¶ There were present at the same season, that shewed him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate mingled with their own sacrifice. And Iesus answered, and said unto them: Suppose ye that these Galileans, were greater sinners then all the other Galileans because they suffered such punishment? I tell you nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or think ye that those xviij. upon whom the tower in Siloe fell and slew them, were sinners above all men that dwell in Ierusalem? I tell you nay: But except ye repent, ye all shall likewise perish.
¶ He put forth this similitude, A certain man had a fig tree in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard: Behold this three year have I come and sought fruit in this fig tree, and find none, cut it down: why cumbereth it the ground? And he answered and said unto him: Lord let it alone this year also, till I dig round about it, and dung it, to see whether it will bear fruit: if not, then after that, cut it down.
¶ He taught in one of their synagogues on the saboth days. And behold there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity xviij. years: and was bowed to gether, and could not well lift up herself. When Iesus saw her, he called her to him, and said to her: woman, thou art delivered from thy disease. And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. The ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation (because that Iesus had healed on the saboth day) And said unto the people: There are six days in the week, in which men ought to work, in them come and be healed, and not on the saboth day.
¶ Then answered him the Lord and said: Hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the saboth day, loose his ox, or his ass, from the stall, and lead him to the water? And ought not this daughter of Abraham, be loosed from this bond on the saboth day, whom Sathan hath bounde lo, xviij. years?
¶ And when he thus said, all his adversaries were ashamed, and all the people rejoiced on all the excellent deeds, that were done by him.
¶ Then said he: What is the kingdom of God like? or whereto shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his garden: and it grew, and waxed a great tree, and the fowls of the air built in the branches of it.
¶ And again he said: whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of , God? It is like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three bushels of flour, till all was thorow leavened. And he went thorow cities and towns teaching, and took his journey towards Ierusalem.
¶ Then said one unto him: Lord, are there few that shall be saved? And he said unto them: strive with your selves to enter in at the strait gate: For many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When the goodman of the house is risen up, and hath shut fast the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door saying: Lord, Lord, open unto us: and he shall answer and say unto you: I know not whence ye are. Then shall ye begin to say: We have eaten, and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. And he shall say: I tell you, I know you not whence ye are: depart from me all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth: when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Iacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out a doors. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall rest in the kingdom of God. And behold, there are last, which shall be first: And there are first which shall be last.
¶ The same day there came certain of the pharises, and said unto him: Get thee out of the way, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them: Go ye and tell that fox, behold I cast out devils, and heal the people to day and tomorrow, and the third day I make an end. Nevertheless, I must walk today and tomorrow, and the day following: For it cannot be, that a prophet perish any other where, save at Ierusalem. O Ierusalem, Ierusalem, which killest prophets, and stonest them that are sent to thee: how often would I have gathered thy children together, as the hen her nest under her wings, but thou wouldest not. Behold your habitation shall be left unto you desolate. For I tell you, ye shall not see me until the time come that ye shall say, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
© Faith of God
William Tyndale 1526