Daily Readings

[19] Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. [20] For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. [21] For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. [22] For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, [23] that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. [24] “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. [25] Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. [26] For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, [27] and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. [28] Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice [29] and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. [30] I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

[18] And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” [19] So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” [20] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” [21] And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, [22] saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” [23] Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. [24] For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. [25] For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? [26] For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. [27] But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” [28] Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. [29] As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. [30] And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, [31] who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. [32] But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. [33] Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. [34] While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. [35] And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” [36] When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

[16] Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: [17] The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. [18] Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. [19] And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment. [20] “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. [21] And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. [22] And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ [23] From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus— [24] after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. [25] And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’ [26] “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. [27] For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. [28] And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. [29] Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. [30] But God raised Him from the dead. [31] He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. [32] And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. [33] God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ [34] And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ [35] Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ [36] “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; [37] but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. [38] Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; [39] and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. [40] Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: [41] ‘Behold,you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’ ” [42] So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. [43] Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

[1] The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: [2] Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; [3] nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; [4] and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. [5] Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” [6] Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, [7] casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. [9] Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. [10] But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. [11] To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. [12] By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. [13] She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. [14] Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

[26] And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, [27] and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. [28] For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. [29] But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” [30] Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? [31] It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; [32] but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” [33] And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. [34] But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

[25] At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. [26] Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. [27] All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. [28] Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

[32] There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. [33] And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [34] Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. [35] And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” [36] The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, [37] and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” [38] And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. [39] Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” [40] But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” [42] Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” [43] And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” [44] Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. [45] Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. [46] And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last.