The Bible in Basic English BBE
New International Version NIV
51 And it came about that when the days were near for him to be taken up, his face was turned to go to Jerusalem,
51
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
52 And he sent men before: and they came to a small town of Samaria to make ready for him.
52
And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him;
53 But they would not have him there, because he was clearly going to Jerusalem.
53
but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, Lord, may we send fire from heaven and put an end to them?
54
When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them ?”
55 But turning round he said sharp words to them.
55
But Jesus turned and rebuked them.
56 And they went to another small town.
56
Then he and his disciples went to another village.
57 And when they were on the way, a certain man said to him, I will come after you wherever you go.
57
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have resting-places, but the Son of man has nowhere to put his head.
58
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
59 And he said to another, Come after me. But he said, Lord, let me first go and give the last honours to my father.
59
He said to another man, “Follow me.”But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 But he said to him, Let the dead take care of their dead; it is for you to go and give news of the kingdom of God.
60
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 And another man said, I will come with you, Lord, but first let me say a last good-day to those who are at my house.
61
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
62 But Jesus said, No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is good enough for the kingdom of God.
62
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.