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1 Eyewitnesses begin their amazing testimony.2 The ancestry of Jesus is recorded.3 An angel meets Zechariah in the Temple.4 A child is miraculously conceived.5 Mary visits her aunt Elizabeth.6 John, son of Zechariah, is born.7 Shepherds hear news about a baby in a manger.8 Wise men search for the new king of the Jews.9 Jesus grows up in Nazareth.10 John, son of Zechariah, becomes John the Baptizer.
11 John baptizes Jesus.12 The Holy Spirit leads Jesus to an encounter with Satan.13 John the Baptizer recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God.14 Disciples of John the Baptizer meet Jesus for the first time.15 The wedding feast continues after Jesus changes water into wine.16 The merchants are driven out of the Temple.17 Nicodemus learns about spiritual birth.18 Jesus and his disciples baptize many in Judea.19 A Samaritan woman comes for water and finds life.20 A government official seeks healing for his sick son.
21 At his boyhood home, Jesus is rejected.22 Jesus invites some men to follow him.23 A man possessed by an evil spirit is delivered.24 Peter’s mother-in-law is healed.25 Jesus works after sunset.26 Fishermen are taught about fishing.27 A leper is cleansed.28 A paralyzed man is lowered through the roof to see Jesus.29 Matthew is invited to follow Jesus.30 The disciples don’t follow religious tradition.
31 A man with a shriveled hand is healed on the Sabbath.32 Jesus teaches a large crowd at the Galilean seashore.33 Jesus selects twelve apostles out of his group of followers.34 Jesus teaches about blessings that follow tough times.35 God’s people are to let their light shine.36 God seeks righteous behavior that is more than the Law required.37 People are to show kindness to even their enemies.38 Jesus teaches about prayer.39 What you treasure needs to have lasting value.40 Jesus teaches the principles of God’s Kingdom.
41 A Roman officer recognizes Jesus as a man under God’s command.42 A widow’s son at Nain is raised from the dead.43 Jesus gives testimony about John the Baptizer.44 People are rebuked for not believing.45 A Pharisee invites Jesus to dinner and learns about forgiveness.46 Jesus is accused of using satanic power when he casts out evil spirits.47 Jesus identifies his true family.48 Jesus uses a farming illustration to teach about hearing God’s word.49 Jesus describes what the Kingdom of God is like.50 Jesus calms a violent storm.
51 Jesus delivers a man who was possessed by many evil spirits.52 Jairus’s daughter is raised from the dead.53 Jesus is like the prophet who isn’t appreciated in his own country.54 Jesus sends workers into the fields.55 A lame man at the Bethesda pool is healed.56 Jesus claims equality with God.57 Herod thinks John the Baptizer has returned from the dead.58 With five loaves, Jesus feeds five thousand men.59 Jesus walks with Peter on the water.60 Jesus is the bread of life.
61 Traditions of men don’t make people right with God.62 A Greek woman begs help for her daughter.63 Jesus does spectacular miracles.64 With seven loaves, Jesus feeds four thousand men.65 Religious leaders ask for undeniable proof.66 Jesus warns of danger in religious teachings.67 A man sees trees that walk.68 Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah sent from God.69 Three disciples see Jesus talk with Moses and Elijah.70 Jesus delivers when the disciples can’t.
71 The disciples receive private tutoring.72 Jesus goes to Jerusalem unannounced.73 Guards are sent to arrest Jesus.
74 Jesus forgives a woman who was caught in adultery.75 Jesus teaches in the Temple.76 Jesus sends another seventy-two disciples into the fields of ministry.77 A good Samaritan helping a Jew shows how to love others.78 Jesus heals a man who was born blind.79 The good shepherd cares for his sheep.80 Martha becomes frustrated with her sister’s behavior.
74 Jesus forgives a woman who was caught in adultery.75 Jesus teaches in the Temple.76 Jesus sends another seventy-two disciples into the fields of ministry.77 A good Samaritan helping a Jew shows how to love others.78 Jesus heals a man who was born blind.79 The good shepherd cares for his sheep.80 Martha becomes frustrated with her sister’s behavior.
81 The disciples learn more about how to pray.82 from an evil spirit, a man is able to speak.83 A Pharisee asks Jesus to dinner.84 Jesus warns against religious hypocrisy.85 A rich man shows how greed is never satisfied.86 The Lord’s coming requires constant readiness.87 Jesus stresses the importance of bearing fruit.88 The Kingdom demands a wholehearted effort.89 People start to stone Jesus for blasphemy.90 Pharisees reveal a threat on Jesus’ life.
91 Jesus teaches about the banquet table.92 A builder must count the cost.93 That which is lost is especially important.94 Jesus teaches on faithfulness.95 Jesus teaches about divorce.96 A dead man wants to tell his brothers about his eternal torment.97 Servants must be faithful to their duties.98 Lazarus is raised from the dead.99 One of ten lepers thanks Jesus.100 Jesus tells about the day of his return.
101 Jesus teaches about prayer.102 The value of children is stressed.103 People should recognize the value of eternal rewards.104 The disciples are told that Jesus must suffer and die.105 Two disciples seek the highest honor.106 Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus.
107 Two blind men want to see.108 Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume.109 People cheer as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.110 Some Greek men want to see Jesus.
107 Two blind men want to see.108 Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume.109 People cheer as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.110 Some Greek men want to see Jesus.
111 Jesus curses a fig tree.112 Religious leaders question Jesus’ authority.113 Sharecroppers kill the landowner’s son.114 Jesus compares the Kingdom to a wedding feast.115 Religious leaders seek to trap Jesus with a question about taxes.116 Jesus teaches about life after death.117 A man asks what is the most important commandment.118 Jesus answers a question about the Messiah.119 Jesus condemns the religious leaders.120 A widow gives everything to God.
121 Jesus reveals what will happen before his return.122 A good servant works without supervision.123 A story about ten virgins shows the importance of being ready.124 People have a responsibility to use what they have been given.125 Jesus compares God’s judgment to the separation of sheep and goats.126 Judas agrees to betray Jesus.127 Two disciples prepare for Passover.128 Jesus celebrates Passover with the disciples.129 Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.130 Jesus predicts his betrayal.
131 Peter declares his loyalty, but Jesus predicts denial.132 Jesus gives final words to his disciples.133 On the way to Gethsemane, Jesus teaches his disciples.134 Jesus gives an intercessory prayer.135 Jesus prays at Gethsemane.136 Religious leaders arrest Jesus.137 Jesus is tried before Caiaphas.138 The ruling council gives Jesus the death sentence.139 Judas commits suicide.140 Jesus stands before Pilate.
141 Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas.142 Pilate pacifies the mob by ordering Jesus to be crucified.143 On the way to crucifixion, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross.144 Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies.145 Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus give Jesus a hasty burial before sundown.146 The tomb is opened, and people can’t find Jesus’ body.147 Jesus appears to two of his followers on the way to Emmaus.148 Jesus appears to his disciples for the first time.149 The disciples watch Jesus ascend into the clouds
61 Traditions of men don’t make people right with God.
Exodus 20:12; 21:17; Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 14:34–36; 15:1–20; Mark 6:53–56; 7:1–23
After crossing the lake, Jesus and the disciples came to shore near Gennesaret. As soon as they stepped out of the boat, people recognized him. News of his arrival spread throughout the region. People carried the sick on pallets to wherever he stayed.
Matthew 14:34–35 After crossing the lake, Jesus and the disciples came to shore near Gennesaret. People recognized him and news of his arrival spread throughout the region, so all the sick were brought to him.
Mark 6:53–55 After crossing the lake, Jesus and the disciples came to shore near Gennesaret. As soon as they stepped out of the boat, people recognized him. News of his arrival spread throughout the region. People carried the sick on pallets to wherever he stayed.
Matthew 14:34–35 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
Mark 6:53–55 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
Whenever Jesus entered a town or small community, he passed the sick in the roadway. Some of them begged to touch the fringe of his robe. Those who touched his robe were healed.
Matthew 14:36 Some of them begged to touch the fringe of his robe. Those who touched his robe were healed.
Mark 6:56 Whenever Jesus entered a town or small community, he passed the sick in the roadway. Some of them begged to touch the fringe of his robe. Those who touched his robe were healed.
Matthew 14:36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Pharisees and teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem saw some of Jesus’ disciples eat bread without washing their hands. Devout Jews, especially the Pharisees, always washed their hands before eating, a long-standing rule since ancient times. After buying food at the market, they would not put the food to their mouths until they had properly washed. They also followed other traditions, such as washing cups, pots, and pitchers brought to the table. So they said to Jesus, “Why do your disciples violate the rules of behavior that were established by our ancestors? When they eat bread, they do not wash their hands.”
Matthew 15:1–2 Pharisees and teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem said to Jesus, “Why do your disciples violate the rules of behavior that were established by our ancestors? When they eat bread, they do not wash their hands.”
Mark 6:56 Whenever Jesus entered a town or small community, he passed the sick in the roadway. Some of them begged to touch the fringe of his robe. Those who touched his robe were healed.
Mark 7:1–5 Pharisees and teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem saw some of Jesus’ disciples eat bread without washing their hands. Devout Jews, especially the Pharisees, always washed their hands before eating, a long-standing rule since ancient times. After buying food at the market, they would not put the food to their mouths until they had properly washed. They also followed other traditions, such as washing cups, pots, and pitchers brought to the table. The Pharisees and teachers of the Law said to Jesus, “Why do your disciples violate the rules of behavior that were established by our ancestors? When they eat bread, they do not wash their hands.”
Matthew 15:1–2 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Mark 7:1–5 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
Jesus said, “Why do you violate God’s commandments by following your own tradition? You ignore God’s commandments by following your own tradition. How beautifully you nullify God’s commandments so you can have your own way. God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death.’
Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother so you may live long in the land the Lord God is giving to you.
Exodus 21:17 Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death.
Matthew 15:3–4 Jesus said, “Why do you violate God’s commandments by following your own tradition? God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death.’
Mark 7:8–10 “You ignore God’s commandments by following your own tradition. How beautifully you nullify God’s commandments so you can have your own way. Moses wrote, Honor your father and mother, and, Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death.
Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Exodus 21:17 And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
Matthew 15:3–4 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
Mark 7:8–10 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
“By your rules, it is all right for a man to say to his parents, ‘I have dedicated all my possessions to God. What I might have given to you is no longer mine to give.’ In this manner, you excuse the man from helping his father or mother. With your tradition, you nullify God’s commandment. And you do many other, similar things.
Matthew 15:5–6 “By your rules, it is all right for a man to say to his parents, ‘I have dedicated all my possessions to God. I am sorry, but the Law will not allow me to help with your need.’ With your tradition, you nullify God’s commandment.
Mark 7:11–13 “By your rules, it is all right for a man to say to his parents, ‘I have dedicated all my possessions to God. What I might have given to you is no longer mine to give.’ In this manner, you excuse the man from helping his father or mother. With your tradition, you nullify God’s commandment. And you do many other, similar things.”
Matthew 15:5–6 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Mark 7:11–13 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
“Hypocrites! You only pretend to be righteous. You fulfill what Isaiah said about you: These people offer praise with their lips, but their hearts are somewhere else. Their reverence for me is nothing but a ritual.”
Isaiah 29:13 God says, “These people express love with their mouths and their lips offer praise, but their hearts are somewhere else. Their reverence for me is nothing but a ritual.”
Matthew 15:7–8 “Hypocrites! You only pretend to be righteous. You fulfill what Isaiah said about you: These people express love with their mouths and their lips offer praise, but their hearts are somewhere else.
Mark 7:6–7 “Hypocrites! You fulfill what Isaiah said about you: These people offer praise with their lips, but their hearts are somewhere else. Their reverence for me is nothing but a ritual.
Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Matthew 15:7–8 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mark 7:6–7 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Jesus called the people closer. “Listen, and understand what I am saying. You are not defiled by what goes into your mouth. It is what comes out that makes you unclean. If you have ears, pay attention to what I am saying.”
Matthew 15:10–11 Jesus called the people closer. “Listen, and understand what I am saying. You are not defiled by what goes into your mouth. It is what comes out that makes you unclean.”
Mark 7:14–16 Jesus called the people closer. “Listen, and understand what I am saying. You are not defiled by what goes into your mouth. It is what comes out that makes you unclean. If you have ears, pay attention to what I am saying.”
Matthew 15:10–11 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, 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.
Mark 7:14–16 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
Later, his disciples said to him, “Did you know you offended the Pharisees with your words?”
Matthew 15:12 Later, his disciples said to him, “Did you know you offended the Pharisees with your words?”
Matthew 15:12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
“Every plant that was not planted by my heavenly Father will be pulled up with its roots,” Jesus said. “Let them go their own way. They are blind leaders of the blind. When blind people follow blind leaders, they both fall into the ditch.”
Matthew 15:13–14 “Every plant that was not planted by my heavenly Father will be pulled up with its roots,” Jesus said. “Let them go their own way. They are blind leaders of the blind. When blind people follow blind leaders, they both fall into the ditch.”
Matthew 15:13–14 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Simon Peter said, “How is it that people are not defiled by what they eat? Explain your analogy to us.”
Matthew 15:15 Simon Peter said, “How is it that people are not defiled by what they eat? Explain your analogy to us.”
Mark 7:1 Pharisees and teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem
Matthew 15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
Mark 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
“You still do not understand? You should know that anything going into a man from the outside cannot make him unclean. What you eat simply passes through the stomach and out. But what comes out of a person is from the heart, revealing the filth that exists inside. From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, erotic sexual acts, theft, greed, cruelty, lies, lewdness, lust, cursing, pride, and foolishness. All such things come from within and make a person unclean. It is not from eating without washing your hands.”
Matthew 15:16–20 “You still do not understand? You should know that anything you eat simply passes through the stomach and out. But what comes out of a person’s mouth is from the heart, revealing the filth that exists inside. From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, erotic sexual acts, theft, lies, and cursing. These things make a person unclean. It is not from eating without washing your hands.”
Mark 7:18–23 “You still do not understand? You should know that anything going into a man from the outside cannot make him unclean. What you eat does not enter the heart but simply passes through the stomach and out. But what comes out of a person is from the heart, revealing the filth that exists inside. From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, erotic sexual acts, theft, greed, cruelty, lies, lewdness, lust, cursing, pride, and foolishness. All such things come from within and make a person unclean.”
Matthew 15:16–20 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
Mark 7:18–23 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.