The Amazing Life of Jesus Christ

World Missionary Press

The Amazing Life of Jesus Christ

THE AMAZING LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is not merely an outstanding person who lived and died many years ago. According to the Scriptures, He is God the Creator, who lived on earth as a man so that He might give His life-blood to rescue sinful mankind from the power of sin and Satan and death. He is alive today and gives eternal life to all who come to Him.

Accepting or rejecting Jesus Christ is a matter of life or death. "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:12). "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

May God become very real to you as you study the amazing life of Jesus Christ! "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3). Have you received Jesus into your heart as your personal Savior and Lord? If not, do it today.

The Bible text used is from the New King James Version 8 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Used by permission. Cover art by Edwin B. Wallace.

If you would like to receive additional studies of God’s Word, write to the publisher of this study: World Missionary Press, Inc., P.O. Box 120, New Paris, Indiana 46553-0120, U.S.A.

JESUS EXISTED BEFORE HIS BIRTH — 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the begin-ning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. —John 1:1-3, 14a

For by Him all things were created ....All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things.... —Colossians 1:16-17

God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to 1 the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. —Hebrews 1:1-2

Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." —John 8:58

But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever." And: "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands." —Hebrews 1:8a, 10

PROPHETS FORETOLD JESUS’ LIFE — 2

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." —Isaiah 7:14

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." —Micah 5:2

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. —Isaiah 9:6-7a

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. —Isaiah 53:3a, 4-5a

JESUS LEFT HEAVEN TO BECOME A MAN — 3

Christ Jesus, ...being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. —Philippians 2:5b.8

Jesus said to them, ". . . I proceeded forth and came from God. . . ." —John 8:42

The first man [Adam] was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man [Jesus] is the Lord from heaven. —1 Corinthians 15:47

When He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me." —Hebrews 10:5b

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. —Hebrews 2:14-15

JESUS’ PURPOSE FOR COMING TO EARTH — 4

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." —Mark 10:45

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." —Luke 19:10

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." —John 3:17

Jesus answered, "... For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." —John 18:37b

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. —1 Timothy 1:15b

God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. —1 John 4:9b

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. —Galatians 4:4-5

JESUS WAS SUPERNATURALLY CONCEIVED — 5

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.... Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; ... and of His kingdom there will be no end." Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.... For with God nothing will be impossible." —Luke 1:26b-27, 30-37

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." —Matthew 1:20b-21

THE BIRTH OF JESUS — 6

. . . A decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.... So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went [to Bethlehem] to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ...And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.... You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"—Luke 2:1-14

JESUS AS AN INFANT — 7

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. —Luke 2:21

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel." And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them.... —Luke 2:25-34

JESUS IS WORSHIPED — 8

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet...."

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. —Matthew 2:1-5, 9-11

SATAN HATED JESUS BEFORE HIS BIRTH — 9

And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon [Satan] having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. And she bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. —Revelation 12:3-5a

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him."

When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under. —Matthew 2:13b-15a, 16a

THE BOYHOOD OF JESUS — 10

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem. ... As they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem.... Supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.... After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously." And He said to them, "Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?"

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. —Luke 2:40-49,52

JESUS IS INTRODUCED TO THE PUBLIC — 11

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He said: "I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," ‘as the prophet Isaiah said."

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit de scending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God." —John 1:6,23,29,32-34

Then Jesus, when He had been baptized, came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." —Matthew 3:16-17

JESUS OVERCOMES TEMPTATION — 12

Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But He. . . said, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

Then the devil... set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge concerning you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone."

Jesus said to him, "It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God." Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’" —Matthew 4:3-10

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. —Hebrews 2:18

JESUS CALLS HIS DISCIPLES — 13

And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, "Come after Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. When He had gone a little farther..., He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him. —Mark 1:16-20

The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." —John 1:43

And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and said to him, "Follow Me." And he arose and followed Him. —Mark 2:14

He . . . continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Him; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles. —Luke 6:12b-13

JESUS PREACHES GOOD NEWS — 14

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the LORD." Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. —Luke 4:14-22a

JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE — 15

So they came to Jerusalem. And Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves. Then He taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’" —Mark 11:15, 17

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT SIN

"Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." —Matthew 23:28

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." —Matthew 15:18-19

Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." —John 8:34,36

JESUS OFFERS NEW LIFE — 16

Jesus... said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." —John 3:3,7, 16

"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." —John 10:10b

"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." —John 17:3

"For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." —John 5:21,24

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. —2 Corinthians 5:17

JESUS OFFERS LIVING WATER — 17

So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar.... Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well.... A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." . . . Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. ... Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." —John 4:5-10, 13-14

Jesus ... cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive. —John 7:37b-39a

JESUS TEACHES THROUGH PARABLES — 18

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall" —Matthew 7:24-27

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." —Luke 15:4-7

JESUS TEACHES HOW TO BE BLESSED — 19

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain . . . . Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven." —Matthew 5:1-12a

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" —Luke 11:28b

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." —John 20:29b

"And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." —Luke 7:23

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT PRAYER — 20

Men always ought to pray and not lose heart. —Luke 18:lb

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." —Luke 18:10-14

"If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." —Matthew 18:19b-20

"And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." —Matthew 21:22

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT BEING A DISCIPLE — 21

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" —Matthew 16:24-26a

"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." —Luke 14:33

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." —John 14:15

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." —John 15:12

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." —John 13:35

Then Jesus said to those . . . who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." —John 8:31

"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." —John 15:8

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT HEAVEN AND HELL — 22

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." —Matthew 7:21

"Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." —Matthew 18:3b

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." —Matthew 7:13-14

"So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." —Matthew 13:49-50

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." —John 14:1-3

JESUS TELLS US WHO HE IS — 23

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven, If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." —John 6:51

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." —John 10:9, 11

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." —John 14:6b

"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." —John 8:12b

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." —John 11:25b

"You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am." —John 13:13

Then they all said, "Are You then the Son of God?" And He said to them, "You rightly say that I am." —Luke 22:70

JESUS HAS POWER OVER DISEASE — 24

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. —Matthew 8:2-3

And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." And He laid His hands on her, and imme diately she was made straight, and glorified God. —Luke 13:11-13

Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them those who were lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. —Matthew 15:30

But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. —Mark 1:30-31

JESUS HAS POWER OVER NATURE — 25

Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. —Matthew 14:19-21

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." —Matthew 14:25-27

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. ...And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. —Mark 4:37-39

JESUS HAS POWER TO FORGIVE SINS — 26

"But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"—then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." And he arose and departed to his house. —Matthew 9:6-7

And He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" —Luke 7:48-49

"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." —Acts 13:38-39

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. —Ephesians 1:7

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9

JESUS HAS POWER OVER DEMONS — 27

Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know You, who You are—the Holy One of God!" But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. So they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, "What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." —Luke 4:33.36

And as he [a child] was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. —Luke 9:42-43a

"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." —Acts 10:38b

JESUS HAS POWER OVER DEATH — 28

Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?". ...He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave-clothes.... Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go." —John 11:39-40,43-44

A ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. —Matthew 9:18b, 25

And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.... When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then He came and touched the open coffin.... He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And he who was dead sat up and began to speak. —Luke 7:12-15a

RESPONSES TO JESUS’ MINISTRY — 29

He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven." —Matthew 16:13b-17

And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?" Others said, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" —John 10:20-21

Then many of the Jews who had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. Then from that day on they plotted to put Him to death. —John 11:45-46,53

"They hated Me without a cause." —John 15:25b

JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION — 30

And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. —Mark 8:31

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." This He said, signifying by what death He would die. —John 12:32-33

Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them. —John 2:19-22a

"For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." —Matthew 12:40

"But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." —Matthew 26:32

JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM TO DIE — 31

The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!" Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt." —John 12:12-15

In spite of the multitude’s enthusiastic reception as He entered Jerusalem, Jesus knew that His people would reject Him as King. He wept to think what would happen to Jerusalem because they would not receive the only One who could bring them peace.

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will ... not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation." —Luke 19:41-44

JESUS, THE PASSOVER LAMB — 32

John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" —John 1:29b

Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover [lamb] must be killed. And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat." And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Then He took the cup, and. . . said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many." —Luke 22:7-8, 19; Mark 14:23-24

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. —Isaiah 53:7a

For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. —1 Corinthians 5:7b

Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. —1 Peter 1:18-19

JESUS IS BETRAYED AND ARRESTED — 33

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. So when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. —Mark 14:10-11a

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." —Matthew 26:36-37,39

Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. —John 18:3, 12

And the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and found none. For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. —Mark 14:55-56

JESUS IS CONDEMNED AND CRUCIFIED — 34

When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!" —Matthew 27:1-2,22

Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. And the inscription of His accusation was written above: THE KING OF THE JEWS. With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left.... And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" Likewise the chief priests. . . mocked and said among themselves, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save." —Mark 15:25-31

And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, ‘into Your hands I commend My spirit." And having said this, He breathed His last. —Luke 23:46

JESUS’ DEATH REPORTED BY WITNESSES — 35

Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. Jesus, when He had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up His spirit. ... And the earth quaked, and the rocks were split. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!" —Matthew 27:45,50-51,54

Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. . . . For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." —John 19:32-37

"But you ... killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses." —Acts 3:14-15

JESUS IS BURIED, BUT RISES THE THIRD DAY — 36

The chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, "Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ . . . "Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how." So they ... made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard. —Matthew 27:62b-66

As the first day of the week be- gan to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." —Matthew 28:1-6a

JESUS CONQUERS DEATH — 37

[Christ] rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. —1 Corinthians 15:4b

"I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. . . ." —John 10:17b-18

He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces. —Isaiah 25:8a

"I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades [hell] and of Death."—Revelation 1:18

"O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 15:55,57

"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." —John 5:28-29

JESUS APPEARS AFTER HIS RESURRECTION — 38

Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. —Mark 16:9, 12

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." Now when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. —John 20:19-20

He was seen by Cephas [Peter], then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once.... After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. —1 Corinthians 15:5b-7

"Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead." —Acts 10:40-41

JESUS COMMISSIONS HIS DISCIPLES AND ASCENDS TO HEAVEN — 39

Then Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." —John 20:21-22b

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." —Matthew 28:18b-20

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight." —Acts 1:8-10

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they ...preached everywhere, the Lord working with them. —Mark 16:19-20a

THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES AS JESUS PROMISED — 40

"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." —John 14:16-18

Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. —Acts 2:1-4

"This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear." —Acts 2:32-33

JESUS LIVES IN BELIEVERS TODAY — 41

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." —John 15:4-5

Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. —1 John 3:24

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. —Galatians 2:20

That He would grant you ... to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. —Ephesians 3:16-17a

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.—Romans 8:8b-9

JESUS IS GLORIFIED — 42

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor. —Hebrews 2:9a

For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. —2 Peter 1:17-18

And in the midst of the seven lampstands [was] One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last." —Revelation 1:13-17

JESUS SENDS MESSAGES TO THE CHURCHES — 43

"I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works." —Revelation 2:4b-5a

"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. . . . Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." —Revelation 2:10

"He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father." —Revelation 3:5a

"See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name." —Revelation 3:8b

"So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth." —Revelation 3:16

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." —Revelation 3:19a, 21

WHAT JESUS IS DOING TODAY — 44

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. —Hebrews 10:12

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:14-16

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them. —Hebrews 7:24-25

He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" —Hebrews 13:5b-6

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. —Hebrews 13:8

JESUS PROMISES TO RETURN — 45

"I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." —John 14:3b

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout.... And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. —1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

"For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." —Matthew 24:27, 30-31

"For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." —Matthew 16:27

JESUS WILL JUDGE THE WORLD — 46

"God ... now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." —Acts 17:30b-31a

"Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" —Matthew 7:22-23

Each of us shall give account of himself to God. —Romans 14:12b

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness ...? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. —2 Peter 3:10-13

JESUS WILL REIGN FOREVER — 47

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. —Philippians 2:9-11

"I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! .. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and lan- guages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed." —Daniel 7:13-14

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" —Revelation 5:12b

And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" —Revelation 11:15b

JESUS WANTS YOU TO COME TO HIM — 48

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." —Matthew 11:28-29

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." —Revelation 3:20

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. —2 Peter 3:9

"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out." —John 6:37

"And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." —Acts 2:21

...Now is the day of salvation. —2 Corinthians 6:2

Let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. —Revelation 22:17b

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him." —John 3:36

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? —Hebrews 2:3a

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. —John 1:12

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word (Scripture), which is able to save your souls. —James 1:21

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. —Romans 10:9b-10

A PRAYER GUIDE

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for dying on the cross to take away my sins. I am sorry for the wrong things I have done. I receive You into my heart right now to be my Savior and Lord. I believe Your promise to make me a child of God. I trust You to give me strength day by day to live for You.

In Your name I pray, Amen.

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