Bible Question:
Where can I go to find out about Jesus' healings and teachings?
Bible Answer:
While history books, encyclopedias, and websites contain information about Jesus Christ, it is important to know that they obtained their information about the life of Jesus Christ from the four gospels in the New Testament. These four books are called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Near the end of the gospel of John, we are told why they were written,
. . . these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31 (NASB)
In the introduction to the gospel of Luke, the author said this to the man who wanted more about Jesus Christ,
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4 (NASB)
How to study the Life of Christ
Each gospel book was called a memoir of one of Christ’s disciples or apostles because they contain the eyewitness accounts of the events that occurred during the life of Christ. Statements from Roman officials and historians exist about the life of Christ. These statements indicate that Jesus did perform miracles, was crucified, died, and a few indicate that Jesus was resurrected. These valuable statements affirm that Christ existed and the biographies of the Christ that are given in the four gospels.
One of the best commentaries available today on the four gospels are from the MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series. The author is John MacArthur.
• Matthew (4 vols) — by John MacArthur
• Mark (2 vols) — by John MacArthur
• Luke (4 vols) — by John MacArthur
• John (2 vols) — by John MacArthur
For a study of the life of Christ in chronological order, we recommend the Life of Christ study series. available here at NeverThirsty. Charts, maps, and photographs from Israel are provided as resources in the series. As you study the series, you are encouraged to ask questions. The following books are also recommended:
• The Life and Times of Jesus The Messiah – by Alfred Edersheim
• The Chronological Life of Christ — by Mark E. Moore
Some highly recommended books on the life of Christ that will help guide a person in their study of the four gospels are as follows:
• A Simplified Harmony of the Life of Christ — by George W. Knight
• One Perfect Life — by John MacArthur
• The Crises of the Christ — by G. Campbell Morgan
• Miracles and Parables of Our Lord (3 vol) by C. H. Spurgeon
For those who desire a study aid as they read about the life of Christ the following books are recommended:
• The Life and Times of Jesus The Messiah – by Alfred Edersheim
• The Crises of the Christ — by G. Campbell Morgan
• Guide to the Gospels — by Scroggie W. Graham
There are also many great books which have been written about these four gospels which describe and explain Jesus’ teachings and miracles. Here are some key books that I would recommend:
• All The Miracles of the Bible by Herbert Lockyer.
• All The Parables of the Bible by Herbert Lockyer
• All The Teachings of Jesus by Herbert Lockyer
Conclusion:
May the Lord bless you as you seek to know Jesus and His love! The study God’s Great Passion Is That We Know Him reveals what God desires from every believer. It is a highly recommended study.