Repent or die1Some of those present told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their pagan sacrifices.2Jesus answered: "Do you imagine that these Galileans were worse sinners than others because they suffered such things?3No, I tell you! However, you will all perish unless you repent!4What about those eighteen who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell and crushed them? Do you think they were any more guilty than all those living in other parts of Jerusalem?5Not at all, I tell you. But you will also die eternally if you do not repent."Parable of the fig tree6Jesus told them this parable: "A man had a fig tree that had been planted in his vineyard. When he went to see how much it would produce he could not find any fruit at all.7So he told his vine-dresser, 'I have been looking for fruit from this tree for three years but have found none. Cut it down. Why should it take up valuable space?'8"'Leave it alone for one more year, Sir,' the man replied. 'I will care for it and feed it.9If there is still no fruit next year, then cut it down.'"Woman healed on the Sabbath10-11One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in a synagogue when a woman was present who had been the victim of a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. She was bent double and was unable to stand straight.12When Jesus noticed her, He called her forward and said to her: "Woman, you have been set free from your infirmity."13Then He laid hands on her and immediately her back was straightened and she praised God.14The leader of the synagogue was angry that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath and said to the people: "We are allowed to work on six days of the week. Those are the days when you should come to be healed, not on the Sabbath."15But the Lord responded: "What hypocrites you are! Isn't it true that each of you unties his or her ass and leads him from the stable to the drinking water on the Sabbath?16So this woman, one of Abraham's descendants, who has been locked up by satan for eighteen years should surely be freed from her bondage on the Sabbath!"17Such words stunned those who opposed Jesus, but the crowd rejoiced over all the glorious things He did.The Kingdom of God18Then Jesus asked: "How can you describe God's Kingdom? To what shall I compare it?19It is like a mustard seed which a man planted in his garden. It grew into a tree large enough for the birds to come and perch in its branches."20He added: "What is God's Kingdom like?21It is like yeast which a woman added into a large amount of flour until it affected the whole lump of dough, causing it to rise."The narrow door22Then Jesus travelled to Jerusalem, teaching in the towns and villages on the way there.23Someone asked Him: "Lord, are only a few going to be saved?"24Jesus replied: "Struggle to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you clearly that many who will try to enter will be unable to do so.25Once the owner of the house has risen and shut the door, those on the outside will bang on it saying, 'Lord, open up for us.' But He will answer you: 'I don't recognise you.'26Then you will reply: 'We ate and drank with You, and You taught in our streets.'27And He will answer you, 'I don't acknowledge you or where you belong. Keep away from Me, you ungodly people.'28"There will be tears and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with all the prophets in God's Kingdom, but you are excluded.29Others will come from the east, west, north and south and will take their places at the feast in God's Kingdom.30And you will see that those considered to be the most humble now will be honoured then, and those regarded as the most important now will be the least significant then."Jesus' heart for Jerusalem31It was then that some Pharisees approached Jesus to warn Him: "Leave here, for Herod is planning to kill You!"32He replied: "Go and tell that fox: 'I cast out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will fulfil My purpose.33Of course I must continue today, tomorrow and the third day, for no prophet can die outside Jerusalem.34"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you killed the prophets and stoned those sent to you. Yet I have often wanted to gather your children to Myself as a bird gathers her young ones under her wings; but you would not allow Me to do so.35Now look! Your house is forsaken! And I tell you, you will have no way of seeing Me again until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the Lord's name.'"
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)