<p> <SPAN name="C25V1"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:1</font></SPAN> "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who
took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. <SPAN name="C25V2"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:2</font></SPAN> Five of them were foolish, and
five were wise. <SPAN name="C25V3"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:3</font></SPAN> Those who
were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, <SPAN name="C25V4"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:4</font></SPAN> but the wise took oil in their
vessels with their lamps. <SPAN name="C25V5"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:5</font></SPAN> Now while the bridegroom delayed,
they all slumbered and slept. <SPAN name="C25V6"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:6</font></SPAN> But at midnight there was a cry,
'Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!' <SPAN name="C25V7"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:7</font></SPAN> Then all those virgins arose, and
<SPAN href="#N117">trimmed their lamps.</SPAN> <SPAN name="C25V8"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:8</font></SPAN> The foolish said to the wise,
'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' <SPAN name="C25V9"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:9</font></SPAN> But the wise answered, saying,
'What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who
sell, and buy for yourselves.' <SPAN name="C25V10"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:10</font></SPAN> While they went away to buy, the
bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage
feast, and the door was shut. <SPAN name="C25V11"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:11</font></SPAN> Afterward the other virgins also
came, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us.' <SPAN name="C25V12"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:12</font></SPAN> But he answered, 'Most certainly
I tell you, I don't know you.' <SPAN name="C25V13"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:13</font></SPAN> Watch therefore, for you don't
know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V14"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:14</font></SPAN> "For it is like a man,
going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his
goods to them. <SPAN name="C25V15"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:15</font></SPAN> To one he
gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to
his own ability. Then he went on his journey. <SPAN name="C25V16"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:16</font></SPAN> Immediately he who received the
five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
<SPAN name="C25V17"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:17</font></SPAN> In like manner he also
who got the two gained another two. <SPAN name="C25V18"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:18</font></SPAN> But he who received the one went
away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V19"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:19</font></SPAN> "Now after a long time the
lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. <SPAN name="C25V20"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:20</font></SPAN> He who received the five talents
came and brought another five talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me
five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V21"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:21</font></SPAN> "His lord said to him,
'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few
things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V22"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:22</font></SPAN> "He also who got the two
talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I
have gained another two talents besides them.'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V23"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:23</font></SPAN> "His lord said to him,
'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few
things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V24"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:24</font></SPAN> "He also who had received
the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man,
reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter.
<SPAN name="C25V25"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:25</font></SPAN> I was afraid, and went
away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V26"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:26</font></SPAN> "But his lord answered him,
'You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn't sow,
and gather where I didn't scatter. <SPAN name="C25V27"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:27</font></SPAN> You ought therefore to have
deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have
received back my own with interest. <SPAN name="C25V28"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:28</font></SPAN> Take away therefore the talent
from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. <SPAN name="C25V29"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:29</font></SPAN> For to everyone who has will be
given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn't have, even
that which he has will be taken away. <SPAN name="C25V30"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:30</font></SPAN> Throw out the unprofitable
servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing
of teeth.'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V31"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:31</font></SPAN> "But when the Son of Man
comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on
the throne of his glory. <SPAN name="C25V32"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:32</font></SPAN> Before him all the nations will
be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd
separates the sheep from the goats. <SPAN name="C25V33"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:33</font></SPAN> He will set the sheep on his
right hand, but the goats on the left. <SPAN name="C25V34"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:34</font></SPAN> Then the King will tell those on
his right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world; <SPAN name="C25V35"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:35</font></SPAN> for I was hungry, and you gave
me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger,
and you took me in; <SPAN name="C25V36"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:36</font></SPAN> naked, and you clothed me; I was
sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V37"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:37</font></SPAN> "Then the righteous will
answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or
thirsty, and give you a drink? <SPAN name="C25V38"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:38</font></SPAN> When did we see you as a
stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? <SPAN name="C25V39"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:39</font></SPAN> When did we see you sick, or in
prison, and come to you?'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V40"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:40</font></SPAN> "The King will answer them,
'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of
these my <SPAN href="#N118">brothers</SPAN>, you did it to me.' <SPAN name="C25V41"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:41</font></SPAN> Then he will say also to those
on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which
is prepared for the devil and his angels; <SPAN name="C25V42"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:42</font></SPAN> for I was hungry, and you didn't
give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; <SPAN name="C25V43"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:43</font></SPAN> I was a stranger, and you didn't
take me in; naked, and you didn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you
didn't visit me.'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V44"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:44</font></SPAN> "Then they will also
answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a
stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn't help you?'</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C25V45"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:45</font></SPAN> "Then he will answer them,
saying, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you didn't do it to one of
the least of these, you didn't do it to me.' <SPAN name="C25V46"><font size=-1 color="blue">25:46</font></SPAN> These will go away into eternal
punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V1"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:1</font></SPAN> It happened, when
Jesus had finished all these words, that he said to his disciples, <SPAN name="C26V2"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:2</font></SPAN> "You know
that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be
delivered up to be crucified."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V3"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:3</font></SPAN> Then the chief
priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together
in the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas. <SPAN name="C26V4"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:4</font></SPAN> They took counsel together that
they might take Jesus by deceit, and kill him. <SPAN name="C26V5"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:5</font></SPAN> But they said, "Not during
the feast, lest a riot occur among the people."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V6"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:6</font></SPAN> Now when Jesus was in
Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, <SPAN name="C26V7"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:7</font></SPAN> a woman came to him having an
alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as
he sat at the table. <SPAN name="C26V8"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:8</font></SPAN> But
when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this
waste? <SPAN name="C26V9"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:9</font></SPAN> For this ointment
might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V10"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:10</font></SPAN> However, knowing
this, Jesus said to them, "Why do you trouble the
woman? Because she has done a good work for me. <SPAN name="C26V11"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:11</font></SPAN> For you always have the poor
with you; but you don't always have me. <SPAN name="C26V12"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:12</font></SPAN> For in pouring this ointment on
my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. <SPAN name="C26V13"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:13</font></SPAN> Most certainly I tell you,
wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman
has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V14"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:14</font></SPAN> Then one of the
twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, <SPAN name="C26V15"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:15</font></SPAN> and said, "What are you
willing to give me, that I should deliver him to you?" They weighed
out for him thirty pieces of silver. <SPAN name="C26V16"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:16</font></SPAN> From that time he sought
opportunity to betray him.</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V17"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:17</font></SPAN> Now on the first day
of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him,
"Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V18"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:18</font></SPAN> He said, "Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, 'The
Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your
house with my disciples."'"</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V19"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:19</font></SPAN> The disciples did as
Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover. <SPAN name="C26V20"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:20</font></SPAN> Now when evening had come, he
was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. <SPAN name="C26V21"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:21</font></SPAN> As they were eating, he said,
"Most certainly I tell you that one of you will
betray me."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V22"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:22</font></SPAN> They were exceedingly
sorrowful, and each began to ask him, "It isn't me, is it, Lord?"</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V23"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:23</font></SPAN> He answered, "He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will
betray me. <SPAN name="C26V24"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:24</font></SPAN> The Son of
Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom
the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not
been born."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V25"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:25</font></SPAN> Judas, who betrayed
him, answered, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?"</p>
<p>He said to him, "You said it."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V26"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:26</font></SPAN> As they were eating,
Jesus took bread, <SPAN href="#N119">gave thanks for</SPAN> it, and broke it. He
gave to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is
my body." <SPAN name="C26V27"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:27</font></SPAN> He
took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, "All of you drink it, <SPAN name="C26V28"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:28</font></SPAN> for this is my blood of the new
covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. <SPAN name="C26V29"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:29</font></SPAN> But I tell you that I will not
drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink
it anew with you in my Father's Kingdom." <SPAN name="C26V30"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:30</font></SPAN> When they had sung a hymn, they
went out to the Mount of Olives.</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V31"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:31</font></SPAN> Then Jesus said to
them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of
me tonight, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep
of the flock will be scattered.'<font color="#0000ff" size=-1><sup><SPAN href="#N120">*</SPAN></sup></font> <SPAN name="C26V32"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:32</font></SPAN> But after I am raised up, I will
go before you into Galilee."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V33"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:33</font></SPAN> But Peter answered
him, "Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will
never be made to stumble."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V34"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:34</font></SPAN> Jesus said to him,
"Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the
rooster crows, you will deny me three times."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V35"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:35</font></SPAN> Peter said to him,
"Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." All of the
disciples also said likewise.</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V36"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:36</font></SPAN> Then Jesus came with
them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go there and pray." <SPAN name="C26V37"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:37</font></SPAN> He took with him Peter and the
two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.
<SPAN name="C26V38"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:38</font></SPAN> Then he said to them,
"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.
Stay here, and watch with me."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V39"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:39</font></SPAN> He went forward a
little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "My
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless,
not what I desire, but what you desire."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V40"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:40</font></SPAN> He came to the
disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What, couldn't you watch with me for one hour? <SPAN name="C26V41"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:41</font></SPAN> Watch and pray, that you don't
enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is
weak."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V42"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:42</font></SPAN> Again, a second time
he went away, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this
cup can't pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be
done." <SPAN name="C26V43"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:43</font></SPAN> He
came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. <SPAN name="C26V44"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:44</font></SPAN> He left them again, went away,
and prayed a third time, saying the same words. <SPAN name="C26V45"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:45</font></SPAN> Then he came to his disciples,
and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest.
Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands
of sinners. <SPAN name="C26V46"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:46</font></SPAN> Arise, let's
be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V47"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:47</font></SPAN> While he was still
speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great
multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priest and elders of the
people. <SPAN name="C26V48"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:48</font></SPAN> Now he who
betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, "Whoever I kiss, he is the
one. Seize him." <SPAN name="C26V49"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:49</font></SPAN> Immediately he came to Jesus,
and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him.</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V50"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:50</font></SPAN> Jesus said to him,
"Friend, why are you here?" Then they
came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. <SPAN name="C26V51"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:51</font></SPAN> Behold, one of those who were
with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the
servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. <SPAN name="C26V52"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:52</font></SPAN> Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take
the sword will die by the sword. <SPAN name="C26V53"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:53</font></SPAN> Or do you think that I couldn't
ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of
angels? <SPAN name="C26V54"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:54</font></SPAN> How then would
the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?"</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V55"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:55</font></SPAN> In that hour Jesus
said to the multitudes, "Have you come out as against
a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple
teaching, and you didn't arrest me. <SPAN name="C26V56"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:56</font></SPAN> But all this has happened, that
the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled."</p>
<p>Then all the disciples left him, and fled. <SPAN name="C26V57"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:57</font></SPAN> Those who had taken Jesus led
him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders
were gathered together. <SPAN name="C26V58"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:58</font></SPAN> But Peter followed him from a
distance, to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the
officers, to see the end. <SPAN name="C26V59"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:59</font></SPAN> Now the chief priests, the
elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that
they might put him to death; <SPAN name="C26V60"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:60</font></SPAN> and they found none. Even though
many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false
witnesses came forward, <SPAN name="C26V61"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:61</font></SPAN> and said, "This man said,
'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three
days.'"</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V62"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:62</font></SPAN> The high priest stood
up, and said to him, "Have you no answer? What is this that these
testify against you?" <SPAN name="C26V63"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:63</font></SPAN> But Jesus held his peace. The
high priest answered him, "I adjure you by the living God, that you
tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V64"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:64</font></SPAN> Jesus said to him,
"You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after
this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and
coming on the clouds of the sky."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V65"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:65</font></SPAN> Then the high priest
tore his clothing, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need
any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy. <SPAN name="C26V66"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:66</font></SPAN> What do you think?"</p>
<p>They answered, "He is worthy of death!" <SPAN name="C26V67"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:67</font></SPAN> Then they spit in his face and
beat him with their fists, and some slapped him, <SPAN name="C26V68"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:68</font></SPAN> saying, "Prophesy to us,
you Christ! Who hit you?"</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V69"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:69</font></SPAN> Now Peter was sitting
outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, "You were also
with Jesus, the Galilean!"</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V70"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:70</font></SPAN> But he denied it
before them all, saying, "I don't know what you are talking
about."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V71"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:71</font></SPAN> When he had gone out
onto the porch, someone else saw him, and said to those who were there,
"This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V72"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:72</font></SPAN> Again he denied it
with an oath, "I don't know the man."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V73"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:73</font></SPAN> After a little while
those who stood by came and said to Peter, "Surely you are also one
of them, for your speech makes you known."</p>
<p> <SPAN name="C26V74"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:74</font></SPAN> Then he began to
curse and to swear, "I don't know the man!"</p>
<p>Immediately the rooster crowed. <SPAN name="C26V75"><font size=-1 color="blue">26:75</font></SPAN> Peter remembered the word which
Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me
three times." He went out and wept bitterly.</p>
<div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />