Chronological Outline of Jesus’ Life
(Based on Throckmorton's Gospel Parallels – Matthew, Mark & Luke)
I. Infancy and Preparation
The Gospels begin by introducing the arrival of Jesus and the events surrounding His birth.
This section establishes Jesus' identity and prepares for His public ministry.
Major Events
- Announcement of John the Baptist's birth
- Announcement of Jesus' birth
- Birth of John the Baptist
- Genealogy of Jesus
- Birth of Jesus
- Visit of the shepherds
- Circumcision and presentation in the temple
- Visit of the Magi
- Flight into Egypt
- Return to Nazareth
- Jesus at age twelve in the temple
- Ministry of John the Baptist
- Baptism of Jesus
- Temptation of Jesus
II. Galilean Ministry
(Matthew 3–18; Mark 1–9; Luke 3–9:50)
Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee, proclaiming the Kingdom of God, calling disciples,
performing miracles, and revealing His identity. Opposition steadily grows as His ministry expands.
Major Events
- Beginning of Jesus' ministry in Galilee
- Calling of the first disciples
- Healing ministry begins
- Rejection at Nazareth
- Calling of Matthew
- Calling of the Twelve Apostles
- Sermon on the Mount / Plain
- Healing of the centurion's servant
- Raising of the widow's son
- John's disciples question Jesus
- Teaching in parables
- Calming the storm
- Healing the Gerasene demoniac
- Raising Jairus' daughter
- Healing the woman with the hemorrhage
- Mission of the Twelve
- Feeding the five thousand
- Walking on the sea
- Traditions of the elders
- Healing the Syrophoenician woman's daughter
- Feeding the four thousand
- Peter's confession
- First prediction of His death
- Transfiguration
- Healing the demon-possessed boy
- Second prediction of His death
- Teachings on humility, forgiveness, and discipleship
III. Journey Toward Jerusalem
(Luke's Special Section – Luke 9:51–18:14)
Jesus deliberately turns toward Jerusalem, preparing His disciples for His death while teaching
extensively about discipleship, prayer, humility, repentance, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God.
Major Events
- Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem
- Cost of discipleship
- Mission of the Seventy
- The Good Samaritan
- Mary and Martha
- Teaching on prayer
- Warnings against hypocrisy
- Teachings on wealth and possessions
- Call to repentance
- Healing on the Sabbath
- Mustard Seed and Leaven
- The Narrow Door
- Lament over Jerusalem
- Great Banquet
- Cost of discipleship
- Lost Sheep
- Lost Coin
- Prodigal Son
- Unjust Steward
- Rich Man and Lazarus
- Forgiveness and faith
- Healing of the ten lepers
- Coming of the Kingdom
- Persistent Widow
- Pharisee and Tax Collector
IV. The Judean Section
(Matthew 19–28; Mark 10–16; Luke 18:15–24:53)
Jesus enters the final phase of His earthly ministry. As He approaches Jerusalem, He continues
teaching, faces increasing opposition, and ultimately offers Himself as the sacrifice for sin
during Passion Week.
Major Events
- Blessing little children
- Rich young ruler
- Third prediction of His death
- Laborers in the vineyard (Matthew)
- Request of James and John
- Healing blind Bartimaeus
- Zacchaeus (Luke)
- Triumphal Entry
- Cleansing of the temple
- Cursing the fig tree
- Teaching in the temple
- Questions from the religious leaders
- Greatest Commandment
- Woes against the scribes and Pharisees
- Widow's offering
- Olivet Discourse
- Judas agrees to betray Jesus
- Preparation for Passover
- Last Supper
- Prayer in Gethsemane
- Arrest of Jesus
- Jewish trials
- Roman trials
- Crucifixion
- Burial of Jesus
V. Appearances of the Risen Lord
Following His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples, confirms His victory over death,
commissions them to proclaim the gospel, and ascends to the Father.
Major Events
- Resurrection
- Women discover the empty tomb
- Appearance to the women
- Road to Emmaus
- Appearance to the disciples
- Appearance to the Eleven
- The Great Commission
- Ascension