Below is a numbered listing of all events in the earthly life of Jesus. This is not an exhaustive listing of every text in the Gospels. (Luke’s introduction, for example, is not included because it is related to Luke’s writing of the Gospel rather than the events of Jesus’ life.) Further, the number and order of events is not always absolute. In some cases there is room for interpretation. When there is room for debate, specific rationale for a particular division or order can be found in the notes related to that event. Still, this provides a generally accepted chronology of events and can be very helpful in understanding the flow of Jesus’ life and ministry. For a downloadable .xls or .pdf of this and other documents, see Handouts/Downloads.
PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY (Birth, childhood and hidden years)
1. John the Baptist’s birth foretold – Luke 1:5-25
2. Jesus’ birth foretold – Luke 1:26-38
3. Mary visits cousin Elizabeth – Luke 1:39-56
4. The birth and naming of John the Baptist – Luke 1:57-66
5. Zachariah’s song at John’s birth – Luke 1:67-80
6. Joseph’s dream and obedience – Matthew 1:18-24
7. The birth of Jesus – Matthew 1:25a, Luke 2:1-7
8. Angelic announcement to shepherds – Luke 2:8-20
9. Circumcision and naming of Jesus – Matthew 1:25, Luke 2:21
10. Jesus’ presentation in the temple – Luke 2:22-38
11. The Magi visit and honor Jesus as a Child – Matthew 2:1-12
12. Joseph & Mary’s flight to Egypt with Jesus – Matthew 2:13-15
13. Herod has Children killed – Matthew 2:16-18
14. Jesus’ family returns to Nazareth – Matthew 2:19-23, Luke 2:39-40
15. Jesus in the temple at age 12 – Luke 2:41-52
INTRODUCTION TO MINISTRY (Approximately 6 months)
16. John the Baptist preaches and baptizes – Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8, Luke 3:1-18
17. Jesus’ baptism – Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-23
18. Jesus’ temptation – Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13
19. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Messiah – John 1:19-34
20. Jesus begins to gather followers – John 1:35-51
21. Jesus turns water to wine in Cana – John 2:1-11
22. Jesus and his followers travel to Capernaum – John 2:12
23. Jesus travels to Jerusalem and cleanses the temple for the first time – John 2:13-25
24. Jesus visits with Nicodemus – John 3:1-21
25. Jesus ministers in Judea with His followers – John 3:22-24
26. John the Baptist testifies to Jesus – John 3:25-36
27. John the Baptist imprisoned by Herod – Matthew 4:12a; 14:3-5, Mark 1:14a; 6:17-20, Luke 3:19-20
28. Jesus travels through Samaria and encounters the woman at the well – Matthew 4:12b, Mark 1:14b, Luke 4:14a, John 4:1-44
GALILEAN MINISTRY (Approximately 12-18 months)
29. Jesus begins first tour of Galilee – Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:14c-15, Luke 4:14b-15, John 4:45
30. Jesus heals the son of an official – John 4:46-54
31. Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Nazareth – Luke 4:16-30
32. Jesus moves to Capernaum – Matthew 4:13-16, Luke 4:31
33. Jesus heals a lame man on the Sabbath in Jerusalem – John 5:1-15
34. Jesus explains his sabbath healing – John 5:16-47
35. Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John – Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11
36. Healing of a demon-possessed man – Mark 1:21,23-26, Luke 4:33-35
37. The people are amazed at Jesus’ teaching – Mark 1:22,27-28 Luke 4:32,36-37
38. Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law – Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39
39. Healing of crowds in Capernaum – Matthew 8:16-17, Mark 1:32-34, Luke 4:40-41
40. Jesus begins second tour of Galilee – Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44
41. Jesus heals a leper – Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16
42. Jesus heals a man who was paralyzed – Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26
43. Jesus calls Matthew – Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32
44. Teaching on fasting – Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39
45. Jesus criticized for picking grain on the Sabbath – Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5
46. Jesus heals a hand on the Sabbath – Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11
47. Jesus heals at the Sea of Galilee – Matthew 12:15-21, Mark 3:7-12
48. Jesus chooses the Twelve – Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16
49. Jesus preaches the “Sermon on the Mount” – Matthew 5:1–7:29, Luke 6:17-49
50. Jesus heals a Centurion’s slave – Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10
51. Jesus raises a widow’s son – Luke 7:11-17
52. Jesus reassures John the Baptist – Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35
53. People of Galilee rebuked for their unbelief – Matthew 11:20-24
54. Jesus invites the weary to follow Him, promises rest – Matthew 11:25-30
55. Jesus anointed by a sinful woman – Luke 7:36-50
56. Jesus tours Galilee again – Luke 8:1-3
57. Jesus heals a blind man – Matthew 12:22-24
58. Jesus responds to Pharisees’ charge of blasphemy – Matthew 12:25-37, Mark 3:20-30
59. Jesus rebukes those seeking only a sign – Matthew 12:38-45
60. Jesus’ mother & brothers do not understand Him – Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21
61. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 4:1-9, Luke 8:4-8
62. Jesus explains to His disciples why he teaches in parables – Matthew 13:10-17, Mark 4:10-12, Luke 8:10
63. Jesus explains The Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8:9-15
64. Jesus uses the metaphor of a Lamp on a Lampstand – Mark 4:21-25, Luke 8:16-18
65. Jesus refers to the Seed of God’s Kingdom – Mark 4:26-29
66. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Wheat & the Weeds – Matthew 13:24-30
67. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19
68. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Yeast – Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21
69. Jesus fulfills Psalm 78:2 – Matthew 13:34-35, Mark 4:33-34
70. Jesus explains The Parable of the Wheat & Weeds – Matthew 13:36-43
71. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Hidden Treasure – Matthew 13:44
72. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Pearl – Matthew 13:45-46
73. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Net – Matthew 13:47-50
74. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Landowner – Matthew 13:51-52
75. Jesus calms the storm – Matthew 8:18,23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
76. Jesus restores the man living among the tombs – Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39
77. Jesus heals the hemorrhaging woman – Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:24b-34, Luke 8:42b-48
78. Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter – Matthew 9:18-19,23-26, Mark 5:21-24a,35-43, Luke 8:40-42a,49-56
79. Jesus heals two blind men – Matthew 9:27-31
80. Jesus heals a demon-possessed man – Matthew 9:32-34
81. Jesus visits Nazareth, is rejected again – Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6a
82. Jesus sends out His disciples to preach, heal – Matthew 10:1,5-42, Mark 6:6b-13, Luke 9:1-6
83. Herod orders the execution of John the Baptist – Matthew 14:6-12, Mark 6:17-29
84. Herod wonders if Jesus is the resurrected John the Baptist – Mark 6:14-16, Luke 9:7-9
SEASON OF WITHDRAWAL FROM GALILEE (Approximately 6 months)
85. Jesus feeds five thousand (Fives Loaves, Two Fish) – Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15
86. Jesus walks on water – Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, Luke 6:16-21
87. Jesus’ message on the Bread of Life – John 6:22-71
88. Pharisees rebuke Jesus due to unclean hands – Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23
89. Jesus heals the Canaanite woman’s daughter – Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30
90. Jesus heals a deaf man – Mark 7:31-37
91. Jesus heals many on a mountain near Sea of Galilee – Matthew 15:29-31
92. Jesus feeds the four thousand – Matthew 15:32-38, Mark 8:1-10
93. Pharisees, Sadducees ask for a sign – Matthew 15:39-16:4, Mark 8:11-12
94. Jesus warns others of the Pharisees’, Sadducees’ influence – Matthew 16:5-12, Mark 8:13-21
95. Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida – Mark 8:22-26
96. Peter confesses Jesus is the Christ – Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30, Luke 9:18-20
97. Jesus foretells of His death & resurrection – Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-9:1, Luke 9:21-27
98. Jesus’ transfiguration before disciples – Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36
99. Jesus talks about Elijah and John the Baptist – Matthew 17:9-13, Mark 9:9-13
100. Jesus casts out a beligerent demon from a boy – Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43a
101. Jesus foretells of His death & resurrection again – Matthew 17:22-23, Mark 9:30-32, Luke 9:43b-45
102. Jesus produces a coin to pay the Temple Tax – Matthew 17:24-27
103. Jesus teaches about service and gives warnings – Matthew 18:1-11, Mark 9:33-50, Luke 9:46-50
104. Jesus teaches about reclamation and ministering in His name – Matthew 18:15-20
105. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Unforgiving Slave – Matthew 18:21-35
106. Jesus refuses to destroy a Samaritan village – Luke 9:51-56
107. Jesus challenges his followers to full commitment – Matthew 8:19-22, Luke 9:57-62
JUDEAN MINISTRY (Approximately 3 months)
108. Jesus hesitates to go to Jerusalem – John 7:1-9
109. Jesus’ discussion at the Festival of Tabernacles – John 7:10-52
110. Jesus forgives a woman accused of adultery – John 7:53-8:11
111. Jesus claims to be the Light of the world – John 8:12-59
112. Jesus heals a man blind from birth – John 9:1-41
113. Jesus claims to be the Good Shepherd – John 10:1-21
114. Jesus sends out 70 to preach – Luke 10:1-24
115. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37
116. Jesus visits Mary & Martha in Bethany – Luke 10:38-42
117. Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray – Matthew 6:9-15, Luke 11:1-13
118. Jesus accused of healing through Beelzebul – Luke 11:14-26
119. Jesus responds to a blessing – Luke 11:27-28
120. The Sign of Jonah – Luke 11:29-36
121. Pharisee & Law Expert criticize Jesus – Luke 11:37-54
122. Jesus warns of the Pharisees’ deception – Luke 12:1-12
123. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Rich Fool – Luke 12:13-21
124. Jesus teaches The Parables of the Wildflowers & the Ravens – Luke 12:22-34
125. Jesus foretells His Second Coming – Luke 12:35-48
126. Jesus foretells His crucifixion – Luke 12:49-59
127. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree – Luke 13:1-9
128. Jesus heals a woman with a crooked back – Luke 13:10-17
129. Jesus claims to be one with God – John 10:22-42
PEREAN MINISTRY (Approximately 3 months)
130. Jesus teaches about the Narrow Way – Luke 13:22-30
131. Jesus is warned about Herod – Luke 13:31-33
132. Jesus expresses sorrow for Jerusalem – Matthew 23:37-39, Luke 13:34-35
133. Jesus heals a bloated man – Luke 14:1-6
134. Jesus teaches about humility – Luke 14:7-14
135. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Large Banquet – Luke 14:15-24
136. The cost of following Jesus – Luke 14:25-35
137. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Lost Sheep – Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:1-7
138. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Lost Coin – Luke 15:8-10
139. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Lost Son – Luke 15:11-32
140. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Dishonest Manager – Luke 16:1-18
141. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus – Luke 16:19-31
142. Jesus teaches about Faith & Service – Luke 17:1-10
143. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead – John 11:1-44
144. The Sanhedrin plots against Jesus – John 11:45-54
145. Jesus heals 10 Lepers on His way to Jerusalem – Luke 17:11-19
146. Jesus teaches about the advent of the Kingdom – Luke 17:20-37
147. The Parable on Prayer: The Persistent Widow – Luke 18:1-8
148. The Parable on Prayer: The Proud Pharisee & Tax Collector – Luke 18:9-14
149. Jesus discusses divorce & remarriage – Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:1-12, Luke 16:18
150. Jesus welcomes little children – Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17
151. Jesus & the rich, young ruler – Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30
152. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Vineyard Workers – Matthew 20:1-16
153. Jesus again discusses His death & resurrection – Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34
154. James & John ask for prominence in Jesus’ Kingdom – Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45
155. Jesus heals Blind Bartemaeus – Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43
156. Jesus talks with Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10
157. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Minas – Luke 19:11-27
158. The Sanhedrin plots against Jesus & Lazarus – John 11:55-12:1,9-11
159. Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus – Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:2-8
160. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem – Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19
161. Jesus curses a fig tree – Matthew 21:18-19, Mark 11:12-14
162. Jesus cleanses the temple and ministers there – Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48
163. Greeks ask to see Jesus – John 12:20-22
164. Jesus predicts his death – John 12:23-36
165. Jews continue in their unbelief – John 12:37-50
166. Jesus teaches about the withered fig tree – Matthew 21:20-22, Mark 11:20-26
167. The Sanhedrin questions Jesus’ authority – Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8
168. Jesus teaches The Parable of Two Vineyard Workers – Matthew 21:28-32
169. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Vineyard Owner – Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19
170. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Wedding Feast – Matthew 22:1-14
171. Jesus quizzed about paying tax to Caesar – Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:20-26
172. The Sadducees question Jesus about resurrection – Matthew 22:23-33, Mark 12:18-27, Luke 20:27-40
173. Jesus teaches The Greatest Commandment – Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34
174. Jesus discusses the deity of the Davidic Messiah – Matthew 22:41-46, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:41-44
175. Jesus rebukes the Scribes & Pharisees – Matthew 23:1-36, Mark 12:38-40, Luke 20:45-47
176. Jesus teaches about the widow’s sacrificial giving – Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4
177. Jesus’ Great Prophetic Discourse – Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-38
178. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Ten Virgins – Matthew 25:1-13
179. Jesus teaches The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30
180. Jesus uses the analogy of sheep & goats – Matthew 25:31-46
181. The Sanhedrin continues to plot against Jesus – Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 22:1-2
182. Judas plans to betray Jesus – Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6
183. Preparations made for the Passover meal – Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:7-13
184. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet- John 13:1-20
185. Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer – Matthew 26:20-25, Mark 14:17-21, Luke 22:21-23, John 13:21-30
186. Jesus gives a new commandment – John 13:31-35
187. Jesus foretells His disciples’ denial of Him – Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:36-38
188. Jesus teaches about true greatness – Luke 22:24-30
189. Jesus institutes the Meal of Remembrance – Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20
190. Jesus’ farewell to His disciples – John 14:1-16:33
191. Jesus intercedes for His disciples – John 17:1-26
192. Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane – Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:26,32-42, Luke 22:39-46
193. Jesus betrayed, arrested – Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-12
194. Jesus’ hearing before Annas – John 18:12-14,19-23
195. Jesus appears before Caiaphas – Matthew 26:57,59-68, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:54,63-65, John 18:24
196. Peter denies knowing Jesus – Matthew 26:58,69-75, Mark 14:54,66-72, Luke 22:54-62, John 18:15-18,25-27
197. Sanhedrin condemns Jesus – Matthew 27:1-2, Mark 15:1a, Luke 22:66-71
198. Judas Iscariot commits suicide – Matthew 27:3-10
199. Jesus’ first hearing before Pilate – Matthew 27:2,11-14, Mark 15:1b-5, Luke 23:1-5, John 18:28-38
200. Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas – Luke 23:6-10
201. Herod returns Jesus to Pilate – Luke 23:11-12
202. Jesus is condemned to death in place of Barrabas – Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:13-25, John 18:39-19:16
203. Soldiers mock Jesus – Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20
204. Simon carries Jesus’ cross – Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26
205. Jesus speaks to “Daughters of Jerusalem” – Luke 23:27-31
206. Jesus is crucified – Matthew 27:33-37, Mark 15:22-26, Luke 23:33-34, John 19:17-24
207. Women and followers at the cross, including Mary – Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 15:40-41, Luke 23:49, John 19:25-27
208. Crowd mocks Jesus – Matthew 27:39-43, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23:35-38
209. Two criminals crucified with Jesus – Matthew 27:38,44, Mark 15:27-28, Luke 23:32,39-43
210. Supernatural and final events surrounding Jesus’ death – Matthew 27:45-54, Mark 15:33-39, Luke 23:44-48, John 19:28-30
211. Soldiers pierce Jesus’ side – John 19:31-37
212. Jesus buried in tomb of Joseph of Arimathea – Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:42-46, Luke 23:50-54, John 19:38-42
213. Women mourn at Jesus’ tomb – Matthew 27:61, Mark 15:47, Luke 23:55-56
RESURRECTION AND APPEARANCES (40 days)
214. Jesus is resurrected – Matthew 28:2-4
215. Women visit the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body – Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1-4, Luke 24:1-2
216. Women discover the empty tomb – Matthew 28:5-7, Mark 16:5-8, Luke 24:3-8, John 20:1-2
217. Peter & John hurry to the tomb – Luke 24:9-12, John 20:3-10
218. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene – Mark 16:9-11, John 20:11-18
219. Jesus sends the women to tell the disciples – Matthew 28:8-10
220. Sanhedrin bribes soldiers – Matthew 28:11-15
221. Jesus appears to two on the road to Emmaus – Luke 24:13-35
222. Other appearances by Jesus – Mark 16:12-13
223. Jesus appears to His disciples (Thomas absent) – Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-25
224. Jesus appears to Thomas & other disciples – John 20:26-29
225. A great catch at the Sea of Galilee – John 21:1-14
226. Jesus reinstates Peter – John 21:15-19
227. Jesus & Peter discuss Apostle John’s future – John 21:20-24
228. Jesus commissions disciples to continue His work – Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-18, Acts 1:4-8
229. Jesus ascends to the Father – Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:9