This article contains a numbered listing of all recorded events in the Preparation Period. 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 during the Preparation Period. 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
Speak Your Mind