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 Workers For Jesus Online Bible Study Table of Contents

About this Bible Study........The King James Version of the Bible is written in a beautiful form of the English language. It can be hard for modern English readers to understand.  In this study, you will find notes and summaries in brown just above the the verses from the Bible. We recommend that you read the notes and summaries first, and then read the verses in their KJV form. 



Timeline of the Bible


God creates the world. --- God destroys the world with the flood, but saves  Noah and his family.---
 God chooses Abraham and his descendants to His people. ---Abraham's grandson, Jacob, has 12 sons who lead the 12 tribes of Israel.--- The Israelites become slaves in Egypt.--- God helps the Israelites escape and leads them to Canaan. ---The Israelites fight in wars and take control of Canaan.---Judges lead the Israelites, but the Israelites want to have kings instead of judges. ----  David is Israel's greatest king. -- Israel divides into 2 parts: Israel and Judah.--- The people of Israel and Judah continue to sin and worship false gods.--- God allows the Assyrians and the Babylonians to take the Israelites out of Israel and Judah.---   The Israelites (Jews) live in Babylonia and then Persia. --- When Persia defeats the Babylonians, the Jews go back to Judah.--- The Jews build God's Temple in Jerusalem again.--- Greece defeats Persia, and the Greeks control Judah (also now called Israel).--- The Jews become independent for 100 years.-- The Romans take control of Israel.--- This book of the Bible covers this time Jesus is born. At age 30, Jesus begins his ministry. ---Jesus is crucified and then is resurrected. --- A Roman named Saul is converted to Christianity and becomes Paul.--- Christianity spreads. --- Paul write letters to Christians in other places. In the year, 70 A.D., God's Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed again.

 

The Gospel of Luke

Luke was not one of the 12 disciples. Years after Jesus was crucified, Luke traveled with the apostle Paul.  Luke had been a doctor before he started traveling with Paul. Luke wrote this book of the Bible based on what Paul and others told him.

Luke also wrote the Book of Acts.

The Gospel of Luke was probably written in 85 - 90 AD.

 
 


Luke 1 - 3

Elisabeth and Zacharias have a baby, John.
The angel Gabriel visits Mary and tells her she will have a baby.
Jesus is born in the city of Bethlehem.
John baptizes many people in the Jordan River.
John baptizes Jesus.
John is put into prison.
The genealogy of Jesus.

 


 

Luke 1


Introduction



Luke is writing this to a man named Theophilus. He said that many people have tried to write about Jesus.  At that time, there were other writings and eyewitness accounts about Jesus' life and His resurrection. Luke felt that he would be a good person to write these things down in a more organized way. He wanted everyone to understand about Jesus and the things He taught.
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

 



Elisabeth becomes pregnant.
 

Herod was once the king of Judea. During the time that Herod was king, there was a priest named Zacharias.  He was a descendant of Abia.  Zacharias' wife was Elizabeth.  She was a descendant of Moses' brother, Aaron. Zacharias and Elizabeth were good people and obeyed God.  They followed all of the Lord's laws.
[5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
[6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.


Zacharias and Elisabeth did not have any children.  Now, they were both old, and Elisabeth couldn't have a baby.
[7] And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.


Zacharias was a priest, and he did God's work according to the law. One day, it was his job was to burn incense in the Lord's temple.  A crowd of people was waiting outside.
[8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
[9] According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
[10] And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.


An angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias.  The angel was standing on the right side of the altar that was used for burning incense.

[11] And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.


When Zacharias saw the angel, he was upset and afraid.
[12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.


The angel said, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias. Your prayer is heard. Your wife, Elisabeth, will have a son. You will name him John. You will have joy and be glad.  Many people will be happy when he is born."
[13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.



The angel continued, "He will be great in God's eyes. He will not drink wine or strong alcohol. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit as soon as he is born.  He will turn many Jews to the Lord their God.  He will go ahead of Him.  He will have the spirit and power of Elijah. He will make fathers love their children more. He will make people who break laws change to have wisdom like good people have.  He will get people ready for the Lord."
[15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
[16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
[17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.


Zacharias said that he didn't know how this could happen because he and his wife were both old.
[18] And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.



The angel said, "My name is Gabriel.  I stand with God, and He sent me to tell you these happy things. But you don't believe me. So, you won't be able to talk until your baby is born."
[19] And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
[20] And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.


The people were waiting for Zacharias outside the temple. They wondered what was taking him so long.
[21] And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.


When Zacharias came out of the temple, he couldn't talk to them. They thought he had seen a vision in the temple.  He was motioning to them, but he couldn't say anything.

[22] And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.


After Zacharias' time of working in the temple was over, he left and went back home.
[23] And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.


Later, Zacharias' wife, Elisabeth, became pregnant. She hid for 5 months.  She said the Lord had helped her so that other people wouldn't look down on her.
[24] And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
[25] Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.


 


Picture from LaVista Church of Christ



The angel, Gabriel, talks to Mary.



When Elisabeth was 6 months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in the area of Galilee.

[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,


Gabriel went to talk to Mary.  Mary was a virgin, and she was engaged to a man named Joseph.  Joseph was one of David's descendants.
[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.


Gabriel came in to talk to Mary. He said, "You are highly favoured. God is with you. You are a woman that is blessed more than other women."

[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.


When Mary saw Gabriel, she was upset by what he said. She was confused about what he was saying.
[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.


Gabriel said, "Don't be afraid, Mary. God is happy with you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son.  You will call His name Jesus. He will be great.  He will be the Son of the Highest. The Lord God will give Him David's throne.  He will rule over the house of Jacob forever. There will never be an end to His kingdom."
[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Mary asked, "How can this happen since I have never had sexual relations with a man?"
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?


Gabriel said, "The Holy Spirit will come to you.  The Holy Spirit has the power of the Highest.  Your baby will be called the Son of God.  Your cousin Elisabeth is also pregnant. She was barren and couldn't have a baby, but now she is pregnant.  With God, nothing is impossible."
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Mary said, "I will be obedient to the Lord. Let it be the way you are telling me." Then, the angel left her.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
 



Mary visits Elisabeth.


A little later, Mary hurried to go visit Elisabeth. Elisabeth lived in the hill country of Judea. 
[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
[40] And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.


When Mary arrived and greeted Elisabeth, Elisabeth's unborn baby jumped in her womb. Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:


Elisabeth said, "You are the most blessed woman. The baby in your womb is blessed.  You are the mother of the Lord. Why have you come to me? As soon as you spoke to me, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.  You are blessed because you believed.  Everything the Lord told you will happen."
[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
[43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.


Mary said, "My soul praises the Lord. My spirit is happy because of God my Saviour.  He saw that I am low, but from now on, people will call me blessed.  He is mighty and has done great things for me.  His name is holy."
[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
[48] For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.


Mary continued, "God has mercy on the people who fear Him from generation to generation. He has showed His strong arm.  He has scattered people who are too proud of themselves. He brought mighty people down from where they sat. He raised people up who were low. He has filled the hungry people with good food. He sent away rich people with nothing.  He has helped Israel, His servant. They will remember His mercy.  He talked to our ancestors, to Abraham, and to Abraham's descendants forever."

[50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
[53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.


Mary stayed with Elisabeth for about 3 months. Then, she went back to her home.
[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

 



John the Baptist is born.


It was time for Elisabeth to have her baby. She had a baby boy.  Her neighbors and cousins heard how God had showed her great mercy. They were happy with her.
[57] Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
[58] And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.


On the eighth day, it was time to circumcise the baby. They called the baby Zacharias, the same name as his father. But Elisabeth said no. She said his name would be John.
[59] And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
[60] And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.


The others said that there was no one else in her family named John.  They signed with their hands to Zacharias to ask him what to name the baby.
[61] And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
[62] And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.


 

Picture from LaVista Church of Christ

Zacharias asked for something to write on.  He wrote, "His name is John." Everyone was amazed.   Then, Zacharias' mouth was opened, and he could talk again.  He praised God.
[63] And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
[64] And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.


Everyone who heard about this was amazed. They spread the word all over the hill country of Judaea. Everyone who heard it thought about how John would grow up.  God's hand was on John.
[65] And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
[66] And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.


Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit. He started to say this prophecy:
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.  He has come to His people and redeemed them.
He is raising our salvation like He said He would by the holy prophets. He promised this since the world began.
He promised that we would be saved from our enemies and from all the people who hate us.
God promised our ancestors and made the covenant promise with Abraham.
God promised to save us from our enemies so we could serve Him without fear.
We would serve Him in holiness and goodness all the days of our lives.

You, child (John) will be called the prophet of God. You will go ahead of the Lord and prepare the way for Him.
You will tell the people how to apologize for their sins and be saved.
They will be saved through the tender mercy of our God.
God's mercy will be like light to the people in darkness and in the shadow of death.
He will guide our feet into the way of peace.

[67] And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
[68] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
[69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
[70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
[71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
[72] To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
[73] The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
[74] That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
[75] In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
[76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
[77] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
[78] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
[79] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.


John grew and his spirit became strong. He lived in the desert until the time that he started to teach the people in Israel.
[80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
 


Luke 2


Mary and Joseph must go to Joseph's family's hometown of Bethlehem.


Back in those days, the leader of the Roman Empire was Caesar Augustus. He sent out an order that everyone in his empire should have to pay taxes. The first time they started taxing was when Cyrenius was the governor of Syria. Everyone had to go back to their hometowns to be taxed.
[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.



Joseph was married to Mary. They were living in Nazareth in the area of Galilee. Joseph was a descendant of King David, so he and Mary had to travel to the area he was from.  That was a town named Bethlehem.  Mary was pregnant and was ready to have a baby.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.



 


Picture from LaVista Church of Christ


Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
 

While they were in Bethlehem, it was time for the baby to arrive. They were staying in a barn because the inn was full. Mary had her baby and then wrapped Him in cloth and laid Him in a manger.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

At the same time in that area, there were shepherds out in the field watching their sheep at night.
[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.


The angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds. God's glory was shining all around the shepherds. They were very afraid.
[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.


The angel said, "Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good and joyful news for everyone.  Today, a Saviour, Christ the Lord, is born in Bethlehem.  This will be a sign -- you will find the baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger."
[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

All of a sudden, there were many, many other angels with the angel of the Lord. They were praising God.  They said, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and good will toward men."
[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.


After the angels went back into heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem now and see what the Lord has told us about."
[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.


They hurried to Bethlehem. They found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.


After the shepherds saw the baby, they told what the angels said about the baby.
[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.


Everyone who heard what the shepherds had to say were amazed.
[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.


Mary listened to what they said and thought about it.

[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.


The shepherds went back to their sheep in the fields.  They were praising God because everything they saw and heard in Bethlehem was exactly the way the angels told them.
 
[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.


In 8 days, it was time to circumcise the baby.  He was named Jesus. That is what the angel Gabriel told Mary to name Him.
[21] And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

 



Mary and Joseph take the Baby Jesus to Jerusalem.


The Law of Moses told what they were to do next. After Mary was clean according to the law, she and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem. The Law said that every male baby should be called holy to the Lord.  They had to offer a sacrifice -- 2 turtledoves or 2 young pigeons. 
[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
 



Simeon knows that Jesus is the Saviour.



There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon.  He was a good and obedient man.  He was waiting for the Saviour to come to Israel. The Holy Spirit was in him. The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die until he had seen the Saviour, the Lord's Christ.
[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.


The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there.  Simeon picked up Jesus and praised God. He said, "Lord, now let me die in peace as You said because my eyes have now seen the Saviour you have sent to all people. He will be a light to help the Gentiles and bring glory to your people, Israel."

[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
[28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
[29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.


Joseph and Mary were amazed at what Simeon was saying about Jesus.
[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.


Simeon blessed them. He said to Mary, "Many people in Israel will fall and rise again because of this child.  He will be a sign that some will speak against. The true feelings of many people will come out.  You will have great sadness like a sword piercing your own heart."
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.


 



The prophetess, Anna, tells others that Jesus is the Saviour they've been waiting for.


There was a female prophet named Anna. Her father was Phanuel from the tribe of Aser.  She was 84 years old. She was married for 7 years before her husband died. She served God at the temple everyday by fasting and praying day and night.

[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.


She was at the temple when Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were there. She thanked God for Him. She talked about Him to people who were waiting for the Saviour to come save Jerusalem.
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.


 



Mary, Joseph, and Jesus return to Nazareth.


After they finished everything they needed to do for God's law, they went back to their city of Nazareth in the area of Galilee.

[39] And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.


Jesus grew and became strong in spirit. He will full of wisdom.  God's grace was on Him.
[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

 


Jesus in the temple
Picture from LaVista Church of Christ



Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem.


Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover feast.

[41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.


When Jesus was 12 years old, they went to Jerusalem for the feast.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.


They were on the way home.  Mary and Joseph didn't know it, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. They had traveled for a day before they realized He wasn't with them.  They looked for him among all of their family and friends. When they couldn't find Him, they went back to Jerusalem.
[43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
[44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
[45] And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.


After 3 days, they found Jesus in the temple.  He was sitting with teachers. He was listening to them and asking them questions.  Everyone who heard Him was amazed at how much He understood and how He answered their questions.
[46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
[47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.


When Mary and Joseph saw Him, they were amazed. Mary said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Your father and I have been upset and looking for You."
[48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.


Jesus said, "Why have you been looking for Me? Didn't you know that I was doing My Father's business?"
[49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?


They didn't understand what He was saying to them. He left and went back to Nazareth with them and obeyed them.  Mary remembered all the things He said.
[50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
[51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.


 


Jesus grows up.

Jesus grew and became wiser. God and the other people were happy with Him.

[52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
 


Luke 3


John baptizes many people.
 

It was the 15th year of when Tiberius Caesar was ruler over the Roman Empire.  Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea. Herod was the ruler of the area of Galilee. Herod's brother, Philip was the leader of the area named Ituraea and Trachonitis. Lysaniah was the leader of the area named Abilene.
[1] Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,


Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests at that time.  The word of God came to Zacharias' son, John, while he was in the wilderness.
[2] Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.


John went out into all the country around the Jordan River. He preached that people should ask God to forgive their sins and then be baptized.
[3] And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;


This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said. Isaiah said, "There will be the voice of one who cries in the wilderness. Get ready for the Lord to come. Make His paths straight.  Every valley will be filled.  Every mountain and hill will fall down.  The crooked ways will become straight. The rough ways will become smooth. Everyone will see the salvation of God."
[4] As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
[5] Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
[6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.


John talked to the crowds. He said they were like snakes. They were running away from the trouble that is coming. He asked them who warned them.
[7] Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?


John told them they need to say they are sorry for their sins.  They shouldn't think that just being Jewish is enough. God can even make the rocks become Jewish.
[8] Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.


Now, the ax is cutting down the trees that don't make good fruit. They are being cut down at the roots. They are cut down and then thrown into the fire.
[9] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.


The people asked John, "What should we do?" He told them to help other people. If they have 2 coats, give 1 coat to someone who doesn't have a coat. If they have meat, give some meat to people who don't have any.
[10] And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
[11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.


Public officials came to be baptized. They asked John, "Master, what should we do?"
[12] Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

He told them not to take more taxes than the people owe.
[13] And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.


Soldiers asked John, "What should we do?" John said, "Don't behave violently to anyone. Don't accuse anyone if they didn't do anything wrong. Be content with your pay."

[14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

The people had been waiting for God to send a Saviour. They wondered in their hearts if John might be the Saviour or not.
[15] And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
 

John answered them. He said, "I baptize you with water. But there is One coming who is mightier than me. He is so much greater than me that I am not even worthy enough to untie his shoes. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He will be like a farmer thrashing his wheat.  He will get rid of the bad part of the wheat and burn it."
[16] John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
[17] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.


John told them many other things when he preached to the people.
[18] And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
 



John is put into prison.


The leader of the area was named Herod.  John criticized Herod because he was with his brother's wife.  Her name was Herodias.  John criticized the evil things that Herod had done.  So Herod had John put into prison.
[19] But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
[20] Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
 



John baptizes Jesus.



Before he went to prison, John baptized Jesus. While He was being baptized, He was praying. Then, the heaven opened. The Holy Ghost came down in a dove and landed on Him.  There was a voice from heaven. The voice said, "You are My beloved Son. I am  very pleased with You."
[21] Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
[22] And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

 



Genealogy of Jesus


This is the family history (genealogy) of Jesus. 
 

Jesus was 30 when He began His ministry.  His father was Joseph.  Joseph's father was Heli.

The genealogy starts with God. Adam was His son. Here is the list going from God to Jesus.

God
Adam
Seth
Enos
Cainan
Maleleel
Jared
Enoch
Mathusala
Lamech
Noe
Sem
Arphaxad
Cainan
Sala
Heber
Phalec
Ragau
Saruch
Nachor
Thara
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
Judah
Phares
Esrom
ARam
Aminadab
Naasson
Salmon
Boaz
Obed
Jesse
David
Nathan
Mattatha
Menan
Melea
Eliakim
Jonan
Joseph
Judah
Simeon
Levi
Matthat
Jorim
Eliezer
Jose
Er
Elmodam
Cosam
Addi
Melchi
Neri
Salathiel
Zorobabel
Rhesa
Joanna
Judah
Joseph
Semei
Mattathia
Maath
Nagge
Esli
Naum
Amos
Mattathias
Joseph
Janne
Melchi
Levi
Matthat
Heli
Joseph
Jesus



[23] And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
[24] Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
[25] Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
[26] Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
[27] Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
[28] Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,
[29] Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
[30] Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
[31] Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
[32] Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
[33] Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
[34] Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
[35] Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
[36] Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
[37] Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
[38] Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.