Intro NT, intro Mt, Mt 1–2
3–5
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6–7
8–12
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13–15
16–18
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19–23
24–25
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26–27[:10?]
27[:11?]–28
Intro Mark/1–4
5–7
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8–10
11–16
Intro Luke/1–3
4–8
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9–14
15–17
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18–22
23–24
Intro John/1
2–4
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5–7
8–10
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11–13
14–16
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17–19
20–21
1 Intro NT, intro Mt, Mt 1–2 Teaching ideas introducing the NT and introducing Matthew
Mt 1–2 Genealogy and the birth narrative; Jesus is the Son of David, the Son of
2 Mt 3–5
Abraham, Immanuel/”God with us” (see also Mt 28:20)
Beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Baptism, temptations in the wilderness,
3
4
Mt 6–7
Mt 8–12 beginning of teaching and healing. Beginning of Sermon on the Mount.
Sermon on the Mount (continued). Beginning of the Galilean ministry.
The middle of the Galilean ministry. These chapters are the continuation of a section Matthew began in 4:23 with the statement that Jesus went about
“preaching” and “healing.” This was followed by a collection of Jesus’ preaching (5–
7) and healings (8–9). These chapters pave the way for ch. 10, in which Jesus bestows the authority to preach and heal on the twelve apostles. In 11:4–5, Jesus’ teaching and miracles are referred to as evidence that He is the one who was
5 Mt 13–15 promised to come; ch. 11 concludes with the invitation to come to Him. Ch. 12 bolsters confidence in what Christ offers by a collection of affirmations of Christ’s supremacy over everything else —the temple, the Sabbath day, the designs of men, the devil, and even the greatest prophets and kings (like Jonah and Solomon).
The end of the Galilean ministry before the travels further north. Major focus on parables in Matt. 13 and Peter walking on water in Mt. 14:22–33.
6 Mt 16–18 Northern Galilean ministry. One unifying theme in these chapters is the church: 16 the establishment of the church on the rock of revelation; the keys necessary for the church promised; 17 the keys bestowed; 18 “community rules” sermon about responsibilities of church members.
7 Mt 19–23
8
9
10
11
12
13
Mt 24–25
Mt 26–27[:10?]
Mt 27[:11?]–28
Intro Mark/Mk 1–4
Mk 5–7
Mk 8–10
Natural block: Throughout these chapters the Savior faces opposition from Jewish leaders (high priests, scribes, Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, elders)
Natural block: The Olivet Discourse. Signs of the times and how to prepare for them.
One reason for breaking up this block with the next one is there is just too much to teach in one lesson. Ending this lesson with the death of Judas may provide a natural breaking point in the Matt. narrative.
Takes us from Pilate’s actions through end of Matthew. This block also allows us to conclude with the fulfillment of OT prophecy.
Natural block: Begins with “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” + the Father’s “Thou art my beloved Son;” ends with calming the storm and “What manner of man is this?”
Theme of authority and Messianic secret.
Miracles with special emphasis on compassion; increasing opposition.
More of Mk’s themes: misunderstanding of what kind of Messiah Jesus really was;
“the way of the cross” necessary both for Christ and his disciples; gradually

18 Lk 15–17
19 Lk 18–22
20 Lk 23–24
21 Intro John/Jn 1
22 Jn 2–4
23 Jn 5–7
24 Jn 8–10
25 Jn 11–13
26 Jn 14–16
27 Jn 17–19
28 Jn 20–21
14 Mk 11–16
15 Intro Luke/Lk 1–3
16 Lk 4–8
17 Lk 9–14 increasing understanding; toward Jerusalem. Organized around pattern: 3 foretellings, followed each time by failure of disciples to understand and instruction from Jesus about discipleship entailing suffering, humility, servitude, etc.
Natural block: Passion narrative (what Christ came to do and had been foretelling); starts with triumphal entry, ends with empty tomb/resurrection
Annunciations and birth narratives of John the Baptist and Jesus; John the Baptist’s ministry; baptism of Jesus.
Temptations in the wilderness (emphasize unique details); beginning of Galilean ministry; rejection in Nazareth synagogue (significance of Gentiles; foreshadowing pattern in Acts); private prayer; miracle of fish and calling of Simon and other apostles; sermon on the plain (emphasize unique details); healing of centurion’s servant (Gentile); raising of widow of Nain’s son; woman who washes Jesus’ feet.
Block starts and ends with teachings about discipleship; many of the events related are illustrative of aspects of discipleship. Calling and ministry of the
Seventy. Parable of Good Samaritan. Martha “cumbered,” Mary chooses “that good part.” Teachings on prayer (emphasize unique details not in Mt). Covetousness and parable of the rich fool. Other healings and teachings.
Parables of lost sheep, lost coin, the two sons (prodigal son). Parable of unjust steward. Parable of rich man and Lazarus (in context of opposition from Pharisees; see JST). Increasing faith through remembering indebtedness to God.
The passion narrative through Gethsemane, arrest, and trial before Jewish leaders.
Focus on unique details, especially in Gethsemane.
Crucifixion and resurrection; focus on unique details.
The pre-mortal Jesus: Word, creator, light, life. John’s testimony of Jesus. The beginning of Jesus’ mortal ministry; Jesus calls His first disciples.
The first miracles of Jesus; “earthly things and heavenly things;” Jesus teaches
Nicodemus about “spiritual rebirth”; Jesus teaches the Samaritan woman at the well about “living water”
Each chapter occurs at a time of a Jewish feast, with significant details: 5 = Rosh
Hashanah? 6 = Passover. 7 = Tabernacles. Continuation of “earthly things and heavenly things”; healing of lame man at pool of Bethesda; feeding of 5000 and bread of life sermon; increasing opposition; discourse in the temple at the feast
Woman taken in adultery and opposition; healing of blind man and opposition;
“the Good Shepherd;” Jesus has power over death; more opposition
The raising of Lazarus and escalating opposition; the last week of the Savior’s life commences; last supper and beginning of instructions at the last supper.
Instructions at the last supper (continued), particularly about the Holy
Ghost/Comforter.
Intercessory prayer serves as a “thesis statement” to the following passion narrative; Jesus’ statement about why he is going to do what he’s about to do; he prays for oneness and then works out the At+one+ment.
The resurrection appearances and post-resurrection ministry.