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
49 Jesus describes what the Kingdom of God is like.
Psalm 78:2; Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:24–53; Mark 4:21–34; Luke 8:16–18
Jesus gave this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who sowed good wheat in his field. While everyone slept, his adversary sowed weeds among the wheat and slipped away, unseen. As the wheat grew and developed its heads of grain, the weeds also grew.
Matthew 13:24–26 Jesus gave this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who sowed good wheat in his field. While everyone slept, his adversary sowed weeds among the wheat and slipped away, unseen. As the wheat grew and developed its heads of grain, the weeds also grew.
Matthew 13:24–26 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
“The workers said to the farmer, ‘Didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did the weeds come from?’
Matthew 13:27 “The workers said to the farmer, ‘Didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did the weeds come from?’
Matthew 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
“‘An enemy has done this.’
Matthew 13:28 ” ‘An enemy has done this.’ ‘Do you want us to pull the weeds?’ they said.
Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
“‘Do you want us to pull the weeds?’ they said.
Matthew 13:28 ” ‘An enemy has done this.’ ‘Do you want us to pull the weeds?’ they said.
Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
“‘No. While you are pulling the weeds you might uproot some of the wheat. Let them both grow until harvest time. Then I will tell the reapers to bundle the weeds, burn them, and bring the wheat into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:29–30 ” ‘No. While you are pulling the weeds you might uproot some of the wheat. Let them both grow until harvest time. Then I will tell the reapers to bundle the weeds, burn them, and bring the wheat into my barn.'”
Matthew 13:29–30 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Jesus said, “Is a lighted candle ever put under a basket or couch? No. It is always placed where its light will shine. Everything hidden will one day be revealed, and all secrets will be brought to light. If you have ears, pay attention to what I am saying.
Mark 4:21–23 Jesus said, “Is a lighted candle ever put under a basket or couch? No, it is always placed where its light will shine. Everything hidden will one day be revealed, and all secrets will be brought to light. He who has ears, let him hear.
Luke 8:16–17 “Is a lighted candle ever put under a basket or couch? No, it is always placed where its light will shine. Everything hidden will one day be revealed, and all secrets will be brought to light.
Mark 4:21–23 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
Luke 8:16–17 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
“Believe me, the measure you give will be the measure you get. Even more knowledge will be given to those who listen carefully. But those who are not listening will lose what little understanding they have.
Mark 4:24–25 “Believe me, the measure you give will be the measure you get. Even more knowledge will be given to those who listen carefully. But those who are not listening will lose what little understanding they have.
Luke 8:18 “Believe me, because more knowledge will be given to those who listen carefully. But those who are not listening will lose what little understanding they have.”
Mark 4:24–25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Luke 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
“The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who sows seeds in his field. All the time, whether he sleeps at night or works in the day, the seeds sprout and grow, but he does not understand how that happens. Without the farmer’s help, the earth produces the stalk and leaves. Then the full head of grain forms and ripens. When the grain is ready, he wields his sickle because harvest time has come.”
Mark 4:26–29 “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who sows seeds in his field. All the time, whether he sleeps at night or works in the day, the seeds sprout and grow, but he does not understand how that happens. Without the farmer’s help, the earth produces the stalk and leaves. Then the full head of grain forms and ripens. When the grain is ready, he wields his sickle because harvest time has come.”
Mark 4:26–29 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
Jesus also said, “To what can we compare the Kingdom of God, or what story can we use for illustration? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a farmer planted in his field. Although it is the tiniest of all seeds, it became the largest plant in the field, so large that birds can perch in its branches and enjoy its shade.”
Matthew 13:31–32 In another illustration, Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a farmer planted in his field. Although it is the tiniest of all seeds, it became the largest plant in the field, a tree where birds can perch in its branches.”
Mark 4:30–32 Jesus also said, “To what can we compare the Kingdom of God, or what story can we use for illustration? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a farmer planted in his field. Although it is the tiniest of all seeds, it became the largest plant in the field, so large that birds can perch in its branches and enjoy its shade.”
Matthew 13:31–32 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Mark 4:30–32 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
Jesus added this analogy: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a little yeast that a woman kneaded into three measures of flour. The yeast made the whole batch of dough rise.”
Matthew 13:33 Jesus added this analogy: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a little yeast that a woman kneaded into three measures of flour. The yeast made the whole batch of dough rise.”
Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
When speaking to the crowd, Jesus always used illustrations like these to teach the people as much as they could understand. No one heard him speak without some kind of story. In private, he explained everything to his followers. This fulfilled what the psalmist prophesied: <>I will open my mouth with a parable and explain mysteries kept secret from the beginning.
Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth with a parable and explain mysteries kept secret from the beginning.
Matthew 13:34–35 When speaking to the crowd, Jesus always used illustrations like these. No one heard him speak without some kind of story. This fulfilled what the psalmist prophesied: I will open my mouth with a parable and explain mysteries kept secret from the beginning.
Mark 4:33–34 With many such illustrations, Jesus taught the people as much as they could understand. No one heard him speak without some kind of story. In private, he explained everything to his followers.
Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Matthew 13:34–35 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Mark 4:33–34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
After sending the crowd away, Jesus went into the house. There his disciples said, “Explain what you meant about the weeds sown in the field.”
Matthew 13:36 After sending the crowd away, Jesus went into the house. There his disciples said, “Explain what you meant about the weeds sown in the field.”
Matthew 13:36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
Jesus said, “The farmer who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seeds are the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who sowed the weeds is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age. And the reapers are the angels. Just as the weeds are bundled and burned, so will it be with people at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send his angels to separate from his Kingdom those who do evil and draw others into sin. The angels will throw the evildoers into a fiery furnace, where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. If you have ears, pay attention to what I am saying.
Daniel 12:3 The wise will shine as bright as the midday sun, and those who lead others to righteousness will twinkle like the stars forever.
Matthew 13:37–43 Jesus said, “The farmer who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seeds are the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who sowed the weeds is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age. And the reapers are the angels. Just as the weeds are bundled and burned, so will it be with people at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send his angels to separate from his Kingdom those who do evil and draw others into sin. The angels will throw the evildoers into a fiery furnace, where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. If you have ears, pay attention to what I am saying.
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Matthew 13:37–43 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like hidden treasure buried in a field. When a man found the treasure, he was overcome with joy. He buried the treasure, sold everything he owned, and bought the field.
Matthew 13:44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like hidden treasure buried in a field. When a man found the treasure, he was overcome with joy. He buried the treasure, sold everything he owned, and bought the field.
Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking costly pearls. When he found one pearl of exceptional value, he sold everything he owned and bought it.
Matthew 13:45–46 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking costly pearls. When he found one pearl of exceptional value, he sold everything he owned and bought it.
Matthew 13:45–46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
“Also, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. Men dragged the full net onto the shore, sat down, and gathered the good fish into containers. They threw the bad fish away. That is how it will be at the end of this age. The angels will come and separate evil people from the righteous and will throw the evil ones into a fiery furnace, where they will cry and grit their teeth in pain. Have you understood what I have said?”
Matthew 13:47–51 “Also, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. Men dragged the full net onto the shore, sat down, and gathered the good fish into containers. They threw the bad fish away. That is how it will be at the end of this age. The angels will come and separate the evil people from the righteous and will throw the evil ones into a fiery furnace, where they will cry and grit their teeth in pain. Have you understood what I have said?” “Yes,” they said. “We understand.”
Matthew 13:47–51 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
“Yes,” they said. “We understand.”
Matthew 13:51 “Have you understood what I have said?” “Yes,” they said. “We understand.”
Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
“Every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings both old and new things from his storehouse of treasures.”
Matthew 13:52 “Every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings both old and new things from his storehouse of treasures.”
Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
After teaching the people, Jesus left.
Matthew 13:53 After teaching the people, Jesus left.
Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.