The story of the birth and childhood of Jesus, his ministry, his death and resurrection, is told in The Gospel According to St. Matthew. Here is given an account of his life, his teaching and his works; and here are recorded the utterances of Jesus: the discourses, the parables, the sermons, prayers and sayings.
The First Gospel begins with a genealogical table tracing the generations from Abraham to David, and through David to Joseph: the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.1:16
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.1:18–25
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.2:1–2
Herod is troubled: Bethlehem, according to prophecy, is to be the birthplace of Christ. He commands the wise men to go in search of the newborn child. They go; and the star in the east goes before them, until it is over the place where lies the baby.
When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.2:11–12
The Angel of the Lord speaks to Joseph: Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt . . . for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.2:13 Joseph obeys.
But Herod is enraged that they have escaped him. At his command all the children of Bethlehem, up to the age of two years, are put to death.
It is the slaughter which Jeremiah prophesied of old, and when he saw Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.2:18
Herod the king dies; and then Joseph takes Mary and the child to live in Galilee, in the city of Nazareth.
JOHN THE BAPTIST
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Thus a prophecy of Isaiah’s is fulfilled: The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.3:1–4
All Judea comes to John to be baptized in the Jordan—including many Pharisees and Sadducees, to whom John says, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?3:7
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.3:11
Jesus comes from Galilee to be baptized; and John says, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? Jesus replies, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.3:14–15
Jesus is baptized; and a voice is heard from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.3:17
Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.4:1
He fasts for forty days and forty nights. Satan says to Him, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. He replies, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.4:3–4
The devil takes Him to Jerusalem, to a high pinnacle of the Temple, and says, Cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee. Jesus replies, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Then He is promised all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, if he will but fall down and worship Satan; and Jesus says, It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Satan leaves Him.
And, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.4:6–11
John the Baptist is thrown into prison. When Jesus learns this, he leaves Nazareth and goes to live in Capernaum, on the seacoast of Galilee. From this time He begins to preach, saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.4:17
He calls to two fishermen, Simon called Peter, and Simon’s brother, Andrew, saying, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.4:19 These two and two others, James and John, the sons of a fisherman named Zebedee, accompany Jesus as he goes about Galilee, teaching in the synogogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing the sick, the palsied, the lunatic, the possessed. His fame spreads. Great multitudes come to hear Him and be healed.
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.5:1–16
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the rightousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca,* shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communications be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.5:17–48
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.6:1–8
THE LORD’S PRAYER
After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.6:9–13
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.6:14–24
THE CURE OF ANXIETY
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.6:25–34
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considereth not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?7:1–11
THE GOLDEN RULE
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.7:12–20
THE FIRM FOUNDATION
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Men will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.7:21–27
THE MIRACLES
When Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.7:28–29
Great multitudes follow him when he descends from the mountain; The sick and afflicted who come to him are healed: it is as Isaiah prophesied, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.8:17
A leper is made clean by his touch; then Jesus says to him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded*. . . .8:4 A centurion pleads for his sick servant; Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.8:8 Jesus marvels at this saying, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.8:10 The centurion’s servant is cured within the hour. Peter’s mother-in-law, sick with a fever, arises and is well at Jesus’ touch upon her hand.
While He and the disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee, their ship is tossed about by a great tempest. The disciples turn in their fear to Jesus, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.8:25 But He rebukes the winds and the waves, and they become calm.
They are met on the other side, in the country of the Gergesenes, by two men possessed of fierce devils. Jesus commands the devils, and they flee into a herd of swine:
And, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.8:32
This sight so terrifies the people of this place that they beg Him to leave.
He returns with his disciples to Capernaum; and here he sees a man named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom, to whom he says, Follow me; and Matthew does so.9:9
While they sit together at their meal, many publicans and sinners come and sit with Jesus and the disciples. The Pharisees ask the disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? Jesus answers, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. . . . I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.9:11–13
Jesus calls to himself twelve disciples: Simon called Peter; Andrew his brother; James and John the sons of Zebedee; Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus; Lebbeus, whose surname is Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite (or Simon Zelotes); and Judas Iscariot, who will one day betray Him.
As he sends them forth to preach, Jesus says to the twelve, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.10:5–6 He gives them power to heal the sick, to cleanse the lepers, to raise the dead, to cast out devils: Freely ye have received, freely give.10:8
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.10:14 I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.10:16
They are warned against deceit and treachery: Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.10:22
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.10:34
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.10:39
From his prison, John the Baptist sends two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?11:3 Jesus sends the men back to report to John the miracles of which they have heard and which they now see. When they have gone, He speaks to the people concerning John:
What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.11:7–11
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.11:15
Then He says to the people, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.11:28–30
He speaks in parables. And when his disciples ask him why he speaks to the people in parables, Jesus replies, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.13:11–12
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER: Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up. But some seeds tall upon stony places, and are scorched by the sun: Because they had no root, they withered away. Some seeds fall among thorns, and are choked. But others fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.13:3–8
He that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth. . . .13:23
THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED: The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it . . . becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.13:31–32
THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.13:45–46
His words are received with astonishment by the people of Nazareth, His own people, who say, Is not this the carpenter’s son? . . . Whence then hath this man all these things? Jesus replies, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.13:55–57 And His works are not done here, because of their unbelief.
THE MARTYRDOM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
On the birthday of Herod the king, his wife’s young daughter dances before him, and so pleases Herod that he swears he will give her anything she may ask. Her mother, Herodias the queen, bitterly hates John the Baptist: she instructs her daughter to say to Herod, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.14:8 So John’s head is brought to the maiden; and she gives it to her mother on a platter.
When Jesus hears of this, he goes into the desert. A great number of people—some five thousand men, together with their women and children—follow Him on foot. There is no food for them, save five loaves and two fishes. Jesus takes these and blesses them; and the disciples distribute the food to the people:
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.14:20
Then He sends the people away; and the disciples he sends by ship to the land of Gennesaret, while he goes upon a mountain to pray. In the night, the disciples are frightened by a storm which tosses their ship about on the waves.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. . . . The disciples . . . were troubled, saying, It is a spirit. . . . But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.14:25–27
Peter says, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come.14:28–29 Peter leaves the ship. But he is afraid and begins to sink. Jesus stretches out his hand to him, saying, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.14:31 They go aboard the ship, and the wind dies. Then they worship Jesus, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.14:33
When they reach land, people come from all the country roundabout only to touch the hem of His garment. But scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem come and complain against the disciples: they do not wash their hands before eating, as the law commands. Jesus says, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.15:10–11 The Pharisees are offended at this. Jesus tells his disciples, Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.15:14
Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am? asks Jesus of his disciples. Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets, they reply. He says, But whom say ye that I am? Simon called Peter answers and says, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus blesses him, saying, I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.16:13–19
He charges them to tell no one that he is the Christ. From this time on, also, He begins to speak to them of his return to Jerusalem, of the suffering he must undergo there, and of his death and resurrection. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?16:24–26
Then Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up upon a high mountain; and he is transfigured before them: his face shines as the sun, and his clothing is white as the light; and Moses and Elijah appear, and talk with him.
Peter says, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. A voice speaks from out of a cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.17:4–5
THE WORDS OF JESUS
He says to his disciples, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you.17:20
Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?18:1 ask his disciples. Jesus answers, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.18:3–7
And again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.18:19–20
The Pharisees ask of Him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?19:3 Jesus replies, . . . they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.19:6
He says to His disciples, who rebuke some children brought to him for his blessing, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.19:14
A rich young man comes asking what he shall do to have eternal life. Jesus says, Keep the commandments. . . .19:17 Then He says to the young man, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But the young man goes sorrowfully away: for he had great possessions.19:21–22
Jesus then says to his disciples, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When the disciples ask, Who then can be saved? He replies, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.19:24–26
The kingdom of heaven is likened to the owner of a vineyard: In the morning he hires laborers for a penny a day; later he hires others, and later still others. In the evening, the laborers are given their hire, every man receiving a penny. The first laborers complain, saying, thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. The vineyard owner says, Friend, I do thee no wrong. . . . Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
So, the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.20:12–16
THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE
They enter Jerusalem:
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers. . . . And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.21:12–13
Seeking to entangle Him, the Pharisees ask, Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?22:17 He says, Show me the tribute money. . . . Whose is this image and superscription? They say it is Caesar’s. He replies: Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.22:19–21
He denounces the Pharisees: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. . . . Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. . . .23:23–4 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones and of all uncleanness.23:27
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!23:37
THE OLIVET DISCOURSE
Upon being shown the buildings of the Temple, Jesus says to his disciples, Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.24:2
They sit upon the mount of Olives. His disciples ask, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? Jesus replies, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name. . . . And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes. . . .
All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.24:3–9
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.24:13
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.24:35–36
Again, He likens the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish . . . took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels. . . .25:1:4
At midnight there is a cry, Behold the bridegroom cometh.25:6 The foolish virgins say to the wise, Give us of your oil.25:8 They are refused; and while they go to buy oil, the bridegroom arrives, the marriage begins, the door is shut; and the foolish virgins are turned away.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.25:13
THE LAST JUDGMENT
Jesus says to his disciples, When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. . . .
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was ahungered and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee ahungered . . . or thirsty . . . a stranger . . . or naked? . . . Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison? . . . And the king shall answer . . . Verily, I say, unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand. . . .25:31–41
Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.25:45–46
THE DEATH AND THE RESURRECTION
The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of Jerusalem assemble in the palace of the high priest, Caiaphas, to plot how they may take Jesus, and kill him. Then Judas Iscariot comes to them and says, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?
And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.26:15
On the first day of the Passover, Jesus says to his disciples, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.26:18
In the evening they sit down at table together. Jesus says, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Each says sorrowfully, Lord, is it I?26:21–22 Jesus replies, The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Judas Iscariot says, Master, is it I? And He answers, Thou hast said.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.26:24–28
He says, All ye shall be offended because of me this night. . . . But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter protests this: and Jesus says to him, This night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Though I should die with thee, says Peter, yet will I not deny thee.26:31–35
They are together in a place called Gethsemane. Jesus goes apart to pray: O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
The disciples have meanwhile fallen asleep. Jesus says, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. . . .26:39–41
While He speaks to them, saying, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners,26:45 Judas appears, and says to the multitude, carrying swords and staves, who accompany, him, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he. . . .
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail Master; and kissed him.
Jesus says, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then He is seized. One of the disciples strikes with his sword at a servant of the High Priest, and cuts off the man’s ear. Jesus says, Put up again thy sword . . . for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father?. . . .26:48–53
He is brought before the High Priest, Caiaphas, who says, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus replies, Thou hast said.26:63–64 Accused of blasphemy, mocked, buffeted, spit upon, He holds his peace.
Meanwhile Peter, waiting outside, is twice recognized to be a follower of Jesus. Twice he denies it. The third time he begins to curse and swear, saying, I know not the man.
And immediately the cock crew.26:74
Remembering Jesus’ words, Peter weeps bitterly.
Judas repents his act of betrayal; but the thirty pieces of silver, which he tries to return, are refused. Throwing them down in the Temple, he goes away and hangs himself.
Standing before Pontius Pilate, the governor, Jesus, again asked Art thou the King of the Jews? once more replies, Thou sayest.27:11 Silent before their accusations, His only advocate is Pilate’s wife, from whom comes a message to the governor: Have nothing to do with that just man.27:19 Pilate gives the people their choice: either Jesus’ life, or that of Barabbas, a notorious criminal. They condemn Jesus, shouting, Let him be crucified.27:22
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing . . . he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.27:24–25
Jesus is taken by the soldiers; He is stripped, and dressed in a scarlet robe; a crown of thorns is put on his head, and a reed in his right hand; he is mocked, and spit upon, and struck on the head.
He is taken to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull.27:33 Here they crucify Him. Over His head they write, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.27:37
Two thieves are crucified on either side of Him. The chief priests, the scribes and the elders come to mock Him: He saved others; himself he cannot save.27:42 There is darkness over all the land.
At about the ninth hour Jesus cries, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? . . . My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?27:46 He dies.
And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. . . .27:51
And those watching say, Truly this was the Son of God.27:54
In the evening Joseph, a rich man of Arimathea, with the consent of Pilate, lays the body of Jesus in his own tomb, rolling a great stone against the door. Here Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, keep watch.
At the end of the sabbath, toward dawn, the Angel of the Lord descends, amidst a great earthquake, and rolls back the stone from the sepulchre, saying to the women, Go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.28:7
Some report of this reaches the ears of the elders in Jerusalem; who thereupon bribe the soldiers on guard to say that His disciples came and stole away his body.
The eleven disciples go into Galilee. Here, at an appointed place, He comes and speaks to them:
All power is given unto me in heaven and earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.28:18–20
* An expression of contempt.
* Leviticus 14:10–11