The life of Jesus, as told in the Christian Bible’s four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), spans from his miraculous birth in Bethlehem, through roughly three years of public teaching and miracles, to his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.

Birth and Early Life

• The Nativity: Born to Mary, who was a virgin betrothed to Joseph, by the power of the Holy Spirit. He was born in Bethlehem and visited by shepherds and wise men (Magi).
• Flight to Egypt: Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with baby Jesus to escape King Herod’s order to kill young boys in Bethlehem. They later returned and settled in Nazareth.
• Boyhood: The Bible shares almost nothing of his childhood, except for one story at age 12 where he was found teaching and listening to teachers in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Baptism and Start of Ministry

• Baptism by John: At about age 30, Jesus was baptized by his cousin John the Baptist in the Jordan River. The Holy Spirit descended like a dove and God declared Jesus as His beloved Son.
• Temptation in the Wilderness: Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days and resisted temptations from the devil.

Public Ministry and Teachings

• First Miracle: Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana.
• Disciples: He chose 12 close followers, called apostles or disciples, to travel and learn with him.
• Sermon on the Mount: He delivered famous teachings like the Beatitudes, instructing people to love their enemies, forgive others, and pray.
• Miracles: He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, calmed storms, and raised people from the dead (such as Lazarus).
• Parables: He taught deep spiritual truths through simple stories about the Kingdom of God.

Passion and Crucifixion

• Triumphal Entry: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to cheering crowds, during the week of Passover.
• The Last Supper: He shared a final meal with his disciples, instituting communion, before being betrayed by Judas and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Trial and Death: Religious and Roman leaders put him on trial. He was condemned, beaten, and crucified on a cross at Golgotha.

Resurrection and Ascension

• The Resurrection: Three days after his burial in a sealed tomb, Jesus rose from the dead, appearing to Mary Magdalene, his disciples, and hundreds of witnesses.
• The Ascension: Forty days after rising, Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, promising to return.