24 THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN, AND THE RICH

YOUNG MAN

25 PARABLE OF THE LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD

26 THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM

27 THE QUESTION OF AUTHORITY

28

EFFORTS TO ENTANGLE HIM IN HIS TALK

29 DENOUNCES THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES 30 PARABLE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

64

66

THE THREAD OF GOLD

ONE

Birth and Boyhood

THE book of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Now the birth of Jesus was on this wise. His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph. Then Joseph took unto him his wife, and she brought forth her firstborn son.

When eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Now Jesus dwelt in a city called Nazareth. And his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And

all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

TWO

Baptism

IN those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age. Then cometh he from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and was led into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when the tempter came, he said unto him, All things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.