, stumbling-block and impediment to me: for you are not inclined toward, set upon, neither minding the things of God, but the things of men.” 23 And he called to himself the crowd that was gathering with his disciples and he said to them all, 24 “If anyone, whosoever of you, is desiring to come after me, let him disregard and renounce himself, participating in the results of this action, and take up and bear his cross daily — being ready to encounter any extremity — and let him imitate and follow me as a disciple. 25 For whosoever would desire to save/preserve his life from being lost, will lose it/be deprived of it; 26 and whosoever should lose/be deprived of his life on my account, for my sake, or by reason of me and the good news, this one and the same person shall find/realize/gain it, and save/preserve it from being lost. 27 For, what help, profit or benefit will it be to a man, if he should gain/acquire possession of the whole/entire world, while nullifying and ruining himself in the process, and potentially receiving loss and forfeiture of his life? 28 Or what will a man give in exchange as compensation or equivalent ransom for his life? 29 For whosoever might be/is ashamed of me and my words in this spiritually adulterous, faithless, ungodly and depraved generation, this one the Son of man also will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory; 30 for the Son of man is about to come with the glory of his Father and with the glory of his holy angels; and then he will address all claim and expectation, and render what is due to every man, separately, according to his actions, deeds, ways, practices and behavior.” 31 And he said to them, “Truly I say to you, there are those — some of you — standing here who will in no way experience the taste of death, until they see the Son of man coming within his kingdom, and until they shall see, observe or witness God’s kingdom having come with power.”

45:1 And it came to pass about six to eight days after these sayings that Jesus went and took with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart by themselves to pray. 2 And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance became altered, and his form did change as he was transfigured in their presence; and his face did shine as the sun; and his glistering garments became whiter than snow and dazzling as light, so as no fuller on earth can whiten them. 3 And behold, there appeared to them two recognizable men talking together with Jesus: Moses and Elijah — who appeared in glory, and spoke about his departure and decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 4 Now Peter, and they that were with him, were drowsy with sleep: but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and that of the two men that stood with him. 5 And it came to pass as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Lord and Master, it is delightful and pleasant for us to remain here in this place: if you are willing, maybe we can construct here in this place three temporary tabernacles — one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” 6 not knowing what he was saying; for they did not know how to respond; for they became very fearful. 7 While he was yet speaking these things, behold, there came a bright, radiant, lustrous cloud overshadowing them, and they feared as they entered into the cloud: and behold, there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, 8 “This is my dear, beloved Son, my Approved and Chosen in whom I take delight and pleasure: heedfully hear and obey him.” 9 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and became greatly afraid and alarmed. 10 And after the voice came, Jesus was found alone. 11 And lifting up their eyes and suddenly looking round about they saw no one any more save Jesus only with themselves. 12 And Jesus came near and touched them and said, “Rise up, and be not alarmed nor afraid.” 13 And they relaxed and held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the things which they had seen.

14 And as they were preparing to come down from the mountain, Jesus charged them that they should tell no one the things that they had seen as follows: 15 he commanded, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of man should rise from the dead.” 16 And they kept the saying, debating among themselves what the ‘rising from the dead’ should mean. 17 And his disciples questioned him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that it is necessary for Elijah to come first?” 18 And answering Jesus said to them, “Elijah is indeed preceding/coming first, and will restore/prepare for all. 19 It has been written with respect of/in the case of/against the Son of man, that he should suffer many things, and should be denigrated, despised, contemned, and treated with contempt and scorn. 20 But I say to you that Elijah has before now come and already passed, and they discerned, recognized and acknowledged him not, but did to him whatsoever they wanted, even as it has been written of him. 21 In this way also the Son of man is on the verge of suffering and enduring harm by their instrumentality.” 22 Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.

46:1 And it came to pass on the next day as they were coming down from the mountain, that when they had come to the rest of the disciples, they saw a great multitude milling round about them, and some scribes were disputing with those disciples. 2 And immediately when they had come to the multitude, all the multitude saw Jesus, and they were greatly amazed, and running up to him they met and greeted him. 3 And he asked the scribes, “What are you disputing with them over?” 4 And behold, there came and cried out aloud to him one man out of the multitude there, who answered while kneeling to him, saying, “Lord and Teacher, I beseech you to have pity and compassion on my son and look him over; for he is my only child. 5 And look, I brought him to you, because having a dumb spirit, where so ever it decides to take possession of him, he suddenly cries out as it is throwing him down on the ground! 6 He is a lunatic and is suffering grievously: for he is frequently falling into the fire, and often into the water, and it scarcely lets go of him without debilitating him and depriving him of strength; and it convulses him so that he is frothing and foaming at the mouth, and he is gnashing and grinding his teeth and is pining away. 7 And I told your disciples and brought him to them, and begged them that they might cast it out; but they were unable to cure him and they prevailed not — they could not minister to him at all.”

8 And Jesus addressed them, saying, “O unbelieving, faithless, perverted and corrupted generation with no confidence in any one! 9 How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring your son: conduct him here to me.” 10 And they conducted the boy near to him: and as he was yet a coming, the demon saw Jesus and it immediately threw the boy down and violently convulsed him, distorting him grievously; and falling down upon the ground he wallowed and rolled in pain while frothing and foaming at the mouth. 11 And Jesus interrogated his father, “How long has it been since this started happening to him?” 12 And he said, “From childhood. And many times it has thrown him both into the fire and into the waters in order that it might kill him: but if you are intrinsically able to do anything, being moved with pity and compassion for us, hurry to our aid. Succor and help us.” 13 And Jesus said to him, “Whether you are intrinsically able to believe or not: all things are possible and capable of being done to the one faithing!” 14 Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, saying, “I believe, Lord! You assist/aid/help me with my lack of trust/confidence and doubting state of unbelief!” 15 And when Jesus saw that the multitude was pressing in, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Dumb and deaf spirit, I charge you: come out from him, and you may no more enter into or take possession of him.” 16 And crying out with great agitation and convulsion, the demon went, coming out from him: and the boy passed out and became as if dead, insomuch that the greater part of the people said, “He is dead.” 17 But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him up: he healed the boy as he stood up; and he was cured from that very hour. 18 Jesus gave him back to his father while all were marveling at all the things which he did, and they were all astonished at the majesty of God.

19 And when Jesus entered into a house, then came his disciples apart, and said to him privately, “We were not able to cast it out.” 20 And then they questioned him, saying, “Why were we not able to cast him out?” 21 And he said to them, “Because of your lack of trust/confidence, and unbelieving faithlessness. 22 For truly I say to you, if you have/possess faith like as a grain of mustard, you will say to this mountain, “Be removed from here to there; and it will go: and nothing will be impossible for you. 23 But this kind/type/species is not cast out, or is able to vacate in the presence of no one, unless accompanied by the instrumentality or efficient means of prayer and fasting.”

24 And they went forth from there and passed through Galilee; and Jesus desired not that any man should know it. 25 And while they were gathering themselves together to stay in Galilee, he taught his disciples, saying to them, “Attentively and retentively listen, giving audience to these words, and let them sink into your ears: 26 for the Son of man is about to be handed over — delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill him; and on the third day he will be raised, according to the scriptures.” 27 And they became exceedingly grieved, distressed and sorrowful. 28 And so he reinforced it, by saying, “The Son of man is being delivered up and handed over into the hands of men; and they will kill him, and having been killed, on the third day he will rise up, participating in its results as prophetically stated.” 29 But they understood not this saying; for having been concealed from them, they could not perceive it: and they were afraid to ask him about it.

47:1 Now when they arrived in Capernaum, they that received/collected the half-shekel came to Simon Peter because he was old enough and said, “Does not your teacher pay the half-shekel?” 2 And Simon Peter said, “Yeah!” 3 And when he entered into the house where Jesus was, Jesus, anticipating, spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? The kings of the earth: from whom are they collecting impost or tax — from their sons or from foreigners?” 4 And when Peter said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then it is a fact that the sons are exempt. 5 But lest we happen to offend them, it is expedient that you, having gone to the sea, cast a hook. 6 Take the fish coming up first, and opening its mouth, you shall find a shekel: taking that, give it to them, both for me and for you.”

7 In that hour came the rest of the disciples into the house to Jesus; but there had arisen a reasoning among them while they were on the way of which of them should be the greatest. 8 So he questioned them, “What were you all reasoning, disputing and contending amongst yourselves on the way?” 9 For he had seen the reasoning of their hearts, that they had contended and disputed one with another on the way over who the greatest would be. 10 But they held their peace with one another and did not answer. 11 And John answered, saying to him, “Master — Teacher, we saw someone casting out devils in your Name who is not following us; and we prevented/forbade him because he is not following with us.” 12 So Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent/forbid him: for there is no one who will do, accomplish or perform a work of power in my Name, and be easily/readily able to revile, verbally abuse, assail with reproaches, or speak evil of me. 13 For he who is not against us, is for us: and whosoever may give you even so much as a cup of water to drink in my Name, because you are of Christ, truly I say to you, in no way will he lose or be deprived of his reward.”

14 Finally, one of the disciples asked, “Who then is greatest in heaven’s kingdom?” 15 Then Jesus sat down and called the twelve to himself, and said to them, “If anyone is desiring to be chief, he will be lowest of all, and slave of all.” 16 And he summoned a little child, and taking him he set him by his side in their midst, and embracing him he said to them, 17 “Truly I say to you, unless you should all change your course of principle and conduct, and should be converted and become of simple trust like as the little children, you can not in any way enter into heaven’s kingdom. 18 And the one being lowly, humble and least among you all, this same one will be great. 19 Therefore, whosoever shall depress/suppress their pride and humble themselves in order to be like as this child, this one is the greater in heaven’s kingdom.

20 “And on the one hand, whoever shall kindly receive, welcome or admit out of such little children one such like child of this kind or sort in respect for my Name as the Author of the Faith, is receiving me: 21 and whosoever shall kindly admit, welcome and receive me, is not merely receiving me, but is receiving also the One sending me. 22 On the other hand, whoever may cause one of these little ones believing into me to morally stumble, falter or err, it is more conducive to advantage, profitable and expedient for him that he should receive a colossal ass-turned millstone for to be hung upon, even suspended from around, his neck for execution, and he were to be cast/plunged into/submerged in the depth of the open sea. 23 Woe and alas is to the world derived/originating from the causes and occasions of sinning! 24 For it is a necessity in the nature of the case for the causes and occasions of sinning to come; but nevertheless, woe and alas to that individual through whom the cause/occasion of sinning is coming! 25 See to it that you do not disparagingly contemn, scorn or despise one of these little ones; for I say to you that in heaven, all their angels, while subject, are always beholding the countenance of my Father who is in the heavens; 26 but the Son of man came to save that which is stray and lost, so even repentant abusers of children can be saved. 27 What do you think? If there should be to a certain man an hundred sheep, and one of them should wander about and become stray, does he not leave the ninety and nine, and go upon the hills, seeking and looking for the one straying? 28 And if he should happen to find it, truly I say to you that he is rejoicing over it more greatly than over the ninety and nine that were not wandering about or straying. 29 Even so it is not the will in the sight or estimation of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish and participate in the results of such a fate.

30 “Now regarding sex offenders, if your touchy-feely hand is continually causing you to morally stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you: 31 it is better or more profitable for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having your two hands and to be cast away into the continuing unquenchable fire of Gehenna, where their gnawing anguish has no end, and the fire is never extinguished. 32 And if your roaming foot is continually over-stepping boundaries, causing you to morally stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you: 33 it is better or more profitable for you to enter into life deprived of a foot, rather than having your two feet and to be cast into the continuing unquenchable fire of Gehenna, where their gnawing anguish has no end, and the fire is never extinguished. 34 And if your wandering eye is continually causing you to morally stumble through covetousness, pluck or tear it out and throw it away from you: 35 it is better or more profitable for you to enter into life in the kingdom of God deprived of an eye, rather than having two eyes and to be cast into the fire of Gehenna, where their gnawing anguish has no end, and the fire is never extinguished. Therefore, you are to be vigilant in depriving yourselves of baseness, employing extreme measures to avoid all forms of sexual sin.

36 “But all will be salted — seasoned and preserved — by salting with the fire of conversion; and every self-sacrifice will be salted — seasoned and preserved — by salting with salt which burns in the open wounds of sin. 37 Salt is useful for flavor; but if that salt becomes insipid, with what will you season or make savory in or during preparation? 38 You all are possessing/holding/retaining salt in yourselves. You are the seasoning which preserves in the world and makes the world thirsty. Therefore guard your valuable good testimony with utmost care.

39 “Also, cultivate peace, concord and harmony with one another: 40 now if your brother should be guilty of wrong against you, you go and reprove/rebuke him between you and he alone: 41 if he should heed and obey you, you have won over your brother from estrangement. 42 But if he should not heed and obey you, then take with you in addition one or two more, so that by the word or speech of two or three witnesses every matter, affair or verbal exchange might be confirmed or proven. 43 And if he should fail to give ear, neglect obedience and callously disregard them, then you explain or tell it to the congregation: 44 and if he should even refuse to listen, neglect to obey, and callously disregard the congregation also, then let him be to you just like as the unsaved heathen and the despised revenuer. 45 Truly I say to you, whatsoever you may pronounce to be binding or obligatory, and declare to be prohibited and unlawful, upon the earth, will be, having been already pronounced to be binding or obligatory, and declared to be prohibited and unlawful in heaven; 46 and whatsoever you may declare free regarding privileges or with respect to lawfulness upon the earth, will be, having been already declared free in heaven. 47 Again I say to you, that if two of you should make an agreement or be in accord upon the earth about/concerning/respecting any matter or affair, whatever they may request or desire while participating in the results of this action, it will come to pass/be produced/occur/take place/happen/be done for them from my Father who is in heaven. 48 For where two or three are, having been already assembled, convened, or gathered together in my Name as the Author of the Faith, I am there in their midst/among them.”

48:1 Then Simon Peter came up to him and said, “Lord, how often or how many times will my brother be guilty of wrong/sin against me and I will pass over, remit, forgive him — up until seven times?” 2 Then Jesus said to him, “I say not to you, ‘Up until seven times,’ but, ‘Up until seventy times seven.’ 3 For this reason the kingdom of the heavens can be compared/likened to a man — a king — who decided to reckon for payment and take account with his slaves. 4 And he commencing to adjust accounts, one debtor who owed him a myriad — thirty million dollars — was brought near to him. 5 And he not having the ability to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold — his wife, and the children, and all as much as he had — and the debt to be repaid. 6 Then falling down prostrate, the slave was reverencing and paying homage to him, saying, “Lord, forbear and exercise patience upon me in clemency and I will repay all to you.” 7 And the lord of that slave, compassionating, loosed and released him from his burden and remitted/forgave him the debt/loan. 8 But later that slave happened upon one of his fellow-slaves who was owing and indebted to him of one hundred dollars: 9 and apprehending him, he seized him by the throat and throttled him, saying, “Give back to me that which you are owing.” 10 Then falling down prostrate before his feet his fellow slave was imploring and begging him, saying, “Forbear and exercise patience upon me in clemency and I will repay to you all.” 11 But he was unwilling: but put him away into debtor prison until he should give back that having been already owed. 12 And his fellow slaves seeing that happening, they became exceedingly grieved, distressed and sorrowful; and coming they made all known to their lord, telling plainly all that was happening. 13 Then his lord summoned him near to himself, saying to him, “You evil, wicked slave! I forgave you all that indebtedness you owed because you implored, besought and begged me! 14 Is it not obligatory, binding, necessary and proper for you also to commiserate with, show gracious favor towards, and have pity, mercy and compassion on your fellow slave, even as I had mercy, pity and compassion, and showed gracious favor and saving mercy towards you?” 15 And his lord becoming angry, indignant and enraged, handed him over to the warden until he should repay all that having been formerly due him. 16 Thus, in this way also my heavenly Father will deal with each of you all, unless each one of you can forgive his brother/her sister their trespasses, faults, transgressions, shortcomings and offenses against you from your hearts.”

49:1 It was November, A.D. 29, and it came to pass that the point in time where he should be taken and received up was to soon be completed; and he steadfastly set his face in anticipation of this to go into Jerusalem; 2 and he sent forth messengers in advance of his personal presence: and going on their way they came and entered into a village of Samaritans in order to make ready and prepare for him. 3 But they hospitably entertained and received him not, because his sights were set on going into Jerusalem. 4 So seeing this, his disciples James and John said, “Lord, are you willing that we might bid/call fire to come down/fall from heaven for to consume them, even as Elijah effected?” 5 But wheeling about he reproved, rebuked, censured them, saying, “You know not of what kind/sort/manner of spirit/nature you are; 6 for the Son of man came not to utterly destroy the souls of men, but to save and preserve them safe and unharmed.” 7 And they passed on their way into another village.

8 And it came to pass — he traveling with them on the way — that one scribe drawing near to him said, “Teacher, I will follow you as a disciple where-so-ever you may go, Lord.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes are keeping dens, and the birds of the air, roosts; but the Son of man has no floor where he can lay down his head and rest.”

10 And he said to another of the disciples, “You! Imitate and follow me as a disciple.” 11 But the disciple said to him, “Lord, permit/allow me to be going away first for to inter my father.” 12 But Jesus said to him, “You follow me, and leave those who are themselves dead and without life to bury the dead, and going forth, publish abroad the kingdom of God.”

13 And another said also, “I will imitate and follow you, Lord: but first permit/allow me to take leave and bid farewell to those in my house.” 14 But Jesus said to him, “No one laying his hand upon/applying his hand to a plow, while aiming for reference at those furrows which are behind him, is rightly disposed with a view to/properly fit for the use and service of the kingdom of God.”

15 And after these things the Lord openly showed/demonstrated as an example the appointment of seventy other men also, and he sent them forth in parties of two, ahead of/in advance of his appearance or personal presence, into every city and place whither he was intending to go. 16 Then he reiterated for their benefit, “The harvest of the good news is truly plenteous, but the spiritual workmen/laborers are few: therefore, you all being in want or need, be petitioning the Lord of the harvest that he might send forth artisans, practitioners, laborers, even workmen out into his harvest of the good news.

17 “You all go now. Behold, I send you all forth as lambs in the midst of/among wolves. 18 Carry no bag or purse, no sack for provisions, scrip or wallet, neither anything bound under foot. 19 Also, initiate confidence in no one on the roadway during your systematic course of pursuit. 20 And into whichever dwelling you all may enter and present yourself, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 21 And if in fact the Son of peace exists there in that place, your peace will rest upon and abide with it resulting in its participation: but if not at all, it will deflect and return back again upon you all. 22 But if it rests or abides you stay and lodge in that same house, eating and drinking their provisions: for the workman/laborer is worthy and deserving of his due.

23 “Move not from house to house. And into whichever city you all may enter, and they should accept and receive you, eat those things being placed before you; 24 and heal the helpless and cure the sick — ministering to the afflicted and distressed — rendering service and attending to those men that are weak and infirm therein — even mentally and spiritually — 25 and say to them, ‘God’s kingdom has come upon, and is drawing near to, you.’ 26 But into whichever city you all may enter, and they should accept and receive you not, going out into its main streets, you say, ‘Even the dust rising from your city that is adhering/clinging to us, we are wiping off of ourselves for your sake, 27 but nevertheless understand this: that God’s kingdom is drawing near to, and has come upon, you.” 28 And I say to you all, that it will be more tolerable for Sodom in that the day of judgment than for that city.”

29 Then he said again for the sake of this group, “Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if those efficacious instances of manifested miraculous power happening in you for your benefit, happened in Tyre and Sidon, they would have already repented and reformed long ago, sitting in a mourning garment of sackcloth and in ash for their own sake. 30 But nevertheless it will be more tolerable in Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 31 And you, Capernaum, being elevated and exalted, rising and lifting up aloft into the extent of heaven — you will be caused to descend, being brought/thrust down until you reach the lowest place in the pit of hell. 32 The one hearing, heeding and obeying you is hearing, heeding and obeying me; and the one rejecting, contemning and setting you aside, is rejecting, contemning and setting me aside; 33 and the one rejecting, contemning and setting me aside is rejecting, contemning and setting aside the One sending me forth into action.”

34 Some time later, the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils/demons/evil spirits are subjecting themselves to us by rendering obedience in your Name.” 35 And Jesus said to them, “I was viewing/observing — watching Satan falling out of the air/sky like lightning as it were. 36 Behold, I have now given you the authority, power and prerogative to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all that the enemy/adversary is capable of throwing at you: and nothing will in any way hurt, harm or injure you. 37 Nevertheless rejoice not in this: that the spirits are subjecting themselves and rendering obedience to you all; but rather rejoice that your names are written in the heavens.”

38 In that same hour Jesus again celebrated in the Spirit and said, “I praise you and celebrate, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, and therefore confess agreement; 39 for you withheld and concealed these things from the intellectual and the sagacious, and disclosed/revealed them to quiet, unlearned, simple babes: 40 yes, Father; for in your estimation such a circumstantial condition was your appointed good pleasure, purpose and intention.” 41 Then he said, “All has been committed/entrusted/delivered/given, even handed over to me by my Father. 42 And no one is understanding perfectly who the Son is, save the Father; and who the Father is, save the Son, and whomsoever the Son may choose, intend, desire to — be pleased, willing or disposed to — reveal him.” 43 And turning aside toward the twelve disciples, he privately said, “Fortunate are the eyes beholding and observing those things which you are seeing: 44 For I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to be admitted to witness those things which you are seeing, and saw them not; and to hear those things which you are hearing, and heard them not.”

50:1 And behold, after this, a certain teacher and interpreter of the Mosaic Law stood up, sounding, proving and trying him, thereby putting Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what am I to be doing so that I might acquire/obtain/inherit eternal life?” 2 And Jesus said to him, “What is there, that has been written in the Law? What exact knowledge are you gathering, recognizing or discerning there as you are reading?” 3 And answering he said, “You will with faithful fidelity love, value, esteem, delight in and care for the Lord your God with all your heart as the seat of desire, feeling, impulse and affection, and with all your soul as the seat of religious and moral sentiment, and with all your energy, faculty and ability, and with all your thought, intellect and understanding; and you will care for your neighbor as you would yourself.” 4 And Jesus said to him, “You have answered rightly/correctly. Do this and you yourself will live.” 5 But the man, desiring/intending to justify/vindicate himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 6 And Jesus, catching on to his underhandedness, took the thing up and continued answering him and said, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among highway robbers, both stripping him of his goods and inflicting him with blows, who disappeared, leaving him alone, being half dead. 7 And quite accidentally, by chance, a certain priest was going down upon that road: and beholding him, he passed along by without much consideration. 8 And likewise, in a similar manner, a Levite also, approaching near the spot/place, coming and beholding, passed along by on the other side without any further consideration. 9 But one traveling Samaritan came upon him, and beholding him, became moved with pity and compassion; and approaching and coming to him, pouring olive oil and wine on them, he bandaged his wounds; and mounting him upon his own beast of burden, he brought him into a public inn where travelers lodged, and took care of him there. 10 And departing on the next day, taking out two hundreds, he gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Care for him; and whatever expense you may incur over and above this, upon my return I will repay you even more.” 11 Therefore, which of these three appears to you to have become neighbor to the one encountering the robbers?” 12 And he said, “The one blessing and treating him with the compassionate benefits of kindness and mercy.” 13 Then Jesus said to him, “You go and do likewise.”

14 And it came to pass that as they proceeded on their way, Jesus also entered into a certain village: and one woman, Martha by name, received him into her house and entertained him as a guest. 15 And to her was a sister being named Mary, who was sitting down by, even at the feet of Jesus, and was listening to his word. 16 But Martha was being heavily distracted — encumbered and busied about concerning much hospitality. 17 And coming near, and jumping all over him, she scolded, “Lord, aren’t you concerned? Don’t you care that my sister abandoned me to serve alone without assistance? Now then, tell her that she should help me.” 18 But answering quietly, Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha. You are too anxious, solicitous, concerned and preoccupied, and you are stirred up, disquieted and perturbed, troubling yourself respecting many unimportant things: 19 but there exists only one real and true need or necessity, and Mary has chosen or selected it for herself — the most profitable and beneficent portion, serving or dish, which will not be taken away from her.

51:1 And it came to pass, Jesus being in a certain place offering prayer, as he caused himself to pause and cease, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, you teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “Whenever you all may pray, you all say: “Our Father, who occupies to the heavens: Let your Name be regarded and reverenced as consecrated and set apart from that which is common or profane. 3 Let your kingdom come. Let your will, purpose and design be done, as for in heaven, even so upon the earth. 4 Supply to us every day sufficient daily bread, maintenance and necessities of life for the next day. 5 And relent, pass over and forgive us our sin and offense; for we ourselves are also relenting, passing over and forgiving all indebted to us. 6 And please lead us not into testing, trial, calamity or affliction where a solicitation to do evil may occur, but rescue us from evil, bad, wrong and wickedness.”

7 And he said to them, “Which of you will have at hand a friend, and will go to him at midnight, and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves, because a friend of mine has arrived from a journey to me, and I have nothing I can set before him.” 8 And answering, he within might say, “Do not be a cause of bother to me: the door is closed, having been already shut, and my children are with me in bed. I am not able to be getting up to give to you.” 9 I say to you, even though he will not be getting up to give to him because of being his friend, at the very least because of his friend’s inordinately urgent and persistent petitioning, and resolute, tenacious, stubborn adherence to persistence, being aroused and awakened, he will give him as much as he is needing. 10 And I say to all of you, ask repeatedly, and what you ask will be given you; seek continually, and you will find; knock persistently, and the door will be opened to you. 11 For each one repeatedly asking is receiving; and the one continually seeking is finding; and for the one persistently knocking, the door will be opened. 12 And of which father of you all will his son ask for a loaf? He will not give to him a stone. And if a fish? He will not give to him a snake in place of a fish. Or if he should ask for an egg also? He will not give to him a scorpion. 13 If all of you then, being evil, know for sure how to give proper gifts to your children, how much more will the Father of heaven give the Holy Spirit to those asking him?”

14 One day Jesus was casting out a demon which was causing dumbness. And it came to pass that when the demon was exiting, the dumb-mute conversed, and the multitudes marveled. 15 But as before, some of them said, “He is casting out the demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” 16 And others, mischievously putting him to the test, were seeking, requiring and demanding from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom being in a state of dissension against itself is being brought to ruin; and a family or household dissenting against the same family or household is falling in ruins. 18 And also, since you are saying that I am to cast out the demons by Beelzebub, if Satan has been divided against himself, how will his kingdom be set? 19 And if I cast out the demons by Beelzebub, by whom are your sons casting them out? On account of this they shall be your judges. 20 But if the demons are cast out by the finger of God, then God’s kingdom has overtaken and come upon you. 21 Whenever the Strong, being fully armed, may guard and defend his home, his possessions are safe at rest: but as soon as one stronger than himself, attacking, shall overcome and subdue him, the attacker takes away his armor upon which he had relied and trusted, and is distributing his plunder. 22 The one being not with me is against me; and the one not collecting/gathering together with me is dissipating/scattering.

23 “Whenever a lewd, foul, impure, unclean spirit happens to depart away from a man due to forceful riddance, it travels over land, wandering about through dry, barren, desert areas seeking after a place to inhabit, stay or live; 24 and locating and acquiring none, it then says, “I will turn back and return to the use of my dwelling from whence I came out.” 25 And coming it discovers the man over again, having been swept clean and adorned and set in order, yet still absent the indwelling Spirit of God. 26 Then it proceeds and takes along together with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and forcefully breaking in and entering the man they dwell there in that abode; 27 and the results for that man become progressively worse and more severe than his original state.”

29 And it occurred, while he was speaking on these same things, a certain woman out of the multitude, raising her voice said to him, “Blessed is the womb bearing you, and the breasts which nursed you!” 30 But he said, “Yea rather, blessed are they hearing the word of God, and observing it.”

52:1 And when the multitudes were gathering together, collecting and pressing close in upon him, he began to reiterate regarding himself, “This generation is an evil, wicked, malignant, afflictive, impious generation, anxiously searching for, carefully seeking after, endeavoring to obtain an assuring token, evidential sign or convincing proof. 2 None will be given to it but for the assuring, convincing, evidential sign, token, or proof of Jonah the prophet; 3 for inasmuch as Jonah became an assuring, convincing, evidential token, proof or sign to the Ninevites, so thus, in this way, will also the Son of man be to this generation. 4 The Queen of Sheba will be raised up from the dead with the men of this generation during the judgment, and will show them guilty by her presence: for she came from the farthest end/extremity of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a more greater than Solomon is here in this place. 5 Men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will show them guilty by their presence: for they repented, making changes in principle and practice in accordance with the public inculcation, proclamation and preaching of Jonah; and behold, a more greater than Jonah is here in this place.

6 “Now no one lighting a lamp is placing it with a view towards concealment, not even under the corn measure, but upon the lamp-stand, so that those entering in may see the light. 7 The lamp of your body is the eye. 8 Therefore, when your eye may be functional, properly operating and dedicated, your whole body is illuminated and enlightened also; 9 but whenever it may be fouled, inoperative and evilly assaulted, your body is also darkling and dark. You become what you look to, whether it be signs of light enlightening you, or signs of darkness misinforming you. 10 Use diligence, watch, and take care, then, that the light in you is not darkness. 11 Therefore, if your whole body is illuminated and enlightened, not having any part or portion darkling and dark, it will be completely illuminated and enlightened, like as when the brightness of the lit lamp may give off light to shine upon you.”

12 Now as he went to speak on, a certain Pharisee began asking that Jesus might take lunch with him; and entering in he reclined to eat. 13 And the Pharisee, observing, was astonished that he had not first been washed before the meal. 14 But the Lord said to him, “Now all you Pharisees are cleansing for to purify the exterior of the cup and the plate; but your interior is full of rapacity and corruption. 15 You idiots! Does not the One making the exterior make the interior also? 16 Nevertheless, you are to distribute alms of those clean things God made which are within, and behold, then all is ceremonially clean to you.

17 “However, woe to you Pharisees; for you are giving tithes of the garden mint and the rue and every garden herb and vegetable, and are passing over, disregarding and neglecting the equitable justice and devoted loving care of God: these latter you ought to have been doing, while at the same time not dismissing, passing over and forsaking the former. 18 Woe to you Pharisees; for you are loving, esteeming, valuing and delighting in the chief, highest and most honorable seats in the synagogues, and the salutations and greetings in the public concourses, forums and marketplaces. 19 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees: hypocrites! For you are as indistinct, unapparent, concealed, unmarked graves; and the people above walking over them know it not.”

20 And one of the interpreters and teachers of the law, responding, said to him, “Teacher, in saying these things you are outraging us also.” 21 And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also; for you are loading men down with burdens of imposed precepts oppressively difficult and grievous to be borne, and you yourselves are not touching those burdens with even one of your fingers. 22 Woe to you; for you are constructing and expanding the memorial monuments of the prophets, and it was your fathers that killed them. 23 So, therefore, you are all declaring and consenting with a stamp of approval to the deeds and actions of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and you are the ones constructing and expanding their memorial monuments. 24 And on account of this the wisdom of God has said: “I will send forth to them prophets and apostles; and these they will vex, harass, persecute and kill, 25 in order that the blood being shed from all of the prophets, beginning from the foundation of the world, may be required, demanded and exacted from this generation; from the blood of Abel, even to the blood of Zachariah, himself perishing between the altar of burnt offering and the seat. 26 Yes, I say to you, it will be required, exacted and demanded from this generation. 27 Woe to you lawyers; for you all took away the key for entrance into knowledge, you yourselves entered not in, and those who would be entering in you hindered/prevented.” 28 And while he was speaking these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be vehemently exasperated, and commenced to lead him on to speak without premeditation concerning more things, lying in ambush, endeavoring to catch unguarded words, and seeking to seize upon something from out of his mouth so that they might accuse him.

53:1 In the mean time, when the myriads of the vast multitude were gathered together so as that they trampled one upon another, Jesus first began to say to his disciples, 2 “Guard yourselves against the leaven/yeast of the Pharisees, which is histrionic hypocritical simulation: but nothing is being wholly or altogether concealed which will not be revealed/disclosed, and secret/clandestine which will not be made known. 3 Wherefore, on which account, as much as you have said in the dark of privacy will be heard in broad daylight; and what you have spoken next to the ear in places of private retirement will be publicly proclaimed upon the rooftops. 4 Now I say to you, my friends, you should stop yourselves from being afraid of those annihilating/destroying the body, and after these acts, not having any more to do: 5 but I will intimate to you whom you yourselves should fear and dread: you yourselves fear and dread the One possessing the prerogative, power and authority to annihilate/destroy and cast into Gehenna. 6 Yes, I say to you, you yourselves fear and dread this One! 6 Are not five sparrows being sold for two cents? And not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God. 7 The very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, regarding those annihilators and destroyers, fear and dread them not! You are superior to, and of greater value than, many sparrows. 8 And I say to you all, of all who may accord belief in me in the presence of others, the Son of man will also accord him approbation in the presence of the angels of God: 9 but the one denying and disclaiming me in the presence and impression of others, will be denied and disclaimed in the presence of the angels of God. 10 Also, of all who will speak a word against the Son of man, it will be overlooked, passed over, pardoned, remitted and forgiven him: 11 but for the one blaspheming, calumniating, reviling and contumeliously speaking with impious irreverence against the Holy Spirit, it will not be overlooked, passed over, pardoned, remitted nor forgiven. 12 And in case they should bring you all in to the synagogues/convocations/congregations/assemblies, and before the leaders/magistrates, and the potentates/authorities, be not solicitous or anxious with concern, preoccupied with thoughts of how you might respond against their charges, nor what you might say in defense; 13 for the Holy Spirit will direct and teach you all what it is necessary and fitting for you to say during that very hour.”

14 Then one out of the multitude shouted out to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to share a portion of the inheritance with me.” 15 But Jesus said to him, “Man, who appointed/constituted me an arbitrator/apportioner over you?” 16 And he said to them, “You all take care and guard yourselves from all covetousness and the inordinate desire for riches: 17 for any person — his life or existence is not in the full sufficiency, growing augmentation, superfluity/abundance realized out of the things he is possessing.” 18 And he spoke a parable to them, saying, “The farm-fields of a certain rich, opulent, wealthy individual abundantly yielded and brought forth plentifully: 19 and he was deliberating, reasoning within himself, saying, “What can I do, for I possess no certain place where I shall gather my fruits?” 20 And he said, “I will do this: I will demolish my repositories/storehouses, and construct/build greater/larger ones; and I shall gather all my produce there in that place, plus my goods; 21 and I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods lying in store against many years; relax and enjoy yourself — eat, drink, and be glad/merry and rejoice.’” 22 But God said to him, “You unwise, inconsiderate, religiously unenlightened man! 23 This very night your soul I am requiring/demanding of you; and those things which you have expedited and prepared: whose will they be now?” 24 Thus, in this way, so is the one collecting, gathering, accumulating treasure, stores and wealth for himself, but who is not being rich to the extent of/with reference to, God.”

25 And he said to his disciples, “Because of/on account of/with a view to, this I say to you, don’t be anxious/solicitous, or concern yourself with careful preoccupation for your life, what you all shall eat; nor yet for the body, what you all shall put on yourself. 26 The life is more than nourishment/sustenance, and the body more than clothing. 27 Consider, contemplate, mark and observe the ravens: for they are not sowing, nor are they reaping or gathering harvest — for which is no granary, storehouse or barn; yet God is supporting, feeding, nourishing and providing for them. 28 Rather, preferably, how much better, of greater value, superiority and excellence you all are than the birds! 29 And who out of you all is able to add a span to his life’s duration by being anxious? 30 If, therefore, you all are not able to be doing the least, why are you all anxiously worrying about the rest? 31 Consider, contemplate, mark and observe the lilies, how they are growing: they are not fainting, wearied or spent with labor, neither are they spinning; yet I say to you all, not even Solomon, for all his glory, was himself clothed/arrayed like one of these. 32 Now if God is in this way clothing the plants in the cultivated field, presently/currently existing this day, and which are being put into an oven the next day, how much more will he clothe you, you of scant faith. 33 But deliberate not over what you all shall eat, or what you shall drink, and be not anxious. 34 For the people of the world are seeking after all these things: and your Father knows absolutely that you are needing and wanting these things. 35 But you all seek after the kingdom of God, and all these same things will be added to you. 36 Do not make yourselves apprehensive, little flock; for your Father wants, and is delighted, to give you the kingdom. 37 You all sell your goods, possessions and property, and give charitable alms. 38 Procure for yourselves wallets and purses which are not becoming old and worn — a receptacle with an inexhaustible precious deposit in the heavens, where a taking thief is not approaching, neither a ruining moth. 39 For where your treasure is, there in that place will your heart be also.

40 “All of you, let your loins be prepared, having been girded about for unimpeded travel, with lights burning for all to see; and all of you be like to/resembling men of similar force and drift, ready to receive/accept — expecting, looking and waiting for their own Lord — so that when he shall depart from the feasts/banquets, coming and knocking, they may immediately open up to him. 41 Fortunate are those slaves, whom the Lord will find watching when he does come: truly I say to you that he will gird himself for service, and will cause them to recline for eating, and coming to their side, will serve them. 42 And if he should come in the second three hour watch of the night — even should he come in the third three hour watch of the night, and he should find, meet, discover them in this way, fortunate are those slaves. 43 But all of you understand this: that if the head of the household had known which hour the thief was coming, he could have watched, and not have allowed his house to be dug into and broken through. 44 All of you, then, be ready/prepared also, for in the hour you are not supposing, imagining or thinking, the Son of man is coming.”

54:1 Then Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, are you narrating this parable concerning/with reference to us only, or is it also concerning/with reference to all?” 2 And the Lord said, “Who, then, is the true, faithful, trust-worthy, wise, thoughtful and prudent steward whom his lord will appoint/set over his domestic slaves and family in order to give them their ration with respect to proper time? 3 That slave is fortunate whom his lord, when he does come, will find performing in this way. Truly I say to you, that he will also appoint/set him over all his goods, possessions and property. 4 But if that slave should say in his heart, “My lord is to come late,” and should himself begin to beat the boys and the girls, and to both eat and drink and to become drunk; 5 then the lord of that slave will come and arrive in a day which he is not anticipating, and in an hour which he is not knowing, and will inflict on him a punishment of extreme severity, and he will appoint/allocate/assign his lot/portion/destiny with the unfaithful, treacherous violators of the Faith. 6 Yea, that slave knowing his lord’s sovereign pleasure, will and behest, and not preparing, nor doing according to, or in conformity with, his lord’s sovereign pleasure, will and behest, he will be beaten, scourged, skinned and flayed with many stripes; 7 but the one knowing not, yet doing equal things worthy of stripes, will be beaten, scourged, skinned and flayed briefly with few. 8 So for each to whom much has been given, from them will much be required, expected and demanded: and to whom much was committed and entrusted resulting in stewardship, of him will they expect and demand the most.

9 “I have come to send forth fire into the earth; and how so I wish that it were set on fire, already: 10 but I have to be immersed with a baptism, and how I am hard pressed — seized with and affected by mental constriction, anxiety and distress — until it can be fulfilled and realized! 11 Are you thinking that I happened to publicly come forth to be the author/source of concord upon the earth? 12 No way, I tell you, but rather dissension: for from now on, five in one house shall be dividing: three against two, and two against three. 13 They will be in a state of dissension: father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law.”

14 And he said to the multitudes also, “When you all can see a cloud rising from out of the west, you at once say, “A rainstorm is coming;” and so it occurs as predicted. 15 And when a south wind is blowing, you are saying, “There will be a time of hot weather;” and it occurs as predicted. 16 You hypocrites, counterfeits and pretenders! 17 You all certainly know how to discern and distinguish the appearance of the sky and the land; but how is it that you all cannot distinguish, judge or discern this signal juncture/marked epoch/special season indicated by special characterizing occurrences? 18 And why are you not even distinguishing and judging the one who is right amongst yourselves? 19 Even as you are going before a judge with your lawsuit opponent, put forth diligence, striving to settle and be freed from him while on the way; lest he should drag you down to the judge, and the judge should hand you over to the officer, and the officer should throw you into debtor prison. 20 I say to you, you shall by no means come out from there until you shall render the very last cent. So likewise, repent and make your peace with God — now — believe the good news!”

21 Now during that same time several were present there carrying back word to him concerning the Galileans whose shed blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrificial offerings. 22 And responding Jesus said to them, “Are you all thinking that those Galileans were themselves depraved, detestable sinners above/more than all other Galileans because they have suffered such things of this kind/sort and are dead? 23 No way, I tell you, but unless you repent, you yourselves will all likewise perish. 24 How about those eighteen upon whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them? Are you all thinking that they were sinners above/more than all those people dwelling in Jerusalem? 25 No way, I tell you, but unless you repent, you yourselves will all likewise perish.”

26 And he was putting forth this parable concerning Israel: “A certain man was keeping a fig tree that had been growing in his own vineyard; and he came seeking fruit upon it, and he found none. 27 And he said to the vine-dresser, “Look! I come three years seeking fruit upon this fig tree, and I find none! Cut it down! Why is it even unprofitably occupying the ground?” 28 And answering the vine-dresser said to him, “Lord, let it remain yet for a time of testing until I can dig around it: I will lay manure, and see if it can actually produce fruit for the future: and if indeed not, you will cut and remove it then when you desire.””

55:1 One day Jesus began teaching in one of the synagogues during one of the Sabbaths. 2 And behold, there was a woman affected by a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was doubled over, and was unable to raise herself to look up. 3 And seeing her, Jesus called her near to himself, and said to her, “Woman, you have been freed from your infirmity and are healed.” 4 And he placed hands upon her, and immediately she was restored and made erect, and was glorifying and worshiping God. 5 But the leading elder of the synagogue, manifesting indignation because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, was declaring to the gathering, “There are six days during which men ought to work: therefore you all be coming, and render and receive services during these days, and not on the day of the Sabbath.” 6 Then the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrite! Are not all of you severally unbinding his ox or ass from the stall on the Sabbath, leading him away and giving him drink? 7 And this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound, lo, these eighteen years, ought we not to impel her to be unbound from this infirmity/impediment on the day of the Sabbath?” 8 And in saying these things, all those opposing him were being put to shame: and all the gathering were rejoicing with a view to all the notable, memorable and momentous things that were happening by means of him.

9 Then he was saying, “What is God’s kingdom like, and to what will I compare it? 10 It is like a grain of mustard, which a man taking up in hand, placed into his own garden that was planted in trees and herbs; and it grew and developed into a great tree; and the birds of the air roosted in its branches” 11 And again he said, “To what will I compare God’s kingdom? 12 It is like yeast which a woman taking up in hand, mixed into twenty pounds of meal, or flour, until it was all caused to ferment.”

13 And Jesus was passing throughout cities and villages and teaching, himself making progress as far as Jerusalem. 14 And a certain Jew said to him, “Lord, are those persons being rescued from unbelief, and brought within the bounds of salvific privilege, few?” 15 And he said to all, “Strive to enter the kingdom through the narrow, straight Gate: 16 I tell you that masses will desire to seek and will strive to enter through some other way, and they will not avail nor be validated. 17 Since the Master and Head of the house could soon be caused to rise up and close the Door, thus ending the occasion for opportunity to believe, 18 you yourselves could also begin to stand outside, not belonging to his community of believers, and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, Lord! Open to us!” 19 And answering he will say to you, “I know not where you are from.” 20 Then at that time you yourselves will all begin to say, “We ate and we drank in your presence; and you taught in our streets.” 21 And he will say, “I can tell you all, I know not where you are from! Depart and get away from me, all you practitioners of iniquity, unrighteousness, falsehood, deceit, injustice, evil and wrong.” 22 There will be weeping, and the gnashing of teeth, when you all can see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in God’s kingdom, and all of you having been cast forth outside, and forced away — rejected out of hand with contempt. 23 And people will arrive from east and west, and from north and south; and all will be caused to recline at table in God’s kingdom. 24 And behold! Those who are lowest or least important now will be chief, principal or most important then; and those who are now chief, principal or most important will be lowest or least in importance then.”

25 On that self-same day, several Pharisees approached, saying to him, “Get out of here and escape from this place: for Herod is intending to kill you.” 26 And he said to them, “Going, you all say to this crafty, fox-like man, “Behold, I am casting out demons, and I am accomplishing healings and performing cures this day and the next day; and for Sunday, April second — the third day — I am being brought to the objective of my course — to triumphantly enter Jerusalem. 27 Nevertheless, it is obligatory for me to go on my way, this day, and the next day, and for the one following: because it is not possible for a prophet of God himself to be put to death outside of Jerusalem. 28 Jerusalem! Jerusalem! The one killing the prophets, and pelting with stones those having been sent to her alone! 29 How often I longed to gather your children together — even as a hen her own brood under her wings — and you all wanted nothing to do with it! 30 Behold! Your locale is now being ignored, neglected, deserted and forsaken with regard to you all — given over to your own management as a lonely, abandoned ruin. 31 And I truly say to you that you all shall not ever see me again until such a time should arrive when you all shall say, “Blessing be conferred on the One coming in the Name of the Lord God.”

56:1 And it came to pass, when he went into a house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, that they were themselves insidiously observing him. 2 And behold, a certain edematous man was before him. 3 And discerning, Jesus spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to render service on the Sabbath?” 4 And they acquiesced. 5 And he himself taking hold, notably healed and dismissed him. 6 And speaking to them, he said, “Whose ass or ox of you shall fall into a well or cistern, and will he not properly draw it out on the Sabbath day?” 7 And they were not able to respond to him regarding these things. 8 Also, he was telling a parable to those having been invited, when observing how they were picking out/choosing for themselves the best and most honorable seats at the table, 9 saying to them, “Whenever you may be invited by someone to festivities, you should not recline with a view to the most honorable seat, lest perchance one more honored or estimable than you was being invited by the one inviting you, and he may come and will say to you, “Yield this spot to this man.” 10 And then you yourself may begin with disgrace and shame to occupy the farthest/lowest place. 11 But whenever you may be invited, passing from one place to another, proceed to recline in the place of least importance, so that when the one inviting you may come, he may say to you, “Friend, here’s a better seat.” 12 Then honorable consideration will be toward you in the presence of those reclining at table with you. 13 For everyone elevating/exalting himself will be abased/humbled; and the one abasing/humbling himself will be elevated/exalted.”

14 And he said also to the one inviting him, “Whenever you may prepare a luncheon or a supper, invite not your friends, nor your brethren, nor your relatives, nor rich neighbors; lest perchance they also should invite you in return, and it should become a recompense to you. 15 But whenever you may prepare a banquet or feast, invite the indigent, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be approved; for they are not able to repay you: but it will be repaid to you in the resurrection of the just.

16 And one of those reclining with him hearing these things said to him, “Fortunate is he who will eat bread in God’s kingdom.” 17 But he said to him, “A certain man prepared a great supper; and he invited many: and he sent forth his slave at the time of the supper to say to those having been invited, “You all come, for it is now all ready.” 18 And they all alike began asking to be excused. 19 The first said to him, “I bought a field and I have an obligation to go out and to see it: I am begging/beseeching you, consider me as having been excused.” 20 And another said, “I bought five pair of oxen, and I will be going to examine them: I am beseeching you, consider me as having been excused.” 21 And another said, “I married a wife, and because of this I will not be able to come.” 22 And approaching, this slave enounced these things to his lord. 23 Then the master of the house, becoming angry, indignant and enraged, said to his slave, “Go out hastily into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring the indigent, and crippled, and lame and blind in here.” 23 And the slave said, “Lord, as you charged, it has been already done, and there is still room.” 24 And the lord said to the slave, “Go out into the ways and hedge-side paths, and urge them to come in, in order that my house may be filled: 25 For I say to you that not one of those individuals of those initially having been invited will taste my supper.”

26 Now great multitudes were attending exclusively to him: and being turned about he said to them, “If anyone is coming to me, and is not regarding his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters with less affection and esteem than for me — and moreover, even his own life, he is absolutely not able to be my disciple. 27 And whosoever is coming after me without taking up the cross of self-sacrificial death to the self-life, he is absolutely not able to be my disciple. 28 For who out of you all, intending to build a palace, is not first sitting down and calculating the cost, whether he is having the wherewithal for its completion? Lest, laying a foundation with no resources to finish, all beholding should begin to make fun, saying, “This man began to build with no ability to finish.” 29 Or, what king, proceeding to engage with some other king with a view toward battle, is not first sitting down and deliberating whether he is able, arrayed with ten thousand, to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? And if he is not able to, himself being yet distant, sending forth a body of ambassadors, he is asking the conditions for peace. 30 So, then, every one out of you all who is not renouncing and forsaking personal interest in and claim to all he himself is possessing, he is absolutely not able to be my disciple. 31 Salt is useful: but if the salt should be rendered insipid, with what will it be made savory? 32 It is neither suitable/fit for use with soil nor for use with manure — they are throwing it away. 33 The one having ears to hear, let him hear.”

57:1 Now, all of the tax collectors and sinners who deviate from the path of virtue were drawing near to Jesus in order to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were murmuring saying that this one receives and grants access to depraved sinners who deviate from the path of virtue, and he is associating with them. 3 And he spoke to them this parable, saying, “What man out of you all, having a hundred sheep, and losing one of them, is not leaving the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and going in that vicinity after the one which was lost until he can find it? 4 And finding it, he is laying it upon his shoulders rejoicing. 5 And should he come into the house, he is calling together friends and neighbors, saying to them, “You all rejoice for me, because I have found my sheep which was lost.” 6 I say to you all that in this way there will be joy in heaven in the case of one repenting sinner, rather than in the case of ninety-nine righteous persons who are having no necessity of repentance. 7 Or what woman possessing ten silver dollars, if she should lose one silver dollar, is not lighting a lamp, and is sweeping the house, and is seeking diligently and carefully until she can find it? 8 And upon finding it, she is calling around herself friends and neighbors saying, “You all rejoice for me, for I have found the silver dollar which I had lost.” 9 Thus, I say to you all, there arises/occurs joy in the presence of the angels of God in the case of one repenting sinner.”

10 And he said, “A certain man was tending to two mature sons. 11 And the younger of them callously said to the father, “Father, distribute the pertinent share of the inheritance falling to me” — which is the same as saying ‘I wish you were already dead.’ 12 And the father divided his substance to them both. 13 And not many days after, gathering up all he had, the younger son journeyed into a distant country: and in that place he dissipated and wasted his substance, dissolutely living in profligate debauchery. 14 And having foolishly spent it all on himself, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he himself began to be in want. 15 And passing along he became associated with, and attached himself to, one of the citizens of that country; and that one sent him into his farms to feed pigs. 16 And he was earnestly longing to fill his stomach and derive nourishment from the carob tree pods which the hogs were eating, and no one was supplying anything to him. 17 But coming to himself, he said in repentance, “How many of my father’s hired servants are richly abounding in sustenance — and I am dying for famishment! 18 I will rise up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I sinned against heaven and in your sight, and I am no longer worthy nor deserving to be called/regarded your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’ 19 And rising he went to his own father. 20 But while he was approaching alone, yet at a distance and feeling alienated, his anxiously watching father saw him coming, and being moved with pity and compassion, even running unashamedly to meet him so that his neighbors would not assault him on the way, he fell upon his neck, and earnestly and affectionately kissed him, and escorted him safely back home. 21 And the son said to him, “Father, I sinned against heaven and in your sight: I am no longer worthy nor deserving to be called your son.” 22 But the father said to his slaves, “Bring forth the best robe and clothe him; and present a finger ring for his hand, and sandals for his feet: 23 and bringing the fatted young bullock — you all slaughter it — and feasting, I can observe a day of rejoicing: 24 for this my alienated son was as good as dead, but he came back and lives again; even was lost, and now he has been found.” 25 And they all began to feast with joy.

26 Now his older son was in a cultivated field: and coming, as he drew near to the house, he heard dancing and music. 27 And summoning to himself one of the children, he was inquiring what these things might be. 28 And the child said to him, “Because your brother is come! And your father killed the fatted young bullock, because he recovered him again being safe and sound!” 29 But the self-righteous older son became angry and indignant, and was implacably refusing to come in. 30 Then coming out his father was inviting him, and persuasively entreating him to come. 31 But answering he said to the father, “Behold, I devoted so many years, subserviently occupied in your service! And I never disregarded nor neglected your directions. 32The fatted bullock is for the first-born, and you never even gave to me so much as a goat, in order that feasting, I might observe a day of rejoicing with my friends! 33 But when this son of yours appeared — the one squandering your fortune and substance with prostitutes — you killed for him the fatted young bullock!” 34 And the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and as the firstborn all that is mine is yours. 35 But it was necessary to be feasting, and observing a day of rejoicing, and to be glad and joyful: for this, your brother, was dead, and he has revived and lives again; even was lost, and he has been found! Pharisees should rejoice when harlots, tax collectors, and sinners who deviate from the path of virtue seek after, hear, and come to the Father.”

58:1 And Jesus was also saying to his disciples, “There was a certain opulently wealthy man who was retaining a steward; and moreover to him this steward fellow was informed against as dissipating and wasting the man’s resources. 2 And summoning the steward, he said to him, “What is this that I hear concerning you? Render the account of your stewardship; for because of this you will no longer be able to manage my affairs.” 3 And the steward said within himself, “What shall I do, seeing that my lord himself takes away the stewardship from me? I have no strength to dig. I am too ashamed to beg. 4 I now have concluded what I will put into execution, so that when I shall be removed from the stewardship and dismissed, people might welcome me into their houses!” 5 And summoning to himself every one of his own lord’s debtors separately, he was saying to the first, “How much are you owing to my lord?” 6 And the man said, “One hundred kegs of olive oil.” 7 And he said to him, “Take in hand your note, and sitting down hastily, you write fifty.” 8 After that, he said to another, “Now you: how much are you owing?” 9 And the man said, “Fifteen hundred bushels of grain.” 10 And he said to him, “Take in hand your note and you write eighty.” 11 And the lord praised and applauded the steward of unjust action and deceitfulness, because he had acted providently: for the sons of this life/world/age are themselves, in the course of life, more prudent than the sons of light. 12 And I say to you all, you all make for yourselves friends — even congenial associates — of/by/through/with the wealth of injury, injustice and iniquity, so that, when it shall be defunct, they may admit, grant access, welcome and kindly receive you all into the eternal, everlasting mansions. 13 The one faithful and true with least, is also faithful and true with much: and the one deceitful and unjust with least, is also deceitful and unjust with much. 14 If, therefore, you yourselves have become unfaithful with fallacious wealth, who will entrust or commit to your charge sterling wealth? 15 And if you yourselves have become unfaithful with that belonging to another, who will give you all of yours? 16 Not one household slave is able to be occupied in the service of two lords: for either he will esteem the one less, and delight in the other; or he will be devoted to one — participating in the results — and the other he will slight. 17 You all are not able to be occupied as a slave for both God and Money at the same time.”

18 And the Pharisees, being covetous and money-lovers, were listening to all of these things also; and they were mocking, deriding and scoffing at him. 19 And he said to them, “You all are those setting yourselves forth as good and just in the sight and estimation of men; but God is perceiving, discerning, ascertaining by examination and marking your hearts as the seat of feeling, affection, impulse and desire: 20 for that highly esteemed by estimation to humans is an abominable thing in the sight and judgment of God. 21 The Law and the prophets reigned until John: and from that time God’s kingdom is being proclaimed as good news, and everyone is earnestly rushing and pressing forward into it. 22 But it is easier and more feasible for the heaven and the earth to pass away, than for one minute, fine point of the Law to fail and become null and void. 23 Every man unjustly divorcing/dismissing/putting away his wife, and marrying another, is committing adultery and debauchery: 24 and every man marrying the one that has been so divorced/dismissed/put away from a husband is committing adultery and debauchery also.

25 “Now, a certain man was rich; and he was habitually dressing himself in a crimson-purple garment, and highly prized, fine cotton, sumptuously feasting in joyful observation daily: 26 and a certain indigent was named Lazarus, who had been laid in the vicinity of his gateway, being afflicted with ulcers, and earnestly longing to be fed, filled and satisfied with the fragments, morsels, crumbs and bits falling down from the rich man’s table; 27 yet still more: even the dogs were coming, and licking off clean his sores and ulcers. 28 And it came to pass, the indigent died, and he was conducted away by the angels into the bosom of Abraham: 29 and the rich one died also, and was interred. 30 And in the lowest place of punishment in hell and subsisting in torments, lifting up his eyes he sees Abraham from a distance, and Lazarus in his bosom. 31 And crying out he said, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus so that he can dip the tip of his finger in water, and can cool my tongue; for I am in agony being tormented in this flame!” 32 But Abraham said, “Son, recall that in your life you received in full your good things, and Lazarus likewise, in a similar manner, evil, misery, suffering and affliction: 33 now he is at the present time being comforted, and you are being tormented in agony. 34 And besides, for all these things, a great chasm stands fixed between all of us and all of you, in order that those wishing to pass over from this place for your benefit may not be able to, neither may those pass over from there to us.” 35 And the rich man said, “I beseech you then, father, that you would send him to the house of my father — for I have five brothers — in order that he may make a solemn and earnest charge to them, lest they should also come into this place of torture, torment and severe pain.” 36 Abraham said to him, “They are in possession of the books of Moses and the prophetic scriptures: let them all heed them!” 37 But the man said, “No, father Abraham: but if some one should go to them from among the dead, they will undergo a transformation and repent.” 38 And Abraham said to him, “If they are not heeding Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, or convinced, nor yield belief if someone were to rise up out from among the dead.”” Thus, in this way, the Jews likewise, for the most part, remain obstinately unmoved to this day in the face of the evidence of resurrection.

59:1 And Jesus said to the disciples, “It is not impossible that causes or occasions of sinning come: but woe to the one through whom they are coming! 2 It is more advantageous and profitable for him that a millstone of an ass is hung round about his very neck, and he be cast down into the sea, than that he should cause one of these humble, young ones to morally stumble, falter or err. 3 Give heed and attend to yourselves. Vigilance is key in overcoming sin. 4 Now if your brother should sin against you, rebuke, censure or reprimand him alone; and if he should undergo a change in thinking and feeling and repent, you forgive him for it and let it go. 5 And if he should sin against you seven times per day, and seven times per day he should turn back around to you, saying, “I am changing my heart and repenting,” you shall forgive him for it and let it go.”

6 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Add faith, belief, assurance, firm conviction and persuasion to us.” 7 And the Lord said, “If you all were holding or retaining faith, belief, assurance, firm conviction and persuasion like as a tiny mustard seed, you all could say to this sycamore tree, “You be uprooted and be set in the sea,” and it would obey you. 8 But who out of you all — having or possessing a slave plowing or shepherding — will immediately say to him coming in from the field, “Coming aside, pass the time, kick yourself back, recline and rest.” 9 But will you not rather say to him, “You prepare and make ready something so I can sup, and girding yourself, serve/wait upon me until I can eat and can drink; and after these things you shall eat and shall drink?” 10 He is not having a sense of obligation with corresponding emotion toward that slave because he performed, accomplished and executed that being commanded or directed to him. 11 In this way, all of you also, when you shall have done all that commanded or directed to you, you all say, “For we are unmeritorious slaves; because we have merely/only done what we were obligated/bound to do.””

12 Now it came to pass, in the course of passing on his way from there to journey into Jerusalem, he was even passing through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 13 And he entering into a certain village, ten leprous men encountered him which stood at a distance: and with one accord they raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master, Doctor, have pity and compassion and show gracious favor and mercy towards us.” 14 And beholding he said to them, “Proceeding, go show yourselves to the priests who perform sacrificial rites.” 15 And it happened that while they in faith and obedience went to draw away, they became cleansed and purified. 16 Now one out of them, noticing that he had been cured, returned with a loud voice adoring and worshipping God. 17 And he fell to the ground prostrate upon his face near to his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 18 And Jesus responding said, “Were not ten cleansed and purified? And where are the other nine? 19 Was no one found returning to offer praise to God, except this foreigner?” 20 And he said to him, “Rising up, depart on your way: your faith has restored your health — you are cured.”

21 And being asked by the Pharisees when God’s kingdom is coming, he answered them and said, “God’s kingdom is not coming with perspicacious observation: 22 neither will they say, ‘Lo, it is here in this place!’ nor, ‘Lo, it is there in that place!’ 23 For lo, God’s kingdom is in your midst/among you/hiding in plain sight.”

24 And he said to the disciples, “Days shall come when you will all long to see just one of the days of the Son of man, but you will not be admitted to witness even one. 25 And they shall say to you all, ‘Lo, he is here in this place!’ or, ‘Lo, he is there in that place!’ 26 You all should not go off after them, nor should you all even impulsively follow in their direction: 27 for just like the flashing of lightning is shining out from under the heaven unto the extent of the limit under the heaven; so in this way also shall the Son of man be in his coming day of judgment. 28 But it is necessarily binding that he alone must inevitably suffer many things first, and be totally disallowed the claim to identity this generation avoids. 29 But in the manner that it came to pass in the evil days of Noah, in this way shall it also be in the days of the Son of man: 30 they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, all with an associated false notion of ostensible security until which day Noah entered into the ark, and the cataclysmic deluge came and utterly killed them all. 31 Likewise, in a similar manner, as it came to pass in the days of Lot: the catamites were eating, they were drinking, they were purchasing, they were selling, they were planting, they were building totally distracted and absorbed with the common things and mundane activities of life; 32 but the day in which Lot escaped from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfurous brimstone from heaven, and utterly killed them all. 33 According to this will it be on which day the Son of man is being revealed. 34 In that day, whoever shall be upon the housetop, and his belongings within the house, let him not go down to get them: and likewise, let not the one in the cultivated field turn to retrieve those things left behind. 35 You all reflect, fixing your thoughts upon Lot’s wife who longingly looked back with affection. Whosoever might endeavor to preserve his life safe, he shall bring it to naught and lose it: but whosoever should bring it to naught and lose it, he shall preserve it safe. 36 I tell you, in this night there will be two upon one couch; the one shall be taken, received and carried off in personal interest, and the other will be passed over, and left remaining to expire with prejudice. 37 Two will be grinding together; the one shall be taken, received and carried off in personal interest, and the other will be passed over, and left remaining to expire with prejudice. 38 Two will be in the field; the one shall be taken, received and carried off in personal interest, and the other will be passed over, and left remaining to expire with prejudice.” 39 And they were asking, saying to him, “Where? In what place, Lord?” 40 And he said to them, “Wherever the carcass, in that place, the vultures will be gathered together. So even as the vulture can always find carrion from afar, so it is with me and all of you. In that day you don’t need to go looking for me; I will find you”

60:1 And he also spoke a parable for their benefit that they ought always to pray, and not to be remiss, indolent or despondent; saying, “A certain judge was in a certain city, himself not fearing God, and himself not regarding man. 2 And a widow was in that city; and she was often coming to him, saying, “Adjudicate me from my opponent!” 3 And he would not for a time: but after this he said within himself, “Since I myself am fearing not even God, and I myself am not regarding man; yet because this widow is the cause of my vexation, I will adjudicate her, so that ultimately she can not pester or weary me with her importunity.” 4 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge says; and shall not God put into execution the adjudication of his elect, those crying out to him day and night, even bearing long over them? 5 I say to you, that he will put in execution their adjudication speedily. 6 Nevertheless, should the Son of man come, will he then find the Faith upon the earth?”

7 And he also spoke this parable to several of those depending upon themselves — that they were righteous — and making light of the rest, treating them with contempt and scorn: 8 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a collector of taxes. 9 The Pharisee being long standing was praying these things with himself: “God, I am thanking you that I am not as other individuals: rapacious robbers; fallacious, unrighteous, deceitful and vicious wrongdoers; faithless, ungodly and lustful adulterers; 10 or even like as this here collector of taxes. I fast twice during the week, and give tithes of all, as long as I am making gain.” 11 But the collector of taxes, standing afar off — at a distance, was not willing even to lift up the eyes to look into the heaven, but was grievously beating against his breast, saying, “God, be gracious and merciful to me the depraved sinner who strays from the path of virtue.” 12 I say to you, this man went down into his house receiving acquittal and justification rather than that Pharisee: 13 for every one elevating/exalting/uplifting himself will be abased/brought down/humbled; 14 but the one abasing/humbling/bringing himself down will be elevated/exalted/lifted up.”

15 And it came to pass when Jesus ended these words, that arising he there departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judaea by the other side of the Jordan; 16 and great confused multitudes of people again came together and accompanied him; 17 and as he was accustomed, he taught them again, and he attended to their needs, healing and ministering to them there. 18 And approaching, the Pharisees drew near and questioned him — putting him to the test — and asked, saying to him, “Is it always lawful for a man — a husband — to divorce his wife by virtue of every accusation, cause or case?” 19 And answering he said to them, “What has Moses directed you?” 20 And they said, “Moses allowed us to write a billet of repudiation and to dismiss her.” 21 And answering Jesus said to them, “Because of your obstinate, obdurate hardness of heart he wrote this directive for you. 22 Have all of you not read with discernment, recognizing that the One creating from the beginning — the God of creation — originally made them male and female, 23 and said, “For this reason shall a man leave behind his father and mother, and shall be adhered or joined to his wife; and the two shall become, one flesh?” 24 Consequently, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, nobody be severing, separating or disuniting, whom God has conjoined or united.” 25 Then they said to him, “Why then did Moses direct us to present a billet of repudiation or divorcement, and to dismiss her?” 26 He said to them, Because of your perverse hardness of heart Moses handed it over to your management and permitted you to dismiss your wives: but originally, from the start, it was not this way, and this concept so remains intact. 27 Yea I say to you that whoever may divorce his wife — except for either fornication or adultery — and shall enter the state of marriage with another, is committing, and is guilty of, adultery: 28 and the one marrying her that has been so divorced is also committing, and is guilty of, adultery.”

29 And in the house his disciples questioned him again concerning the same. And he said, saying to them, “Whosoever may divorce his wife and shall marry another, is committing, and is guilty of, adultery against her: 30 and if a wife should divorce her husband and should be married to another, she is committing, and is guilty of, adultery.” 31 His disciples said to him, “Since this is the case of the man with the wife, it is not profitable, advantageous or expedient to enter into the state of marriage.” 32 But he said to them, “Not all are mentally accepting or yielding accord to this saying — only those to whom it has been given; 33 for there are those incapable of sexual relations who were born this way from a mother’s womb: 34 and there are the eunuchs who were emasculated by man: 35 and there are the celibate who have halted themselves for the sake of, or while subject to, heaven’s kingdom. 36 The one able to mentally give admittance, receive, accept, and yield accordance, let him admit, receive, and accept it with accord.”

61:1 Then there were brought to him children: they were bringing them so that he might place his hands on them; and they were also carrying to him their infants and toddlers in order that he himself might touch them and pray. 2 And upon seeing this the disciples reprimanded them and were rebuking those carrying babes. 3 And Jesus seeing this, manifested indignation, and calling them to himself, he said to them, “Permit the children to come to me, and prevent or restrain them not: for of this kind or sort is God’s kingdom. 4 Truly I say to you, whosoever shall not welcome, receive and embrace God’s kingdom in simple trust like as a child, they shall in no way enter into it.” 5 And taking the children in his arms, he was embracing and blessing them and laying the hands upon them, and he then passed on his way from there.

6 And as Jesus was going forth into the way, behold, one certain ruler, invested with power and dignity, came expecting, approaching and falling to his knees before him; 7 and he was questioning him, saying, “Good, virtuous, beneficent Teacher, what good and upright thing should I be doing in order that I may obtain and possess eternal life?” For he wanted to add this to all that he already had. 8 And Jesus said to him, “Why are you designating me good, virtuous and beneficent? 9 No one is good except One — God. 10 But since you are desiring to enter into life, keep the commandments, as you are yet at this time subject to the dispensation of the Law of Moses.” The ruler said to him, “Which of the commandments?” for there were 613 of them. 11 And Jesus said, “You know, these ten commandments: You shall not commit murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. You shall not defraud. Honor your father and your mother…” 12 And answering, the young man, who was in the prime of life, said to him, “Teacher, all these I have myself observed from my youth up. 13 What in addition am I yet lacking or wanting?” 14 And hearing this, Jesus, searchingly looking upon him with import and manifested a deep, loving concern for him. 15 So seeking his highest good, he said to him with regard to the last commandment, ‘You shall not covet,’ the one no one is able to keep, “One thing you are yet lacking: if you are willing to be brought to completion without any shortcoming, you go; you sell all — goods, possessions and property — as much as you are possessing; and you give, distributing to the poor, the mendicant, and the indigent; and then you will have a precious deposit of treasure in heaven: then come — taking up and bearing your cross — you follow and imitate me.” 16 And upon hearing these things the young man’s countenance fell over this saying; and he put on a gloomy and crushed look — for he greatly grieved, and was pained, and was exceedingly distressed and sorrowful — he went away sad; for he was one that was holding many great possessions.

17 And watching him go, Jesus, becoming greatly grieved, and looking round about, said to his disciples, “How hardly will they having wealth and riches enter into and partake of God’s kingdom! 18 And truly I say to you, that with great difficulty the rich will enter into heaven’s kingdom!” 19 And the disciples were becoming amazed at his words. 20 But avowing again Jesus said to them, “Children, how difficult is it for those trusting upon riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 21 And again I can address you all thus: it is easier and more feasible for a mid-eastern knotted seafarer’s navigational string — the kamal — to enter in and pass through the eye of a needle, than for one that is rich to enter into God’s kingdom.” 22 And the disciples upon hearing it were becoming even more abundantly amazed and exceedingly astounded, saying to themselves, and then to him, “Who then is able to be saved?” for all persons without exception do covet. 23 And Jesus, looking upon them, said to them, “The impossible with man, is possible with God, and for most people this is impossible, yet not with God; for with God all things are possible.” 24 And then Peter, responding by himself, began to say to him, “Lo, we have forsaken and abandoned all and followed you. What then will there be for us?” 25 And answering Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you all, that you, those following me, in the regeneration/renovation of the world, when the Son of man shall sit upon his throne of glory, you also will yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 26 There is no one who has left houses, or parents, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or wife, or children, or lands, for the sake of my Name, the good news, and God’s kingdom, who shall not receive back and recover many times more in this age. 27 Everyone that has left these will receive a hundredfold now in this age: houses and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, together with persecutions; and in the coming age they will receive possession of life eternal. 28 But many of the first will be last; and the last will be first:

29 “For heaven’s kingdom is similar to a man — the master of a house — who came out together with the early morning to hire himself laborers into his vineyard. 30 And making an agreement with the workers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. 31 And coming out about the third hour, he saw others standing in the market-place unemployed; and to them also he said, “You all go also into the vineyard, and whatsoever shall be fair, I will give it to you all.” 32 And they went forth. 33 Again coming out about the sixth and the ninth hour, he did likewise, in just the same way or manner. 34 And coming out about the eleventh hour he happened upon others standing unemployed, and he said to them, “Why are you all standing here inactive the entire day?” 35 They said to him, “Because no one has hired us for their work.” He said to them, “You all go also into the vineyard, and whatsoever shall be fair, you will all receive.” 36 And evening coming, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, “You call the laborers and give them the wage in answer to their expectation, beginning yourself from those last even to those first.” 37 And those coming about the eleventh hour received at the rate of a day’s wages. 38 And those coming first supposed and presumed that they will get more; but they themselves likewise received at the rate of a day’s wages. 39 And receiving it they were indignantly complaining, murmuring and grumbling in sullen discontent against the master of the house, saying, “These last have continued for only one hour, and you have made them equal to us for bearing the duration and scorching heat of the day.” 40 But answering he said to one of them, “Friend, I am not wronging you. Did you not make with me an agreement for a day’s wage? 41 You take up what is yours and leave; for I want to give to this last, even as I gave to you; or is it not legally proper for me to do what I want with respect to what is mine? 42 Is your eye envious because I am generous?” 43 So, in this way, the last will be first and the first last. Yet the many are called/summoned, but few are the chosen/elect.”

62:1 And as they were in the road going up to Jerusalem, Jesus was leading them; and they were becoming astonished, amazed and awe-struck; and those following were themselves reverentially afraid, reluctant to go and apprehensive with dread. 2 And taking the twelve again, he privately took these disciples to his own side alone, and he himself commenced to tell them the things that were about to happen to him. 3 And he said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all those things having been described in writing by the prophets will be fulfilled/realized/accomplished for the Son of man; 4 for the Son of man will be abandoned and handed over to the chief priests, and to the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; 5 and they will deliver him up to the Gentiles, and they will mock, deride, and treat him with scorn and contumaciousness; 6 and he will be outrageously insulted, and they will spit upon him, and having scourged him they will crucify and kill him; 7 and on the third day he will raise himself up.” 8 For Daniel the prophet did write, “And after sixty two sevens shall the Messiah be cut off, but not for himself.” And the disciples thoroughly comprehended not even one of these things; and of this matter of declared prophecy, having been hidden from their minds, they were not understanding the things being said.

9 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached with her sons — she worshipping with reverence by prostration — and requesting a certain thing of him. 10 And he said to her, “What are you desiring?” 11 She said to him, “Command that these my two sons may be seated — one at the parts of your right hand signifying high honor and dignity, and one at the parts of your left hand similarly — when you come into your kingdom.” 12 And then James and John came nearer to him, saying, “Teacher, indeed we also are desiring that you might do for us whatsoever we may ask.” 13 And he said to them, “And what are you wanting me to do for you?” 14 And they said to him, “The same thing: grant to us that we may sit — one by your right hand, and one by your left hand — when you come in your glory.” 15 But Jesus responding said to them all, “You know not what you all are asking. Are you all able to drink the cup of undeserved suffering which I am about to drink? or to be baptized with the death I am receiving, and in which I am to be immersed?” 16 And they both said to him, “We are able.” 17 And Jesus then said to them, “My cup of undeserved suffering that I am to drink, you both will indeed drink of also; and with the baptism of the death into which I am being immersed, you will both be immersed also: 18 but to sit at the place of my right hand, or at the place of my left hand, is not mine to give: but for whom it has been waiting, prepared and made ready by my Father.” 19 And hearing these things, the ten began to be angry, vexed and indignant concerning the two brothers, James and John. 20 But Jesus summoning them to him, said to them, “You assuredly know that those presuming to rule as rulers over the Gentiles are lording/domineering over them; and their great are exercising authority over them. 21 But it is not to be this way among you: but whosoever of you all may want to become great, let him be your servant; and whosoever among you wants to be first, let him be your slave — 22 just as the Son of man came, not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

63:1 And going in he was crossing through Jericho, and behold, there was an individual being regarded Zacchaeus by name. 2 And he was a chief collector of taxes; and he was wealthy. 3 And he was looking to see Jesus, who he is, but was not able to see out of the crowd because he was short in stature. 4 And running ahead in front he climbed upon a mulberry tree in order that he might see Jesus: for he was about to pass along that way. 5 And as Jesus came upon the place, looking upwards, he saw him and said to him, “Zacchaeus, quickly come down; for this day I need to rest in your house.” 6 And hurrying he descended; and rejoicing he received him as a guest. 7 And seeing this, they of the city were all murmuring, saying that he went in to lodge with a sinful, depraved man who deviates from the path of virtue. 8 And being firm, Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my living I give to the poor; and if I have extorted anything of anyone by false information, I refund quadruple.” 9 And Jesus said to him that on this day salvation has come to this house, inasmuch as even he is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost and perishing who repent.

11 Continuing, he told a parable; for he was to be near Jerusalem; and hearing these very things they alone began to think/suppose/imagine/presume that God’s kingdom was about to be immediately revealed. 12 He said therefore, “A certain honorable, noble individual of high rank went into a far/distant country to take for himself a kingdom, and to return back. 13 And calling ten of his own slaves, he gave to them all forty pounds Sterling, and said to them, “You all traffic, trade and do business herewith until I come.” 14 But his citizens were hating and regarding him with ill will, and sent legates after him, saying, “We are not wanting this fellow to reign/govern/rule over us.” 15 And it came to pass upon his return, having received the kingdom, he also commanded those slaves to be summoned to him, to whom he gave the Sterling, so that he might know what each had gained or profited in business/trafficking/trading. 16 And the first approached, saying, “Lord, your four pounds Sterling gained in addition forty pounds more.” 17 And he said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because you yourself became faithful in little, be possessing jurisdiction over ten cities.” 18 And the second came, saying, “Your four pounds Sterling, Lord, has made twenty pounds.” 19 And he said to this one also, “You also are over five cities.” 20 And another came, saying, “Lord, behold, your four pounds Sterling which I have been personally preserving in a handkerchief: for I myself have been fearing you since you are an austere, rigid and harsh individual: you are taking up that which you have not laid down, and you are reaping what you have not sown.” 21 And he said to him, “Out of your own mouth I will sentence you, you slothful, lazy, inactive slave! You knew perfectly well that I was an austere, rigid and harsh individual, taking up what I have not laid down, and reaping what I have not sown; 22 but why have you not entrusted, assigned or put my Sterling in the bank, and should I come, I could have exacted it with interest?” 23 And he said to those standing in attendance, “Take away the four pounds Sterling from him, and give it to the one possessing forty-four pounds.” 24 And they said to him, “Lord, he is already possessing forty-four pounds!” 25 I say to you, that to all those possessing, more will be given; but from the one possessing not, even what he is holding will be taken away from him. 26 Nevertheless, these Israelis: those hostile, inimical, adversarial enemies of mine — those not desiring me to reign/govern/rule over them — you all bring them here and you all slay them in my presence.” 27 And upon saying these things, he was going on ahead, ascending towards Jerusalem.

28 And it came to pass in his drawing near to Jerusalem that they had come into Jericho: and as they were going out from Jericho, a considerably great and befitting crowd followed him with his disciples. 29 And behold, a certain one of two blind men was sitting by the side of the road begging alms — blind Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. 30 And hearing a crowd passing by, he was inquiring what this could possibly be. And they enounced to him that Jesus the Nazarene is passing by. 31 And hearing that it was Jesus the Nazarene passing by, he himself began to utter a cry imploring his aid, saying, “Lord Jesus, Son of David, have pity and compassion on me!” 32 But many of those of the crowd that went ahead were strongly admonishing him that he should hold his peace and be silent: 33 but he kept crying out to a much greater extent, “Lord! Son of David, have pity and compassion on me!” 34 And being stopped, and standing still, Jesus called out and commanded him to be summoned and brought near to him. 35 And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer: rouse yourself. He is summoning you.” And casting aside his garment and rising up, he came towards Jesus. 36 And himself drawing near, Jesus responding to him asked, “What are you desiring I should do for you?” 37 And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi — Lord and Master — that my eyes might be opened and that I might see again.” 38 And Jesus, being moved with pity and compassion, touched his eyes and said to him, “See Again! Receive your sight and go on your way. Your completed faith has made you presently whole.” 39 And immediately he recovered his sight and saw again, and was following Jesus in the way as a disciple glorifying God. And all the people, seeing this, gave praise to God.

40 And when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the potter, he was reclining to eat, and there drew near a woman having an alabaster cruse of exceedingly precious ointment — twelve ounces of pure, costly, liquid oil from the Andropogon Nardus plant. 41 Taking and shaking the alabaster cruse, she anointed his feet, and wiped his feet off with her hair: and the house became filled with the fragrant odor of the unguent/ointment. 42 But then seeing this, his disciples objected angrily and were strongly censuring her; and some were indignant and vexed within/among themselves, and murmured against her, saying, “Why has this profuse waste of the ointment occurred? 43 For this ointment was able to be sold handsomely and to be given to the poor and homeless.” 44 But Jesus, perceiving it, therefore said to them, “Why are you causing trouble for the woman and making her uneasy? 45 You all let her alone; for she performed a good work upon me. 46 This girl did what she was able: to anoint my body beforehand in anticipatory preparation for burial; 47 for you all always have the poor and homeless with yourselves, and whenever you want you are able to do them good: but you all will not always have me. 48 And truly I say to you, wherever in all the whole world the teachings of this good news may be proclaimed, also what this girl did will be spoken of as an honoring remembrance of her.”

64:1 And it came to pass on the next day, that it was the Sunday before the Passover, April 2nd, AD 30 when they drew near to Jerusalem; and he came from Bethany into Bethpage, toward the Mount of Olives, called ‘Olivet.’ 2 Then Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “You both must go. Proceed on your way into the opposite village in which, immediately entering into it, you will find an ass that has been tied, and a colt tethered with her upon which none of mankind has not at any time ever yet sat — he is un-ridden: loosing him, bring him to me. 3 And if anyone says anything, or says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ or asks, ‘Why are you loosing him?’ you will say thus to them: ‘His Lord has need of him,’ and he will directly send him forth hither.” 4 And the disciples that had been sent, went and did as Jesus ordered them, and found things to be even as he had told them — and a colt that had been tethered to the outside door by the intersection. 5 And as they were loosing the colt, certain of the owners thereof that were standing there said to them, “What are you doing loosening the colt?” And they said to them even as Jesus had commanded, “The Lord has need of him,” and they let them go. 6 And the disciples led the colt to Jesus, and they threw their garments upon the colt, and set Jesus thereupon. 7 And this had come to pass, so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet Zechariah: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you: He is just, and bringing salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass — even upon a colt — the foal of an ass.”

8 When a great multitude that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, they took the branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet with him. 9 And many of the multitude spread their garments in the way as he went, and others were cutting layers of leaves and branches from the trees of the fields and were strewing them in the way. 10 And as he was now drawing nigh to the vicinity of the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and to praise God with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen. 11 And those that went before him, and they that followed, were crying out, saying, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is the King that comes in the Name of the Lord! 12 Blessed is the coming kingdom of David our father! Blessed is the One coming in the Name of the Lord — even the King of Israel! 13 Hosanna in the highest! Peace and glory in the highest heaven!” 14 And some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to him, “Teacher! Rebuke your disciples!” 15 And answering he said to them, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the very stones will cry out.” This fulfilled the prophecy of Daniel that says, “sixty-nine sevens of years from the going forth of the command of Artaxerxes to restore/rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince.” 16 But his disciples did not at first understand these things: but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things, having been written, were over him, and that these things they did to him.

17 And as he drew nigh, he beheld the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had but only understood, at the very least, in this your interval in time, those indicators pointing to your Author of peace! 18 But now those indicators have been hid from your eyes. 19 For after forty years of testing, days will come upon you when your adversaries will cast a rampart around you; and they will surround you, and will hem you in on all sides, and will raze you, and your children in you, level with the ground; and they will not leave in you stone upon stone, because you have not mentally grasped your signal juncture of merciful visitation.” 20 And when he had come into Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 21 And the multitudes said, “This is the prophet, Jesus, the One from Nazareth of Galilee.” And he entered into the temple, thus fulfilling the words of the prophet Malachi: “The Lord whom you search for will suddenly come to his temple, even the Messenger of the covenant in whom you all delight.” And when he had looked round about at everything, the hour being already late, he went out into Bethany with the twelve.

22 Now in the morning of Monday, the following day, when they were coming out from Bethany, as Jesus returned to the city, he hungered. 23 And seeing a lone fig tree, representative of Israel, afar off by the wayside, having leaves, he went up to it, since it could so result that he will discover something therein: and coming upon it he found nothing in it but leaves only; for it was not the time for figs. 24 And responding Jesus said to it, “No one may eat fruit from you any longer — and may there no longer be fruit produced by you forever.” 25 And his disciples heard it. And immediately the fig tree was parched. 26 And seeing, the disciples marveled, saying, “How was the fig tree immediately parched?” 27 And answering Jesus the Creator said to them, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith, and do not doubt, not only will you do that to the fig tree, 28 but even if you should say to this Mount Olivet, ‘You be taken up and be thrust into the sea,’ it will occur. Remove impediments thus by faith.”

29 And they came into Jerusalem, and entering into the temple of God, Jesus began to forcefully eject all those price-gougers selling and buying in the temple in anticipation of the Passover, and he threw over the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of those selling the doves, and he was not allowing that any could convey a vessel through the temple. 30 And he was teaching, forcefully saying to them, “Has it not been written that, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?’ But you all have made it a den of plundering highway robbers!” 31 And he was teaching daily in the temple, and the blind and the lame came near to him in the temple, and he healed them. 32 But when the chief priests and the scribes heard this, plus seeing the wonderful works which he did, and the children crying out in the temple, saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” 33 they manifested indignation, and said to him, “Are you hearing what these are saying?” 34 And Jesus said to them, “Yes: have you all ever read, ‘Out of the mouth of children and nursing infants you have provided praise for yourself?’” 35 So the chief priests and the scribes, and the principal men of the people were deliberating how they would destroy him: 36 for they were themselves fearing him, and were for that reason feasibly devising what they might do; 37 for all the multitudes were becoming astounded, astonished and struck with amazement at his teaching; for all the people who heard him were earnestly attentive and lovingly hanging upon his every word. 38 And leaving them whenever evening came, he was going forth out of the city to Bethany and lodging there.

65:1 And passing by early on Tuesday — the next morning — they saw the fig tree that had been withering from the roots up. 2 And receiving recollection, Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which you imprecated evil upon and cursed has been completely withered away now.” 3 And answering, Jesus said to them, “You are all possessing faith in God. 4 Now then, truly I reiterate to you all, that whosoever may say to this mountain, ‘You be raised up and cast into the sea,’ and shall not be hesitant with doubt in his own heart, but shall yield credence that what he says is coming to pass, whatever he shall say, will be for him. 5 Therefore I say to you, all, whatsoever you are asking for yourself in prayer, you all believe that you are receiving, and it will be for you. 6 All, whatsoever you all may ask in prayer, believing, you will all receive. 7 And whenever you all stand praying, forgive if you are holding anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in the heavens can also forgive you your transgressions. 8 But if you all are not forgiving, neither will your Father who is in the heavens forgive your transgressions.”

9 And it came to pass on this day that they again came into the temple in Jerusalem; and as he was walking about in the temple, proclaiming the good news and teaching the people, there came upon him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders of the people as he was teaching, 10 and they spoke, saying to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things, and who is the one giving you this authority so that you can do these things?” 11 And responding Jesus said to them, “I also will ask of you one thing, which if you can give me an answer, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. 12 The baptism of John, where was it from, was it from heaven, or from men? You all answer me!” 13 And they were reasoning and deliberating amongst themselves saying, “If we should say ‘from heaven;’ he will say to us, ‘Why then have you all not believed him?’ But if we should say ‘from men’ — we ourselves are fearing the multitude of people; for all the people will stone us; for they have all been persuaded, really holding that John was a prophet.” 14 And answering Jesus they said, “We don’t know for sure from where it came.” 15 And Jesus also affirmed to them, “Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”

16 And he began to speak to them and to the people in parables. “But what do you think? A man had two children; and coming to the first he said, “Child, go work today in my vineyard.” 17 And answering he said, “I will not!” But afterwards becoming regretful and sorry he went. 18 And coming to the second he said likewise. 19 And answering that one said, “I will Lord!” but went not. 20 Which of the two did the will of his father?” 21 They said to him, “The first.” 22 Jesus then said to them, “Truly I say to you, that the tax collectors and prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 23 For John came to you indicating the way, course and means for justification, and you believed him not: 24 but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him: and seeing it, you repented not afterwards to believe him also.

25 “Hear another parable: There was a certain man — a Head of a house — who planted a vineyard, and put an hedge round about it, and dug in it a wine-vat pit, and built a tower, and let it out for profit to vine-dressers, and he departed and traveled for long periods of time. 26 And when the season to receive of the fruits arrived, he sent a slave to the vine-dressers, so that the vine-dressers should give him of the fruit of the vineyard. 27 But the vine-dressers took and scourged him and sent him away empty. 28 And he repeated and sent in his place yet another slave to them, and they, having struck him in the head with stones, sent him away in dishonor. 29 And moreover he sent in his place yet another — a third, and that one also they wounded and then they cast him forth out of the vineyard and killed him. 30 Again he sent other slaves, and the vine-dressers taking his slaves, beat one, and killed another and stoned yet another. 31 Again he sent many other slaves, more than at first: and they did to them in like manner, beating some and killing some. 32 And the Lord of the vineyard said to himself, “What shall I do?” And he had yet One left, a beloved Son, and afterwards he sent him to them last, saying, “I will send my beloved Son: it may be that they will be reverencing and respecting my Son when they see him.” 33 But those vine-dressers, seeing the Son, reasoned one with another, saying amongst themselves, “This is the Heir; come, we should kill him now and take his inheritance so that it can become ours.” 34 And they took him, and cast him forth out of the vineyard and killed him. 35 When therefore the Lord of the vineyard shall come, what will the Lord of the vineyard do to those vine-dressers?” 36 They said to him, “He will severely destroy those wicked men, and will let out the vineyard to other vine-dressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” 37 And Jesus said to them, “He will indeed come and destroy you vine-dressers — after forty years — and will let out the vineyard to others.” 38 And when they heard it, some said, “God forbid!” 39 But he looked upon them and said, “Have you not read even this passage in the scriptures, “The Stone which those building rejected, the same became the Head of the corner. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is a marvel in our eyes? And all that fall on that Stone will be shattered and broken apart: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will crush, pulverize and scatter him as dust.” 40 Because of this I say to you, that God’s kingdom will be taken away from you, and will be given to a nation yielding the fruits thereof.” 41 And when the chief priests, the scribes and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke these parables against them, and they sought to lay hands on him in order to hold him in that very hour, but they feared the multitudes because they took him for a prophet. 42 So they started to leave him for to go away.

43 And responding Jesus spoke to them in parables again, saying, “Heaven’s kingdom is likened to a man — a King — who made a marriage feast for his Son, and sent forth his slaves to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. 44 Again he sent forth other slaves, saying, “Tell them that are bidden, ‘Behold, I have made ready my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast.’” 45 But not caring they went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandising: and the rest, seizing his slaves, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 46 And hearing of it, the King was angry; and after forty years, sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 47 Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is in fact ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy. 48 You go therefore onto the exits of the highways, and as many as you shall find, bid to the feast.” 49 And those slaves went out into the highways and gathered together all, as many as they found, both evil and good: and the wedding was filled with reclining guests. 50 But the King, coming in to view the guests reclining, saw there a man who had not dressed in a wedding Garment: 51 and he said to him, “Friend, how can you come in here without having a wedding Garment?” 52 But he was speechless. 53 Then the King said to the slaves, “Binding him hand and foot, take him away and cast him into the outer darkness where there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 54 For many are called/summoned, but few chosen/elect.”

66:1 Then the Pharisees went and took counsel on how they might ensnare him in his discourse with words. 2 And they sent forth to him their disciples, certain Pharisees along with Herodians — secret instigators pretending themselves to be righteous — 3 and they insidiously watched him so that they themselves could catch hold of his language so as to deliver him up to the rule and authority of the governor. 4 And when they had come, they questioned him, saying, “Teacher, we surely know that you are honest, and that you speak and teach rightly, and are impartial since you are not concerned over no one, and are not receiving face as a respecter of persons, but in dependence upon truth you teach the way of God. 5 Therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?” 6 But Jesus, apprehending their cunning hypocrisy and perceiving their wicked craftiness, said to them, “Why are you hypocrites testing me? Show me the tax money. Bring me a coin that I may see it.” 7 And they brought to him a denarius, and he said to them, “Whose is this image and superscription upon it?” 8 And they said to him, “Caesar’s.” 9 And then Jesus said to them, “Then render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” 10 And when they heard this answer they marveled greatly at him and held their peace. 11 And they were not able to snare for themselves this saying in the presence of the people, so they left him and went on their way.

12 And on that day there came to him certain of the Sadducees — those who are denying that there is to be a resurrection — and they questioned him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us and said that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife behind, but having left no children, that the surviving brother should take his brother’s wife and shall perform the duty of a husband’s brother and raise up seed to his brother. 13 Now, therefore, there were with us seven brothers: and the first took and married a wife and ended his life childless, having left no seed, and left his wife to his brother; 14 and the second took her and died in like manner leaving no seed after him; 15 and the third took her likewise to the seventh also, and all seven left no seed as children. 16 And last of all, after them all, the woman also died. 17 In the resurrection when they rise again, therefore, whose wife of the seven shall she be, for they all seven had her as wife?” 18 But Jesus responding said to them, “Is it not for this cause that you are mistaken and deceived with error: that you are deluded and ignorant, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God? 19 The sons of this world marry and are given in marriage: but they that are being accounted worthy to attain to and enjoy that future age, and the resurrection from the dead, 20 when they shall rise from the dead in the resurrection, they will neither marry, nor are given in marriage; 21 for neither are they able even to die any more: for they are similar to the angels of God in heaven, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 22 But as touching the resurrection of the dead and that they are raised: have you not read in the book of Moses that which was spoken to you by God from the burning bush, where Moses indicated how God spoke to him, 23 saying, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?” 24 God is not God of the dead, but of the living. 25 You are greatly in error, for all live to him.” 26 And when the multitudes heard this, they were continually astounded and amazed at his teaching.

27 But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, gathered themselves together. 28 And a certain one of the scribes — a lawyer — came and heard them disputing together, and knowing that Jesus answered them well, asked him a question also, putting him to the test, saying, “Teacher, which commandment in the Law is the chief of all?” 29 And Jesus answered and said to him, “The chief is, ‘Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God — the Lord is One: and you shall love, esteem, value, delight in, and be faithful to the Lord your God from your whole heart, and from your whole soul, and from your whole mind, and from your whole strength.’ 30 This is the great and chief commandment. 31 And a second like to it is this: ‘You shall love, value, esteem, set store upon, manifest generous concern for, and lovingly care for your neighbor as you would yourself.’ 32 There are no other commandments greater than these: on these two commandments hang the whole of the Law and the Prophets.” 33 And the scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have rightly said that he is One; and there is none other but he: and to love him with the whole heart, and with the whole understanding, and with the whole strength, and to lovingly care for one’s neighbor as ones self is much more than many whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he responded sensibly, discreetly, and with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s kingdom.” 35 And after that, since Jesus used them as opportunities to rebuke and teach, no man dared ask him any more questions.

67:1 Now, while the Pharisees were gathered together in the temple, Jesus initiated by asking them a question, saying to them, “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” 2 They said to him, “Son of David.” 3 Then he said to them, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is David’s son? For David himself calls him “Lord,” saying by the Holy Spirit in the book of Psalms, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies the footstool underneath your feet.” 4 If then David himself therefore calls him Lord, from where do you get that he is his son?” 5 And no one was able to answer him a word, neither dared any man from that day on ask him any more questions, but the multitude of common people heard him gladly.

6 Then Jesus spoke to all the multitudes and to his disciples. 7 And in his teaching he said in the hearing of all the people, “Beware, take heed of and guard against the scribes: 8 those choosing to walk about in flowing robes, and earnestly endeavoring to be ambitious for honorable greetings in the marketplaces, 9 and striving their utmost to acquire the most honorable seats in the synagogues, and exerting themselves to acquire the uppermost places of honor at banquets: 10 those that are plundering widow’s houses, and who while for a pretentious front they are even praying extensively: these will receive a greater sentence of judgment.

11 “The scribes and Pharisees sit on the seat of Moses: all things therefore, whatsoever they bid you to observe, you keep and do: 12 but you are not to do after their works; for they are saying, but are not doing. 13 For they are binding up oppressively heavy burdens that are difficult and grievous to be borne, and are imposing them upon people’s shoulders; 14 but they themselves are unwilling to move them with one of their fingers. 15 And they are doing all their works in order to be seen by men: for they are broadening their phylacteries, and they are lengthening the fringes of their garments, 16 and they are fondly delighting in the prominent places at feasts, and the prominent seats in the synagogues, and are fond of salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called “Rabbi” by men. 17 But you all should not be called ‘Rabbi:’ for One is your Teacher/Instructor — the Messiah — and all of you are brothers. 18 And call not any of you on the earth ‘Father:’ for One is your Father — the One in the heavens. 19 Neither be you called ‘guides’ or ‘leaders:’ for One is your guide and leader — the Messiah. 20 And he that is greater among you shall be your servant. 21 For whosoever shall exalt himself will be abased and humbled; and whosoever will humble himself will then be elevated and exalted.

22 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees! Hypocrites! For you are endeavoring to prevent entrance into the kingdom of the heavens by shutting the door in the face of men: 23 for you yourselves are not entering in, neither are you permitting those desiring to enter.

24 “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees! Hypocrites! For you are making a prey of widow’s houses even while you are prolix-praying as a specious cloak. 25 Because of this you will receive greater condemnation.

26 “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees! Hypocrites! For you are traversing land and sea to make one proselyte; and when he could be converted, instead you are making him twice a son of hell more than yourselves.

27 “Woe to you, you blind guides, those saying, ‘Whosoever should swear by the temple sanctuary, it is nothing; but whosoever should swear by the gold of the temple sanctuary, is a debtor bound by his oath.’ 28 Morons! Mentally blind ones! For which is greater: the gold, or the temple sanctuary sanctifying the gold? 29 And woe to you that say, ‘Whosoever should swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever should swear by the gift that is upon it, is a debtor bound by his oath.’ 30 Morons! Mentally blind ones! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar sanctifying the gift? 31 Therefore, the one swearing by the altar, swears by it, and by all the things upon it. 32 And the one swearing by the temple sanctuary, swears by it, and by the One inhabiting it. 33 And the one swearing by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by the One sitting upon it.

34 “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees! Hypocrites! For you are giving tithes of garden mint, and dill, and cumin, and have passed over the more momentous, weightier and important matters of the Law: justice, and mercy, and faith. 35 These things you ought to have been doing, while not neglecting those others. Blind teachers filtering out the gnat, but gulping down the camel.

36 “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees! Hypocrites! For you are cleansing and purifying the outside of the cup, and the outside of the dish, but within they are full of rapacity and intemperance. 37 Blind Pharisee! First cleanse the inside of the cup, and the inside of the dish, in order that their outside may become clean also.

38 “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees! Hypocrites! For you are all likened to white-washed tombs, which outwardly are themselves appearing to be truly comely, but within they are full of the bones of the dead, and completely full of putrefaction. 39 Even so, you all yourselves indeed also are outwardly appearing righteous to men, but within you all are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

40 “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees! Hypocrites! For you all are embellishing the tombs of the prophets, and adorning the monuments of the righteous, and are saying, “If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.” 41 Consequently you are all bearing confirming testimony against yourselves that you are the sons of those slaying the prophets. 42 Now fill up the measure of your fathers. 43 Serpents! Offspring of vipers! How can you make escape from the adverse sentence of hell? 44 Therefore, behold, in mercy I send forth to you prophets, and sages, and scribes: some of them you will kill and will crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: 45 so that upon you may come all the righteous blood being shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just, to the blood of Zachariah, son of Jehoiada, whom you slew between the sanctuary and the altar. 46 Truly I say to you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

47 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one killing the prophets and stoning those that have been sent to her! 48 How often I wanted to gather together your children, even as the hen gathers together her brood under her wings, but you would not have it! 49 Behold, your house is being deserted and left to you an abandoned ruin. 50 For I say to you, from now on you will not see me until you can say, ‘Blessed is the one coming in the Name of the Lord.’”

52 After saying these things he sat down over by the treasury and was beholding the multitude depositing money into the treasury. 53 And looking upwards he saw many of the rich men that were casting much for their gifts into the treasury. 54 And he saw coming one certain poor widow, and she was casting in there two small brass coins, which scarcely make a penny. 55 And calling his disciples near to him, he said to them, “Verily, of a truth I say to you that this poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury. 56 For all these did cast in gifts to God out of their abundance, but she out of her penury did cast in all, as much as she had, even her whole livelihood.”

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