Chapter III: Part 3

The parents of Jesus went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old, they took Him with them. When they went home, He tarried behind in Jerusalem, and they knew it not, but supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey. And they sought for Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. And when they found Him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for Him. After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. And Mary said: Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Thy father and I sought Thee sorrowing. Jesus answered: How is it that ye sought me? Knew ye not that I must be in my Father’s house? And He went down with them to Nazareth; and He was obedient to them.--And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:41-52.)

56. John Preaches and Baptizes

John dwelt quietly in the desert till he was thirty years of age. Then the word of God came to him, and he began to preach: Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. His manner of living was like that of the prophets of old; he had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. People both from Jerusalem and from the country came to him, and they were baptized of him, confessing their sins. Many believed that he was Christ; but he said: I am not Christ. I baptize only with water; but after me cometh One that is greater than I, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose. He shall baptize with the Holy Spirit. He is the Lamb of God that beareth the sins of the world. (Matt. 3:1-11; John 1:19-29.)

John exhorted both high and low to repentance. The tetrarch Herod Antipas had compelled his brother to part from his wife, Herodias, and had himself taken her to wife. John said to him: It is not lawful for thee to have her. Herod became angry for this, and cast John into prison. When Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before him; he was pleased with the dance, and promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask, even the half of his kingdom. She went to the mother, who said: Ask for the head of John on a platter. The king was grieved, but for the sake of his guests he kept his word. John was beheaded, and his head was brought to the princess on a platter. And his disciples came and buried him. (Matt. 14:1-12.)

57. Jesus Is Baptized

When Jesus was thirty years old, He came to John at the Jordan to be baptized. John said: I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? Jesus answered: Suffer it now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then John baptized Him. And when Jesus went up from the water, lo, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God descended on Him in the form of a dove, and there came a voice out of the heavens, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matt. 3:13-17.)

58. Jesus Is Tempted

Then Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He afterward hungered. And the tempter came and said unto Him: If Thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. Jesus answered: It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil took Him into the holy city, and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said: If Thou art the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written: He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee, and on their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest haply Thou dash Thy foot against a stone. Jesus answered: Again it is written: Thou shalt not try the Lord thy God. Again the devil took Him unto an exceeding high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, and said: All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me. Jesus answered: Get thee hence, Satan! For it is written: Thou shalt worship the Lord, thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. (Matt. 4:1-11.)

59. Jesus Begins His Work

After Jesus had been baptized and tempted He began His work. For about three years He went from place to place in the country and in the cities; and for the great feasts He went up to Jerusalem. He spoke but a word and the blind saw, the deaf heard, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, and the dead were raised. He was God’s only begotten Son, born of the Father from eternity; therefore He could say: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by me. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Everywhere the people flocked to Him and heard Him, for as He spoke had no man spoken.

Once He spoke to the people from a mountain. This speech is therefore called the Sermon on the Mount. In this He says:

I am not come to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them.

Ye have heard that it was said: Thou shalt not commit adultery; but I say unto you that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Ye have heard that it was said: Thou shalt not forswear thyself; but I say unto you: Swear not at all, but let your speech be Yea, yea; Nay, nay; and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil.

When ye pray ye shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men. Verily, I say unto you, they have received their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.

Be not anxious for what ye shall eat, or for what ye shall drink, nor for what ye shall put on. Behold the birds of the heavens: they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow! They toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow; for sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them. (Matt. 5-7.)

60. Jesus Chooses Twelve Apostles

As Jesus stood by the lake of Gennesaret one day, the people pressed upon Him to hear the Word of God. He entered Simon Peter’s boat and taught the people from there. When He had left speaking, He said unto Peter: Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. Peter answered: We toiled all night, and took nothing; but at Thy word I will let down the nets. And they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their nets were breaking. And they beckoned unto James and John, who were in another boat; they came, and they filled both the boats. When Peter saw this, he fell down at the feet of Jesus and said: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. But Jesus said to him: Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And they brought the boats to land, and left all and followed Him. (Luke 5:1-11.)

Many followed Jesus to hear the Gospel of salvation; from these He chose twelve men who constantly should be with Him; these He called apostles, that is, messengers; for they should be His messengers into all countries to testify about Him.

The names of the twelve apostles are these: 1. Simon, whom the Savior called Peter (that is: the rock); 2. his brother Andrew; 3. James, the son of the fisherman Zebedee; 4. his brother John, the disciple whom Jesus loved; 5. Philip; 6. Bartholomew; 7. Thomas; 8. Matthew; 9. James, son of Alpheus; 10. Judas Thaddeus; 11. Simon Zelotes (that is: the zealous one); and 12. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed the Savior.

These twelve He sent out on short journeys to proclaim to the Jews that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. Two and two went together. Later on He sent out seventy disciples, who also went two and two, to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. (Matt. 10:1-5; Luke 10:1.)

61. Jesus and Nicodemus

One of the Pharisees, a member of the council, was named Nicodemus. He came to Jesus by night and said: Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these signs that Thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered: Except a man be born anew he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus said: How can a man be born when he is old? He can not be born twice? Jesus answered: Verily, verily, I say unto thee: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. For that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Nicodemus answered: How can these things be? Jesus answered: Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things? As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up on the cross. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:1-16.)

62. Jesus and the Woman of Samaria

Jesus was passing through Samaria, and being wearied with His journey, He sat by the well outside of the city of Sychar. A woman from the city came to draw water. Jesus said unto her: Give me to drink. She answered: How is it that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, being a Samaritan woman? For there was bitter enmity between the Jews and the Samaritans. Jesus said: If thou knew who it is that speaketh with thee, thou wouldest have asked Him to give thee to drink, and He would have given thee living water. She answered: Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Jesus said: Go, call thy husband. She answered: I have no husband. Jesus answered: Thou saidst well: I have no husband; for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband. The woman said: Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet. Where ought we to worship God? We Samaritans believe it must be done on Mount Gerizim, and ye Jews say: It ought to be in Jerusalem. Jesus said: Woman, the hour cometh when no man shall ask about Gerizim and Jerusalem; for God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. The woman answered: When Messiah cometh He will declare unto us all things. Jesus said: I am Messiah. So the woman left her water pot, and went into the city and told what had happened to her; and the men went out to Jesus, and He abode two days in the city, and many believed in Him. And they said to the woman: Now we believe not because of thy speaking, for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Savior of the world. (John 4:1-42.)

The Parables of Jesus

63. The Sower

A sower went forth to sow, and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them. And some fell upon rocky places, where they had not much earth; and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth; and when the sun was risen, they were scorched and withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. But some fell upon good ground and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold.

As the disciples did not understand the meaning of this parable, Jesus gave them this explanation: The seed is the Word of God; when any one hears the Word and does not understand it, then comes the evil one and snatches away that which is sowed in his heart. This is the seed sown by the wayside.--That which fell upon rocky places is he that hears the Word, and straightway with joy receives it; and when tribulation and persecution arise because of the Word, he straightway stumbles.--That which is sown among thorns is he that hears the Word, and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.--But that sown in the good ground is he that hears the Word and keeps it in his heart, and it bears fruit. (Matt. 13:1-23.)

64. The Tares Among the Wheat

The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field. But in the night an enemy came, and sowed tares among the wheat. When the seed sprang up, the tares appeared also. And the servants went to the householder and said: Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? Whence has it then tares? He answered: An enemy has done this. The servants said: Wilt thou, then, that we go and gather them up? He answered: Nay, lest haply ye root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until harvest; then I will say to the reapers: Gather up first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.

Jesus has explained also this parable: He that soweth the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; the good seed is the children of the kingdom, and the tares are the children of the evil one; and the enemy that sowed the tares is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the servants are the angels. As the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be in the end of the world. Then shall the Son of Man send forth His angels, and they shall gather the ungodly, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. But the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. (Matt. 13:24-43.)

65. The Good Samaritan

A lawyer came to Jesus and said: Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus said: What is written in the law? He answered; Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. Jesus said: Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus: Who is my neighbor? Jesus answered: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest was going down that way, and he saw him, but passed by on the other side. A Levite did the same thing. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. And he went to him, bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine. And he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the morrow when he left, he took out two pieces of money, gave them to the host and said: Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more I will repay thee when I come back again.--Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor to him that fell among the robbers? And he said: He that showed mercy on him. Jesus said: Go, and do thou likewise. (Luke 10:25-37.)

66. The Rich Man

The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. And he reasoned within himself: What shall I do, because I have not room to bestow my fruit? And he said: This will I do: I will pull down my barns and build them greater, and there will I bestow all my grain and goods. And I will say to my soul: Soul, take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry! But God said unto him: Thou fool, this night is thy soul required of thee, and whose shall those things be which thou hast prepared? (Luke 12:16-20.)

67. The Fig Tree

A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none. Then he said to the vinedresser: Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none. Cut it down! Why shall it take the strength from the ground to no use? But the vinedresser answered: Lord, let it alone this year also, till I dig about it and dung it; perhaps it may then bear fruit; if not, thou shalt cut it down. (Luke 13:6-9.)

68. The Unmerciful Fellow-Servant

Peter once asked Jesus: How often shall I forgive my brother that sins against me? Are seven times enough? Jesus answered: Not seven times, but seventy times seven. And He told the following parable: A king would make reckoning with his servants, and there came one that owed him ten thousand talents.[5] But as he had not wherewith to pay, the king commanded that he and his wife and children and all that he had should be sold, and payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him and said: Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And his lord, being moved with compassion, forgave him the debt. But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants that owed him a hundred shillings,[6] and he laid hold on him and took him by the throat, saying: Pay me what thou owest! So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying: Have patience with me, and I will pay thee. And he would not, but went and cast him into prison. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him and said: Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me; shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee? And his lord cast him into prison, till he should pay all that was due. So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if you forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. (Matt. 18:21-35.)

----- Footnote 5: A talent is about one thousand dollars.

Footnote 6: About fifteen dollars. -----

69. The Prodigal Son. The Lost Sheep

The Pharisees considered themselves righteous, and were therefore offended because Jesus received publicans and sinners and ate with them. Jesus therefore spoke the following parables: A certain man had two sons. The younger said to the father: Father, give me that part of thy substance that falls to me. And he divided unto them. Not many days after, the younger son gathered all his goods and took his journey into a far country, and there he wasted his substance in riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that country, and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine ate; and no man gave him anything. When he came to himself he said: How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight. I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose and came to his father. While he was yet far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. The son said: Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight; I am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants: Bring forth the best robe, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet, and kill the fatted calf, and let us eat and make merry. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.

The elder son was in the fields, and as he came home and heard music and dancing, he asked one of the servants what these things might be. And he was told that the father had made a feast for his son who had returned. Then he was angry, and would not go in. His father came out and entreated him; but he answered: Lo, these many years do I serve thee, and I never transgressed thy commandments, and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends; but when this thy son came, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou killedst for him the fatted calf. But his father said: My son, thou art ever with me, and all that is mine is thine; but it was meet to make merry and be glad, for this thy brother was dead, and is alive; and was lost, and is found.

When a man has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does he not leave the ninety and nine, and go after the lost sheep? And when he hath found it, he lays it on his shoulders and bears it home, and rejoices more over that one than over the ninety and nine which were not lost. So shall there be greater joy in heaven over one sinner who repenteth, than over ninety and nine who need no repentance. (Luke 15.)

70. The Rich Man and Lazarus

There was a rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a poor man named Lazarus, that was laid at his gate, full of sores, and he desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died, and he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. The rich man died also, and was buried. When he lifted up his eyes in hell, being in torments, he saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame. But Abraham answered: Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime hast received thy good things, and Lazarus likewise evil things; but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they who would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us. And he said: I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house--for I have five brothers--that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham answered: They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said: Nay, Father Abraham; but if one go to them from the dead they will repent. Abraham answered: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rise from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31.)

71. The Pharisee and the Publican

To certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at naught, Jesus spake this parable: Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed thus: God, I thank Thee, that I am not as the rest of men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, and give tithes of all that I get. But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast and said: God, be merciful to me a sinner! I say unto you: This man went down to his house justified, but not the Pharisee; for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:9-14.)

72. The Laborers in the Vineyard

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with them for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing in the marketplace idle, and said to them: Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. Again he went out about the sixth and about the ninth hour and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out again and found others standing, and he said: Why stand ye here all the day idle? They said: Because no man hired us. He said unto them: Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. When even was come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward: Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. They that were hired about the eleventh hour came and received every man a shilling. And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling. Then they murmured against the householder and said: These last have spent but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. He answered: Friend, I do thee no wrong. Didst thou not agree with me for a shilling? Take up that which is thine, and go thy way. But I will give the last as much as thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Or doth it hurt thee that I am good? (Matt. 20:1-15.)

73. The Marriage of the King’s Son

The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a certain king who made a marriage feast for his son. He sent his servants forth to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast. But they would not come, but went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise, and the rest laid hold on his servants and treated them shamefully and killed them. But the king was wroth, and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. And he said to his servants: The wedding is ready; but they that were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore to the crossroads, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast. And the wedding was filled with guests. When the king went in to behold the guests, he saw one who had not on a wedding garment. And he said to him: Friend, how comest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment? But he was silent. Then the king said to the servants: Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 22:1-13.)

74. The Talents

A man going into another country called his servants and delivered unto them his goods. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent. After a long time the lord of those servants came home, and made a reckoning with them. He that received five talents came and said: Lord, thou gavest me five talents; lo, I have gained other five talents. His lord said unto him: Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Likewise he said to the servant who received two talents and with them gained two other talents. Then came also the one that had received the one talent and said: Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter. Therefore I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth; lo, here it is. His lord said: Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I am a hard man; thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, so I could have received back mine own with interest. And he commanded that the unprofitable servant be cast out where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 25:14-30.)

Miracles, or Wonderful Works of Jesus

75. Jesus Turns Water Into Wine at the Marriage in Cana

There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and His disciples were also invited. And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said unto Him: They have no more wine. Jesus answered: Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother said to the servants: Whatsoever He saith to you, do it. The Jews always washed their hands before meals, and six water-pots of stone stood there for washing. Jesus said to the servants: Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And He said unto them: Draw out now, and bear unto the steward of the feast. The steward knew not whence the wine was. When he tasted it, he said to the bridegroom: Every man setteth on first good wine, then that which is worse; thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of His signs did Jesus in Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed on Him. (John 2:1-11.)

76. Jesus Stills the Tempest

As Jesus one evening sailed over the lake of Gennesaret, there arose a great tempest, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was in the stern of the boat asleep. And the disciples went to Him and awoke Him and said: Save, Lord, we perish! But He said: Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And they marvelled and said: Who is This, that even the winds and the sea obey Him! (Matt. 8:23-27.)

77. Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain’s Son from the Dead

As Jesus came to a little city called Nain, one that was dead was carried forth, and he was the only son of a widow. And much people from the city went with her. When Jesus saw her, he had compassion on her and said: Weep not. And He came nigh and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still, and He said: Young man, I say unto thee: Arise! And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. And fear took hold on all, and they glorified God, saying: A great prophet is arisen among us; and, God hath visited His people. (Luke 7:11-16.)

78. Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jairus from the Dead

A ruler of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came and fell at the feet of Jesus and said: My daughter is at the point of death, come and lay Thy hands on her that she may live! And Jesus went with him. But some came from the house of the ruler of the synagogue and said: Why troublest thou the Master any further? Thy daughter is dead. Jesus said to the father: Fear not, only believe, and she will be saved. When He came in, He beheld a tumult, and many weeping. But He said: Weep not! And He took the father and the mother, and Peter, James and John, and went in where the little girl lay and said: Little girl, arise! And straightway she arose and walked. (Mark 5:22-42.)

79. Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men in the Wilderness

Jesus went over the lake of Gennesaret to a desert place, and when the people saw it they hurried after Him by land. When evening had come, His disciples came to Him and said: The place is desert, and the day is now far spent; send the people away, that they may go to the villages round about and buy themselves food. Jesus answered: Give ye them to eat. They said: We have five loaves of bread and two fishes; but what are they among so many? But Jesus let the people sit down on the grass, took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples set before them. And they did all eat, and were filled. And Jesus said unto the disciples: Gather up the broken pieces, that nothing be lost. They gathered up twelve basketfuls. And they that ate the loaves were five thousand men besides women and children. (Mark 6:32-44.)

80. Jesus Heals the Daughter of the Woman of Canaan

Jesus went to the country about Tyre and Sidon, and a Canaanitish, heathen woman cried unto Him: Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But Jesus answered her not a word. The disciples said: Send her away, for she crieth after us. Jesus answered: I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of Israel. The woman now came and worshiped Him, saying: Lord, help me! Jesus said: It is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it to the dogs. She said: Yea, Lord, for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master’s table. Then Jesus said unto her: O woman, great is thy faith: be it done unto thee, even as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed from that hour. (Matt. 15:21-28.)

81. Jesus Heals Ten Lepers

Once, when Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem there met Him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off and lifted up their voice saying: Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! He said: Go, and show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. And he fell upon his face at the feet of Jesus and gave Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said: Were not the ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger? And He said unto him: Arise, and go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17:11-19.)

82. Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead

Near Jerusalem was a little village called Bethany. There dwelt a man named Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary. And Jesus loved them very much. Once when Lazarus was sick, the sisters sent word to Jesus, saying: Lord, he whom Thou lovest is sick. Jesus was at that time on the other side of the Jordan, and He remained there two days. Afterward He said to His disciples: Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep. The disciples answered: If he is fallen asleep, he will recover. Jesus now said plainly: Lazarus is dead. When Jesus came to Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Martha heard that Jesus was coming, and went to meet Him and said: Lord, if Thou hadst been here my brother had not died. Jesus answered: Thy brother shall rise again. I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live. Mary then came out also to Jesus and said: Lord, if Thou hadst been here my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw both her and the Jews that came with her, weeping, He said: Where have ye laid him? They answered; Come and see. Jesus wept. The Jews then said: Behold, how He loved him! They now came to the tomb, which was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said: Take away the stone! Martha saith unto Him: Lord, he stinketh by this time; for he hath been four days in the tomb. Jesus answered: Said I not unto thee that if thou couldest believe thou shouldest see the glory of God? When they had removed the stone Jesus lifted up His eyes and gave thanks to the Father who always heard Him, and then He cried with a loud voice: Lazarus, come forth! And he that was dead came forth in the grave-clothes. And many of the Jews who saw this believed on Jesus. (John 11:1-46.)

Other Narratives from the Life of Jesus

83. Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Pray

Jesus oftentimes prayed. Once, when He had ended His prayer, one of the disciples said: Lord, teach us to pray, as John the Baptist taught his disciples to pray. Jesus answered: When ye pray, ye shall say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4.)

84. Jesus is Transfigured on the Mount

Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and went up into a high mountain to pray. And as He was praying, He was transfigured before them, and His face did shine as the sun, and His garments became white as snow. And they saw Moses and Elijah, who spoke with Him about His sufferings and death, which awaited Him in Jerusalem. Peter said: Lord, it is good for us to be here. If Thou wilt we will make three tabernacles, one for Thee, one for Moses and one for Elijah. While he was yet speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said: Arise, and be not afraid. And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, save Jesus only. (Matt. 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36.)

85. Jesus Blesses Little Children

Many brought little children to Jesus, that He should touch them. The disciples rebuked those that brought the children. But Jesus said: Suffer little children to come unto me; and forbid them not, for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. Unless ye repent and become as little children, ye can not enter therein. And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands upon them. (Mark 10:13-16.)

86. Jesus the Guest of Zaccheus

On His last journey to Jerusalem Jesus came through Jericho. Here resided a man by the name of Zaccheus; he was the chief publican in Jericho and was very rich. He was anxious to see Jesus, but could not for the people, as he was small of stature. He therefore ran on before, and climbed up in a tree. When Jesus came to the place and saw him He said: Zaccheus, make haste and come down, for today I must abide at thy house. And Zaccheus made haste and received Him with joy. But those who saw it murmured, saying: He is gone in to lodge with a sinful man! Zaccheus said to the Lord: Behold, half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold. And Jesus answered him: The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:1-10.)

87. The Enemies of Jesus

The Pharisees were outwardly blameless, and for a show made long prayers; but in secret they robbed widows of their property. They were like graves, outwardly whitened, but inwardly full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Jesus told them these things openly, and they therefore became His enemies; for man does not wish that his evil works shall come to the light.--They believed that they for the sake of their righteousness should inherit the kingdom of God; but Jesus preached conversion and faith, and said that publicans and sinners would go into the Kingdom of Heaven before them. The Pharisees wished to be greeted in the market-places and be called Rabbi, and they were envious, for the multitude clung to Jesus because of His blessed words and His miracles. They would not understand Moses and the prophets, and expected that the Messiah should establish the kingdom of David again, and bring the Romans and other nations under the Jews. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world, and that He should be persecuted and crucified, and on the third day arise again from the dead. For all these things the Pharisees and priests hated Jesus, and took counsel how they could kill Him. Man always finds an excuse. The high priest Caiaphas said: It is better that one man die for the people, than that the whole nation should be destroyed.

The Sadducees taught that there is no resurrection from the dead, and they therefore held the doctrine of Jesus concerning resurrection and final judgment in derision and gave not the Word room in their hearts.

The Last Days of Jesus

88. The Triumphal Entry of Jesus Into Jerusalem

On Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Easter, Jesus rode from Bethany on the other side of the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem on a young ass. This came to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet Zechariah: Tell ye the daughter of Zion: Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek and riding upon the foal of an ass. Many of the people cut branches from the palm trees and spread them in the way, and the most part spread their garments in the way and cried, saying: Hosanna[7] to the Son of David; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

----- Footnote 7: Hosanna means: Save now. -----

And when He drew nigh and saw the city, He wept over it, saying: If thou hadst known, even in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. Therefore the days shall come when thine enemies shall compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall dash thee to the ground, and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou knowest not the time of thy visitation. And He entered into the city and went to the court of the temple, and healed the blind and the lame that came to Him.

In the evening He went out to Bethany, and every day He came into the temple and was teaching, and the people hung upon Him, listening. The priests and the scribes came together at the palace of Caiaphas, and consulted how they might by craft take Jesus. And Judas Iscariot came to them and said: What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray his Lord. (Matt. 21:1-17; 26:14-16; Luke 19:41-44.)

89. Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper

In the evening of Maundy Thursday Jesus sat down with His disciples to eat the Passover. As they were eating Jesus said: One of you shall betray me. The disciples looked sorrowfully upon one another, to know who was meant. Peter beckoned to John, who was reclining toward the breast of Jesus, that he should ask. Jesus answered: It is he to whom I give this morsel which I now dip in the dish. And He gave the morsel to Judas, saying: What thou doest, do quickly! The disciples understood not what Jesus meant; but Judas went out straightway to the priests. And it was night.

And Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it, gave His disciples and said: Take, eat! this is my Body which is given for you. This do in remembrance of me!

In like manner He also took the cup, after supper, saying: Drink ye all of it! This cup is the new covenant in my Blood, which is shed for you for the remission of sins. This do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me!

Jesus then said: I have yet much to say unto you, but ye can not bear it now. But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and remind you of all things which I have said unto you. (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:14-23; John 13:21-30; 1 Cor. 11:23-26.)

90. Jesus in Gethsemane

Jesus thereupon went with the eleven disciples over the brook Kidron to the Mount of Olives; there was a garden called Gethsemane. In the way He said: All of you shall be offended because of me this night. Peter said: Even if all shall be offended, yet will not I be offended. Jesus answered: Before the cock crows twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

When they came to the place, Jesus said to the disciples: Remain ye here, while I go yonder and pray. And He took with Him Peter, James and John farther into the garden and said to them: Abide here, and watch with me! And he went away as far as a stone’s cast, fell upon His face and said: My Father, if it be possible, then take this cup from me! Nevertheless, not as I will but as Thou wilt!

And He came to the three disciples and found them sleeping. Then He said unto Peter: Could ye not watch one hour with me? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation! Again He went away and prayed the same prayer, and thus three times; and while He suffered the agony of death His sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling on the ground. And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And when He rose up from His prayer, He came to His disciples and said unto them: The hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners; he that betrayeth me is near.

And while He yet spake Judas came with a band of soldiers and the servants of the chief priests, having weapons and torches. Judas had said: He whom I shall kiss, that is He: take Him. And he went up to Jesus and said: Hail, Master! And he kissed Him. Jesus answered: Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss? Then the band stepped forth and laid hold on Jesus. But all the disciples forsook Him and fled. (All the Gospels.)

91. Jesus Before the Council

Jesus was brought to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the council was assembled. The council consisted of the chief priests, scribes and elders of the people, in all seventy-one members. They at first sought to convict Jesus by false witnesses; but the witnesses did not agree. Then the high priest arose and said: I adjure Thee by the living God that Thou tell us if Thou art Christ, the Son of God. Jesus answered: I am. Then the high priest rent his clothes and said: He has blasphemed God. What further need have we of witnesses? They all answered: He is worthy of death. And the servants struck Him in the face and mocked Him. (All the Gospels.)

92. Peter’s Denial. The Suicide of Judas

When Jesus had suffered them to take Him and lead Him away, Peter had followed Him afar off and had come into the court of the palace of the high priest. A maid said to him: Art not thou one of this Man’s disciples? He said: I know Him not. He went over to the servants, who sat by the fire warming themselves. Here another seeing him, said: This man also was with Him. But Peter denied again. Then a third one said: Verily, thou art one of them; for thou art a Galilean, thy speech betrays thee. Then Peter began to swear, saying: I know not this Man ye speak of. Then the cock crowed, and at the same time they brought Jesus through the court, and He turned and looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the Savior’s words, and he went out and wept bitterly. (All the Gospels.)

When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to death, he regretted what he had done, and came to the priests with the thirty pieces of silver and said: I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. But they answered: What is that to us? See thou to it. And he cast the pieces of silver into the temple, and went and hanged himself, and falling headlong his bowels gushed out. (Matt. 27:3-5; Acts 1:18.)

93. Jesus before Pilate

Early in the morning of the day afterwards called Good Friday the Jews brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to have the sentence of death confirmed. Not wishing to defile themselves, the Jews kept outside of the hall of judgment, and Pilate came out to them and asked: What accusation bring ye against this Man? They answered: He perverts the people and forbids paying tribute to Caesar, and calls Himself Christ, a King. Pilate took him into the hall of judgment and asked: Art Thou a King? Jesus answered: I am King; but my kingdom is not of this world; for then my servants would have fought for me. I came into the world to bear witness unto the truth. Every one who is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate perceived that Jesus was innocent and would gladly have set Him free; but he feared the priests and the scribes, therefore he dared not do it openly, but went out to the people and said: Ye have a custom that I should release a prisoner at the Passover. Whom will ye have, Jesus or Barabbas? The priests stirred up the people against Jesus, and they cried: Away with Him! But give us Barabbas. Now, Barabbas was a murderer and robber.