Luke 21–24

1He looked up and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.

2He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins.

3He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them,

4for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”

5As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, he said,

6“As for these things which you see, the days will come in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down.”

7They asked him, “Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?”

8He said, “Watch out that you don’t get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he ,’ and, ‘The time is at hand.’ Therefore don’t follow them.

9When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.”

10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

11There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

13It will turn out as a testimony for you.

14Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer,

15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.

16You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death.

17You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake.

18And not a hair of your head will perish.

19“By your endurance you will win your lives.

20“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.

21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the middle of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein.

22For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

23Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath to this people.

24They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves;

26men fainting for fear and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

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

28But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”

29He told them a parable. “See the fig tree and all the trees.

30When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near.

31Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near.

32Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished.

33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.

34“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.

35For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth.

36Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night he would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet.

38All the people came early in the morning to him in the temple to hear him.

1Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching.

2The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.

3Satan entered into Judas, who was also called Iscariot, who was counted with the twelve.

4He went away and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.

5They were glad, and agreed to give him money.

6He consented and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.

7The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.

8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

9They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare?”

10He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters.

11Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’

12He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.”

13They went, found things as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

14When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.

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

16for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in God’s Kingdom.”

17He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves,

18for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until God’s Kingdom comes.”

19He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”

20Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

21But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.

22The Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!”

23They began to question among themselves which of them it was who would do this thing.

24A dispute also arose among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.

25He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’

26But not so with you. Rather, the one who is greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.

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

28“But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.

29I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,

30that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

31The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat,

32but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”

33He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”

34He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”

35He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”

36Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.

37For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me is being fulfilled.”

38They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.” He said to them, “That is enough.”

39He came out and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.

40When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.”

41He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed,

42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

43An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.

44Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

45When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief,

46and said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

47While he was still speaking, a crowd appeared. He who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.

48But Jesus said to him, “Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”

50A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this” —and he touched his ear and healed him.

52Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?

53When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

54They seized him and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance.

55When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat among them.

56A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, “This man also was with him.”

57He denied Jesus, saying, “Woman, I don’t know him.”

58After a little while someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them!” But Peter answered, “Man, I am not!”

59After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!”

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

61The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”

62He went out, and wept bitterly.

63The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.

64Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?”

65They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.

66As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people were gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying,

67“If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you won’t believe,

68and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.

69From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

70They all said, “Are you then the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say it, because I am.”

71They said, “Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!”

1The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate.

2They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.”

3Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.”

4Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5But they insisted, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place.”

6But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean.

7When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

8Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him.

9He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers.

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

11Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate.

12Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.

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

14and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and behold, having examined him before you, I found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him.

15Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him.

16I will therefore chastise him and release him.”

17Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast.

18But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!”—

19one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder.

20Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus,

21but they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify him!”

22He said to them the third time, “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.”

23But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed.

24Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done.

25He released him who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will.

26When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry it after Jesus.

27A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him.

28But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

29For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’

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

31For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?”

32There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death.

33When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.

35The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!”

36The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar,

37and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”

38An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

39One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”

40But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?

41And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”

42He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

43Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.

45The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.

46Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.

47When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.”

48All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their chests.

49All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.

50Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man

51(he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for God’s Kingdom.

52This man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.

53He took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.

54It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near.

55The women who had come with him out of Galilee followed after, and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.

56They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

1But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.

2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

3They entered in, and didn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body.

4While they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing.

5Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. The men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?

6He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee,

7saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again?”

8They remembered his words,

9returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.

10Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles.

11These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn’t believe them.

12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened.

13Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.

14They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened.

15While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them.

16But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

17He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”

18One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”

19He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;

20and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.

21But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.

22Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb;

23and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.

24Some of us went to the tomb and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

25He said to them, “Foolish people, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

26Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?”

27Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28They came near to the village where they were going, and he acted like he would go further.

29They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.” He went in to stay with them.

30When he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave it to them.

31Their eyes were opened and they recognized him; then he vanished out of their sight.

32They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?”

33They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them,

34saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”

35They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

37But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?

39See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.”

40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

41While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

42They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.

43He took them, and ate in front of them.

44He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms concerning me must be fulfilled.”

45Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.

46He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,

47and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48You are witnesses of these things.

49Behold, I send out the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”

50He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them.

51While he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.

52They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

53and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.