May 14

Forty-fifth Day of Zadeeg

Luke 20:9-19
Acts 24:27-25:12
III John 1:1-14
John 12:27-43
Matthew 21:33-46
Mark 11:27-12:17

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Luke 20:9-19
[9] And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country for a long while.
[10] When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, that they should give him some of the fruit of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him, and sent him away empty-handed.
[11] And he sent another servant; him also they beat and treated shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.
[12] And he sent yet a third; this one they wounded and cast out.
[13] Then the owner of the vineyard said, `What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it may be they will respect him.’
[14] But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, `This is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’
[15] And they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?
[16] He will come and destroy those tenants, and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “God forbid!”
[17] But he looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: `The very stone which the builders rejected
has become the head of the corner’?
[18] Every one who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but when it falls on any one it will crush him.”
[19] The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people; for they perceived that he had told this parable against them.

Acts 24:27-25:12
[27] But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Chapter 25
[1] Now when Festus had come into his province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Caesare’a.
[2] And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they urged him,
[3] asking as a favor to have the man sent to Jerusalem, planning an ambush to kill him on the way.
[4] Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesare’a, and that he himself intended to go there shortly.
[5] “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them accuse him.”
[6] When he had stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesare’a; and the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.
[7] And when he had come, the Jews who had gone down from Jerusalem stood about him, bringing against him many serious charges which they could not prove.
[8] Paul said in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended at all.”
[9] But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem, and there be tried on these charges before me?”
[10] But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried; to the Jews I have done no wrong, as you know very well.
[11] If then I am a wrongdoer, and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death; but if there is nothing in their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
[12] Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.”

III John 1:1-14

[1] The elder to the beloved Ga’ius, whom I love in the truth.
[2] Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in health; I know that it is well with your soul.
[3] For I greatly rejoiced when some of the brethren arrived and testified to the truth of your life, as indeed you do follow the truth.
[4] No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth.
[5] Beloved, it is a loyal thing you do when you render any service to the brethren, especially to strangers,
[6] who have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey as befits God’s service.
[7] For they have set out for his sake and have accepted nothing from the heathen.
[8] So we ought to support such men, that we may be fellow workers in the truth.
[9] I have written something to the church; but Diot’rephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority.
[10] So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, prating against me with evil words. And not content with that, he refuses himself to welcome the brethren, and also stops those who want to welcome them and puts them out of the church.
[11] Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God.
[12] Deme’trius has testimony from every one, and from the truth itself; I testify to him too, and you know my testimony is true.
[13] I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink;
[14] I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face.

John 12:27-43
[27] “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? `Father, save me from this hour’? No, for this purpose I have come to this hour.
[28] Father, glorify thy name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
[29] The crowd standing by heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
[30] Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.
[31] Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out;
[32] and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”
[33] He said this to show by what death he was to die.
[34] The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?”
[35] Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes.
[36] While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
When Jesus had said this, he departed and hid himself from them.
[37] Though he had done so many signs before them, yet they did not believe in him;
[38] it was that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed our report,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
[39] Therefore they could not believe. For Isaiah again said,
[40] “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart,
lest they should see with their eyes and perceive with their heart,
and turn for me to heal them.”
[41] Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke of him.
[42] Nevertheless many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
[43] for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Matthew 21:33-46
[33] “Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country.
[34] When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit;
[35] and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another.
[36] Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them.
[37] Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, `They will respect my son.’
[38] But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’
[39] And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
[40] When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”
[41] They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”
[42] Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures:
`The very stone which the builders rejected
has become the head of the corner;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
[43] Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.”
[45] When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.
[46] But when they tried to arrest him, they feared the multitudes, because they held him to be a prophet.

Mark 11:27-12:17
[27] And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him,
[28] and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”
[29] Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
[30] Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me.”
[31] And they argued with one another, “If we say, `From heaven,’ he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?’
[32] But shall we say, `From men’?” — they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet.
[33] So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Chapter 12
[1] And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a pit for the wine press, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country.
[2] When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.
[3] And they took him and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed.
[4] Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully.
[5] And he sent another, and him they killed; and so with many others, some they beat and some they killed.
[6] He had still one other, a beloved son; finally he sent him to them, saying, `They will respect my son.’
[7] But those tenants said to one another, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’
[8] And they took him and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
[9] What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants, and give the vineyard to others.
[10] Have you not read this scripture: `The very stone which the builders rejected
has become the head of the corner;
[11] this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”
[12] And they tried to arrest him, but feared the multitude, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them; so they left him and went away.
[13] And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Hero’di-ans, to entrap him in his talk.
[14] And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
[15] Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a coin, and let me look at it.”
[16] And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.”
[17] Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 13

Forty-fourth Day of Zadeeg

Luke 20:1-8
Acts 24:1-26
II John 1:1-13
John 12:24-26
Matthew 21:18-32
Mark 11:12-26

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Luke 20:1-8
[1] One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up
[2] and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.”
[3] He answered them, “I also will ask you a question; now tell me,
[4] Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”
[5] And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, `From heaven,’ he will say, `Why did you not believe him?’
[6] But if we say, `From men,’ all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
[7] So they answered that they did not know whence it was.
[8] And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Acts 24:1-26
[1] And after five days the high priest Anani’as came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertul’lus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul;
[2] and when he was called, Tertul’lus began to accuse him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your provision, most excellent Felix, reforms are introduced on behalf of this nation,
[3] in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.
[4] But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
[5] For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
[6] He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.
[8] By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
[9] The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all this was so.
[10] And when the governor had motioned to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Realizing that for many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.
[11] As you may ascertain, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem;
[12] and they did not find me disputing with any one or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues, or in the city.
[13] Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.
[14] But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law or written in the prophets,
[15] having a hope in God which these themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.
[16] So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men.
[17] Now after some years I came to bring to my nation alms and offerings.
[18] As I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia —
[19] they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, if they have anything against me.
[20] Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,
[21] except this one thing which I cried out while standing among them, `With respect to the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you this day.’”
[22] But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lys’ias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.”
[23] Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but should have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
[24] After some days Felix came with his wife Drusil’la, who was a Jewess; and he sent for Paul and heard him speak upon faith in Christ Jesus.
[25] And as he argued about justice and self-control and future judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present; when I have an opportunity I will summon you.”
[26] At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.

II John 1:1-13
[1] The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth,
[2] because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us for ever:
[3] Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
[4] I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children following the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.
[5] And now I beg you, lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.
[6] And this is love, that we follow his commandments; this is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you follow love.
[7] For many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
[8] Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward.
[9] Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son.
[10] If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting;
[11] for he who greets him shares his wicked work.
[12] Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink, but I hope to come to see you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
[13] The children of your elect sister greet you.

John 12:24-26
[24] Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
[25] He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
[26] If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.

Matthew 21:18-32
[18] In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he was hungry.
[19] And seeing a fig tree by the wayside he went to it, and found nothing on it but leaves only. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.
[20] When the disciples saw it they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”
[21] And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
[22] And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
[23] And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”
[24] Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things.
[25] The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, `From heaven,’ he will say to us, `Why then did you not believe him?’
[26] But if we say, `From men,’ we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet.”
[27] So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
[28] “What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, `Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’
[29] And he answered, `I will not’; but afterward he repented and went.
[30] And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, `I go, sir,’ but did not go.
[31] Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
[32] For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.

Mark 11:12-26
[12] On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry.
[13] And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.
[14] And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
[15] And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons;
[16] and he would not allow any one to carry anything through the temple.
[17] And he taught, and said to them, “Is it not written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
[18] And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.
[19] And when evening came they went out of the city.
[20] As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots.
[21] And Peter remembered and said to him, “Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered.”
[22] And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.
[23] Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.
[24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
[25] And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
[26] …

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 12

Forty-third Day of Zadeeg,
Seventh Sunday,
Second Palm Sunday

Song of Solomon 6:9-8:13
Isaiah 63:1-6
Hebrews 9:24-28
Luke 19:29-48
Acts 23:12-35
I John 5:13-21
John 12:12-23
Matthew 20:29-21:17
Mark 15:20-37
Mark 10:46-11:11

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Song of Solomon 6:9-8:13
[9] My dove, my perfect one, is only one,
the darling of her mother,
flawless to her that bore her.
The maidens saw her and called her happy;
the queens and concubines also, and they praised her.
[10] “Who is this that looks forth like the dawn,
fair as the moon, bright as the sun,
terrible as an army with banners?”
[11] I went down to the nut orchard,
to look at the blossoms of the valley,
to see whether the vines had budded,
whether the pomegranates were in bloom.
[12] Before I was aware, my fancy set me
in a chariot beside my prince.
[13] Return, return, O Shu’lammite,
return, return, that we may look upon you.
Why should you look upon the Shu’lammite,
as upon a dance before two armies?

Chapter 7
[1] How graceful are your feet in sandals,
O queenly maiden!
Your rounded thighs are like jewels,
the work of a master hand.
[2] Your navel is a rounded bowl
that never lacks mixed wine.
Your belly is a heap of wheat,
encircled with lilies.
[3] Your two breasts are like two fawns,
twins of a gazelle.
[4] Your neck is like an ivory tower.
Your eyes are pools in Heshbon,
by the gate of Bath-rab’bim.
Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon,
overlooking Damascus.
[5] Your head crowns you like Carmel,
and your flowing locks are like purple;
a king is held captive in the tresses.
[6] How fair and pleasant you are,
O loved one, delectable maiden!
[7] You are stately as a palm tree,
and your breasts are like its clusters.
[8] I say I will climb the palm tree
and lay hold of its branches.
Oh, may your breasts be like clusters of the vine,
and the scent of your breath like apples,
[9] and your kisses like the best wine
that goes down smoothly,
gliding over lips and teeth.
[10] I am my beloved’s,
and his desire is for me.
[11] Come, my beloved,
let us go forth into the fields,
and lodge in the villages;
[12] let us go out early to the vineyards,
and see whether the vines have budded,
whether the grape blossoms have opened
and the pomegranates are in bloom.
There I will give you my love.
[13] The mandrakes give forth fragrance,
and over our doors are all choice fruits,
new as well as old,
which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.

Chapter 8
[1] O that you were like a brother to me,
that nursed at my mother’s breast!
If I met you outside, I would kiss you,
and none would despise me.
[2] I would lead you and bring you
into the house of my mother,
and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
I would give you spiced wine to drink,
the juice of my pomegranates.
[3] O that his left hand were under my head,
and that his right hand embraced me!
[4] I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
that you stir not up nor awaken love
until it please.
[5] Who is that coming up from the wilderness,
leaning upon her beloved?
Under the apple tree I awakened you.
There your mother was in travail with you,
there she who bore you was in travail.
[6] Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is strong as death,
jealousy is cruel as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
a most vehement flame.
[7] Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
it would be utterly scorned.
[8] We have a little sister,
and she has no breasts.
What shall we do for our sister,
on the day when she is spoken for?
[9] If she is a wall,
we will build upon her a battlement of silver;
but if she is a door,
we will enclose her with boards of cedar.
[10] I was a wall,
and my breasts were like towers;
then I was in his eyes
as one who brings peace.
[11] Solomon had a vineyard at Ba’al-ha’mon;
he let out the vineyard to keepers;
each one was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver.
[12] My vineyard, my very own, is for myself;
you, O Solomon, may have the thousand,
and the keepers of the fruit two hundred.
[13] O you who dwell in the gardens,
my companions are listening for your voice;
let me hear it.

Isaiah 63:1-6
[1] Who is this that comes from Edom,
in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,
he that is glorious in his apparel,
marching in the greatness of his strength?
“It is I, announcing vindication,
mighty to save.”
[2] Why is thy apparel red,
and thy garments like his that treads in the wine press?
[3] “I have trodden the wine press alone,
and from the peoples no one was with me;
I trod them in my anger
and trampled them in my wrath;
their lifeblood is sprinkled upon my garments,
and I have stained all my raiment.
[4] For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption has come.
[5] I looked, but there was no one to help;
I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold;
so my own arm brought me victory,
and my wrath upheld me.
[6] I trod down the peoples in my anger,
I made them drunk in my wrath,
and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”

Hebrews 9:24-28
[24] For Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
[25] Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the Holy Place yearly with blood not his own;
[26] for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
[27] And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment,
[28] so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Luke 19:29-48
[29] When he drew near to Beth’phage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,
[30] saying, “Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat; untie it and bring it here.
[31] If any one asks you, `Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this, `The Lord has need of it.’”
[32] So those who were sent went away and found it as he had told them.
[33] And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
[34] And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”
[35] And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it.
[36] And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road.
[37] As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen,
[38] saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
[39] And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
[40] He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
[41] And when he drew near and saw the city he wept over it,
[42] saying, “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes.
[43] For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side,
[44] and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
[45] And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold,
[46] saying to them, “It is written, `My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.”
[47] And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him;
[48] but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people hung upon his words.

Acts 23:12-35
[12] When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
[13] There were more than forty who made this conspiracy.
[14] And they went to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul.
[15] You therefore, along with the council, give notice now to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”
[16] Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush; so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.
[17] And Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune; for he has something to tell him.”
[18] So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.”
[19] The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”
[20] And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him.
[21] But do not yield to them; for more than forty of their men lie in ambush for him, having bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.”
[22] So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of this.”
[23] Then he called two of the centurions and said, “At the third hour of the night get ready two hundred soldiers with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesare’a.
[24] Also provide mounts for Paul to ride, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”
[25] And he wrote a letter to this effect:

I John 5:13-21
[13] I write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
[14] And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
[15] And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.
[16] If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that.
[17] All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal.
[18] We know that any one born of God does not sin, but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.
[19] We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one.
[20] And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, to know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
[21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

John 12:12-23
[12] The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
[13] So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
[14] And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written,
[15] “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on an ass’s colt!”
[16] His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him.
[17] The crowd that had been with him when he called Laz’arus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness.
[18] The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
[19] The Pharisees then said to one another, “You see that you can do nothing; look, the world has gone after him.”
[20] Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.
[21] So these came to Philip, who was from Beth-sa’ida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
[22] Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Philip and they told Jesus.
[23] And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified.

Matthew 20:29-21:17
[29] And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him.
[30] And behold, two blind men sitting by the roadside, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
[31] The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent; but they cried out the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”
[32] And Jesus stopped and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?”
[33] They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.”
[34] And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Chapter 21
[1] And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Beth’phage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
[2] saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.
[3] If any one says anything to you, you shall say, `The Lord has need of them,’ and he will send them immediately.”
[4] This took place to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
[5] “Tell the daughter of Zion,
Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on an ass,
and on a colt, the foal of an ass.”
[6] The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them;
[7] they brought the ass and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon.
[8] Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
[9] And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
[10] And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?”
[11] And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.”
[12] And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.
[13] He said to them, “It is written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you make it a den of robbers.”
[14] And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.
[15] But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant;
[16] and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, `Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings
thou hast brought perfect praise’?”
[17] And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

Mark 15:20-37
[20] And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
[21] And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyre’ne, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
[22] And they brought him to the place called Gol’gotha (which means the place of a skull).
[23] And they offered him wine mingled with myrrh; but he did not take it.
[24] And they crucified him, and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take.
[25] And it was the third hour, when they crucified him.
[26] And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.”
[27] And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.
[29] And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days,
[30] save yourself, and come down from the cross!”
[31] So also the chief priests mocked him to one another with the scribes, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself.
[32] Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.
[33] And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
[34] And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “E’lo-i, E’lo-i, la’ma sabach-tha’ni?” which means, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
[35] And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Eli’jah.”
[36] And one ran and, filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Eli’jah will come to take him down.”
[37] And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed his last.

Mark 10:46-11:11
[46] And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae’us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae’us, was sitting by the roadside.
[47] And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
[48] And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
[49] And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.”
[50] And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus.
[51] And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.”
[52] And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Chapter 11
[1] And when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Beth’phage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
[2] and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat; untie it and bring it.
[3] If any one says to you, `Why are you doing this?’ say, `The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’”
[4] And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door out in the open street; and they untied it.
[5] And those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”
[6] And they told them what Jesus had said; and they let them go.
[7] And they brought the colt to Jesus, and threw their garments on it; and he sat upon it.
[8] And many spread their garments on the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields.
[9] And those who went before and those who followed cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
[10] Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!”
[11] And he entered Jerusalem, and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 11

Forty-second Day of Zadeeg

Luke 18:35-19:28
Acts 22:30-23:11
I John 5:1-12
John 11:55-12:11
Matthew 20:17-28
Mark 10:32-45

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Luke 18:35-19:28
[35] As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging;
[36] and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.
[37] They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
[38] And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
[39] And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
[40] And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him,
[41] “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.”
[42] And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”
[43] And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Chapter 19
[1] He entered Jericho and was passing through.
[2] And there was a man named Zacchae’us; he was a chief tax collector, and rich.
[3] And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature.
[4] So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way.
[5] And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchae’us, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.”
[6] So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully.
[7] And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”
[8] And Zacchae’us stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.”
[9] And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.
[10] For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”
[11] As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
[12] He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return.
[13] Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, `Trade with these till I come.’
[14] But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, `We do not want this man to reign over us.’
[15] When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading.
[16] The first came before him, saying, `Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.’
[17] And he said to him, `Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
[18] And the second came, saying, `Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’
[19] And he said to him, `And you are to be over five cities.’
[20] Then another came, saying, `Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin;
[21] for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.’
[22] He said to him, `I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?
[23] Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I should have collected it with interest?’
[24] And he said to those who stood by, `Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.’
[25] (And they said to him, `Lord, he has ten pounds!’)
[26] `I tell you, that to every one who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
[27] But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.’”
[28] And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

Acts 22:30-23:11
[30] But on the morrow, desiring to know the real reason why the Jews accused him, he unbound him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

Chapter 23
[1] And Paul, looking intently at the council, said, “Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
[2] And the high priest Anani’as commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
[3] Then Paul said to him, “God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”
[4] Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?”
[5] And Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, `You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
[6] But when Paul perceived that one part were Sad’ducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead I am on trial.”
[7] And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sad’ducees; and the assembly was divided.
[8] For the Sad’ducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
[9] Then a great clamor arose; and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?”
[10] And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them and bring him into the barracks.
[11] The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also at Rome.”

I John 5:1-12
[1] Every one who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God, and every one who loves the parent loves the child.
[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
[4] For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.
[5] Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
[6] This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood.
[7] And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is the truth.
[8] There are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree.
[9] If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has borne witness to his Son.
[10] He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son.
[11] And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
[12] He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life.

John 11:55-12:11
[55] Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.
[56] They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”
[57] Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if any one knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.

Chapter 12
[1] Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Laz’arus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
[2] There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Laz’arus was one of those at table with him.
[3] Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.
[4] But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said,
[5] “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
[6] This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it.
[7] Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial.
[8] The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
[9] When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Laz’arus, whom he had raised from the dead.
[10] So the chief priests planned to put Laz’arus also to death,
[11] because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

Matthew 20:17-28
[17] And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
[18] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death,
[19] and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
[20] Then the mother of the sons of Zeb’edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.
[21] And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”
[22] But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”
[23] He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
[24] And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.
[25] But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.
[26] It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
[27] and whoever would be first among you must be your slave;
[28] even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:32-45
[32] And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him,
[33] saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles;
[34] and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise.”
[35] And James and John, the sons of Zeb’edee, came forward to him, and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
[36] And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”
[37] And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
[38] But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
[39] And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;
[40] but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
[41] And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.
[42] And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.
[43] But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
[44] and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
[45] For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 10

Forty-first Day of Zadeeg

Luke 18:15-34
Acts 21:37-22:29
I John 4:7-21
John 11:47-54
Matthew 19:16-20:16
Mark 10:28-32

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Luke 18:15-34
[15] Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
[16] But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
[17] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
[18] And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
[19] And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
[20] You know the commandments: `Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’”
[21] And he said, “All these I have observed from my youth.”
[22] And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
[23] But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich.
[24] Jesus looking at him said, “How hard it is for those who have riches 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 man to enter the kingdom of God.”
[26] Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”
[27] But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
[28] And Peter said, “Lo, we have left our homes and followed you.”
[29] And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
[30] who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
[31] And taking the twelve, he said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished.
[32] For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon;
[33] they will scourge him and kill him, and on the third day he will rise.”
[34] But they understood none of these things; this saying was hid from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

Acts 21:37-22:29
[37] As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek?
[38] Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?”
[39] Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cili’cia, a citizen of no mean city; I beg you, let me speak to the people.”
[40] And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying:

Chapter 22
[1] “Brethren and fathers, hear the defense which I now make before you.”
[2] And when they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew language, they were the more quiet. And he said:
[3] “I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cili’cia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gama’li-el, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as you all are this day.
[4] I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,
[5] as the high priest and the whole council of elders bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brethren, and I journeyed to Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
[6] “As I made my journey and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me.
[7] And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’
[8] And I answered, `Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, `I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.’
[9] Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me.
[10] And I said, `What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, `Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’
[11] And when I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
[12] “And one Anani’as, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,
[13] came to me, and standing by me said to me, `Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And in that very hour I received my sight and saw him.
[14] And he said, `The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth;
[15] for you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard.
[16] And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
[17] “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
[18] and saw him saying to me, `Make haste and get quickly out of Jerusalem, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’
[19] And I said, `Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in thee.
[20] And when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by and approving, and keeping the garments of those who killed him.’
[21] And he said to me, `Depart; for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
[22] Up to this word they listened to him; then they lifted up their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he ought not to live.”
[23] And as they cried out and waved their garments and threw dust into the air,
[24] the tribune commanded him to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by scourging, to find out why they shouted thus against him.
[25] But when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen, and uncondemned?”
[26] When the centurion heard that, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”
[27] So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.”
[28] The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”
[29] So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him instantly; and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

I John 4:7-21
[7] Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God.
[8] He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.
[9] In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
[10] In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.
[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
[12] No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
[13] By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his own Spirit.
[14] And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world.
[15] Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
[16] So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
[17] In this is love perfected with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so are we in this world.
[18] There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love.
[19] We love, because he first loved us.
[20] If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.
[21] And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.

John 11:47-54
[47] So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council, and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs.
[48] If we let him go on thus, every one will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.”
[49] But one of them, Ca’iaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all;
[50] you do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish.”
[51] He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation,
[52] and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.
[53] So from that day on they took counsel how to put him to death.
[54] Jesus therefore no longer went about openly among the Jews, but went from there to the country near the wilderness, to a town called E’phraim; and there he stayed with the disciples.

Matthew 19:16-20:16
[16] And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?”
[17] And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”
[18] He said to him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,
[19] Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
[20] The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?”
[21] Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
[22] When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
[23] And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
[24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
[25] When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
[26] But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
[27] Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?”
[28] Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
[29] And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
[30] But many that are first will be last, and the last first.

Chapter 20
[1] “For the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
[2] After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
[3] And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place;
[4] and to them he said, `You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went.
[5] Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same.
[6] And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing; and he said to them, `Why do you stand here idle all day?’
[7] They said to him, `Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, `You go into the vineyard too.’
[8] And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, `Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’
[9] And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.
[10] Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.
[11] And on receiving it they grumbled at the householder,
[12] saying, `These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’
[13] But he replied to one of them, `Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?
[14] Take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give to you.
[15] Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’
[16] So the last will be first, and the first last.”

Mark 10:28-32
[28] Peter began to say to him, “Lo, we have left everything and followed you.”
[29] Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,
[30] who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
[31] But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”
[32] And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him,

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 9

Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Fortieth Day of Zadeeg

Song of Solomon 3:6-4:3
Isaiah 63:1-6
Luke 24:41-53
Mark 16:9-20
Luke 18:1-14
Acts 1:1-14
Matthew 28:16-20
Matthew 19:1-15
Mark 10:13-27

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Song of Solomon 3:6-4:3
[6] What is that coming up from the wilderness,
like a column of smoke,
perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,
with all the fragrant powders of the merchant?
[7] Behold, it is the litter of Solomon!
About it are sixty mighty men
of the mighty men of Israel,
[8] all girt with swords
and expert in war,
each with his sword at his thigh,
against alarms by night.
[9] King Solomon made himself a palanquin
from the wood of Lebanon.
[10] He made its posts of silver,
its back of gold, its seat of purple;
it was lovingly wrought within
by the daughters of Jerusalem.
[11] Go forth, O daughters of Zion,
and behold King Solomon,
with the crown with which his mother crowned him
on the day of his wedding,
on the day of the gladness of his heart.

Chapter 4
[1] Behold, you are beautiful, my love,
behold, you are beautiful!
Your eyes are doves
behind your veil.
Your hair is like a flock of goats,
moving down the slopes of Gilead.
[2] Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes
that have come up from the washing,
all of which bear twins,
and not one among them is bereaved.
[3] Your lips are like a scarlet thread,
and your mouth is lovely.
Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate
behind your veil.

Isaiah 63:1-6
[1] Who is this that comes from Edom,
in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,
he that is glorious in his apparel,
marching in the greatness of his strength?
“It is I, announcing vindication,
mighty to save.”
[2] Why is thy apparel red,
and thy garments like his that treads in the wine press?
[3] “I have trodden the wine press alone,
and from the peoples no one was with me;
I trod them in my anger
and trampled them in my wrath;
their lifeblood is sprinkled upon my garments,
and I have stained all my raiment.
[4] For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption has come.
[5] I looked, but there was no one to help;
I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold;
so my own arm brought me victory,
and my wrath upheld me.
[6] I trod down the peoples in my anger,
I made them drunk in my wrath,
and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”

Luke 24:41-53
[41] And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
[42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
[43] and he took it and ate before them.
[44] Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.”
[45] Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,
[46] and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
[47] and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
[48] You are witnesses of these things.
[49] And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high.”
[50] Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.
[51] While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.
[52] And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
[53] and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Mark 16:9-20
[9] Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
[10] She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
[11] But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
[12] After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.
[13] And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
[14] Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
[15] And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
[16] He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
[17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
[18] they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
[19] So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
[20] And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Luke 18:1-14
[1] And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
[2] He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man;
[3] and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.’
[4] For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man,
[5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”
[6] And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
[7] And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
[8] I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
[9] He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:
[10] “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
[12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’
[13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!’
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Acts 1:1-14
[1] In the first book, O The-oph’ilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,
[2] until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
[3] To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God.
[4] And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me,
[5] for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
[6] So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
[7] He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority.
[8] But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama’ria and to the end of the earth.”
[9] And when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
[10] And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
[11] and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
[12] Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away;
[13] and when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.
[14] All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Matthew 28:16-20
[16] Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
[17] And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted.
[18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
[20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”

Matthew 19:1-15
[1] Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan;
[2] and large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
[3] And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?”
[4] He answered, “Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,
[5] and said, `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?
[6] So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”
[7] They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”
[8] He said to them, “For your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
[9] And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another, commits adultery.”
[10] The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
[11] But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.
[12] For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it.”
[13] Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people;
[14] but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
[15] And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Mark 10:13-27
[13] And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them.
[14] But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
[15] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
[16] And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.
[17] And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
[18] And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
[19] You know the commandments: `Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
[20] And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.”
[21] And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
[22] At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
[23] And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”
[24] And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
[25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
[26] And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?”
[27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 8

Thirty-ninth Day of Zadeeg

Luke 17:20-37
Acts 21:27-36
I John 3:21-4:6
John 11:1-46
Matthew 18:10-35
Mark 10:1-12

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Luke 17:20-37
[20] So they watched him, and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might take hold of what he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.
[21] They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.
[22] Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?”
[23] But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,
[24] “Show me a coin. Whose likeness and inscription has it?” They said, “Caesar’s.”
[25] He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
[26] And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him by what he said; but marveling at his answer they were silent.
[27] There came to him some Sadducees, those who say that there is no resurrection,
[28] and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the wife and raise up children for his brother.
[29] Now there were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and died without children;
[30] and the second
[31] and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died.
[32] Afterward the woman also died.
[33] In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”
[34] And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage;
[35] but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage,
[36] for they cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
[37] But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.

Acts 21:27-36
[27] When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, who had seen him in the temple, stirred up all the crowd, and laid hands on him,
[28] crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching men everywhere against the people and the law and this place; moreover he also brought Greeks into the temple, and he has defiled this holy place.”
[29] For they had previously seen Troph’imus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
[30] Then all the city was aroused, and the people ran together; they seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
[31] And as they were trying to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.
[32] He at once took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them; and when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
[33] Then the tribune came up and arrested him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done.
[34] Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another; and as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.
[35] And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd;
[36] for the mob of the people followed, crying, “Away with him!”

I John 3:21-4:6
[21] Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God;
[22] and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
[23] And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
[24] All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.

Chapter 4
[1] Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
[2] By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
[3] and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit of antichrist, of which you heard that it was coming, and now it is in the world already.
[4] Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
[5] They are of the world, therefore what they say is of the world, and the world listens to them.
[6] We are of God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and he who is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

John 11:1-46
[1] Now a certain man was ill, Laz’arus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
[2] It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Laz’arus was ill.
[3] So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
[4] But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.”
[5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Laz’arus.
[6] So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
[7] Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go into Judea again.”
[8] The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
[9] Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
[10] But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
[11] Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, “Our friend Laz’arus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep.”
[12] The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.”
[13] Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep.
[14] Then Jesus told them plainly, “Laz’arus is dead;
[15] and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
[16] Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
[17] Now when Jesus came, he found that Laz’arus had already been in the tomb four days.
[18] Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,
[19] and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.
[20] When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house.
[21] Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
[22] And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”
[23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
[24] Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
[25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
[26] and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
[27] She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.”
[28] When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying quietly, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
[29] And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him.
[30] Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.
[31] When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.
[32] Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw him, fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
[33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled;
[34] and he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”
[35] Jesus wept.
[36] So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
[37] But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
[38] Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
[39] Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.”
[40] Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
[41] So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
[42] I knew that thou hearest me always, but I have said this on account of the people standing by, that they may believe that thou didst send me.”
[43] When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Laz’arus, come out.”
[44] The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
[45] Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him;
[46] but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

Matthew 18:10-35
[10] “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
[12] What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?
[13] And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.
[14] So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
[15] “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
[16] But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
[17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
[18] Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
[19] Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
[20] For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
[21] Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”
[22] Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
[23] “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
[24] When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents;
[25] and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.
[26] So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’
[27] And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.
[28] But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.’
[29] So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’
[30] He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt.
[31] When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
[32] Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me;
[33] and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’
[34] And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt.
[35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Mark 10:1-12
[1] And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again; and again, as his custom was, he taught them.
[2] And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
[3] He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”
[4] They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to put her away.”
[5] But Jesus said to them, “For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
[6] But from the beginning of creation, `God made them male and female.’
[7] `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
[8] and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.
[9] What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”
[10] And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.
[11] And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her;
[12] and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 7

Thirty-eighth Day of Zadeeg

Luke 17:1-19
Acts 21:15-26
I John 3:10-20
John 10:22-42
Matthew 17:22-18:9
Mark 9:30-50

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Luke 17:1-19
[1] And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come!
[2] It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.
[3] Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him;
[4] and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, `I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
[5] The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
[6] And the Lord said, “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
[7] “Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table’?
[8] Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink’?
[9] Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
[10] So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
[11] On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama’ria and Galilee.
[12] And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance
[13] and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”
[14] When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.
[15] Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;
[16] and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
[17] Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?
[18] Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
[19] And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Acts 21:15-26
[15] After these days we made ready and went up to Jerusalem.
[16] And some of the disciples from Caesare’a went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
[17] When we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
[18] On the following day Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
[19] After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
[20] And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed; they are all zealous for the law,
[21] and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs.
[22] What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.
[23] Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;
[24] take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you but that you yourself live in observance of the law.
[25] But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from unchastity.”
[26] Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself with them and went into the temple, to give notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for every one of them.

I John 3:10-20
[10] By this it may be seen who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not do right is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother.
[11] For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,
[12] and not be like Cain who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.
[13] Do not wonder, brethren, that the world hates you.
[14] We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
[15] Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
[16] By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
[18] Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth.
[19] By this we shall know that we are of the truth, and reassure our hearts before him
[20] whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

John 10:22-42
[22] It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem;
[23] it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon.
[24] So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
[25] Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness to me;
[26] but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.
[27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me;
[28] and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
[29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
[30] I and the Father are one.”
[31] The Jews took up stones again to stone him.
[32] Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of these do you stone me?”
[33] The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we stone you but for blasphemy; because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
[34] Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, `I said, you are gods’?
[35] If he called them gods to whom the word of God came (and scripture cannot be broken),
[36] do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, `You are blaspheming,’ because I said, `I am the Son of God’?
[37] If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me;
[38] but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
[39] Again they tried to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.
[40] He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John at first baptized, and there he remained.
[41] And many came to him; and they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.”
[42] And many believed in him there.

Matthew 17:22-18:9
[22] As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men,
[23] and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.
[24] When they came to Caper’na-um, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the tax?”
[25] He said, “Yes.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from others?”
[26] And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.
[27] However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel; take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

Chapter 18
[1] At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
[2] And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them,
[3] and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
[4] Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
[5] “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me;
[6] but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
[7] “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the man by whom the temptation comes!
[8] And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.
[9] And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.

Mark 9:30-50
[30] They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it;
[31] for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise.”
[32] But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to ask him.
[33] And they came to Caper’na-um; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”
[34] But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest.
[35] And he sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
[36] And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them,
[37] “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
[38] John said to him, “Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us.”
[39] But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me.
[40] For he that is not against us is for us.
[41] For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward.
[42] “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
[43] And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.
[45] And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.
[47] And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,
[48] where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.
[49] For every one will be salted with fire.
[50] Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its saltness, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 6

Thirty-seventh Day of Zadeeg

Luke 16:1-31
Acts 21:1-14
I John 3:7-10
John 10:11-21
Matthew 17:14-21
Mark 9:15-29

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Luke 16:1-31
[1] He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a steward, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.
[2] And he called him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’
[3] And the steward said to himself, `What shall I do, since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
[4] I have decided what to do, so that people may receive me into their houses when I am put out of the stewardship.’
[5] So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, `How much do you owe my master?’
[6] He said, `A hundred measures of oil.’ And he said to him, `Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
[7] Then he said to another, `And how much do you owe?’ He said, `A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, `Take your bill, and write eighty.’
[8] The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
[9] And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations.
[10] “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.
[11] If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?
[12] And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
[13] No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
[14] The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they scoffed at him.
[15] But he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
[16] “The law and the prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and every one enters it violently.
[17] But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one dot of the law to become void.
[18] “Every one who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
[19] “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
[20] And at his gate lay a poor man named Laz’arus, full of sores,
[21] who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
[22] The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried;
[23] and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz’arus in his bosom.
[24] And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz’arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’
[25] But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz’arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
[26] And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
[27] And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house,
[28] for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
[29] But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’
[30] And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
[31] He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.’”

Acts 21:1-14
[1] And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Pat’ara.
[2] And having found a ship crossing to Phoeni’cia, we went aboard, and set sail.
[3] When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload its cargo.
[4] And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. Through the Spirit they told Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
[5] And when our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey; and they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way till we were outside the city; and kneeling down on the beach we prayed and bade one another farewell.
[6] Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
[7] When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolema’is; and we greeted the brethren and stayed with them for one day.
[8] On the morrow we departed and came to Caesare’a; and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
[9] And he had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.
[10] While we were staying for some days, a prophet named Ag’abus came down from Judea.
[11] And coming to us he took Paul’s girdle and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, `So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this girdle and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
[12] When we heard this, we and the people there begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
[13] Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
[14] And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “The will of the Lord be done.”

I John 3:7-10
[7] Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does right is righteous, as he is righteous.
[8] He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
[9] No one born of God commits sin; for God’s nature abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God.
[10] By this it may be seen who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not do right is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother.

John 10:11-21
[11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
[12] He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
[13] He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep.
[14] I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me,
[15] as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
[16] And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.
[17] For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.
[18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father.”
[19] There was again a division among the Jews because of these words.
[20] Many of them said, “He has a demon, and he is mad; why listen to him?”
[21] Others said, “These are not the sayings of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Matthew 17:14-21
[14] And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and kneeling before him said,
[15] “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.
[16] And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.”
[17] And Jesus answered, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.”
[18] And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly.
[19] Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
[20] He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
[21] …

Mark 9:15-29
[15] And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and ran up to him and greeted him.
[16] And he asked them, “What are you discussing with them?”
[17] And one of the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit;
[18] and wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.”
[19] And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.”
[20] And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.
[21] And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood.
[22] And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.”
[23] And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible to him who believes.”
[24] Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
[25] And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.”
[26] And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.”
[27] But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
[28] And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
[29] And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America

May 5

Thirty-sixth Day of Zadeeg,
Sixth Sunday

Luke 14:25-15:32
Acts 20:17-38
I John 3:2-6
John 9:39-10:10
Matthew 16:13-17:13
Matthew 27:36-50
Mark 8:27-9:13

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Luke 14:25-15:32
[25] Now great multitudes accompanied him; and he turned and said to them,
[26] “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
[27] Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
[28] For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
[29] Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
[30] saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’
[31] Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
[32] And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassy and asks terms of peace.
[33] So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
[34] “Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored?
[35] It is fit neither for the land nor for the dunghill; men throw it away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Chapter 15
[1] Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.
[2] And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
[3] So he told them this parable:
[4] “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it?
[5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
[6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’
[7] Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
[8] “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?
[9] And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.’
[10] Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
[11] And he said, “There was a man who had two sons;
[12] and the younger of them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them.
[13] Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living.
[14] And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want.
[15] So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine.
[16] And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything.
[17] But when he came to himself he said, `How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger!
[18] I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;
[19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”‘
[20] And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
[21] And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
[22] But the father said to his servants, `Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet;
[23] and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry;
[24] for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry.
[25] “Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
[26] And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant.
[27] And he said to him, `Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’
[28] But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him,
[29] but he answered his father, `Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.
[30] But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’
[31] And he said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
[32] It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Acts 20:17-38
[17] And from Mile’tus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.
[18] And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you all the time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
[19] serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews;
[20] how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
[21] testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance to God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
[22] And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the Spirit, not knowing what shall befall me there;
[23] except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.
[24] But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
[25] And now, behold, I know that all you among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom will see my face no more.
[26] Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you,
[27] for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
[28] Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.
[29] I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
[30] and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
[31] Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
[32] And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
[33] I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.
[34] You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.
[35] In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
[36] And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
[37] And they all wept and embraced Paul and kissed him,
[38] sorrowing most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him to the ship.

I John 3:2-6
[2] Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
[4] Every one who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
[5] You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
[6] No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him.

John 9:39-10:10
[39] Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.”
[40] Some of the Pharisees near him heard this, and they said to him, “Are we also blind?”
[41] Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, `We see,’ your guilt remains.

Chapter 10
[1] “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber;
[2] but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
[3] To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
[4] When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
[5] A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
[6] This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
[7] So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
[8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them.
[9] I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Matthew 16:13-17:13
[13] Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare’a Philip’pi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?”
[14] And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli’jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
[15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
[16] Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
[17] And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
[18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.
[19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
[20] Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
[21] From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
[22] And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you.”
[23] But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men.”
[24] Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
[25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
[26] For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?
[27] For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.
[28] Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.”

Chapter 17
[1] And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart.
[2] And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.
[3] And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Eli’jah, talking with him.
[4] And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli’jah.”
[5] He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
[6] When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe.
[7] But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”
[8] And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
[9] And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead.”
[10] And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Eli’jah must come?”
[11] He replied, “Eli’jah does come, and he is to restore all things;
[12] but I tell you that Eli’jah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands.”
[13] Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Matthew 27:36-50
[36] then they sat down and kept watch over him there.
[37] And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”
[38] Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.
[39] And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads
[40] and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
[41] So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying,
[42] “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
[43] He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, `I am the Son of God.’”
[44] And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
[45] Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.
[46] And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, la’ma sabach-tha’ni?” that is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
[47] And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “This man is calling Eli’jah.”
[48] And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink.
[49] But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Eli’jah will come to save him.”
[50] And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

Mark 8:27-9:13
[27] And Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare’a Philip’pi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?”
[28] And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Eli’jah; and others one of the prophets.”
[29] And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”
[30] And he charged them to tell no one about him.
[31] And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
[32] And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
[33] But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.”
[34] And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
[35] For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.
[36] For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?
[37] For what can a man give in return for his life?
[38] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Chapter 9
[1] And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”
[2] And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them,
[3] and his garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
[4] And there appeared to them Eli’jah with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus.
[5] And Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli’jah.”
[6] For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid.
[7] And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
[8] And suddenly looking around they no longer saw any one with them but Jesus only.
[9] And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of man should have risen from the dead.
[10] So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.
[11] And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Eli’jah must come?”
[12] And he said to them, “Eli’jah does come first to restore all things; and how is it written of the Son of man, that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt?
[13] But I tell you that Eli’jah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is copyright © National Council of Churches of Christ in America