The Parable of the Persistent Widow

1. And he spoke a parable to them, to show that it is necessary always to pray and not to grow weary.
2. Saying, “A certain judge was in a certain city who neither feared God nor respected man.”
3. “And a widow was in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give justice to me against my adversary.’”
4. And for a time he would not, but afterwards he said within himself, “Even if I do not fear God nor respect man.”
5. “Yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will give her justice, so that, in the end, she may not come and wear me out.”
6. And the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge says.”
7. “And will not God certainly bring about justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, and be patient concerning them?”
8. “I say to you that he will quickly bring about justice for them; nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?”

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9. And he also spoke this parable to certain ones who were confident in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others as nothing.
10. “Two men went up to the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.”
11. The Pharisee, standing, prayed these things to himself: “God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.”
12. “I fast twice in the week; I tithe all that I acquire.”
13. But the tax collector, standing afar off, was not willing even to lift up his eyes to heaven, but kept striking his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner.”
14. I say to you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Jesus Blesses the Children

15. And they were bringing even infants to him, that he might touch them, but the disciples, seeing it, rebuked them.
16. But Jesus called them to himself and said, “Allow the children to come to me and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God.”
17. “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child shall certainly not enter into it.”

The Rich Ruler

18. And a certain ruler asked him, saying, “Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
19. And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one, that is God.”
20. “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honour your father and your mother.”
21. And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.”
22. And hearing this, Jesus said to him, “One thing still is lacking for you: sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me.”
23. But he, hearing these things, became exceedingly sorrowful, for he was very rich.
24. And Jesus, seeing him become sorrowful, said, “How hard is it for those who have riches enter into the kingdom of God.”
25. “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
26. And those hearing said, “Then who is able to be saved?”
27. And he said, “The things impossible with men are possible with God.”
28. And Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own things and followed you.”
29. And he said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God.”
30. “Who shall not receive many times more in this time, and in the age that is coming eternal life.”

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

31. And taking aside the twelve, he said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed.”
32. “For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and abused and spat upon.”
33. “And after they flog him they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.”
34. And they understood none of these things, and this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things being said.

A Blind Beggar Receives Sight

35. And it came to pass, as he approached Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting beside the road begging.
36. And hearing a crowd passing by, he inquired what this might be.
37. And they told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
38. And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”
39. And those going in front rebuked him, that he should be silent, but he cried out much more, “Son of David, have mercy on me.”
40. And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to him, and as he came near, he questioned him.
41. “What do you wish that I shall do for you?” And he said, “Lord, that I might see again.”
42. And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”
43. And immediately he saw again and followed him, glorifying God, and all the people, seeing this, gave praise to God.