Study Desk

They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.

Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take.

The superscription of his accusation was written over him, "THE KING OF THE JEWS."

With him they crucified two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left.

When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he said to you.'"

Now it happened, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his division,

according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth.

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

He will go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.

After these days Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,

Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.'

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father, David,

and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end of his kingdom."

For he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

For he who is mighty has done to me great things. Holy is his name.

His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him.