Illustrated Family Bible

Bible Text and Historical Articles

Abraham is Chosen

Abraham is Chosen Genesis 11-25

Here unfolds the story of Abraham, the father of believers and the formation of God’s community of faith. It is a unique narrative that leaves no doubt about God’s direct work and initiative, calling someone from paganism to become the father of those who believe in God.

Lifeline ABRAHAM

Age

Birth and Early Life

Genesis 11:27 ?

Migration to Haran

Genesis 11:31 ?

Call and Covenant with God

Genesis 12:1-4 75

Journey to Egypt and Return

Genesis 12:10-20 ?

Lot’s Separation

Genesis 13 ?

God’s Promise and Covenant

Genesis 15 75-85

Birth of Ishmael

Genesis 16 85

Covenant of Circumcision and Name Change

Genesis 17 99

Three Visitors and Promised Son

Genesis 18

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

Genesis 18-19 ?

Birth of Isaac

Genesis 21 100

Binding of Isaac Genesis 22 ?

Sarah’s Death and Burial

Genesis 23 127

Finding a Wife for Isaac

Genesis 24 ?

Abraham’s Death

Genesis 25 175

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s family. Go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. And I will bless you. I will make your name great. You will be a blessing to others. All nations on earth will be blessed because of you.”

So, Abram went, just as the Lord had told him. They started out for the land of Canaan. And they arrived there. Abram travelled through the land. He went as far as the large tree of Moreh at Shechem. The Lord appeared to Abram at Shechem. He said, “I will give this land to your family who comes after you.”

So, Abram built an altar there to honour the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there, Abram went on toward the hills east of Bethel. He set up his tent there.

Sometime later, Abram had a vision. The Lord said to him, “Abram, do not be afraid. I am like a shield to you. I am your very great reward.” But Abram said, “Lord and King, what can you give me? I still don’t have any children.”

The Lord took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky. Count the stars, if you can.” Then he said to him, “That’s how many children will be born into your family.” Abram believed the Lord. The Lord was pleased with Abram because he believed. So Abram’s faith made him right with the Lord. Then the Lord said to him, “You can be sure of what I am about to tell you.”

The sun set, and it became dark. Then, a burning torch and a pot filled with smoking coals appeared. They passed between the pieces of the animals that had been cut in two. On that day, the Lord made a covenant with Abram.

Abram fell with his face to the ground. God said to him, This is my covenant with you.

You will be the father of many nations. You will not be called Abram anymore. Your name will be Abraham because I have made you a father of many nations. I will make my covenant with you last forever. It will be between me and you and your family after you for all time to come. I will be your God. And I will be the God of all your family after you.1

Psalm 105:1-7

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.

Promise

When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17, nirV

Prayer

Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street; I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. (Psalm 27, The Message)

Abraham, in his fear, hears the language of heaven when God speaks to him. “A burning torch and a pot with smoking coals” are symbols of God’s presence. In our deepest fears, God comforts us with His soft love and encompassing presence.

The covenant has no conditions. It is not a deal. It is God’s promise to be our God, which contains within it the promise that we shall be God’s people – not by our consent, but by His choice and our creation.

1 2 3

God gives a name change without any meaning change, but it implies that when an ordinary person meets the Almighty God, you become brand new! Your future is new, but you also have a new, forgiven past.

Notes from the artist

This scene depicts Abraham leaving the city of Ur after God called him to move to the place he would appoint for him. Abraham, together with his family, his servants, and all his possessions, exchanges the known for the unknown in total faith and trust in the Lord’s provision. The surprising element here is the hope that this brave step of obedience, with its far-reaching consequences, evokes.

Joseph forgives

Genesis 37-50

Joseph was sold by his brothers as a slave and taken to Egypt. His brothers lie to their father, Jacob or “Israel”, that Joseph was killed by a wild animal. But God had a plan, and Joseph became a powerful man in Egypt. Then, a famine hit the region, and Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy food. There, they end up facing Joseph. Joseph recognises his brothers, and plants a silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. Benjamin is arrested. It is Joseph’s test to see if his brothers have changed. And things have really changed. As our Bible text begins here, we hear Judah pleading with Joseph.

Notes from the artist

An emotional scene unfolds in the halls of an ancient Egyptian palace: Joseph can no longer bear concealing his identity from his estranged brothers. On hearing their appeal, requested by their late father, Joseph weeps and reveals himself to them, followed by his forgiveness. He embraces his youngest brother, Benjamin, while the others bow before him in disbelief, shame, and fear, fulfilling Joseph’s dream from long ago. Yet, Joseph has no desire for revenge. Instead, he reassures them of his intentions and reminds them that God can transform a situation of despair into one of promise.

Age

Lifeline JOSEPH

Birth

Genesis 30:22-24 ?

Favoritism and Dreams

Genesis 37:1-11 ?

Sold into Slavery

Genesis 37:12-28 17

Journey to Egypt and Return

Genesis 12:10-20 ? Rise to Power

Imprisonment and Interpretation of Dreams

Genesis 40

Genesis 41

Famine and Family Reunion

Genesis 42-45 30-37

Jacob’s Migration to Egypt

Genesis 46 37-44

Last Years

Genesis 47-49

Genesis 50

“I took responsibility for the young boy. So now I beg you, please let the boy go back with his brothers, and I will stay and be your slave. I cannot go back to my father if the boy is not with me. I am very afraid of what would happen to my father.”

Joseph could not control himself any longer. He cried in front of all the people who were there. Joseph said, “Tell everyone to leave here.” So all the people left. Only the brothers were left with Joseph.

Then he told them who he was. Joseph continued to cry, and all the Egyptian people in Pharaoh’s house heard it. He said to his brothers, “I am your brother Joseph. Is my father doing well?” But the brothers did not answer him because they were confused and afraid.

So, Joseph said to his brothers again, “Come here to me. I beg you, come here.” When the brothers went to him, he said to them, “I am your brother, Joseph. I am the one you sold as a slave to Egypt. Now, don’t be worried ... It was God’s plan for me to come here. I am here to save people’s lives ... It was not your fault that I was sent here. It was God’s plan. God made me like a father to Pharaoh. I am the governor over all his house and over all Egypt.”

Joseph said, “Hurry up and go to my father. Tell him his son Joseph sent this message: ‘God made me the governor of Egypt. So come here to me quickly. Don’t wait. You can live near me in the land of Goshen. You, your children, your grandchildren, and all of your animals are welcome here ...’

“Surely you can see that I really am Joseph. Even my brother Benjamin knows it is me, your brother, talking to you ...” Then Joseph hugged his brother Benjamin, and they both began crying. Then Joseph cried as he kissed all his brothers. After this, the brothers began talking with him.

So, Israel began his trip to Egypt. First, he went to Beersheba. There, he worshipped God, the God of his father, Isaac. He offered sacrifices. During the night, God spoke to Israel in a

dream and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” Israel answered, “Here I am.” Then God said, “I am God, the God of your father. Don’t be afraid to go to Egypt. In Egypt, I will make you a great nation. I will go to Egypt with you, and I will bring you out of Egypt again. You will die there, but Joseph will be with you. His own hands will close your eyes when you die.”

So, Israel went to Egypt with all his children and his family.

Joseph learned that his father was coming. So he prepared his chariot and went out to meet his father, Israel, in Goshen. When Joseph saw his father, he hugged his neck and cried for a long time. Then Israel said to Joseph, “Now I can die in peace. I have seen your face, and I know that you are still alive.”2

Psalm 103:8-12

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbour his anger for ever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Promise

“It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened.”

Genesis 50:20

1

Forgiveness is such an integral part of the Bible that echoes throughout – “Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.”1 Forgiveness defines a believer’s life

Jacob prays to God, and God assures him of his care and love. Prayer is just as integral a part of a believer’s life as forgiveness.

Prayer

How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! ... Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life. (Psalm 133, The Message)

The Fall of Jericho

The Fall of Jericho Joshua 6

Jericho is the oldest inhabited city in the world and was, in the time of Joshua, known as an entrenched city with two thick, impenetrable walls; there were houses built on top of the rampart between the two walls.

Lifeline JOSHUA

Age

Early Life and Exodus Numbers 13:16 16-20

Battle with the Amalekites

Exodus 17:9-13 ?

Assistant to Moses

Exodus 24:13, Exodus 33:11 30-40

One of the Twelve Spies Numbers 13-14 56-60

80-85

Crossing the Jordan River

Joshua 3-4

Appointed as Moses’ Successor

Numbers 27:18-23, Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Conquest of Jericho and Ai

Joshua 6-8

Covenant Renewal at Mount Ebal

Joshua 8:30-35

Southern and Northern Campaigns

Joshua 10-11

Division of the Land

Joshua 13-21 85-90

Final Exhortations and Renewal of Covenant

Joshua 23-24 110

Death

Genesis 50 110

Now, the people of Jericho were afraid because the Israelites were near. So, they closed the city gates and guarded them. No one went into the city. And no one came out.

Then, the Lord spoke to Joshua. He said, “Look, I have given you Jericho. March around the city with your army one time every day. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets made from horns of male sheep. Tell them to march in front of the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day march around the city seven times. On that day, tell the priests to blow the trumpets as they march. They will make one long blast on the trumpets. When you hear that sound, have all the people give a loud shout. Then the walls of the city will fall. And the people will go straight into the city.”

So, Joshua called the priests together. He said to them, “Carry the Ark of the Covenant with the Lord. Tell seven priests to carry trumpets and march in front of it.” Then Joshua ordered the people, “Now go! March around the city.”

Then, the seven priests began marching before the Lord. They carried the seven trumpets and blew them as they marched. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant with the Lord followed them. The soldiers with weapons marched in front of the priests. And armed men walked behind the Ark of the Covenant. So Joshua had the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord carried around the city once.

Early the next morning, Joshua got up. And the priests carried the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord again. The seven priests carried the seven trumpets. They marched in front of the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, blowing their trumpets. The soldiers with weapons marched in front of them. Other soldiers walked behind the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. All this time, the priests were blowing their trumpets. So, on the second day, they marched around the city one time. Then they went back to camp. They did this every day for six days.

On the seventh day, they got up at dawn. They marched around the city seven times. They marched just as they had on the days before. But on that day, they marched around the city seven times. The seventh time around, the priests blew their trumpets.

Then Joshua gave the command: “Now, shout! The Lord has given you this city! The city and everything in it are to be destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab and everyone in her house should remain alive. This is because Rahab hid the two spies we sent out. All the silver and gold and things made from bronze and iron belong to the Lord.”

When the priests blew the trumpets, the people shouted. At the sound of the trumpets and the people’s shout, the walls fell. And everyone ran straight into the city. So, the Israelites defeated that city.

Joshua spoke to the two men who had spied out the land. So the two men went into the house and brought out Rahab. They also brought out her father, mother, brothers and all those with her.

Then Israel burned the whole city and everything in it. But they did not burn the things made from silver, gold, bronze and iron. These were saved for the Lord. Joshua saved Rahab, the prostitute, her family and all who were with her. Rahab still lives among the Israelites today.

So, the Lord was with Joshua. And Joshua became famous through all the land.1

Psalm 47:1-8

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.

This is not the last word of heroic Rahab; she becomes the mother of Boaz, who plays a prominent role in the book of Ruth. She is also one of the few women mentioned in Jesus’ family history.

Promise

God kept Joshua’s promise about Rahab; she appears in Jesus’ family history: “Salmon was the father of Boaz. (His mother was Rahab.)”2

Prayer

God, we have heard about You. Our fathers told us what You did in their lifetime. It was not their strong arms that brought them victory. It was Your power. God, You are my King. (Psalm 44:1-3 ERV)

Notes from the artist

Here is another baffling narrative of God’s almighty power and his provision, despite all odds, for those who trustfully obey his Word. The walls of Jericho collapsed to the ground, enabling the Israelites to capture the city after their systematic week-long encirclement. Mercy is shown to the prostitute Rahab, whose life and home are spared as a result of her act of faith, indicated by a red rope which she hung from her residence.

The Birth of John

God breaks 400 years of silence.

The Birth of John

Luke 1:5-25

Malachi was the last prophet through whom God spoke; 400 years of silence fell on the people of God, and then this happened.

Notes from the artist

It’s eight days after the birth of John. John’s elderly father, the priest Zachariah, has been mute since the angelic announcement of Elizabeth’s conception. To the astonishment of the onlookers, Zachariah regains his ability to speak when he writes his son’s name on a tablet: not the name of his namesake, which would be customary, but the name divinely appointed. The viewer’s eye is drawn to an ecstatic Elizabeth, who, after years of barrenness, holds her newborn son on this day of his circumcision. Soon, Zachariah will break into a song of praise to God, with the message being, once again, one of obedience to God and His faithfulness.

Age

Lifeline

JOHN THE BAPTIST

Prophecy of His Birth

Luke 1:11-17 ?

Birth and Naming

Luke 1:57-80 ?

Early Life

Luke 1:80 15-29

Public Ministry

Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, Luke 3:2-6, John 1:23). 30

Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22

Imprisonment

Matthew 14:3-4, Mark 6:17-18, Luke 3:19-20 ?

Questioning of Jesus’ Messiahship

Matthew 11:2-6, Luke 7:18-23 ?

John the Baptist’s Death

Matthew 14:6-12, Mark 6:21-29 ?

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

One day, Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord.”

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realised from his gestures and his silence that he must have

seen a vision in the sanctuary. When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterwards, his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”

When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.

But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise, he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly, Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.

Awe fell upon the whole neighbourhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.

John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.1

Psalm

30:8-12

To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: ‘What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.’ You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.

Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

The first prophet in 400 years has arrived on the scene, but he is only the foretaste of something bigger … the promised Messiah’s arrival is imminent! 1

Promise

The promise of the last words of Malachi (4:5-6) is fulfilled in Luke And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous –to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:17, NIV)

Prayer

Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then, showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace. (Luke 1:78-79, The Message)

Notes from the artist

A rural scene in which the stark humility never ceases to strike the viewer. The stable setting rouses the senses, and one is moved by the realisation that the newborn Christ child, God’s Son, is placed in the care of two teenagers. This scene prepares the reader for Jesus’ contradictory life story, in which his suffering and death unlock ultimate salvation.

The Birth of Jesus

John 1:1-6,9-14, Luke 2:1-20

John presents his narrative of the birth of Jesus as a second Genesis story. For John, this birth starts in heaven: Jesus, the Word, was in the beginning and was God. 1

Age

Early Life of JESUS

Annunciation

Luke 1:26-38 ?

Visit to Elizabeth

Luke 1:39-56 ?

Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-20 ?

40 days

Presentation at the Temple

Luke 2:22-38

Visit of the Magi

Matthew 2:1-12 1-2

Flight to Egypt

Matthew 2:13-23 1-2

Jesus visit His Father’s house

Luke 2:41-50 12

Baptism by John the Baptist

Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22

Temptation in the Wilderness

Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13

First Disciples

John 1:35-51

First Miracle at Cana

John 2:1-11

In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognise him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.1

At that time, the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He travelled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no lodging available for them. That night, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognise him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is

pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.2

Psalm 96:1-6

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendour and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Promise

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, the Lord will still show you this sign: The young woman is pregnant and will give birth to a son. She will name him Immanuel. isaiah 7:14 niV

Prayer

1Luke, begins his birth story on earth in the world of Caesar, who is in control. But Luke wants to say that God makes history in Caesar Augustus’s reign because it is God’s world, not Augustus’ world! Therefore, we know that God is involved in every detail of world history because of how Luke writes about the birth of Jesus!

So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us! Oh yes, He’s our God, and we’re the people He pastures, the flock He feeds. (Psalm 95:6-7, The Message)

Pontius Pilate governer of Judea AD 26-36

Jesus calms the storm

Matthew 8-9

The people will see that Jesus is not only the Messiah in word (Matthew 5–7) but is also the Messiah in deed (Matthew 8–9). Jesus’ miracles demonstrate that the kingdom of God truly has arrived. 1

Early Ministry of JESUS

Age

Beginning of Ministry

Luke 1:26-38

Calling of the First Disciples

Mark 1:16-20, Matthew 4:18-22

Teaching and Healing at Capernaum

Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37

Healing of Peter’s Motherin-law and Others

Mark 1:29-34, Matthew 8:14-17, Luke 4:38-41

Miraculous Catch of Fish

Luke 5:1-11

Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5-7

Cleansing a Leper

Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16

Healing the Paralytic

Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16

Call of Matthew (Levi)

Mark 2:13-17, Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 5:27-32

Teaching in Parables

Mark 4:1-34, Matthew 13:1-53, Luke 8:4-18

Calming the Storm

Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, Luke 8:22-25

Jesus got into a boat, and his followers went with him. After the boat left the shore, a very bad storm began on the lake. The waves covered the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The followers went to him and woke him. They said, “Lord, save us! We will drown!” Jesus answered, “Why are you afraid? You don’t have enough faith.” Then he stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. The wind stopped, and the lake became very calm. The men were amazed. They said, “What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the water obey him!”

Jesus arrived at the other side of the lake in the country of the Gadarene people. There, two men who had demons inside them came to him. They lived in the burial caves and were so dangerous that no one could use the road by those caves. They came to Jesus and shouted, “What do you want with us, Son of God? Did you come here to punish us before the right time?” Near that place, there was a large herd of pigs feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you make us leave these men, please send us into that herd of pigs.” Jesus said to them, “Go!” So, the demons left the men and went into the pigs. Then, the whole herd of pigs ran down the hill into the lake, and all were drowned. The men who had the work of caring for the pigs ran away. They went into town and told the people everything that happened, especially about the men who had the demons. Then, the whole town went out to see Jesus. When the people saw him, they begged him to leave their area.

Jesus got into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town.

At this stage, Capernaum was the centre of his work and was called his hometown.

Some people brought to him a man who was paralysed and was lying on a mat. Jesus saw that these people had much faith. So, he said to the paralysed man, “Young man, you will be glad to hear this. Your sins are forgiven.” Some of the teachers of the law heard what Jesus said. They said to themselves, “What an insult to God for this man to say that!” Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he said, “Why are you thinking such evil thoughts? The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. But how can I prove this to you? Maybe you are thinking it was easy for me to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ There’s no proof that it really happened. But what if I say to the man, ‘Stand up and

walk’? Then you will be able to see that I really have this power.” So Jesus said to the paralysed man, “Stand up. Take your mat and go home.” The man stood up and went home. The people saw this, and they were amazed. They praised God for letting someone have such power.1

Psalm 107:28-31

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Promise

God guards you against every evil; he guards your very life.

Psalm 121:7-8, the messaGe

Prayer

The meaning of this story is not only that Jesus stopped a storm in Galilee, but on a deeper level, it says that wherever Jesus is, the storms of life can become calm and peaceful beyond human explanation.

3 3

What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all. Oh, look – the deep, wide sea, brimming with fish past counting. Ships plow those waters, and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them. The glory of God – let it last forever! (Psalm 104:24-26, 31, The Message)

We must have a clear perspective on what happens in this story and remember that in God’s scale of proportions, nothing is as important as a human soul. The supreme tragedy of this story lies in its conclusion: the demons know Jesus is the Son of God, but the Gadarene people miss this point and dismiss him!

Now, remember that these scribes believed that no one could get up and walk unless his sins were forgiven. Jesus brought forgiveness to a man’s soul and health to a man’s body. Now, this person knew God was his friend.

Notes from the artist

The well-known scene in which Jesus commands the elements: a fishing boat in which Jesus and his disciples find themselves is dwarfed by the mighty ocean. Waves, lightning, and gales threaten to destroy the flimsy vessel. While his frightened disciples are overcome by fear, Jesus stands firm in the centre of the scene, illuminated by the storm. At his command, the surge will soon subside, and calm will prevail, serving as a visual metaphor for the precariousness of our human existence and the refuge we find in God’s authority over all.

Acknowledgments

Abraham is Chosen

1. Genesis 12, Genesis 15 & Genesis 17 (NIRV)

Joseph forgives

1. Colossians 3:13b ERV

2. Genesis 44:32-34, 45:1-15, 46:1-5, 29-30 ERV

The Fall of Jerico

1. Joshua 6 ICB

2. Matthew 1:5 ERV

Birth

of John

1. Luke 1:5-25, 57-66, 80 NLT

The Birth of Jesus

1. John 1:1-6, 9-14 NLT

2. Luke 2:1-20 NLT

Jesus calms the storm

1. Matthew 8:23-9:8 ERV

Scripture quotations marked (MSG) are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Unless otherwise referenced, all the extracts from Psalms are from the NIV. All scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.