National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series
The biography of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Bible, is found primarily in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These accounts provide insights into Jesus’ life, ministry, teachings, death, and resurrection. Below is a concise summary of key events in Jesus’ life, along with scriptural citations from the New Testament:
1. Birth and Early Life:
Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter (tektōn or craftsman, builder) from Nazareth. The angel Gabriel foretold Jesus’ birth to Mary (Luke 1:26-38), and He was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4-7).
2. Ministry Begins:
Jesus’ public ministry began around the age of thirty when He was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22).
3. Teachings and Miracles:
Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God, love, forgiveness, and the importance of faith. He performed numerous miracles, including healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, casting out demons, and even raising the dead (Matthew 4:23-25, Matthew 9:35, John 2:1-11, John 11:1-44).
One of Jesus’ most famous teachings is the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 to 7, where He delivers the Beatitudes and other essential teachings.
5. Controversies and Opposition:
Jesus’ teachings and growing popularity often stirred controversy and opposition from religious leaders and authorities. They challenged Him on various issues, including Sabbath observance and His authority (Matthew 12:1-14, John 8:12-59).
6. The Twelve Disciples:
Jesus selected twelve disciples to be His closest followers and to spread His message. Some of the well-known disciples include Peter, James, John, and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19).
7. The Last Supper:
In the final days of His life, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples. During this Last Supper, He instituted the sacrament of Communion (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23).
8. Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion:
Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, arrested, and put on trial before the Jewish leaders and later before Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite finding no guilt in Jesus, Pilate allowed Him to be crucified. Jesus was crucified on a cross at Golgotha (Matthew 26:47-27:56, Mark 14:43-15:41, Luke 22:47-23:49, John 18:1-19:37).
9. Resurrection and Ascension:
Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the dead, validating His claims and defeating death. He appeared to His disciples and others before ascending into heaven (Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-53, John 20:1-21:25, Acts 1:1-11).
10. Great Commission:
Before ascending, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to spread His teachings and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-18).
The Gospels provide the primary sources for the biography of Jesus Christ. The accounts of His life, teachings, death, and resurrection have had a profound impact on Christianity and have been treasured by believers for generations.
