Jesus

In Nazareth, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she will conceive a son who will be called the Son of God. He explains that Jesus will be great and will rule over an eternal kingdom. Mary humbly accepts God's plan and agrees to become the mother of Christ.

Mary travels to the hill country to visit Elizabeth, her relative. When Elizabeth hears Mary's greeting, the baby (John) leaps in her womb and she is filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth proclaims Mary blessed and foretells the great child she carries.

A Roman census compels Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born in a manger. The humble birth fulfills prophecies and draws shepherds to the scene. The infancy sets the stage for Jesus' early life and mission.

A week after his birth, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Simeon blesses Jesus and prophesies about his mission, and Anna the prophetess praises God. The event confirms Jesus' divine purpose in the eyes of faithful witnesses.

At age twelve, Jesus stays behind in Jerusalem during a Passover visit, causing his parents to search for him. He speaks with the teachers in the Temple, astonishing them with his understanding. When found, he reminds them that he must be in his Father's house.

Years later, Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River as he begins his public ministry. The Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaims Jesus as God's Son. This moment marks the official start of Jesus' earthly mission.

Immediately after his baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. He resists every temptation and stands firm in obedience to God. The experience strengthens his resolve to preach the Kingdom.

While by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to follow him, promising to make them fishers of people. They immediately leave their nets and begin accompanying him in his ministry. This recruitment marks the formation of his early core group.

Jesus gathers the twelve apostles, including Matthew and Judas, and his circle includes women who support his mission. Their presence helps spread his teachings and serves as witnesses to his miracles. The ministry expands beyond a small group to a broader movement.

Jesus teaches with parables and performs miracles that reveal God's mercy. A sinful woman is forgiven in the house of a Pharisee, he calms a storm on the sea, and he feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish. These events illustrate the paradox of divine power working through humble means.

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain where he is transfigured before them. Moses and Elijah appear, and a voice from the cloud proclaims Jesus as God's beloved Son. The disciples are strengthened for the trials ahead by this glimpse of his divine glory.

Jesus travels to Jerusalem and drives merchants out of the Temple, signaling a clash with religious authorities. He teaches parables such as the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Tenants, and discusses paying taxes to Caesar. These actions deepen the conflict with the religious leaders and foreshadow his betrayal.

In the Upper Room, Jesus shares the Last Supper with his disciples and warns them of an impending betrayal. He identifies Judas as the betrayer and institutes the Eucharist as a sign of his new covenant. The mood shifts from fellowship to foreboding.

Judas leads soldiers to the garden where Jesus prays; he is betrayed and arrested. Peter denies knowing Jesus three times as the rooster crows. The disciples scatter, and Jesus faces his trial with resolve.

Jesus is condemned and crucified at Golgotha, dying around noon as darkness covers the land. He is buried in a tomb, but on the third day he rises from the dead and appears to his followers. Before ascending to Heaven, he commissions the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations.