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
8 Wise men search for the new king of the Jews.
Jeremiah 31:15; Hosea 11:1; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1–18
How might wise men from the east have associated a star with a birth in Israel (Matthew 2:1–2)?
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What could have motivated the wise men to travel a long distance and take expensive gifts to worship a foreign king (Matthew 2:1–2)?
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Why did the star lead the wise men to Jerusalem and not Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1–2)?
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How many might have been in the wise men’s caravan (Matthew 2:1–2)? How many wise men were there?
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Who were the first people the wise men might have asked concerning the new king (Matthew 2:1–2)?
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Why would King Herod have been concerned about the wise men’s story (Matthew 2:1–2)?
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At the time King Herod sought information, how familiar do you think the chief priests and teachers of the Law were with an ancient prediction of a new king in Israel (Matthew 2:3–4)?
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How comfortable would the chief priests have been in pointing to Bethlehem as the birthplace (Matthew 2:5–6)? What action might they have feared from the king?
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Why would the king trust foreigners to find the child and bring back word (Matthew 2:7–8)?
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Why might we think that the king’s plea was sincere and to be obeyed (Matthew 2:7–8)?
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What kind of “star” has the ability to appear and disappear (Matthew 2:9–11)?
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How could the “star” have guided them to the house where Jesus was (Matthew 2:7–8)?
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What explanation do you think the wise men gave Herod for their presence (Matthew 2:7–8)?
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How much value might be placed upon the three gifts (Matthew 2: 9–11)?
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Do you think the wise men told Joseph anything about meeting with King Herod (Matthew 2:9–12)? Why or why not?
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What might the nature of the warning have been, which caused the wise men to disobey the king’s command (Matthew 2:12)?
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What impact on the neighborhood would Joseph’s departure have had late at night (Matthew 2:12–14)?
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How difficult would the family’s trip to Egypt have been (Matthew 2:13–14)?
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Where in Egypt might Joseph have chosen to live (Matthew 2:14–15)?
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How upset was King Herod when the wise men didn’t return (Matthew 2:16)?
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What did Herod try to accomplish with the slaughter in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16–18)?
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After Jesus was born, wise men came to Jerusalem from lands beyond the eastern horizon. “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” they said. “We have seen the star signaling his birth and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1–2 After Jesus was born, wise men came to Jerusalem from lands beyond the eastern horizon. “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” they said. “We have seen the star signaling his birth and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1–2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When King Herod heard about them, he and most of Jerusalem were mystified. He called a meeting of the chief priests and teachers of the Law and said, “Where is the Anointed One to be born?”
Matthew 2:3–4 When King Herod heard about them, he and most of Jerusalem were mystified. He called a meeting of the chief priests and teachers of the Law and said, “Where is the Anointed One to be born?”
Matthew 2:3–4 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said. “This is what the prophet Micah wrote: But you, Bethlehem, are only a small village among the people of Judah. Yet out of you will come one who will rule Israel, whose origin is from ancient times.”
Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem, are only a small village among the thousands of towns in Judah. Yet out of you will come one who will rule Israel, whose origin is from ancient times.
Matthew 2:5–6 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said. “This is what the prophet Micah wrote: But you, Bethlehem, are only a small village among the people of Judah. Yet out of you will come one who will rule Israel, whose origin is from ancient times.
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Matthew 2:5–6 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Herod called a private meeting with the wise men to determine exactly when the star had first appeared. “Go to Bethlehem,” he told them, “and diligently search for the child. When you find him, come tell me where he is so I may also worship him.”
Matthew 2:7–8 Herod called a private meeting with the wise men to determine exactly when the star had first appeared. “Go to Bethlehem,” he told them, “and diligently search for the child. When you find him, come tell me where he is so I may also worship him.”
Matthew 2:7–8 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
After receiving the king’s instructions, they knew where to go. On the way to Bethlehem, they were filled with joy as the star they had seen in the east appeared again and guided them to the place where the child was. They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary. After bowing in worship, they opened their treasure chests and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9–11 After receiving the king’s instructions, they knew where to go. On the way to Bethlehem, they were filled with joy as the star they had seen in the east appeared again and guided them to the place where the child was. They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary. After bowing in worship, they opened their treasure chests and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9–11 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Warned by God in a dream, they did not return to Herod but left for their own country by another route.
Matthew 2:12 Warned by God in a dream, they did not return to Herod but left for their own country by another route.
Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
After they had gone, an angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” the angel said. “Herod will search for the child to kill him. Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother, and stay there until I tell you to return.”
Matthew 2:13 After they had gone, an angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” the angel said. “Herod will search for the child to kill him. Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother, and stay there until I tell you to return.”
Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
While it was still night, Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left for Egypt. This fulfilled Hosea’s prophecy: I called my son out of Egypt.
Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him and called my son out of Egypt.
Matthew 2:14–15 While it was still night, Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left for Egypt. 15 This fulfilled Hosea’s prophecy: I called my son out of Egypt.
Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
Matthew 2:14–15 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Herod was furious when he realized the wise men had tricked him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and areas nearby—all who were two years old and under—in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men’s report. His brutality fulfilled what Jeremiah had prophesied: A cry is heard in Ramah, mourning and wailing. Rachel weeps for her children and will not be comforted, because they are gone.
Jeremiah 31:15 The Lord says, “A cry is heard in Ramah, mourning and wailing. Rachel weeps for her children and will not be comforted because they are gone.”
Matthew 2:16–18 Herod was furious when he realized the wise men had tricked him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and areas nearby—all who were two years old and under—in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men’s report. His brutality fulfilled what Jeremiah had prophesied: A cry is heard in Ramah, mourning and bitter weeping. Rachel weeps for her children and will not be comforted, because they are gone.
Jeremiah 31:15 Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.
Matthew 2:16–18 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.