The Birth of John and Jesus

Study Notes

Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth were barren.
While serving in the temple, Zechariah was visited by an angel, who announced that Elizabeth would give birth to a son named John.
Zechariah doubted this, given their old age, and was struck mute until the prophecy came true.
Gabriel also appeared to Mary in Nazareth, announcing that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus.
Mary visited Elizabeth, and John leaped in her womb, signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Zechariah regained his speech and wrote that his son's name was John.
John grew strong in the Spirit and lived in the wilderness.

A decree from Caesar Augustus required a census, prompting Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem.
Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, as there was no room at the inn.
Shepherds were visited by angels, who announced the birth of Jesus and guided them to Bethlehem to worship him.
Simeon, a righteous man, blessed Jesus at the temple.
Anna, a prophetess, also worshipped Jesus at the temple.
The family returned to Nazareth and went to Jerusalem annually for Passover.

John the Baptist received a divine message in the wilderness and began proclaiming a message of repentance and baptism.
He baptized people in the Jordan River, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry.
Some believed John to be the Messiah, but he clarified that he was only a forerunner, baptizing with water, while a more powerful one, Jesus, would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Herod Antipas imprisoned John, at the request of Herodias, his wife's sister, whom John had rebuked for her adultery.

Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River.
The heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him as a dove.
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days and was tempted by the devil.
The devil tempted Jesus three times: to turn stones into bread, to worship him for worldly power, and to throw himself off the temple, believing his angels would catch him.
Each time, Jesus resisted, using scriptural responses.

Jesus began teaching in synagogues, including in Nazareth.
While reading from Isaiah in the synagogue, Jesus declared that the prophecy was fulfilled in him.
The people of Nazareth rejected him, attempting to drive him out and throw him off a cliff.
Jesus escaped and went to Capernaum, where he healed a man with a demon and Simon Peter's mother-in-law from illness.
He healed many people, freeing them from demons and illnesses.

Jesus saw Simon and Andrew fishing and called them to be "fishers of men."
He called various disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Cananean, Judas Thaddeus, and Simon the Zealot.

Jesus healed a leper, restoring him to wholeness.
He healed a paralyzed man by lowering him through the roof into the crowd.
Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, to be his disciple.
He taught about the importance of loving enemies and the meaning of humility.
He preached about the kingdom of heaven and highlighted the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God.
Jesus taught on the Sabbath, explaining that he is the Lord of the Sabbath and that the Sabbath is meant for good.

Jesus healed a centurion's servant, demonstrating his power.
He raised a widow's son from the dead, demonstrating the resurrection power.
Jesus encountered John the Baptist's disciples, acknowledging his ministry although he was imprisoned.
He dined with Simon the Pharisee, where a sinful woman washed his feet with her tears and hair, illustrating Jesus' compassion for outcasts.
Jesus shared the parable of the sower, explaining the different responses people have to his Word.

Jesus calmed a storm on the Sea of Galilee, demonstrating control over nature.
He cast demons into pigs, acknowledging the spiritual battle present.
Jesus healed the sick and raised Jairus' daughter from the dead.
He sent the twelve disciples out to proclaim the kingdom and heal the sick, equipping them for ministry.
Jesus encountered doubt and slander from the Pharisees, who accused him of working through demonic power.
Jesus disputed these accusations and highlighted his divine authority.
Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing humility and dependence on God.

Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, appearing with Moses and Elijah.
A voice from heaven confirmed his divinity.
Jesus healed a boy possessed by a demon, displaying his power over demonic forces.
He taught about the importance of humility and service, challenging his disciples to view themselves as servants rather than seeking greatness.

Jesus sent his disciples out again, instructing them on how to behave while proclaiming the kingdom.
He taught the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating the principle of loving our neighbor.
Jesus visited Martha and Mary, emphasizing the importance of seeking first the kingdom and not being overly concerned with worldly matters.
He continues teaching, challenging the Pharisees and calling them out for their hypocrisy.
Jesus gives warnings about the challenges of being a follower of Christ and the importance of standing firm in one's faith.