This detailed chronological timeline follows Jesus’ life, from His birth to His resurrection and ascension. Scripture references are provided for study.
Birth and Early Years (6-4 BC – 26 AD)
Jesus’ Birth and Childhood (6-4 BC – 8 AD)
- Born in Bethlehem – Fulfilled prophecy (Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1-7).
- Visited by shepherds – Angels announce His birth (Luke 2:8-20).
- Circumcised on the eighth day – Named Jesus as per the angel’s command (Luke 2:21).
- Presented at the Temple – Met Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22-38).
- Visited by the wise men – Fulfills prophecy (Matthew 2:1-12).
- Joseph warned in a dream, family flees to Egypt – Escapes Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13-18).
- Returns to Nazareth – Raised as a carpenter’s son (Matthew 2:19-23, Luke 2:39-40).
- At 12 years old, Jesus teaches in the Temple – Shows wisdom beyond His years (Luke 2:41-50).
The Silent Years (12-30 AD)
- Works as a carpenter in Nazareth – Grows in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:51-52).
- No biblical record of His activities until His baptism at age 30.
Beginning of Public Ministry (27-29 AD)
Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation (27 AD)
- Baptized by John the Baptist – The Holy Spirit descends on Him (Matthew 3:13-17).
- Tempted in the wilderness (40 days) – Overcomes Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11).
- Begins preaching repentance – First public message (Mark 1:14-15).
- Calls first disciples – Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Matthew 4:18-22).
Early Ministry in Judea and Galilee (27-28 AD)
- Turns water into wine at Cana – First recorded miracle (John 2:1-11).
- Cleanses the Temple in Jerusalem – Drives out money changers (John 2:13-22).
- Meets Nicodemus at night – Declares, “You must be born again” (John 3:1-21).
- Ministers in Samaria – Speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42).
- Heals nobleman’s son – Second recorded miracle (John 4:46-54).
Year of Popularity (29-30 AD)
Teachings and Miracles in Galilee
- Calls more disciples – Including Matthew (Levi) (Matthew 9:9-13).
- Heals many, including a paralytic – Demonstrates authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12).
- Delivers the Sermon on the Mount – Gives the Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7).
- Teaches in parables – The sower, mustard seed, prodigal son (Matthew 13, Luke 15).
- Raises Jairus’ daughter, heals the bleeding woman (Mark 5:21-43).
- Feeds 5,000 with five loaves and two fish – First mass miracle (John 6:1-14).
- Walks on water – Peter briefly walks with Him (Matthew 14:22-33).
- Feeds 4,000 – Another miraculous provision (Matthew 15:32-39).
Growing Opposition
- Religious leaders plot against Him – Accused of blasphemy (Mark 3:1-6).
- Disciples recognize Him as the Christ – Peter’s confession (Matthew 16:13-20).
- Transfiguration – Appears with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-9).
Year of Opposition (30-31 AD)
Conflict with Religious Leaders
- Teaches on humility and forgiveness – Disciples argue about greatness (Matthew 18).
- Heals a blind man – Affirms He is the Light of the World (John 9).
- Raises Lazarus from the dead – Many believe; Jewish leaders plot to kill Him (John 11:1-53).
- Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem – Fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 (Matthew 21:1-11).
- Cleanses the Temple (again) – Further angers religious leaders (Mark 11:15-19).
- Teaches in Jerusalem – Woes against the Pharisees (Matthew 23).
- The Olivet Discourse – Prophecy about the end times (Matthew 24-25).
Final Week – Passion Week (April 31 AD)
- Last Supper (Passover Meal) – Institutes Communion (Luke 22:14-20).
- Prays in Gethsemane – Sweats blood under distress (Luke 22:39-46).
- Betrayed by Judas and arrested – Taken before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:47-54).
- Peter denies Him three times – As Jesus predicted (Luke 22:55-62).
- Tried before Pilate, Herod, and Pilate again – Declared innocent, yet condemned (Luke 23:1-25).
- Scourged and mocked by soldiers – Crowned with thorns (Matthew 27:27-31).
Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection (April 31 AD)
Jesus’ Death on the Cross (April 3, 31 AD)
- Carries His cross to Golgotha – Simon of Cyrene helps (Luke 23:26-32).
- Crucified at 9 AM – Between two criminals (Mark 15:25-27).
- Speaks seven final words on the cross – Including “It is finished” (John 19:30).
- Dies at 3 PM – Darkness covers the land (Luke 23:44-46).
- Buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb – Sealed by Roman guards (Matthew 27:57-66).
The Resurrection (April 5, 31 AD)
- Women discover the empty tomb – Angel declares, “He is risen!” (Matthew 28:1-7).
- Appears to Mary Magdalene – First eyewitness (John 20:11-18).
- Appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
- Appears to the disciples in a locked room – Shows His wounds (John 20:19-29).
- Appears to over 500 people – Paul records this in 1 Corinthians 15:6.
The Ascension and the Early Church (31 AD – Beyond)
- Gives the Great Commission – “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20).
- Ascends into heaven – Disciples watch as He leaves (Acts 1:9-11).
- Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost (50 days later) – Birth of the Church (Acts 2:1-4).
