The life of Christ

Birth and childhood

c. 5 BC - AD 8

1. 1 The Word made flesh John 1:1-14 Before Bethlehem, before creation itself, the Word was with God and was God - and came to live among us.
2. 2 The angel comes to Mary Nazareth · Luke 1:26-38 Gabriel brings word to a young woman of Nazareth that she will bear the Son of the Highest.
3. 3 Born in Bethlehem Bethlehem · Luke 2:1-7 A Roman census brings Joseph and Mary to the city of David, where the Saviour is laid in a manger.
4. 4 Shepherds and angels Bethlehem · Luke 2:8-20 The first to hear the news are shepherds keeping watch by night - and heaven cannot keep silent.
5. 5 Presented in the temple Jerusalem · Luke 2:22-38 Old Simeon takes the child in his arms; Anna the prophetess gives thanks and speaks of Him to all who wait.
6. 6 Wise men from the east Bethlehem · Matthew 2:1-12 Led by a star, seekers from a far country come to worship the newborn King and offer their gifts.
7. 7 The flight into Egypt Egypt · Matthew 2:13-18 Warned in a dream, Joseph takes the child and His mother to Egypt, out of Herod's reach.
8. 8 Home to Nazareth Nazareth · Matthew 2:19-23; Luke 2:39-40 After Herod's death the family settles in Nazareth, where the child grows strong, filled with wisdom.
9. 9 In His Father's house Jerusalem · Luke 2:41-52 At twelve, at His first Passover, Jesus is found in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions.

Preparation

AD 27

1. 10 The voice in the wilderness Bethabara, beyond Jordan · Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18 John the Baptist calls the nation to repent and prepare the way of the Lord.
2. 11 The baptism of Jesus Bethabara, beyond Jordan · Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22 Jesus is baptized in the Jordan; the Spirit descends like a dove and the Father speaks: "This is my beloved Son."
3. 12 Tempted in the wilderness Wilderness of Judea · Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13 Forty days without food, Jesus meets every temptation with "It is written" - and wins where Adam fell.
4. 13 "Behold the Lamb of God" Bethabara, beyond Jordan · John 1:29-51 John points to Jesus, and Andrew, Peter, Philip and Nathanael begin to follow Him.

The early ministry

AD 27 - 28

1. 14 Water into wine Cana · John 2:1-11 At a wedding feast in Cana, Jesus' first miracle saves a family's joy - and His disciples believe.
2. 15 The temple cleansed Jerusalem · John 2:13-25 At Passover Jesus drives the traders out of His Father's house: "Make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."
3. 16 Nicodemus by night Jerusalem · John 3:1-21 A ruler of the Jews comes secretly and hears that he must be born again - for God so loved the world.
4. 17 The woman at the well Sychar - Jacob's well · John 4:1-42 Tired at Jacob's well, Jesus offers a Samaritan woman living water, and her whole town comes out to see Him.
5. 18 The nobleman's son Cana · John 4:46-54 A royal official begs Jesus to come; Jesus speaks a word, and at that same hour, back in Capernaum, the boy recovers.
6. 19 The pool of Bethesda Jerusalem · John 5:1-47 On the Sabbath Jesus heals a man who has waited thirty-eight years, and the leaders begin to plot against Him.

Ministry in Galilee

AD 28 - 30

1. 20 Rejected at Nazareth Nazareth · Luke 4:16-30 In His home synagogue Jesus reads Isaiah - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me" - and His own town tries to throw Him off a cliff.
2. 21 Fishers of men Capernaum · Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:18-22 After a night of empty nets, a miraculous catch - and Peter, Andrew, James and John leave everything to follow.
3. 22 A sabbath in Capernaum Capernaum · Mark 1:21-34 Jesus teaches with authority, frees a man from an unclean spirit and heals Peter's wife's mother; by evening the whole city is at the door.
4. 23 "Thou canst make me clean" Galilee · Mark 1:40-45 Jesus touches a leper no one else would touch, and he is clean.
5. 24 Through the roof Capernaum · Mark 2:1-12 Four friends lower a paralysed man through the roof; Jesus forgives his sins, and he walks home.
6. 25 Matthew called Capernaum · Matthew 9:9-13 Jesus calls a tax collector from his booth and eats with publicans and sinners.
7. 26 Lord of the sabbath Galilee · Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-6 Jesus defends His hungry disciples and heals a withered hand: "The sabbath was made for man."
8. 27 The twelve chosen The mount, near Capernaum · Luke 6:12-16; Mark 3:13-19 After a night in prayer on the mountain, Jesus chooses twelve to be with Him and to be sent out.
9. 28 The sermon on the mount The mount, near Capernaum · Matthew 5:1-16 "Blessed are the poor in spirit" - the laws of His kingdom, spoken on a hillside above the lake.
10. 29 The centurion's servant Capernaum · Luke 7:1-10 A Roman officer trusts Jesus' word alone, and Jesus marvels: "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
11. 30 The widow's son at Nain Nain · Luke 7:11-17 Meeting a funeral at the town gate, Jesus has compassion on the mother and gives her son back alive.
12. 31 Parables by the sea Sea of Galilee · Matthew 13:1-23 From a boat Jesus tells the crowd on the shore about a sower, and seed that falls on good ground.
13. 32 "Peace, be still" Sea of Galilee · Mark 4:35-41 A storm fills the boat while Jesus sleeps; He rises, speaks to the wind, and there is a great calm.
14. 33 The man of the Gadarenes Country of the Gadarenes · Mark 5:1-20 A man no chains could hold is found sitting, clothed, and in his right mind - and sent home to tell what God has done.
15. 34 The touch of faith Capernaum · Mark 5:21-43 A woman touches His hem and is healed; then Jesus takes Jairus' daughter by the hand: "Damsel, I say unto thee, arise."
16. 35 The twelve sent out Galilee · Matthew 10:1-16 Jesus sends the twelve to preach and heal: "Freely ye have received, freely give."
17. 36 The death of John the Baptist Machaerus · Mark 6:14-29 At Herod's birthday feast a rash promise costs the greatest of the prophets his life.
18. 37 Feeding the five thousand Bethsaida · John 6:1-14; Luke 9:10-17 Five loaves and two small fish, blessed and broken, feed a multitude on the grassy hillside.
19. 38 Walking on the water Sea of Galilee · Matthew 14:22-33 In the fourth watch Jesus comes across the waves; Peter walks too, until he looks at the wind.
20. 39 The bread of life Capernaum · John 6:22-71 "I am the bread of life" - many turn back, and Peter answers: "Lord, to whom shall we go?"

Beyond Galilee

AD 30

1. 40 The woman of Canaan Tyre · Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28 In the region of Tyre and Sidon a Gentile mother will not give up, and her daughter is healed.
2. 41 Ephphatha Decapolis · Mark 7:31-37 In the Decapolis Jesus heals a deaf man with a word: "Be opened."
3. 42 Feeding the four thousand Decapolis · Mark 8:1-9 Three days with Him in the wilderness, and again the crowd is fed - with seven loaves.
4. 43 "Thou art the Christ" Caesarea Philippi · Matthew 16:13-20 Near Caesarea Philippi Jesus asks, "Whom say ye that I am?" and Peter answers for them all.
5. 44 The transfiguration Matthew 17:1-9 On a high mountain His face shines as the sun, Moses and Elijah speak with Him, and the Father says, "Hear ye him."
6. 45 The boy below the mountain Mark 9:14-29 A desperate father cries, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief," and his son is set free.
7. 46 Who is the greatest? Capernaum · Mark 9:33-37 The disciples argue about rank; Jesus sets a child among them.

Judea and Perea

Autumn AD 30 - spring AD 31

1. 47 At the Feast of Tabernacles Jerusalem · John 7:1-39 On the last great day of the feast Jesus cries out, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
2. 48 The light of the world Jerusalem · John 8:1-12 "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more" - and then, "I am the light of the world."
3. 49 The man born blind Jerusalem · John 9:1-38 Jesus makes clay, the man washes in Siloam and sees - and cannot be argued out of it: "One thing I know."
4. 50 The good shepherd Jerusalem · John 10:1-18 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
5. 51 Leaving Galilee for the last time Galilee · Luke 9:51-56; 10:1-20 Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and sends seventy ahead of Him into every town.
6. 52 The good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37 Asked "Who is my neighbour?", Jesus tells of a despised Samaritan who stops on the Jericho road.
7. 53 Mary and Martha Bethany · Luke 10:38-42 In a home at Bethany, Mary sits at His feet while Martha is busy with much serving.
8. 54 Lost and found Perea, beyond Jordan · Luke 15:1-32 A lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son - and joy in heaven over one sinner that repents.
9. 55 Blessing the children Perea, beyond Jordan · Mark 10:13-16 The disciples turn the mothers away; Jesus takes the children in His arms and blesses them.
10. 56 The rich young ruler Perea, beyond Jordan · Mark 10:17-27 Jesus looks on him and loves him - but he goes away sorrowful, for he has great possessions.
11. 57 "Lazarus, come forth" Bethany · John 11:1-44 Four days after the funeral, Jesus weeps with Mary and Martha, then calls their brother out of the tomb.
12. 58 Withdrawing to Ephraim Ephraim · John 11:47-54 The council decides that one man should die for the nation, and Jesus goes away to a city called Ephraim.
13. 59 Bartimaeus Jericho · Mark 10:46-52 A blind beggar by the Jericho road will not stop calling, "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me."
14. 60 Zacchaeus Jericho · Luke 19:1-10 A chief tax collector climbs a sycamore to see Jesus, and Jesus invites Himself home.
15. 61 Mary's ointment Bethany · John 12:1-8 Six days before the Passover, Mary pours costly spikenard on His feet and wipes them with her hair.

The last week

Spring AD 31

1. 62 The King comes to Jerusalem Jerusalem · Luke 19:29-44; Matthew 21:1-11 Sunday: riding a colt down the Mount of Olives amid palms and hosannas, Jesus weeps over the city.
2. 63 The temple cleansed again Jerusalem · Mark 11:12-18 Monday: the barren fig tree, and the temple cleared once more - "My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer."
3. 64 Questions in the temple Jerusalem · Matthew 22:15-46 Tuesday: tribute to Caesar, the resurrection, the great commandment - and no one dares ask Him anything more.
4. 65 The widow's two mites Jerusalem · Mark 12:41-44 Watching the treasury, Jesus says a poor widow has given more than all the rich.
5. 66 Greeks seek Jesus Jerusalem · John 12:20-36 "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone."
6. 67 On the Mount of Olives Mount of Olives · Matthew 24:1-14 Looking across at the temple, Jesus foretells its fall and the signs of His coming.
7. 68 A servant of servants Jerusalem · John 13:1-17 Thursday evening: the Master takes a towel and washes His disciples' feet.
8. 69 The Lord's supper Jerusalem · Luke 22:14-20 Bread broken and a cup shared - "This do in remembrance of me."
9. 70 "Let not your heart be troubled" Jerusalem · John 14:1-6 On His last night He comforts them: "I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again."
10. 71 Gethsemane Mount of Olives · Matthew 26:36-46 In the garden He prays in agony, "Not as I will, but as thou wilt," while His friends sleep.
11. 72 Betrayed with a kiss Mount of Olives · Matthew 26:47-56; John 18:1-12 Judas comes with a band of soldiers and greets Him with a kiss; Jesus steps forward: "I am he."
12. 73 Before Caiaphas Jerusalem · Matthew 26:57-75 Night trials before the priests - and in the courtyard Peter denies Him three times before the cock crows.
13. 74 Before Pilate and Herod Jerusalem · Luke 23:1-25 Friday morning: Pilate finds no fault in Him, yet gives Him up to the crowd's will.
14. 75 Calvary Jerusalem · Luke 23:26-46 Crucified between two thieves, He prays for those who nail Him there and promises paradise to a dying man.
15. 76 "It is finished" Jerusalem · John 19:28-37 He bows His head and gives up His life; a soldier's spear brings out blood and water.
16. 77 In Joseph's tomb Jerusalem · Matthew 27:57-66 Joseph of Arimathea lays Him in a new tomb; over the Sabbath the stone is sealed and guarded.

Risen

AD 31

1. 78 He is risen Jerusalem · Matthew 28:1-10 Early on the first day of the week the stone is rolled away: "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said."
2. 79 "Why weepest thou?" Jerusalem · John 20:11-18 Mary Magdalene, weeping in the garden, hears her name spoken - and knows His voice.
3. 80 The walk to Emmaus Emmaus · Luke 24:13-35 Two disciples walk with a stranger who opens the Scriptures to them; they know Him in the breaking of bread.
4. 81 "Peace be unto you" Jerusalem · John 20:19-29 Behind locked doors He shows them His hands and side; a week later Thomas says, "My Lord and my God."
5. 82 By the sea once more Sea of Galilee · John 21:1-17 Breakfast on the shore at dawn, and three times: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?"
6. 83 Go ye therefore Galilee · Matthew 28:16-20 On a mountain in Galilee: "Teach all nations... and, lo, I am with you alway."
7. 84 The ascension Mount of Olives · Acts 1:6-11; Luke 24:50-53 From the Mount of Olives He is taken up, with the promise that this same Jesus will come again.

Dates follow the chronology of The Desire of Ages - Jesus' baptism in AD 27 and the cross in AD 31. Many scholars place these a few years differently, and the order of some events in the Gospels is debated. Some places on the map are uncertain; each event page says so where it matters.