the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

They came to the house of the synagogue ruler where he saw noisy confusion and people weeping and wailing loudly.

One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear.

After saying good-bye to them, he went to the mountain to pray.

He had one left, his one dear son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

When he entered he said to them, “Why are you distressed and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.”

He also said to them, “You neatly reject the commandment of God in order to set up your tradition.

But as the man went out he began to announce it publicly and spread the story widely, so that Jesus was no longer able to enter any town openly but stayed outside in remote places. Still they kept coming to him from everywhere.

and he would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.

In those days there was another large crowd with nothing to eat. So Jesus called his disciples and said to them,

It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor!” So they spoke angrily to her.

Now Jesus went up the mountain and called for those he wanted, and they came to him.

Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood.

The one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not following us.”

Then he sat down opposite the offering box, and watched the crowd putting coins into it. Many rich people were throwing in large amounts.

“Learn this parable from the fig tree: Whenever its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.

The whole town gathered by the door.

and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Pray that it may not be in winter.