Childrens Bible Stories

2 Kings 22–23

“My people have Pagan icons
forgotten God’s Law!” The reigns of Josiah’s
father and grandfather had
obeyed the words of this book,” Josiah listened in silence and gave their pledge. led to the worship of pagan
said. “They have not acted in accordance After this, Josiah ordered a purge of gods such as Ashtoreth
with all that is written there concerning us.” (also known as “Astarte”).
the pagan gods and the priests who bowed
Shaphan and Hilkiah went to consult down before them. All the trappings of Ashtoreth was the
a prophetess named Huldah. She was worship were to go. The statues and altars Canaanite goddess of love
married to the wardrobe keeper in were to be removed from the Temple and and fertility, and her partner
the Temple and lived in a new part of then destroyed and burnt. Sacred stones was the weather god Baal.
Jerusalem. She told them that the Lord and shrines to the false gods were to be Josiah felt so angry at the
was going to bring disaster on the people smashed, ground up into fine powder, and worship of pagan gods like
of Judah because they had worshipped so scattered over the land. And the altar in
many different gods. But King Josiah would the Valley of Ben Hinnom, where so many these that he tore apart
be spared because he was a good man and sons and daughters had been sacrificed in an altar dedicated
had humbled himself in front of the Lord. the flames by their parents, was to Ashtoreth.
to be reduced to dust.
When King Josiah heard this, he called Then, when the whole
everyone together in the Temple—the of the country had
elders and the priests, the prophets, and been cleansed, Josiah
all the people of Jerusalem. He stood commanded his people
by the great pillar, solemnly unrolled the to celebrate the festival
parchment scroll of the law, and read it to of Passover, which
them, every word. And then, in the presence commemorated the
of the Lord, he renewed the covenant that Israelites’ escape
had been made long ago by the people from Egypt.
of Israel to follow the Lord and to keep
His commands and decrees. The people Ashtoreth
Dating back to about 1500 bce, this

gold pendant depicts the goddess
Ashtoreth (meaning “womb”).

Understanding the story

Josiah is mentioned in the Book of Kings as being Judah’s best king.
He wants to make up for the past mistakes of his father and grandfather,
and save Judah from a terrible fate. The discovery of the lost book of God’s
Law becomes the focus of Josiah’s religious reformation. He urges the people
to destroy their false idols and return to God. But the people’s repentance

has come too late. The prophetess predicts disaster will befall
Judah, though Josiah will be spared.

151

Jeremiah 1, 18, 19, 24

Jeremiah and the
Potter’s Wheel

The Lord told Jeremiah that He had chosen
him to be a prophet. Jeremiah was astonished.

Almond tree “Do not be afraid,” answered the Lord. potter scooped up the clay and started to
The almond is symbolic “I am with you.” And He reached out make another pot. This time it was perfect.
because it was the first His hand and touched Jeremiah gently
on the lips with His fingers. “Now I have The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said,
tree to flower in the put words into your mouth,” He said. “Like the clay in the hand of the potter, so
spring. The Hebrew for “What do you see?” is the House of Israel in my hands! If the
“almond tree” is similar people repent of their evil ways, I will make
to “watching.” The story “I see the branch of an almond tree them good and strong. But, if they persist
says that God is watching in bloom,” Jeremiah replied. in worshipping false gods, they will be
destroyed. Go and tell them this.”
to see if His word is “That is right,” said the Lord. “I am
kept by everyone. watching to see if my word is fulfilled. Some time later, Jeremiah bought a
What else do you see?” clay jar from the potter. Then he went to
Figs the Valley of Ben Hinnom and summoned
This soft, pear-shaped “I see a boiling pot, tilting away from everybody. He told them what the Lord had
fruit is mentioned many the north,” Jeremiah answered. said. And, to illustrate his point, Jeremiah
times in the Bible. Here, picked up the jar and threw it on the ground,
the figs are a metaphor for “It is from the north that I will bring destroying it. “This is what the Lord will do
good and bad. The ripe disaster,” said the Lord. “I am about to to you if you do not change your ways!”
figs are compared to summon people to overrun Judah and he warned.
repentant people whom punish the people for their wickedness in
God will forgive. The forsaking me and worshipping false gods. As usual, no one listened, but soon
rotten figs are bad people You must warn them. They will turn on you, enough, Jeremiah’s prophecy came true.
who will be punished. but do not be frightened. I am with you.” Under Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian
army attacked Jerusalem. After months
The Lord sent Jeremiah to the house of suffering the city was captured. King
of a potter, who was busy in his workshop. Jehoiachin and the people were exiled
The potter threw some clay on his wheel to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar chose a
and shaped it with his hands. The lump of new king, Zedekiah, to be king of Judah.
clay started to transform into a pot, but then
it wobbled and collapsed in a heap. The

“Like the clay in the hand of the potter,
so is the House of Israel in my hands.”

152

Jeremiah 1, 18, 19, 24

One day, the Lord showed Jeremiah two “Yes,” said the Lord. “The people who Jeremiah breaks the jar
baskets of figs. One of them was full of have left Judah and gone to Babylon are to show the people that
perfect fruit. The other basket had only like the ripe figs. They will repent and I will God will destroy them
rotten figs. “What do you see, Jeremiah?” bring them out of captivity to be my people.
But King Zedekiah and the people who if they don’t change
“I see figs,” he replied. “The remain in Jerusalem will not repent.
good ones are very good, but
the bad ones are rotten.” They are rotten and I will destroy them!”

Understanding the story

The clay jar is used as a metaphor for what will happen to the people of Judah
if they do not stop worshipping false gods. A priest and a prophet, Jeremiah
conveys this message from the Lord by smashing the jar on the ground.
Though the people ignore him, Jeremiah is proven right. The enemy attacks
and those who remain in the city will suffer God’s punishment.

153

Jeremiah 38–39; 2 Kings 25

The Israelites
in Captivity

Nebuchadnezzar For years, the prophet Jeremiah had tried
While Jeremiah was to warn the people that Jerusalem was in terrible
danger. He knew that they could save themselves.
a kind prophet,
Nebuchadnezzar was “The Lord has told me that, if you leave sank into it up to his waist. He was left
a cruel king. Jeremiah the city and go to Babylon, you will survive,” there, helpless, with no escape.
viewed Nebuchadnezzar he said to them. “But if you stay here in
as a representation of Jerusalem, you will be killed—either by But when a palace official named
God’s anger, so he told the the sword or by famine or plague. It is Ebed-Melech heard what they had done
people to submit to his your choice!” to Jeremiah, he went to the king and
rule or face disaster. protested. “My Lord,” he said. “Those men
The people were infuriated by his are out of order! They have done a terrible
Jeremiah correctly constant warnings of doom and gloom thing to the prophet Jeremiah and thrown
predicts the fall of and did not believe a word of them. Some him into a huge cistern. He can’t get out
Jerusalem and the army officers decided to take action. and he will surely starve to death!” The
Israelites’ deportation to They went to King Zedekiah in the palace. king agreed that Jeremiah must be rescued.
Babylon as a result of not “This man Jeremiah, who calls himself a
heeding his warning. prophet, has gone too far! He should be Ebed-Melech took some old rope and
put to death!” they said. “He is demoralizing a bundle of old rags. Then, with thirty men,
Cistern the troops—and everybody else who is left he went to the cistern. Ebed-Melech leant
Built in about 2500 bce in Jerusalem. He pretends to be concerned over the side and peered down into the
in a desert region of with our well-being but, in fact, he is doing darkness. He could just see Jeremiah
southern Israel, this deep much more harm than good!” huddled at the bottom. “Put these rags
well leads down to a under your arms to pad the ropes,” he
cistern similar to the one “Do what you want with him,” muttered shouted, letting down the ropes and the
the king. His thoughts were far away on rags. Jeremiah made a makeshift harness
where Jeremiah was more important business—he was plotting for himself and Ebed-Melech and his
trapped. Jeremiah only how to get his own back on the men slowly hauled him up to the surface.
Babylonians, who made his life a misery.
survives this terrible After his lucky escape, Jeremiah
punishment because So the officers seized Jeremiah and tied renewed his efforts to warn the people
there was no water him up. They took him to their barracks of their fate, but still they would not listen.
inside. Water was usually where there was a courtyard with a large, And soon, King Nebuchadnezzar of
hoisted up in a bucket empty water cistern. They lowered him Babylon attacked the city again and
attached to a rope in the over the side. Although there was no water, laid siege to it. The people were starved
underground tank. there was mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah into submission. After two long years,

154

Jeremiah 38–39; 2 Kings 25

they finally opened the gates and let poor stayed in Judah, working Understanding
the invaders in. in the vineyards and the fields. the story

When the Babylonian army entered The invaders swarmed into the Judah was a vassal
the city, King Zedekiah fled as fast as he holy Temple in the middle of the city, of Babylon and
could. The Babylonians pursued him looting whatever they could get their
and caught up with him on the plains of hands on. They stole the precious gold Nebuchadnezzar had put
Jericho. Zedekiah’s two sons were put to treasures that had been there since the Zedekiah on the throne.
death in front of his very eyes. Then they time of King Solomon. Then they set
put out Zedekiah’s eyes with burning stakes, fire to the entire building, together with When Zedekiah plots
and they took him to Babylon, blind and the royal palace and most of the houses. against the Babylonians,
bound with shackles. All the most important The whole city went up in flames, Nebuchadnezzar attacks
people were deported from Jerusalem and like a tinderbox, and was burned Jerusalem. The destruction
sent into exile in Babylon. Only the very to the ground. of Jerusalem and the exile
of the people are God’s
“All the most important people
were deported from Jerusalem and punishment for their
disobedience. Jeremiah
sent into exile in Babylon.” had repeatedly warned
them of this, but their
refusal to listen brings
devastating consequences.

155

Daniel 1–3

The Golden Statue

Ishtar Gate Nebuchadnezzar had been king of Babylon
Babylon became for two years. He had conquered Jerusalem and brought

the capital of back many of the people as slaves to his city.
Nebuchadnezzar’s
kingdom. He had the One night, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream Meshach, and Abednego. Daniel himself
great Ishtar Gate built that disturbed him deeply. He summoned was now known as Belteshazzar. All four
in about 575 bce as the the wise men and asked for their help. of them were clever, but Daniel had a
gateway to enter the city. “I have had a strange dream. I can’t stop special gift. He could interpret dreams.
The gate was dedicated thinking about it,” he told them. “Tell me
to the Babylonian what it means!” So, when he heard about
goddess Ishtar. This Nebuchadnezzar’s terrible decree, Daniel
reconstruction of the gate “O King! Please live forever!” they went to the king and asked if he might be
in Berlin, Germany, was flattered him. “Tell us your dream and allowed to try to interpret the dream. The
made with decorative we will interpret it for you.” king agreed, but first Daniel went back to his
glazed bricks uncovered house, where he and his three friends
“This is the deal,” said the king. “If prayed for help from God. During that night,
at the site. you cannot tell me my dream and what the mystery was revealed to him and, when
it means, I will have you cut into pieces he woke up in the morning, he knew what
Babylonian priest and your houses reduced to piles of rubble. the dream meant. He gave thanks to the
This Babylonian seal But, if you can interpret my dream, I will Lord. “Praise be to the name of God forever
depicts a bare-headed give you huge rewards and honors!” and ever. Wisdom and power are His.”

priest praying to There was a terrible silence. Not one He went to Nebuchadnezzar and said,
divine symbols of of them had any idea what the dream was “No wise man, enchanter, magician, or
two Babylonian gods. or what it meant. “O King! What you ask diviner can explain your dream, but God
The crescent moon is impossible!” they cried. Nebuchadnezzar in heaven can reveal the mystery. He has
represents the moon was furious and he immediately ordered shown me the meaning of your dream.”
god Sin and the star the execution of every single wise man Nebuchadnezzar told him to go on.
represents Ishtar, the in Babylon.
goddess of love and “You saw a gigantic statue in your
war. Here they are each One of them was a young man dream. The head was made of pure
positioned on an altar. named Daniel who had been captured gold, the chest and arms of silver, the
in Jerusalem. He had been singled out, belly and thighs of bronze. The legs
together with a few other captives from were made of iron while the feet and
Judah, to be taught the language and toes were half iron and half baked clay.”
history of Babylon. They were then Nebuchadnezzar listened, open-mouthed,
taken into the king’s service. Daniel while Daniel continued.
soon became good friends with three
of the other young men. They had been “As you gazed at the statue, a rock
given new Babylonian names—Shadrach, suddenly came through the air from

156

Daniel 1–3

Daniel meets Nebuchadnezzar Dream interpretation
in this oil-on-canvas painting In King Nebuchadnezzar’s
by Italian artist Mattia Preti
dream, there are four
(1613–1699) kingdoms represented by
the great statue. These have
nowhere and hit the statue’s feet, breaking kingdom, strong as iron. And, just as traditionally been identified
them into tiny pieces. At once, all the other iron can break things, so this kingdom as Babylon (gold)—the city
parts of the statue—the gold, silver, bronze, will crush and break all others. But, as ruins are shown above,
iron, and clay—were smashed to pieces, you saw, the feet and toes of the statue
like chaff on the threshing-floor in summer. were made of iron and baked clay, Persia (silver), Greece
The wind swept them away without a trace. so this will be a divided kingdom. (bronze), and Rome (iron).
But the rock became a huge mountain and
filled the whole earth.” Daniel paused for “The rock that destroyed these As the strength of the
breath while Nebuchadnezzar sat, kingdoms is the Kingdom of God. It is metals increases, so too
transfixed, on his throne. greater than any kingdom on earth and does the endurance of
will never be destroyed.” each empire. The rock that
“Now I will tell you what it means,” turns into a mountain
Daniel went on. “You, O King, are the king King Nebuchadnezzar fell at Daniel’s symbolizes the Kingdom
of kings. The God of heaven has given feet crying, “Surely your God is the God of God—the kingdom
you dominion and power over your people, of gods and the Lord of kings. He is the
the beasts of the field, and the birds of the revealer of mysteries!” The king heaped that will last forever.
air. The statue’s head of gold represents lavish gifts on Daniel and made him
you. The silver represents another kingdom governor of Babylon. He also put him in “Surely
that will rise after you, but it will be inferior charge of the wise men. And, at Daniel’s your God is
to yours. Next, there will be a third kingdom, request, he gave Shadrach, Meshach, and the God of
one of bronze, which will rule over the Abednego important positions, too. gods and the
whole earth. Finally, there will be a fourth Lord of kings.
Then, he ordered a statue to be made.
It was gigantic and the whole thing was He is the
revealer of
mysteries!”

157

Daniel 1–3

“They were made of solid gold. Nebuchadnezzar around in there. They aren’t tied up
willing to summoned all the officials and told them and they seem completely unharmed.
give up their to worship the statue. If they did not, they The fourth one looks like a son of the
lives rather would be thrown into a blazing furnace. gods!” Cautiously, he crept nearer.
than worship “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,”
any god But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego he shouted. “Come out at once!”
refused. “If we are thrown into the blazing
except furnace our God will save us. But even if They obeyed and walked calmly out
their own.” He did not, we would never worship your of the furnace, not a hair singed. Everyone
golden statue,” they said. Upon hearing this, crowded around them in amazement. Then
the king told his men to stoke the furnace Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed, “Praise be
and make it seven times hotter than usual. to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and
Then he ordered his soldiers to take the Abednego, who has sent His angel and
three men, tie them up, and throw them rescued His servants! They trusted in
into the flames. But as they did so, the Him and defied my command. They
flames licked out of the furnace and were willing to give up their lives rather
devoured the soldiers themselves. than worship any god except their own.
I decree that my people shall worship
The king looked into the fire. “Look!” their God alone!”
he shouted. “I can see four men wandering

Furnace A 15th-century-ce German
Babylonian builders fired painting, “Shadrach, Meshach,
bricks or smelted metals and Abednego,” oil on panel.

in huge furnaces, like Understanding the story
this 14th-century-bce
copper-smelting furnace Just like Joseph in Egypt, Daniel interprets a king’s dream in a foreign land.
in Israel. Lined with The Lord works through both Joseph and Daniel, and, though neither
bricks or stones, furnaces man seeks it, both are rewarded with high positions under the king.
were usually bottle- or Once again, God shows that He has not forgotten His people in
dome-shaped. Bellows exile, protecting and guiding those who keep faith in Him.
were used to increase
the temperature to
1652–1832ºF (900–

1100ºC). Fire and
furnaces are linked to
God’s judgement and
salvation in the Bible.

158

Daniel 5

Belshazzar’s Feast

King Belshazzar gave a great

banquet for a thousand of his nobles. Understanding
the story
He ordered his servants to bring in the gold MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN means
and silver cups that Nebuchadnezzar, his three things. First, God has numbered King Belshazzar and his

father, had plundered from the Lord’s the days of your reign. Secondly, you guests toast their gods from
Temple in Jerusalem. The precious cups have been weighed on the scales and the sacred cups plundered

were filled to the brim. Belshazzar and his been found wanting. And thirdly, your from the Temple, invoking

guests raised them high in the air. And then kingdom will be divided and given to punishment from God.
they drank from them, toasting their gods. the Medes and the Persians.” Belshazzar Daniel’s interpretation is

But, suddenly, the king turned pale. He listened in horror to Daniel’s words. again proven correct, as
stared at the wall opposite him. A ghostly That very night, the Persian army Belshazzar dies and the city

hand had appeared from nowhere and was launched a surprise attack on Babylon is divided between the
floating there, all on its own. Slowly its finger under King Darius the Mede. And, just as Medes and Persians that
wrote some words on the wall. It looked like the cryptic words predicted, the city fell
same night. Babylon’s

a secret code: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and was taken by the Medes and the might is nothing in
PARSIN. Then the hand melted away, Persians, and Belshazzar was killed. comparison to that of God.

leaving its message behind. Belshazzar

asked his wise men what the words

meant, but they were baffled.

The queen, however, knew what to

do. “There is a man in your kingdom

named Daniel—or Belteshazzar to his

Babylonian friends. He will tell you what

the writing means.” Daniel was found

and brought to the palace. Belshazzar

showed him the writing and said, “If

you can tell me what it means, you will

be clothed in purple with a gold chain

around your neck, and you will be made

the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

“You may keep your gifts and

rewards,” replied Daniel. “But I will “Belshazzar’s Feast” (c. 1635),
read the writing and tell you what it oil on canvas, by Dutch artist
means.” And he examined the wall
Rembrandt van Rijn

carefully. Then he said, “God sent the

hand you saw that wrote on the wall.

159

Daniel 6

Lion of Babylon Daniel and
Representing royalty, the Lions
power, and strength, the
lion was adopted as a After Babylon was conquered it became one of
symbol of Babylon. This the great Persian Empire’s royal cities. King Darius made
reconstruction of the
gateway to Babylon Daniel one of his chief administrators and planned
features a lion motif. to put him in charge of the entire kingdom.

Lion hunting was This made the other officials at court very writing,” they told him gleefully. “He still
a favorite sport of jealous. They tried to undermine Daniel prays to his God three times a day.”
Babylonian kings. Lions and put him down whenever they could,
were also kept in but there was simply no way of getting Darius was distressed when he heard this.
captivity and bred. at him. “We will never be able to pin Daniel was one of his most trusted men. He
anything on him,” they said. “The only spent the rest of the day trying to think how
“‘May your way is to make him disobey his God.”
God, whom And together they hatched a plan.
you serve so
well, rescue They went to Darius and said, “O King
you,’ Darius Darius! Live forever! We ask you to issue
said, sadly, a decree that, for the next thirty days, the
as Daniel worship of any god, other than you, the
was thrown King, is forbidden. Anyone caught
inside and worshipping another god will be thrown
into the lions’ den. Please make sure that
left to it is written down so it cannot be changed.”
his fate.” Darius agreed and called for the royal scribe.

Daniel heard about the decree, but went
on praying to the Lord three times a day,
as usual, at home in his room upstairs.
The big windows opened toward Jerusalem
and everyone could see him clearly,
kneeling down to worship his God. His
enemies gathered in the street below and
watched him.

Then they went straight to the palace to
denounce him. “Daniel pays no attention to
you, O King. Or to the decree you put in

160

Daniel 6

he could save him. But the conspirators were He called out, his voice trembling with fear. Understanding
not going to give up. “Remember, O King, To his amazement, he heard Daniel saying, the story
that, according to the law of the Medes and “O King! Live forever! My God sent His
the Persians, no decree that the king issues angel and He shut the mouths of the lions. Though Daniel is now
can be changed.” They have not hurt me because I am a powerful figure in the
innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever Persian Empire, he never
With a heavy heart, Darius gave the done wrong to you, O King.” loses his faith or integrity.
order to arrest Daniel, who was seized as he He chooses to ignore the
kneeled at his window to pray. He was taken Darius was overjoyed and ordered decree that forbids the
to the lions’ den, and the king accompanied Daniel’s release. The stone was duly rolled worship of anyone but the
him. As they approached the enclosure they away and he walked out calmly, without king, and continues to pray
could hear blood-curdling roars from inside. even the tiniest scratch. Behind him, the to God. Even when he is
“May your God, whom you serve so well, lions opened their great jaws and yawned, thrown into the lions’ den,
rescue you,” Darius said, sadly, as Daniel watching him go. Darius ordered his Daniel is fearless because
was thrown inside and left to his fate. men to arrest the conspirators. They were he knows he has the Lord
thrown into the lions’ den, and this time, on his side to protect him.
A huge stone was rolled across the it was a very different story. Before their It is a different story for the
mouth of the den. Darius sealed it with bodies reached the ground, the lions officials who tricked the
his signet ring. He returned to the palace, pounced, tearing them limb from limb. king—the lions devour
but he could not sleep. The lions devoured their flesh and lay them without hesitation.
there happily, gnawing on the bones.
At dawn, he hurried to the lions’ den,
dreading what he would find. All was quiet.

161

Esther 1–4

Drinking vessel Esther
King Xerxes loved Becomes Queen
extravagant festivities
that displayed his power King Xerxes ruled over all the different provinces
and wealth to the people. of the Persian Empire, from India to the Nile.
Lavish furnishings and
ornately decorated items In the third year of his reign, he gave a King Xerxes exploded with fury. He had
of gold symbolized his lavish banquet for his nobles and military been snubbed in front of all the important
success. This impressive leaders at his palace in Susa. It lasted a dignitaries. Immediately, he called for his
5th-century-bce gold wise men. “According to the law, what must
drinking vessel comes week and was a glittering be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked them,
from the same period. occasion. On the seventh still seething with rage. “She has not obeyed
It has been handcrafted day, when King Xerxes was my command!” They told him to find a new
with a repeated lotus and wife who was more suitable.
bud pattern around the in particularly high spirits, he
drinking rim. The winged sent for Queen Vashti. She had Xerxes followed their advice, and
lion represents great been entertaining her women emissaries were sent far and wide to
strength and power. friends in another part of the find a new queen. Hundreds of suitable
royal palace. And now, Xerxes candidates were brought back—all beautiful
wanted to show off his beautiful and young. They were looked after well and
wife. But the queen refused to come. were taught how to make themselves look
even more beautiful. But it was a whole year
before King Xerxes was allowed

to see them and choose his queen.
One of the girls was named

Hadassah—or Esther. She had been
brought up by her cousin, Mordecai, after
her parents died. Mordecai was a Jew
who belonged to the tribe of Benjamin and
he had been captured in Jerusalem by King
Nebuchadnezzar. When she joined
the other girls at the royal palace,
Esther was warned by Mordecai

not to tell anyone about her
family background. He thought
that Xerxes would not look kindly
on a Jewish girl.

162

Esther 1–4

At last, after a year of preening and Mordecai was a Jew, he decided that Cosmetics
polishing, the girls were presented to he would have him killed. And not only It is likely that the women
the king. They shone like jewels as they Mordecai—all his people, too.
appeared before him. It was an impossible presented to the king
choice. But when Xerxes saw Esther, he Haman and his men cast the little would have styled their
fell helplessly in love. He beckoned her to stones known as the pur—or the lot— hair and worn cosmetics
him immediately and sent the other girls to choose a time for the massacre of the
back to their quarters. He made Esther Jews. The lot fell on the thirteenth day of and perfume in their
his wife soon after, and gave a great the twelfth month. Haman went straight efforts to impress him and
banquet, proclaiming a special holiday. to Xerxes. “There is a certain people whose catch his eye. Mulberries
customs are different from those of other
One day, during the course of his people in your kingdom,” he said. “They (top) were crushed into
duties at court, Mordecai overheard do not obey your laws. If it pleases the King, juice, which was use to
two of the officers, on guard at the gate, let a decree be issued to destroy them.” stain cheeks red. Kohl
discussing a plan to assassinate Xerxes. was used to outline and
He went straight to his cousin, Esther, and The king agreed and gave him his
told her about the plot. She immediately signet ring. “Do as you please with these emphasize the eyes.
informed Xerxes, and the two conspirators people,” he said. So the royal scribes Henna (below the
were arrested. King Xerxes’s life had been were summoned and they wrote out the mulberries) covered the
saved. The chief scribe carefully noted decrees in all the many different languages palms of the hands in
this down, along with the rest of the of the empire, telling the governors to decorative patterns.
day’s events, in the Book of Chronicles. kill all the Jews on the thirteenth day
of the twelfth month. “There is
But Mordecai was not happy when a certain
Xerxes appointed Haman, who was an When Mordecai heard the terrible people whose
Amalekite, as chief minister. The Israelites news, he told Esther of Haman’s plans customs are
and the Amalekites had been fierce enemies to get rid of the Jewish people. She different from
since the time when the Israelites left Egypt. replied, “Go, gather together all the those of
All the royal officials were commanded to Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. other people
bow down before Haman and honor him, Do not eat or drink for three days, in your
but Mordecai refused point-blank. Haman night or day. I and my maids will fast kingdom.”
was infuriated by Mordecai’s lack of as you do. When this is done, I will
respect. When he discovered that go to the king, even though it is against
the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Understanding the story

On the advice of her cousin Mordecai, Esther doesn’t tell King Xerxes
about her Jewish family background. The king is dazzled by Esther’s beauty

and they wed. When Haman asks for a decree to destroy all the Jews,
Xerxes grants it. Unaware that his wife is Jewish, the king does not
realize the consequences of his action. Esther is prepared
to risk her life in order to save the Jewish people.

163

Esther 5–9

“I and my Esther Saves
people are Her People
about to
be put to After Esther had fasted for three days, she put
death like on her ceremonial robes and went to the inner court
animals."
of the palace, in front of the King’s great hall.

Scroll of Esther Xerxes was sitting on his magnificent throne gladly, knowing that his wife would make
The story of Esther opposite the door, deep in thought. When sure that he was offered all his favorite dishes.
saving the Jews from he saw her, his face lit up and he held out
death is remembered the golden scepter in his hand toward her. Haman was delighted when he got
at the festival of Purim. This was the sign that she was allowed to the invitation and boasted about it to his
approach him. She smiled and went straight wife and friends. “I am the only person that
This is a joyful to him, touching the tip of the scepter. Queen Esther has invited to accompany
celebration in which the King to her banquet!” he gloated, pink
a scroll containing the “What is it, my dearest?” he asked with pleasure. Then his face darkened.
book of Esther is read fondly. “What is your request? You know “But all this gives me no satisfaction as
aloud in the synagogue. I would give you half my kingdom!” long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting
The scroll is often ornate at the King’s gate!”
and decorative, like this “If it pleases, my Lord, I would like
silver example. The to prepare a banquet for you tomorrow His wife, Zeresh, and his friends
reading receives a noisy evening. Please come—and bring the said, “Have a gallows built and tomorrow
response. At the mention chief minister, Haman, with you. Then I morning ask the King to have Mordecai
of the villainous Haman’s will answer your question.” Xerxes agreed, hanged on it. Then go to the banquet and
name, people boo and

stamp their feet.

164

Esther 5–9

be happy!” The suggestion delighted That evening, Xerxes and Haman went

Haman and he immediately ordered the together to Esther’s banquet. The three of

huge gallows to be built outside his house. them sat down to eat and Xerxes repeated

That night, Xerxes could not sleep, so his question. “What is it, Queen Esther?

he asked for the Book of Chronicles to be What is your request? You know I will

brought to him. He opened the book and give you half my kingdom!”

started to skim through it. When he came “If I have found favor with you, O King,

to the bit that described how Mordecai had and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my Prisoners’ fate
The Bible states
saved his life by uncovering a plot against life—that is my request,” she replied. “For that Haman died on
the gallows. However,
him, he sat bolt upright. I and my people are about to hanging was rare in Persia
at that time. Prisoners set
“What honor and be put to death like animals. We to be executed were more
likely to be impaled on a
recognition did this are going to be exterminated.” stake. Judean prisoners
are impaled on stakes
man, Mordecai, receive?” The King leaped up from in this carving dating
from c. 700 bce.
he asked his attendant the table. “What? Who is
Understanding
in the bedchamber. he? Where is the man who the story

“Nothing, my Lord,” would dare do such a thing?” The only book of the
Bible that does not include
the attendant replied. he thundered. God by name is the Book
of Esther. Despite this, the
Early the next morning, Esther stared at Haman. Lord’s influence is clear as
the wicked are punished
when Haman requested “That is your man. He is sitting and the faithful are saved.

an audience with the there right in front of you! It Greedy Haman’s plan to
destroy the Jews comes
King to discuss hanging is the unspeakable Haman,” undone at the hands of
two of the people he seeks
Mordecai, Xerxes asked she said. to kill when Esther and
Mordecai expose his plot.
him, “There is someone Xerxes gasped in disbelief. Esther is the king’s wife

I want to honor for a great Haman’s gallows Then he turned and left the and Mordecai saved
service that they did for me. room, without saying anything. the king’s life, so Xerxes

How can I reward him?” He paced up and down in the has the treacherous
Haman hanged.
Naturally, Haman thought that the palace garden as the full horror sank in.

King was talking about him, and that he While he was gone, Haman threw himself

was about to be heaped with yet more on Esther, begging for his life. He was

favors. “He should be proclaimed a hero! He hysterical and, just as the King returned,

should be dressed in a magnificent he was clutching at the Queen like a

royal robe and put on the King’s horse,” madman. Xerxes thought he was harming

he replied. “Then he should be led through her, so he gave the order for Haman to

the streets of the city in triumph!” be taken away immediately.

“Excellent!” said Xerxes. “What a “There is a huge gallows just by

good idea! Go and get my finest robe his house,” said one of the attendants,

for my servant Mordecai, put him on my helpfully. “He had it made for Mordecai,

very best horse, and parade him through the loyal servant who saved your life!”

the streets! You can walk by his side!” So they hanged Haman on the gallows

Haman went very pale! he had prepared for Mordecai.

165

When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was
wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown
of gold, and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa

held a joyous celebration. For the Jews it was a time
of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.
Esther 8:15–16

166

Susa
Susa was the capital of the state of Elam,
and later became the winter capital of the
Persian kings. Today, it is the Iranian town of
Shush, with a population of 65,000 people.

167

Ezra 1; Nehemiah 1, 2, 4, 6, 8

The Rebuilding
of Jerusalem

Stonemasonry Over the years, some of the people who had been
Rebuilding Jerusalem exiled from Judah and taken to Babylon were given their
was a huge task, so skilled freedom by King Artaxerxes and allowed to return home.
stonemasons would have
carried out the work. A few came back to court again with sad Nehemiah. “But why should I not look sad
Firstly, wooden pegs were tales of the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah, when the city where my fathers are buried
banged into holes in the who was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, lies in ruins and has been destroyed by fire?”
rock before water was heard the stories and was deeply affected. And he asked the king if he could go to
poured over them. As the He mourned and he fasted and prayed to Jerusalem to help rebuild it. Artaxerxes
wood swelled up, the rock God, asking for mercy. “I confess the sins agreed and helped him on his way with
split. A pick was then used we Israelites have committed against letters of safe passage and an armed
to saw and trim the rock you. We have not obeyed the commands, escort. It was a journey of four months
into slabs. Stonemasons decrees, and laws you gave your servant from the royal palace in Susa to Judah.
in the Middle East still Moses. You said that if we were unfaithful
work in this way today. we would be scattered among the nations. As Nehemiah reached Jerusalem, he
But if we came back to you and obeyed saw that the city was in ruins. The walls
your commands, we would be together were rubble, and the holy Temple and
again and returned to your dwelling place.” royal palace were charred. One night, he
set out to inspect the city on his donkey,
That day, when he took a goblet of then summoned the people. “Let us rebuild
wine to Artaxerxes, the king looked at the walls of Jerusalem!” he said. “Our
him and asked, “Why do you look so sad? great city lies in ruins. It is a disgrace.
What grieves you so deep in your heart?”
Let us pray to the Lord our God
“May the King live forever!” said to help us!”

168

Ezra 1; Nehemiah 1, 2, 4, 6, 8

Some people mocked him. “You haven’t From then on, half of the workforce “Our great
a chance,” they jeered. got on with building while the other half city lies in
stood guard. After only fifty-two days, ruins. It is
“The God of heaven will give us the walls were finished and Jerusalem a disgrace.
success,” said Nehemiah quietly. “We will stood, safe and secure, once more. The Let us pray
start rebuilding the city.” neighboring nations could not believe to the Lord
their eyes and they were filled with fear. our God to
Sanballat, the governor of Samaria to They realized that the work had been help us!”
the north, was incensed when he heard that done with the help of God. And the
Nehemiah was organizing the rebuilding people of Judah flooded back from
work. “What are those feeble Jews doing?” exile to the land of their fathers.
he asked. “Do they think that they can There were more than forty-two
build those great walls again? Can they thousand of them.
bring back to life the stones that have
been reduced to piles of rubble?” The people assembled in the square
in front of the Water Gate, and Ezra
But, despite the resentment and threats brought out the Book of the Law of
from the neighboring countries, Nehemiah Moses and read it aloud. He praised the
and his people started rebuilding the great Lord and the people cried “Amen! Amen!”
wall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah put some Together, they bowed down and worshipped
men in front of the weakest places, armed God. And the Levites came to dedicate
with swords, spears, and bows, to prevent the great new walls to the Lord, and to
attack. “Do not be afraid,” he said to them. celebrate with songs of thanksgiving and
“Remember the Lord, and fight for your with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.
brothers, your sons, your daughters,
your wives, and your homes.”

Understanding the story

The return of the exiled Jews to the Promised Land echoes the Exodus.
Just like Moses before him, Nehemiah leads the Israelites to a new beginning,
and a chance at a closer relationship with God. The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s

walls is completed quickly, to the fear of the neighboring countries,
who realize that God must be helping to resurrect the holy city.

169

Jonah 1–4

Jonah and
the Big Fish

And God told His prophet Jonah that he
must go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, to warn the
people that their great walled city would be destroyed

if they did not give up their wicked ways.

Sperm whale But Jonah did not like the people of furiously. “Wake up! How can you sleep
Though the Bible Nineveh and did not want to see them at a time like this? Pray to your God that
describes a large fish, saved, so he disobeyed the Lord. He fled we are saved.” Up on deck the rest of the
it was more likely to be a to Joppa, a harbor in Israel, and boarded crew were busy drawing lots to find out
sperm whale. These were a ship to Tarshish, on the eastern shores who was responsible for their terrible
known to visit parts of the of the Mediterranean. predicament. It was Jonah.
Mediterranean Sea, and
their throats were big The sea was calm and the skies were The crew challenged Jonah and
enough to swallow a clear but, as soon as the ship set sail, dark he admitted that the storm was his fault
person whole. There are clouds gathered and a violent storm howled because he had disobeyed his God. “Pick
personal testimonies of across the water, whipping it into towering me up and throw me into the sea, and it
people who managed to waves that crashed wildly onto the little ship. will become calm,” he said. The sailors
survive being swallowed Terrified, the sailors prayed to their different were doubtful about this and tried to row
by whales. This is because gods and threw the cargo overboard to for shore, but the waves became wilder.
whales must surface lighten the ship’s heavy load. Reluctantly, they threw Jonah over the side
regularly for air, allowing and into the sea. As if by magic, the raging
the person to escape. Jonah, meanwhile, had fallen fast asleep waters grew calm and they were saved.
below deck and was dead to the world. The sailors, amazed and a little afraid at the
The captain raced down and shook him

170

Jonah 1–4

“But Jonah
was angry
with God
for sparing
Nineveh.”

power of Jonah’s God, offered up prayers behavior. Even the king took off his Understanding
and gave thanks. royal robes and covered himself with the story
sackcloth. The city was saved.
Jonah sank to the bottom of the sea, This story is about the
long streamers of seaweed trailing behind But Jonah was angry with God consequences of not
him. Suddenly, a huge fish appeared out of for sparing Nineveh. He built a shelter obeying God’s orders.
the gloom, opened its jaws, and swallowed outside the city walls and waited there, Jonah does not accept that
Jonah whole. He slid headfirst into the hoping that the city would fall after all. God should extend His
creature’s great empty belly and stayed God watched over him and planted a tall mercy to the Ninevites—
there, praying to God, for three days and shrub to shade him from the sun. Jonah who are enemies of the
nights in the dark. was thankful for the cool leaves. But the Israelites and are gentiles
next day, God sent a worm that ate the (non-Jews). The storm and
Finally, he proclaimed, “Salvation roots of the plant and killed it. Despite the big fish are Jonah’s
belongs to the Lord!” The fish opened its the hot sun and strong wind, Jonah kept punishment, but when he
mouth and dropped Jonah onto dry land, watch, weak and angry that the plant realizes the error of his
safe and sound. had died. “It would be better for me to ways, he is spared. When
die,” he moaned. Jonah remains angry that
Again, the Lord told Jonah to go to God has spared the
Nineveh. This time he obeyed and set off “Jonah, why are you so angry about repentant Ninevites, God
on the long journey. The king welcomed a plant that you did not grow or tend?” kills his plant. God is
him and heeded his warning. He promised God asked. “Yet you resent my concern showing Jonah his error in
that his people would turn to God. They for the great city of Nineveh and the being concerned for a
started to fast and wear clothes of sackcloth thousands of people who live there?” plant instead of the lives
to show how sorry they were for their bad of thousands of people.

171

Psalms 8, 23, 121

The Book of Psalms

The Book of Psalms is also known as the
Psalter. In Hebrew, it is called the Book of Praises.

David the Psalmist It contains one hundred and fifty different the work of your fingers, the moon
King David was a talented prayers addressed to God, including and the stars, which you have set in
laments, praises, and thanksgivings. Many place, what is man that you are mindful
musician. He is said to of them are thought to have been written of him, the son of man that you care for
have started the custom by King David, who was a poet as well as a him? You made him a little lower than
of composing songs for singer and musician. the heavenly beings and crowned him
worship, and is believed with glory and honor. You made him
to be the author behind a The very first psalm, whose author is not ruler over the works of your hands; you
lot of Book of Psalms. He known, introduces the themes that recur put everything under his feet: all flocks
throughout the whole book—devotion, and herds, and the beasts of the field,
is seen here kneeling thanksgiving, and unwavering faith in God. the birds of the air, and the fish of the
outside Jerusalem in a sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.”
15th-century depiction. It says that only those who follow the Psalm 23, one of the most famous
path of righteousness will ultimately be psalms, is also attributed to David. It
blessed by God. describes God as a good shepherd, looking
after His sheep. Man can live free from fear
“Blessed is the man who does not walk because He is always there to protect and
in the counsel of the wicked or stand guide His flock.
in the way of sinners or sit in the seat “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not
of mockers. But his delight is in the be in want. He makes me lie down in
law of the Lord, and on His law he green pastures, He leads me beside quiet
meditates day and night.” waters, He restores my soul. He guides
In ancient Israel, the law was studied me in the paths of righteousness for His
every day. A deep knowledge of the law name’s sake. Even though I walk through
was a way of getting closer to God. the valley of the shadow of death, I will
Psalm 8, attributed to King David, fear no evil, for you are with me; your
celebrates man’s dominion over the earth. rod and your staff, they comfort me.
It is a reflection of God’s greatness and You prepare a table before me in the
recognizes man’s insignificance in presence of my enemies. You anoint
comparison to the glory of God’s creation. my head with oil; my cup overflows.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your Surely goodness and love will follow me
name in all the earth! You have set your all the days of my life, and I will dwell in
glory above the heavens. From the lips the house of the Lord for ever.”
of children and infants you have
ordained praise. Because of your
enemies, to silence the foe and the
avenger. When I consider your heavens,

172

Psalms 8, 23, 121

Psalm 121 is the second in a collection not slumber; indeed, He who watches Psalter
of fifteen psalms called “Songs of Ascents.” over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Illustrated books
These psalms were sung during the annual The Lord watches over you—the Lord is containing the text of
religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem. your shade at your right hand; the sun the Psalms together with
will not harm you by day, nor the moon accompanying music are
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—where by night. The Lord will keep you from called Psalters. This
does my help come from? My help all harm—He will watch over your life; comes from the Greek
comes from the Lord, the Maker of the Lord will watch over your coming meaning “songs
heaven and earth. He will not let your and going both now and for evermore. accompanied by the
foot slip—He who watches over you will harp.” These decorative
books feature illuminated
Understanding the story initials and ornate
lettering interspersed
In this collection of joyful prayers to God, the message is that those who with musical notation.
keep on the path of righteousness will receive the Lord’s blessing and enter the Shown here, the Mainz
Kingdom of Heaven. Love, devotion, and faith are themes repeated throughout. Psalter (c. 1457) was one
of the first books printed
God is depicted as a good shepherd, caring and tending for His flock. in Europe. Today, Psalters
He will provide all the protection and shelter His people need. are used in worship—
either sung by choirs or
accompanied by music.

173

The New
Testament

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd
lays down his life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”
John 10:11, 14

174

175

New Testament

New
Testament

The New Testament is the second part of the
Christian Bible. It was written nearly 2,000 years ago,

and, across 27 books, it tells the story of Jesus’s life
and teaching and the early Christian Church,
and ends with a vision of the world’s end.

Parables
Jesus often taught by
using parables—short
stories that appear to be
about everyday life, but
which have a deeper moral to
learn from. In the parable of the
lost sheep, a shepherd finds one of
his flock that was lost. In the same
way, God is overjoyed when even
one sinner returns to Him.

Paul’s letters Miracles
The New Testament ends with The New Testament is full of examples
the apostle Paul’s (above) letters of Jesus doing extraordinary things. These
sent to the churches he established. miracles often fulfill prophecies from the Old
There are 22 letters in the New Testament. They include walking on water,
Testament, and Paul is believed calming storms, reviving the dead, and healing
to have written at least 13 of them. the blind, as shown in this 15th-century-ce relief.
His writings offer guidance on
the core teachings of Jesus Christ
and encouragement and support
for the new Church leaders.

176

New Testament

Gospel authors
The four Gospels (“good news”) proclaim
Jesus Christ as the Messiah—the savior of
mankind. They cover the life of Jesus Christ,
and are attributed to four authors: Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John. Each of them gave
a different perspective on the birth Jesus,
his life, and his impact on the world.

Mark
The earliest and shortest of all the Gospels
came from Mark. His main concern was conveying
Jesus’s message that the Kingdom of God was
coming, and there was little time left to repent. Mark
tells of an emotional and temperamental Jesus, who
is misunderstood by his own disciples. The work was
probably intended for non-Jewish readers, and
explains many Jewish traditions and words.

Matthew
This narrative was meant to prove
that Jesus was the Messiah. Formerly
a tax collector from Capernaum,
Matthew views Jesus’s miracles as
evidence that he is the fulfillment of the
Old Testament prophecies. His Gospel
includes an angry attack on the Jewish
leaders, especially the Pharisees.

Luke John Revelation
A doctor by profession, Luke was the This is the last Gospel and it reads very The last book of the New Testament
only non-Jew known to write a book in differently from the other three. Jesus is was called the Book of Revelation.
the Bible. His Gospel is a biographical presented as a divine being visiting earth Written by an exiled Jewish-Christian
account of Jesus’s relationships with from heaven, who explains “I have come visionary named John, it was written
everyday people. He uses examples down from heaven not to do my will but to help strengthen the early Christian
to show that Jesus helped those to do the will of Him who sent me” community in the face of persecution
in need and gave salvation to all (John 6:38). John uses symbolic ideas, and suffering. In Revelation, Jesus
nations. His gospel is the longest such as light and dark, instead of returns in glory to save the righteous
of the four apostle accounts. including parables and miracles. from the end of the world.

177

Luke 1

A Son for
Zechariah

Augustus Caesar In the time of King Herod of Judea, there was
At the time of King Herod, a priest named Zechariah who served in the splendid
Israel belonged to Rome. Temple at Jerusalem. He was a descendant of Aaron,
Augustus Caesar (above) the brother of Moses, and so was his wife Elizabeth.

ruled from 31 bce until They were good people who lived But the angel held out his hands
14 ce. When he took power, righteous lives and obeyed all the Lord’s and said to him, kindly, “Do not be afraid,
commandments. But they were both Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard.
Rome changed from a growing old and, to their great sadness, Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son and
republic to an empire. they had no children. This was considered you are to give him the name John. He will
something of a disgrace, and their be a joy and delight to you, and many will
Altar of incense neighbors pitied them. rejoice because of his birth, for he will be
Priests often burned great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to
incense on a four-horned One day, when he was on duty, take wine or other fermented drink, and he
altar similar to this one. Zechariah was chosen by the casting of will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from
It was the only time lots—as was the custom—to go into the birth. Many are the people of Israel that
Zechariah could enter inner sanctuary of the Temple to burn he will bring back to the Lord their God.”
the Temple sanctuary— the incense before the morning sacrifice.
It was a huge honor and privilege. He Zechariah listened in amazement to the
the most holy of walked through the doors adorned with angel’s words. “How can this be possible?”
places in Israel. embroidered curtains, which hid the inner he asked. “I am an old man already—and
and most sacred part of the Temple. Only my wife, Elizabeth, is well advanced in
the priest on duty was allowed to go there. years, too.”
Outside, in the main part of the building,
the people had gathered to pray. Zechariah “I am Gabriel,” the angel replied.
approached the magnificent golden altar “God has sent me to tell you the good news.
in front of the Holy of Holies, where the But, because you did not believe me, you
Ark of the Covenant had once stood. have been struck dumb. You will not be
able to speak a single word until what
Slowly, he lit the incense and little clouds I have just told you comes true.”
of smoke danced through the air, filling the
sanctuary with a sweet and heady scent. Meanwhile, the worshippers, waiting
And, when Zechariah looked up, he saw outside the sanctuary, were beginning to
an angel standing there just to the right of wonder why Zechariah was taking so long.
the altar. He nearly jumped out of his skin. He should have come out by now.

Finally, he appeared from behind the

178

Luke 1

“God has sent
me to tell
you the
good news.

But, because
you did

not believe
me, you

have been
struck dumb.”

doors and stood before them, unable to to tell her what he had seen and what Understanding
say a word. He made signs with his hands, he had been told. But, before very long, the story
pointing to the sanctuary and to his eyes she discovered, to her great delight, that
and to the air, and they realized that he she was pregnant. She was overjoyed. Society frowned on
had seen a vision. For the next few months, she stayed at childless women at
home, counting her blessings. “The Lord this time, considering
When Zechariah had finished his has done this for me,” she said, gratefully. their situation to be a
duties in the Temple, going silently about “He has shown me great mercy and punishment from God.
his business, he went home to his wife, taken away my disgrace.” However, boys with
Elizabeth. He was, of course, not able a special purpose in life
were often born to older,
childless women, and this
is the case with Elizabeth.
Apart from Jesus, her son
John is the only one in the
New Testament to be filled
with the Holy Spirit from
birth. Zechariah is struck
dumb because he doubts
the words of God’s
messenger Gabriel.

179

Luke 1

An Angel
Appears to Mary

God sent His messenger, the archangel Gabriel,
to find a young woman named Mary, who lived
in the small town of Nazareth in southern Galilee.

Nazareth Mary, like her cousin Elizabeth, was will be great and will be called the Son of
Gabriel appeared to descended from Aaron, the first high priest the Most High. The Lord God will give him
Mary in the quiet town of Israel. She was betrothed to Joseph, the throne of his father David, and he will
of Nazareth, but today a carpenter who lived and worked in reign over the house of Jacob forever.
it is a bustling city. Nazareth, and they would be married soon. His kingdom will never end.”
The Church of the Joseph’s family tree went back through the
Annunciation is in the generations to David, the first king of Israel. “How can this be?” asked Mary.
center of the picture. “I am not married.”
The angel Gabriel appeared as Mary
It was built to was sitting alone in her small garden. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you
commemorate Gabriel’s There was no-one else around. She looked and the power of the Most High will
at him, astonished, as he stood there in overshadow you,” the angel replied.
message for Mary. front of her. “Greetings, you are highly “So the holy one to be born will be
favored,” he said. “The Lord is with you!” called the Son of God.”
“You will be
with child Mary was deeply troubled by the Mary said to the angel, “I’m ready
and give apparition, which had arrived so suddenly, for whatever God wants from me! If that’s
birth to a from nowhere. She did not understand why His will, then let it be.”
son, and you he had come to find her or what he was
are to give talking about. Then, as if he could read her And the angel went on to tell Mary
mind, the angel went on, “Do not be afraid, that her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who
him the Mary, you have found favor with God. You was thought to be barren, was now in her
name Jesus.” will be with child and give birth to a son, sixth month of pregnancy. “For nothing
and you are to give him the name Jesus. He is impossible with God,” he said. Then
he left her standing in the garden, her
thoughts full of excitement and trust.

Understanding the story

The angel Gabriel’s message, known as the Annunciation (“the announcing”),
predicts that Mary will be the mother of God’s son. Her conception of the
baby Jesus is a miracle. Though he will be human, he will also be divine.

180

Luke 1

Italian Renaissance painter Fra
Angelico (c. 1395–1455) shows
the angel Gabriel appearing to
Mary in “The Annunciation.”

181

Luke 1

The Birth of John

Mary went to the town in the hills near Jerusalem, where

Church of John her cousin Elizabeth lived with her husband Zechariah.
the Baptist
Mary went into the little house and me blessed, for the Mighty One has done
Nestled in the Judean greeted her cousin warmly. When Elizabeth great things for me—holy is His name.
hills lies the town of heard her voice, she could feel the baby
En Kerem (meaning in her womb leap for joy and she was His mercy extends to those who fear
“vineyard spring”). filled with the Holy Spirit. “Blessed are Him, from generation to generation.”
As well as being the you among women and blessed is the
home town of Zechariah child you will bear!” Elizabeth cried. “But Mary stayed for about three months
and Elizabeth, it is why am I so favored that the mother of and then went home to Nazareth. Soon
also believed to be the my Lord should come to me? Blessed is after, Elizabeth gave birth to her son, and
birthplace of John the she who has believed that what the Lord her relatives and friends and neighbors
Baptist. The remains of has said to her will be accomplished!” rejoiced. He was a precious gift to his
the church named after parents, late in life. Eight days after he
him are still there today. Mary replied with a beautiful song was born he was circumcised, as was
of praise. Her sweet voice filled the air: the custom, and was about to be named
Writing tools “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth
As Zechariah was mute, rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been protested. “No! He is to be named John!”
he requested a writing mindful of the humble state of His servant. she insisted, much to everyone’s surprise.

tablet. In Zechariah’s From now on all generations will call “But no one in your family has ever
time, this was a wooden been named John,” they replied, mystified
board covered in wax. by her sudden outburst. They turned to
Zechariah and asked his opinion, using
A pointed instrument sign language because he had been
was used to scratch into struck deaf and dumb after he doubted
the angel’s message in the Temple. He
the wax on the tablet. pointed for his wooden writing tablet.
This example (right) Then, in big, clear letters he wrote “His
name is John.” There was nothing more
comes from to be said. And, immediately, his tongue
11th-century-ce woke up from its long sleep. He started to
Russia, and has the speak and was filled with the Holy Spirit,
Psalms of David prophesying and proclaiming God’s word:
written on it. An
alternative to a “Praise be to the Lord, the God of
wooden board was Israel, because He has come and has
writing paper crafted redeemed His people.
from dried papyrus
stems. A reed pen He has raised up a horn of salvation for
dipped in black ink us in the house of His servant David (as He
was used to write on said through His holy prophets of long ago),
the papyrus paper.

182

Luke 1

Benedictines
The prophecy of

Zechariah has
become known as the
“Benedictus,” after the
first word in Latin, which
means “blessed.” The
name has been adopted
by many religious figures,
including many popes.

St. Benedict set up
the first monastery in
529 ce in Italy. Today’s
Benedictine monks come
from this religious order.

salvation from our enemies and from the sins, because of the tender mercy of our Understanding
hand of all who hate us—to show mercy God, by which the rising sun will come to the story
to our fathers and to remember His holy us from heaven to shine on those living in
covenant, the oath He swore to our father darkness and in the shadow of death, Traditionally, a firstborn
Abraham. And you, my child, will be called to guide our feet into the path of peace.” boy belonged to God.
a prophet of the Most High; for you will go Everyone looked at each other, wide-eyed. It was usual for Jews to
on before the Lord to prepare the way for And word soon spread that the Lord name their eldest son after
Him, to give His people the knowledge of was with the baby who had been born his father, but the angel’s
salvation through the forgiveness of their to Elizabeth and named that day. message sees Zechariah’s
son named John (Hebrew
for “the Lord is gracious”).
It is John who will prepare
the way for the coming
Messiah. When Zechariah’s
voice is restored, he
prophesies his son’s mission
and proclaims that God’s
mercy will bring salvation

to His people.

183

Matthew 1; Luke 2

Mary and Joseph give thanks
for the baby Jesus in “Nativity”
by Italian painter Girolamo del

Pacchia (1477–1533).
184

Matthew 1; Luke 2

Jesus is Born

Joseph was an honorable man. He was pledged to Mary in
marriage and, when he learned that she was expecting a child

that was not his, he wanted to protect her from disgrace.

But, while he was considering what to from Nazareth in Galilee and made the long Son of Israel
do, an angel appeared to him in a dream. journey south to Bethlehem in Judea, where God’s plan stated a ruler
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid Joseph was born. They were cold and tired of ancient descent would
to take Mary home as your wife, because by the time they eventually arrived in arise in Bethlehem, the
what is conceived in her is from the Holy Bethlehem, the City of David. town where David (above)
Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you was born. The lineage
are to give him the name Jesus, because Bethlehem was bursting at the seams— starts with Abraham, father
he will save his people from their sins.” the streets crowded, and every inn full. of Israel, and continues
Mary knew that soon it would be time to through David to Jesus—
The Lord’s words, which had been give birth to her baby and she must find
spoken by the great prophet Isaiah many somewhere safe and warm. Eventually, the true son of Israel.
years before, would now come true. And, they found some shelter. There was straw
as promised, the baby would be the son of on the ground, and it was dry and Town of Bethlehem
David because Joseph, who would become protected from the cold. Bethlehem was crowded
his father, was a descendant of King David. due to the Roman census
And so, Joseph and Mary kept their pledge That night, Mary gave birth to her
and soon they were married. firstborn. It was a boy, perfect and new. (a survey conducted
Tenderly, she nursed him and wrapped for military and tax
Meanwhile, the Emperor, Caesar him in strips of linen, as was the custom. purposes), so Joseph
Augustus, ordered that a census should She laid him in the stone manger, where and Mary could not find
be taken of all the people in the Roman the animals fed. It was lined with straw accommodation. Today, a
Empire. This happened every fourteen and would make a comfortable little modern city has built up
years. It meant that everybody had to go bed for her newborn son. There was around its historic center.
back to their home town to register and nowhere else for him to sleep.
to be counted. So Joseph and Mary set off

Understanding the story

The angel reassures Joseph that the baby Mary is carrying is the son of God.
When Joseph marries Mary, the prophecy comes true—the Messiah will be the

“Son of David” because his adoptive father Joseph is a direct descendant of
King David. The exact location of Jesus’s birth is unknown, but Bethlehem

was full, so it was probably a stable, a cave, or a poor family’s home.

185

Luke 2

The Shepherds’
Visit

Shepherd’s tools Some humble shepherds were looking after
These were the standard their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem that night.
tools for a shepherd in It was dark and clear, with a thousand stars shining.
ancient times. The hook
on the end of the crook The men tucked their thick, fleecy cloaks that has happened, which the Lord has
around their legs to keep out the biting told us about,” they said. They hurried
was used to grab hold cold. Eagle-eyed, they watched their off, leaving their flocks behind.
of any sheep wandering sheep, on the lookout for any hint of
astray. If a sheep fell ill danger from thieves or wild animals. When they got to Bethlehem, they
or got injured, a wooden found their way to the stable where Joseph
Suddenly, the peace was shattered and and Mary had taken shelter. They crept in
bowl could be filled an angel appeared in the sky, surrounded by quietly, past the ox, the donkey, and the
with water and given a brilliant white light. The stars disappeared, sheep asleep on the ground. Through the
outdazzled. It was the Glory of God shining gloom, they could just make out the figure
to the animal to in the darkness. The shepherds dropped of a tiny baby lying fast asleep in the
prevent dehydration. their crooks, shielding their eyes from manger, with Mary and Joseph by his side.
the blinding light. They went over and knelt down before
Choir boys him. They gazed at him in awe, the angel’s
Many Christian hymns “Do not be afraid!” the angel said, words ringing in their ears. Then they
began as poems and were looking down at them. “I bring you good told Joseph and Mary about the heavenly
later set to music. Hymns news of great joy for everyone. Today, in visitation earlier that night, and the
were traditionally sung in the town of David, a Savior has been astonishing things they had been told.
unison (plainsong) by a born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This
small choir of male voices. will be a sign to you. You will find a baby After a while, they left the little family
The choir of angels singing wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” in the stable. They could not believe that
“Glory to God in the highest” And then, he was joined by a whole army they had been the first to see the newborn
is reflected in the hymn, of angels and archangels, stretching across Savior. Dawn was just breaking and they
Gloria in Excelsis Deo. the sky. Their voices rang out, a heavenly went straight into town. Full of joy, they
choir, praising the Lord: “Glory to God in told everyone the amazing news that Christ
the highest and on earth, peace to men the Lord had been born that very night in
on whom His favor rests!” Bethlehem. Word traveled fast and soon
the whole town knew. In the stable, Mary
As the last note lingered and died away, sat quietly, holding her baby in her arms,
the angels vanished into thin air and the thinking on what the shepherds had told
shepherds looked at each other in wonder. her. She turned their words over in her
“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing

186

Luke 2

“The Annunciation to the
Shepherds” by Dutch painter
Adam Colonia (1634–1685)

mind and treasured them. safe and sound. They rejoiced and praised “Glory to God
The shepherds themselves returned God for all the wonderful things they had in the highest
heard and seen that night. and on earth,
to their flocks in the fields and found them peace to men
on whom his
Understanding the story favor rests!”

Shepherds had a bad reputation for stealing and being unreliable, so
much so that they were never allowed to give evidence in courts of law.
Though society held them in low esteem, God chooses the shepherds to
be the first to hear the news of Jesus’s birth. This is a great honor and

they go to worship the baby. Jesus is descended from David,
who was also a shepherd before becoming king.

187

Luke 2

The Presentation
in the Temple

Dove of peace When Mary’s baby was eight days old,
When Mary offers two he was circumcised, as was the custom. And
doves, it is a reflection he was named Jesus, just as the angel had said.
of her poor economic
background. However, Under the Law of Moses, every firstborn Messiah. He went straight up to Mary and
in the Bible doves are son had to be consecrated to the Lord, Joseph, and he knew, at once, that the baby
symbolic of goodness. but Mary had to wait forty days—the he was looking at was the Savior he had
Today, the dove remains time of purification—before she was been waiting for. Gently, he took Jesus
an emblem of the Holy allowed to enter the Temple in Jerusalem. in his arms and praised God, saying,
Spirit, and a recognized So, it was more than a month before Mary “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
sign of peace and love. and Joseph set off from Bethlehem with I may now die in peace. With my own eyes
the baby Jesus, to present him to the Lord I have seen the son you have sent to bring
Old age in the Temple and to dedicate him to God’s salvation to all people—a light for
The only people to service. They would make an offering of revelation to the gentiles and for glory
recognize Jesus as the two turtle doves, as they did not have to your people Israel.”
Messiah are the elderly enough money to buy a lamb.
Simeon and Anna. Old Mary listened, marveling at his words.
age was seen as a sign of When they arrived in Jerusalem, Mary Simeon blessed them and said, “This child
wisdom and goodness, and Joseph joined the stream of pilgrims will be a turning point in the life of Israel
and also as a special flooding into the Temple. They walked up and will cause the falling and rising of many.
blessing from God, as the great steps into the outer courtyard But he will make powerful enemies who
the life expectancy at where the money changers were doing a will do their utmost to cause his downfall.”
the time was low. roaring trade. No one took any notice of As he passed Jesus carefully back to Mary,
the young couple with the baby, as they he added, “And a sword will pierce your
wove their way through the crowds. Mary own soul, too.”
and Joseph paid their tax, as everyone had
to before they went into worship, sliding Then an old woman shuffled up
their money into the narrow mouth of to them out of the gloom. She was a
one of the treasure chests. prophetess called Anna, who belonged
to the tribe of Asher. She was eighty-four
An old man named Simeon had come years old and had been a widow for
to the Temple that day, filled with the Holy many years. The Temple was her home
Spirit. He was a good man, virtuous and now and she worshipped day and night,
devout, and he had been told by God that fasting and praying. She gazed at the baby
he would not die before he had seen the in Mary’s arms, but did not touch him.

188

Luke 2

Jesus is presented at the Temple
in this detail of Italian painter
Giotto di Bondone’s fresco cycle
“Life of the Virgin” (c. 1305).

Then she gave thanks to the Lord that When they had finished at the Temple, “With my
she had been allowed to see him and Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem and went own eyes I
shuffled off again. She told everyone home with Jesus. He grew healthy and have seen the
that the baby she had just seen would strong, and was filled with wisdom and son you have
be the Savior of Jerusalem. the grace of God. sent to bring
salvation to
Understanding the story all people.”

At the Temple, Mary offers two turtle doves to show her gratitude to God and her
desire to be forgiven for past sins. The Temple is packed with people, but only Simeon

and Anna realize that baby Jesus is the Messiah. God chooses these two humble
people because they are truly devout. Simeon recognizes that God has sent
His son into the world to bring salvation to all, not just the Jews.

189

Matthew 2

The Wise Men

After Jesus had been presented in the Temple,
the news of his birth spread far and wide. A group of highly

respected wise men traveled from the east to Jerusalem.

Astrology Although they were not Jewish of doing this, of course, and was hatching
Some believe the wise themselves they had heard about the a very different plan.
men came from India, new infant king and they wanted to pay
their respects. “Where is the one who has The wise men agreed and left for
Persia, and Arabia. been born king of the Jews?” they asked. Bethlehem on their camels. The star still
They were most likely “We saw his star in the east and have guided them on their way, shining brightly
respected astrologers, come to worship him.” ahead in the night sky. It stopped over a
who believed that the little stone stable on the outskirts of town
When King Herod heard about the and they knew that this must be the place
stars were used by newborn child who was to lead the Jews, that they had traveled so far to find. They
God as symbols to he was deeply disturbed. He thought a saw the child with his mother Mary, and
humankind. They made new king was a terrible threat to his power. they bowed down and worshipped him.
use of star catalogs He called together all his chief priests
in their predictions. and teachers of the law and asked them Then they opened the heavy caskets that
where the child might have been born. they had brought with them from the east
The gifts “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied. and laid their magnificent gifts before him.
Offering gifts as a sign His worst fears were confirmed. Bethlehem There was gold to pay tribute to him as a
of respect and obedience was not very far from Jerusalem. king, frankincense to honor him as God,
was a common practice in and myrrh as a sign that he, too, would die.
the ancient Middle East. Secretly, King Herod summoned the Later, when it was time to go, the wise men
The expensive gifts of wise men to the palace. First, he found out got back on their camels and set off on the
gold (left), myrrh (right), the exact time the star had appeared in the journey home. This time they took a
sky and then he asked them if they would different route, avoiding Jerusalem
and frankincense go to Bethlehem on his behalf. “As soon as completely. They had been warned in
(bottom), reflect the high you find him, report to me so that I may go a dream that they must not go back to
esteem in which they held and worship him.” He had no intention see Herod again, whatever happened.

Jesus, the infant king. Understanding the story

At this point in history, the birth of a baby was not considered a significant event.
The wise men make their journey because they believe the star signifies the birth of
a king, and the gifts they bring are valuable both literally and symbolically. Their worship
of baby Jesus, even though they are not Jewish, shows he is a savior for all people.

190

Matthew 2

191

Matthew 2

The Flight
into Egypt

Herodium After the wise men had left Bethlehem, an
Herod reigned over Judea angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.
from 37–4 bce. He is said to
be buried at Herodium, the “Take the child and his mother and realized that he had been outwitted by
summer palace he had built escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell the wise men from the east and that they
and named after himself. you, for Herod is going to search for the were not coming back, he was furious.
Situated 7 miles (12 km) child to kill him.” How would he find the newborn king that
was such a threat to his throne now? How
south of Jerusalem, Joseph woke immediately and jumped would he get rid of him? Mad with rage,
Herodium nestled in a up. He stood there for a moment as the full he issued a decree that all boys under the
hollowed-out hill, protected meaning of the angel’s words sank in. He age of two in the Bethlehem area should
by steep sides. The palace’s looked down in wonder at the baby Jesus, be killed immediately.
four circular towers offered sleeping so quietly in the little manger.
stunning views of Judea. Then, he went over to Mary and shook her Herod’s most trusted soldiers were
gently. He told her about his dream and dispatched at dawn to carry out his terrible
Herod’s coin what they must do. She rubbed her eyes order. And that very day, as Mary and
King Herod never forgot his sleepily and listened. She gathered her Joseph hurried on their way with the infant
Jewish roots. He was raised things together and tenderly picked up king, every little boy in Bethlehem was
in Idumea, south of Israel, the sleeping Jesus, as Joseph prepared the butchered. Their mothers pleaded and
donkeys for the long journey ahead. wept for their children’s lives as the soldiers
where the people had obeyed the King’s command. It was the
converted to the Jewish faith. They left as soon as they could, massacre of the innocents that the prophet
creeping quietly out of the little stable Jeremiah had predicted many years before:
Instead of issuing coins into the night. Like shadows they flitted “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and
bearing his image, Herod past the darkened houses, through the great mourning, Rachel weeping for her
chose coins with a military empty streets, and out of the peaceful, children and refusing to be comforted,
helmet and star. This showed sleeping town. By the time dawn broke, because they are no more.”
they had left Bethlehem far behind and
respect for Jewish law. were heading into the wilderness, far Unaware of the slaughter in Bethlehem,
from human habitation. Mary and Joseph traveled south, looking
out for any sign of Herod’s men. They
Meanwhile, Herod had waited and avoided the main routes as much as they
waited for the wise men to return to the could, keeping to the ancient animal tracks
royal palace in Jerusalem with news of the that wound through the landscape. Mary
baby Jesus. He paced impatiently up and held her baby tightly to her, hidden safely
down his throne room. When he finally

192

Matthew 2

under her thick cloak. On and on they went, back to Israel, for those who were trying “Take the
through the wild countryside, stopping only to take the child’s life are dead.” And child and his
to rest at night. It was a long and difficult so, the Lord’s words spoken through mother and
journey. When they reached the bleak and the prophet Hosea were fulfilled:
rocky desert, the sun beat down relentlessly “Out of Egypt, I called my son.” go back to
on the little family. Israel, for
On hearing this message, Joseph those who
Eventually, they arrived in Egypt—a and Mary set off with Jesus to make the were trying
strange and exotic land from which their long journey home. But, when they arrived to take the
ancestors had escaped so long ago. They in Israel, they discovered that Herod’s child’s life
found sanctuary there, as the angel had kingdom had been divided into three are dead.”
told Joseph, far from King Herod and his parts following his death. His cruel son,
henchmen in Jerusalem. Archelaus, was now reigning over Judea.
Fearful at the news, they decided to travel
Some time later, an angel appeared to further north and to settle in Nazareth in
Joseph again in a dream. “Get up,” he said. Galilee, where they had lived before.
“Take the child and his mother and go

The Holy Family travel into Understanding
Egypt in this detail from the story
a panel painted by Fra
The angel warns Joseph
Angelico (Guido di Pietro). to leave Egypt before
the Massacre of the
Innocents. This terrible
act was typical of King

Herod, who killed many
people—including his
wife and three of his
sons—in pursuit of power.
Egypt was traditionally
a place of refuge for the
Jews in times of trouble.
Their later journey out of
Egypt recalls the Exodus

of Moses and the
Israelites to Israel.

193

Luke 2

Jesus is Found
in the Temple

Spiritual learning Mary and Joseph set off with their friends and
By Jesus’s time, children relatives during Nisan, the first month of the year,
learned Jewish Law in
to go to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover.
special schools set up
next to synagogues. It was held in the evening of the fourteenth no one could help. Jesus seemed to have
The Mishnah, a written day of the month, and it was important to vanished into thin air. As night fell, Mary
record of traditions, was arrive in good time. Passover celebrated the and Joseph turned around and headed
part of their studies. It deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and back to Jerusalem, scouring the road
stated that a five-year-old was one of the greatest feast days of the as they went.
is ready for the Scripture, year. The roads were always crowded with
a 13-year-old ready to pilgrims coming from all over the country. For three days they searched the
fulfill the commandments, Jesus was twelve years old now, and he city high and low, consumed with fear and
and a 20-year-old ready to was allowed to go with Mary and Joseph hoping against hope that they would find
pursue a religious calling. for the first time. He was excited at the him safe and sound. Finally, in desperation,
This German Mishnah is thought of going into the Temple with they went back to the Temple and walked
from the 13th century ce. them and taking part in the celebrations. up the great steps.
It would be an important moment in his
Bar Mitzvah life, preparing him for the next year, when, Suddenly, in the inner courtyard, they
At the age of 13, a Jewish at the age of thirteen, he would be saw Jesus. He was sitting on the ground,
considered a man. deep in conversation with some of the
boy celebrates his Bar religious teachers. Wise beyond his years,
Mitzvah, after which time After the Feast, Mary and Joseph left he was asking them question after question
he is considered an adult. Jerusalem and started the journey back to and listening intently to their answers.
The ceremony involves their home in Nazareth with everyone else. The teachers were clearly amazed by his
reading from the Torah, Tired after the festivities, they traveled intelligence and understanding. They talked
(being carried here by this slowly along the road toward Galilee. to him as if he were an adult and chose
boy at the Western Wall of It was not until the evening, when they their words carefully. Mary and Joseph
the Temple of Jerusalem). stopped for the night, that Mary and stood and watched, fascinated by the scene.
Joseph noticed that Jesus was not with Then they rushed forward and threw their
The equivalent them. They looked at each other, puzzled. arms around Jesus. “My son, why did
celebration for Jewish girls Then they looked around, but there was no you do this to us?” asked Mary, holding
sign of him. They were both filled with a back the tears. “Your father and I have
is called a Bat Mitzvah. terrible, sinking feeling. Desperately, they been so worried. We have been looking
asked people if they had seen him, but everywhere for you.”

Jesus looked at them, wide-eyed.

194

Luke 2

“The Boy Jesus in Temple”
by Dutch painter Adriane van

der Werff (1659–1722)

“Why were you searching for me?” he Together, they set off from Jerusalem “Didn’t you
asked innocently. “Didn’t you know that and started their journey home to know that
I had to be in my Father’s house?” But Nazareth. But Mary could not stop I had to
neither Mary nor Joseph understood thinking about her son, sitting there be in my
what he meant. He got up and said in the Temple and talking so seriously
goodbye to the teachers, then left with the teachers. She turned the image Father’s
the Temple with his parents. over in her mind and smiled to herself. house?”

Understanding the story 195

Jesus was not born with complete knowledge of God, and this
story shows the beginning of his spiritual growth. He displays his

spiritual maturity in his first visit to the Temple, developing his
knowledge of God through discussions with the Temple teachers.
When Jesus says “my Father’s house,” he is showing awareness

of his unique relationship with God the Father.

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3; John 1

GALILee Korazin John Baptizes Jesus
CapCearnnaau•m•• • Bethsaida

Nazareth •• •Tiberias
Nain

PeReA It was the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar’s reign
as Roman Emperor. Judea, in the south, was ruled
JudeA by his governor, Pontius Pilate. Galilee, in the north,
was governed by Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great.
After King Herod
When King Herod the Nearly four centuries had passed since John the Baptist. People wanted to see
Great died, his kingdom the last of the prophets had spoken for themselves and soon they started to
was shared between his to the Jewish people. They remembered flock to the desert to find him.
three sons—Antipas, the promise that a new Messiah was
Archelaus, and Philip. coming—and a new prophet who would When he saw the wealthy and powerful
From 4 bce until 39 ce, prepare the way for him. But they had Sadducees and the Pharisees who had
Herod Antipas ruled waited a long time. come all the way from the Temple in
Galilee (where Jesus Jerusalem, John berated them. “You brood
was raised) and Perea. John, the son who had been of vipers! Repent your sins!” he said.
Archelaus controlled miraculously born to Elizabeth and “Do not think that you are safe just because
Judea and Samaria, while Zechariah late in life, lived a solitary life you are the children of Abraham. Trees
Philip ruled Iturea in the in the desert far from the Roman garrisons that produce rotten fruit will be cut down
northeast of Palestine. and Herod’s splendid Temple in Jerusalem. and thrown on the fire.”

Locusts He wandered alone through the remote “What should we do?” the people asked.
John the Baptist had countryside, preaching and baptizing the “The man with two tunics should share
limited options for food in people. He had a special gift for speaking, with him who has none. And the man who
the desert. He resorted to has food should do the same,” John replied.
honey made by wild bees. and the words from his tongue were “And what about us?” asked the tax
Holes inside Palestine’s eloquent and pure. His clothes collectors. “What should we do?”
rocks and trees were were made of the roughest “Do not collect any more than you
home to thousands of camels’ hair, held in place by a are required to,” John told them.
these bees. Locusts were Then some soldiers stepped forward.
also eaten by John. They leather belt around his waist, and he lived on “What should we do, Teacher?”
are a rich source of fat wild food, like locusts and honey from the “Do not extort money and do not
and protein, and can desert bees. When he stopped to preach, accuse people falsely. Be content with
he urged the people to turn away from your pay.”
also be eaten raw. evil. He told them to return to God because The people listened and wondered
Judgement Day was near. And then, when whether John the Baptist might be the
they had repented of their sins, he baptized Messiah himself. As if he could read their
them in the cool waters of the Jordan River. minds, John said, “I baptize you with water.
But one more powerful than I will come;
Word spread, and soon people from the thongs of his sandals I am not worthy
all over Galilee and beyond were talking
about the prophet in the wilderness who
could wash away their sins. They called him

196

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3; John 1

to untie. He will baptize you with the
Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing
fork is in his hand to clear his threshing-
floor and to gather the wheat into his
barn, but he will burn up the chaff
with unquenchable fire.”

Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized
by John in the river. John bowed down.
He knew that Jesus had never sinned
and had nothing to repent. “I am the one
who should be baptized by you,” he said.

“No, you must baptize me,” answered
Jesus. “It is God’s will. We must obey
Him.” Jesus did not want to separate
himself from the sins of his people,
and his baptism would be an example
to his followers.

Together, they waded into the river
as the crowd watched. John cradled Jesus
in his arms and lowered him into the water,
submerging him for a few moments. As
he lifted him back out of the water, the
clouds parted and a white dove flew down
from heaven, bathed in light. It was the
Spirit of God and it hovered over Jesus.
At the same time, a voice from above
said, “This is my Son, whom I love;
with him I am well pleased.”

The Jordan River was the last Understanding the story
part of the Israelites’ journey to
freedom during the Exodus, and John the Baptist fulfills a prophecy from
also the start of Jesus’s ministry. the Old Testament’s Book of Isaiah that
a voice from the wilderness will proclaim
the return of the Lord. Although he has
never sinned, Jesus’s baptism shows that

he identifies with ordinary people.
Baptism represents the cleansing of
sins and a fresh start. It is a promise

to lead a righteous life in future.

197

Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4

The Temptations
in the Wilderness

Desert creatures After Jesus was baptized he came back from
Very few creatures can the Jordan and went into the wilderness to be alone—
survive in the barren
wilderness of the desert. away from the distractions of daily life.
Eagles, scavenger vultures,
and snakes, such as this It was a bleak and barren landscape, The Devil turned to Jesus and said,
desert black cobra—one unbearably hot by day and bone-numbingly “You say you are the Son of God. Jump
cold at night. His only companions were off the Temple! The angels will catch you.”
of the world’s most the great eagles and vultures that flew high
venomous snakes—are above and the desert snakes that slithered Jesus, steadfast in his obedience to God,
into the shade under the hot rocks. replied calmly, “It is written that God must
always a threat. never be put to the test.”
For forty long days and nights, Jesus
Satan fasted and prayed in complete solitude. The Devil remained undeterred.
Depicted in this 15th- At the end of this time, he was exhausted He took Jesus to the highest mountain
century picture, Satan and weak with hunger, and the Devil came peak and showed him all the kingdoms of
(meaning “adversary”) is to tempt him and test his faith. “If you the world spread out like a patchwork quilt
believed to be an evil really are the Son of God, as you say, beneath them. “I will make you lord and
angel, opposed to God. prove it. Turn these burning desert ruler of all these lands if you will just
Although it is unknown stones into bread.” kneel down and worship me.”
how Satan appeared to
Jesus, his temptations Jesus, obedient to the will of God, And, once again, unwavering in his
were real and challenging. refused to break his fast. He replied, “It is devotion to God, Jesus replied, “Get behind
written that man cannot live by bread alone, me, Satan. It is written that God alone is
but must find strength in God’s words.” Lord of all, and it is God alone whom
you should worship.”
But the Devil refused to give up. He took
Jesus to the very top of Herod’s magnificent With that, the Devil vanished and a host
marble Temple in the heart of Jerusalem. of angels appeared from nowhere and flew
down to strengthen Jesus after his struggle.

Understanding the story

Jesus’s 40 days in the desert echo the 40 years the Israelites spent there
before reaching the Promised Land. Jesus is aware that he can perform miracles,
yet he refuses to demonstrate these powers to the Devil. In the face of various

temptations, Jesus remains resistant because he is wholly committed to God.

198

Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4

Russian painter Ivan
Kramskoi’s “Christ in
the Wilderness” (1872),

oil on canvas

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Matthew 4, 9, 10; Mark 1, 2, 3; Luke 5, 6

Jesus Calls
his Disciples

Fishing industry Jesus returned to Galilee and went to live
In Jesus’s time, the in Capernaum, a little town on the shore of the
fishing industry around big freshwater lake known as the Sea of Galilee.
the Sea of Galilee was
thriving. At least four of One morning, Jesus was preaching at the shore. The little vessel plowed slowly out
Jesus’s 12 disciples were edge of the water and, as usual, a crowd to sea, while Jesus sat down and carried
fishermen. It was a had gathered to listen. As he spoke, he on preaching from it. When he had finished,
challenging vocation, noticed two little fishing boats moored he said to Peter, “Put out into deep water
as fishermen often had nearby. Peter and his brother, Andrew, and let down the nets for a catch.”
to work all night cleaning were scrubbing their nets in the water.
their catches, drying Jesus stepped onto the boat belonging to The fisherman looked at him doubtfully.
nets, and preparing the Peter, and asked him to cast off from the “Master,” he replied. “We worked hard all
night and haven’t caught anything. But,
fish for market.

“The Miraculous Draught of
Fishes” (1515–1516) by Italian
painter Raphael (1483–1520)
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