Reading Challenge day 5: Mark 13 - Luke 6

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      My reading through the New Testament included Mark 13 through Luke 6.  Many of these passages are very similar in all three gospels. Possibly one exception is the detail that Luke gives of John the Baptist and his parents.  From Luke we learn that Mary and Elizabeth knew each other and that Mary stayed with Elizabeth and her family right up until the time when John the Baptist was born.  We learn also that Jesus' parents lost track of Jesus for about three days during one of their annual trips to Jerusalem to take part in the Festivals.

     One of the passages that stood out to me was in Luke 6:31-38. Where Jesus clearly teaches us that to be a follower of His means that we will be a compassionate people who have mercy on others.  

31 [a]Treat people the same way you want them to [b]treat you. 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. 36 [c]Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37 “Do not [d]judge, and you will not be judged; and do not [e]condemn, and you will not be condemned; [f]pardon, and you will be pardoned. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will [g]pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

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