Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Jesus Christ » Parables of » The lost sheep
Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. read more.
And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance.
And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance.
What think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them stray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and seek that which had strayed? And if he happen to find it, verily I say unto you, that he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which never went astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones perish.
Losing and things lost » The lord seeking and saving that which was lost
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. What think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them stray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and seek that which had strayed? And if he happen to find it, verily I say unto you, that he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which never went astray. read more.
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones perish.
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones perish.
Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. read more.
And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost. Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner. Then he said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of substance which falls to my share. And he divided with them his fortune. And not many days after, the younger son, collecting his all, travelled into a far distant country, and there dissipated his substance in a life of debauchery. But when he had spent all, there came a terrible famine in that region; and he began to know want. And he went and connected himself with one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he eagerly longed to fill his belly with the charob berries which the swine did eat: and no person gave him [a morsel]. Then coming to himself, he said, How many hirelings of my father abound with loaves of bread, and I am pining away with famine! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hirelings. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet at a considerable distance, his father discovered him, and was moved with compassion, and running, fell on his neck, and kissed him again and again. Then said the son unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe, and clothe him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: and bring hither the stall-fed steer, and kill it; and let us eat, and be joyous. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. And they began to be joyous. Now his elder brother had been in the field: and when coming home he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and the chorus. And calling one of the servants, he inquired what these things meant. And he said, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed for him the stall-fed steer, because he hath received him in health. Then he was in great wrath, and would not enter the doors: therefore his father came out, and entreated him. But he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years I am serving thee, and never have transgressed thy command: yet to me thou hast never once given a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but no sooner is this son of thine come, who hath devoured thy substance with whores, than thou hast killed for him the stall-fed steer. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all my possessions are thine. But it was right that we should rejoice, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost. Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner. Then he said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of substance which falls to my share. And he divided with them his fortune. And not many days after, the younger son, collecting his all, travelled into a far distant country, and there dissipated his substance in a life of debauchery. But when he had spent all, there came a terrible famine in that region; and he began to know want. And he went and connected himself with one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he eagerly longed to fill his belly with the charob berries which the swine did eat: and no person gave him [a morsel]. Then coming to himself, he said, How many hirelings of my father abound with loaves of bread, and I am pining away with famine! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hirelings. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet at a considerable distance, his father discovered him, and was moved with compassion, and running, fell on his neck, and kissed him again and again. Then said the son unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe, and clothe him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: and bring hither the stall-fed steer, and kill it; and let us eat, and be joyous. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. And they began to be joyous. Now his elder brother had been in the field: and when coming home he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and the chorus. And calling one of the servants, he inquired what these things meant. And he said, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed for him the stall-fed steer, because he hath received him in health. Then he was in great wrath, and would not enter the doors: therefore his father came out, and entreated him. But he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years I am serving thee, and never have transgressed thy command: yet to me thou hast never once given a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but no sooner is this son of thine come, who hath devoured thy substance with whores, than thou hast killed for him the stall-fed steer. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all my possessions are thine. But it was right that we should rejoice, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Then said Jesus unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, because that he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Parables » Parables of Christ » Lost sheep
Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. read more.
And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance.
And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance.
Pharisees » Hypocrisy of, reproved » By jesus
MEANTIME myriads of people collecting, so that they trod on one another, he began to speak to his disciples, Take heed principally of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Verse Concepts
And when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, affecting a gloomy look: for they disfigure their visages, that they may make a shew of fasting to men. Verily I say unto you, That they have their reward. But when thou keepest a fast, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou mayest not make a shew of fasting to men, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Hear another parable: There was a certain man, the master of a family, who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, and digged in it a wine-press, and built a tower, and hired it out to husbandmen, and went into a distant country. But when the season for fruits drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen to receive his fruits. And the husbandmen took his servants, one they beat, and another they killed, and a third they stoned. read more.
Again he sent other servants more than the first, and they treated them in the same manner. Then at last he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But the husbandmen, when they saw the son, said among themselves, This is the heir, come let us kill him, and let us seize on the inheritance. And they took him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When therefore the master of the vineyard cometh, what will he do with these husbandmen? They say unto him, He will dreadfully destroy those wicked wretches, and will let out his vineyard to other husbandmen, who will render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye not read in the Scriptures, "The stone, which the builders rejected; the same is become the head of the corner; this is done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes." Therefore I tell you, That the kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation, producing the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone, shall be broken in pieces, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking concerning them. And they sought to apprehend him; but were afraid of the people, for they held him as a prophet.
Again he sent other servants more than the first, and they treated them in the same manner. Then at last he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But the husbandmen, when they saw the son, said among themselves, This is the heir, come let us kill him, and let us seize on the inheritance. And they took him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When therefore the master of the vineyard cometh, what will he do with these husbandmen? They say unto him, He will dreadfully destroy those wicked wretches, and will let out his vineyard to other husbandmen, who will render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye not read in the Scriptures, "The stone, which the builders rejected; the same is become the head of the corner; this is done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes." Therefore I tell you, That the kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation, producing the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone, shall be broken in pieces, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking concerning them. And they sought to apprehend him; but were afraid of the people, for they held him as a prophet.
Therefore when thou givest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Verily I say unto you, They receive their reward. But when thou givest alms, let not thy right hand know what thy left is doing: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will himself reward thee openly. read more.
And when thou prayest, be not as the hypocrites: for they love standing in the synagogues and at the corners of the streets, to pray, that they may make a shew to men. Verily I say unto you, That they have their reward. But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and shut thy door, to pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. And when thou art at prayer, use not vain repetitions, like the heathen: for they imagine that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like them: for your Father knoweth of what things ye have need, before you ask him.
And when thou prayest, be not as the hypocrites: for they love standing in the synagogues and at the corners of the streets, to pray, that they may make a shew to men. Verily I say unto you, That they have their reward. But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and shut thy door, to pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. And when thou art at prayer, use not vain repetitions, like the heathen: for they imagine that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like them: for your Father knoweth of what things ye have need, before you ask him.
THEN came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread? And he answering said to them, And why do you transgress the command of God, by your tradition? read more.
For God commanded, saying "Honour thy father and thy mother:" and, He that curseth father or mother, let him surely die. But ye say, If any man declare to his father or mother, This is a [devoted] gift, which else might have been employed by me for thy advantage; then he shall not with it honour his father and mother: so have ye vacated the command of God by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well hath Isaiah prophesied concerning you, saying, This people draweth nigh to me with their mouths, and honoureth me with the lips, but their heart is far distant from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching doctrines the commandments of men.
For God commanded, saying "Honour thy father and thy mother:" and, He that curseth father or mother, let him surely die. But ye say, If any man declare to his father or mother, This is a [devoted] gift, which else might have been employed by me for thy advantage; then he shall not with it honour his father and mother: so have ye vacated the command of God by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well hath Isaiah prophesied concerning you, saying, This people draweth nigh to me with their mouths, and honoureth me with the lips, but their heart is far distant from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching doctrines the commandments of men.
AND the Pharisees and the Sadducees came to him, and, to make trial of him, desired him to shew them a sign from heaven. And he answering, said unto them, When evening comes, ye say, Fair weather, for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be tempestuous to-day, for the sky is gloomy and fiery red. Ye hypocrites, do ye know how to discern the appearance of the sky, and are ye unable to discern the signs of the times? read more.
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; and no sign shall be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them, and departed. And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, Beware and abstain from the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. So they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have not taken bread. But when Jesus knew it, he said unto them, Why are ye reasoning among yourselves, O ye of little faith, because ye have not taken bread? Do you not consider, nor remember the five loaves among the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Nor the seven loaves among the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand, that I spake not to you of bread, to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they, that he spake about abstaining not from the leaven in the bread, but from the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; and no sign shall be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them, and departed. And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, Beware and abstain from the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. So they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have not taken bread. But when Jesus knew it, he said unto them, Why are ye reasoning among yourselves, O ye of little faith, because ye have not taken bread? Do you not consider, nor remember the five loaves among the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Nor the seven loaves among the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand, that I spake not to you of bread, to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they, that he spake about abstaining not from the leaven in the bread, but from the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
saying, The scribes and Pharisees are seated on the chair of Moses; all things therefore which they prescribe for you to observe, observe and practise; but do not according to their works, for they say, yet do not practise. For they bind burdens grievous, and difficultly borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they will not move them with a finger of their own. read more.
And all their works they do to be seen of men: they make their phylacteries broad, and deepen the fringes of their garments, and love the principal couch at suppers, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the places of public concourse, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your leader, the Messiah; and ye all are brethren. And call no man your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven. And be not called leaders; for one is your leader, the Messiah. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and whosoever abaseth himself shall be exalted. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut up the kingdom of heaven from men; for ye yourselves enter not in, and those who were coming in, ye suffer not to enter. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: wherefore ye shall receive greater condemnation. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is gained, ye make him doubly more the child of hell than yourselves. Wo unto you ye blind guides! who say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, it is binding. Ye fools and blind! for which is the greater, the gold, or the temple which consecrates the gold? And again, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, it is binding. Ye fools and blind! which is the greater, the gift, or the altar which consecrates the gift? Whosoever therefore sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things that are upon it. And whosoever sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him also who dwelleth in it. So he that sweareth by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him who is seated upon it. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithes of mint, and anise, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier precepts of the law, judgment, and mercy, and fidelity: these thing ought ye to have done, and not to leave the others undone. Ye blind guides! who strain out a gnat, but gulp down a camel. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye cleanse the outside of the cup, and of the dish, but within they are full of rapacity and intemperance. Thou blind Pharisee! cleanse first the inside of the cup and dish, that their outside may become clean also. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye resemble tombs whitewashed, which outwardly indeed appear specious, but within are full of dead men's bones, and all manner of impurity. And just so, ye without indeed appear to men righteous, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye build the tombs of the prophets, and adorn the sepulchres of the just, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye bear a testimony to yourselves, that ye are the children of those who killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye broods of vipers! how can ye escape from the damnation of hell?
And all their works they do to be seen of men: they make their phylacteries broad, and deepen the fringes of their garments, and love the principal couch at suppers, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the places of public concourse, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your leader, the Messiah; and ye all are brethren. And call no man your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven. And be not called leaders; for one is your leader, the Messiah. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and whosoever abaseth himself shall be exalted. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut up the kingdom of heaven from men; for ye yourselves enter not in, and those who were coming in, ye suffer not to enter. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: wherefore ye shall receive greater condemnation. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is gained, ye make him doubly more the child of hell than yourselves. Wo unto you ye blind guides! who say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, it is binding. Ye fools and blind! for which is the greater, the gold, or the temple which consecrates the gold? And again, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, it is binding. Ye fools and blind! which is the greater, the gift, or the altar which consecrates the gift? Whosoever therefore sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things that are upon it. And whosoever sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him also who dwelleth in it. So he that sweareth by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him who is seated upon it. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithes of mint, and anise, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier precepts of the law, judgment, and mercy, and fidelity: these thing ought ye to have done, and not to leave the others undone. Ye blind guides! who strain out a gnat, but gulp down a camel. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye cleanse the outside of the cup, and of the dish, but within they are full of rapacity and intemperance. Thou blind Pharisee! cleanse first the inside of the cup and dish, that their outside may become clean also. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye resemble tombs whitewashed, which outwardly indeed appear specious, but within are full of dead men's bones, and all manner of impurity. And just so, ye without indeed appear to men righteous, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye build the tombs of the prophets, and adorn the sepulchres of the just, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye bear a testimony to yourselves, that ye are the children of those who killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye broods of vipers! how can ye escape from the damnation of hell?
And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb person spake, and the people marvelled. But some of them said, He casteth out devils by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. But others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. read more.
But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house against a house, falleth. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom be established? because ye say, that I cast out devils by Beelzebub. But if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if with the finger of God I cast out devils, then, verily the kingdom of God is come unto you. When a strong man, in complete armour, guards his palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger person than he coming, vanquisheth him, he takes away his suit of armour in which he confided, and distributes the spoils. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. When the unclean spirit goeth out of a man, he passes through places destitute of water, seeking repose; and not finding it, saith, I will go back to my habitation from whence I came out: and coming, he findeth it swept and furnished. Then goeth he, and taketh seven other spirits, more wicked than himself; and they entering in, take up their abode there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass as he was speaking these words, a certain woman from among the multitude lift up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and observe it. Then the multitudes thronging around him, he began to say, This is a wicked generation: it seeketh a sign, and no sign shall be given it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign to the Ninevites, so shall the Son of man also be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment against the men of this generation, and shall condemn them: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment against this generation, and shall condemn it, for they repented on the preaching of Jonah, and, behold, a greater than Jonah is here. But no man lighting a lamp putteth it in a concealed place, or under a bushel, but on a stand, that they who are coming in, may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye: when therefore thine eye is clear, thy whole body will be luminous, but if it be vitiated, thy whole body will be darkened. Let it be thy aim then, that the light which is in thee do not become darkness. If then thy whole body be illuminated, not having any dark part, it will be wholly luminous, as a lamp by its brightness diffuseth light. Now as he was speaking, a certain Pharisee invited him to dine with him; and going in with him, he sat down. But the Pharisee seeing it, marvelled, that he had not washed before dinner. Then said the Lord unto him, Now ye Pharisees make the outside of the cup and of the dish clean, but your inward parts are full of extortion and wickedness. Ye senseless men! did not he who made that which is without, make also that which is within? But give what is within them for alms; and, lo! all will be pure unto you. But wo to you, Pharisees, because ye tithe mint, and rue, and every herb, and pass by judgment and the love of God. These ought ye to have done, and not to have omitted the other. Wo unto you, Pharisees, for ye love the first seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the places of public concourse. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves concealed, which men, while walking over them, see not. Then one of the doctors of the law addressing him, said, Master, thus speaking, thou reproachest us also. And he said, Wo also to you, teachers of the law! for ye load men with burdens hardly bearable, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Wo unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Ye do indeed bear witness to, and with pleasure concur in your fathers' deeds; for they truly killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also the wisdom of God hath said, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall kill, and shall persecute: that the blood of all the prophets, which hath been shed since the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation: from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who was slain between the altar and the temple: verily I tell you, It shall be required of this generation. Wo unto you, teachers of the law! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge; ye yourselves enter not in, and those who were entering ye have hindered. And as he was saying these things unto them, the scribes and Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to extort answers from him respecting many things; laying snares for him, and seeking to catch hold of something from his mouth, that they might accuse him.
But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house against a house, falleth. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom be established? because ye say, that I cast out devils by Beelzebub. But if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if with the finger of God I cast out devils, then, verily the kingdom of God is come unto you. When a strong man, in complete armour, guards his palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger person than he coming, vanquisheth him, he takes away his suit of armour in which he confided, and distributes the spoils. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. When the unclean spirit goeth out of a man, he passes through places destitute of water, seeking repose; and not finding it, saith, I will go back to my habitation from whence I came out: and coming, he findeth it swept and furnished. Then goeth he, and taketh seven other spirits, more wicked than himself; and they entering in, take up their abode there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass as he was speaking these words, a certain woman from among the multitude lift up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and observe it. Then the multitudes thronging around him, he began to say, This is a wicked generation: it seeketh a sign, and no sign shall be given it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign to the Ninevites, so shall the Son of man also be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment against the men of this generation, and shall condemn them: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment against this generation, and shall condemn it, for they repented on the preaching of Jonah, and, behold, a greater than Jonah is here. But no man lighting a lamp putteth it in a concealed place, or under a bushel, but on a stand, that they who are coming in, may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye: when therefore thine eye is clear, thy whole body will be luminous, but if it be vitiated, thy whole body will be darkened. Let it be thy aim then, that the light which is in thee do not become darkness. If then thy whole body be illuminated, not having any dark part, it will be wholly luminous, as a lamp by its brightness diffuseth light. Now as he was speaking, a certain Pharisee invited him to dine with him; and going in with him, he sat down. But the Pharisee seeing it, marvelled, that he had not washed before dinner. Then said the Lord unto him, Now ye Pharisees make the outside of the cup and of the dish clean, but your inward parts are full of extortion and wickedness. Ye senseless men! did not he who made that which is without, make also that which is within? But give what is within them for alms; and, lo! all will be pure unto you. But wo to you, Pharisees, because ye tithe mint, and rue, and every herb, and pass by judgment and the love of God. These ought ye to have done, and not to have omitted the other. Wo unto you, Pharisees, for ye love the first seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the places of public concourse. Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves concealed, which men, while walking over them, see not. Then one of the doctors of the law addressing him, said, Master, thus speaking, thou reproachest us also. And he said, Wo also to you, teachers of the law! for ye load men with burdens hardly bearable, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Wo unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Ye do indeed bear witness to, and with pleasure concur in your fathers' deeds; for they truly killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also the wisdom of God hath said, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall kill, and shall persecute: that the blood of all the prophets, which hath been shed since the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation: from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who was slain between the altar and the temple: verily I tell you, It shall be required of this generation. Wo unto you, teachers of the law! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge; ye yourselves enter not in, and those who were entering ye have hindered. And as he was saying these things unto them, the scribes and Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to extort answers from him respecting many things; laying snares for him, and seeking to catch hold of something from his mouth, that they might accuse him.
THEN drew nigh unto him all the tax-farmers and the sinners to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man entertains sinners, and eateth with them. Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, read more.
What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost.
What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost.
Repentance » The sinner that repents
THEN drew nigh unto him all the tax-farmers and the sinners to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man entertains sinners, and eateth with them. Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, read more.
What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost. Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner.
What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost. Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner.
Salvation » Jesus Christ coming to save
And as he was revolving the matter in his mind, behold, an angel of the Lord in a dream appeared unto him, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take Mary for thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.
It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.
Verse Concepts
And when the disciples James and John saw it, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them, just as Elias did? And turning to them, he reproved them, and said, Ye know not what spirit ye are of: for the Son of man came not to destroy men's lives, but to preserve them. And he proceeded to another village.
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. What think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them stray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and seek that which had strayed? And if he happen to find it, verily I say unto you, that he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which never went astray. read more.
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones perish.
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones perish.
Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. read more.
And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost. Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner. Then he said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of substance which falls to my share. And he divided with them his fortune. And not many days after, the younger son, collecting his all, travelled into a far distant country, and there dissipated his substance in a life of debauchery. But when he had spent all, there came a terrible famine in that region; and he began to know want. And he went and connected himself with one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he eagerly longed to fill his belly with the charob berries which the swine did eat: and no person gave him [a morsel]. Then coming to himself, he said, How many hirelings of my father abound with loaves of bread, and I am pining away with famine! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hirelings. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet at a considerable distance, his father discovered him, and was moved with compassion, and running, fell on his neck, and kissed him again and again. Then said the son unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe, and clothe him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: and bring hither the stall-fed steer, and kill it; and let us eat, and be joyous. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. And they began to be joyous. Now his elder brother had been in the field: and when coming home he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and the chorus. And calling one of the servants, he inquired what these things meant. And he said, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed for him the stall-fed steer, because he hath received him in health. Then he was in great wrath, and would not enter the doors: therefore his father came out, and entreated him. But he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years I am serving thee, and never have transgressed thy command: yet to me thou hast never once given a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but no sooner is this son of thine come, who hath devoured thy substance with whores, than thou hast killed for him the stall-fed steer. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all my possessions are thine. But it was right that we should rejoice, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance. Or what woman having ten pieces of silver coin, if she lose one of them, doth she not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and make diligent search until she find it? And having found it, she calleth her female friends and neighbours together, saying, Congratulate me; for I have found the silver piece I had lost. Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner. Then he said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of substance which falls to my share. And he divided with them his fortune. And not many days after, the younger son, collecting his all, travelled into a far distant country, and there dissipated his substance in a life of debauchery. But when he had spent all, there came a terrible famine in that region; and he began to know want. And he went and connected himself with one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he eagerly longed to fill his belly with the charob berries which the swine did eat: and no person gave him [a morsel]. Then coming to himself, he said, How many hirelings of my father abound with loaves of bread, and I am pining away with famine! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hirelings. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet at a considerable distance, his father discovered him, and was moved with compassion, and running, fell on his neck, and kissed him again and again. Then said the son unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe, and clothe him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: and bring hither the stall-fed steer, and kill it; and let us eat, and be joyous. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. And they began to be joyous. Now his elder brother had been in the field: and when coming home he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and the chorus. And calling one of the servants, he inquired what these things meant. And he said, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed for him the stall-fed steer, because he hath received him in health. Then he was in great wrath, and would not enter the doors: therefore his father came out, and entreated him. But he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years I am serving thee, and never have transgressed thy command: yet to me thou hast never once given a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but no sooner is this son of thine come, who hath devoured thy substance with whores, than thou hast killed for him the stall-fed steer. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all my possessions are thine. But it was right that we should rejoice, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Then said Jesus unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, because that he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that every one who believeth in him should not perish, but have life eternal. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world by him might be saved.
Then Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that every one who believeth on me should not abide in darkness. read more.
And if any man, hearing my words, believeth not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
And if any man, hearing my words, believeth not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Shepherds » Illustrative » (searching out straying sheep,) of Christ seeking the lost
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man entertains sinners, and eateth with them. Then spake he unto them this parable, saying, What man is there of you, possessing an hundred sheep, though he lose but one of them, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? read more.
and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance.
and when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And coming home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Congratulate me; for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you, that just so will there be joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who hold not their need of repentance.