Luke 2
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And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
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a This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
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So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
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Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to b the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, c because he was of the house and lineage of David,
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to be registered with Mary, d his betrothed wife, who was with child.
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So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
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And e she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
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Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
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And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, f and they were greatly afraid.
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Then the angel said to them, g "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy h which will be to all people.
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i "For there is born to you this day in the city of David j a Savior, k who is Christ the Lord.
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"And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
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l And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
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"Glory m to God in the highest,
And on earth n peace, o goodwill toward men!"
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So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."
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And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
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Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
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And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
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p But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
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Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and q praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
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r And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called s JESUS, the name given by the angel t before He was conceived in the womb.
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Now when u the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
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v (as it is written in the law of the Lord, w "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD"),
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and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, x "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
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And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, y waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
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And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not z see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
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So he came a by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,
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he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
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"Lord, b now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
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For my eyes c have seen Your salvation
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Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
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d A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
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And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.
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Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the e fall and rising of many in Israel, and for f a sign which will be spoken against
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"(yes, g a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
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Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of h Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;
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and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers i night and day.
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And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who j looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
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So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
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k And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
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His parents went to l Jerusalem m every year at the Feast of the Passover.
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And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the n custom of the feast.
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When they had finished the o days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
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but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
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So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
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Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
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And p all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
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So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."
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And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be q about r My Father's business?"
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But s they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
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Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother t kept all these things in her heart.
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And Jesus u increased in wisdom and stature, v and in favor with God and men.
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Cross References
Daniel 9:25
Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.
Acts 5:37
After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
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Cross References
1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.
Micah 5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."
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Cross References
Matthew 1:16
And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
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Cross References
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
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Cross References
Matthew 1:25
And did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Luke 1:31
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.
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Cross References
Luke 1:12
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
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Cross References
Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Luke 1:30
Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
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Cross References
Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Isaiah 49:6
Indeed He says, 'It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1:15
And saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.
Colossians 1:23
If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
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Cross References
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
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Cross References
Matthew 1:21
"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
John 4:42
Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.
Acts 5:31
Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
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Cross References
Matthew 1:16
And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of ...
Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Chr...
Matthew 16:20
Then He commanded His disciples that they shoul...
John 11:27
She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You...
Acts 2:36
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know ass...
Philippians 2:11
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus...
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Cross References
Genesis 28:12
Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set u...
Psalms 103:20
Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in st...
Psalms 148:2
Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His...
Daniel 7:10
A fiery stream issued And came forth from befor...
Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth...
Revelation 5:11
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many an...
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Cross References
Matthew 21:9
Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David! ' Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Hosanna in the highest!
Luke 19:38
Saying: " 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!
Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
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Cross References
Isaiah 57:19
"I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," Says the LORD, "And I will heal him."
Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:17
And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.
Colossians 1:20
And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
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Cross References
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 2:4
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.
Ephesians 2:7
That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 2:16
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace.
1 John 4:9
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
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Cross References
Genesis 37:11
And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Luke 1:66
And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him.
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Cross References
Luke 19:37
Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen.
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Cross References
Genesis 17:12
He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.
Leviticus 12:3
And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
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Cross References
Matthew 1:21
"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
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Cross References
Luke 1:31
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.
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Cross References
Leviticus 12:2 - 8
Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'If a woman has conceived, and borne a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her customary impurity she shall be unclean.
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Cross References
Exodus 13:12
That you shall set apart to the LORD all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the LORD's.
Exodus 22:29
You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe produce and your juices. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me.
Leviticus 27:26
But the firstborn of the animals, which should be the LORD's firstborn, no man shall dedicate; whether it is an ox or sheep, it is the LORD's.
Deuteronomy 18:4
The firstfruits of your grain and your new wine and your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, you shall give him.
Nehemiah 10:36
To bring the firstborn of our sons and our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and our flocks, to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God.
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Cross References
Exodus 13:2
"Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine."
Exodus 13:12
That you shall set apart to the LORD all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the LORD's.
Exodus 13:15
'And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.'
Numbers 3:13
"because all the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine: I am the LORD."
Numbers 8:17
For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are Mine, both man and beast; on the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them to Myself.
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Cross References
Leviticus 12:2
Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'If a woman has conceived, and borne a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her customary impurity she shall be unclean.
Leviticus 12:8
'And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons - one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.'"
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Cross References
Isaiah 40:1
Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" Says your God.
Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Luke 2:38
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Luke 23:51
He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God.
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Cross References
Psalms 89:48
What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah
John 8:51
"Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death."
Hebrews 11:5
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
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Cross References
Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
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Cross References
Genesis 46:30
And Israel said to Joseph, "Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.
Philippians 1:23
For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
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Cross References
Psalms 119:166
LORD, I hope for Your salvation, And I do Your commandments.
Psalms 119:174
I long for Your salvation, O LORD, And Your law is my delight.
Isaiah 52:10
The LORD has made bare His holy arm In the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth shall see The salvation of our God.
Luke 3:6
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'
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Cross References
Isaiah 9:2
The people who walked in darkness Have seen a g...
Isaiah 42:6
I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, ...
Isaiah 49:6
Indeed He says, 'It is too small a thing that Y...
Isaiah 60:1 - 3
Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the ...
Matthew 4:16
The people who sat in darkness have seen a grea...
Acts 10:45
And those of the circumcision who believed were...
Acts 13:47
"For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set ...
Acts 28:28
"Therefore let it be known to you that the salv...
Romans 9:24
Even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, b...
Galatians 3:14
That the blessing of Abraham might come upon th...
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Cross References
Isaiah 8:14
He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumb...
Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? Let him understand these things. W...
Matthew 21:44
"And whoever falls on this stone will be broken...
Romans 9:32
Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but...
1 Corinthians 1:23
But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a s...
2 Corinthians 2:16
To the one we are the aroma of death leading to...
1 Peter 2:7
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; ...
1 Peter 2:8
And "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense...
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Cross References
Matthew 28:12 - 15
When they had assembled with the elders and con...
Acts 4:2
Being greatly disturbed that they taught the pe...
Acts 17:32
And when they heard of the resurrection of the ...
Acts 28:22
"But we desire to hear from you what you think;...
1 Peter 2:12
Having your conduct honorable among the Gentile...
1 Peter 4:14
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, b...
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Cross References
Psalms 42:10
As with a breaking of my bones, My enemies reproach me, While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?
John 19:25
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
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Cross References
Joshua 19:24
The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
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Cross References
Acts 26:7
To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
1 Timothy 5:5
Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
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Cross References
Lamentations 3:25
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.
Lamentations 3:26
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.
Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Luke 24:21
But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.
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Cross References
Luke 1:80
So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
1 Corinthians 1:24
But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:30
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption -
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Cross References
John 4:20
"Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship."
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Cross References
Exodus 23:15
You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (y...
Exodus 23:17
Three times in the year all your males shall ap...
Exodus 34:23
Three times in the year all your men shall appe...
Deuteronomy 16:1
Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passove...
Deuteronomy 16:16
Three times a year all your males shall appear ...
Luke 22:15
Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I ha...
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Cross References
Exodus 23:14
Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year:
Exodus 23:15
You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none shall appear before Me empty).
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Cross References
Exodus 12:15
Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.
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Cross References
Matthew 7:28
And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayin...
Matthew 13:54
When He had come to His own country, He taught ...
Matthew 22:33
And when the multitudes heard this, they were a...
Mark 1:22
And they were astonished at His teaching, for H...
Mark 6:2
And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teac...
Mark 11:18
And the scribes and chief priests heard it and ...
Luke 4:32
And they were astonished at His teaching, for H...
John 7:15
And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this M...
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Cross References
John 9:4
I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.
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Cross References
Mark 1:22
And they were astonished at His teaching, for H...
Luke 4:22
So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the...
Luke 4:32
And they were astonished at His teaching, for H...
John 4:34
Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will ...
John 5:17
But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been wo...
John 5:36
But I have a greater witness than John's; for t...
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Cross References
Mark 9:32
But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.
Luke 9:45
But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.
Luke 18:34
But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.
John 7:15
And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?
John 7:46
The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!
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Cross References
Daniel 7:28
"This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart."
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Cross References
Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
Isaiah 11:3
His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears.
Colossians 2:2
That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.
Colossians 2:3
In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
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Cross References
1 Samuel 2:26
And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men.
Proverbs 3:1 - 4
My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.