Now the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they began to wonder why he was delayed in the holy place.

After some time his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she kept herself in seclusion. She said,

So the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God!

Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

They said to her, “But none of your relatives bears this name.”

He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed.

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he has come to help and has redeemed his people.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

When they saw him, they related what they had been told about this child,

But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean.

Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!”

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

So Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years old. He was the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You are not to put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Then he began to tell them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled even as you heard it being read.”

And he added, “I tell you the truth, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.

Yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to a woman who was a widow at Zarephath in Sidon.