Chapter 3

MT 28:5-7MK 16:5-7LK 24:3103.30Then Two Angels Greet the WomenLK 24:4-8103.40They go to Tell the DisciplesMT 28:8MK 16:8103.50Two Angels, and then Jesus Himself, appear to Mary Magdaleneas she Weeps at the TombMK 16:9JN 20:11-17104.10Jesus Appears to the Other Women as they go to Announce theResurrectionMT 28:9-10105.10The Jewish Authorities Bribe the Guard to Declare that Jesus’Disciples Stole His BodyMT 28:11-15106.10The Women Tell the Disciples that Jesus had Risen:They Disbelieve.MK 16:10-11LK 24:9-11JN 20:18Part 15 - THE RESURRECTION107.10The Appearance of Jesus to PeterLK 24:12, 341 Corinthians 15:5a108.10Jesus Appears to Two Disciples Journeying to EmmausMK 16:12-13aLK 24:13-35108.20The Disciples at Jerusalem still UnbelievingMK 16:13b109.10Suddenly Jesus Appears to Them, Thomas only being AbsentMK 16:14LK 24:36-49JN 20:19-25110.10Jesus Appears to the Disciples Thomas Being Present.JN 20:26-30110.20Jesus Appears to Five Hundred1 Corinthians 15:6111.10Jesus Appears to the Disciples in GalileeMT 28:16-20112.10Jesus Appears to His Disciples at the Sea of TiberiasJN 21:1-23113.10Jesus Appears to the Disciples in the Upper Room and Discourseson the Power of FaithMK 16:14-18113.20Jesus bids them Remain at Jerusalem until the Coming of the HolyGhostActs 1:4-5113.30The Future Witness of the Disciples to Jesus ChristActs 1:6-8113.40Jesus Ascends into HeavenLK 24.50-51Acts 1:9-11113.50The Disciples Return to JerusalemMK 16:19LK 24:52Acts 1:12-14113.60The Coming of the Holy GhostActs 2:1-47113.70The Disciples Praise God ContinuallyLK 24:53113.80They Preach EverywhereMK 16:20114.10ConclusionActs 1:1-3114.20EpilogueJN 21:25J. ClontzGod’s ChildrenWe are not cast on the ground,that have been recognized by so great highness.We are not the offspring of mortality,afterward to be dissolved by time.We are not a product of motion,made to be again destroyed by itself.We are not things of earthly birth,ending again therein.We belong to a greatness unto which we aspire,of which we are the property,and peradventure to a greatnessthat hath mercy upon us.We belong to the Light,by whom we have left the darkness;To the Eternal,by whom we have escaped the bonds of the temporal.Part 1 - IN THE BEGINNING1.10The GospelLK 1:1-41 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, 3 it seemed good to me also, having carefully investigated all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things which you have been taught.1.20God Became Man in Jesus ChristJN 1:1-181 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness of the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own did not receive him. 12 But to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of him and cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'" 16 And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.2.10Gabriel appears to ZechariahLK 1:5-255 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before him 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." 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." 19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them and remained speechless. 23 And when his time of service was completed, he went to his home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, 25 "Thus the Lord has done to me, in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."2.20Gabriel visits the Virgin MaryLK 1:26-3826 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Hail, O highly favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29 But she was greatly troubled at his saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 And he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34 And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible." 38 Then Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.2.30Mary Visits ElizabethLK 1:39-5639 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she exclaimed with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, as soon as the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."46 And Mary said:47            "My soul magnifies the Lord,and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48            for he has regarded the lowly state of his servant;for behold, henceforth all generationswill call me blessed.49            For he who is mighty has done great things for me,and holy is his name.50            And his mercy is on those who fear himfrom generation to generation.51            He has shown strength with his arm;he has scattered the proudin the imagination of their hearts.52            He has put down the mighty from their thrones,and exalted the lowly.53            He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent empty away.54            He has helped his servant Israel,in remembrance of his mercy,55            as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and to his seed forever."56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.2.50Joseph is Reassured in a DreamMT1:18-25A18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way: when his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to put her to public shame, was resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will give birth to a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23            "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,and they shall call his name Immanuel,"which means, "God with us." 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his wife, 25 but did not know her until she had borne a son.2.60The Birth of John the BaptistLK 1:57-8057 Now the time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said, "No; he shall be called John." 61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name." 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all marveled. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea; 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.67 Now his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:68            "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,for he has visited and redeemed his people,69            and has raised up a horn of salvation for usin the house of his servant David,70            as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,71                    that we should be saved from our enemiesand from the hand of all who hate us,72            To perform the mercy promised to our fathersand to remember his holy covenant,73            the oath which he swore to our father Abraham:74                    to grant us that we,being delivered from the hand of our enemies,might serve him without fear,75                    in holiness and righteousness before himall the days of our life.76            And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;for you will go on before the Lord to prepare his ways,77            to give knowledge of salvation to his peoplein the forgiveness of their sins,78            through the tender mercy of our God,with which the sunrise from on high will visit us;79            to give light to those who sit in darknessand in the shadow of death,to guide our feet into the way of peace."80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness till the day of his manifestation to Israel.3.10Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem, Jesus is born, Angels Appear to theShepherdsLK 2:1-211 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of all the world. 2 This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.8 And in that region there were shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign to you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14            "Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among menwith whom he is pleased!"15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen him, they made widely known the saying which had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.3.20The Genealogy of Jesus ChristMT 1:1-171 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David.David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, 8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.12 And after the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 Eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the exile to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.3.30The Visit of the MagiMT 2:1-121 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:6            'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you shall come a rulerwho will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"7 Then Herod called the wise men secretly and determined from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child, and when you have found him, bring back word to me, so that I too may come and worship him." 9 When they had heard the king they went their way; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 On coming into the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of frankincense, and of myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.4.10Simeon and Anna’s blessingsLK 2:22-3922 And when the time of their purification according to the law of Moses was completed, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God, and said:29            "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,according to your word;30            for my eyes have seen your salvation31                    which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,32            a light for revelation to the Gentiles,and for glory to your people Israel."33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, but worshipped with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.5.10The Flight into EgyptMT 2:13b-2313 Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14 When he rose, he took the young child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all its region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:18            "A voice was heard in Ramah,lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,Rachel weeping for her children,refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Rise, take the young child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child's life are dead." 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the Prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."5.20Jesus Grows in StatureLK 2:4040 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.6.0Jesus among the TeachersLK 2:41-5241 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 And when the feast was over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." 49 And he said to them, "Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them, but his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.Part 2 - BAPTISM7.10John the Baptist Preaches RepentanceMT 3:1-171 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:Prepare the way of the Lord,make his paths straight."4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan went out to him, 6 andconfessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'   For I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire."13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 But Jesus answered him,   Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him. 17 And behold, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."MK 1:1-111 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:"Behold, I send my messenger before your face,who will prepare your way";3            "The voice of one crying in the wilderness:'Prepare the way of the Lord;make his paths straight.'"4 John came baptizing in the wilderness, and preaching a baptism ofrepentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the land of Judea, and the people from Jerusalem, went out to him and they were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, "After me comes One who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and wasbaptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."LK 3:1-18,  21-221 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:'Prepare the way of the Lord,make his paths straight.5                      Every valley shall be filledand every mountain and hill brought low;the crooked places shall be made straightand the rough ways smooth;6                      and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 10 And the multitudes asked him, "What then shall we do?" 11 And he answered them, "He who has two tunics, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than is appointed you." 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Rob no one by violence or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."15 As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ, 16 John answered them all, "I baptize you with water; but one mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 18 And with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.21 And when all the people were being baptized, Jesus was also baptized. And as he was praying, the heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."JN 1:19-2819 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" And he answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said,"I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness,'Make straight the way of the Lord,'as the prophet Isaiah said." 24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, "Then why do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." 28 This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.8.10The Fasting and Temptation of JesusMT 4:1-111 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to betempted by the devil. 2 And he fasted forty days and forty nights, andafterward he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written,'Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceedsfrom the mouth of God.'"5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written,'He will give his angels charge of you,'and 'In their hands they will bear you up,lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. 9 And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away, Satan! for it is written,'You shall worship the Lord your Godand him only shall you serve.'"11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.MK 1:12-1312 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.LK 4:1-131 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. In those days he ate nothing, and when they had ended, he was hungry. 3 And the devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." 4 But Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" 5 Then the devil took him up to a high place, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And he said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory; for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it shall all be yours." 8 And Jesus answered him, "It is written,'You shall worship the Lord your God,and him only shall you serve.'"9 He took him to Jerusalem, set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here; 10 for it is written:'He will give his angels charge of you,to guard you,'11 and,'In their hands they will bear you up,lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" 13 When the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.8.20The Genealogy of Jesus ChristLK 3:23-3823 Now Jesus himself, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.9.10John the Baptist’s Witness - Behold the Lamb of God!JN 1:29b-5129 John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." 32 And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. 33 I did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 And he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).43 The next day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee. And he foundPhilip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." 51 And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."10.10The Marriage Feast in Cana of GalileeJN 2:1-121 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 And Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6 Now six stone jars were standing there, according to the manner for purification of the Jews, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it had come from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, "Every man sets out the good wine first; and when the guests have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother andhis brothers and his disciples; and there they stayed for a few days.11.10The Purging of the TempleJN 2:13-2513 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up toJerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen andsheep and doves, and the money-changers at their business. 15 And hemade a whip of cords, and drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! You shall not make my Father's house a house of merchandise!" 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." 18 Then the Jews said to him, "What sign do you show to us, since you do this?" 19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?" 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover feast, manybelieved in his name when they saw the signs which he did. 24 But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew all men, 25 and he had no need for anyone to bear witness of man, for he knew what was in man.11.20Spiritual Rebirth - Nicodemus, a Ruler of the JewsJN 3:1-211 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can this be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and testify to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who came from heaven - the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He who believes in him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been done in God."12.10John’s Further Witness to Jesus - He must Increase...I must DecreaseJN 3:22-36

MT 28:5-7

MK 16:5-7

LK 24:3

103.30Then Two Angels Greet the Women

LK 24:4-8

103.40They go to Tell the Disciples

MT 28:8

MK 16:8

103.50Two Angels, and then Jesus Himself, appear to Mary Magdalene

as she Weeps at the Tomb

MK 16:9

JN 20:11-17

104.10Jesus Appears to the Other Women as they go to Announce the

Resurrection

MT 28:9-10

105.10The Jewish Authorities Bribe the Guard to Declare that Jesus’

Disciples Stole His Body

MT 28:11-15

106.10The Women Tell the Disciples that Jesus had Risen:They Disbelieve.

MK 16:10-11

LK 24:9-11

JN 20:18

Part 15 - THE RESURRECTION

107.10The Appearance of Jesus to Peter

LK 24:12, 34

1 Corinthians 15:5a

108.10Jesus Appears to Two Disciples Journeying to Emmaus

MK 16:12-13a

LK 24:13-35

108.20The Disciples at Jerusalem still Unbelieving

MK 16:13b

109.10Suddenly Jesus Appears to Them, Thomas only being Absent

MK 16:14

LK 24:36-49

JN 20:19-25

110.10Jesus Appears to the Disciples Thomas Being Present.

JN 20:26-30

110.20Jesus Appears to Five Hundred

1 Corinthians 15:6

111.10Jesus Appears to the Disciples in Galilee

MT 28:16-20

112.10Jesus Appears to His Disciples at the Sea of Tiberias

JN 21:1-23

113.10Jesus Appears to the Disciples in the Upper Room and Discourses

on the Power of Faith

MK 16:14-18

113.20Jesus bids them Remain at Jerusalem until the Coming of the HolyGhost

Acts 1:4-5

113.30The Future Witness of the Disciples to Jesus Christ

Acts 1:6-8

113.40Jesus Ascends into Heaven

LK 24.50-51

Acts 1:9-11

113.50The Disciples Return to Jerusalem

MK 16:19

LK 24:52

Acts 1:12-14

113.60The Coming of the Holy Ghost

Acts 2:1-47

113.70The Disciples Praise God Continually

LK 24:53

113.80They Preach Everywhere

MK 16:20

114.10Conclusion

Acts 1:1-3

114.20Epilogue

JN 21:25

J. Clontz

God’s Children

We are not cast on the ground,

that have been recognized by so great highness.

We are not the offspring of mortality,

afterward to be dissolved by time.

We are not a product of motion,

made to be again destroyed by itself.

We are not things of earthly birth,

ending again therein.

We belong to a greatness unto which we aspire,

of which we are the property,

and peradventure to a greatness

that hath mercy upon us.

We belong to the Light,

by whom we have left the darkness;

To the Eternal,

by whom we have escaped the bonds of the temporal.

Part 1 - IN THE BEGINNING

1.10The Gospel

LK 1:1-4

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, 3 it seemed good to me also, having carefully investigated all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things which you have been taught.

1.20God Became Man in Jesus Christ

JN 1:1-18

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness of the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own did not receive him. 12 But to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of him and cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'" 16 And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.

2.10Gabriel appears to Zechariah

LK 1:5-25

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before him 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." 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." 19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them and remained speechless. 23 And when his time of service was completed, he went to his home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, 25 "Thus the Lord has done to me, in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."

2.20Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary

LK 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Hail, O highly favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29 But she was greatly troubled at his saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 And he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34 And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible." 38 Then Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

2.30Mary Visits Elizabeth

LK 1:39-56

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she exclaimed with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, as soon as the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

46 And Mary said:

47            "My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48            for he has regarded the lowly state of his servant;

for behold, henceforth all generations

will call me blessed.

49            For he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

50            And his mercy is on those who fear him

from generation to generation.

51            He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud

in the imagination of their hearts.

52            He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

and exalted the lowly.

53            He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent empty away.

54            He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

55            as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his seed forever."

56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

2.50Joseph is Reassured in a Dream

MT1:18-25A

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way: when his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to put her to public shame, was resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will give birth to a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23            "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel,"

which means, "God with us." 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his wife, 25 but did not know her until she had borne a son.

2.60The Birth of John the Baptist

LK 1:57-80

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said, "No; he shall be called John." 61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name." 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all marveled. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea; 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.

67 Now his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

68            "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for he has visited and redeemed his people,

69            and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David,

70            as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

71                    that we should be saved from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us,

72            To perform the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant,

73            the oath which he swore to our father Abraham:

74                    to grant us that we,

being delivered from the hand of our enemies,

might serve him without fear,

75                    in holiness and righteousness before him

all the days of our life.

76            And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare his ways,

77            to give knowledge of salvation to his people

in the forgiveness of their sins,

78            through the tender mercy of our God,

with which the sunrise from on high will visit us;

79            to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace."

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

3.10Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem, Jesus is born, Angels Appear to theShepherds

LK 2:1-21

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of all the world. 2 This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And in that region there were shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign to you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14            "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among men

with whom he is pleased!"

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen him, they made widely known the saying which had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

3.20The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

MT 1:1-17

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, 8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

12 And after the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 Eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the exile to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

3.30The Visit of the Magi

MT 2:1-12

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6            'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you shall come a ruler

who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

7 Then Herod called the wise men secretly and determined from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child, and when you have found him, bring back word to me, so that I too may come and worship him." 9 When they had heard the king they went their way; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 On coming into the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of frankincense, and of myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

4.10Simeon and Anna’s blessings

LK 2:22-39

22 And when the time of their purification according to the law of Moses was completed, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God, and said:

29            "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,

according to your word;

30            for my eyes have seen your salvation

31                    which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

32            a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for glory to your people Israel."

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, but worshipped with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

5.10The Flight into Egypt

MT 2:13b-23

13 Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14 When he rose, he took the young child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all its region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18            "A voice was heard in Ramah,

lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children,

refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Rise, take the young child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child's life are dead." 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the Prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

5.20Jesus Grows in Stature

LK 2:40

40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

6.0Jesus among the Teachers

LK 2:41-52

41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 And when the feast was over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." 49 And he said to them, "Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them, but his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Part 2 - BAPTISM

7.10John the Baptist Preaches Repentance

MT 3:1-17

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight."

4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan went out to him, 6 and

confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'   For I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire."

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 But Jesus answered him,   Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him. 17 And behold, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

MK 1:1-11

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

"Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

who will prepare your way";

3            "The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord;

make his paths straight.'"

4 John came baptizing in the wilderness, and preaching a baptism of

repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the land of Judea, and the people from Jerusalem, went out to him and they were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, "After me comes One who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was

baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

LK 3:1-18,  21-22

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.

5                      Every valley shall be filled

and every mountain and hill brought low;

the crooked places shall be made straight

and the rough ways smooth;

6                      and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 10 And the multitudes asked him, "What then shall we do?" 11 And he answered them, "He who has two tunics, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than is appointed you." 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Rob no one by violence or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."

15 As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ, 16 John answered them all, "I baptize you with water; but one mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 18 And with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.

21 And when all the people were being baptized, Jesus was also baptized. And as he was praying, the heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

JN 1:19-28

19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" And he answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said,

"I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness,

'Make straight the way of the Lord,'

as the prophet Isaiah said." 24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, "Then why do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." 28 This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

8.10The Fasting and Temptation of Jesus

MT 4:1-11

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be

tempted by the devil. 2 And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and

afterward he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written,

'Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that proceeds

from the mouth of God.'"

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written,

'He will give his angels charge of you,'

and 'In their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"

7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. 9 And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away, Satan! for it is written,

'You shall worship the Lord your God

and him only shall you serve.'"

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.

MK 1:12-13

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.

LK 4:1-13

1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. In those days he ate nothing, and when they had ended, he was hungry. 3 And the devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." 4 But Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" 5 Then the devil took him up to a high place, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And he said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory; for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it shall all be yours." 8 And Jesus answered him, "It is written,

'You shall worship the Lord your God,

and him only shall you serve.'"

9 He took him to Jerusalem, set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here; 10 for it is written:

'He will give his angels charge of you,

to guard you,'

11 and,

'In their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"

12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" 13 When the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

8.20The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

LK 3:23-38

23 Now Jesus himself, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

9.10John the Baptist’s Witness - Behold the Lamb of God!

JN 1:29b-51

29 John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." 32 And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. 33 I did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."

35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 And he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).

43 The next day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee. And he found

Philip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." 51 And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

10.10The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee

JN 2:1-12

1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 And Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6 Now six stone jars were standing there, according to the manner for purification of the Jews, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it had come from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, "Every man sets out the good wine first; and when the guests have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and

his brothers and his disciples; and there they stayed for a few days.

11.10The Purging of the Temple

JN 2:13-25

13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to

Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and

sheep and doves, and the money-changers at their business. 15 And he

made a whip of cords, and drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! You shall not make my Father's house a house of merchandise!" 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." 18 Then the Jews said to him, "What sign do you show to us, since you do this?" 19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?" 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover feast, many

believed in his name when they saw the signs which he did. 24 But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew all men, 25 and he had no need for anyone to bear witness of man, for he knew what was in man.

11.20Spiritual Rebirth - Nicodemus, a Ruler of the Jews

JN 3:1-21

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can this be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and testify to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who came from heaven - the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He who believes in him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been done in God."

12.10John’s Further Witness to Jesus - He must Increase...I must Decrease

JN 3:22-36

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