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
17 Nicodemus learns about spiritual birth.
Numbers 21:8–9; Ezekiel 36:25–27; John 2:23–25; 3:1–21
Many people came to the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. When they saw the miracles Jesus did, they believed. But Jesus did not trust them, because he understood human nature. No one had to explain to him what people were really like.
John 2:23–25 Many people came to the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. When they saw the miracles Jesus did, they believed. But Jesus did not trust them, because he understood human nature. No one had to explain to him what people were really like.
John 2:23–25 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Jesus at night. “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher sent from God. Your miracles prove your authority.”
John 3:1–2 Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Jesus at night. “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher sent from God. Your miracles prove your authority.”
John 3:1–2 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
“I can guarantee,” Jesus said, “you will never see the Kingdom of God unless you are born again.”
John 3:3 “I can guarantee,” Jesus said, “you will never see the Kingdom of God unless you are born again.”
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
“What do you mean? A grown man cannot enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time.”
John 3:4 “What do you mean? A grown man cannot enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time.”
John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
“I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom without being born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ You do not doubt the existence of the wind that blows wherever it wants, although you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with those born of the Spirit.”
Ezekiel 36:25–27 Then I will wash you with clean water, and you will be cleansed from all your filthiness, from all your idols. I will replace your hard, self-centered heart with a soft, giving heart. I will give you a new spirit unlike what you had before, for I will put my own Spirit within you, causing you to walk in my ways, knowing what is right and doing it.
John 3:5–8 “I assure you, no one will enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ You do not doubt the existence of the wind that blows wherever it wants, although you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with those born of the Spirit.”
Ezekiel 36:25–27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
John 3:5–8 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
“I still do not understand how this is possible.”
John 3:9 “I still do not understand how this is possible.”
John 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
“You teach the people of Israel, and you do not understand? Reality is, we speak from what we know and testify to what we have seen. Instead of accepting my testimony, you question it. If I give you an earthly example and you cannot grasp the truth, how will you believe what is heavenly?
John 3:10–12 “You teach the people of Israel, and you do not understand? Reality is, we speak from what we know and testify to what we have seen. Instead of accepting my testimony, you question it. If I give you an earthly example and you cannot grasp the truth, how will you believe what is heavenly?
John 3:10–12 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
“No one has seen God except the one who came from him—the Son of Man. Moses attached a bronze serpent to a pole in the wilderness. Anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze serpent and be healed. In the same way, the Son of Man must be lifted up so everyone who believes in him may live.
Numbers 21:8–9 God said to Moses, “Make an image of the venomous snake and mount it upon a pole. After being bitten, everyone who looks at the image will live. Moses made the brass snake and mounted it upon a pole. After that, all those who looked at the image lived after being bitten.
John 3:13–15 “No one has seen God except the one who came from him—the Son of Man. Moses attached a bronze serpent to a pole in the wilderness. In the same way, the Son of Man must be lifted up so everyone who believes in him may live.
Numbers 21:8–9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
John 3:13–15 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will live forever.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will live forever.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
“God sent the Son, not to judge, but to save the world. God will not condemn whoever believes in him, but he has already judged unbelievers for choosing not to accept God’s one and only Son.
John 3:17–18 “God sent the Son, not to judge, but to save the world. God will not condemn whoever believes in him, but he has already judged unbelievers for choosing not to accept God’s one and only Son.
John 3:17–18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
“This is why God condemns people: Light has come into the world, but people love the darkness, not the light, because their deeds are evil. People who do evil hate the light and will not come near it for fear that the light will expose their sins. But those who love truth and desire to do right will come to the light so others can see they are doing what God wants.”
John 3:19–21 “This is why God condemns people: Light has come into the world, but people love the darkness, not the light, because their deeds are evil. People who do evil hate the light and will not come near it for fear that the light will expose their sins. But those who love truth and desire to do right will come to the light so others can see they are doing what God wants.”
John 3:19–21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.