Luke 11

Prayer

(Matthew 6.9-13; 7.7-11)

1When Jesus had finished praying, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his followers to pray.”

2So Jesus told them, “Pray in this way:

‘Father, help us

to honor your name.

Come and set up

your kingdom.

3Give us each day

the food we need.

4Forgive our sins,

as we forgive everyone

who has done wrong to us.

And keep us

from being tempted.’ ”

5Then Jesus went on to say:

Jesus and the Ruler of Demons

(Matthew 12.22-30; Mark 3.20-27)

14Jesus forced a demon out of a man who could not talk. And after the demon had gone out, the man started speaking, and the crowds were amazed.

15But some people said, “He forces out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons!”[#Mt 9.34; 10.25.]

16Others wanted to put Jesus to the test. So they asked him to show them a sign from God.[#Mt 12.38; 16.1; Mk 8.11.]

17Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said:

Return of an Evil Spirit

(Matthew 12.43-45)

Being Really Blessed

27While Jesus was still talking, a woman in the crowd spoke up, “The woman who gave birth to you and nursed you is blessed!”

28Jesus replied, “That's true, but the people who are really blessed are the ones who hear and obey God's message!”[#11.28 Or “That's not true, the people who are blessed … message.”]

A Sign from God

(Matthew 12.38-42; Mark 8.12)

29As crowds were gathering around Jesus, he said:[#Mt 16.4; Mk 8.12.]

Light

(Matthew 5.15; 6.22,23)

Jesus Condemns the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law of Moses

(Matthew 23.1-36; Mark 12.38-40; Luke 20.45-47)

37When Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him home for a meal. Jesus went and sat down to eat.[#11.37 See the note at 7.36.]

38The Pharisee was surprised that he did not wash his hands before eating.[#11.38 The Jewish people had strict laws about washing their hands before eating, especially if they had been out in public.]

39So the Lord said to him:

45A teacher of the Law of Moses spoke up, “Teacher, you said cruel things about us.”

46Jesus replied:

53Jesus was about to leave, but the teachers and the Pharisees wanted to get even with him. They tried to make him say what he thought about other things,

54so they could catch him saying something wrong.

Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.
Published by: American Bible Society