What were the key events in the life of Jesus?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Many important events took place in the life of Jesus that were prophesied in the Old Testament and recorded in the New Testament, especially the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Both Micah and Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ birth, with Micah noting where Christ would be born and Isaiah indicating that He would be born of a virgin (Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14). Isaiah 53 details the suffering that Jesus would undergo. The New Testament records the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and presents other essential events, including Christ’s birth (Matthew 1, Luke 1–2), baptism (Matthew 3:13-172, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21), miracles (Matthew 14:19-21, Mark 4:39-41, Luke 7:14-15, John 11:43-44), teachings (Matthew 5–7), sufferings (Matthew 27, Luke 22:47-71, Luke 23), death (Luke 23:44-49), burial (Matthew 27:57-61), resurrection (Matthew 28, John 20), ascension (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:6-11), and predicted return.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Micah 5:2 prophesies Jesus’ birth: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
• Isaiah 7:14 prophesied Jesus’ virgin birth.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Birth: Both Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2 provide accounts of the birth of Jesus and the events surrounding it. Of important note is that Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:21), in the city of Bethlehem, and was visited by shepherds who arrived following the appearance of angels who told them of the king who had been born. Further, His birth came to fulfill prophecies of one who would come from the seed of Abraham, the tribe of Judah, and the family line of David.
• Baptism: Multiple Gospels note the baptism of Jesus by a relative named John the Baptist at around the age of 30 (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21). This marked the beginning of His public ministry, and included the voice of God speaking from the sky.
• Miracles: At least thirty-five miracles by Jesus are recorded in the New Testament. He healed the sick, the blind, and lepers. On three occasions, he raised individuals from the dead. He also showed power over nature, including stopping a storm and walking on water. Some Gospel references of these miracles are Matthew 14:19-21, Mark 4:39-41, Luke 7:14-15, John 11:43-44.
• Teachings: The New Testament records people's amazement at the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 7:28-29). Large portions of the Gospels include the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and many of the parables, which were stories with a spiritual purpose.
• Sufferings: In fulfillment of Isaiah 53 and other prophecies, Jesus suffered at the hands of His enemies. He was arrested, beaten, and nailed to a cross after the Jewish leaders handed Him over for a death sentence at the approval of the Roman leader Pilate (Matthew 27, Luke 22:47-71, Luke 23)
• Death: Jesus’ death was clear based on the impact of His sufferings, His pierced side (John 19:34), His death cry (Luke 23:46-48), Pilate's confirmation (Mark 15:44-45), that He was embalmed in about seventy-five pounds of spices (John 19:39), and that He remained in the tomb three days.
• Resurrection: The New Testament records on multiple occasions that the tomb was empty on the third day and that many eyewitnesses claimed to see Jesus alive again. First Corinthians 15:6 mentions five hundred people who saw the resurrected Jesus, most of whom were still alive when Paul wrote about twenty years later. The New Testament indicates that at least 513 different people saw Jesus alive again, including several followers who died for this belief.
• Ascension: After forty days, Jesus ascended into the sky (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:6-11) with the promise that He would return again.
• Promised Return: Many New Testament teachings note the promised return of Jesus as an essential teaching. It could take place at any moment, though no one will know the exact time (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This promise was intended to encourage believers to live holy lives, share their faith with others, and look forward with anticipation to eternity in the Lord's presence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The life of Jesus is not just a historical record—it shapes how we live today. His birth reminds us that God entered our world to bring hope and salvation, showing us that no situation nor person is beyond His reach. His baptism and miracles point us to His power and authority, teaching us to trust Him with every part of our lives as God made flesh. His teachings guide us toward a life of love, humility, and truth, offering wisdom for our daily life and choices. His suffering and death reveal the depth of His love and call us to live with gratitude, forgiving others as we’ve been forgiven. It also convicts us to recognize our own sins and the cost for Him to willingly lay His life down for them. His resurrection and ascension assure us of victory over sin and death and give us the hope of restoration for all who trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins. All of this motivates us to live with boldness and joy, knowing our future is secure. Finally, His promised return urges us to live ready and faithful, not wasting our days but walking with purpose in His kingdom.

These key events remind us that our faith is grounded in reality, not ideas alone. Each moment in Jesus’ life offers us a pattern of trust, obedience, and hope. As we follow Him, our lives are transformed—not by our own strength, but by the power of the One who lived, died, rose again, and will come again.

UNDERSTAND

• The key events in Jesus’ life include His birth, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return.
• These events fulfill prophecy and reveal Jesus as the Messiah.
• The key events in the life of Jesus call us to live with faith, gratitude, and hope.

REFLECT

• How does remembering the resurrection of Jesus give you hope in the challenges you face today?
• How can you live more faithfully in light of Jesus’ promised return?
• Which event from Jesus’ life most challenges you to grow in trust and obedience?

ENGAGE

• How do the key events of Jesus’ life confirm the truth and reliability of the Christian faith?
• What do Jesus’ miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection reveal about God’s character and His plan for humanity?
• How should the promise of Jesus’ return shape the way we encourage one another and live together as His followers?