Part 11
LXXXVIII. Forgiveness and Faith (Lk 17:1-10)
LXXXIX. Lazarus Raised from the Dead (Jn 11:1-46)
XC. Ten Lepers (Lk 17:11-19)
XCI. The Kingdom Come (Lk 17:20-18:8)
XCII. The Publican and the Pharisee (Lk 18:9-14)
XCIII. About Divorce (Mt19:1-12; Mk 10:1-12)
XCIV. Blessing Children (Mt 19:13-15; Mk 10:13-16; Lk
18:15-17)
XCV. The Rich Young Ruler (Mt 19:16-20:16; Mk 10:17-31;
Lk 18:18-30)
XCVI. Jesus Foretells of his Crucifixion (Mt 20:17-19;
Mk 10:32-34; Lk 18:31-34)
XCVII. The Forwardness of James and John (Mt 20:20-28;
Mk 10:35-45)
XCVIII. The Visit to Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-28)
XCIX. A Blind Man Near Jericho (Mt 20:29-34; Mk 10:46-52;
Lk 18:35-43)
C. Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany (Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9;
Jn 11:55-12:11)
LXXXVIII. Forgiveness and Faith (Lk 17:1-10)
And Jesus said unto the disciples, "It is
not impossible that causes or occasions of sinning come: but woe
(to the one) through whom they are coming! It is (more) advantageous
and profitable for him that a millstone of an ass is hung round about
his very neck, and he be [ "be" - not "had been"] cast down into
the sea, than that he should cause one of these humble, young ones
to morally stumble, falter or err. Give heed and attend to yourselves.
Now if your brother should sin against you, you rebuke, censure
or reprimand unto him alone; and if he should undergo a change
in thinking and feeling and repent, you forgive him for it and let
it go. And if he should sin against you seven times per day, and
seven times per day he should turn back around to you, saying, "I am
changing my heart and repenting;" you shall forgive him for it and
let it go."
And the apostles said unto the Lord, "Add
faith, belief, assurance, firm conviction and persuasion to us."
And the Lord said, "If you all were holding or retaining faith,
belief, assurance, firm conviction and persuasion like as a (tiny)
mustard seed, you all could say unto this sycamine tree, "You be
root up and be set in the sea;" and it would obey you. But who out
of you all - having or possessing a slave plowing or shepherding
- will immediately say unto him coming in from the field, "Coming
aside, pass the time, kick yourself back, recline and rest." But
will (you) not (rather) say unto him, "You prepare and make ready
something [ti: "something" - it should be the indefinite - not the
interrogative. Aspirate marks were, as a later development, incorporated
into the Greek. There were no such indications in the older uncial
texts.] I can sup, and girding yourself, serve or wait upon me until
I can eat and can drink; and after these (things) you shall eat and shall
drink?" He is not having a sense of obligation with corresponding emotion
toward that slave because he performed, accomplished and executed that
being commanded or directed unto him. In this way, all of you also, when
you shall have done all that commanded or directed unto you, you all say,
"For we are unmeritorious slaves; because we have (merely or only) done
what we were obligated and bound to do.""
LXXXIX. Lazarus Raised from the Dead (Jn 11:1-46)
Now a certain man was sickly, Lazarus of bethany,
from the village of Mary and her sister Martha. And it was the
Mary anointing the Lord with unguent, and wiping dry his feet with
her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore, the sisters
sent unto Jesus, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom you are fond of is
sick." And hearing, Jesus said, "This sickness is not unto death,
but for the furtherance of the reputation, glorification, credit,
praise and honor of God, in order that the Son of God may be recognized
and identified through or by means of it." Now Jesus was feeling and
manifesting genuine concern for Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
Therefore, when he heard that he was sick, at that time he stayed
or remained another two days in which place he was. Then after this,
he said unto the disciples, "We should go back into Judaea again." The
disciples said unto him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to pelt
you with stones; and you are going there again?!" Jesus answered, "Are
there not twelve hours of the day? If a person should walk during the
day, he is not stumbling, because he is seeing the light of this world.
But if a person should walk during the night, he is stumbling, because
he is not furnished with light." These things he spoke, and after this
he said unto them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep and now sleeps;
but I go, in order that I may arouse and awaken him." Therefore the
diciples said of him, "Lord, since he has fallen asleep and now sleeps,
he will be restored to health." Now Jesus had spoken and told about
his death: but they supposed and thought that he was speaking about sleep,
meaning of rest and repose. Then, therefore, Jesus openly and plainly
said unto them without ambiguity, "Lazarus died. And I am joyful and
glad for your sakes that I was not there in that place, in order that
you all may be mentally persuaded, believe and give credence to (my
claims); at all events, we should force (ourselves) to go unto him.
Then Thomas, the one being designated Didymus [a twin], said unto
the fellow disciples, "We should accompany (him) and go also, so that
we can die with him."
Then coming [Both text types have a 1st person
singular 2nd aorist subjunctive - elthon: "I may come": it should
be an accusative singular masculine 2nd aorist participle - elthonta:
"coming."], Jesus discovered him holding within the tomb or sepulchre
four days already. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about one and three
quarter miles away from (it); and many of those Jews had come around
unto Martha and Mary, and were there so that they might soothe, comfort
and console them concerning their brother. Martha, therefore, when
she heard that Jesus is coming, met him: but Mary was sitting in the
house. Then Martha said unto Jesus, "Lord, if you were here, my brother
would not be dead. But even now, as matters stand, I know absolutely
that as much as you might vaguely ask or request for yourself (of)
God, God will grant (it) unto you." Jesus said unto her, "Your brother
will rise up again." Martha said unto him, "I absolutely know that
he will rise up again - in the resurrection during the last day." Jesus
said unto her, "I am the author of resurrection, and the author of life:
the one believing and trusting into me, even if he should die, he will
live, participating in resurrection's results: and every one living and
believing and trusting into me can never die, unto the extent of eternity.
Are you believing this?" She said unto him, "Yes, Lord: I have believed
- and still do - that you are Christ the Messiah - the Son of God - the
one coming into the world." And saying these (things), she departed and
secretly summoned her sister, Mary, saying, "The Teacher is come and is
summoning you." When she heard her, she was immediately raising herself
up and going unto him.
Now Jesus had not yet come into the village,
but was (still) in the place where Martha met him. Then those Jews
- those being with her in the house and soothing, comforting and consoling
her - seeing that Mary rose up quickly and departed, they followed
her, saying, "She is withdrawing to the tomb or sepulchre so that
she can weep there." Then Mary, when she came (to) where Jesus was,
beholding him, she fell down prostrate at his feet, saying unto him,
"Lord, if you were here, my brother would not have died." Then Jesus,
as he beheld her weeping, and the Jews accompanying her weeping (also),
he fretted greatly - disturbed or agitated in the spirit (over sin
and its consequences) - and affected himself with grief, and said,
"Where have you laid him now?" They said unto him, "Lord, come and
see." Jesus shed tears. The Jews therefore said, "Behold how he
was loving him!" But several of them said, "Was not this (man), opening
the eyes of the blind, able to also cause (that) this (man) should not
die?" Then Jesus, greatly fretting again within himself, was coming to
the tomb or sepulchre. Now (it) was a cave, and a stone was laying upon
it. Jesus said, "Lift and remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the (one)
having died, said unto him, "Lord, he already stinks; for he is on the fourth
day." Jesus said unto her, "Did I not say unto you that if you would believe,
you will see the glorious working and manifestation of God?" Then they
lifted and removed the stone where the dead was lying. And Jesus lifted
his eyes upwards and said, "Father, I am thanking you that you heard me.
And I knew all the time that you are always listening to me: but for the
sake of the multitude standing around I speak, so that they might believe
that you sent me." And speaking these (things), he vociferated (with) great
volume, "Lazarus, come here! Outside!" And the dead (man) came out, the
feet and the hands being bound with grave-clothes; and his face being bound
up around with cloth. Jesus said unto them, "You all untie and loose him
and allow (him) to go or depart." Therefore, many of the Jews - those coming
unto Mary - having seen (that) which Jesus did, believed and trusted into
him. But several of them went away unto the Pharisees, and told them (of
that) which Jesus did.
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees convoked
an assembly, sanhedrin or council and said, "What are we accomplishing,
seeing that this individual is causing many signs, wonders, proofs
and remarkable events to take place? If we should carelessly overlook
and dismiss him, or permissively let him alone and not forbid him under
such circumstances, all will give credence and believe into him: and
the Romans will come and will remove both our dwelling place, seat,
office, situation or position and our people or nation." But one certain
somebody out of them, Caiaphas, being high priest of that cyclic year,
said unto them, "You all know absolutely nothing, neither are you considering
or taking into account that it is beneficial, conducive, expedient
and advantageous for us that one individual should die instead of or
in behalf of the people, and (that) the whole entire populace or nation
should not itself perish." Now this he said not of himself: but being
high priest of that cyclic year, he prophesied and foretold that Jesus
was about to be dying (with a settled futurity) for, instead of or in
behalf of the populace or nation; and not for, instead of or in behalf
of the populace or nation only, but in order that he might also gather
or bring together into one unit, the children of God being scattered (abroad
within the Nations). Consequently from that day forth, they plotted together
so that they could kill him. Therefore Jesus was no longer walking freely
among the Jews, but departed from that place into the country, region
or territory near the wilderness, into a town being called Ephraim; and
there he was remaining, passing time with his disciples.
XC. Ten Lepers (Lk 17:11-19)
Now it came to pass, in the course of passing
on his way from there to journey into Jerusalem, he was even passing
through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And he entering into a
certain village, ten leprous men encountered him, which stood at
a distance: and (with one accord) they raised their voice, saying,
"Jesus, Master or Doctor, have pity and compassion and show gracious
favor and mercy towards us." And beholding he said unto them, "Proceeding,
go show yourselves to the priests who perform sacrificial rites."
And it happened (that) while they (went) to draw away, they became
cleansed and purified. Now one out of them, noticing that he had been
cured, returned with a loud voice adoring and worshipping God. And
he fell to the ground prostrate upon his face near to his feet, giving
him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus responding said, "Were
not ten cleansed and purified? And where (are) the (other) nine? Was
no one found returning to offer praise unto God, except this foreigner?"
And he said unto him, "Rising up, depart on your way: your faith has restored
your health - you're cured."
XCI. The Kingdom Come (Lk 17:20-18:8)
And being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom
of God is coming, he answered them and said, "The kingdom of God is
not coming with observation or perception: neither will they say,
"Lo, here in this place!" nor, "Lo, there in that place!" For lo, the
kingdom of God is (meant) to be existing inside or within you (by means
of the Holy Spirit)." [God is not hiding from us. He showed himself to man
in a form we could relate to - the person of Jesus Christ. Indeed the
kingdom was already standing there before the Pharisees in the person
of Christ the Messiah, and being entered into by storm by faithing
believers of that day; and even unto this day the kingdom is here in
our midst - inside today's faithing believers via the indwelling Holy
Spirit.]
And he said unto the disciples, "Days shall come
when you will all long to see just one of the days of the Son of
Man, but you will not be admitted to witness even one. And they shall
say unto you all, "Lo, here in this place!" or, "Lo, there in that place!"
You all should not go off after it, nor should you all even impulsively
follow in their direction: for just like as the flashing of lightning
is shining out from under the heaven into the extent of the limit
under the heaven; so in this way also shall the Son of Man be in his
(coming) day (of judgment). But it is necessarily binding that he
alone must inevitably suffer many things first, and be totally disallowed
(the claim to identity) this generation avoids. But in the manner
that it came to pass in the days of Noah, in this way shall it also
be in the days of the Son of Man: they were eating, they were drinking,
they were marrying, they were being given in marriage (all with an associated
false notion of ostensible security), until which day Noah entered
into the ark, and the cataclysmic deluge came and utterly killed them
all. Likewise, in a similar manner, as it came to pass in the days
of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were purchasing,
they were selling, they were planting, they were building (totally
distracted and absorbed with the common things and mundane activities
of life); but which day Lot escaped from Sodom, it rained fire and sulpherous
brimstone from heaven, and utterly killed them all. According to this
will it be on which day the Son of Man is being revealed. In that day,
whoever shall be upon the housetop, and his belongings within the house,
let him not go down to get them: and likewise, let not the one in the
cultivated field turn to retrieve those things left behind. [Forsake all.
You can't take it with you.] You all remember and reflect, fixing your thoughts
upon Lot's wife. [Don't even look back.] Whosoever might endeavour to
preserve his life safe, he shall bring it to nought and lose it: but
whosoever should bring it to nought and lose it, he shall preserve it
safe. I tell you, in this night there will be two upon one couch; the
one shall be taken, received and carried off (with me), and the other will
be passed over, left remaining and sent away to expire (with prejudice).
Two will be grinding together; the one shall be taken, received and carried
off (with me), and the other will be passed over, left remaining and sent
away to expire (with prejudice). Two will be in the field; the one shall
be taken, received and carried off (with me), and the other will be passed
over, left remaining and sent away to expire (with prejudice)." And they
were asking, saying unto him, "Where? In what place, Lord?" And he said
unto them, "Whereever the carcase, in that place will the vultures will
be gathered together." [The lost will be food for the birds of the air,
but also, as a vulture can scent and spot carion from a great way off, so
also with Christ. Don't go looking for him - he will find you. You will unmistakenly
know of his arrival, and it will be too sudden to be able to prepare for.
One must be always readied for it.]
And he also spoke a parable for their benefit
that they ought always to pray, and not to be remiss, indolent or
despondent; saying, "A certain judge was in a certain city, himself
not fearing God, and himself not regarding man. And a widow was
in that city; and she was often coming unto him, saying, "Adjudicate
me from my opponent!" And he would not for a time: but after this he
said within himself, "Since I myself am fearing not even God, and I
myself am not regarding man; yet because this widow is the cause of my
vexation, I will adjudicate her, so that ultimately she can not pester
or weary me (with her importunity)." And the Lord said, "Hear what
the unjust judge says; and shall God in no way put into execution the
adjudication of his elect, those crying out unto him day and night, even
bearing long over them? I say unto you, that he will put in execution
their adjudication speedily. Nevertheless, should the Son of Man come,
consequently, will he find faith, or The Faith, upon the earth?"
XCII. The Publican and the Pharisee (Lk 18:9-14)
And he also spoke this parable unto several of
those depending upon themselves - that they were righteous - and
making light of the rest, treating them with contempt and scorn: "Two
men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the
other a collector of taxes. The Pharisee being long standing was
praying these things with himself: "God, I am thanking you that I am
not as other individuals: rapacious robbers; fallacious, unrighteous,
deceitful and vicious wrongdoers; faithless, ungodly and lustful adulterers;
or even like as this (here) collector of taxes. I fast twice (during)
the week, (and) give tithes of all, as long as I am making gain." But
the collector of taxes, standing afar off - at a distance, was not willing
even to lift up the eyes to look into the heaven, but was grievously beating
against his breast, saying, "God, be gracious and merciful to me the depraved
Sinner who strays from the path of virtue." I say unto you, this (man)
went down into his house receiving acquittal and justification (rather)
than that (Pharisee): for every (one) elevating, exalting or uplifting
himself will be abased, brought down or humbled; but the (one) abasing,
humbling or bringing himself down will be elevated, exalted or lifted
up."
XCIII. About Divorce (Mt19:1-12; Mk 10:1-12)
And it came to pass when Jesus ended these words,
that arising he thence departed from Galilee, and came into the borders
of Judaea by the other side of the Jordan; and great confused multitudes
of people again came together and accompanied or followed him; and
as he was accustomed, he taught them again, and he attended (to their
needs), healing and ministering unto them there. And approaching,
the Pharisees drew near and questioned him - putting him to the test
- and asked, saying unto him, "Is it always lawful for a man - a husband
- to divorce his wife in virtue of every accusation, cause, case
or crime?" And answering he said unto them, "What has Moses directed
you?" And they said, "Moses permitted or allowed (us) to write a billet
of repudiation or divorcement, and to dismiss (her)." And answering
Jesus said unto them, "For your obstinate, obdurate hardness of heart
he wrote this directive for you. Have all of you not read with discernment,
recognizing that the One creating from the beginning - the God of creation
- originally created them male and female, and said "For this reason
shall a man leave behind his father and mother, and shall be adhered
or joined to his wife; and the two shall become, result in or amount
to one flesh?" Consequently, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore,
nobody be severing, separating or disuniting, whom God has conjoined
or united." (Then) they said unto him, "Why then did Moses direct (us)
to present a billet of repudiation or divorcement, and to dismiss her?"
He said unto them, "Because of, with reference to, in respect of, or
concerning your perverseness and hardness of heart, Moses handed it over
to your management and permitted or allowed you to dismiss your wives:
but originally, from the start, it was not this way, and it so remains
intact. Yea I say unto you that whoever may divorce his wife - except
for fornication or adultery - and shall enter the state of marriage with
another, is committing and is guilty of adultery, [Mt 5:32]: and the one
marrying her that has been divorced is (also)committing and is guilty
of adultery [present tense, indicative mood, linear action]."
And in the house his disciples questioned him again
concerning the same. And he said saying unto them, "Whosoever may
divorce his wife and shall marry another, is committing and is guilty
of adultery against her: and if a wife should divorce her husband
and should be married to another, she is committing and is guilty of
adultery." His disciples said unto him, "Since thus is the case of the
man with the wife, it is not profitable, advantageous or expedient to
enter into the state of marriage." But he said unto them, "Not all are
mentally accepting or yielding accordance to this saying - only those
to whom it has been given. [See all of 1st Corinthians chapter 7 for relationships;
especially verse 7, which indicates that celibacy is a gift from God.]
For there are those incapable of sexual relations who were born this way
from a mother's womb: and there are (the) eunuchs who were emasculated
by man: and there are (the) celibate who have halted themselves for the
sake of, or while subject to, the kingdom of the heavens. The one able
to mentally give admittance, receive, accept, and yield accordance, let
him admit, receive, and accept it (with accord)."
XCIV. Blessing Children (Mt 19:13-15; Mk 10:13-16; Lk 18:15-17)
Then there were brought unto him children: they were
bringing them so that he might place his hands on them; and they were
also carrying unto him their infants and toddlers in order that
he himself might touch them and pray. And (upon) seeing (this) the
disciples reprimanded them and were rebuking those carrying (babes).
And Jesus seeing (this), manifested indignation, and calling them to
himself, he said unto them, "Permit the children to come unto me, and
prevent or restrain them not: for of this kind or sort is the kingdom
of God (the heavens). Truly I say unto you, whosoever shall not welcome,
receive and embrace the kingdom of God like as a child, they shall in
no way enter into it. And taking the (children) in his arms, he was
embracing and blessing them and laying the hands upon them, and he then
passed on his way from there.
XCV. The Rich Young Ruler (Mt 19:16-20:16; Mk 10:17-31; Lk 18:18-30)
And as Jesus was going forth into the way, behold,
one certain ruler, invested with power and dignity, came expecting,
approaching and falling to his knees before him; and was questioning
him, saying, "Good, virtuous, beneficient Teacher, what good, generous
and upright thing should I be doing in order that I may have, take
possession of, acquire, or obtain eternal life?" And Jesus said unto
him, "Why are you designating or calling me good, virtuous and beneficient?
No one is good except One - God. But if you are desiring to enter into
life, strictly keep the commandments." He said unto him, "Which?" And
Jesus said, "You know the commandments: You shall not commit murder,
You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear
false witness or give false testimony, You shall not defraud, Respect,
honor and reverence your father and your mother, and, You will kindly
manifest genuine care and concern for, be faithful to, value and esteem
your neighbor as (you would) yourself." And answering, the young man,
(who was) in the prime of life, said unto him, "Teacher, all these I have
myself observed from my youth. What in addition am I yet lacking or wanting:
what defect, or how am I in default?" And hearing this, Jesus, searchingly
looking upon him with import, loved, valued and manifested gracious concern
for him by seeking his highest good, and told forth or expressed unto
him: "One thing you are yet lacking or wanting: if you are willing to
be brought to completion without shortcoming, you go, you sell all - goods,
possessions and property, as much as you are possessing, and you give,
distributing to the poor, mendicant and indigent, and you will have a
precious deposit of treasure in heaven: and come, taking up and bearing
the cross, you follow and imitate me." But upon hearing these things the
young man's countenance fell over the word, and putting on a gloomy and
crushed look, he became greatly grieved, pained and exceedingly distressed
and sorrowful, and he went away sad: for he was one that was holding many
great possessions. He was very rich - exceedingly wealthy. [This does not
teach us to take a vow of poverty, though we may. In this case the rich
young ruler wanted to add eternal life to all that he already had. Jesus
saw through it and seeking his highest good, exposed to him his greed.]
And watching him (go), Jesus, becoming greatly grieved,
and looking round about, said unto his disciples, "How hardly will
they having wealth and riches enter into and partake of the kingdom
of God! Truly I say unto you, that with difficulty (the) rich will
enter into the kingdom of the heavens!" And the disciples were becoming
amazed at his words. But avowing again Jesus said unto them, "Children,
how difficult is it for those trusting [a settled and completed action]
upon riches to enter into the kingdom of God! And again I can address
you all, it is easier and more feasible for a camel to enter in and
pass through the eye of a needle, than (for) one rich to enter into the
kingdom of God." And the disciples upon hearing it were becoming more
abundantly amazed and exceedingly astounded, saying to themselves, and
then unto him, "And then who is able to be saved?" And Jesus, looking
upon them, said unto them, "The impossible with men, is possible with
God. With people this is impossible, but not with God; for with God all
things are possible." And then Peter, responding by himself, began to
say unto him, "Lo, we have forsaken and abandoned all and followed you.
What then will there be for us?" And answering Jesus said unto them, "Truly
I tell you all, that you, those following me, in the new birth, regeneration
or renovation [of the world], when the Son of Man shall sit upon his throne
of glory, you also will yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, judging the
twelve tribes of Israel. There is no one who has left houses, or parents,
or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or wife, or children, or
cultivated fields, for the sake of my Name, and the Gospel, and for the
sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive back or recover many
times more for now in this time. Except everyone that has left these will
receive a hundredfold now in this time: houses and brothers, and sisters,
and mothers, and children, and lands, together with persecutions, and
for in the coming age, will obtain, acquire or receive possession of
life eternal. But many first will be last; and the last first.
"For the kingdom of the heavens is similar to a man
- the master of a house - who came out together with the early morning
to hire himself laborers into his vineyard. And making an agreement
with the workers for a denarius (for) the day, he sent them into his
vineyard. And coming out about the third hour, he saw others standing
in the market-place unemployed; and to them also he said, "You all go
also into the vineyard, and whatsoever shall be fair, I will give (it)
to you all." And they went forth. Again coming out about the sixth and
the ninth hour, and did likewise, in just the same way or manner. And
coming out about the eleventh hour he happened upon others standing unemployed,
and he said unto them, "Why are you all standing here inactive the entire
day?" They are said unto him, "Because no one has hired us for their
work." He said unto them, "You all go also into the vineyard, and whatsoever
shall be fair, you will all receive." And evening coming, the lord of
the vineyard said unto his manager, "You call the laborers and give them
the wage in answer to their expectation, beginning yourself from those
last even unto those first." And those coming about the eleventh hour
received at the rate of a denarius. And those coming first supposed and
presumed that they will get more; but they themselves likewise received
at the rate of a denarius. And receiving (it) they were indignantly complaining,
murmering and grumbling in sullen discontent against the master of the
house, saying, "These last have continued for (only) one hour, and you
have made them equal to us for bearing the duration and scorching heat
of the day." But answering he said to one of them, "Friend, I am not
wronging you. (Did) you not make to me an agreement (for) a denarius?
You take up yours and leave; for I want to give to this last, even as
to you; or is it not legally proper for me to do what I want with respect
to (what is) mine, since your eye is envious because I am generous?"
So, in this way, the last will be first and the first last. But many men
are called or invited (to privileges and functions) [referring to the above
summons to work the Lord's vineyard], but few men are chosen (as recipients
of special privilege) [referring to the resultant equal reward for disparity
in working the Lord's vineyard]."
XCVI. Jesus Foretells of his Crucifixion (Mt 20:17-19; Mk 10:32-34;
Lk 18:31-34)
And as they were in the road going up to Jerusalem, Jesus
was leading them; and they were becoming astonished, amazed and awe-struck;
and those following were themselves reverentially afraid, reluctant
(to go) and apprehensive with dread. And taking the twelve again, he
privately took these disciples to his own side alone, and he himself
commenced to tell them the things that were about to happen to him. And
he said unto them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all those
things having been described in writing by the prophets will be fulfilled,
realised or accomplished for the Son of man; For the Son of man will be
abandoned and handed over to the chief priests and to the scribes, and
they will condemn him to death; And they will deliver him up to the Gentiles,
and they will mock, deride, and treat him with scorn and contumely; And
he will be outrageously insulted, and they will spit upon him, and having
scourged him they will crucify and kill him; And on the third day he
will raise himself up." And they thoroughly comprehended not even one
of these things; and of this matter of declared prophecy, having been hidden
from them, they were not understanding the things being said.
XCVII. The Forwardness of James and John (Mt 20:20-28; Mk 10:35-45)
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached with
her sons, worshipping with reverence by prostration, and requesting
a certain thing of him [initiated by the statement made in Matthew 19:28].
And he said unto her, "What are you desiring?" She said unto him, "Command
that these my two sons may be seated - one at the parts of your right
hand [signifying high honor and dignity], and one at the parts of your
left hand [similarly] - in your kingdom." And then James and John came
near unto him, saying, "Teacher, we are desiring that you might do for
us whatsoever we may ask." And he said unto them, "What are you wanting
me to do for you?" And they also said unto him, "Grant to us that we may
sit - one at the parts of your right hand, and one at the parts of your
left hand - in your glory." But Jesus responding said unto them, "You know
not what you all are asking. Are you all able to drink the potion or cup
(of undeserved suffering) which I am about to drink? or to be baptized with
the baptism (of death) I am receiving in which I am to be immersed?" And
they said unto him, "We are able." And Jesus said unto them, "My cup or
potion (of undeserved suffering) that I drink you both will indeed drink;
and with the baptism (of death) that I am being baptized you will all
be baptized: but to sit at the parts of my right hand or at the parts of
my left hand is not mine to give: but for whom it has been waiting, prepared
and made ready by my Father. And hearing, the ten began to be angry,
vexed and indignant concerning the two brothers, James and John. But Jesus
summoning them to him, said unto them, "You assuredly know that those
presuming to rule as rulers over the Gentiles are lording or domineering
over them, and their great are exercising authority over them. But it
is not to be this way among you; but whosoever of you may want to become
great, let him be your servant; and whosoever among you wants to be first,
let him be your slave - slave of all - just like as the Son of man came,
not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom or price
paid for many."
XCVIII. The Visit to Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-28)
And going in he was crossing through Jericho, and behold,
(there was) an individual being regarded Zacchaeus by name. And he was
a chief collector of taxes; and he was wealthy. And he was watching for
to see Jesus, who he is, but was not able to out of the crowd because
he was short in stature. And running ahead in front he climbed upon a
fig-mulberry [ficus sycamorus - a tree resembling a mulberry with the fruit
of a fig] in order that he might see Jesus: for he was about to pass along
that way. And as Jesus came upon the place, looking upwards, he saw him
and said unto him, "Zacchaeus, quickly come down; for this day I need to
rest in your house." And hurrying he descended, and rejoicing he received
him as a guest. And seeing (this), they (of the city) were all murmering,
saying that he went in to lodge with a sinful, depraved man who deviates
from the path of virtue. And being firm, Zacchaeus said unto the Lord,
"Behold, Lord, the half of my living I give to the poor; and if I have
extorted anything of anyone by false information, I refund quadruple." And
Jesus said unto him that this day salvation has come to this house, inasmuch
as even he is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save
the lost and perishing.
Continuing, he told a parable; for he was to be near Jerusalem;
and hearing these very things they alone (began) to think, suppose,
imagine or presume that the kingdom of God was about to be immediately
revealed. He said therefore, "A certain honorable, noble individual of
high rank went into a far distant country to take for himself a kingdom,
and to return back. And calling ten of his own slaves, he gave to them
all forty pounds sterling, and said unto them, "You all traffic, trade
and do business (herewith) until (I) come." But his citizens were hating
and regarding him with ill will, and sent legates after him, saying, "We
are not wanting this fellow to reign, govern or rule over us." And it came
to pass upon his return, having received the kingdom, he also commanded
those slaves to be summoned to him, to whom he gave the silver, so that
he might know what each had gained or profited in business, trafficking
or trading. And the first approached, saying, "Lord, your four pounds sterling
gained in addition forty pounds more." And he said unto him, "Well done,
good slave! Because you yourself became faithful in little, be possessing
jurisdiction over ten cities." And the second came, saying, "Your four pounds
sterling, Lord, has made twenty pounds." And he said to this one also, "You
also are over five cities." And another came, saying, "Lord, behold, your
four pounds sterling which I have been personally preserving in a handkerchief:
for I myself have been fearing you since you are an austere, rigid and harsh
individual: you are taking up that which you have not laid down, and you
are reaping what you have not sown." And he said unto him, "Out of your
(own) mouth I will sentence you, you slothful, lazy, inactive slave! You
knew perfectly well that I was an austere, rigid and harsh individual, taking
up what I have not laid down, and reaping what I have not sown; but why
have you not intrusted, assigned or put my silver in the bank, and should
I come, (I) could have exacted it with interest?" And he said to those standing
in attendance, "Take away the four pounds sterling from him, and give it
to the one possessing forty pounds." And they said unto him, "Lord, he is
(already) possessing forty pounds!" For I say unto you, that to all those
possessing, (more) will be given; but from the (one) possessing not, even
what he is holding will be taken away from him. Nevertheless, these, those
hostile, inimical, adversarial enemies of mine, those not desiring me to
reign, govern or rule over them, you all bring here and you all slay in
my presence." And (upon) saying these things, he was going on ahead, ascending
towards Jerusalem.
XCIX. A Blind Man Near Jericho (Mt 20:29-34; Mk 10:46-52; Lk 18:35-43)
And it came to pass in his drawing near (to Jerusalem)
that they had come into Jericho: and as they were going out from Jericho,
a considerably great and befitting crowd followed him with his disciples.
And behold, a certain one of two blind men was sitting by the side of the
road begging alms - blind Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. And hearing a crowd
passing by, he was inquiring what this could possibly be. And they enounced
to him that Jesus the Nazarene is passing by. And hearing that it was
Jesus the Nazarene passing by, he himself began to utter a cry imploring
his aid, saying, "Lord Jesus, Son of David, have pity and compassion on
me!" But many of those of the crowd that went ahead were strongly admonishing
him that he should hold his peace and be silent: but he kept crying out
to a much greater extent, "Lord! Son of David, have pity and compassion
on me!" And being stopped and standing still, Jesus called out and commanded
him to be called and to be brought unto him. And they called the blind
man, saying unto him, "Be of good cheer: rouse yourself. He is summoning
you." And casting aside his garment and rising up, he came towards Jesus.
And himself drawing near, Jesus responding to him asked, "What are you
desiring I should do for you?" And the blind man said unto him, "My Lord
and Master - Rabboni - that my eyes might be opened and that I might see
again." And Jesus, being moved with pity and compassion, touched his eyes
and said unto him, "See Again! Receive your sight and go on your way. Your
completed faith has made you presently whole." And immediately he recovered
his sight and saw again, and was following Jesus in the Way as a disciple,
glorifying God. And all the people, seeing this, gave praise to God.
C. Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany (Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9; Jn 11:55-12:11)
Now the passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up
to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover so that they might
morally purify themselves. Then they were searching for Jesus, and spoke
with others standing in the temple. "What are you thinking? That he might
never come to the feast?" Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had
given an edict that if anyone might know where he is, he should disclose
it, in order that they might arrest him. Therefore, six days before the
passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus who had died was, whom he
raised out (from among) the dead. And Jesus being in Bethany, in the house
of Simon the leper, they there made for him a supper, and Martha served
[the text has diekonei - a 3rd person singular active imperative "serve":
it should be diekonesen - a 3rd person singular 1st aorist active indicative
"served"], and Lazarus was one of those reclining (at the table) with
him. And then as Jesus (was) reclining (to eat), there drew near a woman,
Mary (sister of Martha), having an alabaster cruse of exceedingly precious
ointment - twelve ounces of pure, costly, liquid oil of spikenard [from
the andropogon nardus plant] - taking and shaking the alabaster cruse,
she poured it down over upon the head of the reclining Jesus, and anointed
his feet, and wiped his feet off with her hair: and the house became filled
with the fragrant odor of the ointment. But then seeing this his disciples
objected angrily and were indignantly censuring her; and some were indignant
and vexed within and among themselves, and murmered against her, saying,
"Why has this profusive waste of the ointment occurred? For this ointment
was able to be sold handsomely and to be given to the poor and indigent."
And one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, the (one) about to betray him,
said, "Why wasn't this imported ointment sold? It might have been sold
for more than three hundred day's wages and be distributed to the needy."
Now this he said, not because he was concerned for the needy, but because
he was a thief, and was keeping the purse, and he was pilfering from that
being deposited therein. But Jesus, perceiving it, therefore said unto
them, "Why are you causing trouble for the woman and making her uneasy?
You all let her alone; for she performed a good work upon me. This girl
did what she was able: to anoint my body beforehand in anticipatory preparation
for burial; For you all always have the poor and indigent with yourselves,
and whenever you want you are able to do them good: but you all have not
me always. Allow her. She has kept it unto this day against the day of
my burial; for in pouring this ointment upon my body, she did it in order
to prepare me for burial. And truly I say unto you, wherever in all the
whole or entire world the teachings of this Gospel may be proclaimed, also
what this girl did will be spoken of as an honoring remembrance of her."
Then a large crowd of the Jews ascertained that he was in
that place: and they came, not because of Jesus only, but that they
might see Lazarus also, whom he raised (out from among the) dead. But
the chief priests deliberated so that they might kill Lazarus also;
because through him many of the Jews departed (from Judaism), and were
believing into Jesus. [In this section 11 there were quite a few instances
where, for the sake of good English, I found it necessary to render the
Greek for "are calling;" "is saying;" " is," as: "called;" "said;" and
"was."]