Since we have finished reading the epistles, or letters, in chronological order, I thought we would attempt to read the Gospels in chronological order also. Reading will be a little tricky, as we will be flipping through four books - Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. Some days we will only read from one book, some days from all four, other days from two or three. My study Bible divides the harmony into 250 events - so it will take us almost a year to complete this project, as we will focus on one event each day. However, I am a big believer in chronological order. I love the history, love knowing when events happened and why, love following the progression of God's plan. Jesus Christ didn't do anything by chance - He followed His Father's will.
As we read, you will notice that the events in some books are out of order. Is this a mistake on the author's behalf? No! The writers of the Gospels each had a purpose and an audience. Sometimes they linked certain events together, for instance the betrayal of Jesus happened over several days. Judas Iscariot sought out the religious leaders, a plan was formed, that plan was later carried out, and then Judas attempted return the money, and eventually killed himself. Some of the books link these events together to give us a better overview of what happened. Others list them in the order they happened, and still others omit certain parts of the story because it wasn't important to them. Anytime you question an eyewitness, this will happen. People remember what is important to them. Some things will stick out as more important to one person, yet another will completely overlook that detail. As we read the Gospels, you will get a feel for the authors, their motivations and intents, their character. You will also get a fuller picture of who Jesus is & what His message was all about.
I am going to list the first 22 events. These are known as the birth and preparation of Jesus Christ.
1. Luke 1:1-4 - Luke's purpose in writing
2. John 1:1-18 - God became a human being
3. Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38 - The ancestors of Jesus
4. Luke 1:5-25 - An angel promises the birth of John to Zechariah
5. Luke 1:26-38 - An angel promises the birth of Jesus to Mary
6. Luke 1:39-56 - Mary visits Elizabeth
7. Luke 1:57-80 - John the Baptist is born
8. Matthew 18:25 - An angel appears to Joseph
9. Luke 2:1-7 - Jesus is born in Bethlehem
10. Luke 2:8-20 - Shepherds visit Jesus
11. Luke 2:21-40 - Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple
12. Matthew 2:1-12 - Visitors arrive from eastern lands
13. Matthew 2:13-18 - The escape to Egypt
14. Matthew 2:19-23 - The return to Nazareth
15. Luke 2:41-52 - Jesus speaks with the religious teachers
16. Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18 - John the Baptist prepares a way for Jesus
17. Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21,22 - John baptizes Jesus
18. Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12,13; Luke 4:1-13 - Satan tempts Jesus in the desert
19. John 1:19-28 - John the Baptist declares his mission
20. John 1:29-34 - John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the Messiah
21. John 1:35-51 - The first disciples follow Jesus
22. John 2:1-12 - Jesus turns water into wine
Let's start today with event #1 found in Luke 1:1-4. Luke provides a reason for writing his gospel: to write an orderly account of the events of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Luke was a gentile. He was a doctor, missionary who traveled with Paul, and a writer. It does not state that he traveled with Jesus. However, his travels with Paul and work with the other apostles allowed him to interview eye witnesses of Jesus' life to provide a full account of Jesus' ministry. His gospel, "the Gospel according to Luke" has been called the most beautiful book ever written. It is highly detailed and intelligently written. Luke later wrote the book of Acts, chronicling the establishment and spread of the Christian faith.
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