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1 Eyewitnesses begin their amazing testimony.2 The ancestry of Jesus is recorded.3 An angel meets Zechariah in the Temple.4 A child is miraculously conceived.5 Mary visits her aunt Elizabeth.6 John, son of Zechariah, is born.7 Shepherds hear news about a baby in a manger.8 Wise men search for the new king of the Jews.9 Jesus grows up in Nazareth.10 John, son of Zechariah, becomes John the Baptizer.
11 John baptizes Jesus.12 The Holy Spirit leads Jesus to an encounter with Satan.13 John the Baptizer recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God.14 Disciples of John the Baptizer meet Jesus for the first time.15 The wedding feast continues after Jesus changes water into wine.16 The merchants are driven out of the Temple.17 Nicodemus learns about spiritual birth.18 Jesus and his disciples baptize many in Judea.19 A Samaritan woman comes for water and finds life.20 A government official seeks healing for his sick son.
21 At his boyhood home, Jesus is rejected.22 Jesus invites some men to follow him.23 A man possessed by an evil spirit is delivered.24 Peter’s mother-in-law is healed.25 Jesus works after sunset.26 Fishermen are taught about fishing.27 A leper is cleansed.28 A paralyzed man is lowered through the roof to see Jesus.29 Matthew is invited to follow Jesus.30 The disciples don’t follow religious tradition.
31 A man with a shriveled hand is healed on the Sabbath.32 Jesus teaches a large crowd at the Galilean seashore.33 Jesus selects twelve apostles out of his group of followers.34 Jesus teaches about blessings that follow tough times.35 God’s people are to let their light shine.36 God seeks righteous behavior that is more than the Law required.37 People are to show kindness to even their enemies.38 Jesus teaches about prayer.39 What you treasure needs to have lasting value.40 Jesus teaches the principles of God’s Kingdom.
41 A Roman officer recognizes Jesus as a man under God’s command.42 A widow’s son at Nain is raised from the dead.43 Jesus gives testimony about John the Baptizer.44 People are rebuked for not believing.45 A Pharisee invites Jesus to dinner and learns about forgiveness.46 Jesus is accused of using satanic power when he casts out evil spirits.47 Jesus identifies his true family.48 Jesus uses a farming illustration to teach about hearing God’s word.49 Jesus describes what the Kingdom of God is like.50 Jesus calms a violent storm.
51 Jesus delivers a man who was possessed by many evil spirits.52 Jairus’s daughter is raised from the dead.53 Jesus is like the prophet who isn’t appreciated in his own country.54 Jesus sends workers into the fields.55 A lame man at the Bethesda pool is healed.56 Jesus claims equality with God.57 Herod thinks John the Baptizer has returned from the dead.58 With five loaves, Jesus feeds five thousand men.59 Jesus walks with Peter on the water.60 Jesus is the bread of life.
61 Traditions of men don’t make people right with God.62 A Greek woman begs help for her daughter.63 Jesus does spectacular miracles.64 With seven loaves, Jesus feeds four thousand men.65 Religious leaders ask for undeniable proof.66 Jesus warns of danger in religious teachings.67 A man sees trees that walk.68 Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah sent from God.69 Three disciples see Jesus talk with Moses and Elijah.70 Jesus delivers when the disciples can’t.
71 The disciples receive private tutoring.72 Jesus goes to Jerusalem unannounced.73 Guards are sent to arrest Jesus.
74 Jesus forgives a woman who was caught in adultery.75 Jesus teaches in the Temple.76 Jesus sends another seventy-two disciples into the fields of ministry.77 A good Samaritan helping a Jew shows how to love others.78 Jesus heals a man who was born blind.79 The good shepherd cares for his sheep.80 Martha becomes frustrated with her sister’s behavior.
74 Jesus forgives a woman who was caught in adultery.75 Jesus teaches in the Temple.76 Jesus sends another seventy-two disciples into the fields of ministry.77 A good Samaritan helping a Jew shows how to love others.78 Jesus heals a man who was born blind.79 The good shepherd cares for his sheep.80 Martha becomes frustrated with her sister’s behavior.
81 The disciples learn more about how to pray.82 from an evil spirit, a man is able to speak.83 A Pharisee asks Jesus to dinner.84 Jesus warns against religious hypocrisy.85 A rich man shows how greed is never satisfied.86 The Lord’s coming requires constant readiness.87 Jesus stresses the importance of bearing fruit.88 The Kingdom demands a wholehearted effort.89 People start to stone Jesus for blasphemy.90 Pharisees reveal a threat on Jesus’ life.
91 Jesus teaches about the banquet table.92 A builder must count the cost.93 That which is lost is especially important.94 Jesus teaches on faithfulness.95 Jesus teaches about divorce.96 A dead man wants to tell his brothers about his eternal torment.97 Servants must be faithful to their duties.98 Lazarus is raised from the dead.99 One of ten lepers thanks Jesus.100 Jesus tells about the day of his return.
101 Jesus teaches about prayer.102 The value of children is stressed.103 People should recognize the value of eternal rewards.104 The disciples are told that Jesus must suffer and die.105 Two disciples seek the highest honor.106 Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus.
107 Two blind men want to see.108 Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume.109 People cheer as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.110 Some Greek men want to see Jesus.
107 Two blind men want to see.108 Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume.109 People cheer as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.110 Some Greek men want to see Jesus.
111 Jesus curses a fig tree.112 Religious leaders question Jesus’ authority.113 Sharecroppers kill the landowner’s son.114 Jesus compares the Kingdom to a wedding feast.115 Religious leaders seek to trap Jesus with a question about taxes.116 Jesus teaches about life after death.117 A man asks what is the most important commandment.118 Jesus answers a question about the Messiah.119 Jesus condemns the religious leaders.120 A widow gives everything to God.
121 Jesus reveals what will happen before his return.122 A good servant works without supervision.123 A story about ten virgins shows the importance of being ready.124 People have a responsibility to use what they have been given.125 Jesus compares God’s judgment to the separation of sheep and goats.126 Judas agrees to betray Jesus.127 Two disciples prepare for Passover.128 Jesus celebrates Passover with the disciples.129 Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.130 Jesus predicts his betrayal.
131 Peter declares his loyalty, but Jesus predicts denial.132 Jesus gives final words to his disciples.133 On the way to Gethsemane, Jesus teaches his disciples.134 Jesus gives an intercessory prayer.135 Jesus prays at Gethsemane.136 Religious leaders arrest Jesus.137 Jesus is tried before Caiaphas.138 The ruling council gives Jesus the death sentence.139 Judas commits suicide.140 Jesus stands before Pilate.
141 Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas.142 Pilate pacifies the mob by ordering Jesus to be crucified.143 On the way to crucifixion, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross.144 Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies.145 Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus give Jesus a hasty burial before sundown.146 The tomb is opened, and people can’t find Jesus’ body.147 Jesus appears to two of his followers on the way to Emmaus.148 Jesus appears to his disciples for the first time.149 The disciples watch Jesus ascend into the clouds
3 An angel meets Zechariah in the Temple.
Numbers 6:3; Malachi 4:5–6; Luke 1:5–25
Zechariah was a priest who served in the Temple twice each year (Luke 1:5–6). How would you describe the nature of his faith in God?
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In the first century, having many children was proof of God’s favor. Childlessness was God’s curse because of sin. How might Zechariah and Elizabeth have dealt with this social prejudice for all their married lives (Luke 1:7)?
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Do you think Zachariah being chosen by lot to burn incense in the Temple’s Holy Place was coincidence or God’s design (Luke 1:8–9)? Why?
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Why would the appearance of an angel terrify Zechariah (Luke 1:10–11)?
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Did Zechariah know he was seeing an angel (Luke 1:10–11)? If so, how did he know?
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After praying for a son his whole married life, now that he and his wife were past the age of childbearing, how might Zechariah have felt when he was told that his prayer had been answered (Luke 1:13)?
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The only eyewitness to all that happened in the Temple is obviously Zechariah. How do you think this story reached the ears of the gospel writer (Luke 1:5–25)?
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Why might Zechariah have had no difficulty remembering the angel’s words (Luke 1:13–17)?
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How well do you think Zechariah understood what his son’s ministry would be (Luke 1:17)?
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Why couldn’t Zechariah believe what the angel had promised (Luke 1:18)? Why do people sometimes find it hard to believe God’s word?
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If Zechariah’s unbelief was understandable under the circumstances, why might he have been judged so harshly (Luke 1:19–20)?
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Why do you think God gave Zechariah a son instead of some other man with more faith (Luke 1:19–20)?
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What kinds of signs might Zechariah have made in his attempt to communicate with the people (Luke 1:21–22)?
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If Zechariah had not lost his speech, what would he have most likely told the people (Luke 1:21–22)?
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How different would Zechariah’s walk home have been (Luke 1:23)?
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When Zechariah arrived home, how would he have greeted Elizabeth (Luke 1:23–24)?
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What difficulties would Elizabeth have had in understanding her husband’s message (Luke 1:24–25)?
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At what point do you think Elizabeth came to the full realization that God was doing a miracle (Luke 1:24–25)?
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During the reign of Herod the Great over Judea, a man of the priestly order of Abijah named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, were upright in God’s sight, blameless in following the commandments and regulations of the Law. Despite their righteousness, they had lived beyond the age of childbearing and were still childless.
Luke 1:5–7 During the reign of Herod the Great over Judea, Zechariah of the priestly order of Abijah and his wife, Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, were upright in God’s sight, blameless in following the commandments and regulations of the Law. Despite their righteousness, they had lived beyond the age of childbearing and were still childless.
Luke 1:5–7 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
Zechariah was chosen by lot to fulfill his priestly duties. He entered the Holy Place to burn incense to God. While the people gathered outside to pray, he stood before the altar. Suddenly, an angel appeared, and Zechariah was paralyzed with fear.
Luke 1:8–12 Zechariah was chosen by lot to fulfill his priestly duties. He entered the Holy Place to burn incense to God. While the people gathered outside to pray, he stood before the altar. Suddenly, an angel appeared, and Zechariah became paralyzed with fear.
Luke 1:8–12 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah,” the angel said. “God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give birth to a son. You must name him John. He will bring you great joy, and many will rejoice at his birth. God will recognize him as a great man. He must never drink wine or other fermented beverages. Even before birth, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Numbers 6:3 They must drink no wine or anything intoxicating, nothing fermented, containing alcohol. Consume no fruit from the vine, not even grape juice, fresh grapes, or raisins.
Luke 1:13–15 “Do not be afraid, Zechariah,” the angel said. “God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give birth to a son. You must name him John. “He will bring you great joy, and many will rejoice at his birth. “God will recognize him as a great man. He must never drink wine or other fermented beverages. Even before birth, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Numbers 6:3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.
Luke 1:13–15 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
“He will turn many Israelites back to the Lord their God. In the spirit and power of Elijah, he will soften the hearts of fathers toward their children and cause the rebellious to accept godly wisdom. He will prepare the people for the Lord’s coming.”
Malachi 4:5–6 See, I will send the prophet Elijah before that awesome and fearful day when the Lord comes. He will soften the hearts of fathers toward their children and children toward their fathers. Otherwise, I would come and curse the earth.
Luke 1:16–17 “He will turn many Israelites back to the Lord their God. “In the spirit and power of Elijah, he will soften the hearts of fathers toward their children and cause the rebellious to accept godly wisdom. He will prepare the people for the Lord’s coming.”
Malachi 4:5–6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Luke 1:16–17 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
“How can this be?” Zechariah said. “This is impossible. I am an old man, and my wife is also too old.”
Luke 1:18 “How can this be?” Zechariah said. “This is impossible. I am an old man, and my wife is also too old.”
Luke 1:18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
“I am Gabriel, sent from God to bring you this good news. Because you have not believed me, you will be unable to speak a word until the day of your son’s birth. All I have said will be fulfilled in due time.”
Luke 1:19–20 “I am Gabriel, sent from God to bring you this good news. Because you have not believed me, you will be unable to speak a word until the day of your son’s birth. All I have said will be fulfilled in due time.”
Luke 1:19–20 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Outside, the people waited and wondered why the priest had stayed so long in the Holy Place. When he came out and could not speak, but kept making signs with his hands, they were sure he had seen a vision.
Luke 1:21–22 Outside, the people waited and wondered why the priest had stayed so long in the Holy Place. When he came out and could not speak, but kept making signs with his hands, they were sure he had seen a vision.
Luke 1:21–22 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
After completing his time of service in the Temple, Zechariah returned home. His wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went off by herself for five months. “This is the Lord’s doing,” she said. “In these last days, he has shown his favor and has taken away my disgrace.”
Luke 1:23–25 After completing his time of service in the Temple, he returned home. His wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went off by herself for five months. “This is the Lord’s doing,” she said. “In these last days, he has shown his favor and has taken away my disgrace.”
Luke 1:23–25 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.