[1] He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not
give up, [2] saying, "A certain judge was in a city, who didn`t fear God,
and didn`t respect man. [3] A widow was in that city, and she came often to
him, saying, `Defend me from my adversary!` [4] He wouldn`t for a while,
but afterward he said to himself, `Though I don`t fear God, nor respect
man, [5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she
will wear me out by her continual coming.`" [6] The Lord said, "Listen to
what the unrighteous judge says. [7] Won`t God avenge his elect, who are
crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
[8] I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son
of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" [9] He spoke also this
parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness,
and who despised all others. [10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray;
one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee
stood and prayed to himself like this: `God, I thank you, that I am not
like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like
this tax collector. [12] I fast twice in the week. I give tithes of all
that I get.` [13] But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn`t even
lift up as his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be
merciful to me, a sinner!` [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." [15] They were also
bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the
disciples saw it, they rebuked them. [16] Jesus called them near, saying,
"Allow the little children to come to me, and don`t hinder them, for the
kingdom of God belongs to ones like these. [17] Most assuredly, I tell you,
whoever doesn`t receive the kingdom of God like a little child, he will in
no way enter into it." [18] A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good
Teacher, what do I do to inherit eternal life?" [19] Jesus asked him, "Why
do you call me good? No one is good, except one -- God. [20] You know the
commandments: `Don`t commit adultery,` `Don`t murder,` `Don`t steal,`
`Don`t give false testimony,` `Honor your father and your mother.`" [21] He
said, "I have observed all these things from my youth up." [22] When Jesus
heard these things, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all
that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in
heaven. Come, follow me." [23] But when he heard these things, he became
very sad, for he was very rich. [24] Jesus, seeing that he became very sad,
said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom
of God! [25] For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle`s
eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." [26] Those who
heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" [27] But he said, "The things which
are impossible with men are possible with God." [28] Peter said, "Look, we
have left everything, and followed you." [29] He said to them, "Most
assuredly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or
brothers, or parents, or children, for the kingdom of God`s sake, [30] who
will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come,
eternal life." [31] He took the twelve aside, and said to them, "Behold, we
are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the
prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed. [32] For he will be
delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit
on. [33] They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise
again." [34] They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden
from them, and they didn`t understand the things that were said. [35] It
happened, as he came near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road,
begging. [36] Hearing a multitude going by, he asked what this meant. [37]
They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. [38] He cried out,
"Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!" [39] Those who led the way
rebuked him, that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "You
son of David, have mercy on me!" [40] Jesus, standing, commanded him to be
brought to him. When he had come near, he asked him, [41] "What do you want
me to do?" He said, "Lord, that I may see again." [42] Jesus said to
him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you." [43] Immediately he
received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when
they saw it, praised God.
