What Jesus Said About Justice, Mercy & Helping People (41 Teachings)

God desires mercy, not empty sacrifice.

Read the Scripture Matthew 9:13; 12:7

King James Version

Matthew 9:13

¹³But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 12:7

⁷But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

The second great command is to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Read the Scripture Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27

King James Version

Matthew 22:39

³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Mark 12:31

³¹And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Luke 10:27

²⁷And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

The merciful are blessed because they will receive mercy.

Read the Scripture Matthew 5:7

King James Version

Matthew 5:7

⁷Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Avoid causing little ones or vulnerable believers to stumble.

Read the Scripture Matthew 18:6–7; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:1–2

King James Version

Matthew 18:6–7

⁶But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
⁷Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Mark 9:42

⁴²And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Luke 17:1–2

¹Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
²It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Justice, mercy, and faithfulness are weightier matters.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:23

King James Version

Matthew 23:23

²³Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Lend without making repayment the condition of mercy.

Read the Scripture Luke 6:34–35

King James Version

Luke 6:34–35

³⁴And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
³⁵But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Be merciful as the Father is merciful.

Read the Scripture Luke 6:36

King James Version

Luke 6:36

³⁶Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Give generously; the measure you use will return to you.

Read the Scripture Luke 6:38

King James Version

Luke 6:38

³⁸Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Love of God and neighbor summarizes the central moral demand of Scripture.

Read the Scripture Matthew 22:37–40; Mark 12:29–31; Luke 10:27

King James Version

Matthew 22:37–40

³⁷Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
³⁸This is the first and great commandment.
³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
⁴⁰On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Mark 12:29–31

²⁹And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
³⁰And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
³¹And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Luke 10:27

²⁷And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

Go and do as the merciful Samaritan did.

Read the Scripture Luke 10:37

King James Version

Luke 10:37

³⁷And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Mercy is lawful even when religious convention objects.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:7–12; Mark 3:4; Luke 6:9

King James Version

Matthew 12:7–12

⁷But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
⁸For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
⁹And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
¹⁰And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
¹¹And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
¹²How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Mark 3:4

⁴And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

Luke 6:9

⁹Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

Compassion for the hungry should become practical provision.

Read the Scripture Matthew 14:16; Mark 6:37; Luke 9:13

King James Version

Matthew 14:16

¹⁶But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

Mark 6:37

³⁷He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

Luke 9:13

¹³But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

Merciful action toward "the least" is treated as action toward Christ.

Read the Scripture Matthew 25:34–40

King James Version

Matthew 25:34–40

³⁴Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
³⁷Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
³⁸When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
³⁹Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
⁴⁰And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Neglect of the needy is treated as neglect of Christ.

Read the Scripture Matthew 25:41–45

King James Version

Matthew 25:41–45

⁴¹Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
⁴²For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
⁴³I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
⁴⁴Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
⁴⁵Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the imprisoned.

Read the Scripture Matthew 25:35–40

King James Version

Matthew 25:35–40

³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
³⁷Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
³⁸When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
³⁹Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
⁴⁰And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

A cup given because someone belongs to Christ is remembered by God.

Read the Scripture Mark 9:41

King James Version

Mark 9:41

⁴¹For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

The Sabbath permits doing good and saving life.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:11–12; Mark 3:4; Luke 6:9

King James Version

Matthew 12:11–12

¹¹And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
¹²How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Mark 3:4

⁴And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

Luke 6:9

⁹Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

Human need takes priority over rigid ceremonial application.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:23–28; Luke 6:1–5

King James Version

Matthew 12:1–8

¹At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
²But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
³But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
⁴How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
⁵Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
⁶But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
⁷But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
⁸For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Mark 2:23–28

²³And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
²⁴And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
²⁵And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
²⁶How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
²⁷And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
²⁸Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Luke 6:1–5

¹And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
²And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
³And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
⁴How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
⁵And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

The Sabbath was made for humanity's good.

Read the Scripture Mark 2:27

King James Version

Mark 2:27

²⁷And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

It is fitting to release people from bondage on the Sabbath.

Read the Scripture Luke 13:10–17; 14:1–6

King James Version

Luke 13:10–17

¹⁰And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
¹¹And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
¹²And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
¹³And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
¹⁴And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
¹⁵The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
¹⁶And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
¹⁷And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Luke 14:1–6

¹And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
²And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.
³And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
⁴And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;
⁵And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?
⁶And they could not answer him again to these things.

God's house should be a house of prayer, not commercial exploitation.

Read the Scripture Matthew 21:12–13; Mark 11:15–17; Luke 19:45–46

King James Version

Matthew 21:12–13

¹²And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
¹³And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Mark 11:15–17

¹⁵And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
¹⁶And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
¹⁷And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Luke 19:45–46

⁴⁵And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
⁴⁶Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

The rich ruler was called to release the possession that ruled him and follow Jesus.

Read the Scripture Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22

King James Version

Matthew 19:21

²¹Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Mark 10:21

²¹Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Luke 18:22

²²Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Do not exploit vulnerable people while maintaining religious appearance.

Read the Scripture Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; Matthew 23:14

King James Version

Mark 12:40

⁴⁰Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Luke 20:47

⁴⁷Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Matthew 23:14

¹⁴Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Textual note: Matthew 23:14 is not found in some of the earliest manuscripts.

When hosting, include those who cannot repay you.

Read the Scripture Luke 14:12–14

King James Version

Luke 14:12–14

¹²Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
¹³But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
¹⁴And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Mercy outweighs ritualistic misuse of sacrifice.

Read the Scripture Matthew 9:13; 12:7

King James Version

Matthew 9:13

¹³But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 12:7

⁷But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

David's consecrated-bread episode shows that legal interpretation must account for human need.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:3–4; Mark 2:25–26; Luke 6:3–4

King James Version

Matthew 12:3–4

³But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
⁴How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

Mark 2:25–26

²⁵And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
²⁶How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

Luke 6:3–4

³And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
⁴How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

Jesus answers criticism for eating with sinners by saying the sick need a physician and he came to call sinners.

Read the Scripture Matthew 9:10–13; Mark 2:15–17; Luke 5:29–32

King James Version

Matthew 9:10–13

¹⁰And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
¹¹And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
¹²But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
¹³But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:15–17

¹⁵And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
¹⁶And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
¹⁷When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:29–32

²⁹And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
³⁰But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
³¹And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
³²I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus answers Sabbath grain-plucking criticism by citing David, priestly service, mercy, and his Sabbath lordship.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:23–28; Luke 6:1–5

King James Version

Matthew 12:1–8

¹At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
²But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
³But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
⁴How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
⁵Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
⁶But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
⁷But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
⁸For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Mark 2:23–28

²³And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
²⁴And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
²⁵And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
²⁶How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
²⁷And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
²⁸Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Luke 6:1–5

¹And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
²And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
³And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
⁴How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
⁵And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Woe to Pharisees who tithe herbs but neglect justice and love of God.

Read the Scripture Luke 11:42

King James Version

Luke 11:42

⁴²But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Jesus rebukes those who criticize mercy shown to a sinful woman while failing ordinary hospitality.

Read the Scripture Luke 7:36–50

King James Version

Luke 7:36–50

³⁶And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
³⁷And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
³⁸And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
³⁹Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
⁴⁰And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
⁴¹There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
⁴²And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
⁴³Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
⁴⁴And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
⁴⁵Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
⁴⁶My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
⁴⁷Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
⁴⁸And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
⁴⁹And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
⁵⁰And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Jesus exposes leaders who devour widows' houses while making long prayers.

Read the Scripture Mark 12:38–40; Luke 20:45–47

King James Version

Mark 12:38–40

³⁸And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
³⁹And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
⁴⁰Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Luke 20:45–47

⁴⁵Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
⁴⁶Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
⁴⁷Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

The unforgiving servant teaches that those forgiven an unpayable debt must forgive others.

Read the Scripture Matthew 18:23–35

King James Version

Matthew 18:23–35

²³Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
²⁴And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
²⁵But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
²⁶The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
²⁷Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
²⁸But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
²⁹And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
³⁰And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
³¹So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
³²Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
³³Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
³⁴And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
³⁵So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

The Good Samaritan teaches that neighbor love crosses social boundaries and acts mercifully.

Read the Scripture Luke 10:25–37

King James Version

Luke 10:25–37

²⁵And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
²⁶He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
²⁷And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
²⁸And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
²⁹But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
³⁰And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
³¹And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
³²And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
³³But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
³⁴And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
³⁵And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
³⁶Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
³⁷And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

The persistent widow teaches persistent prayer and confidence that God will bring justice.

Read the Scripture Luke 18:1–8

King James Version

Luke 18:1–8

¹And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
²Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
³And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
⁴And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
⁵Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
⁶And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
⁷And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
⁸I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Jesus' compassion for crowds includes teaching and feeding them.

Read the Scripture Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:34–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–13

King James Version

Matthew 14:13–21

¹³When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
¹⁴And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
¹⁵And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
¹⁶But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
¹⁷And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
¹⁸He said, Bring them hither to me.
¹⁹And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
²⁰And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
²¹And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Mark 6:34–44

³⁴And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
³⁵And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
³⁶Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.
³⁷He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
³⁸He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
³⁹And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
⁴⁰And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
⁴¹And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
⁴²And they did all eat, and were filled.
⁴³And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
⁴⁴And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

Luke 9:10–17

¹⁰And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
¹¹And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
¹²And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
¹³But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
¹⁴For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
¹⁵And they did so, and made them all sit down.
¹⁶Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
¹⁷And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

John 6:1–13

¹After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
²And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
³And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
⁴And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
⁵When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
⁶And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
⁷Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
⁸One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
⁹There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
¹⁰And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
¹¹And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
¹²When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
¹³Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

Jesus is compassionate toward crowds who are harassed, hungry, sick, or shepherdless.

Read the Scripture Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Mark 6:34; 8:2

King James Version

Matthew 9:36

³⁶But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 14:14

¹⁴And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 15:32

³²Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

Mark 6:34

³⁴And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 8:2

²I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

Jesus combines mercy toward sinners with a call away from sin.

Read the Scripture Luke 7:36–50; John 8:11

King James Version

Luke 7:36–50

³⁶And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
³⁷And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
³⁸And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
³⁹Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
⁴⁰And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
⁴¹There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
⁴²And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
⁴³Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
⁴⁴And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
⁴⁵Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
⁴⁶My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
⁴⁷Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
⁴⁸And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
⁴⁹And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
⁵⁰And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

John 8:11

¹¹She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Textual note: John 7:53–8:11 (the woman caught in adultery) is not found in some of the earliest manuscripts.

Jesus crosses ethnic boundaries in mercy.

Read the Scripture Matthew 8:5–13; 15:21–28; Luke 10:25–37; John 4:4–42

King James Version

Matthew 8:5–13

⁵And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
⁶And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
⁷And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
⁸The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
⁹For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
¹⁰When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
¹¹And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
¹²But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
¹³And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Matthew 15:21–28

²¹Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
²²And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
²³But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
²⁴But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
²⁵Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
²⁶But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
²⁷And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
²⁸Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Luke 10:25–37

²⁵And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
²⁶He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
²⁷And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
²⁸And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
²⁹But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
³⁰And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
³¹And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
³²And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
³³But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
³⁴And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
³⁵And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
³⁶Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
³⁷And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

John 4:4–42

⁴And he must needs go through Samaria.
⁵Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
⁶Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
⁷There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
⁸(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
⁹Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
¹⁰Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
¹¹The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
¹²Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
¹³Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
¹⁴But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
¹⁵The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
¹⁶Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
¹⁷The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
¹⁸For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
¹⁹The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
²⁰Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
²¹Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
²²Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
²³But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
²⁴God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
²⁵The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
²⁶Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
²⁷And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
²⁸The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
²⁹Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
³⁰Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
³¹In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
³²But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
³³Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
³⁴Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
³⁵Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
³⁶And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
³⁷And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
³⁸I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
³⁹And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
⁴⁰So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
⁴¹And many more believed because of his own word;
⁴²And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Jesus identifies with the least and vulnerable.

Read the Scripture Matthew 25:31–46

King James Version

Matthew 25:31–46

³¹When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
³²And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
³³And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
³⁴Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
³⁷Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
³⁸When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
³⁹Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
⁴⁰And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
⁴¹Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
⁴²For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
⁴³I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
⁴⁴Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
⁴⁵Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
⁴⁶And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Jesus confronts exploitation in religious spaces.

Read the Scripture Matthew 21:12–13; Mark 11:15–17

King James Version

Matthew 21:12–13

¹²And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
¹³And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Mark 11:15–17

¹⁵And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
¹⁶And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
¹⁷And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Jesus' compassion does not eliminate moral seriousness or judgment.

Read the Scripture Matthew 11:20–24; 23; 25:31–46

King James Version

Matthew 11:20–24

²⁰Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
²¹Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
²²But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
²³And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
²⁴But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

Matthew 23

¹Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
²Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
³All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
⁴For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
⁵But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
⁶And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
⁷And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
⁸But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
⁹And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
¹⁰Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
¹¹But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
¹²And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
¹³But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
¹⁴Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
¹⁵Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
¹⁶Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
¹⁷Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
¹⁸And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
¹⁹Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
²⁰Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
²¹And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
²²And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
²³Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
²⁴Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
²⁵Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
²⁶Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
²⁷Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
²⁸Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
²⁹Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
³⁰And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
³¹Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
³²Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
³³Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
³⁴Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
³⁵That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
³⁶Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
³⁷O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
³⁸Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
³⁹For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 25:31–46

³¹When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
³²And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
³³And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
³⁴Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
³⁷Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
³⁸When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
³⁹Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
⁴⁰And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
⁴¹Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
⁴²For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
⁴³I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
⁴⁴Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
⁴⁵Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
⁴⁶And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Textual note: Matthew 23:14 is not found in some of the earliest manuscripts.

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