Study Desk

But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, praised God.

He called ten servants of his, and gave them ten minas, and told them, 'Conduct business until I come.'

But his citizens hated him, and sent an envoy after him, saying, 'We don't want this man to reign over us.'

It happened, when he drew near to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples,

At the proper season, he sent a servant to the farmers to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farmers beat him, and sent him away empty.

They weren't able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer, and were silent.

They asked him, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should take the wife, and raise up children for his brother.

"David therefore calls him Lord, so how is he his son?"

In the hearing of all the people, he said to his disciples,

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

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

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

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

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

But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this" -- and he touched his ear, and healed him.

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

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

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.