And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, because you will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his way

to shine on those who sit in darkness and in death's shadow, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."

as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "He is a voice calling out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight!

Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled. The crooked ways will be made straight, and the rough roads will be made smooth.

After the Devil had finished tempting Jesus in every possible way, he left him until another time.

When they couldn't find a way to get him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down on his stretcher through the tiles into the middle of the room, right in front of Jesus.

The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Jesus closely to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, in order to find a way of accusing him of doing something wrong.

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because your reward in heaven is great! That's the way their ancestors used to treat the prophets.

"How terrible it will be for you when everyone says nice things about you, because that's the way their ancestors used to treat the false prophets!"

This is the man about whom it is written, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'

The ones that fell among the thorn bushes are the people who listen, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries, wealth, and pleasures of life, and their fruit doesn't mature.

because his only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. While Jesus was on his way, the crowds continued to press in on him.

So he sent messengers on ahead of him. On their way they went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him.

Don't carry a wallet, a traveling bag, or sandals, and don't greet anyone on the way.

Now if that's the way God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and thrown into an oven tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you you who have little faith?

For example, when you go with your opponent in front of a ruler, do your best to settle with him on the way there. Otherwise, you will be dragged in front of the judge, and the judge will hand you over to an officer, and the officer will throw you into prison.

Then Jesus taught in one town and village after another as he made his way to Jerusalem.

But I must be on my way today, tomorrow, and the next day, because it's not possible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.'

Another said, "I bought five pairs of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'

In the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions."

In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need to repent."

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

That's the way it is with you. When you have done everything you were ordered to do, say, "We are worthless servants. We have done only what we ought to have done.'"

One day, Jesus was traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee on the way to Jerusalem.

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, who was going to pass that way.

Then he began teaching in the Temple every day. The high priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him,

but they couldn't find a way to do it, because all the people were eager to hear him.

so they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you're right in what you say and teach, and that you don't favor any individual, but teach the way of God truthfully.

and the third married her. In the same way, all seven died and left no children.

In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you will know that the kingdom of God is near.

So the high priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put him to death, because they were afraid of the crowd.

And they kept insulting him in many other ways.

So he released the man who had been put in prison for revolt and murder the man whose release they continued to demand but he let them have their way with Jesus.