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
4 A child is miraculously conceived.
Psalm 132:11; Isaiah 7:14; 9:7; Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:26–38
Where do you think Mary was when Gabriel appeared (Luke 1:26–27)?
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Angelic appearances often terrify people, but we have no indication that Gabriel began with saying, “Fear not.” Why might Mary not have been terrified at his appearance (Luke 1:26–28)?
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What about Gabriel’s greeting could have been so troubling to Mary (Luke 1:29)?
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What aspects of Gabriel’s message would have been impossible for Mary to understand (Luke 1:30–33)?
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Why would Mary think God’s promise was for right then and not later, after she was married (Luke 1:34)?
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Do you think Gabriel’s explanation was sufficient for Mary to understand how she would become pregnant (Luke 1:35)? Why?
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Why would Mary not have already known that Elizabeth was pregnant (Luke 1:36)?
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What is the benefit of knowing God has done a miracle in someone else’s life (Luke 1:36)?
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How might Mary’s response to Gabriel be important in our relationship with the Lord (Luke 1:38; 22:42)?
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How do you visualize the way Gabriel left (Luke 1:38)?
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How do you think Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant (Matthew 1:19)?
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When the angel appeared to Joseph, he received instruction on naming Jesus. What would he have said to Mary when he learned that she had been told the same thing (Matthew 1:20–21)?
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How might the community have reacted if people realized that Mary was more pregnant than she should have been at six months after the wedding ceremony (Matthew 1:24–25)?
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After hundreds of years passed without the fulfillment of God’s promise, what is the likelihood that the present generation would expect it to happen in their lifetime (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22–23)?
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For more than two thousand years, Christians have known the promise of Jesus returning to Earth. Based on that history, should we expect his return in our lifetime (Acts 1:11)? Why?
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In the Galilean town of Nazareth, the angel Gabriel appeared to a virgin named Mary, who was engaged to marry Joseph, a descendent of Israel’s King David. “Greetings, favored woman!” the angel said. “God is with you.”
Matthew 1:18 The birth of Jesus the Messiah happened this Way: His mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, but before the marriage, while still a virgin, she became pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:25–28 “This is the Lord’s doing,” she said. “In these last days, he has shown his favor and has taken away my disgrace.” In the Galilean town of Nazareth, the angel Gabriel appeared to a virgin named Mary, who was engaged to marry Joseph, a descendent of Israel’s King David. “Greetings, favored woman!” the angel said. “God is with you.”
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:25–28 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Mary was deeply shaken. She trembled at what the angel’s greeting might mean.
Luke 1:29 Mary was deeply shaken. She trembled at what the angel’s greeting might mean.
Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
“Do not be frightened, Mary. God is pleased with you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will make him king like his ancestor David, and he will rule over Israel forever.”
Psalm 132:11 The Lord swore an oath to David that cannot be revoked. “I will set one of your descendants upon your throne.”
Isaiah 9:7 He will inherit King David’s throne, and his reign will endure forever, bringing everlasting peace. By the power and passion of almighty God, in his Kingdom he will always maintain order and righteousness.
Luke 1:30–33 “Do not be frightened, Mary. God is pleased with you. “You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must name him Jesus. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will make him king like his ancestor David, and he will rule over Israel forever.”
Psalm 132:11 The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Luke 1:30–33 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
“How is this possible?” Mary said. “I have never slept with a man.”
Luke 1:34 “How is this possible?” Mary said. “I have never slept with a man.”
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, your child will be holy and will be called the Son of God. No one thought your aunt Elizabeth could have a child either, but she is now in her sixth month. Nothing is impossible with God.”
Matthew 1:18 The birth of Jesus the Messiah happened this Way: His mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, but before the marriage, while still a virgin, she became pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:35-37 “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, your child will be holy and will be called the Son of God. No one thought your relative Elizabeth could have a child either, but she is now in her sixth month. Nothing is impossible with God.”
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:35-37 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
“I am God’s servant,” Mary said. “Let all you have said happen to me according to his will.”
Luke 1:38 “I am God’s servant,” Mary said. “Let all you have said happen to me according to his will.” Then the angel left.
Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Then the angel left.
Luke 1:38 “I am God’s servant,” Mary said. “Let all you have said happen to me according to his will.” Then the angel left.
Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
When Joseph discovered that his fiancée was pregnant, he did not want to subject her to public disgrace, so he decided to break their engagement quietly. While still contemplating exactly what he would do, an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to get married. The child has been conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you must name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:19–21 When Joseph discovered that his fiancée was pregnant, he did not want to subject her to public disgrace, so he decided to break their engagement quietly. While still contemplating exactly what he would do, an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to get married. The child has been conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you must name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:19–21 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Aroused from sleep, Joseph did as the angel had commanded. He took Mary to be his wife but avoided intimacy with her until after the baby was born.
Matthew 1:24–25 Aroused from sleep, Joseph did as the angel had commanded. He took Mary to be his wife but avoided intimacy with her until after the baby was born. And he named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:24–25 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
All this happened to fulfill what God had spoken through the prophet Isaiah: Watch for this! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son named Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
Isaiah 7:14 Watch for the miracle God will perform, for a virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son named Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
Matthew 1:22-23 All this happened to fulfill what God had spoken through the prophet Isaiah: Watch for this! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son named Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:22-23 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.