"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed,

"There was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.

so that you may know for certain the things you were taught.

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

Now an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes.

Then Jesus said, "A man had two sons.

Then he said to them all, "If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Now one Sabbath when Jesus went to dine at the house of a leader of the Pharisees, they were watching him closely.

Now Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read,

Everyone went to his own town to be registered.

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest.

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

Then Jesus told them a parable to show them they should always pray and not lose heart.

Now large crowds were accompanying Jesus, and turning to them he said,

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,

Now one of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table.

Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him two by two into every town and place where he himself was about to go.

But they did not have a child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both very old.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

[But Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."] Then they threw dice to divide his clothes.

Now on the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices they had prepared.

"But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive."

Now the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of the incense offering.

But Jesus said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator between you two?"

Now while Zechariah was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty,

Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

Jesus also told this parable to some who were confident that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else.

Now Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing around him to hear the word of God.

No, I tell you! But unless you repent, you will all perish as well!

And Zechariah, visibly shaken when he saw the angel, was seized with fear.

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

The experts in the law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they could find a reason to accuse him.

Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath,

Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled."

Now that very day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.

And Jesus said to him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the holy place of the Lord and burn incense.

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

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is well pleased to give you the kingdom.

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear him.

Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this: The kingdom of God has come.'

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it.

So Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years old. He was the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

The expert answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself."

And Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord,

And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Now there were some present on that occasion who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

Joy and gladness will come to you, and many will rejoice at his birth,

and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,

Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night.

Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God belongs to you.

"I have come to bring fire on the earth -- and how I wish it were already kindled!

During the reign of Herod king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and he had a wife named Elizabeth, who was a descendant of Aaron.

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do what I tell you?

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people.

"And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth nations will be in distress, anxious over the roaring of the sea and the surging waves.

Then Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the surrounding countryside.

Look at my hands and my feet; it's me! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have."

"Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all, to sift you like wheat,

I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town!

So they began to question one another as to which of them it could possibly be who would do this.

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. And while he was praying, the heavens opened,

Then he said to them, "Watch out and guard yourself from all types of greed, because one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

Now when the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set out resolutely to go to Jerusalem.

Now about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up the mountain to pray.

Jesus also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who was informed of accusations that his manager was wasting his assets.

Now at one point the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was coming, so he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed,

Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.

Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.

Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant.

Now Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem every year for the feast of the Passover.

If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Now on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.

After Jesus called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,

For nothing will be impossible with God."

While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

"So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And after he said this he breathed his last.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but yours be done."

Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be brought low, and the crooked will be made straight, and the rough ways will be made smooth,

Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.

Then another slave came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina that I put away for safekeeping in a piece of cloth.

But when the crowds found out, they followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and cured those who needed healing.

Some time afterward he went on through towns and villages, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him,

But the president of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the crowd, "There are six days on which work should be done! So come and be healed on those days, and not on the Sabbath day."

and said to them, "Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day,

Now a certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Look, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and on the full force of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Soon afterward Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him.

Now it was during this time that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent all night in prayer to God.

When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear.

But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Get up and stand here." So he rose and stood there.

Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is old as well."

Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him up, and went off, leaving him half dead.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people:

Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

In those days Mary got up and went hurriedly into the hill country, to a town of Judah,

They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led away as captives among all nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

After Jesus had said this, he continued on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

So he said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, may your name be honored; may your kingdom come.

And now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will be silent, unable to speak, until the day these things take place."

and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight."

But the one who did not know his master's will and did things worthy of punishment will receive a light beating. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.

For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."

Now the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they began to wonder why he was delayed in the holy place.

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he has come to help and has redeemed his people.

But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!"

He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.

He was longing to eat the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

"Everyone who divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

So he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Now when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

John answered them all, "I baptize you with water, but one more powerful than I am is coming -- I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

The tax collector, however, stood far off and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am!'

And in the same way he took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

So they sailed over to the region of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee.

"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.

Then he came down with them and stood on a level place. And a large number of his disciples had gathered along with a vast multitude from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. They came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases,

nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is in your midst."

The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!"

Now when the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table and the apostles joined him.

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man.

While the people were listening to these things, Jesus proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.

So he said to them, "You foolish people -- how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

Was no one found to turn back and give praise to God except this foreigner?"

Now when Jesus approached and saw the city, he wept over it,

So then, if you will worship me, all this will be yours."

So the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God!

Then the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!"

"Now the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.

At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

"But be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

He said to them, "But now, the one who has a money bag must take it, and likewise a traveler's bag too. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people.

Watch yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.

He then told them a parable: "The land of a certain rich man produced an abundant crop,

After Jesus had finished teaching all this to the people, he entered Capernaum.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who was righteous and devout, looking for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning.

"The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

"Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning;

Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?"

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures,

He replied, "What is impossible for mere humans is possible for God."

Once when Jesus was praying by himself, and his disciples were nearby, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"

But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to stand before the Son of Man."

On that same occasion Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will.

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.

"The law and the prophets were in force until John; since then, the good news of the kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is urged to enter it.

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. "Follow me," he said to him.

Jesus said to his disciples, "Stumbling blocks are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

Then he said to the man, "Get up and go your way. Your faith has made you well."

A dispute also started among them over which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.

He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.

Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save a life or to destroy it?"

You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"

One day Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, "Let's go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out,

And in hell, as he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far off with Lazarus at his side.

As they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country. They placed the cross on his back and made him carry it behind Jesus.

So when they came to the place that is called "The Skull," they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.

for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.

Others, to test him, began asking for a sign from heaven.

And he will go as forerunner before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him."

I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

One of the criminals who was hanging there railed at him, saying, "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

Now people were even bringing their babies to him for him to touch. But when the disciples saw it, they began to scold those who brought them.

"The one who listens to you listens to me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects the one who sent me."

Now on one of those days, while he was teaching, there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting nearby (who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem), and the power of the Lord was with him to heal.

Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man does not live by bread alone.'"

When one of those at the meal with Jesus heard this, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone who will feast in the kingdom of God!"

That servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or do what his master asked will receive a severe beating.

There was also a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having been married to her husband for seven years until his death.

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.

They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts burn within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?"

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do.

Then Jesus went out and made his way, as he customarily did, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.

Meanwhile, when many thousands of the crowd had gathered so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

The good person out of the good treasury of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasury produces evil, for his mouth speaks from what fills his heart.

For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn't sit down first and compute the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?

But when these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Jesus was going through the grain fields on a Sabbath, and his disciples picked some heads of wheat, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them.

Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"

In the same way therefore not one of you can be my disciple if he does not renounce all his own possessions.

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him. He turned and said to the crowd that followed him, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith!"

Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names stand written in heaven."

When he came out, he was not able to speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision in the holy place, because he was making signs to them and remained unable to speak.

Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from its stall, and lead it to water?

He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child.

Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them.

so he thought to himself, 'What should I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?'

As they were walking along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."

For I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.'

So Mary said, "Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

When his time of service was over, he went to his home.

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon,

the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

But Jesus called for the children, saying, "Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

But Jesus said to them, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns too, for that is what I was sent to do."

Then the devil led him up to a high place and showed him in a flash all the kingdoms of the world.

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom."

So John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

"This is what the Lord has done for me at the time when he has been gracious to me, to take away my disgrace among people."

"But woe to you Pharisees! You give a tenth of your mint, rue, and every herb, yet you neglect justice and love for God! But you should have done these things without neglecting the others.

But the expert, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and slaughter them in front of me!'"

While the people were filled with anticipation and they all wondered whether perhaps John could be the Christ,

Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people.

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be thrown down to Hades!

And in his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.]

Then the day for the feast of Unleavened Bread came, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

and all humanity will see the salvation of God.'"

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tiny stroke of a letter in the law to become void.

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching.

Then the devil brought him to Jerusalem, had him stand on the highest point of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,

Then Jesus traveled throughout towns and villages, teaching and making his way toward Jerusalem.

When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida.

It would be better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.

"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before God's angels.

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who repents."

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves purses that do not wear out -- a treasure in heaven that never decreases, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute began to speak, and the crowds were amazed.

and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and disabilities: Mary (called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had gone out,

So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they were about to sink.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would have none of it!

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came to him who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed down with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

But he replied, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"

Now the day began to draw to a close, so the twelve came and said to Jesus, "Send the crowd away, so they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and food, because we are in an isolated place."

After some time his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she kept herself in seclusion. She said,

For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

At that time, some Pharisees came up and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, because Herod wants to kill you."

but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Thus they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David.

Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.

Now while some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said,

So he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he began to teach the people.

But Jesus said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in men's eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized among men is utterly detestable in God's sight.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Then he began to tell them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled even as you heard it being read."

Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!

Now if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

"Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it?

Now some Sadducees (who contend that there is no resurrection) came to him.

As the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, "This generation is a wicked generation; it looks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.

But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They replied, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish -- unless we go and buy food for all these people."

Now the time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son.

"Exert every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they give you, for the worker deserves his pay. Do not move around from house to house.

Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

"Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search thoroughly until she finds it?

"Now the parable means this: The seed is the word of God.

But they were filled with mindless rage and began debating with one another what they would do to Jesus.

After looking around at them all, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." The man did so, and his hand was restored.

He replied to him, 'If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

But I will warn you whom you should fear: Fear the one who, after the killing, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from one town after another, he spoke to them in a parable:

So the master said to his slave, 'Go out to the highways and country roads and urge people to come in, so that my house will be filled.

Then the whole group of them rose up and brought Jesus before Pilate.

He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you host a dinner or a banquet, don't invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors so you can be invited by them in return and get repaid.

[Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

So you too, when you have done everything you were commanded to do, should say, 'We are slaves undeserving of special praise; we have only done what was our duty.'"

So when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave well.

But some of them said, "By the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, he casts out demons."

for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,'

He released the man they asked for, who had been thrown in prison for insurrection and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will.

The man replied, "I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth."

Then he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.

But Jesus, realizing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed, and a divided household falls.

So they approached the village where they were going. He acted as though he wanted to go farther,

(Now about five thousand men were there.) Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each."

Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

At the time for the banquet he sent his slave to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, because everything is now ready.'

Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot,

When he said this all his adversaries were humiliated, but the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things he was doing.

As he approached the town gate, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother (who was a widow), and a large crowd from the town was with her.

But she was greatly troubled by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting.

Not so with you; instead the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the one who serves.

But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was extremely wealthy.

who longed to eat what fell from the rich man's table. In addition, the dogs came and licked his sores.

So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, but is not rich toward God."

The king said to him, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! So you knew, did you, that I was a severe man, withdrawing what I didn't deposit and reaping what I didn't sow?

In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke them. He gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.

When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep."

But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.'

But at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus whose body was covered with sores,

Why then didn't you put my money in the bank, so that when I returned I could have collected it with interest?'

But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

and 'with their hands they will lift you up, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

So they did as Jesus directed, and the people all sat down.

So if Satan too is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? I ask you this because you claim that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say, 'The Lord needs it.'"

For Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken,

Instead, pursue his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

So the crowds were asking him, "What then should we do?"

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds!

They all ate and were satisfied, and what was left over was picked up -- twelve baskets of broken pieces.

It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all the dough had risen."

but they urged him, "Stay with us, because it is getting toward evening and the day is almost done." So he went in to stay with them.

Is it right for us to pay the tribute tax to Caesar or not?"

Simon (whom he named Peter), and his brother Andrew; and James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,

So when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until a more opportune time.

Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?"

And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you people of little faith!

Now by chance a priest was going down that road, but when he saw the injured man he passed by on the other side.

So when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Then he came up and touched the bier, and those who carried it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!"

Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

So if you cannot do such a very little thing as this, why do you worry about the rest?

And he said to his attendants, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has ten.'

Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!

So the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the master of the household was furious and said to his slave, 'Go out quickly to the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.'

So he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing. Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.

The whole crowd was trying to touch him, because power was coming out from him and healing them all.

For I tell you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

The people of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented when Jonah preached to them -- and now, something greater than Jonah is here!

Then his son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

"You are the ones who have remained with me in my trials.

And which of you by worrying can add an hour to his life?

Consider how the flowers grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these!

Again he said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God?

They will say, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish!'

For I tell you, not one of those individuals who were invited will taste my banquet!'"

So the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger.

Thus they were unable in the presence of the people to trap him with his own words. And stunned by his answer, they fell silent.

that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again."

They answered, "John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others that one of the prophets of long ago has risen."

But whenever you enter a town and the people do not welcome you, go into its streets and say,

from generation to generation he is merciful to those who fear him.

At this point their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Then he vanished out of their sight.

He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by all.

When Jesus noticed this, he said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!

Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You are not to put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Then he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.

Fear seized them all, and they began to glorify God, saying, "A great prophet has appeared among us!" and "God has come to help his people!"

But when a stronger man attacks and conquers him, he takes away the first man's armor on which the man relied and divides up his plunder.

At that very time Jesus cured many people of diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits, and granted sight to many who were blind.

But he forcefully commanded them not to tell this to anyone,

So also you, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers."'

Bring the fattened calf and kill it! Let us eat and celebrate,

For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.

and those who suffered from unclean spirits were cured.

But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds were gathering together to hear him and to be healed of their illnesses.

Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there, so the last state of that person is worse than the first."

For just like the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

Then Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of God's kingdom

For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was counted with the transgressors.' For what is written about me is being fulfilled."

But Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!"

(just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male will be set apart to the Lord"),

Then he ordered the man to tell no one, but commanded him, "Go and show yourself to a priest, and bring the offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

But Jesus perceived their deceit and said to them,

for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you must say."

Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, then you will stand outside and start to knock on the door and beg him, 'Lord, let us in!' But he will answer you, 'I don't know where you come from.'

But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and because of all the evil deeds that he had done,

He has demonstrated power with his arm; he has scattered those whose pride wells up from the sheer arrogance of their hearts.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Immediately he stood up before them, picked up the stretcher he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God.

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

So he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."

and all who heard it were astonished at what the shepherds said.

He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position;

Jesus answered them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry --

But the older son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and appealed to him,

Another said, 'I just got married, and I cannot come.'

He told them, "Collect no more than you are required to."

And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people.

For there is more to life than food, and more to the body than clothing.

And who am I that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me?

When they saw him, they related what they had been told about this child,

Rejoice in that day, and jump for joy, because your reward is great in heaven. For their ancestors did the same things to the prophets.

When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

I tell you that everyone who has will be given more, but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

and to offer a sacrifice according to what is specified in the law of the Lord, a pair of doves or two young pigeons.

"Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?" They said, "Caesar's."

For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; he will be mocked, mistreated, and spat on.

But other seed fell on good soil and grew, and it produced a hundred times as much grain." As he said this, he called out, "The one who has ears to hear had better listen!"

how he entered the house of God, took and ate the sacred bread, which is not lawful for any to eat but the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?"

When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?'"

Then the slave said, 'Sir, what you instructed has been done, and there is still room.'

So then whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

"Woe to you who are well satisfied with food now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.

This report about Jesus circulated throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."

Then the experts in the law and the Pharisees began to think to themselves, "Who is this man who is uttering blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

People were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage -- right up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

So the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; everything was just as they had been told.

It is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the wild birds nested in its branches."

and entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.

Go! I am sending you out like lambs surrounded by wolves.

Herod added this to them all: He locked up John in prison.

because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name;

So do not be overly concerned about what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about such things.

When they sprout leaves, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near.

Remember Lot's wife!

The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him.

Jesus replied, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me."

Another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going out to examine them. Please excuse me.'

Then the rich man said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'

He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey -- no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, and do not take an extra tunic.

And Peter said, "Look, we have left everything we own to follow you!"

For it will overtake all who live on the face of the whole earth.

But the father said to his slaves, 'Hurry! Bring the best robe, and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet!

But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is against the law on the Sabbath?"

and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live."

Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish the tower, all who see it will begin to make fun of him.

and sent them to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"

So he called one of the slaves and asked what was happening.

A centurion there had a slave who was highly regarded, but who was sick and at the point of death.

So Simeon, directed by the Spirit, came into the temple courts, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law,

Do not carry a money bag, a traveler's bag, or sandals, and greet no one on the road.

As Jesus stepped ashore, a certain man from the town met him who was possessed by demons. For a long time this man had worn no clothes and had not lived in a house, but among the tombs.

Then they arrested Jesus, led him away, and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter was following at a distance.

Those who heard this said, "Then who can be saved?"

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before him, and shouted with a loud voice, "Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! I beg you, do not torment me!"

But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost.

For this is certain: The days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore children, and the breasts that never nursed!'

but on the day Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

Just then some men showed up, carrying a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They were trying to bring him in and place him before Jesus.

(Now all the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God's justice, because they had been baptized with John's baptism.

On that day, anyone who is on the roof, with his goods in the house, must not come down to take them away, and likewise the person in the field must not turn back.

But he will reply, 'I don't know where you come from! Go away from me, all you evildoers!'

In fact, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.