Dedicated: to Christ, our risen KING
The Life of Jesus A GRAPHIC NOVEL Published by Scandinavia Publishing House 2016 Scandinavia Publishing House, Drejervej 15,3, DK-2400 Copenhagen, NV, Denmark www.sph.as, info@sph.as Concept by José Pérez Montero Text copyright © Ben Alex Illustrations copyright © José Pérez Montero Layout by Ben Alex Design by Gao Hanyu Printed in China Softcover ISBN: 9788771321616 Hardcover ISBN: 9788771321623 All rights reserved
Jesus The life of
A GRAPHIC NOVEL
CONCEPT AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY José Pérez Montero TEXT BY BEN ALEX
Contents
BIRTH AND BAPTISM THE BIRTHS OF JOHN AND JESUS Luke 1:5-2:20
JESUS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE Luke 2:21-38
THE VISIT OF THE MAGI Matthew 2:1-12
THE ESCAPE TO EGYPT
Matthew 2:13-23
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE Luke 2:41-52
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
MINISTRY 1 2 8 9 10 11
Luke 3:1-22; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:10-11; John 1:19-34 12
TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL
14
Matthew 4:1-25; John 1:35-51; Mark 1:14-20; Luke 5:2-11 15
THE FIRST MIRACLE John 2:1-11
MERCHANTS IN THE TEMPLE John 2:12-25
THE SAMARITAN WOMAN John 4:4-26
NOT ACCEPTED IN HIS HOMETOWN Luke 4:14-30
17 18 19 20
JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY
Luke 4:31-36; 4:38-44; 5:12-16; Luke 5:17-26; 5:2739; John 5:1-18; Matt. 12:1-14; Mark 3:7-12 21
JESUS APPOINTS HIS 12 APOSTLES
Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 9:37-11:1
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Matthew 5:1-7:29
28 29
A SOLDIER’S FAITH
31
THE WOMAN WITH SEVERE BLEEDINGS JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER
Matthew 11:1-24
33
JESUS HEALS TWO BLIND MEN
MIRACLES
35
THE EXECUTION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Luke 7:1-10; 11-17
JOHN THE BAPTIST IN PRISON
JESUS ANOINTED BY A SINFUL WOMAN
Luke 7:36-50; 8:26-39; 11:14-28
JESUS’ POWERS QUESTIONED
Luke 8:26-39; 11:14-28
WEALTH IN THE EYES OF GOD
Luke 11:37-54; 12:13-21
36
JESUS CALMS THE STORM Mark 4:30-41
CASTING OUT MANY EVIL SPIRITS Mark 5:1-20
Matthew 20:29-34
TEACHINGS
49
38
JESUS WALKS ON THE SEA
41 43
46 47
SUPPER FOR FIVE THOUSAND PEOPLE
39
45
Mark 6:14-31; Matthew 14:13
37
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD
Luke 13:6-9; Matthew 13:1-23; 24-30; Matthew 13:44-46; 31-32; 47-50
Mark 5:21-34; 5:35-43
44
Mark 6:30 – 44
Matthew 14:22 – 33
JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE John 6:25 – 59
THE PROBLEM WITH THE OLD THINKING John 6:60 – 69; Mark 7:1–23
A PAGAN WOMAN’S FAITH Mark 7:24-30
50 53 54 55 56
HEALING A DEAF AND MUTE MAN Mark 7:31-37
THE YEAST OF THE PHARISEES Matthew 16:1-12
A BLIND MAN IS HEALED Mark 8:22-26
WHO AM I?
Matthew 16:13-20
JESUS’ TRANSFIGURATION Matthew 17:1-13
JESUS HEALS A BOY FROM AN EVIL SPIRIT Mark 9:14-27; Matthew 14:17-23
THE TEMPLE TAX
Matthew 17:24-27
GREATNESS IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD
57 58 59 60 61 62 63
Matthew 18:1-9, 15-20; Mark 9:33-37
64
RELATIONSHIPS AND FORGIVENESS THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS Matthew 18:21-35
JESUS SENDS OUT THE SEVENTY Luke 10:1-12
TEACHING FROM GOD John 7:1-52
WHO WILL THROW THE FIRST STONE John 8:1-11
THE GOOD SAMARITAN Luke 10:25-37
VISITING MARTHA AND MARY Luke 10:38-42
TEACHING ON PRAYER Luke 11:5-13
HEALING A BLIND ON A SABBATH John 9:1-34
JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD John 9:35-10:21
THE JEWISH LEADERS BEGIN TO OPPOSE JESUS John 10:22-42
LAZARUS IS RAISED FROM THE DEAD John 11:1-44
THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS John 11:45-54
THE NARROW GATE
Luke 13:23-30
THE GREAT FEAST
72 73 74 75 76 77 78
Luke 14:7-24
79
65
DISCIPLESHIP IN ACTION
80
66
Luke 14:25-33
67 68 69 70 71
THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE THE LOST SON WHO RETURNED HOME Luke 15:11-28
THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS Luke 16:19-31
THE COMING OF GOD’S KINGDOM Luke 17:20-37
81 82 84 85
PERSISTENT PRAYER
Luke 18:1-8; Mark 10:1-9
JESUS BLESSES THE CHILDREN Mark 10:13-16
THE RICH YOUNG MAN
Matthew 19:16-30
THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD
Matthew 20:1-16; 17-19; 20-28
JESUS HEALS A BLIND MAN Luke 18:35-43
JESUS VISITS ZACCHAEUS Luke 19:1-11
THE TEN TALENTS
Matthew 25:14-30
JESUS’ WAY TO THE CROSS
John 12:1-11; Matthew 21:8-11
JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM
Luke 19: 39-44; Mark 11:8-11; John 12:12-19
JESUS CLEARS THE TEMPLE
Matthew 21:12-16; Mark 11:17-18
JESUS AFFIRMS HIS AUTHORITY Matthew 21:23-46
86 87 88 89 90
THE WEDDING BANQUET
Matthew 21:33-46; 22:1-14
THE JEWISH LEADERS TRY TO TRICK JESUS Mark 12:13-37; Matthew 23:1-13
WOE TO THE PHARISEES
Matthew 23:15-39
A WIDOW’S OFFERING Mark 12:41-44
THE PRICE OF TRUE LOVE JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT HIS DEATH
91
John 12:20-36
JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT THE FUTURE 91
John 12:37-50; Luke 21:5-19; 21:20-36
THE TEN MAIDENS 92
Matthew 25:1-13
SHEEP AND GOATS 93
Matthew 25:31-46
PLANS TO KILL JESUS 94
Luke 22:1-6; Mark 14:12-16
THE ONE WHO SERVES 95
Luke 22:14-15; 22-30; John 13:1-19
JUDAS BETRAYS JESUS John 13:21-30
96 97 99 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107
THE LAST SUPPER
Mark 14:22-31; Luke 22:19-20; Matthew 26:26-35 108
JESUS PROMISES TO SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT John 14:1-31
109
JESUS IS THE TRUE VINE
John 15:1-12; 17:1-26
JESUS PRAYS IN GETHSEMANE
Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:32-41
110 111
JESUS IS ARRESTED
Matthew 26:47-58; Luke 22:47-54; John 18:2-13 112
DEATH AND RESURRECTION PETER DENIES THAT HE KNOWS JESUS Mark 14:66-72
JESUS BEFORE ANNAS Mark 14:55-65
JESUS BEFORE CAIAPHAS
John 18:12-14, 19-24; Luke 23:1-3
JESUS BEFORE PILATE
Luke 23:1-7; John 18:33-37
JESUS BEFORE KING HEROD Luke 23:6-12
FROM HEROD TO PILATE Luke 23:13-17
BARABBAS GOES FREE
Matthew 27:13-23
NOT GUILTY AND GUILTY
Matthew 27:24-26, 3-10
JUDAS HANGS HIMSELF
Matthew 27:3-10; 27-31
ATTEMPT TO RELEASE JESUS John 19:1-16
THE WAY TO CALVARY
John 19:17; Luke 23:26-32
JESUS IS CRUCIFIED
114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125
Matthew 27:32-38; Luke 23:39-43; John 19:25-30; Mark 15:34-36 126
JESUS DIES
Luke 23:46; Mark 15:37-38; John 20:30; Matthew 27:50-53 127
JESUS IS BURIED
Matthew 27:57-66; Luke 23:55-56; John 19:41-42 129
THE EMPTY TOMB
Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16: 1-11
THE RISEN CHRIST
John 20:3-17; Matthew 28:11-15
ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS Luke 24:13-35
JESUS APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES
John 20:19-23; Luke 24:36-49
A GREAT CATCH
John 21:1-14
JESUS IS TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN
Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-26
130 131 132 133 134 136
Birth and Baptism
This is the story of Jesus’ birth and early ministry. Jesus was the son of God and savior of the world. He was the greatest person who ever lived on this earth -- and He was born in Israel, the land of the Jews, which was only a minor province in the mighty Roman empire ruled by Caesar Augustus. King Herod the Great was king of Israel, but most Jews didn’t like him because of his cruelty and collaboration with the Romans. They were waiting for a righteous king who would free them from the Romans... In Israel lived a certain priest, Zechariah, who was married to a woman named Elizabeth. They had no children, and this was a great sorrow to them in their old age.
Zechariah, do not be afraid! God has heard your prayers. Elizabeth will give birth to a son.
One day something unusual happened. Zechariah was on temple duty when suddenly an angel appeared.
Elizabeth is too old for that. How will this be?
His name will be John. he will be filled with the holy spirit and be a blessing to you as well as your people.
Because of your doubt, you will not be able to speak until your son is born.
Look! Zechariah is making signs. What is he saying?
later Zechariah returned to his home...
Zechariah, I think I’m pregnant! Maybe God has finally heard our prayers!
Six months later the archangel Gabriel appeared to a relative of Elizabeth, a young woman named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a young man in the town of Nazareth in Galilee.
Hello Mary, do not be afraid. God has chosen you.
What for?
You are going to be the mother of Jesus, son of the most High God. What does this mean? I don’t understand.
2
THE BIRTHS OF JOHN AND JESUS Luke 1:5-2:20
Jesus will be the king everyone has been waiting for. You will give birth to him.
But how? I have no husband yet. I’m a virgin.
Nothing is impossible for God. The Holy Spirit will come upon you.
One more thing. Your relative Elizabeth is also having a son. She is already six months pregnant.
Mary knew well that any young girl getting pregnant outside of marriage would be in serious trouble. And what would Her fiance Joseph say when she told him she was with child?
Elizabeth would understand! Mary could hardly wait to tell her the news. she rode all the way from Nazareth to Mary! Elizabeth’s home in Judea. Elizabeth!
May it happen according to your word.
Then the angel disappeared. The baby in my womb leaped for joy at the sound of your voice!
Mary told Elizabeth what had happened. Elizabeth, I’m so happy that the Lord has chosen me to carry his son. But I’m also scared.
Dance, mary, dance! The Lord has been good to both of us.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. Elizabeth gave birth to a healthy boy. all her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her. When the boy was 8 days old, he was to be circumcised and named. Shouldn’t he be named after his father Zechariah?
Zechariah wrote On a tablet: His name is John!
Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened so he could speak.
What does his father think? Praise the Lord, for he has visited and saved his people so we can be a holy nation and serve him !
I think he should be called John.
John grew up to become a man of spiritual strength. He lived in the desert until the day he would appear publicly to the people of Israel.
3
Mary left Elizabeth and Zechariah and went home to Nazareth.
Hello Joseph!
Welcome home! How was it? How’s Elizabeth?
How can I explain this to him?
Joseph, there’s something I must tell you...
What?
Fine! She gave birth to a beautiful boy.
Wonderful, although she seems too old for that.
You also know how the prophets have foretold that Messiah would be born of King David’s lineage, right?
Joseph, your family descends from the house of King David, right?
Joseph, I am going to be his mother. I am 3 months pregnant!
Yeeees... yes, So?
How could you do this to me?
Joseph, Come back please! I promise you, this is God’s will. An angel told me God has chosen us to be his parents.
Joseph was confused. Then...
4
Joseph, Joseph! Don’t worry, Mary is right. You can Marry her for The baby is conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Then one night...
I can’t marry Mary now. But I love her, and I don’t want to expose her to public disgrace. What shall I do?
I must break the engagement.
An angel from God!
Mary! Joseph!
then the happy parents-to-be were married.
Listen, people of Nazareth! This is a decree from emperor augustus in Rome...
Oh, I’m so happy. Praise God!
Mary, I’m sorry! The angel of God told me everything. Will you marry me?
Months went by. Life in the small town of Nazareth went on as usual. Joseph was busy in his workshop, and Mary was counting the days until giving birth. Then one day a roman official arrived in town...
Ceasar wanted a counting of all the people in his empire. The DESCENDENTS OF KING DAVID would have to go to Bethlehem in Judea to register.
What’s that?
Soon they were on their way...
This is a long trip, Mary. Think you can make it?
Many other travelers were on their way to bethlehem.
Look, Jerusalem! Bethlehem can’t be far away.
At last they arrived in Bethlehem. But The nights were cold, and they needed a place to sleep.
5
Joseph, I think it’s time for the baby to be born.
There were many people in town. Joseph went from place to place... Sorry, no vacancy.
Mary was in labour. Joseph was getting desperate... I know someone who might be able to help you.
OK, You may stay in my stable for the night.
This way! Joseph, It’s now!
Right there, in a stable in Bethlehem, the savior of the world was born.
6
May God help you!
Mary and Joseph looked at the baby and couldn’t quite understand they were holding the messiah in their arms. Mary wondered what his life would be like. How would he save their people and bring light to the world? Joseph, I’m so happy... and a bit worried too.
in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were watching their sheep when an angel appeared... A savior has been born in Bethlehem. He is Messiah, the lord!
Glory to God, and peace on earth to those who love him!
Come, let’s go to Bethlehem and see what has happened!
This must be the child the angels told us about!
Maybe God has finally heard the prayers of his people and sent a savior to us!
Then the shepherds left the stable.
7
When Jesus had been circumcised and named, Joseph and Mary took him to the temple in Jerusalem to make a special offering to God--a pair of turtledoves and two young pigeons. His name is Jesus, which means ‘God saves.’
An old man of God named Simeon came up to Mary and Joseph... Can I hold him? God told me I wouldn’t die until I had seen the savior.
God, now let your servant die in peace for I have seen the savior with my own eyes.
This child will be a light to the people of Israel and all the world!
In the temple was also an old woman named Anna. She never left the temple but was fasting and praying day and night, and she always talked to people about the coming savior.
This child will rescue Jerusalem!
8
JESUS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE Luke 2:21-38
His life will bring you pain. for although many will rejoice because of him, others will hate him when he reveals their innermost thoughts.
Far away in the East lived three wise men called the Magi. in the sky, they noticed an unusually bright star. They knew the star signified an important event, so they followed the star and finally arrived in Jerusalem.
We have seen the star of the future king of the Jews. Where can we find him?
When Herod heard about a new king, he got upset and summoned the chief priests and wise men to his court. he asked them where this king was supposed to be born according to the scriptures. They told Him:
“Out of You, Bethlehem in Judea, will come a ruler and shepherd of my people Israel!” Now Herod was really worried. He secretly called the Magi... when you find this king, let me know where he is. I want to worship him too!
The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem!
This was a lie. Herod had other plans. I must kill him.
The Magi left and came to the place where the baby was... ...and they worshiped him and offered him expensive gifts. Then they returned to their country without telling Herod where they had found him..
Mary, I’m sure God will protect us.
THE VISIT OF THE MAGI Matthew 2:1-12
9
That night Joseph had a dream. In the dream an angel said to him: Joseph, wake up! Herod wants to kill the child. you must Flee to Egypt.
When the sun came up, they were on their way to Egypt. Mary, get up! the angel told us to leave.
Go from house to house and kill every boy under two years old!
When Herod realized he had been outwitted by the magi, he was furious.
In the meantime Jesus and his parents had arrived safely in Egypt.
The soldiers carried out the king’s orders... Sir, every boy under two is dead.
They stayed there for over a year...
I really look forward to be home.
...until the angel told them to go home.
Herod died and was succeeded by his son who was even worse than his father. I am the greatest king ever in Israel. Write it down!
After their long journey...
Back in Nazareth, not far from the king’s palace, Joseph’s family was received with joy.
Welcome home!
Jesus grew up and helped Joseph in his workshop. He was growing up to become a mature young man, full of wisdom and pleasant to be with.
10
THE ESCAPE TO EGYPT Matthew 2:13-23
It was our ancestor King Solomon who first built the Temple
Every year Jesus’ parents used to go to Jerusalem for the passover festival. This was an important religious event. When Jesus was twelwe years old, he went with them to the festival.
On their way home Mary couldn’t find Jesus. I wonder where the boy is.
Probably with Joseph.
then They went back to Jerusalem to search for him there.
Joseph, is Jesus with your group?
For three days they were searching for Jesus. We have looked all over town.
Have you seen our son Jesus?
No, we haven’t.
No, I thought he was with you!
There he is--inside the temple!
He’s talking with the religious teachers!
We have looked all over for you! Why did you do this to us?
You didn’t need to look for me. You should have known I must be in my father’s house. At that time they didn’t know what Jesus meant. But Mary stored all these things in her heart. After this Jesus returned with them to nazareth, and he continued to grow in wisdom. God was pleased with him, and so were the people around him.
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE Luke 2:41-52
11
When Jesus was thirty years old, his cousin John started to preach on the banks of the Jordan river. John urged people to change their hearts, return to God, and have their sins forgiven. As The prophet ISAIAH Had said long ago, “Someone is shouting in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord!”
Repent, You Hypocrites! You think you’re safe because you’re jews.
Back in Nazareth Jesus had taken over Joseph’s cabinetmaker business.
Everyone talks about John. He’s preaching that the kingdom of God is near.
This was exciting news. For although the rabbis had spoken about the coming kingdom for centuries, no one had dared talk about it like John.
At the Jordan river, John was baptizing people.
Mother, I must go and see John. I’ll be back.
Change your hearts! And prove this change in your lives! The axe of judgment is ready to cut down the trees that don’t produce fruit.
What should we do? Share what you have with those who don’t have! Don’t cheat people!
Be happy with your pay, and don’t force people by making false accusations!
Are you the Messiah?
What about us? I baptize you with water, but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am. He will baptize you with the holy spirit.
12
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS Luke 3:1-22; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:10-11; John 1:19-34
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