Christ's Biography Part 2

Healing two blind men
As Jesus continued passing through, two blind men followed, begging for mercy. After Jesus entered a house, Jesus asked them if they truly had faith that he could heal them. They answered "Yes!" So Jesus touched their eyes and restored their sight. He instructed them to keep quiet about it, but the men we so overjoyed they told everyone about it (Matthew 9:27-31).

Mute Demoniac
As Jesus and his men left the city, the inhabitants brought to Jesus a mute man possessed by a demon. Jesus expelled the evil spirit and the man spoke. The people were amazed! However, the Pharisees saw this and decided Jesus must be the Ruler of the Demons since he had the power to expel them from others. (Matthew 9:32-34).

Dispatching the Apostles
He departed from there and went back to his home territory. On the sabbath he started teaching in the synagogue. His teaching astounded the people, because he was merely a carpenter's son, not a scholar. The people there also lacked faith, so he was not able to do a lot of powerful works there, and went to the other towns and villages in a circuit to preach (Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6). According to Mark 6:7-13 it was after this Jesus dispatched the twelve out in twos to preach without a pouch, clothing, and with the power he bestowed upon them

Disciples Given Power
Then Jesus went touring the cities and villages, teaching, preaching and curing. He felt pity for the crowds, he saw them as sheep without proper shepherding. He commented on the fact that there wasn't enough "shepherds" for these lost sheep. He advised his disciples to pray for more helpers. (Matthew 9:35-38). Next he summoned his twelve men and gave them the authority to expel demons, cure diseases and all kinds of ailments (Matthew 10:1). Jesus sent them forth with instructions: Don't leave the boundaries of Israel, preach the kingdom of the Heavens, perform cures and resurrections, expel demons, give all services free of charge, do not carry food or clothing along with them, etc. (Matthew 10:5-15). He reminded them that they will be sheep among wolves, that they should be cautious as serpents but innocent as doves. He warned they could endure severe persecution. He advised them that if they are put before governors and rulers to not be anxious of what to say for God will give them the right words through His Holy Spirit. He also warned that family members may turn against them to the point of death and they could be objects of hatred due to Christ's name, but it was important that they endure to the end (Matthew 10:16-22). He advised them that disciples don't rise above their teachers, but that it is enough for the disciple to become equally educated as the teacher. On top of that, he reminded them that if the people would call he himself "Beelzebub", that they not be surprised if they themselves are likewise falsely accused as such, but not to be afraid of them, for God sees and considers the disciples as very valuable people (Matthew 10:23-31). Jesus revealed that belief in him could divide families, and in spite of that, whomever believes in him will not lose their heavenly reward (Matthew 10:32-42). After giving his men these instructions he set out to preach and teach throughout the region (Matthew 11:1).

John Beheaded
About this time Herod heard the reports about Jesus and thought he was a resurrected John the Baptist due to the powerful works operating through him (Matthew 14:1-2). Others were saying that Jesus was Elijah, and yet others believed he was another prophet (Mark 6:14-15). Here it is revealed that Herod had John killed by request from his stepdaughter (Matthew 14:6-12, Mark 6:17-29). The twelve gathered to report all the things they heard, said and did to Jesus (Mark 6:30). With all this and John's death, Jesus and his men withdrew so they could be alone, but the crowds tried to follow anyway (Matthew 14:13, Mark 6:30-31).

Walks on Water
After this Jesus had his men board a boat and sail to the north side of the sea to Bethsaida/Bethesda (Mark 6:45) while he stayed behind with the crowds. According to John 6:17 it says they sailed to Capernaum. This may seem like a discrepency, but according to the map, both Bethsaida and Capernaum were cities on the northernmost shore of the Sea of Galilee, very near each other. This is similar to one travelling to the United States cities of Dallas-Fort Worth in Texas, or the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in Minnesota; twin cities that can be easily "blended". At any rate, it is clear they set sail to that area. Eventually Jesus sent the crowd away, and then he went alone into the mountain to pray, though it was late (Matthew 14:22-23). By this point, the boat was far off shore by many hundreds of yards/ meters. According to John 6:19 it was 3-4 miles/5-6 Kilometers. The men were having a hard time because the wind and the waves were against them (Matthew 14:24) and Jesus saw this (Mark 6:48). As they were in the boat, they looked and saw Jesus walking on the water towards them! They feared it was an apparition and started crying out. Jesus calmed them and identified himself. Simon-Peter asked if he, too, could walk out on the water. Jesus told him to come out to him, and he did. But then Peter became afraid due to the windstorm around them. This caused him to lose faith and start sinking. Jesus saved him from drowning, got into the boat with him and the other men, and immediately the storm stopped (Matthew 14:25-32). The men in the boat showed extreme reverance for Jesus over that, and expressed their belief in his being the Son of God.(Matthew 14:33-34, Mark 6:53). When Jesus got into the boat, they were immediately at the shore they were trying to reach (John 6:21). This area of Capernaum and Bethsaida was the plain of Gennesaret. (The Sea of Galilee was also known as the Lake of Gennesaret, Luke 5:1, and the Sea of Chinnereth, Numbers 34:11)

People Touching Christ's Fringes
Here in Gennesaret the people immediately recognized Jesus and sent their sick ones to him (Mark 6:55). These people had such faith that wherever he went they were satisfied with just being able to touch the fringes of his clothing in order to be made well. (Matthew 14:35-36, Mark 6:56). Some scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem came to see Jesus to accuse him further. Jesus replied that the Pharisees were invalidating the word of God by their manmade traditions and quoted from Isaiah 29:13 (Matthew 15:1-11). This stumbled the Pharisees, which astonished his disciples. But Jesus simply informed them that all things God did not plant would be uprooted, and that the blind leading the blind will land both into a pit (Matthew 15:12-14).

Phonoecian Woman
When Jesus finally withdrew from there he went to parts of Tyre and Sidon. There, a Phoenician women came entreating Jesus to help her, for her daughter was badly possessed. Christ's disciples tried to shoo her away, and Jesus politely informed her that he was there for the Israelites, not others. She persisted, and Jesus then saw the amount of faith she had. Therefore, he consented to healing her daughter (Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30).

From there he departed and went through Sidon and to the Sea of Galilee in the region of the Decapolis. Here they brought a man that was deaf with a speech impediment to Jesus. He took the man aside privately, touched the man's ears and tongue and said "Eph pha tha", which means "Be opened", and the man was able to hear and speak normally. Jesus instructed him to not tell anyone about this, but of course the instruction was not heeded! (Mark 7:31-37).

The Big Catch
On an occasion when the crowds were pressing all around Jesus listening to the his teachings next to Lake Gennesaret (another name for the Sea of Galilee), Jesus noticed two boats docked lakeside. The owners were outside the boats washing their nets. Simon-Peter owned one of the boats, so Jesus boarded his boat and instructed Simon to pull away into the lake a little way. There, from the boat he continued to instruct the people (Luke 5:1-3). When he finished speaking he said to Simon "Pull out to the deep areas and let the nets down for a catch". Simon responded that they hadn't been able to catch anything all night long, but he lowered the nets anyway (Luke 5:4-5). Upon doing so, there became such an enormous catch that the net began ripping and tearing, so the men in another boat had to come and help them pull in the catch! The catch was so large that it filled both boats and the boats began to sink. (Luke 5:6-7). Upon witnessing this, Peter felt very unworthy of being in Christ's presence and said so, the the sons of Zebedee (James and John) followed suit (Luke 5:8-10). Jesus told them to stop being fearful, and to become fishers of men. Immediately the men abandoned their boats and followed Jesus (Luke 5:10-11).

Bread From Heaven
The day after Jesus walked on water the crowd that was standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was only a little boat left docked, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples. However, boats from Tiberias arrived near the place where the five thousand were fed. When the people saw Jesus and his disciples were not there, they returned to Capernaum to look for him (John 6:22-24). When they found him, they wondered when he arrived. He responded that they should instead be seeking spiritual food (John 6:25-27). So the people asked what they needed to do in order to do God's works, and Jesus explained it to them (John 6:28-40). Because during his explanation he said that he was the bread from heaven some of the Jews began murmuring against him (John 6:41). Jesus scolded them for this and tried to explain more, but the Jews misunderstood and murmured more (John 6:42-59). Evensome of his other disciples were mumbling about him, and he knew this and tried to explain it more to them. They still didn't get the meaning, and many were stumbled over this and would no longer follow him (John 6:60-66). At this point, Jesus turned to his twelve chosen men and asked them if they, too, were going to leave. Simon-Peter spoke up and said that since Jesus had the sayings of life, there was no other place to go (John 6:67-69). At this point Jesus showed that he chose the twelve of them, though one of them was a slanderer. He was in fact speaking about Judas Iscariot (John 6:70-71).

Secretly Attending the Festival
After these things Jesus continued traveling throughout Galilee. He avoided Judea because the Jews there were still seeking to kill him (John 7:1). The Festival of Tabernacles was was coming up, which would mean traveling through Judea to get to Jerusalem for the festival. Jesus's brothers tried to talk him into going, but he said it wasn't his time yet (meaning time to die), so he refused to go and instead remained in Galilee, waiting to for a more opportune time to leave (John 7:2-9). After his brothers went to the festival, Jesus secretly attended the festival too. The Jews heard of it and sought him out. There was a lot of subdued talk over this, for some thought of Jesus as a righteous man, and others thought otherwise. No one dared speak openly of these things (John 7:10-13). When the festival was half over Jesus went to the temple to teach. The Jews wondered at his teaching since he had no formal training. Jesus pointed out that his teachings are from God, not from himself, and that people needed to stop looking at outward appearances (John 7:14-24). Some people in Jerusalem realized that Jesus was the man that others were seeking to kill, yet here he was publicly speaking in the temple. They began to deny he was the Christ (John 7:25-27). At this Jesus cried out to them that they knew exactly who he was, and that he didn't come on his own initiative but was sent from God (John 7:28-29). This incensed the people and they wanted to seize him to kill him, but it wasn't his time yet so he was able to escape (John 7:30). In spite of this, many put faith in him. The Pharisees heard the people in the crowd and so sent men to get him (John 7:31-32). On the last day of the festival Jesus again stood up in the crowd and invited people to quench their spiritual thirst through him (John 7:37-40). Many put faith in him, though some did not believe due to misunderstanding a prophecy concerning him. As a result, there was a division in the crowd regarding Jesus, but no one laid a hand on him (John 7:41-44). So the men dispatched by the Pharisees returned empty handed. The Pharisees questioned why they came back without Jesus, and the men replied that no one has ever taught like him. The Pharisees decided the men had been misled and started speaking against Jesus. However, Nicodemus, a Pharisee who'd previously spoken with Jesus, said they needed to prove Jesus guilty before deeming him a fraud. The other Pharisees responded that he was to search the scriptures in view of the prophecies of Jesus (John 7:45-52).

Casting the First Stone
After this, Jesus went to the Mountain of Olives . At dawn he returned to the temple to teach. Now the scribes and pharisees brought an adulterous woman to him. According to the Law Covenant she was to be stoned to death for this. They reminded Jesus of this and asked him what he was going to do about her. They were doing this to find something to accuse him with. Jesus simply told them that whoever among them was without sin could cast the first stone. One by one the men left, until it was just the woman and Jesus remaining. He told her he wouldn't condemn her, and that she should quit her sinful course (John 8:1-11). After that he again started speaking to the people, explaining to them that he was the light of the world, and again the Pharisees tried making trouble for him over it. However, they still did not seize Jesus because his time had not come yet (John 8:12-20). He tried to explain to them of his origins and his purpose, and many people put faith in him (John 8:21-20). Jesus continued speaking to those who put faith in him, however as he continued speaking and answering their questions, some of them began to misunderstand because he spoke partly in prophecy, so some of the crowd picked up stones and flung them at Jesus (John 8:31-59).

Blind Beggar Thrown Out
Later as he was passing through he saw a man who'd been blind since birth. His disciples asked Jesus: Who sinned that this man should be blind upon his birth, himself or his parents? Jesus said it wasn't due to any of their sins. Then Jesus sent the blind man to wash at the pool at Siloam. When the man returned from there he could see (John 9:1-7). The people who had formerly seen the man begging began to question as to how he is now seeing. Some figured he was just a man who happened to look like the blind beggar, while others insisted he was that man. The man insisted he was the beggar, so the others asked him how it is that he is now seeing. The man explained that Jesus made a paste from clay, smeared it on his eyes, and then told him to wash in the pool at Siloam, and when he did he could see (John 9:8-11). They asked where Jesus was now, and the man didn't know. So the people led the man to the Pharisees. Since this was a sabbath day in which the man was healed, the Pharisees also took up asking him how he gained his sight. Again the man answered as before. Then the Pharisees started accusing Jesus of not being a man of God because he was always curing others in the sabbath. However, some of the Pharisees reasoned that only a man of God could perform such works, thus a division among the Pharisees arose (John 9:12-16). Then the Pharisees asked the man what he thought of Jesus. The man replied that he regarded Jesus as a prophet (John 9:17). Now, some of the Jews present did not believe that the man had ever been blind to begin with, so they called for the man's parents and asked them to identify the man. However, they would only say they didn't know who healed their son instead of confirming it was Jesus, because at that point anyone who openly confessed Jesus as the Christ would be expelled from the synagogue (John 9:18-22). Then the parents told the people to ask their son himself about it. So again they questioned the former beggar, telling him to say that the man he claims healed him is a sinner. The man replied that whether or not Jesus was a sinner was not his knowledge, only that he was once blind and now he could see (John 9:23-25). They questioned him yet again, and finally he retorted that they weren't believing what he was telling them, and they didn't want to become Jesus's disciples too, did they? At that they grew angry and responded that they were disciples of Moses while he was obviously a disciple of Jesus, and they knew where Moses was from but not where Jesus was from. The man replied that it was a marvel that Jesus healed his sight yet they didn't know from where he came. The people became so irate at the man that they threw him out of place (John 9:26-34). Jesus heard that the healed beggar was thrown out, so he went to speak to the man. The man confessed faith in Jesus and paid him due respect. Jesus made mention to the man of the Pharisees being spiritually blind, which made the Pharisees indignant (John 9:35-41). Jesus then spoke symbolically about the Pharisees as being strangers sneaking in over the wall to hurt the flock of sheep, but the Pharisees didn't understand that (John 10:1-6). So Jesus went on to explain that he is the door to the sheep, and that all who come into the sheep by other means are thieves and plunderers, that he is the fine shepherd who cares for the sheep. Then he goes on to explain more about the spiritual sheep (John 10: 7-18). Again a division occurred among the Jews because of his words. Some claimed he was speaking demonic thoughts, others saw the truth in what he said (John 10:19-21).

At The Colonnade
At that time the festival of dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter. As Jesus walked along the Colonnade of Solomon a group of Jews surrounded him and demanded that he tell them that he is the Christ. He reminded them that he'd already done so on several occasions, though they didn't listen. After speaking with them a little more the Jews became irate and picked up stones to throw at him. Jesus asked them why they would want to stone him when all he did was perform fine works? They then accused him of making himself a god. Jesus responded by use of their own laws to prove his point. But the Jews only wanted to seize him, again he escaped (John 10: 22-39). Jesus went to the place across the Jordan River and stayed there for a while. Many people came to him and put faith in him there (John 10:40-42).

Lazarus Resurrected
Mary and Martha of Bethany had a brother named Lazarus. Jesus was very close friends with the three of them (John 11:5). Lazarus became very ill, so Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus to come heal him. When Jesus got word, he replied that this illness was to be allowed in order to show the glory of God (John 11:1-4). He stayed where he was for two more days (John 11:6). After the two days, he told his men that they will now journey through Judea. The apostles were surprised and reminded him that there were people seeking to kill him there. Jesus explained he is going there for Lazarus, who died (John 11:7-14). Then he went on to say that is the reason he did not immediately leave when told of his illness, so now the men can see what he will do and believe (John 11:15). When Jesus arrived in Judea, he found Lazarus had been buried in Bethany for four days. Bethany was approximately two miles/three kilometers from Jerusalem. Many of the Jews had come to Mary and Martha to comfort them on the their loss. When the sisters heard that Jesus was on his way, Martha ran out to meet him and Mary stayed home (John 11:17-20). Upon meeting with him, Martha informed Jesus that if he had come sooner her brother wouldn't have died, yet she still had faith that he could do something (John 11:21-22). Jesus told her that her brother would live again. Martha thought he was speaking of the resurrection in the distant future. He explained that he was the source of resurrection, and she believed (John 11:23-27). Then Martha went to Mary telling her Jesus was requesting her presence and Mary hurried to him (John 11:28-29). Jesus was not quite in the village yet, he had stayed where Martha left him. Because of this, when Mary suddenly left the people that were with her thought she was going out her brother's tomb to grieve (John 11:30-31). When Mary saw Jesus she fell at his feet and told him that if he had been there her brother would not be dead. As Jesus saw her grief, and the grief of the people around her, he himself gave way to sadness (John 11:32-33). He asked where the tomb was, the people told him to follow. Jesus melted into tears (John 11:34-37). The tomb was a cave with a stone rolled in front of it. Jesus commanded that the stone be rolled away. At that, Martha pointed out that it had been four days, and the body must have a terrible odor by then (John 11:39). They rolled the stone away. Jesus gave a spoken prayer to God, and commanded Lazarus to come on out of the tomb. The people saw him come out, wrapped in burial bandages (John 11:40-44). On account of this many of the Jews present put faith in him.(John 11:45). However, some of the Jews reported this to the Pharisees. As a result, The chief priests and the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin gathered together and discussed what they should do with Jesus since he performs so many signs. Amid this, the high priest for that year, Caiaphas, spoke a prophecy from God that Jesus was going to die for all men (John 11:46-52). From that day on, those men decided to kill Jesus (John 11:53). As a result, Jesus no longer went publicly among the Jewish population, and instead went into the wilderness in Ephraim with his men (John 11:54).

Upcoming Passover
By now the Passover was coming up, and many were traveling to Jerusalem in order to be ceremonially cleansed before the Passover. Therefore, all the people were speculating as to whether or not Jesus would show up for the festival. The Pharisees put the word out that anyone who knew the whereabouts of Jesus were to report it to them so they could seize of him (John 11:55-57).

Mary Greases Christ's Feet
Six days before the Passover Jesus and his men arrived at Bethany and went to where Mary, Martha and Lazarus were in order to dine with them. They were assembled at Simon the Leper's home (Mark 14:3). Mary took a pound of costly nard perfume and greased the feet and head of Jesus and then wiped his feet dry with her hair, filling the home with the scent of the perfumed oil. But Judas Iscariot complained, saying she should have sold the oil for three hundred denarii and given it to the poor (John 12:1-5). Judas, however, wasn't really concerned about the poor. He was actually a petty thief who used to pinch from the money box that he was in charge of (John 12:6). Therefore, Jesus told him to leave her alone, for what she had done was a good thing (John 12:7-8). (Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:1-9)

Feeds Four Thousand
From there he crossed country and went up to a mountain near the sea of Galilee. The crowd followed him into the mountain, so he healed and helped them, amazing the crowd (Matthew 15:29-31). This went on for three days and the crowds stayed without anything to eat (Mark 8:2). He didn't want to send them away fasting for fear they'd give out on the road. He told the men to gather up what food they could. They had a few little fishes and seven loaves of bread. Then Jesus instructed the crowd to sit on the ground, gave thanks for the food and distributed it to the crowd. All ate to satisfaction. This time more than four thousand men, women and children ate, and the surplus amounted to seven baskets full (Matthew 15:32-38). After the crowds were sent away, Jesus boarded a boat and travelled to Magadan (Matthew 15:39), Mark 8:10 says they went into the parts of Dalmanutha. This was the second time Jesus fed thousands of people with very little food.

Pharisees' Leaven
Here the Pharisees and Saducees came to tempt him. They tried to get him to give them a sign from heaven. Jesus replied that only a wicked generation would continuously seek a sign, though the only sign given would be the sign of Jonah, as explained earlier. With that he left them behind (Matthew 16:1-4). He and his men sailed to the other side of the sea but forgot to take bread with them. At this, Jesus advised them to be careful of the "leaven", or teachings, of the Pharisees and the Saducees and of Herod (Mark 8:15, Luke 12:1-5), and that people are worth far more than sparrows (Luke 12:6-7). Of course, the disciples misunderstood and thought that Jesus was speaking of real leaven and real bread. So Jesus had to spell it out for them (Matthew 16:5-12). He also tried to get them to see the real meaning behind the five loaves of bread with 12 baskets of surplus from feeding the first large crows, and the seven loaves of bread with 7 baskets of surplus from the second large crowd, though they continued ignorant of the meaning (Mark 8:18-20).

Bethsaida Blind Man
Next they landed in Bethsaida, where the people brought a blind man to him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand to the outside of the village and laid his hands upon him, then asked him to describe what he now sees. The blind man replied that he thinks he is seeing men but isn't sure. So Jesus puts his hands on him again and the man sees clearly. At this Jesus sent him home but instructed him to take a different route - to not go through the village to get home (Mark 8:22-26).

Christ's Identity
Next they came into the area of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asked his men who people are saying he is. They replied that some said he was John the baptist, others said Elijah, others claimed either Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. Then Jesus asked his men what they themselves thought and Simon-Peter told him straight: You are Christ, Son of the living God. Jesus commended him for saying so, and after explaining a few more things he firmly instructed them to NOT go telling anyone that he is the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20). From that time forward, seeing that his disciples believed, he started revealing to them that he must go into Jerusalem and be put through many horrible things and be murdered, and then raised up three days later (Matthew 16:21). Simon-Peter tried to diffuse those thoughts, but Jesus rebuked him for it. Then Jesus said that if anyone wanted to follow him, the person would have to pick up their stauros and follow him continually (Matthew 16:22-28, Mark 8:32-38).

Transfiguration
Six days later Jesus went up into the mountain with Simon-Peter, and the brothers James and John. According to Luke 9:28-30 this was eight days after. He was then transfigured before them, his face and clothing shining . The apparitions of Elijah and Moses appeared. Peter asked Jesus if they erect tents for Elijah and Moses, but while he was yet speaking God's voice came from above stating "This is my beloved Son,with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (English Standard Version) (Matthew 17:1-5, Mark 9:1-8). This caused the men to be very scared and they fell down on their faces. At that point, Jesus touched them, and then they saw everything was back to normal. Jesus instructed them to tell no one of the apparition until after he is raised from the dead (Matthew 17:6-9). This raised many questions in the men's minds, so Jesus explained it to them (Matthew 17:10-13).

Disciples Unable to Heal Demoniac
The next day they approached a crowd of people in which the other disciples were present. The scribes were disputing with the other disciples and a man from the crowd explained: He brought his son to the disciples to be healed from a possession. This demon would throw the son into such severe seizures so the boy would fall into water and nearly drown, or fall into a fire and be nearly burned alive. The man explained that he brought his son to the other disciples, but they were unable to heal him. Jesus explained that it was on account of the disciples' lack of faith that it didn't work. Jesus rebuked the spirit and the spirit threw the boy into a seizure before it departed, then the boy was healed. (Matthew 17:14-20, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43).

Secretly Traveling Through Galilee
After this Jesus and his men left to travel throughout Galilee, but Jesus didn't want this to become public knowledge. He told his disciples again that he was to be delivered up to death and raised in three days. The disciples lacked understanding but dared not question him about it (Mark 9:30-32).

Coin Fish
While they were in Galilee Jesus revealed to them that he was to be betrayed to his enemies and murdered, and raised up in three days. This grieved them (Matthew 17:22-23). Soon after they returned to Capernaum. The tax collectors there questioned the disciples as to whether or not Jesus pays taxes. Simon-Peter answered with a "yes", and went into the house where Jesus was. Jesus corrected him, pointing out that being the Son of God he really wasn't required to pay the tax. However, since it would stumble others to hold to that, he would agree to pay the tax anyway. He instructed Simon-Peter to cast a fishing line into the sea and pull up the first fish he catches. In the fish's mouth will be the necessary tax coin, and it came to be so (Matthew 17:24-27). As they went into the city of Capernaum Jesus questioned the disciples on what they were arguing about along the road. Apparently they had been arguing over which of them were the most important in the group. Of course, they didn't want to tell Jesus that, so they kept silent. So Jesus sat them down and explained it to them: humility is what is important, and they must have humility (Matthew 18:1-6, Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:46-48). About this time John tells Jesus that they saw a man expelling demons through the use of Jesus' name and that they tried to stop the man because he wasn't one of them. However, Jesus told him to not prevent the man, because, he explained "No one can do a powerful work in my name that will quickly be able to revile me." (Mark 9:38-40, Luke 9:49-50). He pointed out that whomever stumbles anyone trying to do good in Christ's name is better off dead (Matthew 18:7-10, Mark 9:41-42). He continued to say that whatever it is that makes ourselves stumbled needs to be gotten rid of immediately in order to get into the kingdom of God (Mark 9:43-50). Jesus explained that a good shepherd would leave his flock of sheep to search out the one lost sheep of the herd. The good shepherd would rejoice over recovering that which was lost (Matthew 18:12-14). Jesus continued explaining other things on how we should be towards others. He told also that wherever two or three are gathered together in his name he will be there in their midst (Matthew 18:15-20). He also taught them about the importance and magnitude of forgiveness towards others, and how our treatment of others is seen by God, who will reflect that treatment back to us (Matthew 18:21-35).

Sends People Ahead Prepare
It was nearing time for Jesus to go to Jerusalem for the last time. So he sent messengers ahead, and they went into a samaritan village in order to get them to prepare for Christ's arrival, but the Samaritans would not receive him because he was on his way to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-53). James and John grew indignant about this and asked Jesus if he would like them to call fire down upon the Samaritans, but Jesus rebuked them for thinking such a thing (Luke 9: 54-55). So they went to a different village. As they traveled along the road, someone called to them saying "I will follow you wherever you go!', but Jesus pointed out that he had no place to call home (Luke 9:56-58) To another, Jesus asked him to follow along. The man said he would but had to bury his father first. So Jesus was unable to take him along (Luke 9:59-60). Yet another person wanted to say good-bye to his family before following, so he too was not accepted (Luke 9:61-62).

Seventy Sent In Pairs
After all this, Jesus designated seventy people of his other disciples to go in pairs in advance of him to the towns and villages he was planning to go through (Luke 10:1). He then instructed his disciples to pray to God for more workers for the spiritual harvest, and for them to be careful as they go, along with some other instructions (Luke 10:2-12). Then he goes on to reproach the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida due to their lack of faith in his works (Luke 10:13-15). About that time the seventy others returned, amazed that they could expel demons and do healings for the people (Luke 10:17-20).

The Good Samaritan
Now, a certain man questioned Jesus as to what he must do to gain everlasting life. Jesus told him to love Yahweh, and his neighbors. The man wanted to know who his "neighbor" was. So Jesus gave him the parable of the good samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Martha and Mary
As they went on their way, Jesus entered into the village of Bethany, where Martha received him as a guest in her home (John 11:1). Martha's sister Mary sat at Jesus's feet to hear what he had to say. Meanwhile, Martha was busying herself with various duties. Eventually, Martha complained about her sister's lack of help in the chores. However, Jesus pointed out that Martha was actually choosing the better of the two choices by listening to him (Luke 10:38-42).

Inheritance division
About this time, as Jesus was elsewhere, a man approached Jesus, asking him to make his brother divide the inheritance evenly with him. Jesus refused, because he wasn't an appointed judge over such matters. Then he warned the people about covetousness (Luke 12:13-21). He then tells the people to quit being anxious about their physical needs, for if you seek God's kingdom those things will be given to you (Luke 12:22-31). Next he goes on to speak about the faithful and discreet slave (Luke 12:41-48).

Galileans Murdered By Pilate
In that season certain ones reported to Jesus about Galileans that were murdered by Pilate. Jesus replied that those Galilieans weren't worse sinners than any other one, and that all who do not repent of their sins will all end up just as dead (Luke 13:1-3). Then he told a parable about a man with a vinyard and a vine that didn't produce fruit for three years (Luke 13:6-9).

Woman's Spirit Of Weakness
Now, on a Sabbath Jesus was again teaching in a synagogue. Along came a woman with a spirit of weakness that she'd had for eighteen years and was unable to straighten herself up. Jesus laid his hands on her and healed her of her affliction (Luke 13:10-13). However, the presiding officer at the synagogue became indignant because Jesus was performing healings on a sabbath. Jesus responded by rebuking them and putting them to shame, and the other people praised God (Luke 13:14-17).

Narrow Gate
As he journeyed from city to city, the people asked him if the number to be saved is few. Jesus responded that we are to exert ourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow gate, we don't want to be locked out (Luke 13:22-30). In that very hour, some of the Pharisees came to him and told him he should leave because Herod was seeking to kill him (Luke 13: 31). Jesus responded, calling Herod a fox, and told the men to tell him that his is expelling demons and performing healings and such that day, the next day, and then the third day he'd finish and be on his way, but that he'd leave that day instead because a prophet should not be killed outside of Jerusalem (Luke 13:32-33).

Cured Edema
On an occasion when Jesus went into one of the homes of a prominent Pharisee on the sabbath to eat a meal, the Pharisees were watching him closely. Along came a man with dropsy (known today as edema). Jesus turned to the Pharisees and asked them: Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not? They did not answer him. And he took a hold of the man and cured his condition, and sent him on his way. Then he asked the Pharisees: Who of you won't pull your son out if he falls into a well on the sabbath? They couldn't answer (Luke 14:1-6). He continued to tell the men an illustration that points out how those men liked to choose the most prominent places for themselves, and how unduly proud that is (Luke 14:7-11). Next he spoke to them about how good and right it is to invite the poor, the sick, the lame, etc. to dinners at their homes (Luke 14:12-14). At that, one of the guests said "Happy is the man that eats bread in the kingdom of God." In response, Jesus gave him a parable showing how there will be many invited into the house of the kingdom of God, though many of them will refuse (Luke 14:15-24). Some time later he was traveling, and the usual crowds were following him. At this he started teaching the crowds that they would have to give up everything, even their families at times, to be his disciples (Luke 14:25-35).

Sinners and Tax Collectors Listening
Now, all the taxmen and sinners began drawing closer to him in order to hear him speak. As a result, the Pharisees and scribes started murmuring about how Jesus willingly associated with such sinful people. Jesus heard this, and responded: Who of you will one hundred sheep and loses one doesn't go out looking for that one lost sheep? And when it is found, who wouldn't rejoice over recovering it? And yet there is more joy in heaven when one of the "lost" sinners repents and is recovered! Or what woman with ten coins loses one and doesn't look for it? And when she finds it, what joy she has! There is more joy among the angels when a sinner repents! He also gave the parable of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:1-32). Then he started speaking to his disciples in parables: The story of the faithful steward of the house, wise words about being faithful in least and much, etc. The Pharisees, who loved money, became angry and started to sneer at him. Jesus then pointed out to them they are righteous only unto themselves, not to God. He also gave the parable of Lazarus the rich man (Luke 16:1-31). After all this, Jesus again spoke to his men, telling them that there will be unavoidable spiritual stumbling blocks, and that the ones causing the stumbling would be better off dead (Luke 17:1-2). He also pointed out to them that if we see someone sinning it is our responsibility to set them straight, no matter how many times they sin (Luke 17:3-4).

Ten Lepers
At some point he returned to Galilee. As they were going to Jerusalem he traveled through Galilee and Samaria. Upon entering a particular village, ten leperous men greeted him, though they stood at a distance. They begged Jesus for mercy. Jesus told them to show themselves to the local priest. As the ten men journeyed to the priest, their leprosy vanished. One of the men was so overjoyed that he ran all the way back to Jesus to thank him for the curing. This man happened to be a samaritan. Jesus asked: were not all ten of you cured? Why haven't the other nine come with you to give glory to God? And Jesus pointed out that it was the samaritan, not the others, who came to give thanks. Then he told the man to continue on his way for his faith has made him well (Luke 17:11-19).

Zacchaeus
Jesus then entered Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. A prominent tax collector named Zacchaeus was trying to get a glimpse of Jesus but could not due to the crowd following, for he was short. He ran ahead and climbed a tree in order to get a view because Jesus was headed in that direction (Luke 19:1-4). When Jesus got to the tree he looked up and told Zacchaeus that he planned to visit him at his home, so he should go and prepare. With that news Zacchaeus gleefully got out of the tree to hurry home and prepare for his special guest (Luke 19:5-6). Meanwhile, some in the crowd fell to muttering about Jesus dining with such a sinner. But Zacchaeus stood up and publicly told Jesus that he planned to give half his belongings to the poor, and to pay back everything fourfold to those he extorted from. Jesus publicly praised the man for his repentance (Luke 19:7-10).

Divorce Grounds
After speaking all these things to them Jesus left Galilee and traveled to Judea across the Jordan River. Throngs followed him and he cured them (Matthew 19:1-2). Here the Pharisees tried again to trip Jesus up in his words. This time, they wanted Jesus to tell them if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife on any grounds. Jesus explained that marriage is intended as a permanent union, and that only adultery would be the acceptable reason for divorce (Matthew 19:3-9).

Children
Shortly after that, young children were brought to him so he could lay his hands upon them and pray over them. The disciples tried to stop the people from bringing the children, but Jesus insisted that the children should not be hindered from coming to him (Matthew 19:13-15). Next a certain man came to Jesus and fell upon his knees to ask what he'd have to do to gain everlasting life (Mark 10:17). Jesus explained that the man had to live by the ten commandments and show love towards all, and sell his belongings and give to the poor, and follow him. This grieved the man, because he was very rich and had many possessions. As the man left, Jesus pointed out that it would be easier for a camel to get through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom (Matthew 19:16-24). This, of course, caused the disciples to be concerned, for they had given up all things for Jesus, and wondered what their end would be. Jesus reiterated that any who have faithfully followed Jesus will receive a grand inheritance in the kingdom (Matthew 19:25-30). He went on to explain more about the kingdom of the heavens in ways that the disciples could better understand it (Matthew 20:1-16).

Jesus Into Jerusalem For Last Time
It was nearing the time for Jesus to go to Jerusalem, where he would be tried and executed unjustly. Before heading for Jerusalem he took his twelve disciples and privately spoke to them saying: We are heading to Jerusalem, I will be delivered up to the chief priests and be condemned to death. I will be scourged and then executed, then three days later I will be raised up. At this point, the mother of James and John approached, asking that her sons be given a special place in heaven. Jesus made it clear that a request like that isn't up to him to fulfill. And of course, the other ten men were a bit miffed aboout the mother having the nerve to ask for her two sons to have a better position than them. (Matthew 20:17-28). Jesus then reminds them all of their place and what is really expected of them (Mark 10: 42-45).

Striking Observableness, Signs, Humility
When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, Jesus replied that it would not come with great drama, neither will anyone be saying "see, here!" or "see, there!" for the kingdom of God is in your midst (Luke 17:20-21). To his disciples he said: Days will come when you'll want to see the Son of Man, but will not see. People will cry "see, here! See, there!", but do not believe it. For as the lightning flashes its shine from on part of the sky to another, so the Son of Man will be. He continued on to prophesy his upcoming murder, and a bit about the last days in parallel to Matthew 24 (Luke 17:22-37). He also told them to continually pray, to never give up. He also gave the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector to make a point of knowing who is really righteous and humble and who isn't (Luke 18:1-14). Now people started bringing their babies and children to Jesus for healings. The disciples tried to stop them, but Jesus told the disciples to let the children come. He then said that all need to be humble, like a child, to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:15-17). About this point the rich man came along asking how to access the kingdom of God, and was grieved when told he had to sell all his belongings and give to the poor (Luke 18:18-23). Then Jesus said that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God (Luke 18:24-25). So the disciples asked who could possibly be saved. Jesus told them that no one can without God's mercy, and that Christ's followers must be willing to give up anything to truly follow (Luke 18:26-30). Then he took his twelve aside and informed them that they were going to Jerusalem where he would be put through a mock trial and murdered, but they didn't quite understand (Luke 18:31-34).

Blind Man crying Out
They next went into Jericho. Now, as they left Jericho a large crowd was following them. As they traveled near Jericho, a blind man was begging at the roadside. Because he heard the crowds that were following Jesus, he started asking about what was happening. Once he heard it was Jesus coming, he started crying out "Jesus, son of David! Have mercy on me!" The people tried to hush him, but he only cried out louder. Jesus heard him and commanded that the man be brought to him. The man asked to have his sight given to him, and Jesus cured him due to his show of faith. The man was so happy that he continued following in the crowd, while the people praised God for the healing (Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43).

Pharisees Want to Kill Lazarus
Eventually a great crowd of Jews got to know that Jesus was there. They had put faith in him because he resurrected Lazarus. Because of this, the chief priests took counsel to kill Lazarus (John 12:9-11). The bible doesn't detail the outcome of this counsel.

Ass and Colt
As Jesus and his men drew close to Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent forth two of his disciples with these basic instructions: "Go to that village over there where you will find an ass with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks, let them know it is for me." Immediately the two went forth to do so. This was in fulfillment of the prophecy at Zechariah 9:9 (Matthew 21:1-7, Mark 11:1, Luke 19:28-34). Jesus mounted the animal and rode into Jerusalem. Along the road the crowd spread out their garments upon the road along with palm branches. Others of the crowd went ahead of them crying "Save, we pray, the Son of David! Blessed is he that comes in God's name! Save him, we pray, in the heights above!" (New World Translation) (Matthew 21:8-9, Luke 19:35-38). As the people cried out, the Pharisees told Jesus to make the people shut up. But Jesus refused, informing them that if those people remained silent, even the stones would cry out (Luke 19:39-40). As he drew close to the city he began to weep over it and speaking prophecy concerning it (Luke 19:41-44). Also, the crowd of Jews that were with him at the tomb of Lazarus were there Others who'd heard of that miracle also came out to meet him.The Pharisees were unhappy with this and saw they were getting nowhere with the people concerning him (John 12:17-19).

Jesus Overturns Tables
As Jesus entered Jerusalem the whole city was in a commotion over all this, wondering who it was coming. The crowd kept telling them that it was Christ. On arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple. There he saw the money changers there, buying and selling right there in the temple! This enraged him so that he went through overturning the tables and made a rather big ruckus, rebuking them, calling them robbers (Matthew 21:10-13, Luke 19:45-46). He then set about going to the temple daily and healing the sick (Matthew 21:14, Luke 19:47). The chief priests and scribes became very indignant over these things and kept seeking an opportunity to seize him but couldn't because the people were all listening intently to him (Luke 19:48).

Pay Caesar's Things to Caesar
Here at the temple the chief priests started questioning him as to who gave him the authority to do the things he's done. Knowing their intent, he answered them with a question that they weren't willing to answer. Because they would not answer the question, he would not give them an answer them (Matthew 21: 23-27). Jesus continued teaching the people things concerning his position in matters using parables. The Pharisees discerned that Jesus was speaking against them in these parables, however, they dared not to touch him because they knew they'd have to face the wrath of the crowd if they did anything (Matthew 21:28-46). Meanwhile, Jesus continued speaking to people with more parables concerning the kingdom of God. The Pharisees counseled together to try to trap him in his words. They eventually returned to question him: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar? Jesus knew their wicked motives, and simply showed them a coin with Caesar's inscription on it and replied: Pay Caesar's things to Caesar, and pay God's things to God. They couldn't catch him on that reply, so they left (Matthew 22:1-22).

Greeks In Jerusalem
Some Greeks that came up to worship at the festival started requesting from Phillip of Bethsaida at Galilee that they wanted to see Jesus. Philip told Andrew, and together they told Jesus (John 12:20-22). However, Jesus responded that his hour has just about come, and explained in metaphors of the need for his death (John 12:23-27). Jesus requested that the Father glorify His Name, in which God responded from heaven "I both glorified it, and will glorify it again" (New World Translation) (John 12:28). The crowd that heard God's voice was of split opinion: some claimed it was merely the sound of thunder, while others actually heard the voice speaking. Jesus started speaking of his impending death and went off and hid from them (John 12:29-36). People were not putting faith in him (John 12:30-41). Though some of the rulers were putting faith in him, they dared not say so because of the Pharisees and because they loved the glory of men more than the glory from God (John 12:42-43). Jesus pointed out that those who put faith in his name are also putting faith in God's name (John 12:44-50).

Saducees Question Resurrection
On this day the Saducees questioned him concerning the resurrection. This was interesting, since the Saducees were a sect that didn't even believe in the resurrection. Jesus gave a reply that astounded the crowd. Once the Pharisees saw that Jesus put the Saducees to silence, they grouped together with the Saducees to try to question him again. One of the scribes questioned Jesus concerning which is the greatest commandment of the Law Covenant. Jesus replied that the greatest commandment is Love, which is what the entire Law hinged on (Matthew 22:23-40, Mark 12:28-34). Then Jesus commenced teaching the crowd more things regarding his position in God's kingdom and the people listened attentively (Mark 12:35-40). Jesus proceeded to tell the people to watch out for the scribes who like to walk around pompously and prominently with their showy ways (Luke 20:45-47).

Widow With Coins
When he finished speaking he sat down to observe the people donating money into the treasury. Among them was a widow who dropped in two coins of little value, all she had. Jesus pointed out to his disciples that she put in more than anyone else, because she put in all she had, whereas everyone else put in only the surplus of what they had (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4). While the Pharisees were still gathered together, Jesus started questioning them about who he himself was, and put them to shame and no one dared to question Jesus any further (Matthew 22:41-46, Luke 20:1-44).

Jerusalem And End Times Prophecies
Later, as certain men spoke about the beauty of the temple, Jesus proceeded to tell them prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, and then of the end times as per Matthew 24 (Luke 21:5-36). By day he'd teach in the temple, and by night he'd go out to lodge on the Mountain of Olives. The people would come early to the temple every day to hear him speak (Luke 21:37-38). Jesus withdrew and went towards the city of Bethany (Matthew 21:15-17).

Withered Fig Tree
In the morning Jesus returned to Jerusalem. On the way he felt hungry as he passed a fig tree. Althouth the tree had foliage, it was producing no fruit, so he cursed the tree, which promptly withered, causing his disciples to wonder (Matthew 21:18-22). (However, according to Mark 11:15-18 it states that Jesus ravaged the temple after this fig tree incident.) Later that day, when Jesus and his disciples were passing by the fig tree again, they saw the tree was already withered and made comment to Jesus about the rapidness that it withered. Jesus took the opportunity to explain to them more about the power of faith(Mark 11:19-23).

No Titles
Next, Jesus spoke to the crowds regarding the Pharisees: How the Pharisees elevated their status and are hypocritical, how they like to show off in front of others, and how they try to be all big and important and lord it over the people with special titles. He then instructed the people to not give special titles and to remain humble. He thoroughly exposed the Pharisees for what they really were to the people (Matthew 23:1-39).

End Times Signs
Then Jesus started out away from the temple, informing his disciples that the temple would lay in ruins one day. He went up to the Mount of Olives with his disciples, who began to ask him about when he will return, and what will the signs of the end times be (Matthew 24:1-3). Jesus responded with many answers: Increases in warfare, governmental unrest, an increase in social problems and natural disasters, religious betrayal against God's people, a global preaching of God's kingdom etc. (Matthew 24:4-14). He also referenced the prophecy at Daniel 12:11 (Matthew 24:15). He continued on with the warnings that there will be an increase in false Christs and false prophets, and that there will be a global great tribulation like no other known. He also gave the supernatural signs in the moon, stars and sun, after which the world will then recognized Christ's presence (Matthew 24:16-29). When he comes he will send forth the angels to gather the chosen ones. He also lets them know that only the Father knows when that day will be (Matthew 24:30-36). He continues on with more explanations of such matters (Matthew 24:37-51). Then he goes on to explain more about the coming of the kingdom of God in the future and how it will show up without warning (Matthew 25:1-13) and that we need to be sure to produce fine work for that kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30). On top of that, he explains that is when he and the angels will separate the people of the earth; separating the sheep (godly people) from the goats (ungodly people), and the eventualities both groups face (Matthew 25:31-46). He told them to keep on the watch (Mark 13:35-37).

Explains His Impending Murder
After explaining all these things to them, he then tells them that in two days, during the passover time, he will be delivered up to death (Matthew 26:1-2). At this point, the chief priests gathered together in the court yard with the high priest, Caiaphas, too take counsel as to how to seize Jesus. They decided not to do it during the holy Passover festival so that the uproar of the local people doesn't get stirred up (Matthew 26:3-5, Luke 22:1-2).

Iscariot's Betrayal
After this incident, Judas Iscariot went out to the chief priests and offered to betray Jesus into their hands for a price. He agreed to thirty silver coins. After that, they continually sought an opportunity to seize Jesus without a crowd around (Matthew 26:14-6, Luke 22:3-6).