John – Gospel 17 – Christ Is The Messenger

After saying this, Jesus raised his eyes heaven-wards, and said: “Father, the hour has come; honor thy Son, that thy Son may honor you; 2 Even as thou gave him power over all mankind, that he should give eternal life to all those whom thou has given him. 3 And the eternal life is this: to know thee the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent as thy messenger. 4 I have honored thee on earth by completing the work which thou has given me to do; 5 And now do thou honor me, Father, at thy own side, with the honor which I had at thy side before the world began.”

6 “I have revealed thee to those whom thou gave me from the world; they were thy own, and thou gave them to me; and they have laid thy message to heart. 7 They recognize now that everything that thou gave me was from thee; 8 For I have given them the teaching which thou gave me, and they received it, and clearly understood that I came from thee, and they believed that thou has sent me as thy messenger. 9 I intercede for them; I am not interceding for the world, but for those whom thou has given me, for they are thy own—10 All that is mine is thine, and all that is thine is mine—and I am honored in them.”

11 “Now I am to be in this world no longer, but they are still to be in the world, and I am to come to thee. Holy Father, keep them by that revelation of thy name which thou has given me that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them, I kept them by that revelation, and I have guarded them; and not one of them has been lost, except that lost soul—in fulfillment of scripture. 13 But now I am to come to thee; and I am speaking thus, while still in the world, that they may have my own joy, in all its fullness, in their hearts.”

14 “I have given them thy message; and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world, even as I do not belong to the world. 15 I do not ask thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from evil. 16 They do not belong to the world, even as I do not belong to the world. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; thy message is truth. 18 Just as thou has sent me as thy messenger to the world, so I send them as my messengers to the world. 19 And it is for their sakes that I am sanctified myself, so that they also may be truly consecrated.”

20 “But it is not only for them that I am interceding, but also for those who believe in me through their message, 21 That they all may be one—as thou, Father, are in me, and I in you—so the world may believe that thou has sent me as thy messenger. 22 I have given them the honor which thou has given me, that they may be one as we are one—23 I in union with them and thou with me—that so they may be perfected in their union, and thus the world may know that thou has sent me as thy messenger, and that thou has loved them as thou has loved me.”

24 “Father, my desire for all those whom thou has given me is that they may be with me where I am, so that they may see the honor which thou has given me; for thou did love me before the beginning of the world. 25 O righteous Father, though the world did not know thee, I knew thee; and these people knew that thou has sent me as thy messenger. 26 I have made thee known to them, and will do so still; that the love that thou has had for me may be in their hearts, and that I may be in them also.”

To read the next chapter of the Book of John, please go to The Gospel of John – 18.

This Online New Testament Gospel of John is excerpted from the book The Living Hour: The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life (with New Century Gospels). Including over 200 bookmarked citations from the canonical Gospels, this Progressive Christian book appeals to the Unitarian spirit at the heart of all faiths.

Challenge your perceptions on the Gospel of Christ, Jesus’s parables, and the Kingdom of God by purchasing The Lord’s Prayer book today. Produced by LivingHour.org, a Thailand-based small press dedicated to publishing unique Learning Easy Thai Language Books, as well as works on progressive spirituality.

John – Gospel 18 – Christ’s Kingdom Is Now

When Jesus had said this, he went out with his disciples and crossed the brook Cedron to a place where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples went. 2 The place was well known to Judas, the betrayer, for Jesus and his disciples had often met there. 3 So Judas (who had obtained soldiers of the Roman garrison, and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees) came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus, aware of all that was coming upon him, went to meet them, and said to them: “For whom are you looking?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” was their answer. “I am he,” said Jesus. (Judas, the betrayer, was also standing with them.) 6 When Jesus said ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he again asked for whom they were looking, and they answered: “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 “I have already told you that I am he,” replied Jesus, “so, if it is for me that you are looking, let these men go.” 9 This was in fulfillment of his words: ‘Of those whom thou has given me I have not lost one.’

10 At this, Simon Peter, who had a sword with him, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 But Jesus said to Peter: “Sheathe your sword. Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?” 12 So the soldiers of the garrison, with their captain and the Jewish officers, arrested Jesus and bound him, 13 And took him first of all to Annas. Annas was the father-in- law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was best that one man should die for the people.

15 Meanwhile Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. That disciple, being well-known to the high priest, went with Jesus into the high priest’s court-yard, 16 While Peter stood outside by the door. Presently the other disciple—the one well-known to the high priest—went out and spoke to the maidservant, and brought Peter in. 17 So the maidservant said to Peter: “Are not you also one of this man’s disciples?” “No, I am not,” he said.

18 The servants and officers were standing round a charcoal fire (which they had made because it was cold), and were warming themselves. Peter, too, was with them, standing and warming himself. 19 The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.

20 “For my part,” answered Jesus, “I have spoken to all the world openly. I always taught in some synagogue, or in the temple courts, places where all the Jews assemble, and I never spoke of anything in secret. 21 Why question me? Question those who have listened to me as to what I have spoken about to them. They must know what I said.”

22 When Jesus said this, one of the officers, who was standing near, gave him a blow with his hand. “Do you answer the high priest like that?” he exclaimed. 23 “If I said anything wrong, give evidence about it,” replied Jesus; “but if not, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing there, warming himself; so they said to him: “Are not you also one of his disciples?” Peter denied it. “No, I am not,” he said. 26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relation of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, exclaimed: “Did not I myself see you with him in the garden?” 27 Peter again denied it; and at that moment a cock crowed.

28 From Caiaphas they took Jesus to the government house. It was early in the morning. But they did not enter the government house themselves; otherwise they should become ‘defiled,’ and so be unable to eat the Passover. 29 Therefore Pilate came outside to speak to them. “What charge do you bring against this man?” he asked.

30 “If he had not been a criminal, we should not have given him up to you,” they answered. 31 “Take him yourselves,” said Pilate, “and try him by your own law.” “We have no power to put anyone to death,” the Jews replied—32 In fulfillment of what Jesus had said when indicating the death that he was destined to die.

33 After that, Pilate went into the Government House again, and calling Jesus up, asked him: “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 “Do you ask me that yourself?” replied Jesus, “or did others say it to you about me?” 35 “Do you take me for a Jew?” was Pilate’s answer. “It is your own nation, and the chief priests, who have given you up to me. What have you done?”

36 “My kingdom,” replied Jesus, “is not of this world. If it had been so, my servants would be doing their utmost to prevent my being given up to the Jews; but now is my kingdom, not from hence.”

37 “Are you a king then?” asked Pilate. “You say that I am a king,” answered Jesus. “To this end was I born, and for this cause I came into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of truth listens to my voice.” 38 “What is truth?” asked Pilate.

After saying this, he went out to the Jews again, and said: “For my part, I find nothing with which he can be charged. 39 It is, however, the custom for me to grant you the release of one man at the Passover festival. Do you wish for the release of the King of the Jews?” 40 “No, not this man,” they shouted again, “but Barabbas!” This Barabbas was a robber.

To read the next chapter of the Book of John, please go to The Gospel of John – 19.

This Online New Testament Gospel of John is excerpted from the book The Living Hour: The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life (with New Century Gospels). Including over 200 bookmarked citations from the canonical Gospels, this Progressive Christian book appeals to the Unitarian spirit at the heart of all faiths.

Challenge your perceptions on the Gospel of Christ, Jesus’s parables, and the Kingdom of God by purchasing The Lord’s Prayer book today. Produced by LivingHour.org, a Thailand-based small press dedicated to publishing unique Learning Easy Thai Language Books, as well as works on progressive spirituality.

Luke – Gospel 21 – Win Yourself Life!

Looking up, Jesus saw the rich people putting their gifts into the chests for the temple offerings. 2 He saw, too, a widow in poor circumstances putting two farthings into them. 3 On this he said: “I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others; 4 For everyone else here put in something from what they had to spare, while she, in her need, has put in all she had to live upon.”

5 When some of them spoke about the temple being decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said: 6 “As for these things that you are looking at, a time is coming when not one stone will be left upon another here, which will not be thrown down.”

7 So the disciples questioned Jesus: “But, Teacher, when will this be? And what sign will there be when this is near?” 8 And Jesus said: “See that you are not led astray; for many will take my name, and come saying ‘I am He,’ and ‘The time is close at hand.’ Do not follow them. 9 And, when you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified, for these things must occur first; but the end will not be at once.”

10 Then he said to them: “‘Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,’ 11 And there will be great earth-quakes, and plagues, and famines in various places, and there will be terrible appearances and signs in the heavens. 12 Before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you, and they will betray you to synagogues and put you in prison, bringing you before kings and governors for the sake of my name. 13 Then will be your opportunity of testifying for me.”

14 “Make up your minds, therefore, not to prepare your defense; 15 For I will myself give you words, and a wisdom which all your opponents together will be unable to resist or defy. 16 You will be betrayed even by your parents, and brothers, and relations, and friends, and they will cause some of you to be put to death, 17 And you will be hated by everyone on account of my name. 18 Yet not a single hair of your heads shall be lost! 19 By your endurance you shall win yourselves life.”

20 “As soon, however, as you see Jerusalem surrounded by armed camps, then you may know that the hour of her desecration is at hand. 21 Then those of you who are in Judea must take refuge in the mountains; those who are in Jerusalem must leave at once; and those who are in the country places must not go into it. 22 For these are to be the days of vengeance, when all that scripture says will be fulfilled.”

23 “Woe to the women that are with child, and for those that are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great suffering in the land, and anger against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be taken prisoners to every land, and ‘Jerusalem will be under the heel of the Gentiles,’ until their day is over—as it shall be.”

25 “There will be signs, too (in the sun, and moon, and stars), and on the earth despair among the nations, as they dismay at the roar of the sea and the surge. 26 People’s hearts will fail them through dread of what is coming upon the world; for ‘the forces of the heavens will be convulsed.’ 27 Then will be seen the ‘Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 And, when these things begin to occur, look upwards and lift your heads, for your deliverance will be at hand.”

29 Then he taught them a lesson: “Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. 30 As soon as they shoot forth, you know, as you look at them, without being told, that summer is near. 31 And so may you, as soon as you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 I tell you that even the present generation will not pass away till all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

34 “Be on your guard else your minds should ever be dulled by debauches or drunkenness or the anxieties of life, and lest that day should come suddenly upon you, like a snare. 35 For come it will upon all who are living upon the face of the whole earth. 36 Be on the watch at all times, and pray that you may have strength to escape all that is destined to happen, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”

37 During the days, Jesus continued to teach in the temple courts, but he went out and spent the nights on the hill called the ‘Mount of Olives.’ 38 And all the people would get up early in the morning, and come to listen to him in the temple courts.

To read the next chapter of the Book of Luke, please go toThe Gospel of Luke – 22.

This Online New Testament Gospel of Luke is excerpted from the book The Living Hour: The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life (with New Century Gospels). Including over 200 bookmarked citations from the canonical Gospels, this Progressive Christian book appeals to the Unitarian spirit at the heart of all faiths.

Challenge your perceptions on the Gospel of Christ, Jesus’s parables, and the Kingdom of God by purchasing The Lord’s Prayer book today. Produced by LivingHour.org, a Thailand-based small press dedicated to publishing unique Learning Easy Thai Language Books, as well as works on progressive spirituality.

Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

Gospel of Matthew 25

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps, but took no oil with them; 4 While the prudent ones, besides taking their lamps, took oil in their jars. 5 As the bridegroom was late in coming, they all became drowsy, and slept. 6 But at midnight a shout was raised: ‘The Bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’

7 Then all the bridesmaids awoke and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the prudent: ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the prudent ones answered: ‘No, for fear that there will not be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell it, and buy for yourselves.’10 But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom came; and the bridesmaids who were ready went in with him to the banquet, and the door was shut. 11 Afterwards the other bridesmaids came. ‘Sir, Sir,’ they said, ‘open the door to us!’12 But the bridegroom answered ‘I tell you, I do not know you.’

13 Therefore watch, since you know neither the day nor the hour. 14 For it is as though a man, going on his travels, called his servants, and gave his property into their charge. 15 He gave three thousand pounds to one, twelve hundred to another, and six hundred to a third, in proportion to the ability of each. Then he set out on his travels. 16 The man who had received the three thousand pounds went at once and traded with it, and made another three thousand. 17 So, too, the man who had received the twelve hundred pounds made another twelve hundred. 18 But the servant who had received the six hundred went and dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

19 After a long time the master of those servants returned, and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received the three thousand pounds came up and brought three thousand more. ‘Sir,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with three thousand pounds; look, I have made another three thousand!’ 21 ‘Well done, good, trustworthy servant!’ said his master. ‘You have been trustworthy with a small sum; now I will place a large one in your hands; come and share your master’s joy!’

22 Then the one who had received the twelve hundred pounds came up and said ‘Sir, you entrusted me with twelve hundred pounds; look, I have made another twelve hundred!’ 23 ‘Well done, good, trustworthy servant!’ said his master. ‘You have been trustworthy with a small sum; now I will place a large one in your hands; come and share your master’s joy!’

Discover the Lord’s Prayer

To continue reading Chapter 25 of the Gospel of Matthew, please click on page 2 below.

Thirty Pieces of Silver

Gospel of Matthew 26

When Jesus had finished all this teaching, he said to his disciples: 2 “You know that in two days time, the festival of the Passover will be here; and that the Son of Man is to be given up to be crucified.” 3 Then the chief priests and the councilors of the nation met in the house of the high priest, named Caiaphas, 4 And plotted together to arrest Jesus by stealth and put him to death; 5 But they said: “Not during the festival, for fear of causing a riot.”

6 After Jesus had reached Bethany, and while he was in the house of Simon the leper, 7 A woman came up to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and poured the ointment upon his head as he was at a table. 8 The disciples were indignant at seeing this. “What is this waste for?” they exclaimed. 9 “It could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to poor people.” 10 “Why are you troubling the woman?” Jesus said, when he noticed it, “For this is a beautiful deed that she has done to me.”

11 “You always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this perfume on my body, she has done it for my burial. 13 I tell you, wherever in the whole world this gospel is proclaimed, what this woman has done will be told in memory of her.” 14 It was then that one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, made his way to the chief priests, 15 And said “What are you willing to give me, if I betray Jesus to you?” The priests ‘weighed him out thirty pieces of silver‘ as payment. 16 So from that time Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

17 On the first day of the festival of the unleavened bread, the disciples came up to Jesus, and said: “Where do you wish us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 18 “Go into the city to a certain man,” he answered, “and say to him: ‘The Teacher says: My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 The disciples did as Jesus directed them, and prepared the Passover.

20 In the evening Jesus took his place with the twelve disciples, 21 And, while they were eating, he said: “I tell you that one of you will betray me.” 22 In great grief they began to say to him, one by one: “Can it be I, Master?” 23 “The one who dipped his bread beside me in the dish,” replied Jesus, “is the one who will betray me. 24 True, the Son of Man must go, as scripture says of him, yet woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is being betrayed! For that man ‘it would be better never to have been born!’” 25 And Judas, who was betraying him, turned to him and said: “Can it be I, Rabbi?” “You have said it,” answered Jesus.

26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and, after saying the blessing, broke it and, as he gave it to his disciples, said: “Take it and eat it; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and, after saying the thanksgiving, gave it to them, with the words: “Drink from it, all of you; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 And I tell you that I shall never, after this, drink of this juice of the grape, until that day when I shall drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father.” 30 They then sang a hymn, and went out to the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them: “Even you will fall away from me tonight. Scripture says: ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But, after I have risen, I shall go before you into Galilee.” 33 “If everyone else falls away from you,” Peter answered, “I shall never fall away!” 34 “I tell you,” replied Jesus, “that this very night, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times!” 35 “Even if I must die with you,” Peter exclaimed, “I shall never disown you!” All the disciples spoke in the same way.

36 Then Jesus came with them to a garden called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples: “Sit down here while I go and pray yonder.” 37 Taking with him Peter, and the two sons of Zebediah, he began to show signs of sadness and deep distress of mind. 38 “I am sad at heart,” he said, “sad even to death; wait here and watch with me.” 39 Going on a little further, he threw himself on his face in prayer. “My Father,” he said, “if it is possible, let me be spared this cup; only, not as I will, but as thou willest.”

40 Then he came to his disciples, and found them asleep. “What!” he said to Peter, “could none of you watch with me for one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that you may not fall into temptation. True, the spirit is eager, but human nature is weak.” 42 Again, a second time, he went away, and prayed. “My Father,” he said, “if I cannot be spared this cup, but must drink it, thy will be done!”

What is the Lord’s Prayer?

To continue reading Chapter 26 of the Gospel of Matthew, please click on page 2 below.

Luke – Gospel 22 – Peter Denies Jesus Three Times

The feast of the unleavened bread, known as the Passover, was near. 2 The chief priest and the teachers of the law were looking for an opportunity of destroying Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Now Satan took possession of Judas, who was known as Iscariot, and who belonged to the twelve; 4 And he went and discussed with the chief priests and officers in charge at the temple the best way of betraying Jesus to them. 5 They were glad of this, and agreed to pay him.

6 So Judas assented and looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them, in the absence of a crowd. 7 When the day of the festival of the unleavened bread came, on which the Passover lambs had to be killed, 8 Jesus sent forward Peter and John, saying to them: “Go and make preparations for our eating the Passover.” 9 “Where do you wish us to make preparations?” they asked.

10 “Listen,” he answered, “when you have got into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you; follow him into whatever house he enters; 11 And you shall say to the owner of the house: ‘The Teacher asks you where is the room where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples?’12 The man will show you a large upstairs room, already furnished; there make preparations.”

13 So Peter and John went on, and found everything just as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14 When the time came, Jesus took his place at table, the apostles with him. 15 “I have most earnestly wished,” he said, “to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you that I shall not eat it again, until it has had its fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then, on receiving a cup, after saying the thanksgiving, he said: 18 “Take this and share it among you. For I tell you that, after today, I shall not drink the juice of the grape, until the kingdom of God has come.”

19 Then Jesus took some bread, and, after saying the thanksgiving, broke it and gave to them, with the words: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And in the same way with the cup, after supper, saying: “This cup is the new testament in my blood which is shed for you. 21 Yet see! The hand of the man that is betraying me is beside me upon the table! 22 True, the Son of Man is passing, as it was ordained for him, yet alas for that man by whom he is being betrayed!”

23 Then they began questioning one another which of them it could be that was going to do this. 24 And a dispute arose among them as to which of them was to be regarded the greatest. 25 Jesus, however, said: “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their oppressors are styled as benefactors. 26 But with you it must not be so. No, let the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who leads like him who serves. 27 Which is the greater: the master at the table or his servant? Is it not the master at the table? Yet I myself am among you as one who serves.”

28 You are the men who have stood by me in my trials; 29 And, just as my Father has assigned me a kingdom, I assign you places, 30 So that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and be seated upon twelve thrones as judges of the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 Simon! Simon! Listen. Satan desires to sift you all like wheat, 32 But I prayed for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. And you, when you have returned to me, are to strengthen your brothers.”

33 “Master,” said Peter, “with you I am ready to go both to prison and to death.” 34 “I tell you, Peter,” replied Jesus, “the cock will not crow today until you have disowned all knowledge of me three times.” 35 Then he said to them all: “When I sent you out as my messengers, without either purse, or bag, or sandals, were you in need of anything?” “No; nothing,” they answered.

36 “Now, however,” he said, “he who has a purse must take it and his bag as well; and he who has not must sell his cloak and buy a sword. 37 For I tell you that passage of scripture must be fulfilled in me which says: ‘He was counted among the godless’; indeed all that refers to me is finding its fulfillment.”

8 “Master,” they exclaimed, “look, here are two swords!” “Enough!” said Jesus. 39 Jesus then went out, and made his way, as usual, to the Mount of Olives, followed by his disciples. 40 And, when he reached the spot, he said to them: “Pray that you may not fall into temptation.” 41 Then he withdrew about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and began to pray.

42 “Father,” he said, “if it is thy pleasure, spare me this cup; only, not my will but yours be done.” 43 Presently there appeared to him an angel from heaven, who strengthened him. 44 And, as his anguish became intense, he prayed still more earnestly, while his sweat was like great drops of blood falling on the ground. 45 Then he rose from praying, and came to the disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow.

46 “Why are you asleep?” he asked them. “Rise and pray, that you may not fall into temptation.” 47 While he was still speaking, a crowd appeared in sight, led by the man called Judas, who was one of the twelve. Judas approached Jesus, to kiss him; 48 On which Jesus said to him: “Judas, is it by a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?”

49 But when those who were round Jesus saw what was going to happen, they exclaimed: “Master, shall we use our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear; 51 On which Jesus said: “Let me at least do this”; and touching his ear, he healed the wound.

52 Then, turning to the chief priests, and officers in charge at the temple, and councilors, who had come for him, he said: “Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple courts, you did not lay hands on me; but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” 54 Those who had taken Jesus prisoner took him away into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.

55 But, when they had lit a fire in the center of the court-yard and had all sat down there, Peter seated himself in the middle of them. 56 Presently a maidservant saw him sitting near the blaze of the fire. Fixing her eyes on him, she said: “Why, this man was one of his companions!” 57 But Peter denied it. “I do not know him,” he replied. 58 A little while afterwards someone else—a man—saw him and said: “Why, you are one of them!” “No,” Peter said, “I am not.”

59 About an hour later another man declared positively: “This man also was certainly with him. Why, he is a Galilean!” 60 But Peter said: “I do not know what you are speaking about.” Instantly, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. 61 And the Master turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the words that the Master had said to him: “Before a cock has crowed today, you will disown me three times“; 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

63 The men that held Jesus kept making sport of him and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and then questioned him. “Now play the prophet,” they said; “who was it that struck you?” 65 And they heaped many other insults on him. 66 At daybreak the national council met—both the chief priests and the teachers of the law—and took Jesus before their high council.

67 “If you are the Christ,” they said, “tell us so.” “If I tell you,” replied Jesus, “you will not believe me. 68 And, if I question you, you will not answer. 69 But from this hour ‘the Son of Man will be seated on the right hand of God Almighty.’” 70 “Are you, then, the Son of God?” they all asked. And Jesus said: “You say that I am” 71 At this they replied: “Why do we any further witnesses? For we have heard ourselves from his own mouth.”

To read the next chapter from the Book of Luke, please go to The Gospel of Luke – 23.

This Online New Testament Gospel of Luke is excerpted from the book The Living Hour: The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life (with New Century Gospels). Including over 200 bookmarked citations from the canonical Gospels, this Progressive Christian book appeals to the Unitarian spirit at the heart of all faiths.

Challenge your perceptions on the Gospel of Christ, Jesus’s parables, and the Kingdom of God by purchasing The Lord’s Prayer book today. Produced by LivingHour.org, a Thailand-based small press dedicated to publishing unique Learning Easy Thai Language Books, as well as works on progressive spirituality.

John – Gospel 20 – Doubting Thomas

On the first day of the week, early in the morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, and saw that the stone had been removed. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter, and to that other disciple who was Jesus’ friend, and said to them: “They have taken away the Master out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him!” 3 Upon this, Peter started off with that other disciple, and they went to the tomb. 4 The two began running together; but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first.

5 Stooping down, he saw the linen wrappings lying there, but did not go in. 6 Presently Simon Peter came following behind him, and went into the tomb; and he looked at the linen wrappings lying there, 7 And the cloth which had been upon Jesus’ head, not lying with the wrappings, but rolled up on one side, separately. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, went inside too, and he saw for himself and was convinced. 9 For they did not then understand the passage of scripture which says that Jesus must rise again from the dead.

10 The disciples then returned to their companions. 11 Meanwhile Mary was standing close outside the tomb, weeping. Still weeping, she leant forward into the tomb, 12 And perceived two angels clothed in white sitting there, where the body of Jesus had been lying, one where the head and the other where the feet had been. 13 “Why are you weeping?” asked the angels. “They have taken my Master away,” she answered, “and I do not know where they have laid him.”

14 After saying this, she turned round and looked at Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 “Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” he asked. Supposing him to be the gardener, Mary answered: “If it was you, sir, who carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away myself.” 16 “Mary!” said Jesus. She turned round, and exclaimed in Hebrew: “Rabboni!” (or, as we would say, ‘Teacher’).

17 “Do not hold me,” Jesus said; “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my Brothers, and tell them that I am ascending to him who is my Father and their Father, my God and their God.” 18 Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples that she had seen the Master, and that he had said this to her.

19 In the evening of the same day—the first day of the week—after the doors of the room in which the disciples were had been shut for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said: “Peace be with you”; 20 After which he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Master.

21 Again Jesus said to them: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me as his messenger, so I am sending you.” 22 After saying this, he breathed on them, and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit; 23 If you remit anyone’s sins, they have been remitted; and, if you retain them, they have been retained.”

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus was not with them when Jesus came; 25 So the rest of the disciples said to him: “We have seen the Master!” “Unless I see the marks of the nails in his hands,” he exclaimed, “and put my finger into the marks, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”

26 A week later the disciples were again in the house, and Thomas with them. After the doors had been shut, Jesus came and stood among them, and said: “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas: “Place your finger here, and look at my hands; and place your hand here, and put it into my side; and do not refuse to believe, but believe.” 28 And Thomas exclaimed: “My Master, and my God!” 29 “Is it because you have seen me that you have believed?” said Jesus. “Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed!”

30 There were many other signs of his mission that Jesus gave in presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book; 31 But these have been recorded that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God—and that through your belief in his name you may have life.

To read the next chapter of the Book of John, please go toThe Gospel of John – 21.

This Online New Testament Gospel of John is excerpted from the book The Living Hour: The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life (with New Century Gospels). Including over 200 bookmarked citations from the canonical Gospels, this Progressive Christian book appeals to the Unitarian spirit at the heart of all faiths.

Challenge your perceptions on the Gospel of Christ, Jesus’s parables, and the Kingdom of God by purchasing The Lord’s Prayer book today. Produced by LivingHour.org, a Thailand-based small press dedicated to publishing unique Learning Easy Thai Language Books, as well as works on progressive spirituality.

Luke – Gospel 23 – Jesus Visits Herod

Then they all rose as a body and led Jesus before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him: “This is a man whom we found misleading our people, preventing them from paying taxes to Caesar, and claiming that he himself is Christ a King.’” 3 “Are you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked him. “That is what you say,” replied Jesus.

4 Then Pilate, turning to the chief priests and the people, said: “I do not see anything to find fault with in this man.” 5 But they insisted: “He is stirring up the people by his teaching all through Judea; he began with Galilee and has now come here.”

6 Hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; 7 And, having satisfied himself that Jesus came under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who also was at Jerusalem at the time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly pleased, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, having heard a great deal about him; and he was hoping to see some sign given by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but Jesus made no reply.

10 Meanwhile the chief priests and the teachers of the law stood by and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod, with his soldiers, treated Jesus with scorn; he mocked him by throwing a gorgeous robe round him, and then sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, for before that there had been ill-will between them.

13 So Pilate summoned the chief priests, and the leading men, and the people, 14 And said to them: “You brought this man before me charged with misleading the people; and yet, for my part, though I examined him before you, I did not find this man to blame for any of the things of which you accuse him; 15 Nor did Herod either; for he has sent him back to us. And, as a fact, he has not done anything deserving death; 16 So I shall chastise him, and then release him.” 27 For of necessity he needed to release one to them at the feast.

18 But they began to shout as one person: “Kill this fellow, but release Barabbas for us.” 19 Barabbas was a man who had been put in prison for a riot that had broken out in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate, however, wanting to release Jesus, called to them again; 21 But they kept calling out: “Crucify, crucify him!”

22 “Why, what harm has this man done?” Pilate said to them for the third time. “I have found nothing in him for which he could be condemned to death. So I will chastise him, and then let him go.”

23 But they persisted in loudly demanding his crucifixion; and their clamor gained the day. 24 Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been put in prison for riot and murder, as they demanded, and gave Jesus up to be dealt with as they pleased.

26 And, as they were leading Jesus away, they laid hold of Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on his shoulders for him to carry behind Jesus. 27 There was a great crowd of people following him, many being women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him.

28 So Jesus turned and said to them: “Women of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 A time, I tell you, is coming, when it will be said: ‘Happy are the women who are barren, and those who have never borne children or nursed them!’ 30 At that time people will begin to say to the mountains ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills ‘Cover us.’ 31 If what you see is done while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 There were two others also, criminals, led out to be executed with Jesus. 33 When they had reached the place called Calvary, there they crucified Jesus and the criminals, one on the right, and one on the left. 34 Then Jesus said: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” His clothes they then divided among themselves by casting lots.

35 Meanwhile the people stood looking on. Even the leading men said with a sneer: “He saved others, let him save himself, if he is God’s Christ, his Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers, too, came up in mockery, bringing him common wine, 37 And saying as they did so: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 Above him were the words: ‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’

39 One of the criminals who was hanging beside Jesus railed at him. “Are not you the Christ? Save yourself and us,” he said. 40 But the other rebuked him. “Have not you,” he said, “any fear of God, now that you are under the same sentence? 41 And we justly so, for we are only reaping our deserts, but this man has not done anything wrong.”

42 Jesus,” he went on, “do not forget me when you have come to your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus answered: “I tell you, this very day you shall be with me in paradise.” 44 It was nearly mid-day, when a darkness came over the whole country, lasting until three in the afternoon, 45 The sun being eclipsed; and the temple curtain was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus, with a loud cry, said: “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” And with these words he expired.

47 The Roman captain, on seeing what had happened, praised God, exclaiming: “Certainly this was a righteous man!” 48 All the people who had gathered to see the sight, watched what occurred, and then went home beating their breasts. 49 All the friends of Jesus had been standing at a distance, with the women who accompanied him from Galilee, watching everything.

50 Now there was a man of the name of Joseph, who was a counselor, and who was a good man and just. 51 This man had not assented to the decision and action of the council. He was from Arithamaea, a city of the Jews, and lived in expectation of the kingdom of God. 52 He now went to see Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus; 53 And, when he had taken it down, he wrapped it in a linen sheet, and laid him in a tomb cut out of stone, in which no one had yet been buried.

54 It was the preparation day, just before the start of the Sabbath. 55 The women who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how the body of Jesus was laid, 56 And then went home, and prepared spices and perfumes. During the Sabbath they rested, as directed by the commandment.

To read the next chapter of the Book of Luke, please go to The Gospel of Luke – 24.

This Online New Testament Gospel of Luke is excerpted from the book The Living Hour: The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life (with New Century Gospels). Including over 200 bookmarked citations from the canonical Gospels, this Progressive Christian book appeals to the Unitarian spirit at the heart of all faiths.

Challenge your perceptions on the Gospel of Christ, Jesus’s parables, and the Kingdom of God by purchasing The Lord’s Prayer book today. Produced by LivingHour.org, a Thailand-based small press dedicated to publishing unique Learning Easy Thai Language Books, as well as works on progressive spirituality.

King of the Jews

Gospel of Mark 15

As soon as it was daylight, the chief priests, after holding a consultation with the councilors and teachers of the law—that is to say, the whole high council—put Jesus in chains and took him away, and gave him up to Pilate.

2 “Are you the King of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “That is what you say,” replied Jesus. 3 Then the chief priests brought a number of charges against him; 4 Upon which Pilate questioned Jesus again. “Have you no reply to make?” he asked. “Listen, how many charges they are bringing against you.” 5 But Jesus still made no reply whatsoever; at which Pilate was astonished.

6 Now, at the feast, Pilate used to grant the people the release of any one prisoner whom they might ask for. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with rioters who had committed murder during a riot. 8 So, when the crowd went up and began to ask Pilate to follow his usual custom, 9 He asked: “Do you want me to release the ‘King of the Jews‘ for you?”10 For he was aware that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had given Jesus up to him.

11 But the chief priests incited the crowd to get Barabbas released instead. 12 Pilate, however, spoke to them again: “What shall I do then with the man whom you call the ‘King of the Jews‘?” 13 Again they shouted: “Crucify him!” 14 “Why, what harm has he done?” Pilate kept saying to them. But they shouted furiously: “Crucify him!” 15 And Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them, and after scourging Jesus, gave him up to be crucified.

16 The soldiers then took Jesus away into the court-yard—that is the government house—and they called the whole garrison together. 17 They dressed him in a purple robe and, having twisted a crown of thorns, put it on him, 18 And then began to salute him. “Long life to you, King of the Jews!” they said. 19 And they kept striking him on the head with a rod, spitting at him, and bowing to the ground before him, going down on their knees; 20 And, when they had left off mocking him, they took off the purple robe, and put his own clothes on him.

21 And they led Jesus out to crucify him; and they compelled a passer-by, Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them to carry his cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place which was known as Golgotha—a name which means ‘Place of a Skull.’ 23 There they offered him drugged wine; but Jesus refused it. 24 Then they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots for them to settle what each should take.

Do You Understand the Lord’s Prayer?

To continue reading Chapter 15 of the Gospel of Mark, please click on page 2 below.

Forsaken Me

Gospel of Matthew 27

At daybreak all the chief priests and the councilors of the nation consulted together against Jesus, to bring about his death. 2 They put him in chains and led him away, and gave him up to the Roman governor, Pilate. 3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing that Jesus was condemned, repented of what he had done, and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and councilors. 4 “I did wrong in betraying a good man to his death,” he said. “What has that to do with us?” they replied. “You must see to that yourself.”

5 Judas flung down the pieces of silver in the temple and left; and went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver, but they said: “We must not put them into the temple treasury, because they are blood-money.” 7 So after consultation, they bought with them the ‘Potter’s Field’ for a burial-ground for foreigners; 8 And that is why that field is called the ‘Field of Blood’ to this very day. 9 It was then that these words spoken by the prophet Jeremiah were fulfilled: ‘They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him who was valued, whom some of the people of Israel valued, 10 And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’

11 Meanwhile Jesus was brought before the Roman governor. “Are you the King of the Jews?” asked the governor. “That is what you say,” answered Jesus. 12 While charges were being brought against him by the chief priests and councilors, Jesus made no reply. 13 Then Pilate said to him: “Do not you hear how many accusations they are making against you?” 14 Yet Jesus made no reply, not even a single word; at which the governor was greatly astonished.

15 Now, at the feast, the governor was accustomed to grant the people the release of any one prisoner whom they might choose. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So, when the people had gathered, Pilate said to them: “Which do you wish me to release for you? Barabbas? Or Jesus who is called ‘Christ’?” 18 For he knew that it was out of jealousy that they had given Jesus up to him.

19 While he was still on the bench, his wife sent this message to him: “Do not have anything to do with that good man, for I have been very unhappy today because of a dream I had of him.” 20 But the chief priests and the councilors persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, and to kill Jesus. 21 The governor, however, said to them: “Which of these two do you wish me to release for you?” “Barabbas,” they answered. 22 “What then,” Pilate asked, “shall I do with Jesus who is called ‘Christ’?” “Let him be crucified,” they all replied. 23 “Why, what harm has he done?” he asked. But they kept shouting furiously: “Let him be crucified!”

24 When Pilate saw that contrary to his efforts a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying as he did so: “I am not answerable for this bloodshed; you must see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered: “His blood be on our heads and on our children’s!” 26 Then Pilate released Barabbas to them; but Jesus he scourged and gave him up to be crucified.

27 After that, the governor’s soldiers took Jesus with them into the government house and gathered the whole garrison round him. 28 They stripped him and put on him a red military cloak, 29 And having twisted some thorns into a crown, put it on his head, and a rod in his right hand, and then, going down on their knees before him, they mocked him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat at him and, taking the rod, kept striking him on the head; 31 And, when they had quit mocking him, they took off the military cloak, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to be crucified.

What is the Lord’s Prayer?

To continue reading Chapter 27 of the Gospel of Matthew, click on page 2 below.

John – Gospel 21 – Jesus’s Will: Follow Me

Later on, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. 2 It was in this way: Simon Peter, Thomas, who was called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, Zebediah’s sons, and two other disciples of Jesus were together when Simon Peter said: 3 “I am going fishing.” “We will come with you,” said the others. They went out and got into the boat, but caught nothing that night.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus came and stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was he. 5 “My children,” he said, “have you anything to eat?” “No,” they answered. 6 “Cast your net to the right of the boat,” he said, “and you will find fish.” So they cast the net, and now they could not haul it in on account of the quantity of fish. 7 Upon this the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter: “It is the Master!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Master, he fastened his coat round him (for he had taken it off), and threw himself into the sea.

8 But the rest of the disciples came in the boat (for they were only about a hundred yards from shore), dragging the net full of fish. 9 When they had come ashore, they found a charcoal fire ready, with some fish already on it, and some bread as well. 10 “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught,” said Jesus. 11 So Simon Peter got into the boat and hauled the net ashore full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and yet, although there were so many, the net had not been torn.

12 And Jesus said to them: “Come and breakfast.” Not one of the disciples ventured to ask him who he was, knowing that it was the Master. 13 Jesus went and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish too. 14 This was the third time that Jesus showed himself to the disciples after he had risen from the dead.

15 When breakfast was over, Jesus said to Simon Peter: “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than the others?” “Yes, Master,” he answered, “you know that I am your friend.” “Feed my lambs,” said Jesus.

16 Then, a second time, Jesus asked: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Master,” he answered, “you know that I am your friend.” “Tend my sheep,” said Jesus. 17 The third time, Jesus said to him: “Simon, son of John, are you my friend?” Peter was hurt at his third question being ‘Are you my friend?’ and exclaimed: “Master, you know everything! You can tell that I am your friend.” “Feed my sheep,” said Jesus.

18 “In truth I tell you,” he continued, “when you were young, you gird your loins, and walked wherever you wished; but, when you have grown old, you will have to stretch out your hands, while someone else harnesses you, and takes you where you do not wish.” 19 Jesus said this to show the death by which Peter was to honor God, and then he added: “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned round, and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following—the one who at the supper leaned back on the Master’s shoulder, and asked him who it was that would betray him. 21 Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus: “Master, what about this man?” 22 “If it is my will that he should wait till I come,” answered Jesus, “what has that to do with you? Follow me yourself.”

23 So the report spread among the brethren that that disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say that he was not to die, but said “If it is my will that he should wait till I come, what has that to do with you?” 24 It is this disciple who states these things, and who recorded them; and we know that his statement is true.
25 There are many other things which Jesus did; but, if every one of them were to be recorded in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not hold the books that would be written.

To read the previous chapter the Book of John, please Gospel of John – 20.

This Online New Testament Gospel of John is excerpted from the book The Living Hour: The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life (with New Century Gospels). Including over 200 bookmarked citations from the canonical Gospels, this Progressive Christian book appeals to the Unitarian spirit at the heart of all faiths.

Challenge your perceptions on the Gospel of Christ, Jesus’s parables, and the Kingdom of God by purchasing The Lord’s Prayer book today. Produced by LivingHour.org, a Thailand-based small press dedicated to publishing unique Learning Easy Thai Language Books, as well as works on progressive spirituality.

Luke – Gospel 24 – The Living from the Dead

But very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb, taking with them the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb; 3 And, on going into it, they could not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were at a loss to account for this, all at once two men stood beside them, in dazzling clothing. 5 But, when in their fear the women bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them: “Why are you looking among the dead for him who is living?”

6 “He is not here; but he has risen. Remember how he spoke to you before he left Galilee: 7 How he said that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of wicked men, and be crucified, and rise again on the third day.” 8 Then they remembered the words of Jesus, 9 And, on returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.

10 There were Mary of Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James. The other women, too, spoke about this to the apostles. 11 What they said seemed to the apostles mere nonsense, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping down he saw nothing but the linen wrappings, and he went away, wondering to himself what had taken place.

13 It happened that very day that two of the disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 Talking together, as they went, about all that had just taken place. 15 While they were talking about these things and discussing them, Jesus himself came up and went on their way with them; 16 But their eyes were blinded so that they could not recognize him.

17 “What is this that you are saying to each other as you walk along?” Jesus asked. They stopped, with sad looks on their faces, 18 And then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, said to Jesus: “Are you staying by yourself in Jerusalem, that you have not heard of the things that have happened there within the last few days?”

19 “What things do you mean?” asked Jesus. “Why, about Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered, “who, in the eyes of God and all the people, was a prophet, whose power was felt in both his words and actions; 20 And how the chief priests and our leading men gave him up to be sentenced to death, and afterwards crucified him.”

21 “But we were hoping that he was the destined deliverer of Israel; yes, and besides all this, it is now three days since these things occurred. 22 And what is more, some of the women among us have greatly astonished us. They went to the tomb at daybreak.

23 And, not finding the body of Jesus there, came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels who told them that he was alive. 24 So some of our number went to the tomb and found everything just as the women had said; but they did not see Jesus.”

25 Then Jesus said to them: “O foolish men, slow to accept all that the prophets have said! 26 Was not the Christ bound to undergo this suffering before entering upon his glory?” 27 Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them all through the scriptures the passages that referred to himself.

28 When they got near the village to which they were walking, Jesus appeared to be going further; 29 But they pressed him not to do so. “Stay with us,” they said, “for it is getting towards evening, and the sun is already low.” So Jesus went in to stay with them.

30 After he had taken his place at table with them, he took the bread and said the blessing, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him; but he disappeared from their sight. 32 “How our hearts glowed,” the disciples said to each other, “while he was talking to us on the road, and when he explained the scriptures to us!”

33 Then they immediately got up and returned to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven and their companions all together, 34 Who told them that the Master had really risen, and had appeared to Simon. 35 So they also related what had happened during their walk, and how they had recognized Jesus at the breaking of the bread. 36 While they were still talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said: “Peace be with you.”

37 In their terror and alarm they thought they saw a spirit, 38 But Jesus said to them: “Why are you so startled? And why do doubts arise in you minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, and you will know that it is I. Feel me, and look at me, for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see that I have.”

40 After saying this he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they were still unable to believe it all for their joy, and wondering if it were true, Jesus said to them: “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They handed him a piece of broiled fish, 43 And he took it and ate it before their eyes.

44 “This is what I told you,” he said, “when I was still with you—that everything that had been written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he enabled them to understand the meaning of the scriptures, saying to them: 46 “Scripture says that the Christ should suffer, and that he should rise again from the dead on the third day, 47 And that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed on his authority to all the nations—beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You yourselves are to be witnesses to all this.

49 And now I am myself about to send upon you that which my Father has promised. But you must remain in the city of Jerusalem until you have been invested with power from above.” 50 After this, Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and there raised his hands and blessed them. 51 As he was in the act of blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 They bowed to the ground before him and returned to Jerusalem full of joy; 53 And they were constantly in the temple courts, blessing God.

To read Chapter 23 of the Gospel of Luke, please The Gospel of Luke – 23.

This Online New Testament Gospel of Luke is excerpted from the book The Living Hour: The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life (with New Century Gospels). Including over 200 bookmarked citations from the canonical Gospels, this Progressive Christian book appeals to the Unitarian spirit at the heart of all faiths.

Challenge your perceptions on the Gospel of Christ, Jesus’s parables, and the Kingdom of God by purchasing The Lord’s Prayer book today. Produced by LivingHour.org, a Thailand-based small press dedicated to publishing unique Learning Easy Thai Language Books, as well as works on progressive spirituality.

Jesus is Risen

Gospel of Matthew 28

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had gone to look at the grave, 2 When suddenly a great earthquake occurred. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and seated himself upon it. 3 His appearance was as dazzling as lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow; 4 And, in their terror of him, the men on guard trembled violently and became like dead men.

5 But the angel, addressing the women, said: “You need not be afraid. I now that it is Jesus, who was crucified, for whom you are looking. 6 He is not here; for he has risen, as he said he would. Come, and see the place where he was lying; 7 And then go quickly and say to his disciples: ‘Jesus is risen from the dead, and is going before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Remember, I have told you.”

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What is the Lord’s Prayer?

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8 On this they left the tomb quickly, in awe and great joy, and ran to tell the news to the disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Welcome!” he said. The women went up to him, and clasped his feet, bowing to the ground before him. Then Jesus said to them: 10 “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee, and they shall see me there.”

11 While they were still on their way, some of the guard came into the city, and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 So they and the elders met and, after holding a consultation, gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 And told them to say that his disciples came in the night, and stole him while they were asleep; 14 “And should this matter come before the governor,” they added, “we will satisfy him, and see that you have nothing to fear. 15 So the soldiers took the money, and did as they were instructed. And this story has been current among the Jews from that day to this.

16 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to meet him; 17 And, when they saw him, they bowed to the ground before him; although some felt doubtful. 18 Then Jesus came up, and spoke to them: “All authority in heaven and on the earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the faith of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 And teaching them to lay to heart all the commands that I have given you; and remember I myself am with you every day until the close of the age.”

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To read the previous chapter (27) of the Gospel of Matthew, please click on the following link: Forsaken Me.

Gain fresh insight into the Lord’s Prayer. Read our free online book The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life. The prayer’s hidden teachings will enrich and inspire you. Click the following link to begin reading the Living Hour book now: The Lord’s Prayer.

Browse the entire Gospel of Matthew here: Gospel of Matthew

The Lord’s Prayer: King James Version

The following is The Lord’s Prayer from The King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible, the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray, the prayer which is the Rosetta Stone for understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The prayer appears twice in the KJV Holy Bible: in the Gospel of Matthew 6:9-13, and in the Gospel of Luke 11:1-4. The prayer which Jesus teaches his disciples and appears in the Book of Luke is slightly different than Matthew’s version, which appears below. One difference is that the last line of the prayer is not included.

The Lord’s Prayer – King James Version

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

In 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, for ever.

Amen.

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What is the Lord’s Prayer? It is a short prayer but one that is layered with meaning. Read our free online book The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life to begin discovering the prayer’s hidden meanings. Click the following link to begin reading the Living Hour book now: The Lord’s Prayer.

If you would like to read The Lord’s Prayer translated into Aramaic, the language of Jesus, please go to: The Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic.

The Lord’s Prayer In Aramaic

There have been many translations of The Lord’s Prayer in hundreds of languages. But the one which perhaps is most fascinating to Christians is the translation in Aramaic, the language which Jesus spoke.

The following is an Aramaic translation of The Lord’s Prayer, the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray, the prayer which is the Rosetta Stone for understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

The Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic

Abwûn:
Oh Thou, from whom the breath of life comes,

d’bwaschmâja:
Who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration.

Nethkâdasch schmach:
May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest.

Têtê malkuthach:
Your Heavenly Domain approaches.

Nehwê tzevjânach aikâna d’bwaschmâja af b’arha:
Let Your will come true – in the universe just as on earth

Hawvlân lachma d’sûnkanân jaomâna: Give us wisdom for our daily need,

Waschboklân chaubên wachtahên aikâna daf chnân schwoken l’chaijabên:
Detach the fetters of faults that bind us, (karma) like we let go the guilt of others.

Wela tachlân l’nesjuna:
Let us not be lost in superficial things,

Ela patzân min bischa:
But let us be freed from that what keeps us off from our true purpose.

Metol dilachie malkutha wahaila wateschbuchta l’ahlâm almîn.
From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act,
the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.

Amên: Sealed in trust, faith and truth.

——–

What is the Lord’s Prayer? It is a short prayer, but one that is filled with layers of esoteric meanings. Read our free online book The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life to begin discovering the prayer’s hidden messages. Click the following link to begin reading the Living Hour book now: The Lord’s Prayer.

If you would like to read The Lord’s Prayer in a Latin translation, please go to: The Lord’s Prayer in Latin.

The Lord’s Prayer In Greek

There is a humorous story about an American congressman who, fighting for the sanctity of the English language, exclaimed that if English was good enough for Jesus Christ it’s good enough for him! As most of us know, Jesus did not speak English. His native language was Aramaic. And the Gospel scriptures were written in Greek.

For those curious, the following is a Greek translation of the Lord’s Prayer, the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray, the prayer which is the Rosetta Stone for understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ΠΑΤΕΡ ΗΜΩΝ Ο ΕΝ ΤΟΙΣ ΟΥΡΑΝΟΙΣ
ΑΓΙΑΣΘΗΤΩ ΤΟ ΟΝΟΜΑ ΣΟΥ
ΕΛΘΕΤΩ Η ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΑ ΣΟΥ
ΓΕΝΗΘΗΤΩ ΤΟ ΘΕΛΗΜΑ ΣΟΥ,
ΩΣ ΕΝ ΟΥΡΑΝΩ ΚΑΙ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΓΗΣ
ΤΟΝ ΑΡΤΟΝ ΗΜΩΝ ΤΟΝ ΕΠΙΟΥΣΙΟΝ
ΔΟΣ ΗΜΙΝ ΣΗΜΕΡΟΝ
ΚΑΙ ΑΦΕΣ ΗΜΙΝ ΤΑ ΟΦΕΙΛΗΜΑΤΑ ΗΜΩΝ,
ΩΣ ΚΑΙ ΗΜΕΙΣ ΑΦΙΕΜΕΝ ΤΟΙΣ ΟΦΕΙΛΕΤΑΙΣ ΗΜΩΝ
ΚΑΙ ΜΗ ΕΙΣΕΝΕΓΚΗΣ ΗΜΑΣ ΕΙΣ ΠΕΙΡΑΣΜΟΝ,
ΑΛΛΑ ΡΥΣΑΙ ΗΜΑΣ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΥ ΠΟΝΗΡΟΥ.
ΑΜΗΝ.

For those who cannot read Greek. Here is a transliteration of the above text.

Pater hêmôn ho en toes ouranoes;
hagiasthêtô to onoma sou;
elthetô hê basileia sou;
genêthêtô to thelêma sou,
hôs en ouranô, kae epi tês gês.
ton arton hêmôn ton epiousion dos hêmin sêmeron;
kae aphes hêmin ta opheilêmata hêmôn,
hôs kae hêmeis aphiemen toes opheiletaes hêmôn;
kae mê eisenenkês hêmas eis peirasmon,
alla rhysae hêmas apo tou ponerou.
hoti sou estin hê basileia kae hê dynamis kae hê doxa eis tous aeônas;
amên.

Gain fresh insight into the Lord’s Prayer & how God is with us today. Read our free online book The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life. The prayer’s hidden teachings will enrich and inspire you. Click the following link to begin reading the Living Hour Book now: The Lord’s Prayer.

If you would like to read The Lord’s Prayer from the King James version of The New Testament, please go to: The Lord’s Prayer in King James English.

 

The Lord’s Prayer – In Latin Translation

It really is a shame that we no longer teach Latin in our schools, for Latin has a grace, beauty, and music that English has a difficult time rivaling. This is not to say that Latin is better than English, only that each language has different strong points; and gracefulness is one area where Latin usually triumphs.

The following is a Latin translation of The Lord’s Prayer , the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray, the prayer which is the Rosetta Stone for understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We suggest that it be read it out loud for full appreciation.

PATER noster, qui es in caelis,
sanctificetur nomen tuum.
Adveniat regnum tuum.
Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,
et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut
et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.
Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo.
Amen.

Gain fresh insight into the Lord’s Prayer & how God is with us today. Read our free online book The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life. The prayer’s hidden teachings will enrich and inspire you. Click the following link to begin reading the Living Hour Book now: The Lord’s Prayer.

If you would like to read The Lord’s Prayer in a German translation, please go to: The Lord’s Prayer in German.

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