The Life of Jesus Christ

Introductions

Introduction Mark 1:1 (JST Mark 1:1); Luke 1:1-4 (JST Luke 1:1-4);

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As I am a messenger of Jesus Christ, and knowing that many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

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,

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Pre-mortal Christ

Pre-mortal Christ John 1:1-18 (JST John 1:1-19)

In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in the world, and the world perceiveth it not.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came into the world for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, to bear record of the gospel through the Son, unto all, that men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Even the Son of God--he who was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, only to them that believe on his name:

He was born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

For in the beginning was the Word, even the Son, who is made flesh and sent unto us by the will of the Father. And as many as believe on his name shall receive of his fullness. And of his fullness have all we received, even immortality and eternal life, through his grace.

For the law was given by Moses, but life and truth came by Jesus Christ.

For the law was after a carnal commandment, to the administration of death; but the gospel was after the power of an endless life through Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father.

No man hath seen God at any time; except he hath borne record of the Son; for except it is through him, no man can be saved.

See D&C 93:6-18, 26

Genealogies

Genealogies Matt 1:1-17 (JST Matt 1:1-5); Luke 3:23-38 (JST Luke 3:30-45);

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

Note: Some have suggested that one is the lineage of Joseph and the other the lineage of Mary. Others have suggested that one is Joseph's customary legal lineage while the other is Joseph's biological blood lineage. Levirate marriage (where the brother of a deceased man is obliged to marry his widowed sister-in-law), allows an individual (such as Joseph) to have two legal fathers. (see Wikipedia article)

Birth of Jesus Christ and John

Zacharias told of John's birth

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold Luke 1:5-23 (JST Luke 1:5-23);

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.

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken [advanced] in years.

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his priesthood,

According to the law of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

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

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

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.

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

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.

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

And he shall go before Lord 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."

And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken [advanced] in years."

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.

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."

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

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.

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

See D&C 27:7-8

Elisabeth’s Seclusion Luke 1:24-25 (JST Luke 1:24-25);

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

Mary told of Jesus's Birth

Mary told of Jesus's Birth Luke 1:26-38 (JST Luke 1:26-38);

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

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

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

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and pondered in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

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:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"

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 child which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

And, behold, thy cousin [relative] Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

For with God nothing shall be impossible."

And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And the angel departed from her.

See Alma 7:10-13

Mary visits Elisabeth Luke 1:39-56 (JST Luke 1:39-55);

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted [greeted] Elisabeth.

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:

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, " Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

And why is it that this blessing is upon me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

And blessed art thou who believed, for those things which were told thee by the angel of the Lord shall be fulfilled."

And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord,

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever."

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Birth of John the Baptist

Birth of John the Baptist Luke 1:57-66 (JST Luke 1:56-65);

Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

And her neighbours and her cousins [relatives] heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

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.

And his mother answered and said, "Not so; but he shall be called John."

And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name."

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marvelled all.

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad [talked about] throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

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's Prophecy Luke 1:67-80 (JST Luke 1:66-79);

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

And hath raised up an horn [symbolizes a strong king] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

"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;

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by baptism for the remission of their sins,

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

See D&C 84:27-28

Joseph told of Jesus's Birth

Joseph told of Jesus's Birth Matt 1:18-25 (JST Matt 2:1-8);

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel,"[Isa 7:14] which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem Luke 2:1-5 (JST Luke 2:1-5);

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

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:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Birth of Jesus

Birth of Jesus Luke 2:6-7 (JST Luke 2:6-7);

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was none to give room for them in the inns.

See 1 Ne 11:18-20; Mosiah 3:5-8; Alma 7:10; Hel 14:2-8; 3 Ne 1:4-22

Shepherds told of the Savior's Birth Luke 2:8-20 (JST Luke 2:8-20);

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.

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.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this is the way you shall find the babe: he is wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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."

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.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

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

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Naming of Jesus Matt 1:25 (JST Matt 2:8); Luke 2:21 (JST Luke 2:21);

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.

See 2 Ne 25:19; Mosiah 3:8; Hel 14:12; Moses 6:52

Jesus presented in the Temple Luke 2:22-38 (JST Luke 2:22-38);

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;

(As it is written in the law of the Lord [Ex 13:2, 12], Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord [Lev 12:8], A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

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.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

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,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

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;

(Yea, a spear shall pierce through him to the wounding of thine own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

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;

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.

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.

Wise Men and Egypt

Visit of the Wise Men Matt 2:1-12 (JST Matt 3:1-12);

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, "Where is the child that is born, the Messiah of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

When Herod the king had 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 demanded of them, saying, "Where is the place that is written of by the prophets, in which Christ should be born?" For he greatly feared, yet he believed not the prophets.

And they said unto him, "It is written by the prophets that he should be born in Bethlehem of Judea, for thus have they said,

'The word of the Lord came unto us, saying, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, in thee shall be born a prince, which art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come the Messiah, who shall save my people Israel.'" [Micah 5:2, 4]

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also."

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw 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 exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Flight to Egypt Matt 2:13-15 (JST Matt 3:13-15);

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a vision, saying, "Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and tarry thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."

And then he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." [Hosea 11:1]

Herod kills children 2 years old and under Matt 2:16-18 (JST Matt 3:16-18);

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts [vicinity] thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

"In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." [Jer 31:15]

Return to Nazareth Matt 2:19-23 (JST Matt 3:19-23); Luke 2:39-40 (JST Luke 2:39-40);

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a vision to Joseph in Egypt,

Saying, "Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life."

And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a vision he turned aside into the eastern parts of Galilee:

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Temple Visit for Passover

Visit to the Temple for Passover Luke 2:41-50 (JST Luke 2:41-50);

Now 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 after the custom of the feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not that he tarried;

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, and they were hearing him and asking him questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

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."

And he said unto them, "Why is it that ye sought me? Know ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

After the visit to the Temple (JST Matt 3:24-26); Luke 2:51-52 (JST Luke 2:51-52);

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.

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

And it came to pass that Jesus grew up with his brethren, and waxed strong, and waited upon the Lord for the time of his ministry to come.

And he served under his father, and he spake not as other men, neither could he be taught; for he needed not that any man should teach him.

And after many years, the hour of his ministry drew nigh.

John forerunner of Jesus Christ

John the Baptist's Ministry

John the Baptist Fulfills Prophecy Matt 3:1-3 (JST Matt 3:27-29); Mark 1:2-3 (JST Mark 1:1-2); Luke 3:1-6 (JST Luke 3:1-11);

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 being the high priests, now in this same year, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [Mal 3:1]

In those days came John the Baptist, into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins in the wilderness of Judaea,

And saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

"For I am he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

For behold, and lo, he shall come, as it is written in the book of the prophets: to take away the sins of the world and to bring salvation unto the heathen nations; to gather together those who are lost, who are of the sheepfold of Israel,

Yea, even the dispersed and afflicted; and also to prepare the way and make possible the preaching of the gospel unto the Gentiles;

And to be a light unto all who sit in darkness, unto the uttermost parts of the earth; to bring to pass the resurrection from the dead; and to ascend up on high, to dwell on the right hand of the Father,

"Until the fullness of time, and the law and the testimony shall be sealed, and the keys of the kingdom shall be delivered up again unto the Father;

To administer justice unto all; to come down in judgment upon all and to convince all the ungodly of their ungodly deeds, which they have committed; and all this in the day that he shall come.

For it is a day of power; yea, 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;

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God." [Isa 40:3-5]

John the Baptist's Call to Repentance Matt 3:14-12 (JST Matt 3:30-40); Mark 1:4-8 (JST Mark 1:3-6); Luke 3:7-18 (JST Luke 3:12-25); John 1:19-28 (JST John 1:20-28)

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

And this is the record of John, when the Jews [refers to Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus] sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who art thou?"

And he confessed, and denied not; that he was Elias, but confessed, I am not the Christ.

And they asked him, saying, "How then art thou Elias?" And he said, "I am not that Elias who was to restore all things." And they asked him, saying, "Art thou that prophet?" And he answered, "No."

Then said they unto him, "Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?"

He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord [Isa 40:3], as said the prophet Esaias."

And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

And they asked him, and said unto him, "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias who was to restore all things, neither that prophet?"

John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

He it is of whom I bear record. He is that prophet, even Elias, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose or whose place I am not able to fill; for he shall baptize, not only with water, but with fire and with the Holy Ghost."

John baptizes many

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and all the region round about Jordan,and many were baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Why is it that ye receive not the preaching of him whom God hath sent? If ye receive not this in your hearts, ye receive not me; and if ye receive not me, ye receive not him of whom I am sent to bear record; and for your sins ye have no cloak.

Repent, therefore, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance:

And think not to say within yourselves, 'We are the children of Abraham, and we only have power to bring seed unto our father Abraham;' for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: and when he of whom I bear record cometh, who is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: (or whose place I am not able to fill), as I said, I indeed baptize you before he cometh, that when he cometh, he may baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

And it is he of whom I shall bear record, whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but in the fullness of his own time will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

And the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?"

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."

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, "Master, what shall we do?"

And he said unto them, "Exact no more than that which is appointed you."

For it is well known unto you, Theophilus, that after the manner of the Jews and according to the custom of their law in receiving money into the treasury, that out of the abundance which was received was appointed unto the poor, every man his portion;

And after this manner did the publicans also, wherefore, John said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

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."

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, 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 stoop down and unloose: he shall not only baptize you with water, but with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

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."

And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

Baptism of Jesus

Baptism of Jesus Matt 3:13-17 (JST Matt 3:41-46); Mark 1:9-11 (JST Mark 1:7-9); Luke 3:21-22 (JST Luke 3:28-29); John 1:29-34 (JST John 1:29-34)

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

And John bare record of him unto the people, saying, "This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And I knew him and that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water."

Then cometh Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

But John refused him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?"

And Jesus answering said unto him, "Suffer me to be baptized of thee, for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he suffered him.

And John went down into the water and baptized him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and praying and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and John saw the Spirit of God descending in a bodily shape like a dove, and lighting upon Jesus:

And lo he heard a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him."

And John bare record, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

And I knew him for he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, 'Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.'

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."* These things were done in Bethabara, beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

^* NIV translates as "this is God's Chosen One." (NIV Isa 42:1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight;...")

Satan tries to tempt Jesus

Temptation of Jesus Matt 4:1-11 (JST Matt 4:1-10); Mark 1:12-13 (JST Mark 1:7-9); Luke 3:23; 4:1-13 (JST Luke 3:30; 4:1-12);

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age.

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God.

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights and had communed with God, he was afterward an hungred and was left to be tempted [tested] of the devil.

And when the tempter came to him, he said, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread."

But he answered and said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." [Deut 8:3]

And the Spirit brought him to Jerusalem into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple.

Then the devil came unto him and said, "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, 'He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.'" [Ps 91:11-12]

Jesus said unto him, "It is written again, 'Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.'" [Deut 6:16]

And the Spirit taketh him up into a high mountain, and he beheldall the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them in a moment of time.

And the devil came unto him and said All these things and all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

If thou therefore wilt fall down and worship me, all shall be thine."

And Jesus answered and said unto him, "Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, 'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.'" [Deut 6:13]

Then the devil leaveth him, and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Jesus's Early Galilean Ministry

John's Disciples Follow Jesus John 1:35-51 (JST John 1:35-51)

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, "What seek ye?"" They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?"

He saith unto them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, "We have found the Messias," which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, "Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas," which is by interpretation, A stone.

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, "Follow me."

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, " have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

And Nathanael said unto him, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip saith unto him, "Come and see."

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!"

Nathanael saith unto him, "Whence knowest thou me?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee."

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, "Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel."

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these."

And he saith unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto you [plural you], Hereafter ye [plural ye] shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending [Gen 28:12] upon the Son of man."

Marriage at Cana John 2:1-12 (JST John 2:1-12)

And the third day of the week, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Jesus saith unto her, "Woman, [does not denote disrespect] what wilt thou have me to do for thee? That will I do; for mine hour is not yet come."

His mother saith unto the servants, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, see that ye do it."

And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins [20-30 gallons] apiece.

Jesus saith unto them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim.

And he saith unto them, "Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast." And they bare it unto him.

When the governor of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

And saith unto him, "Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now."

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and the faith of his disciples was strengthened in him.

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

Jesus's Early Judean Ministry

The Early Judean Ministry of Jesus Christ

First Cleansing of the Temple John 2:13-17 (JST John 2:13-17)

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

And said unto them that sold doves, "Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."

And his disciples remembered that it was written, "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." [Ps 69:9]

Sign of Jonah John 2:18-22 (JST John 2:18-22)

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, "What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?"

Jesus answered and said unto them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

Then said the Jews, "Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?"

But he spake of the temple of his body.

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

First Passover John 2:23-25 (JST John 2:23-25)

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

Visit with Nicodemus

Visit with Nicodemus John 3:1-21 (JST John 3:1-22)

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Nicodemus saith unto him, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?"

Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye [plural ye] must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, "How can these things be?"

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? [The Greek construction implies what He speaks next is a direct quotation.]

'Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

'I tell you, No man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God, which before was preached by the mouth of the holy prophets; for they testified of me.

'And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that loveth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest.

And he who obeyeth the truth, the works which he doeth, they are of God.'"

See Num 21:4-9; 2 Ne 25:20

John testifies of Jesus

John testifies of Jesus John 3:22-36 (JST John 3:23-36)

After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

For John was not yet cast into prison.

Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

And they came unto John, and said unto him, "Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and he receiveth of all people who come to him."

John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

He must increase, but I must decrease.

He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and but few men receiveth his testimony.

He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him, for he dwelleth in him, even the fullness.

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and shall receive of his fullness. But he that believeth not the Son shall not receive of his fullness; for the wrath of God abideth on him."

Pharisees seek to kill Jesus John 4:1-2 (JST John 4:1-4)

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

They sought more diligently some means that they might put him to death; for many received John as a prophet, but they believed not on Jesus.

Now the Lord knew this, though he himself baptized not so many as his disciples;

For he suffered them for an example, preferring one another.

John the Baptist Imprisoned Matt 14:3-5; 4:12 (JST Matt 14:2-4; 4:11); Mark 1:17-18; 1:14 (JST Mark 6:18-19; 1:12); Luke 3:19-20; (JST Luke 3:26-27);

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

For John had said unto Herod, "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife."

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he sent angels, and behold, they came and ministered unto him.

Jesus's Second Galilean Ministry

Jesus visits Samaria on way to Galilee

Jesus visits Samaria on way to Galilee Matt 4:12 (JST Matt 4:12); Mark 1:14 (JST Mark 1:12); Luke 4:14 (JST Luke 4:13); John 4:3-42 (JST John 4:5-44)

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

And said unto his disciples, I must needs go through Samaria.

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, "Give me to drink."

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, "How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?" for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Jesus answered and said unto her, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, 'Give me to drink;' thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water."

The woman saith unto him, "Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?"

Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

The woman saith unto him, "Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw."

Jesus saith unto her, "Go, call thy husband, and come hither."

The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said unto her, "Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly."

The woman saith unto him, "Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship."

Jesus saith unto her, "Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

For unto such hath God promised his God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

The woman saith unto him, "I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things."

Jesus saith unto her, "I that speak unto thee am the Messias."

And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

"Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?"

Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, "Master, eat."

But he said unto them, "I have meat to eat that ye know not of."

Therefore said the disciples one to another, "Hath any man brought him ought to eat?"

Jesus saith unto them, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Say not ye, 'There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest?' behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

And herein is that saying true, 'One soweth, and another reapeth.'

I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour; the prophets have laboured, and ye are entered into their labours."

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, "He told me all that ever I did."

So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

And many more believed because of his own word;

And said unto the woman, "Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."

Jesus preaches in Galilee

Jesus preaches in Galilee Matt 4:12 (JST Matt 4:12); Mark 1:14-15 (JST Mark 1:12-13); Luke 4:14-15 (JST Luke 4:13-15); John 4:43-45 (JST John 4:45-47)

Now after two days he departed thence, and Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

The Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

And there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all who believed on his name.

Heals the Nobleman's Son John 4:46-54 (JST John 4:48-56)

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

Then said Jesus unto him, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."

The nobleman saith unto him, "Sir, come down ere my child die."

Jesus saith unto him, "Go thy way; thy son liveth." And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

And as he was now going down to his house, his servants met him, and told him, saying, "Thy son liveth."

Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him."

So the father knew that his son was healed in the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, "Thy son liveth:" and himself believed, and his whole house.

This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

Jesus rejected at Nazarath

Jesus Rejected At Nazarath Luke 4:16-30 (JST Luke 4:16-30);

And 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 for to read.

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. 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 hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." [Isa 61:1-2]

And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

And he began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."

And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?"

And he said unto them, "Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, 'Physician, heal thyself:' whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country."

And he said, "Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian."

And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

But he passing through the midst of them went his way.

Jesus dwells in Capernaum

Dwells in Capernaum Matt 4:13-17 (JST Matt 4:12-16); Luke 4:31 (JST Luke 4:31);

And Jesus leaving Nazareth in Zebulun, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Nephthalim:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

"The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."[Isa 9:1-2]

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Fisherman called to be fishers of men Matt 4:18-22 (JST Matt 4:17-21); Mark 1:16-20 (JST Mark 1:14-18); Luke 5:1-11 (JST Luke 5:1-11);

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught."

And Simon answering said unto him, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net."

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon.

And Jesus said unto Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,

"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

And he called them: and straightway they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and followed him.

Jesus teaches and heals at Capernaum

Teaches at Capernaum Synagogue Mark 1:21-22 (JST Mark 1:19-20); Luke 4:31-32 (JST Luke 4:31-32);

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Heals at Capernaum Synagogue Mark 1:23-27 (JST Mark 1:21-25); Luke 4:33-37 (JST Luke 4:33-37);

And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

Saying, "Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God."

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him." And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-law Matt 8:14-15 (JST Matt 8:14-15); Mark 1:29-31 (JST Mark 1:26-28); Luke 4:38-39 (JST Luke 4:38-39);

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick with a great fever; and they besought him to heal her.

And he came and took her by the hand, and rebuked the fever, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she arose and ministered unto them.

Jesus Heals in the Evening Matt 8:16-17 (JST Matt 8:14-15); Mark 1:32-34 (JST Mark 1:29-30); Luke 4:40-41 (JST Luke 4:40-41);

And at even, when the sun was setting, they brought unto him all that were sick with divers diseases, and them that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, "Thou art Christ the Son of God." And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."[Isa 53:4]

Preaches in Galilee Matt 4:23-25 (JST Matt 4:22-24); Mark 1:35-39 (JST Mark 1:31-35); Luke 4:42-44 (JST Luke 4:42-44);

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said unto him, "All men seek for thee."

And he said unto them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth."

And the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

And he said unto them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent."

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people which believed on his name.

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

Sermon on the Mount

Introduction Matt 5:1-2 (JST Matt 5:1-4);

And Jesus, seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him:

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed are they who shall believe on me; and again, more blessed are they who shall believe on your words when ye shall testify that ye have seen me and that I am.

Yea, blessed are they who shall believe on your words, and come down into the depth of humility, and be baptized in my name; for they shall be visited with fire and the Holy Ghost and shall receive a remission of their sins.

Beatutides

Beatutides Matt 5:3-12 (JST Matt 5:5-14);

Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [see Luke 6:20]

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.

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 the children of God.

Blessed are all they which are persecuted for my name's sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [see Luke 6:22-23]

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

For ye shall have great joy and be exceeding glad: for great shall be your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

See 3 Ne 12:3-12

Share the message Matt 5:13-16 (JST Matt 5:15-18);

Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth: but if the salt shall lose his savour, wherewith shall the earth be salted? The salt shall thenceforth be good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Behold, do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [see Luke 11:33]

Therefore, let your light so shine before this world, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

See 3 Ne 12:13-16 D&C 101:39-40;

The Law is Fulfilled

Law Fulfilled Matt 5:17-19 (JST Matt 5:19-21);

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

For verily I say unto you, Heaven and earth must pass away, but one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so to do, he shall in no wise be saved in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach these commandments of the law until it be fulfilled, the same shall be called great and shall be saved in the kingdom of heaven.

See Luke 16:17; 3 Ne 12:17-19, 46-47

Intent of the Law: Clean Hands and a Pure Heart

The Law's Intent: Clean Hands and a Pure Heart Matt 5:20-48 (JST Matt 5:22-50);

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, "Thou shalt not kill;" [Ex 20:13] and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God.

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother [brother or sister], Raca, [term for contempt] shall be in danger of the council: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, or if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother [brother or sister] hath ought against thee;

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [see Luke 12:58-59]

Behold, it is written by them of old time, "Thou shalt not commit adultery:" [Ex 20:14]

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart; for it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.

Therefore, if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

And now this I speak, a parable concerning your sins; wherefore, cast them from you, that ye may not be hewn down and cast into the fire.

It hath been written, "Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement." [Deut 24:1]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. [see Luke 16:18]

Again, it hath been written by them of old time, "Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:"

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:" [Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21]

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have it; and if he sue thee again, let him have thy cloke also.

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him a mile; and whosoever shall compel thee to go with him twain, thou shalt go with him twain.

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy." [Lev 19:18]

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [see Luke 6:27-36]

Ye are, therefore, commanded to be perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

See 3 Ne 12:21-45, 48

Righteous Motivations

Righteous Motivations Matt 6:1-18 (JST Matt 6:1-18);

And it came to pass that as Jesus taught his disciples, he said unto them, Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But when thou doest alms, let it be unto thee as thy left hand not knowing what thy right hand doeth:

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the hypocrites do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is done in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And suffer us not to be led into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, who trespass against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses.

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

See Luke 11:2-4; 3 Ne 13:1-18

Relating to Possessions

Missionaries to Focus on the Work, not Temporal Affairs Matt 6:19-34 (JST Matt 6:19-39);

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single to the glory of God, thy whole body shall be full of light.

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

And again, I say unto you, Go ye into the world and care not for the world; for the world will hate you, and will persecute you, and will turn you out of their synagogues.

Nevertheless, ye shall go forth from house to house, teaching the people; and I will go before you.

And your heavenly Father will provide for you whatsoever things ye need for food, what ye shall eat, and for raiment, what ye shall wear or put on.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? How much more will he not feed you?

Wherefore, take no thought for these things, but keep my commandments wherewith I have commanded you.

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Therefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he not provide for you if ye are not of little faith.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Why is it that ye murmur among yourselves, saying, We cannot obey thy word, because ye have not all these things, and seek to excuse yourselves, saying that after all these things do the Gentiles seek. Behold, I say unto you that your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Wherefore, seek not the things of this world;but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

See Luke 11:34-36; Luke 12:22-34; 3 Ne 13:19-34

Teaching People

Relating to People and God Matt 7:1-12 (JST Matt 7:1-21);

Now these are the words which Jesus taught his disciples that they should say unto the people:

Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment.

For with what judgment ye shall judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. [see Luke 6:37-38]

And again, ye shall say unto them, Why is it that thou beholdest mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and canst not behold a beam in thine own eye?

And Jesus said unto his disciples, Beholdest thou the scribes, and the Pharisees, and the priests, and the Levites? They teach in their synagogues, but do not observe the law nor the commandments; and all have gone out of the way and are under sin.

Go thou and say unto them, Why teach ye men the law and the commandments, when ye yourselves are the children of corruption?

Say unto them, Ye hypocrites! First cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. [see Luke 6:41-42]

Go ye into the world, saying unto all, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come nigh unto you.

And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves; for it is not meet to giveGive not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet. For the world cannot receive that which ye, yourselves, are not able to bear; wherefore, ye shall not give your pearls unto them, lest they turn again and rend you.

Say unto them, Ask of God;Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

And then said his disciples unto him, They will say unto us, We ourselves are righteous and need not that any man should teach us. God, we know, heard Moses and some of the prophets; but us he will not hear.

And they will say, We have the law for our salvation, and that is sufficient for us.

Then Jesus answered and said unto his disciples, Thus shall ye say unto them:

What man among you, having a son, and he shall be standing out and shall say, Father, open thy house that I may come in and sup with thee, will not say, Come in, my son; for mine is thine, and thine is mine?

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? [see Luke 11:9-13]

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

See 3 Ne 14:1-12

Two Choices

Two Choices Matt 7:13-27 (JST Matt 7:22-35);

Repent, therefore, and enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [see Luke 13:23-24]

And again, beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. [see Luke 6:43-44]

Verily, I say unto you, It is not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

For the day soon cometh that men shall come before me to judgment, to be judged according to their works.

And many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I say, Ye never knew me; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [see Luke 6:46; Luke 13:25-30]

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [see Luke 6:47-49]

See 3 Ne 14:13-27

Jesus taught with authority Matt 7:28-29 (JST Matt 7:36-37); Mark 1:22 (JST Mark 1:20);

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings with his disciples, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

For he taught them as one having authority from God, and not as having authority from the scribes.

More to come...