Month: February 2020

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

1 He then told them a parable on the need for them to prayalways and not become discouraged:

2 “There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear Godor respect man.

3 And a widowin that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

4 “For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect man,

5 yet because this widow keepspestering me,I will give her justice, so she doesn’t wear me outby her persistent coming.’ ”

6 Then the Lord said,“Listen to what the unjust judge says.

7 Will not God grant justiceto His electwho cry out to Him day and night?Will He delayto help them?

8 I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes,will He find that faithon earth? ”

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 Healso told this parable to some who trusted in themselvesthat they were righteousand looked downon everyone else:

10 “Two men went up to the temple complex to pray,one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee took his standand was praying like this: ‘God, I thank You that I’m not like other people— greedy,unrighteous,adulterers,or even like this tax collector.

12 I fasttwice a week; I give a tenthof everything I get.’

13 “But the tax collector, standing far off,would not even raise his eyes to heavenbut kept striking his chestand saying, ‘God, turn Your wrath from me— a sinner! ’

14 I tell you, this one went down to his house justifiedrather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Blessing the Children

15 Somepeople were even bringing infants to Him so He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16 Jesus, however, invited them:“Let the little children come to Me,and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

17 I assure you:Whoever does not welcomethe kingdom of God like a little childwill never enter it.”

The Rich Young Ruler

18 Arulerasked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? ”

19 “Why do you call Me good? ”Jesus asked him.“No one is good but One — God.

20 You know the commandments:

Do not commit adultery;

do not murder;

do not steal;

do not bear false witness;

honor your father and mother.”

21 “I have kept all these from my youth,” he said.

22 When Jesus heard this, He told him,“You still lack one thing: Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor,and you will have treasure in heaven.Then come, follow Me.”

23 After he heard this, he became extremely sad,because he was very rich.

Possessions and the Kingdom

24 Seeing that he became sad,Jesus said,“How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 Those who heard this asked, “Then who can be saved? ”

27 He replied,“What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

28 Then Peter said, “Look, we have left what we had and followedYou.”

29 So He said to them,“I assure you: There is no one who has left a house, wife or brothers, parents or children because of the kingdom of God,

30 who will not receive many times more at this time,and eternal life in the age to come.”

The Third Prediction of His Death

31 ThenHe took the Twelve aside and told them,“Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem.Everything that is writtenthrough the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.

32 For He will be handed over to the Gentiles,and He will be mocked,insulted, spiton;

33 and after they flog Him, they will kill Him, and He will rise on the third day.”

34 They understood none of these things.This sayingwas hiddenfrom them, and they did not grasp what was said.

A Blind Man Receives His Sight

35 AsHe drew near Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging.

36 Hearing a crowd passing by, he inquired what this meant.

37 “Jesus the Nazareneis passing by,” they told him.

38 So he called out,“Jesus, Son of David,have mercyon me! ”

39 Then those in front told him to keep quiet,but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me! ”

40 Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him. When he drew near, He asked him,

41 “What do you want Me to do for you? ”

“Lord,” he said, “I want to see! ”

42 “Receive your sight! ”Jesus told him.“Your faith has healed you.”

43 Instantly he could see, and he began to follow Him, glorifying God.All the people,when they saw it, gave praise to God.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/LUK/18-f3021c040ed980faa627578ef2349393.mp3?version_id=72—

Jesus Visits Zacchaeus

1 He entered Jericho and was passing through.

2 There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.

3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man.

4 So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since He was about to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him,“Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today I must stay at your house.”

6 So he quickly came down and welcomed Him joyfully.

7 All who saw it began to complain,“He’s gone to lodge with a sinful man! ”

8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll givehalf of my possessions to the poor,Lord! And if I have extortedanything from anyone, I’ll payback four times as much! ”

9 “Today salvationhas come to this house,”Jesus told him,“because he too is a son of Abraham.

10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

The Parable of the 10 Minas

11 Asthey were listening to this, He went on to tell a parable because He was near Jerusalem,and they thought the kingdom of God was going to appear right away.

12 Therefore He said:“A nobleman traveled to a far country to receive for himself authority to be kingand then return.

13 He called 10 of his slaves, gave them 10 minas,and told them, ‘Engage in business until I come back.’

14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us! ’

15 “At his return, having received the authority to be king,he summoned those slaves he had given the money to, so he could find out how much they had made in business.

16 The first came forward and said, ‘Master, your mina has earned 10 more minas.’

17 “ ‘Well done, goodslave! ’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithfulin a very small matter, have authority over 10 towns.’

18 “The second came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’

19 “So he said to him, ‘You will be over five towns.’

20 “And another came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina. I have kept it hidden away in a cloth

21 because I was afraid of you, for you’re a tough man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’

22 “He told him, ‘I will judge you by what you have said,you evil slave! If you knew I was a tough man, collecting what I didn’t deposit and reaping what I didn’t sow,

23 why didn’t you put my money in the bank? And when I returned, I would have collected it with interest! ’

24 So he said to those standing there, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has 10 minas.’

25 “But they said to him, ‘Master, he has 10 minas.’

26 “ ‘I tell you, that to everyone who has, more will be given; and from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away.

27 But bring here these enemies of mine,who did not want me to rule over them, and slaughterthem in my presence.’ ”

The Triumphal Entry

28 WhenHe had said these things, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

29 As He approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives,He sent two of the disciples

30 and said,“Go into the village ahead of you. As you enter it, you will find a young donkey tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.

31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it? ’ say this: ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”

32 So those who were sent left and found it just as He had told them.

33 As they were untying the young donkey, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the donkey? ”

34 “The Lord needs it,” they said.

35 Thenthey brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their robes on the donkey, they helped Jesus get on it.

36 As He was going along, they were spreading their robes on the road.

37 Now He came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen:

38 The Kingwho comes

in the name of the Lord

is the blessed One.

Peace in heaven

and gloryin the highest heaven!

39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd told Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”

40 He answered,“I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out! ”

Jesus’ Love for Jerusalem

41 As He approached and saw the city, He weptover it,

42 saying,“If you knewthis day what would bring peace — but now it is hiddenfrom your eyes.

43 For the days will come on youwhen your enemies will build an embankment against you, surround you, and hem you in on every side.

44 They will crush you and your children within you to the ground,and they will not leave one stone on anotherin you, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

Cleansing the Temple Complex

45 Hewent into the temple complex and began to throw out those who were selling,

46 and He said,“It is written, My house will be a house of prayer,but you have made it a den of thieves! ”

47 Every day He was teachingin the temple complex. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were looking for a way to destroyHim,

48 but they could not find a way to do it, because all the peoplewere captivated by what they heard.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/LUK/19-a269f1a69da8d9b44ae0e1effec6035c.mp3?version_id=72—

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

1 Onedayas He was teachingthe people in the temple complex and proclaiming the good news,the chief priests and the scribes, with the elders,came up

2 and said to Him: “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who is it who gave You this authority? ”

3 He answered them,“I will also ask you a question. Tell Me,

4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? ”

5 They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe him? ’

6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the peoplewill stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet.”

7 So they answered that they did not know its origin.

8 And Jesus said to them,“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

The Parable of the Vineyard Owner

9 ThenHe began to tell the people this parable:“A man planted a vineyard,leased it to tenant farmers, and went away for a long time.

10 At harvest time he sent a slave to the farmers so that they might give him some fruit from the vineyard. But the farmers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

11 He sent yet another slave, but they beat that one too, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.

12 And he sent yet a third, but they wounded this one too and threw him out.

13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I will send my belovedson. Perhapsthey will respect him.’

14 “But when the tenant farmers saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let’s kill him, so the inheritance will be ours! ’

15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“Therefore, what will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

16 He will come and destroythose farmers and give the vineyard to others.”

But when they heard this they said, “No — never! ”

17 But He looked at them and said,“Then what is the meaning of this Scripture:

The stone that the builders rejected —

this has become the cornerstone?

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and if it falls on anyone, it will grind him to powder! ”

19 Then the scribes and the chief priestslooked for a way to get their hands on Himthat very hour, because they knew He had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.

God and Caesar

20 Theywatched closelyand sent spieswho pretended to be righteous,so they could catch Him in what He said,to hand Himover to the governor’srule and authority.

21 They questioned Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly,and You don’t show partiality,but teach truthfully the way of God.

22 Is it lawfulfor us to pay taxesto Caesaror not? ”

23 But detecting their craftiness, He said to them,

24 “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have? ”

“Caesar’s,” they said.

25 “Well then,”He told them,“give back to Caesarthe things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”

26 They were not able to catch Him in what He saidin public,and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.

The Sadducees and the Resurrection

27 Someof the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,came up and questioned Him:

28 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother has a wife, and dies childless, his brother should take the wife and produce offspring for his brother.

29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife and died without children.

30 Also the second

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

32 Finally, the woman died too.

33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For all seven had married her.”

34 Jesus told them,“The sons of this agemarry and are given in marriage.

35 But those who are counted worthyto take part in that ageand in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.

36 For they cannot die anymore,because they are like angels and are sons of God,since they are sons of the resurrection.

37 Moses even indicated in the passage about the burning bush that the dead are raised, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.

38 He is not God of the dead but of the living, because all are living toHim.”

39 Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”

40 And they no longer dared to ask Him anything.

The Question about the Messiah

41 ThenHe said to them,“How can they say that the Messiah is the Son of David?

42 For David himself says in the Book of Psalms:

The Lord declared to my Lord,

‘Sit at My right hand

43 until I make Your enemies Your footstool.’,

44 David calls Him ‘Lord’; how then can the Messiah be his Son? ”

Warning against the Scribes

45 Whileall the people were listening, He said to His disciples,

46 “Bewareof the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.

47 They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive greater punishment.”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/LUK/20-4eaff625ce4d5ee4a35540fe853ced5c.mp3?version_id=72—

The Widow’s Gift

1 Helooked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.

2 He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.

3 “I tell you the truth,”He said.“This poor widow has put in more than all of them.

4 For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Destruction of the Temple Predicted

5 Assome were talking about the temple complex, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God,He said,

6 “These things that you see — the days will comewhen not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down! ”

Signs of the End of the Age

7 “Teacher,” they asked Him, “so when will these things be? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place? ”

8 Then He said,“Watch out that you are not deceived.For many will come in My name,saying, ‘I am He,’and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them.

9 When you hear of wars and rebellions,don’t be alarmed. Indeed, these things must take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”

10 Then He told them:“Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

11 There will be violent earthquakes,and famines and plaguesin various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.

12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on youand persecuteyou. They will hand you over to the synagoguesand prisons,and you will be brought before kings and governorsbecause of My name.

13 It will lead to an opportunity for you to witness.

14 Therefore make up your mindsnot to prepare your defense ahead of time,

15 for I will give you such wordsand a wisdomthat none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

16 You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends.They will kill some of you.

17 You will be hated by everyone because of My name,

18 but not a hair of your head will be lost.

19 By your endurance gainyour lives.

The Destruction of Jerusalem

20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,then recognize that its desolationhas come near.

21 Then those in Judea must fleeto the mountains!Those inside the citymust leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it,

22 because these are days of vengeanceto fulfill all the things that are written.

23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,for there will be great distress in the landand wrath against this people.

24 They will fall by the edge of the swordand be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentilesuntil the times of the Gentilesare fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars;and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves.

26 People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken.

27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloudwith power and great glory.

28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near! ”

The Parable of the Fig Tree

29 Then He told them a parable:“Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.

30 As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near.

31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognizethat the kingdom of God is near.

32 I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place.

33 Heaven and earth will pass away,but My words will never pass away.

The Need for Watchfulness

34 “Be on your guard,so that your minds are not dulledfrom carousing,drunkenness,and worries of life,or that day will come on you unexpectedly

35 like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth.

36 But be alert at all times,praying that you may have strengthto escapeall these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 Duringthe day, He was teaching in the temple complex,but in the evening He would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives.

38 Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear Him in the temple complex.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/LUK/21-76886f09ce43cc1085256c20eed841b6.mp3?version_id=72—

The Plot to Kill Jesus

1 TheFestival of Unleavened Bread,which is called Passover,was drawing near.

2 The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death,because they were afraid of the people.

3 ThenSatan entered Judas,called Iscariot,who was numbered among the Twelve.

4 He went away and discussed with the chief priests and temple policehow he could hand Him overto them.

5 They were glad and agreed to give him silver.

6 So he accepted the offer and started looking for a good opportunity to betray Him to them when the crowd was not present.

Preparation for Passover

7 Thenthe Day of Unleavened Bread came when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

8 Jesus sent Peter and John,saying,“Go and prepare the Passover meal for us, so we can eat it.”

9 “Where do You want us to prepare it? ” they asked Him.

10 “Listen,”He said to them,“when you’ve entered the city, a man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him into the house he enters.

11 Tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover with My disciples? ” ’

12 Then he will show you a large, furnished room upstairs.Make the preparations there.”

13 So they went and found it just as He had told them,and they prepared the Passover.

The First Lord’s Supper

14 Whenthe hour came, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him.

15 Then He said to them,“I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.

16 For I tell you, I will not eat it againuntil it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

17 Then He took a cup,and after giving thanks,He said,“Take this and share it among yourselves.

18 For I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said,“This is My body,which is given for you. Do this in remembranceof Me.”

20 In the same way He also took the cup after supper and said,“This cup is the new covenantestablished by My blood;it is shed for you.

21 Butlook, the hand of the one betraying Me is at the table with Me!

22 For the Son of Man will go away as it has been determined,but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed! ”

23 So they began to argueamong themselves which of them it could be who was going to do this thing.

The Dispute over Greatness

24 Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest.

25 But He said to them,“The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called‘Benefactors.’

26 But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest,and whoever leads, like the one serving.

27 For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves.

28 You are the ones who stood by Me in My trials.

29 I bestow on you a kingdom,just as My Father bestowed one on Me,

30 so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom.And you will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.

Peter’s Denial Predicted

31 “Simon, Simon,look out! Satanhas asked to sift youlike wheat.

32 But I have prayedfor youthat your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthenyour brothers.”

33 “Lord,”he told Him, “I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death! ”

34 “I tell you, Peter,”He said,“the rooster will not crow today untilyou deny three times that you know Me! ”

Be Ready for Trouble

35 He also said to them,“When I sent you outwithout money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals, did you lack anything? ”

“Not a thing,” they said.

36 Then He said to them,“But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one.

37 For I tell you, what is written must be fulfilled in Me: And He was counted among the outlaws.Yes, what is written about Me is coming to its fulfillment.”

38 “Lord,” they said, “look, here are two swords.”

“Enough of that! ”He told them.

The Prayer in the Garden

39 He went out and made His wayas usualto the Mount of Olives,and the disciples followed Him.

40 When He reached the place,He told them,“Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

41 Then He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray,

42 “Father, if You are willing, take this cupaway from Me — nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”

43 Then an angel from heavenappeared to Him, strengthening Him.

44 Being in anguish,He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

45 When He got up from prayer and came to the disciples, He found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief.

46 “Why are you sleeping? ”He asked them.“Get up and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation.”

The Judas Kiss

47 WhileHe was still speaking, suddenly a mob was there, and one of the Twelve named Judas was leading them. He came near Jesus to kiss Him,

48 but Jesus said to him,“Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? ”

49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword? ”

50 Then one of them struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear.

51 But Jesus responded,“No more of this! ”And touching his ear, He healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple police, and the elders who had come for Him,“Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal?

53 Every day while I was with you in the temple complex,you never laid a hand on Me. But this is your hour— and the dominion of darkness.”

Peter Denies His Lord

54 They seized Him, led Him away, and brought Him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peterwas following at a distance.

55 Theylit a fire in the middle of the courtyardand sat down together, and Peter sat among them.

56 When a servant saw him sitting in the firelight, and looked closely at him, she said, “This man was with Him too.”

57 But he denied it: “Woman, I don’t know Him! ”

58 After a little while, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too! ”

“Man, I am not! ” Peter said.

59 About an hour later, another kept insisting, “This man was certainly with Him, since he’s also a Galilean.”

60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about! ” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

61 Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter.So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him,“Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”

62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Jesus Mocked and Beaten

63 The men who were holding Jesus started mocking and beating Him.

64 After blindfolding Him, they keptasking, “Prophesy! Who hit You? ”

65 And they were saying many other blasphemousthings against Him.

Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin

66 When daylight came,the eldersof the people, both the chief priests and the scribes,convened and brought Him before their Sanhedrin.

67 They said,“If You are the Messiah, tell us.”

But He said to them,“If I do tell you, you will not believe.

68 And if I ask you, you will not answer.

69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God.”

70 They all asked, “Are You, then, the Son of God? ”

And He said to them,“You say that I am.”

71 “Why do we need any more testimony,” they said, “since we’ve heard it ourselves from His mouth? ”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/LUK/22-f9fe15b08ecb0e9458b1c58f6bc49051.mp3?version_id=72—

Jesus Faces Pilate

1 Thentheir whole assembly rose up and brought Him before Pilate.

2 They began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, opposing payment of taxesto Caesar, and saying that He Himself is the Messiah, a King.”

3 So Pilate asked Him,“Are You the King of the Jews? ”

He answered him,“You have said it.”

4 Pilate then told the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no groundsfor charging this man.”

5 But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people,teaching throughout all Judea, from Galileewhere He started even to here.”

Jesus Faces Herod Antipas

6 When Pilateheard this,he asked if the man was a Galilean.

7 Finding that He was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod,who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

8 Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracleperformed by Him.

9 So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him.

10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him.

11 Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mockedHim, dressed Him in a brilliant robe,and sent Him back to Pilate.

12 That very day Herod and Pilate became friends.Previously, they had been hostile toward each other.

Jesus or Barabbas

13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people,

14 and said to them, “You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people.But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no groundsto charge this man with those things you accuse Him of.

15 Neither has Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death.

16 Therefore, I will have Him whippedand then release Him.”

17 For according to the festival he had to release someone to them.

18 Thenthey all cried out together, “Take this man away!Release Barabbas to us! ”

19 (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)

20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus,addressed them again,

21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify! Crucify Him! ”

22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What has this man done wrong?I have found in Him no groundsfor the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him.”

23 But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voiceswon out.

24 SoPilate decided to grant their demand

25 and released the one they were asking for, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will.

The Way to the Cross

26 Asthey led Him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian,who was coming in from the country, and laid the crosson him to carry behind Jesus.

27 A large crowd of people followed Him, including women who were mourning and lamenting Him.

28 But turning to them, Jesus said,“Daughters of Jerusalem,do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children.

29 Look, the days are comingwhen they will say, ‘The women without children, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed, are fortunate! ’

30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us! ’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us! ’

31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? ”

Crucified between Two Criminals

32 Two others — criminals— were also led away to be executed with Him.

33 Whenthey arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.

34 Then Jesus said,“Father,forgivethem, because they do not know what they are doing.”And they divided His clothes and cast lots.

35 Thepeople stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing:“He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One! ”

36 The soldiers also mocked Him. They came offering Him sour wine

37 and said, “If You are the King of the Jews,save Yourself! ”

38 An inscription was above Him:

THIS ISTHE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 Thenone of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults atHim: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us! ”

40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God,since you are undergoing the same punishment?

41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember mewhen You come into Your kingdom! ”

43 And He said to him,“I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”

The Death of Jesus

44 Itwas now about noon,and darkness came over the whole landuntil three,

45 because the sun’s light failed.The curtainof the sanctuary was split down the middle.

46 And Jesus called out with a loud voice,“Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.”Saying this, He breathed His last.

47 When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorifyGod, saying, “This man really was righteous! ”

48 All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests.

49 Butall who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance,watching these things.

The Burial of Jesus

50 Therewas a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin,

51 who had not agreed with their planand action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God.

52 He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

53 Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed.

54 It was preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

55 The womenwho had come with Him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how His body was placed.

56 Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes.And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/LUK/23-166f326156061baea44ea72416fcf70e.mp3?version_id=72—

Resurrection Morning

1 Onthe first day of the week,very early in the morning, theycame to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.

2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

3 They went in but did not find the bodyof the Lord Jesus.

4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzlingclothes.

5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead? ” asked the men.

6 “He is not here, but He has been resurrected!Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,

7 saying,‘The Son of Man must be betrayedinto the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and riseon the third day’? ”

8 And they remembered His words.

9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Elevenand to all the rest.

10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James,and the other women with them were telling the apostlesthese things.

11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believethe women.

12 Peter,however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.So he went home, amazedat what had happened.

The Emmaus Disciples

13 Nowthat same day two of them were on their way to a village calledEmmaus, which was about seven milesfrom Jerusalem.

14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place.

15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them.

16 But theywere prevented from recognizing Him.

17 Then He asked them,“What is this dispute that you’re havingwith each other as you are walking? ”And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.

18 The one named Cleopas answered Him, “Are You the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days? ”

19 “What things? ”He asked them.

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,who was a Prophetpowerful in action and speechbefore God and all the people,

20 and how our chief priests and leadershanded Him over to be sentenced to death,and they crucified Him.

21 But we were hoping that He was the One who was about to redeemIsrael. Besides all this, it’s the third daysince these things happened.

22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb,

23 and when they didn’t find His body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.

24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see Him.”

25 He said to them,“How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken!

26 Didn’t the Messiah have to sufferthese things and enter into His glory? ”

27 Then beginning with Mosesand all the Prophets,He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

28 They came near the village where they were going, and He gave the impression that He was going farther.

29 But they urged Him: “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.

30 It was as He reclined at the table with them that He took the bread, blessed and brokeit, and gave it to them.

31 Then their eyes were opened,and they recognized Him, but He disappeared from their sight.

32 So they said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scripturesto us? ”

33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Elevenand those with them gathered together,

34 who said,“The Lord has certainly been raised, and has appeared to Simon! ”

35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Reality of the Risen Jesus

36 Andas they were saying these things, He Himself stood among them. He said to them,“Peaceto you! ”

37 But they were startled and terrifiedand thought they were seeing a ghost.

38 “Why are you troubled? ”He asked them.“And why do doubts arise in your hearts?

39 Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself!Touch Me and see,because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.”

40 Having said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

41 But while they still were amazed and unbelieving because of their joy, He asked them,“Do you have anything here to eat? ”

42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish,

43 and He took it and ate in their presence.

44 Then He told them,“These are My wordsthat I spoke to you while I was still with you — that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets,and the Psalmsmust be fulfilled.”

45 Then He opened their mindsto understandthe Scriptures.

46 He also said to them,“This is what is written:The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day,

47 and repentance forforgiveness of sinswould be proclaimed in His name to all the nations,beginning at Jerusalem.

48 You are witnessesof these things.

49 And look, I am sending youwhat My Father promised.As for you, stay in the cityuntil you are empoweredfrom on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

50 Then He led them out as far as Bethany,and lifting up His handsHe blessed them.

51 And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.

52 After worshiping Him,they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

53 And they were continually in the temple complex praising God.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/LUK/24-4e996f71d57a1d10e4e5a2dfd70fac30.mp3?version_id=72—