Gospel Harmony

John opens his Gospel with a theological prologue declaring that the Word (Logos) was with God and was God, and became flesh to dwell among humanity.

Matthew traces Jesus's lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph, organized in three sets of fourteen generations.

Luke traces Jesus's lineage in reverse from Joseph back through David and Abraham all the way to Adam, the son of God.

The angel Gabriel appears to the priest Zechariah in the temple, announcing that his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord.

Gabriel visits the virgin Mary in Nazareth, announcing she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a son named Jesus, the Son of the Most High.

Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John. Elizabeth's baby leaps in her womb, and Mary sings the Magnificat.

Elizabeth gives birth to John. Zechariah's speech is restored when he confirms the child's name, and he prophesies in the Benedictus.

An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is born in Bethlehem during a Roman census. Mary wraps him in swaddling cloths and lays him in a manger because there is no room at the inn.

Angels announce the birth to shepherds in nearby fields. They hurry to Bethlehem, find the baby in a manger, and spread word of what they have seen.

Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day and presented in the temple. Simeon and Anna prophesy over the child.

Wise men from the East follow a star to Bethlehem and present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned in a dream, they avoid returning to Herod.

An angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and the child. Herod orders the massacre of infant boys in Bethlehem. After Herod's death the family returns to Nazareth.

At age twelve Jesus stays behind in the temple, astounding teachers with his understanding. He tells his parents he must be in his Father's house.

John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes in the Jordan, preparing the way for the Messiah. He warns of coming judgment and points to one mightier than himself.

Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan. The heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares Jesus to be the beloved Son.

After forty days of fasting, Jesus is tempted three times by the devil and overcomes each temptation with Scripture.

Two of John's disciples (Andrew and likely the beloved disciple) follow Jesus. Andrew brings Peter; Philip and Nathanael are also called. Jesus promises Nathanael he will see greater things.

At a wedding feast, Jesus turns water into wine at his mother's prompting. John calls this the first of Jesus's signs, revealing his glory.

During Passover, Jesus drives out merchants and money-changers from the temple, declaring it his Father's house. He speaks of destroying and raising the temple in three days.

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, comes to Jesus at night. Jesus teaches about being born again and God's love for the world (John 3:16).

John the Baptist affirms that Jesus must increase while he must decrease, testifying that the Father has given all things into the Son's hands.

Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well about living water and true worship. Many Samaritans believe because of her testimony and his teaching.

A royal official from Capernaum begs Jesus to heal his dying son. Jesus declares the boy will live, and the official finds his son healed at the very hour Jesus spoke.

In the Nazareth synagogue, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 and declares the prophecy fulfilled. The townspeople are enraged and attempt to throw him off a cliff.

After John's arrest, Jesus relocates to Capernaum in Galilee and begins proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand.

Jesus heals a man who has been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, provoking controversy with Jewish leaders.

After the Bethesda healing, Jesus defends his Sabbath work by claiming equality with the Father, discussing judgment, resurrection, and the witness of Scripture.

Herod Antipas imprisons John the Baptist for criticizing his marriage to Herodias. This event marks the transition from John's ministry to Jesus's Galilean work.

The disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath. When Pharisees object, Jesus cites David's example and declares that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.

Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John from their fishing nets to become fishers of men. They immediately leave everything to follow him.

In the Capernaum synagogue, Jesus commands an unclean spirit to come out of a man, demonstrating his authority over demons and amazing the crowd.

Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law of a fever. She immediately gets up and begins to serve them.

At sunset, crowds bring the sick and demon-possessed. Jesus heals many and casts out demons, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about bearing infirmities.

Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the kingdom, and healing diseases. His fame spreads across the region.

A leper kneels before Jesus and says "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus touches him and heals him instantly, instructing him to show himself to the priest.

Friends lower a paralyzed man through the roof. Jesus first forgives his sins, provoking scribes, then heals him to demonstrate the Son of Man's authority to forgive.

Jesus calls the tax collector Levi (Matthew) to follow him. At the subsequent banquet, Jesus defends eating with sinners: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

When asked why his disciples do not fast, Jesus uses the imagery of the bridegroom, new wine, and new wineskins to explain that a new era has arrived.

Jesus heals a man's withered hand on the Sabbath in a synagogue, asking whether it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. The Pharisees begin plotting against him.

Great crowds from Galilee, Judea, and beyond follow Jesus. He heals many and commands unclean spirits not to reveal his identity.

After a night of prayer, Jesus selects twelve from his disciples to be apostles, giving them authority to preach and cast out demons.

Jesus pronounces blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers, and others. Luke includes corresponding woes.

Jesus teaches about salt and light, fulfillment of the Law, anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies, calling his followers to a higher righteousness.

Jesus teaches about practicing piety in secret, gives the Lord's Prayer, and instructs not to worry about material needs but to seek first the kingdom of God.

Jesus warns against judging others, encourages persistent prayer, describes the narrow gate, warns of false prophets, and concludes with the parable of wise and foolish builders.

A Roman centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, saying he has not found such faith in all Israel, and heals the servant at a distance.

Jesus encounters a funeral procession for a widow's only son. Moved with compassion, he touches the bier and raises the young man to life.

From prison, John sends disciples to ask if Jesus is the Coming One. Jesus points to the evidence of his miracles and pronounces John the greatest born of women.

Jesus pronounces woe on Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for failing to repent despite witnessing his miracles, then invites the weary to come to him for rest.

At a Pharisee's dinner, a sinful woman washes Jesus's feet with tears and anoints them with perfume. Jesus forgives her sins and teaches about the connection between forgiveness and love.

Luke names women who traveled with Jesus and supported his ministry from their own means, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna.

After Jesus casts out a demon, Pharisees accuse him of acting by Beelzebul. Jesus warns that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

When told his mother and brothers are looking for him, Jesus declares that whoever does the will of God is his brother, sister, and mother.

Jesus tells the parable of a sower whose seed falls on four types of soil, then privately explains it as an allegory of how people receive the word of God.

Jesus tells of an enemy sowing weeds among wheat. The owner lets both grow until harvest to avoid uprooting the good with the bad.

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which grows into a large plant where birds find shelter.

The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman mixes into flour until the whole batch is leavened.

Jesus likens the kingdom to a treasure hidden in a field, a pearl of great price, and a net catching every kind of fish, illustrating the surpassing value of the kingdom and final judgment.

A violent storm arises while Jesus sleeps in the boat. Awakened by his terrified disciples, he rebukes the wind and waves, and there is a great calm.

Jesus casts a legion of demons out of a man (or two men in Matthew) living among tombs. The demons enter a herd of pigs that rush into the sea.

While Jesus goes to heal Jairus's dying daughter, a woman who has bled for twelve years touches his garment and is healed. Jesus then raises Jairus's daughter from death.

Two blind men follow Jesus crying for mercy and are healed according to their faith. A mute demoniac is freed, amazing the crowds while Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the ruler of demons.

Jesus teaches in the Nazareth synagogue but is rejected by those who know him as a carpenter's son. He marvels at their unbelief and does few miracles there.

Jesus sends the twelve apostles out in pairs with authority over unclean spirits, instructing them to preach the kingdom, heal the sick, and travel light.

Herod Antipas beheads John the Baptist after Herodias's daughter dances at his birthday feast and requests John's head on a platter.

Jesus feeds five thousand men (plus women and children) with five loaves and two fish. Twelve baskets of leftovers are collected.

Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee toward the disciples' boat in a storm. In Matthew, Peter also walks on the water briefly before sinking.

Jesus declares "I am the bread of life." Many disciples are offended by his teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, and many turn away. Peter affirms, "You have the words of eternal life."

Pharisees criticize the disciples for eating with unwashed hands. Jesus rebukes their tradition for nullifying God's command and teaches that defilement comes from the heart, not from food.

A Gentile woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon persists in asking Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus commends her faith and heals the child at a distance.

In the Decapolis, Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment by putting his fingers in the man's ears, spitting, and saying "Ephphatha" (Be opened).

Jesus feeds four thousand men (plus women and children) with seven loaves and a few small fish. Seven baskets of leftovers are collected.

Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from heaven. Jesus says no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.

Jesus warns the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They mistakenly think he is talking about bread, and he reminds them of the feeding miracles.

Jesus heals a blind man in two stages: first the man sees people like trees walking, then Jesus touches his eyes again and his sight is fully restored.

Jesus asks who the disciples say he is. Peter confesses "You are the Christ" (Mark/Luke) or "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew).

Jesus tells the disciples he must suffer, be rejected by the elders and chief priests, be killed, and rise on the third day. Peter rebukes him and is himself rebuked: "Get behind me, Satan."

On a high mountain, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His face shines and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, and a voice from a cloud declares Jesus the beloved Son.

A father brings his demon-possessed son whom the disciples could not heal. Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit and heals the boy, teaching that this kind requires prayer.

Jesus again predicts his betrayal, death, and resurrection on the third day. The disciples are deeply grieved but afraid to ask him about it.

When asked about the temple tax, Jesus sends Peter to catch a fish with a coin in its mouth to pay the tax for both of them.

The disciples argue about who is greatest. Jesus sets a child among them and teaches that whoever humbles himself like a child is greatest in the kingdom.

Jesus teaches about causing little ones to sin, the parable of the lost sheep, confronting a sinful brother, and the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35).

Jesus warns potential followers about the cost of discipleship: "Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."

In response to "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus tells of a Samaritan who helps a beaten traveler ignored by a priest and Levite, teaching that love knows no ethnic boundaries.

Martha is busy with preparations while Mary sits at Jesus's feet listening. Jesus says Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken from her.

A disciple asks Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus gives a shorter version of the Lord's Prayer and teaches persistence in prayer with the parable of the friend at midnight.

Jesus sends seventy-two disciples ahead of him in pairs to every town he intends to visit, giving them authority and instructions similar to those given to the Twelve.

A man asks Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute. Jesus warns against greed and tells of a rich man who builds bigger barns but dies that very night.

Jesus goes secretly to the Feast of Tabernacles, then teaches publicly. He declares "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." Division arises and the authorities fail to arrest him.

Scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery, testing Jesus. He says "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." All accusers leave, and Jesus does not condemn her.

Jesus declares "I am the light of the world" and engages in a heated debate with Jewish leaders about his identity, Abraham, and his pre-existence: "Before Abraham was, I am."

Jesus heals a man blind from birth by making mud with saliva and sending him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The Pharisees investigate and expel the man, who then worships Jesus.

Jesus declares "I am the good shepherd" who lays down his life for the sheep. He contrasts himself with hired hands and speaks of having other sheep not of this fold.

At Hanukkah, Jesus claims "I and the Father are one." The Jews try to stone him for blasphemy. Jesus withdraws beyond the Jordan.

Jesus tells of a younger son who squanders his inheritance and returns home. The father welcomes him with a feast, but the older brother is resentful, illustrating God's joy over repentant sinners.

In response to criticism for eating with sinners, Jesus tells the parables of a shepherd seeking one lost sheep and a woman searching for one lost coin, illustrating heaven's joy over one sinner who repents.

Jesus tells of a rich man who feasts daily while the beggar Lazarus lies at his gate. After death, their fortunes are reversed. Abraham tells the rich man that even someone rising from the dead would not persuade the unbelieving.

Jesus tells of a dishonest manager who shrewdly reduces debts to make friends before being fired, teaching the importance of using worldly wealth wisely for eternal purposes.

Pharisees test Jesus about divorce. He appeals to creation: "What God has joined together, let no one separate." Matthew includes the exception clause for sexual immorality.

When disciples try to turn children away, Jesus rebukes them: "Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

A wealthy young man asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell everything and follow him, but the man goes away sad. Jesus says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

A landowner hires workers at different hours but pays them all the same wage. Those hired first grumble, but the owner replies, "Am I not allowed to be generous?"

Jesus gives his most detailed prediction of his passion: he will be handed to the Gentiles, mocked, flogged, and crucified, and on the third day he will rise.

James and John (or their mother in Matthew) ask to sit at Jesus's right and left in his glory. Jesus teaches that greatness comes through service: "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve."

Jesus arrives four days after Lazarus's death. He declares "I am the resurrection and the life," weeps at the tomb, and then commands Lazarus to come out. Lazarus emerges, still wrapped in burial cloths.

After the raising of Lazarus, the chief priests and Pharisees convene the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas prophesies that it is better for one man to die for the people. They begin planning Jesus's death.

Blind Bartimaeus cries out "Son of David, have mercy on me!" despite the crowd telling him to be quiet. Jesus heals him, saying his faith has made him well.

The wealthy chief tax collector Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus. Jesus calls him down and dines at his house. Zacchaeus pledges to give half his goods to the poor.

A nobleman gives ten servants a mina each to invest while he is away. On return he rewards the faithful and punishes the unfaithful, teaching about readiness for the kingdom.

Two men pray in the temple: a Pharisee boasts of his righteousness, while a tax collector humbly asks for mercy. Jesus says the tax collector went home justified.

Jesus tells of a widow who persistently petitions an unjust judge until he grants her justice, teaching that God will surely vindicate his elect who cry to him.

Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks. Jesus notes that the foreigner alone showed gratitude.

Asked by Pharisees when the kingdom will come, Jesus says it does not come with observable signs. He warns the disciples about the sudden coming of the Son of Man, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot.

Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds wave palm branches and shout "Hosanna!" fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy of a king coming on a donkey.

Jesus curses a fig tree for having no fruit. It withers, and Jesus uses it to teach about faith and prayer.

Jesus drives out merchants from the temple, overturning tables and declaring, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers."

Chief priests and elders challenge by what authority Jesus acts. He counters by asking whether John's baptism was from heaven or from men, silencing them.

One son says he will work in the vineyard but does not; the other refuses but later goes. Tax collectors and prostitutes enter the kingdom ahead of the religious leaders who refuse to repent.

Tenants of a vineyard beat and kill the owner's servants and finally his son. The owner will destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. The religious leaders realize Jesus is speaking against them.

A king prepares a wedding feast, but invited guests refuse to come. He invites everyone from the streets. One guest without proper attire is cast out. "Many are called, but few are chosen."

Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. He asks for a coin and replies, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, pose a trick question about a woman married to seven brothers. Jesus corrects them: in the resurrection people are like angels, and God is the God of the living.

A scribe asks which commandment is greatest. Jesus answers: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two.

Jesus asks the Pharisees how the Messiah can be David's son when David calls him "Lord" in Psalm 110:1. No one can answer, and they stop questioning him.

Jesus pronounces seven woes on the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, calling them blind guides and whitewashed tombs. He laments over Jerusalem.

Jesus observes a poor widow putting two small coins into the temple treasury. He declares she has given more than all the others, because she gave out of her poverty.

Greek pilgrims wish to see Jesus. He speaks of his approaching death as a grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die to bear fruit, and a voice from heaven affirms him.

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple, false messiahs, wars, tribulation, and the coming of the Son of Man on the clouds with great glory.

No one knows the day or hour, not even the Son. Jesus urges watchfulness using the analogy of a thief in the night and a faithful versus unfaithful servant.

Five wise virgins bring extra oil for their lamps and enter the wedding feast; five foolish virgins run out and are shut out. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

A master entrusts talents to three servants. Two double their talents and are rewarded; one buries his and is cast out. Faithfulness with what is given determines reward.

The Son of Man separates the nations as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited prisoners are welcomed into the kingdom.

A woman (identified as Mary of Bethany in John) anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. Some protest the waste, but Jesus says she has prepared his body for burial.

Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew). He watches for an opportunity.

Jesus sends disciples to prepare the Passover meal, telling them to follow a man carrying a water jar to a furnished upper room.

Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples, institutes the Lord's Supper with bread and wine, predicts his betrayal, and identifies the betrayer.

Jesus removes his outer garment and washes the disciples' feet as an example of servant leadership. Peter first refuses, then asks to be washed entirely.

Jesus gives his longest teaching: the new commandment to love, the promise of the Holy Spirit (Paraclete), the vine and branches, the world's hatred, and the assurance of his return. "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples, and for all future believers, asking that they may be one as he and the Father are one, and that they may behold his glory.

Jesus prays in anguish, asking the Father to remove the cup if possible, yet submitting to the Father's will. The disciples fall asleep three times.

Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. Peter cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus is arrested and the disciples flee.

Jesus is tried before the Jewish council. False witnesses testify against him. The high priest asks if he is the Christ. Jesus affirms it, and they condemn him as deserving death.

Peter denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows, just as Jesus predicted. Peter goes out and weeps bitterly.

Judas, seized with remorse, returns the thirty silver coins and hangs himself. The priests use the money to buy the potter's field.

Pilate interrogates Jesus, finds no basis for charges, and offers to release him. The crowd demands Barabbas instead. Pilate has Jesus flogged and hands him over for crucifixion.

Jesus is crucified at Golgotha between two criminals. He is mocked, offered sour wine, and darkness covers the land. Jesus cries out and dies. The temple curtain is torn in two.

Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus and lays it in a new tomb hewn from rock. A stone is rolled across the entrance.

Chief priests and Pharisees ask Pilate to secure the tomb, remembering Jesus's prediction of rising on the third day. A guard is posted and the stone is sealed.

Women arrive at the tomb early on Sunday and find the stone rolled away. An angel (or angels) announces that Jesus has risen. The women report to the disciples.

The guards report to the chief priests, who bribe them to say the disciples stole the body while they slept. Matthew notes this story was circulated among the Jews.

Mary Magdalene weeps at the tomb and encounters the risen Jesus, whom she initially mistakes for the gardener. He calls her by name, and she recognizes him. He tells her not to cling to him but to go to the disciples.

The risen Jesus meets the women as they leave the tomb. They clasp his feet and worship him. He tells them to go and tell his brothers to meet him in Galilee.

Two disciples walk to Emmaus and are joined by the risen Jesus, whom they do not recognize. He explains the Scriptures concerning himself. They recognize him in the breaking of bread, and he vanishes.

On Easter evening, Jesus appears to the disciples behind locked doors, shows his hands and side, breathes on them, and says "Receive the Holy Spirit." Thomas is absent.

A week later Jesus appears again. Thomas, who had doubted, touches Jesus's wounds and exclaims "My Lord and my God!" Jesus says blessed are those who believe without seeing.

Seven disciples go fishing and catch nothing all night. Jesus, standing on the shore, directs them to cast on the right side. They haul in 153 fish and share breakfast with Jesus.

Jesus asks Peter three times "Do you love me?", mirroring his three denials. He commissions Peter to "Feed my sheep" and predicts Peter's martyrdom.

The eleven disciples go to a mountain in Galilee where Jesus had directed them. When they see him, they worship, though some doubt.

Jesus declares that all authority has been given to him and commissions the disciples: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them. I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Jesus opens the disciples' minds to understand the Scriptures, commissions them as witnesses, and tells them to wait in Jerusalem until they are clothed with power from on high.

Jesus leads the disciples out to Bethany, blesses them, and is taken up into heaven. The disciples worship him and return to Jerusalem with great joy.

John explains that Jesus did many other signs not written in this book, but these are recorded so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in his name.

Paul records in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that the risen Jesus appeared to more than five hundred believers at once. This event is not narrated in the Gospels but is part of the traditional resurrection appearances.