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
6 John, son of Zechariah, is born.
Luke 1:57–80
Why might we think relatives and neighbors didn’t know much about the circumstances other than that God had done a miracle in healing Elizabeth’s barrenness (Luke 1:57–58)?
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Why was John circumcised on the eighth day and not sooner (Leviticus 12:2–3; Luke 1:60)?
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What made “Little Zechariah” unsuitable, even for a nickname (Luke 1:59–60)?
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Why did relatives and neighbors not respect Elizabeth’s insistence that the baby’s name was John (Luke 1:61–62)?
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Why did people communicate with Zechariah using sign language (Luke 1:62)?
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What do you think people expected Zechariah to write on his slate (Luke 1:63)?
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Why was Zechariah able to speak immediately after he wrote John’s name (Luke 1:20, 64)?
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What might have happened to make Zechariah aware that he could speak (Luke 1:64)?
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How do you think Zechariah received the message that he gave (Luke 1:67–79)?
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Why would the people respect what Zechariah said (Luke 1:65–66)?
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How might the expectation of John’s parents have differed from what relatives and neighbors thought (Luke 1:65–66)?
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In what ways might John’s parents have anticipated something different from what God actually did (Luke 1:65–66)?
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What could have happened for John not to assume his father’s priestly duties (Luke 1:80)?
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When do you think John left his parents’ home and lived in the wilderness (Luke 1:80)?
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After Elizabeth gave birth to a son, relatives and neighbors who knew how God had been merciful and healed her barrenness came to celebrate with her. The baby was eight days old when they gathered for the circumcision ceremony. They called him Little Zechariah, but when Elizabeth heard them, she said, “No, his name is John.”
Luke 1:57–60 After Elizabeth gave birth to a son, relatives and neighbors who knew how God had been merciful and healed her barrenness came to celebrate with her. The baby was eight days old when they gathered for the circumcision ceremony. They called him Little Zechariah, but when Elizabeth heard them, she said, “No, his name is John.”
Luke 1:57–60 Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
“What?” they said in disbelief. “You have no relatives with that name.” Making gestures with their hands, they asked the baby’s father what he would name him.
Luke 1:61–62 “What?” they said in disbelief. “You have no relatives with that name.” Making gestures with their hands, they asked the baby’s father what he would name him.
Luke 1:61–62 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
Zechariah motioned for a writing slate. To everyone’s amazement, he wrote the name John. Immediately, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.
Luke 1:63–64 Zechariah motioned for a writing slate. To everyone’s amazement, he wrote the name John. Immediately, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.
Luke 1:63–64 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied, “Praise the Lord God of Israel, who has come to set his people free. From the house of his servant David, he has sent a mighty savior to deliver us from all those who hate us, as the prophets promised long ago. He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant sworn with an oath to Abraham. We are freed from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness, for the rest of our lives.
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 His kingdom will keep growing, and its peace will never end. As judge on the throne of his ancestor David, he will maintain order and righteousness forever. With great passion, the Lord of the heavenly host will make it so.
Luke 1:67–75 Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesied, “Praise the Lord God of Israel, who has come to set his people free. From the house of his servant David, he has sent a mighty Savior, as the prophets promised long ago, to deliver us from our enemies and all those who hate us. He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant sworn with an oath to Abraham. “We are freed from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness, for the rest of our lives.
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 1:67-75 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
“And you, my infant son, will be called the prophet of the Most High because you will prepare the way for the Messiah, who will offer salvation to his people and forgive their sins. In God’s tender mercy, heaven’s early light is about to shine on those living in darkness, in the shadow of death. He will show us the way of peace.”
Luke 1:76–79 “And you, my infant son, will be called the prophet of the Most High because you will prepare the way for the Messiah, who will offer salvation to his people and forgive their sins. In God’s tender mercy, heaven’s early light is about to shine on those living in darkness, in the shadow of death. He will show us the way of peace.”
Luke 1:76–79 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
The neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the Judean hill country, people talked and wondered about these things. They kept asking one another, “What will this child become? The hand of God is surely upon him.”
Luke 1:65–66 The neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the Judean hill country, people talked and wondered about these things, and kept asking one another, “What will this child become? The hand God is surely upon him.”
Luke 1:65–66 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
As John grew, he became strong in spirit.
Luke 1:80 As John grew, he became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness until he preached to Israel.
Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
He lived in the wilderness until he preached to Israel.
Luke 1:80 As John grew, he became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness until he preached to Israel.
Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.