Study Desk

Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. "Simon, are you asleep?" He asked, "Were you not able to keep watch for one hour?

Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping-for their eyes were heavy. And they did not know what to answer Him.

For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent.

But he denied it again. After a little while, those standing nearby said once more to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you too are a Galilean."

For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over.

Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here! See the place where they laid Him.

Later as they were eating, Jesus appeared to the eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb.

And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous-to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple.

After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared,

"The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

So the angel told her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

For nothing will be impossible with God."

For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name.