AFV2020 - Mark

Chapter 1

1:1  The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

1:2  As it is written in the prophets: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who shall prepare Your way before You.

1:3  The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.' ”

1:4  John came baptizing in the wilderness, and preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

1:5  And all those of the country of Judea went out, and those of Jerusalem, and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

1:6  Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

1:7  And he preached, saying, "The One Who is coming after me is mightier than I, of Whom I am not worthy to stoop down to loose the thong of His sandals.

1:8  I have indeed baptized you with water, but He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

1:9  And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

1:10  And immediately, as He was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens open, and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.

1:11  And a voice came from heaven, saying, "You are My Son, the Beloved, in Whom I have great delight."

1:12  And soon after, the Spirit compelled Him to go out into the wilderness;

1:13  And He was there in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild animals; and afterwards angels ministered to Him.

1:14  Now after the imprisonment of John, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God,

1:15  And saying, "The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."

1:16  And as He was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a large net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

1:17  And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."

1:18  And they immediately left their nets and followed Him.

1:19  And after moving on a little way from there, He saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; and they were in the ship, mending the nets.

1:20  And He called them at once; and leaving their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, they followed Him.

1:21  Then they went into Capernaum. And on the Sabbaths, after going into the synagogue, He straightway taught the people.

1:22  And they were astonished at His doctrine; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

1:23  Now in their synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit; and it cried out,

1:24  Saying, "Ah! What have we to do with You, Jesus, the Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know Who You are—the Holy One of God!"

1:25  But Jesus rebuked it, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him."

1:26  And after throwing him into convulsions and crying out with a loud voice, the spirit came out of him.

1:27  Then all were astonished, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? What new teaching is this, that with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him?"

1:28  And His fame swiftly spread into all the country around Galilee.

1:29  And as soon as they had gone out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

1:30  And Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever. And they spoke to Him at once about her.

1:31  And He came to her, and took her by the hand and raised her up. And immediately the fever left her, and she served them.

1:32  Now in the evening, when the sun had gone down, they brought to Him all who were diseased, and those who were possessed by demons;

1:33  And the entire city was gathered together at the door.

1:34  Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and He cast out many demons; but He did not allow the demons to speak because they knew Him.

1:35  And at the time of the morning watch, while it was still night, He rose up; and going out, He departed into a desert place, and was praying there.

1:36  And Simon, and those who were with him, went out after Him.

1:37  And after finding Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."

1:38  But He said to them, "Let us go to the towns in the neighboring countryside, so that I may also preach there; because I have come for this purpose."

1:39  And He preached in all their synagogues in Galilee, and cast out demons.

1:40  And a leper came to Him, beseeching Him and kneeling down to Him, and saying to Him, "If You will, You have the power to cleanse me."

1:41  Then Jesus, being moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I will. Be cleansed."

1:42  And as soon as He had spoken, the leprosy immediately departed from him, and he was cleansed.

1:43  Now after strictly commanding him, He sent him away at once,

1:44  And said to him, "See that you do not say anything to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."

1:45  But after leaving, he began to proclaim it extensively and to spread the matter abroad, so that He was no longer able to enter the city openly, but stayed outside the city in desert places; and they came to Him from every region.

Chapter 2

2:1  And after some days, He again entered into Capernaum, and it was reported that He was in the house.

2:2  And immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer any room, not even at the door; and He preached the Word to them.

2:3  Then they came to Him, bringing a paraplegic borne by four men.

2:4  And since they were not able to come near to Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was; and after breaking it open, they let down the stretcher on which the paraplegic was lying.

2:5  Now when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paraplegic, "Child, your sins have been forgiven you."

2:6  But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,

2:7  "Why does this man speak such blasphemies? Who has the power to forgive sins, except one, and that is God?"

2:8  And Jesus immediately knew in His spirit what they were reasoning within themselves, and said to them, "Why are you reasoning these things in your hearts?

2:9  Which is easier, to say to the paraplegic, ' Your sins have been forgiven you'? or to say, 'Arise, and take up your stretcher and walk'?

2:10  But in order that you may understand that the Son of man has authority on the earth to forgive sins," He said to the paraplegic,

2:11  "I say to you, arise and pick up your stretcher, and go to your house."

2:12  And immediately he arose and, after picking up his stretcher, went out in the presence of them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen the like!"

2:13  Then He went by the sea again; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them.

2:14  Now as He was passing by, He saw Levi, the son of Alpheus, sitting at the tax office; and He said to him, "Follow Me." And he arose and followed Him.

2:15  And it came to pass that, when He sat down to eat in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him.

2:16  But when the scribes and the Pharisees saw Him eating with tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "Why is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"

2:17  And after hearing this, Jesus said to them, "Those who are strong do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

2:18  Now the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?"

2:19  And Jesus said to them, "Can the children of the bridal chamber fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they are not able to fast.

2:20  But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them; and then shall they fast in those days.

2:21  And no one sews a piece of new cloth onto an old garment; otherwise the new piece filling up the hole tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made.

2:22  And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine bursts the old wineskins, and the wine spills out, and the wineskins are destroyed; but new wine must be put into new wineskins."

2:23  Now it came to pass that He went through the grain fields on the Sabbaths; and as His disciples made their way through the fields, they were picking and eating the grain.

2:24  Then the Pharisees said to Him, "Look at them! Why are they doing that which is not lawful on the Sabbaths?"

2:25  And He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was hungry and in need of food, he and those with him?

2:26  How in the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered into the house of God and he ate the showbread, which it is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and he also gave it to those who were with him?"

2:27  And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath;

2:28  Therefore, the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

Chapter 3

3:1  And again He went into the synagogue, and a man who had a withered hand was there.

3:2  And they were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbaths, in order that they might accuse Him.

3:3  Then He said to the man who had the withered hand, "Stand up here in the center."

3:4  And He said to them, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbaths, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill?" But they were silent.

3:5  And after looking around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as sound as the other.

3:6  Then the Pharisees left and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against Him as to how they might destroy Him.

3:7  But Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea,

3:8  And from Jerusalem, and from Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those around Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard what great things He was doing, came to Him.

3:9  Then He told His disciples to have a small ship wait for Him on account of the multitude, in order that they might not press upon Him.

3:10  For He had healed so many that they began to crowd around Him, as many as had plagues, in order that they might touch Him;

3:11  And when the unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him and cried aloud, saying, "You are the Son of God."

3:12  But He sharply rebuked them so that they would not make Him known.

3:13  Then He went up into the mountain and called to Him those whom He desired, and they came to Him.

3:14  And He ordained twelve, that they might be with Him, and that He might send them to preach,

3:15  And to have authority to heal diseases and to cast out demons.

3:16  Then He chose Simon and added to him the name Peter;

3:17  And He chose James, the son of Zebedee, and John, the brother of James; and He added to them the name Boanerges, which means "sons of thunder."

3:18  And He chose Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas. And He chose James, the son of Alpheus; and Thaddeus; and Simon, the Cananean;

3:19  And Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.

3:20  Then a multitude gathered together again, so that they were not able even to eat bread.

3:21  And after hearing of it, those who were contrary to Him went to restrain Him; for they said, "He is out of His mind!"

3:22  Then the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebub; and by the power of the prince of the demons He is casting out demons."

3:23  And after calling them to Him, He spoke to them in parables, saying, "How can Satan cast out Satan?

3:24  For if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom is not able to stand;

3:25  And if a house is divided against itself, that house is not able to stand.

3:26  And if Satan has risen up against himself and has been divided, he does not have the power to stand, but has an end.

3:27  There is no way that anyone who enters a strong man's house is able to plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man; and then he can plunder his house.

3:28  Truly I say to you, all sins and every blasphemy that they may blaspheme shall be forgiven to the children of men;

3:29  But whoever shall commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven, even into eternity, but is subject to eternal judgment."

3:30  He spoke these things because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."

3:31  Then His brothers and His mother came and were standing outside; and they sent to Him, calling Him.

3:32  And the multitude sat around Him; and they said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside; and they are seeking You."

3:33  But He answered them, saying, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?"

3:34  And He looked around at those who were sitting in a circle around Him, and said, "Behold My mother and My brothers;

3:35  For whoever shall do the will of God, that one is My brother, and My sister, and mother."

Chapter 4

4:1  Then He again began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude gathered together to Him, so that He went aboard the ship and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land by the sea.

4:2  And He taught them many things in parables, and said to them in His teaching,

4:3  "Listen well to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow.

4:4  And it happened that as he was sowing, one seed fell by the way; and the birds of heaven came and devoured it.

4:5  And another seed fell on a rocky place, where it did not have much soil; and it quickly sprang up, because it did not have depth of soil;

4:6  But after the sun rose, it was scorched; and because it did not have root, it withered away.

4:7  And another seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it did not yield any fruit.

4:8  And others fell into the good ground and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and one brought forth thirtyfold, and one sixtyfold, and one a hundredfold."

4:9  Then He said to them, "The one who has ears to hear, let him hear."

4:10  Now when He was alone, those who were around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.

4:11  And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are without, all things are done in parables;

4:12  So that in seeing they may see, and not perceive; and in hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

4:13  And He said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? Then how will you know all the other parables?

4:14  The sower sows the Word.

4:15  Now the ones by the way, where the Word was sown, these are the ones who hear, but Satan comes at once and takes away the Word that was sown in their hearts.

4:16  And the ones which were in like manner sown upon the rocky places, these are the ones who when they hear the Word, immediately receive it with joy;

4:17  But because they have no root in themselves, they do not endure; when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, they are quickly offended.

4:18  And those which were sown among the thorns, these are the ones who hear the Word,

4:19  But the cares of this life, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things that come into their lives choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.

4:20  Now those which were sown upon the good ground, these are the ones who hear the Word and receive it, and bring forth fruit, one thirtyfold, and one sixtyfold, and one a hundredfold."

4:21  And He said to them, "Is a lamp lit to be put under a bushelbasket or under a bed? Is it not rather lit to be put on a lampstand?

4:22  For there is nothing hidden that shall not be made manifest; nor has any secret thing taken place, but that it should come to light.

4:23  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

4:24  And He said to them, "Take heed to what you hear: for with whatever measure you use, it shall be measured back to you; and to those who hear, it shall be added.

4:25  For whoever has, to him shall more be given; but the one who does not have, even that which he has shall be taken from him."

4:26  Then He said, "The kingdom of God is likened to this: It is as if a man should cast seed upon the earth,

4:27  And should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, but he does not know how.

4:28  For the earth brings forth fruit of itself, first a blade, then a head, then full grain in the head.

4:29  And when the grain is mature, immediately he puts in the sickle, for the harvest has come."

4:30  And He said, "To what then shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we compare it?

4:31  It is like a tiny mustard seed, which, when it has been sown upon the earth, is less than all the seeds that are upon the earth

4:32  But after it has been sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all the herbs, and produces great branches, so that the birds of heaven are able to roost under the shadow of it."

4:33  And with many such parables He spoke the Word to them, as they were able to hear;

4:34  For without a parable He did not speak to them; but He explained all things to His disciples privately.

4:35  Now on the same day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side."

4:36  And after dismissing the multitude, they took Him with them, as He was already in the ship; and there were many other small ships with Him also.

4:37  And a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were crashing into the ship so forcefully that it was rapidly filling up.

4:38  Now He was at the stern sleeping on a cushion. And they aroused Him, and said to Him, "Master, don't You care that we are perishing?"

4:39  And after being awakened, He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still." And the wind died, and there was a great calm.

4:40  And He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? Why do you not have faith?"

4:41  But they were afraid, and said to one another in great fear, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

Chapter 5

5:1  And they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes.

5:2  And as soon as He had left the ship, there met Him from out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

5:3  Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one had the power to restrain him even with chains;

5:4  For he had often been bound with fetters and chains, but the chains had been torn to pieces by him, and the fetters had been shattered; and no one had the strength to subdue him.

5:5  And continually, night and day, in the mountains and in the tombs, he was screaming and cutting himself with stones.

5:6  But when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.

5:7  And crying out with a loud voice, he said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of God the Most High? I adjure You by God, do not torment me."

5:8  For He was saying to it, "Unclean spirit, come out of the man."

5:9  And He asked it, "What is your name?" And it answered, "My name is Legion, because we are many."

5:10  And it begged Him again and again that He would not send them out of the country.

5:11  Now near the mountain, there was a large herd of swine feeding;

5:12  And all the demons pleaded with Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, so that we may enter into them."

5:13  Then Jesus immediately permitted them to go. And the unclean spirits went out of the man and entered into the swine; and the herd stampeded down the steep slope into the sea (now they were about two thousand), and they all drowned in the sea.

5:14  And those who were feeding the swine fled in fear and reported it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what it was that had been done.

5:15  And they came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by demons, the one who had the Legion, sitting and clothed and of a sound mind; and they were afraid.

5:16  Then those who had seen it reported to them what had happened to the one who had been possessed by demons, and the things concerning the swine.

5:17  And they began to urge Him to depart from their borders.

5:18  Now when He boarded the ship, the one who had been possessed by demons begged Him that he might be with Him.

5:19  But Jesus did not permit him, rather he said to him, "Go to your house and to your own, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has pitied you."

5:20  Then he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

5:21  Now when Jesus had again crossed to the other side of the sea by ship, a great multitude was gathered to Him; and He was by the sea.

5:22  And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name; and when he saw Him, he fell at His feet;

5:23  And he earnestly besought Him, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. I beg You to come and lay Your hands on her, so that she may be healed; and she shall live."

5:24  And He departed with him; and a great multitude followed Him, pressing around Him.

5:25  Then a certain woman who had been afflicted with an issue of blood for twelve years,

5:26  And had suffered greatly under the hand of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was not benefited in any way but rather was getting worse,

5:27  When she heard about Jesus, came in the multitude behind Him and touched His garment;

5:28  For she said, "If I can only touch His garments, I shall be cured."

5:29  And at once the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she knew in her body that she was healed from the scourge.

5:30  Now Jesus knew immediately within Himself that power had gone out of Him; and turning in the crowd, He said, "Who touched My garments?"

5:31  But His disciples said to Him, "You see the crowd pressing around You, and You ask, 'Who touched Me?' ”

5:32  Then He looked around to see who had done this.

5:33  And the woman, frightened and trembling, knowing what had been done in her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth.

5:34  Then He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has cured you. Go in peace, and be whole from your scourge."

5:35  While He was still speaking, they came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any longer?"

5:36  But when Jesus heard the words that were spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid. Only believe."

5:37  And He did not allow anyone to accompany Him except Peter and James and John, the brother of James.

5:38  Now when He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, He saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly.

5:39  And when He had entered, He said to them, "Why are you making a tumult and weeping? The child is not dead, but is only sleeping."

5:40  And they laughed at Him in disbelief. But after He had put them all out, He took with Him the father and the mother of the child, and those with Him, and went into the room where the child was lying.

5:41  And taking the child by the hand, He said to her, "Talitha, cumi"; which is, being interpreted, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!"

5:42  And immediately the little girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years old. And they were filled with great amazement.

5:43  Then He strictly charged them that no one should know this, and He told them to give her something to eat.

Chapter 6

6:1  And He left there and came into His own country, and His disciples followed Him.

6:2  Now when the Sabbath day came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and many of those who heard Him were astonished, saying, "From where did this Man get these things? And what is this wisdom that has been given to Him, that by His hands many miracles are done also?

6:3  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" And they were offended in Him.

6:4  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, and among his own kinsmen, and in his own house."

6:5  And He was not able to do any works of power there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

6:6  And He was amazed by their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching the people.

6:7  And He called the twelve to Him and began to send them out, two by two; and He gave them authority over unclean spirits.

6:8  And He commanded them not to take anything for the journey except a staff— no bag of provisions, nor bread, nor money in the belt;

6:9  But to be shod with sandals; and not to put on two coats.

6:10  Then He said to them, "Wherever you go, and come into a house, remain there until you leave that city.

6:11  But as many as will not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet as a witness against them. Truly I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city."

6:12  And they went out and proclaimed that all should repent.

6:13  And they cast out many demons; and they anointed with oil many sick people, and healed them.

6:14  Then King Herod heard of Jesus, because His name had become widely known; and he said, "John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and because of this these miracles are being worked by him."

6:15  Others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is a prophet, or one like the prophets."

6:16  But after hearing these reports, Herod said, "It is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead."

6:17  For Herod himself had sent and arrested John and had him bound in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother, whom he had married.

6:18  For John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

6:19  And Herodias held it against him, and desired to kill him, but was not able;

6:20  Because Herod feared John, realizing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And after hearing him, he did many things; and he listened to him gladly.

6:21  But an opportune day came when Herod prepared a banquet on his birthday for his principal men, and for the chief captains and the important men of Galilee.

6:22  And the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, and it pleased Herod and those sitting with him at the banquet; and the king said to the young woman, "Ask me whatever you desire, and I will give it to you."

6:23  Then he swore to her, "Whatever you ask of me I will give to you, up to half of my kingdom."

6:24  And after going out, she said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist."

6:25  Then she immediately returned to the king with haste and said, "I desire that you give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."

6:26  Now although the king was personally very sorrowful, because of the oaths and those who were sitting with him, he would not reject her request.

6:27  Then without delay, the king sent a guardsman and ordered his head to be brought.

6:28  And he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young woman; and the young woman gave it to her mother.

6:29  Now when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his body, and laid it in the tomb.

6:30  Then the apostles gathered together with Jesus, and they related to Him everything, both what they had done and what they had taught.

6:31  And He said to them, "All of you come away into a desert place, and rest a while." For there were so many people coming and going that they did not have an opportunity even to eat.

6:32  Then they departed alone by ship to a place in the wilderness.

6:33  But the multitudes saw them leaving, and many recognized Him; and they all ran together there from all the cities, and went ahead of them; and they came together to Him.

6:34  And when Jesus arrived, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion toward them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then He began to teach them many things.

6:35  Now because it was already a late hour, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This place is a wilderness, and the time is already late.

6:36  Dismiss them so that they may go into the country round about and buy food for themselves in the villages; for they have nothing to eat."

6:37  But He answered and said to them, "You give them something to eat." And they said to Him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred silver coins' worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?"

6:38  Then He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they knew, they said, "Five loaves, and two fish."

6:39  And He ordered them to make everyone sit down by companies on the green grass.

6:40  Then they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties.

6:41  And after taking the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up into heaven and blessed them; and He broke the loaves and gave them to His disciples, so that they might set them before the people. And the two fish He divided among them all.

6:42  And they all ate and were satisfied.

6:43  Then they took up twelve baskets full of fragments of bread and of fish.

6:44  And those who ate of the loaves were about five thousand men.

6:45  Then He commanded His disciples to get into the ship at once and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the multitude.

6:46  And after He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.

6:47  Now when evening arrived, the ship was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land.

6:48  And He saw them laboring in their rowing, because the wind was contrary to them. And about the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed by them.

6:49  But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was an apparition; and they cried out,

6:50  Because they all saw Him and were alarmed. And immediately He spoke to them, and said to them, "Be of good courage; it is I. Do not fear."

6:51  Then He went up to them into the ship, and the wind ceased. And they were amazed in themselves far beyond measure, and wondered.

6:52  For they did not understand the miracle of the loaves, because their hearts were hardened.

6:53  And after crossing over the sea, they came to the land of Gennesaret and drew to shore.

6:54  And when they came out of the ship, those who dwelt there immediately recognized Him.

6:55  Then they ran through all the country around, and began to carry those who were sick on stretchers, taking them wherever they heard that He was.

6:56  And wherever He entered into villages or cities or fields, they laid in the marketplaces those who were sick; and they besought Him that they might only touch the border of His garment; and all those who touched Him were healed.

Chapter 7

7:1  Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes from Jerusalem came together to Him.

7:2  And when they saw some of His disciples eating with defiled hands (that is, unwashed hands), they found fault.

7:3  For the Pharisees and all the Jews, holding fast to the tradition of the elders, do not eat unless they wash their hands thoroughly.

7:4  Even when coming from the market, they do not eat unless they first wash themselves. And there are many other things that they have received to observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and brass utensils and tables.

7:5  For this reason, the Pharisees and the scribes questioned Him, saying, "Why don't Your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"

7:6  And He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy concerning you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from Me.

7:7  But in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.'

7:8  For leaving the commandment of God, you hold fast the tradition of men, such as the washing of pots and cups; and you practice many other things like this."

7:9  Then He said to them, "Full well do you reject the commandment of God, so that you may observe your own tradition.

7:10  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'The one who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.'

7:11  But you say, 'If a man shall say to his father or mother, "Whatever benefit you might receive from me is corban" (that is, set aside as a gift to God), he is not obligated to help his parents.'

7:12  And you excuse him from doing anything for his father or his mother,

7:13  Nullifying the authority of the Word of God by your tradition which you have passed down; and you practice many traditions such as this."

7:14  And after calling all the multitude to Him, He said to them, "Hear Me, all of you, and understand.

7:15  There is nothing that enters into a man from outside which is able to defile him; but the things that come out from within him, those are the things which defile a man.

7:16  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

7:17  Now when He went into a house away from the multitude, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.

7:18  And He said to them, "Are you likewise without understanding? Don't you perceive that anything that enters into a man from outside is not able to defile him?

7:19  For it does not enter into his heart, but into the belly, and then passes out into the sewer, purging all food."

7:20  And He said, "That which springs forth from within a man, that defiles the man.

7:21  For from within, out of the hearts of men, go forth evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

7:22  Thefts, covetousness, wickednesses, guile, licentiousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness;

7:23  All these evils go forth from within, and these defile a man."

7:24  Then He rose up from there and went into the district of Tyre and Sidon; and when He came into the house, He desired that no one should know, but He could not be concealed.

7:25  For after hearing about Him, a woman who had a little daughter with an unclean spirit came and fell at His feet.

7:26  Now the woman was a Greek, Syrophenician by race, and she requested of Him that He cast the demon out of her daughter.

7:27  But Jesus said to her, "Allow the children to be satisfied first; for it is not fitting to take the children's bread and cast it to the dogs."

7:28  But she answered and said to Him, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs."

7:29  Then He said to her, "Because of this saying, go; the demon has gone out of your daughter."

7:30  And when she came to her house, she found the demon gone and her daughter lying on the bed.

7:31  And after departing from the district of Tyre and Sidon, and passing through the middle of the borders of Decapolis, He again came to the Sea of Galilee.

7:32  Then they brought to Him a deaf man who spoke with difficulty, and they requested of Him that He lay His hands on him.

7:33  And after taking him apart from the multitude, He put His fingers into his ears; and then He spit on His finger and touched his tongue;

7:34  And after looking up to heaven, He groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha"; that is, "Be opened!"

7:35  And immediately his ears were opened, and the band of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.

7:36  Then He commanded them not to tell anyone. But although He had ordered them to keep quiet, they proclaimed it more and more.

7:37  For they were astonished above measure, saying, "He has done all things well; He makes both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak."

Chapter 8

8:1  In those days the multitude of people was very great, and they had nothing to eat. And when Jesus had called His disciples to Him, He said to them,

8:2  "I am moved with compassion for the multitude because they have continued with Me three days already and have nothing to eat;

8:3  And if I send them to their homes fasting, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from far away."

8:4  Then His disciples answered Him, "How could anyone be able to satisfy all these with bread in a desert?"

8:5  And He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven."

8:6  Then He commanded the multitude to sit on the ground; and He took the seven loaves; and after giving thanks, He broke the loaves and gave them to His disciples so that they might set them before the people. And they set the loaves before the multitude.

8:7  They also had a few small fish; and after blessing them, He commanded His disciples to set these before them also.

8:8  And they all ate and were satisfied. Then they took up over seven baskets of fragments that were left.

8:9  Now those who had eaten were about four thousand; and He sent them away.

8:10  And immediately afterwards, He went aboard the ship with His disciples, and they came to the district of Dalmanutha.

8:11  And the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, tempting Him and seeking from Him a sign from heaven.

8:12  But after sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly I say to you, there shall no sign be given to this generation."

8:13  Then He left them; and after going aboard the ship again, He departed for the other side.

8:14  But they had forgotten to take bread; and they did not have any with them, except one loaf in the ship.

8:15  Then He charged them, saying, "Watch out! Be on guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."

8:16  And they were reasoning with one another, saying, "It is because we do not have any bread."

8:17  But Jesus knew it and said to them, "Why do you reason that I said this because you do not have any bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts still hardened?

8:18  Don't you see with your eyes? Don't you hear with your ears? And don't you remember?

8:19  When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?" They said to Him, "Twelve."

8:20  "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?" And they said, "Seven."

8:21  Then He said to them, "Why is it that you still don't understand?"

8:22  And He came to Bethsaida, and they brought to Him a blind man and besought Him that He might touch him.

8:23  Then He took hold of the blind man's hand and led him out of the village, and He spit on his eyes and laid His hands on him, and then He asked him if he saw anything.

8:24  And when he looked up, he said, "I see men as trees walking."

8:25  Then He again laid His hands on his eyes and made him look up. And he was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

8:26  And He sent him to his house, saying, "You must not enter the village, nor tell it to anyone in the village."

8:27  Then Jesus and His disciples went into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And along the way He was questioning His disciples, saying to them, "Who do men say that I am?"

8:28  And they answered, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah. And some say, one of the prophets."

8:29  And He said to them, "But you, Who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ."

8:30  Then He strictly charged them that they should tell no one about Him.

8:31  And He began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of man to suffer many things, and to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and to be killed, but after three days to rise from the dead.

8:32  And He spoke these words openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.

8:33  But He turned and looked at His disciples, and then rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan, because your thoughts are not of the things of God, but of the things of men."

8:34  And when He had called the multitude to Him with His disciples, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and let him take up his cross and follow Me.

8:35  For whoever desires to save his life shall lose it; but whoever will lose his life for My sake and for the gospel's, he shall save it.

8:36  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his life?

8:37  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?

8:38  For whoever shall be ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

Chapter 9

9:1  And He said to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those standing here who shall not taste of death until they have seen the kingdom of God come with power."

9:2  And after six days, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, leading them alone up into a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured in their presence;

9:3  And His garments became exceedingly white, like glistening snow, such a white as no bleacher of cloth on earth is able to make.

9:4  Then appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

9:5  And Peter responded by saying to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Now let us make three tabernacles; one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

9:6  For he did not know what he should say because they were terrified.

9:7  Then a cloud came and overshadowed them; and there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, the Beloved. Listen to Him!"

9:8  And suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with themselves.

9:9  Now as they were descending from the mountain, He charged them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of man had risen from the dead.

9:10  And they kept that saying among themselves, questioning what was the meaning of rising from the dead.

9:11  Then they asked Him, saying, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

9:12  And He answered them and said, "Truly, Elijah comes first and restores all things; and it is also written of the Son of man, how He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt.

9:13  But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they have done to him what they desired, as it is written of him."

9:14  And after returning to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and the scribes disputing with them.

9:15  And all the people who saw Him ran to Him at once in great amazement and saluted Him.

9:16  And He asked the scribes, "What are you disputing with them?"

9:17  Then one from the multitude said, "Master, I brought my son who has a dumb spirit to You;

9:18  For wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and gnashes his teeth, and is withering away. And I spoke to Your disciples, in order that they might cast it out, but they did not have the power."

9:19  And He answered him, saying, "O faithless generation! How long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me."

9:20  Then they brought him to Him. But when the spirit saw Him, it immediately threw him into convulsions; and he fell down on the ground and began rolling about and foaming at the mouth.

9:21  And He asked his father, "How long a time has this demon been with him?" And he said, "From childhood.

9:22  For it often throws him both into the fire and into the water, that it might destroy him. But if You have the power to do anything, have compassion on us and help us."

9:23  And Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to the one who believes."

9:24  And the father of the little child cried out at once, saying with tears, "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief."

9:25  Then Jesus, seeing that the multitude was running together, rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you to come out of him, and you are not allowed to go into him any more!"

9:26  And after crying out and throwing him into severe convulsions, it came out; and he became as dead, so much so that many said, "He is dead."

9:27  But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

9:28  And when He came into a house, His disciples asked Him apart, "Why were we not able to cast it out?"

9:29  Then He said to them, "This kind cannot be made to go out by anything except prayer and fasting."

9:30  And after leaving there, they went through Galilee; but He desired that no one know it,

9:31  Because He was teaching His disciples; and He said to them, "The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; but He shall arise on the third day after He has been killed."

9:32  Now they did not understand the saying, but they were afraid to ask Him about it.

9:33  Then He came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He asked them, "What were you discussing among yourselves on the way here?"

9:34  But they were silent because, while on the way, they had discussed who would be the greatest.

9:35  And after sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."

9:36  Then He took a little child and set it in their midst; and after taking it in His arms, He said to them,

9:37  "Whoever shall receive one of such little children in My name receives Me; and whoever shall receive Me does not receive Me only, but Him Who sent Me."

9:38  Then John answered Him, saying, "Master, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbad him because he does not follow us."

9:39  But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a work of power in My name can easily speak evil of Me.

9:40  And the one who is not against you is for you.

9:41  For whoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you are Christ's, truly I say to you, he shall in no way lose his reward.

9:42  But whoever shall cause one of the little ones who believe in Me to offend, it would be better for him that a millstone be put around his neck and he be cast into the sea.

9:43  And if your hand shall cause you to offend, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life maimed than to go with two hands into the unquenchable fire of Gehenna,

9:44  Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

9:45  And if your foot shall cause you to offend, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame than to be cast with two feet into the unquenchable fire of Gehenna,

9:46  Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

9:47  And if your eye shall cause you to offend, thrust it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than to be cast with two eyes into the fire of Gehenna,

9:48  Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

9:49  For everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

9:50  The salt is good, but if the salt becomes tasteless, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Chapter 10

10:1  And He rose up from there and came into the borders of Judea, by the other side of the Jordan. And the multitudes again came together to Him; and as had been His custom, He again taught them.

10:2  Then the Pharisees came to Him and, tempting Him, asked Him, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?"

10:3  But He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?"

10:4  And they said, "Moses allowed a bill of divorcement to be written to divorce."

10:5  Then Jesus answered and said to them, "He wrote this commandment for you because of your hardheartedness.

10:6  But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female.

10:7  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife;

10:8  And the two shall become one flesh. So then, they are no longer two, but one flesh.

10:9  Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate."

10:10  And when He was in the house again, His disciples asked Him concerning the same thing.

10:11  And He said to them, "Whoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, commits adultery against her.

10:12  And if a woman shall divorce her husband, and be married to another, she commits adultery."

10:13  Then they brought little children to Him so that He might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

10:14  And after seeing it, Jesus was indignant, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

10:15  Truly I say to you, whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God like a little child shall in no way enter into it."

10:16  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed them.

10:17  And as He went out to the road, one came running up and knelt down before Him, and asked Him, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

10:18  But Jesus answered him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except one; that is God.

10:19  You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery'; 'You shall not commit murder'; 'You shall not steal'; 'You shall not bear false witness'; 'You shall not defraud'; 'Honor your father and mother.' "

10:20  And he answered and said to Him, "Master, I have kept all these from my youth."

10:21  And Jesus, as He was looking upon him, loved him, and said to him, "There is one thing that you are lacking. Go and sell everything that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross and follow Me."

10:22  But he was very sad upon hearing these words, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

10:23  And after looking around, Jesus said to His disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!"

10:24  But the disciples were astonished at His words. And again Jesus answered and said to them, "Children, how difficult it is for those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

10:25  It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

10:26  And they were astonished beyond measure, saying among themselves, "Who then is able to be saved?"

10:27  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."

10:28  Then Peter began to say to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and have followed You."

10:29  And Jesus answered and said, "Truly I say to you, there is not one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake and for the gospel's,

10:30  Who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time: houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the age that is coming, eternal life.

10:31  But many of the first shall be last, and the last shall be first."

10:32  And they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went in front of them; and they were amazed at this; and as they followed Him, they were afraid. Then He again took the twelve and began to tell them the things that were about to happen to Him:

10:33  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be delivered up to the chief priests and the scribes; and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him up to the Gentiles;

10:34  And they shall mock Him, and shall scourge Him, and shall spit on Him, and shall kill Him; and on the third day He shall rise again."

10:35  Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Master, we desire that whatever we ask, You would do for us."

10:36  And He said to them, "What do you desire to have Me do for you?"

10:37  And they said to Him, "Grant to us that we may sit one at Your right hand and one at Your left hand in Your glory."

10:38  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"

10:39  And they said to Him, "We are able." Then Jesus said to them, "You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with.

10:40  But to sit at My right hand and at My left hand is not Mine to give, but to those for whom it has been prepared."

10:41  And when the ten heard this, they began to show indignation toward James and John.

10:42  Then Jesus called them to Him and said to them, "You know that those who are counted worthy to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority over them.

10:43  But it shall not be this way among you; rather, whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant;

10:44  And whoever desires to be first among you shall be the bondslave of all.

10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

10:46  Then they came to Jericho. And as He and His disciples were going up from Jericho with a large multitude, Bartimeus the blind man, the son of Timeus, was sitting beside the road begging.

10:47  And after hearing that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

10:48  Then many began to rebuke him, so that he would be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

10:49  And Jesus stood still and asked for him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good courage; rise up, for He is calling you."

10:50  And after casting aside his beggar's cloak, he arose and came to Jesus.

10:51  Then Jesus answered him and said, "What do you desire to have Me do for you?" And the blind man said to Him, "Master, that I may receive sight."

10:52  And Jesus said to him "Go your way, for your faith has healed you." Then he immediately received sight, and he followed Jesus in the way.

Chapter 11

11:1  And when they came to Bethphage and Bethany, which were near to Jerusalem, toward the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples;

11:2  And He said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it you will find a colt tied, upon which no man has sat. After loosing it, lead it to Me.

11:3  And if anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord has need of it'; and he will send it here immediately."

11:4  And they went to the village and found the colt tied outside, at the door of a house by the crossroad; and they loosed it.

11:5  Then some of those who were standing there said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?"

11:6  And they answered them as Jesus had commanded. Then they allowed them to take it.

11:7  And they led the colt to Jesus; and they laid their garments upon it, and He sat on it.

11:8  Then many spread their garments in the road, and others cut down branches from the trees, and scattered them in the road.

11:9  And those who went before and those who followed behind were crying out, saying, "Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord.

11:10  Blessed is the kingdom of our father David, coming in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!"

11:11  And Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and because the hour was already late, after looking around at everything there, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

11:12  And in the morning, after they left Bethany, He became hungry.

11:13  Then, seeing a fig tree afar off that had leaves, He went to it to see if He might possibly find something on it. But after coming to it, He found nothing except leaves because it was not yet the season for figs.

11:14  And Jesus responded by saying to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you any more forever!" And His disciples heard it.

11:15  Then they came into Jerusalem; and after entering the temple, Jesus began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple; and He overthrew the tables of the money exchangers and the seats of those who were selling doves.

11:16  Moreover, He did not allow anyone to carry a vessel through the temple.

11:17  And He taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers."

11:18  Now the chief priests and the scribes heard this, and they sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the multitudes marveled at His teaching.

11:19  And when evening came, He went out of the city.

11:20  And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

11:21  Then Peter remembered and said to Him, "Look, Master! The fig tree that You cursed has dried up."

11:22  And Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith from God.

11:23  For truly I say to you, whoever shall say to this mountain, 'Be taken away and be cast into the sea,' and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said will take place, he shall have whatever he shall say.

11:24  For this reason I say to you, all the things that you ask when you are praying, believe that you will receive them, and they shall be given to you.

11:25  But when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive, so that your Father Who is in heaven may forgive you your offenses.

11:26  For if you do not forgive, neither will your Father Who is in heaven forgive you your offenses."

11:27  Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him;

11:28  And they said to Him, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority, that You do these things?"

11:29  Then Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, and if you answer Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.

11:30  The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me."

11:31  And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'

11:32  But if we say, 'From men' " —they feared the people, because everyone held that John was indeed a prophet.

11:33  And they answered Jesus by saying, "We do not know." Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Chapter 12

12:1  And He began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard, and put a fence around it, and dug a winevat, and built a tower, and leased it out to husbandmen, and then left the country.

12:2  And at the harvest season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, so that he might receive the fruit of the vineyard from the husbandmen.

12:3  But they took him and beat him, and sent him away empty.

12:4  And in turn, he sent another servant to them; but they stoned him and wounded him on the head, and after insulting him sent him away.

12:5  And in turn, he sent still another servant, and they killed him; and he sent many others, and some were beaten and others were killed.

12:6  Now then, he had yet one son, his own beloved. And so, last of all he sent him to them also, saying, 'They will have respect for my son.'

12:7  But those husbandmen said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.'

12:8  And after seizing him, they killed him and cast him out of the vineyard.

12:9  Therefore, what will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the husbandmen and will give the vineyard to others.

12:10  Have you not read even this scripture: 'The Stone that the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner;

12:11  This was from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes'? "

12:12  Then they sought to arrest Him, but they feared the multitude; for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them. And they left Him and went their way.

12:13  But they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, in order to entrap Him in His words.

12:14  And after coming to Him, they said, "Master, we know that You are true, and that You court no man's favor; because You do not look on the appearance of men, but You teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?

12:15  Should we give it, or should we not give it?" But perceiving their hypocrisy, He said to them, "Why do you tempt Me? Bring Me a silver coin, so that I may look at it."

12:16  Then they brought it. And He said to them, "Whose image and superscription is on this coin?" And they said to Him, "Caesar's."

12:17  And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God." And they were amazed at Him.

12:18  Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him, and they questioned Him, saying,

12:19  "Master, Moses wrote for us that if the brother of anyone should die and leave behind a wife, but leave no children, then his brother should take his wife and raise up seed for his brother.

12:20  Now there were seven brothers; the first took a wife and died, leaving no seed;

12:21  And the second took her and died, and neither did he leave seed; and the third likewise.

12:22  And the seven had her and left no seed. Last of all the woman died also.

12:23  Now then, in the resurrection, when they shall arise, to which of them shall she be wife? For all seven had her as wife."

12:24  Then Jesus answered them and said, "In asking this, do you not err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God?

12:25  For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels who are in heaven.

12:26  But concerning the dead, that they do rise, have you not read in the book of Moses about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?

12:27  He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. Therefore, you err greatly."

12:28  And one of the scribes who had come up to Him, after hearing them reasoning together and perceiving that He answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?"

12:29  Then Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, 'Hear, O Israel. Our one God is the Lord, the Lord.

12:30  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.

12:31  And the second is like this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

12:32  Then the scribe said to Him, "Right, Master. You have spoken according to truth that God is one, and there is not another besides Him;

12:33  And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

12:34  And Jesus, seeing that he answered with understanding, said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to question Him any more.

12:35  And while teaching in the temple, Jesus answered and said, "How can the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?

12:36  For David himself said by the Holy Spirit, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." '

12:37  Now then, if David himself called Him Lord, how can He be his Son?" And the whole multitude listened to Him eagerly.

12:38  And He said to them in His teaching, "Beware of the scribes, who take pleasure in walking around in robes, and in salutations in the marketplaces,

12:39  And in the chief seats in the synagogues and the chief places in the feasts;

12:40  Who devour the houses of widows, and for a pretext make long prayers. These shall receive the greater condemnation."

12:41  And after sitting down opposite the temple treasury, He observed how the people were casting money into the treasury; and many rich ones were putting in much.

12:42  And one poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins, which is equal to one copper coin.

12:43  Then He called His disciples to Him and said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of those who are casting money into the treasury.

12:44  For everyone else contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her destitution put in as much as she had, giving all her living."

Chapter 13

13:1  And as He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Master, see how splendid the stones and buildings are!"

13:2  Then Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There shall not be left a stone upon a stone that shall not be thrown down."

13:3  And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew came privately and asked Him,

13:4  "Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?"

13:5  And Jesus in answering them began to say, "Be on guard lest anyone deceive you.

13:6  For many shall come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ'; and they shall deceive many.

13:7  But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for it is necessary for these things to come to pass, but the end is not yet.

13:8  For nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be earthquakes in different places, and there shall be famines and disasters. These things are the beginning of sorrows.

13:9  But keep yourselves on guard, for they shall deliver you up to councils and synagogues. You shall be beaten, and you shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a witness against them.

13:10  And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

13:11  But whenever they lead you away and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand nor meditate on what you should say; but whatever shall be given to you in that hour, that speak. For you are not the ones who are speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

13:12  Then shall brother betray brother to death, and the father the child. And children shall rise up against their parents and shall put them to death.

13:13  And you shall be hated by all men for My name's sake; but the one who endures to the end, that one shall be saved.

13:14  Now when you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it should not stand (let the one who reads understand), then let those who are in Judea flee into the mountains.

13:15  And let the one who is on the housetop not come down into the house, nor go in to take anything out of his house;

13:16  And let the one who is in the field not return to the things he left behind to take his garment.

13:17  But woe to those who are with child and to those who are nursing infants in those days!

13:18  And pray that your flight may not be in winter;

13:19  For in those days shall be great tribulation, such as has not been the like from the beginning of the creation that God created until this time, nor ever shall be again;

13:20  And unless the Lord had limited the days, no flesh would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has limited the days.

13:21  And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ'; or, 'Look, there is the Christ'; do not believe it.

13:22  For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and they shall give signs and wonders, in order to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

13:23  But you, watch out for them! Behold, I have foretold all these things to you.

13:24  Now in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light;

13:25  And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken;

13:26  And then they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

13:27  And then He shall send His angels, and shall gather together His elect from the four winds, and from the extremity of earth to the extremity of heaven.

13:28  But learn the parable of the fig tree: When its branches become tender, and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

13:29  In the same way also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, even at the doors.

13:30  Truly I say to you, this generation shall in no way pass away until all these things have taken place.

13:31  The heaven and the earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away.

13:32  But concerning that day and the hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

13:33  Take heed, be watching and praying. For you do not know when the time is coming.

13:34  It is like a man journeying to a far country, leaving his house and giving authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and commanding the doorkeeper to watch.

13:35  Be watching, therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming: at evening, or at midnight, or at the cock's crowing, or in the morning;

13:36  Lest he come suddenly and find you sleeping.

13:37  And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

Chapter 14

14:1  Now after two days was the Passover and the feast of unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might stealthily lay hold of Him and kill Him.

14:2  But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be a riot among the people."

14:3  Now He was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper; and as He was sitting to eat, a woman came carrying an alabaster flask of ointment of pure spikenard worth a great price; and after breaking the alabaster flask, she poured it on His head.

14:4  But some were indignant within themselves and said, "Why has this ointment been wasted?

14:5  For it was possible for this to be sold for over three hundred silver coins, and to give to the poor." And they were criticizing her.

14:6  But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why are you causing her trouble? She has performed a good work toward Me.

14:7  For you have the poor with you always, and you are able to do good for them whenever you desire; but you do not always have Me.

14:8  She did what she could for Me. She came to anoint My body beforehand for the burial.

14:9  Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel shall be preached in all the world, what this woman has done shall also be spoken of for a memorial of her."

14:10  Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order that he might deliver Him up to them.

14:11  And after hearing this, they were delighted and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.

14:12  And on the first day of the unleaveneds, when they were killing the Passover lambs, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You desire that we go and prepare, so that You may eat the Passover?"

14:13  And He sent two of His disciples, and said to them, "Go into the city, and you shall meet a man carrying a pitcher of water; follow him.

14:14  And whatever house he shall enter, say to the master of the house that the Teacher says, 'Where is the guest chamber, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?'

14:15  And he shall show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. There prepare for us."

14:16  And His disciples went away: and when they came into the city, they found it exactly as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.

14:17  Now after evening had come, He came with the twelve.

14:18  And as they sat and were eating, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, one of you shall betray Me, even he who is eating with Me."

14:19  And they began to be extremely sad, and said to Him one by one, "Is it I?" And another, "Is it I?"

14:20  But He answered and said to them, "The one who is dipping a morsel into the dish with Me, he is the one of you twelve.

14:21  The Son of man indeed goes, just as it has been written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."

14:22  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread; and after blessing it, He broke it and gave it to them, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."

14:23  And He took the cup; and after giving thanks, He gave it to them; and they all drank of it.

14:24  And He said to them, "This is My blood, the blood of the New Covenant, which is poured out for many.

14:25  Truly I say to you, I will not drink again at all of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

14:26  And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

14:27  Then Jesus said to them, "All of you shall be offended in Me in this night; for it is written, 'I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.'

14:28  But after I have risen, I will go before you into Galilee."

14:29  Then Peter said to Him, "Even if all shall be offended, yet I shall not."

14:30  And Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today, in this very night, before the cock crows twice, you shall deny Me three times."

14:31  But he spoke more adamantly, "If it were necessary for me to die with You, I would not deny You in any way." And they all spoke in the same manner also.

14:32  Then they came to a place that was called Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."

14:33  And He took Peter and James and John with Him; and He began to be deeply troubled and heavy-hearted.

14:34  And He said to them, "My soul is filled with anguish, even to death; remain here and watch."

14:35  Then He went forward a little, dropped to the ground and prayed, that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.

14:36  And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible with You. Remove this cup from Me! Yet not what I will, but what You will."

14:37  Then He came and found them sleeping. And He said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Were you not able to watch one hour?

14:38  Watch and pray, so that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak."

14:39  And again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing.

14:40  And when He returned, He again found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.

14:41  And He came the third time, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

14:42  Arise! Let us be going. Look, the one who is betraying Me is approaching."

14:43  And immediately, while He was speaking, Judas, being one of the twelve, came up with a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

14:44  Now the one who was betraying Him had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I shall kiss, He is the One. Arrest Him and take Him securely away."

14:45  And as soon as he came up to Him, he said, "Master, Master," and kissed Him earnestly.

14:46  Then they laid their hands on Him and arrested Him.

14:47  But a certain one of those standing near drew out a sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

14:48  And Jesus answered and said to them, "Have you come out to take Me with swords and clubs, as against a thief?

14:49  I was with you daily, teaching in the temple, and you did not arrest Me; but this is done so that the Scriptures may be fulfilled."

14:50  Then they all forsook Him and fled.

14:51  Now a certain young man was following Him, having a linen cloth wrapped around his naked body; and the young men seized him,

14:52  But he escaped, leaving the linen cloth behind, and ran from them naked.

14:53  Then they led Jesus away to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes assembled with him.

14:54  Now Peter followed at a distance, all the way to the court of the high priest; and he was sitting inside with the officers and warming himself at the fire.

14:55  And the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were trying to find testimony against Jesus, to put Him to death; but they did not find any.

14:56  For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree.

14:57  And some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying,

14:58  "We heard Him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.' "

14:59  But neither did their testimonies agree with one another.

14:60  Then the high priest stood up in the center and questioned Jesus, saying, "Have You nothing to say in answer to what these are testifying against You?"

14:61  But He remained silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest questioned Him, and said to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"

14:62  And Jesus said, "I AM. And you shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."

14:63  Then the high priest ripped his own garments and said, "What further need do we have of witnesses?

14:64  You have heard the blasphemy! What is your verdict?" And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

14:65  Then some began to spit on Him, and to cover His face and strike Him with their fists, saying to Him, "Prophesy!" And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.

14:66  Now Peter was in the court below; and one of the maids of the high priest came,

14:67  And saw Peter warming himself; and after looking at him, she said, "Now you were with Jesus the Nazarene."

14:68  But he denied it, saying, "I do not know Him or even understand what you are saying." And he went out onto the porch, and a cock crowed.

14:69  Then the maid saw him again and began to say to those who were standing by, "This is one of them."

14:70  And again he denied it. And after a little while, those who were standing by again said to Peter, "Truly you are one of them, for you are indeed a Galilean, and your speech confirms it."

14:71  Then he began to curse and to swear, saying, "I do not know this Man of Whom you are speaking."

14:72  And the cock crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the words that Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the cock crows twice, you shall deny Me three times." And when he thought about this, he wept.

Chapter 15

15:1  Now as soon as it was morning, the chief priests took counsel with the elders and the scribes and the whole Sanhedrin; and after binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him up to Pilate.

15:2  And Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And He answered and said to him, "It is as you say."

15:3  And the chief priests were vehemently accusing Him of many things; but He answered nothing.

15:4  Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, "Have You no answer? See how many things they are testifying against You."

15:5  But Jesus did not say anything at all, so that Pilate was astonished.

15:6  Now at the feast he customarily released to them one prisoner, whomever they asked.

15:7  And there was one called Barabbas, who was bound in chains with those who had made insurrection and who had committed murder during the insurrection.

15:8  Then the multitude began to shout aloud, urging Pilate to do as he had always done for them.

15:9  And Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you desire to have me release the King of the Jews to you?"

15:10  For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Him up because of envy.

15:11  But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas to them instead.

15:12  And again Pilate answered, saying to them, "What then would you have me do with Him Whom you call King of the Jews?"

15:13  And again they shouted, "Crucify Him!"

15:14  Then Pilate said to them, "What evil then did He commit?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify Him!"

15:15  So Pilate, willing to do whatever would satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them. And after he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him up to be crucified.

15:16  Then the soldiers led Him away into the court, which is named the Praetorium, and they called together the whole band.

15:17  And they put a purple robe on Him;

15:18  And they began to salute Him, and kept on saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

15:19  Then they struck His head with a rod, and spit on Him; and kneeling down, they bowed in worship to Him.

15:20  And when they had finished mocking Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him; and they led Him out to crucify Him.

15:21  Then they compelled one who was passing by coming from a field, Simon the Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry His cross.

15:22  And they brought Him to the place named Golgotha; which is, being interpreted, "The Place of a Skull."

15:23  And they were attempting to give Him wine to drink, mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it.

15:24  And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to see who would take what.

15:25  Now it was the third hour when they crucified Him.

15:26  And the inscription of His accusation was written, "The King of the Jews."

15:27  And with Him they crucified two robbers, one at His right hand and one at His left.

15:28  Then the scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered among lawbreakers."

15:29  And those who were passing by railed at Him, shaking their heads, and saying, "Aha, You Who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,

15:30  Save Yourself and come down from the cross."

15:31  And in like manner the chief priests also were mocking with one another and with the scribes, saying, "He saved others, but He does not have the power to save Himself.

15:32  The Christ, the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross so that we may see and believe." And even those who were crucified with Him reproached Him.

15:33  Now at the sixth hour, darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour;

15:34  And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is, being interpreted, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

15:35  And after hearing it, some of those who were standing by said, "Look, He is calling for Elijah."

15:36  Then one ran and filled a sponge with vinegar, and after putting it on a stick gave it to Him to drink, saying, "Let Him be. Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down."

15:37  And after crying out with a loud voice, Jesus expired.

15:38  And the veil of the temple was split in two from top to bottom.

15:39  Then the centurion who stood facing Him, witnessing the words that He cried out as He was dying, said, "Truly this man was the Son of God."

15:40  And there were also women who were watching from a distance, among whom was Mary Magdalene; and also Mary, the mother of James the younger and of Joses; and Salome;

15:41  Who also when He was in Galilee followed Him and ministered to Him; and many others who had come up with Him to Jerusalem.

15:42  Now evening was coming, and since it was a preparation (that is, the day before a Sabbath ,

15:43  Joseph of Arimathea, an esteemed member of the council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, came; and he went in to Pilate with boldness and requested the body of Jesus.

15:44  But Pilate wondered if He were already dead; and after calling the centurion, he questioned him, whether He had been dead long.

15:45  And when he knew it by the report from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

15:46  Now he had bought fine linen cloth; and after taking Him down, he wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone to cover the entrance of the tomb.

15:47  And Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw where He was laid.

Chapter 16

16:1  Now when the Sabbath had passed, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James; and Salome bought aromatic oils, so that they might come and anoint Him.

16:2  And very early on the first day of the weeks, at the rising of the sun, they were coming to the tomb;

16:3  And they were asking themselves, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?"

16:4  For it was a massive stone. But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away.

16:5  And after entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right, clothed in a white robe; and they were very frightened.

16:6  But he said to them, "Do not be afraid. You are seeking Jesus the Nazarene Who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. Look, there is the place where they laid Him.

16:7  But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He goes before you into Galilee; there you shall see Him, as He said to you."

16:8  And they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them; and they did not say anything to anyone because they were afraid.

16:9  Now after Jesus had risen, early the first day of the weeks He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.

16:10  She went and told it to those who had been with Him, who were grieving and weeping.

16:11  And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe it.

16:12  Now after these things, He appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking, going away into the country.

16:13  And they went and told it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

16:14  Afterwards, as they were sitting to eat, He appeared to the eleven and reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

16:15  And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

16:16  The one who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but the one who does not believe shall be condemned.

16:17  And these signs shall follow those who believe: in My name they shall cast out demons; they shall speak with new languages;

16:18  They shall remove serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them in any way; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

16:19  After speaking to them, the Lord was indeed then taken up into heaven, and He sat down at the right hand of God.

16:20  And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the Word by the signs that followed. Amen.