Luke

The priest Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth, who was barren, were told by the angel Gabriel that they would have a son named John, who would be great in the sight of the Lord and prepare the way for the Lord. Meanwhile, the angel Gabriel also appeared to the virgin Mary, telling her that she would conceive a son named Jesus, who would be the Son of God and reign on the throne of David. Mary visited Elisabeth, who was pregnant with John, and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and recognized the unborn Jesus as her Lord. After John's birth, Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied about the coming of the Lord and the role of his son John in preparing the way for Him.

Caesar Augustus decreed a census requiring everyone to register in their hometown, prompting Joseph to take his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem, the city of David, where Jesus was born in a manger. An angel announced Jesus' birth to nearby shepherds, who then visited the family and spread the news. After Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph presented him at the temple in Jerusalem, where he was recognized by Simeon and Anna as the long-awaited Messiah. As Jesus grew up, he accompanied his parents to Jerusalem for the Passover, and at age 12, he stayed behind in the temple, astonishing the teachers with his understanding and answers.

John the son of Zacharias preached in the wilderness, calling for repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, and warning of the coming wrath of God. He exhorted the people to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance and to not rely on their heritage, and he gave specific instructions to different groups of people on how to live righteously. John also spoke of one mightier than himself who would come and baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Meanwhile, Herod the tetrarch had John imprisoned for reproof, and Jesus was baptized by John, with the Holy Ghost descending upon him and a voice from heaven declaring him to be the beloved Son of God.

Jesus, full of the Holy Ghost, was led into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil for 40 days. The devil tempted Jesus three times, but Jesus resisted each temptation by quoting scripture. After the temptation, Jesus returned to Galilee and began teaching in the synagogues, where he was glorified by all. He then went to Nazareth, where he read from the book of Isaiah and declared that the scripture was fulfilled in their ears. However, the people of Nazareth rejected him and tried to throw him off a cliff, but he escaped and went to Capernaum, where he continued to teach and perform miracles, including healing a man with an unclean spirit and Simon's mother-in-law.

Jesus preached to a crowd by the lake of Gennesaret, then told Simon to cast his net into the deep, resulting in a massive catch of fish. Simon and his partners, including James and John, were amazed and left their boats to follow Jesus. Jesus then healed a man with leprosy, telling him to show himself to the priest as a testimony. Jesus also healed a paralytic man, forgiving his sins and proving his authority to do so. He then called Levi, a tax collector, to follow him, and was criticized by Pharisees for eating with sinners, to which Jesus replied that he came to call sinners to repentance.

Jesus and his disciples were criticized by the Pharisees for picking grain on the Sabbath, but Jesus defended their actions by referencing David's actions in the past and stating that he is the Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus then healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, further angering the Pharisees. Jesus chose 12 apostles and preached to a large crowd, teaching them to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, and lend without expecting repayment. He also taught that one should not judge or condemn others, but rather forgive and give to others as they would like to receive. Jesus concluded by teaching that a person's actions and words reveal their true character, and that those who hear and obey his teachings will be like a house built on a rock, while those who do not will be like a house built on sand.

Jesus heals a centurion's servant, who was near death, after the centurion shows great faith by sending a message saying he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his home. The next day, Jesus raises a widow's son from the dead in the city of Nain, and the people glorify God, saying a great prophet has risen. John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one they should be looking for, and Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles he has performed, including healing the blind and raising the dead. Jesus then praises John the Baptist as a great prophet, but notes that even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than John. Jesus also eats with a Pharisee and is anointed by a sinful woman, whom he forgives for her sins, saying that her love and faith have saved her.

Jesus traveled throughout the cities and villages, preaching the kingdom of God, accompanied by the twelve apostles and several women who had been healed by him. He told the parable of the sower, explaining that the seed represents the word of God, and the different types of soil represent the various ways people respond to it. Jesus then calmed a storm on the lake, demonstrating his authority over nature, and later cast out a legion of demons from a man, allowing them to enter a herd of swine that subsequently drowned in the lake. The people of the region were afraid and asked Jesus to leave. Jesus then healed a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years and raised the daughter of a synagogue ruler from the dead.

Jesus gave his twelve disciples power to heal and preach the kingdom of God, instructing them to take nothing for their journey and to shake off the dust from their feet if they were not received. The disciples went through the towns, preaching and healing, and later returned to Jesus, who took them to a desert place to rest. A large crowd followed, and Jesus fed them with five loaves and two fishes, and then asked his disciples who the people thought he was, with Peter answering that he was the Christ of God. Jesus then told his disciples that he must suffer and be slain, but would be raised on the third day, and that they must deny themselves and take up their cross to follow him. Jesus took Peter, John, and James to a mountain to pray, where he was transfigured and spoke with Moses and Elias, and a voice from a cloud said, "This is my beloved Son: hear him." After coming down from the mountain, Jesus healed a boy with an unclean spirit and told his disciples that the Son of man would be delivered into the hands of men. The disciples then argued over who would be greatest, and Jesus taught them that the least among them would be great. Jesus also told his disciples not to forbid someone from casting out devils in his name, and later set his face to go to Jerusalem, where he would be received up.

Jesus sends out 70 disciples to prepare the way for him, instructing them to travel in pairs, rely on the hospitality of others, and preach the kingdom of God. He warns them of rejection and persecution, but also promises them protection and authority over evil spirits. The disciples return, rejoicing in their successes, and Jesus teaches them to rejoice in their salvation rather than their spiritual powers. He then praises the Father for revealing spiritual truths to his followers, and blesses them for being eyewitnesses to his ministry. A lawyer asks Jesus about inheriting eternal life, and Jesus responds by telling the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the importance of loving one's neighbor. Finally, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary, where he teaches that listening to his words is more important than serving him.

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, giving them the Lord's Prayer as an example, and emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer. He then casts out a demon from a man who was mute, and some people accuse him of doing so through the power of Beelzebub, but Jesus responds by saying that a house divided against itself cannot stand, and that he is actually casting out demons through the power of God. Jesus also warns against the return of unclean spirits to a person who has been cleansed, and says that those who are not with him are against him. A woman praises Jesus' mother, but he responds by saying that those who hear and keep God's word are truly blessed. Jesus then condemns the Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy and failure to follow God's law, saying that they are like unmarked graves that people walk over without realizing it.

Jesus warns his disciples to beware of hypocrisy and to fear God, who has the power to cast into hell. He reassures them that God values them more than sparrows and will provide for their needs. Jesus also teaches that one should not be anxious about material possessions, but rather seek the kingdom of God, and that true wealth is found in heaven. He encourages his disciples to be prepared for his return, using the parable of the faithful steward, and warns that those who are given much will be expected to give much in return. Jesus also notes that his message will bring division, even within families, and that people should be able to discern the signs of the times.

Jesus teaches that suffering is not necessarily a result of sin, citing the examples of the Galileans killed by Pilate and the eighteen people killed when the tower in Siloam fell. He tells the people to repent or they will also perish. Jesus then shares the parable of the fig tree, which is given one more year to produce fruit before being cut down. He heals a woman with a spirit of infirmity on the Sabbath, despite the ruler of the synagogue's objections. Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed and leaven, and warns that many will seek to enter the kingdom but will not be able. He also laments over Jerusalem's rejection of him and the prophets, and foretells the city's desolation.

Jesus healed a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, prompting a discussion with Pharisees about the lawfulness of healing on the Sabbath. He then taught about humility, using the example of taking a lower seat at a banquet, and advised against inviting only friends and family to dinner, instead suggesting inviting the poor and needy. Jesus also told a parable about a great supper, where those initially invited made excuses and were replaced by the poor and outcasts. He concluded by emphasizing the cost of discipleship, using the examples of building a tower and going to war, and stating that one must be willing to forsake all to follow him.

Jesus tells three parables to illustrate God's joy in the repentance of sinners. The first parable is about a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find one lost sheep, and the second is about a woman who searches for a lost coin. The third parable is about a father who welcomes back his prodigal son with celebration, despite the son's past mistakes, and must also reassure his older son who feels overlooked.

A rich man's steward is accused of wasting his goods and is called to give an account of his stewardship. The steward, in an attempt to secure his future, reduces the debts of his lord's debtors, and the lord commends him for his shrewdness. Jesus teaches that one cannot serve both God and wealth, and that faithfulness in small matters is a sign of faithfulness in greater matters. He also warns against the dangers of wealth and materialism, using the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to illustrate the consequences of neglecting the poor and ignoring God's word.

Jesus warns that causing others to sin will bring severe punishment, and instructs his disciples to forgive those who repent. He teaches that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things, and that those who serve God should not expect praise for doing their duty. Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank him, and he notes that the kingdom of God is within those who believe. He warns the disciples that his return will be sudden and unexpected, and that those who try to save their lives will lose them, while those who lose their lives for his sake will be saved.

Jesus teaches that men should always pray and not give up, using the parable of a persistent widow who eventually gets justice from an unjust judge. He then tells the parable of a Pharisee and a publican, where the humble publican is justified before God, while the self-righteous Pharisee is not. Jesus welcomes children and teaches that one must receive the kingdom of God like a child to enter it. A rich ruler asks how to inherit eternal life, but is unwilling to give up his wealth, leading Jesus to say that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus predicts his own death and resurrection, but the disciples do not understand. Finally, Jesus heals a blind man who cries out for mercy, and the man follows Jesus, glorifying God.

Jesus encounters Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, in Jericho and accepts his hospitality, prompting criticism from the crowd. Zacchaeus vows to give half his goods to the poor and restore fourfold any ill-gotten gains. Jesus tells a parable about a nobleman who entrusts his servants with money before departing to receive a kingdom, and upon his return, rewards those who have invested wisely and punishes the one who did not. Jesus then approaches Jerusalem, where he sends disciples to fetch a colt for him to ride, and is greeted by a crowd of disciples who praise God for his mighty works. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foreseeing its destruction, and then cleanses the temple of merchants and money changers.

The chief priests and scribes questioned Jesus about his authority, but he responded by asking about the origin of John's baptism, which they couldn't answer. Jesus then told a parable about a vineyard owner whose son was killed by the tenants, symbolizing God's rejection of the Jewish leaders. The leaders sought to arrest Jesus but were thwarted by the crowd. Jesus was then asked about paying taxes to Caesar, and he replied that one should give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God. The Sadducees questioned Jesus about the resurrection, and he explained that in the afterlife, people will not marry or die. Jesus also criticized the scribes for their hypocrisy and love of power.

Jesus observed a poor widow giving her last two coins to the temple treasury, saying she gave more than the rich because she gave all she had. He then predicted the destruction of the temple, warning his disciples not to be deceived by false messiahs and to expect wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution. Jesus told them to remain patient and not to worry about what to say when brought before rulers, as he would give them the words to speak. He also warned of a time of great distress and destruction in Jerusalem, but promised that not a hair on their heads would perish. Jesus then told a parable about a fig tree, saying that when they see the signs he described, they will know the kingdom of God is near.

Jesus and his disciples prepared for the Passover, and during the meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, giving them bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood. He also predicted his betrayal by one of the twelve apostles, which led to a dispute among them about who would be the greatest. Jesus taught them that greatness comes from serving others, and he appointed them to a kingdom where they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus then prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, asking God to remove the cup of suffering from him, but ultimately submitting to God's will. While he prayed, Judas led a multitude to arrest Jesus, and Peter cut off the ear of the high priest's servant, which Jesus healed. Jesus was then taken to the high priest's house, where Peter denied knowing him three times, as Jesus had predicted. The next morning, Jesus was led before the council of elders, chief priests, and scribes, who asked him if he was the Christ. Jesus replied that they would not believe him if he told them, and that he would soon sit on the right hand of God. When they asked if he was the Son of God, Jesus said they were correct, and they decided they had heard enough to condemn him.

Jesus was led to Pilate, who found no fault in him, but the crowd demanded his crucifixion. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, who questioned him but received no answer, and then returned him to Pilate. Despite finding no cause for death, Pilate gave in to the crowd's demands and sentenced Jesus to crucifixion, releasing the prisoner Barabbas instead. Jesus was led to Calvary, where he was crucified alongside two malefactors, and he forgave his executioners, saying they did not know what they were doing. One of the malefactors asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus promised him a place in paradise. After Jesus' death, his body was taken down and buried by Joseph of Arimathaea, and the women who followed him from Galilee prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body after the Sabbath.

Women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, visited Jesus' tomb and found it empty, with two men in shining garments telling them Jesus had risen. The women reported this to the apostles, but they were not believed. Peter then visited the tomb and found it empty, and later that day Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining the scriptures to them and revealing himself when he broke bread with them. Jesus then appeared to the eleven apostles, showing them his hands and feet to prove he was not a spirit, and ate with them. He explained that his death and resurrection were necessary to fulfill scripture and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name. Jesus then led the apostles to Bethany, blessed them, and was carried up into heaven.