Mark 1:1 says the gospel is news about Jesus
The Gospels are not collections of general religious advice. They are written testimonies to a person, and Mark opens by announcing that the story of Jesus has a definite beginning in history.
John 21: Jesus Restores Peter by the Sea
John 21 shows the risen Jesus revealing himself to seven disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, providing a miraculous catch of fish and breakfast. He then restores Peter with three questions of love and foretells his death, while correcting a rumor about the beloved disciple.
John 20: Resurrection, Faith, and Commission
John 20 recounts the discovery of the empty tomb, the risen Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene, to the gathered disciples, and to Thomas. It concludes with the purpose statement that these signs are written so readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in his name.
John 19: Trial, Crucifixion, and Burial
John 19 recounts Jesus' flogging, mock coronation, and final trial before Pilate, who ultimately delivers him to be crucified. It then describes the crucifixion, the fulfillment of Scripture in his death, and his burial by Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus.
John 18: Jesus Arrested, Tried, and Denied
John 18 recounts Jesus' arrest in a garden, his questioning before Annas and Pilate, and Peter's three denials. It highlights Jesus' sovereign control and the nature of his kingdom.
John 17: Jesus Prays for His Followers
John 17 records Jesus' prayer to the Father on the night before his crucifixion. He prays for his own glorification, for the protection and unity of his disciples, and for all who will believe through their message.
John 16: Jesus Prepares Disciples for Departure
In John 16, Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure by promising the Holy Spirit, explaining that their sorrow will turn to joy, and assuring them of peace in him. He also speaks of the Spirit's work in convicting the world and guiding them into all truth.
John 13: Jesus Washes Feet and Predicts Betrayal
In John 13, Jesus washes his disciples' feet, predicts his betrayal by Judas, and commands his followers to love one another. He also foretells Peter's denial, revealing his divine knowledge and servant heart.
John 12: Love, Death, and Glory
John 12 shows Jesus being anointed for burial, entering Jerusalem to public acclaim, and explaining that his death will produce fruit and draw all people. It also records the unbelief of many and the cost of confessing him.
John 11: Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
Jesus receives word that Lazarus is sick, delays two days, then returns to Judea and raises him from the dead after four days in the tomb. The sign leads many to believe, but also prompts the chief priests and Pharisees to plot Jesus' death, with Caiaphas prophesying that one man should die for the nation.
John 10: Jesus the Good Shepherd and Door
In John 10, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and sheep to describe His relationship with His followers. He claims to be the door of the sheep and the good shepherd who lays down His life, leading to division among the Jews and many believing in Him.
John 9: Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
Jesus heals a man who was blind from birth, leading to a lengthy investigation by the Pharisees. The man gradually comes to faith in Jesus, while the Pharisees reject him and remain in their sin.
John 7: Jesus at the Feast of Booths
John 7 recounts Jesus attending the Feast of Booths in secret, teaching openly in the temple, and declaring himself the source of living water. The chapter highlights growing division, with some believing, others doubting, and the authorities unable to arrest him because his hour had not yet come.
John 6: Bread of Life and Walking on Water
John 6 records Jesus miraculously feeding a large crowd and walking on the sea, then teaching in Capernaum that He is the bread of life. The chapter contrasts those who seek Him for physical bread with those who believe, and it ends with many disciples leaving while Peter confesses Him as the Holy One of God.
John 5: Jesus Heals at Bethesda and Defends His Authority
In John 5, Jesus heals a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda, but does so on the Sabbath, sparking controversy. Jesus then explains his unique relationship with the Father, claiming to do only what the Father does and offering eternal life to those who believe.
John 2: Water to Wine and Temple Cleansing
John 2 narrates Jesus' first sign at a wedding in Cana, where he turns water into wine, and his cleansing of the Jerusalem temple during Passover. It also records his prediction of his resurrection and the mixed responses of belief and skepticism.
Luke 24: Resurrection and Emmaus Road
Luke 24 recounts the discovery of Jesus' empty tomb, his appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and his subsequent appearances to the gathered disciples. It emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture, the reality of the resurrection, and the call to repentance and witness.
Luke 23: Trial, Crucifixion, and Burial
Luke 23 narrates Jesus' trials before Pilate and Herod, the crowd's choice of Barabbas over him, and his crucifixion between two criminals. It closes with his death, the centurion's declaration, and his burial by Joseph of Arimathaea.
Luke 22: Betrayal, Last Supper, and Prayer
Luke 22 narrates the Passover meal where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, foretells his betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter, and prays in agony on the Mount of Olives. It culminates in his arrest, Peter's threefold denial, and Jesus's trial before the council.
Luke 21: The Widow's Gift and Endurance
Luke 21 records Jesus observing a poor widow giving two small coins, then predicting the temple's destruction, persecution of his followers, and cosmic signs before his return. He calls his disciples to endure, watch, and pray, promising that their redemption is near.