Words of Jesus Series

This is a series of courses we have been using in the jail ministry for several years. They are based on just the words of Jesus in the New Testament. They follow the timeline of Luke and harmonizes the other gospels accordingly. At the conclusion it looks at His words in the first three chapters of Revelations. They are being reformatted and illustrated for publication. This is what we have so far. Each one is exactly three lessons long to make it easier for those in the pen pal ministry to mail them. Printed front and back each course is four pages and with a letter can still be mailed for one first class stamp.

If you are looking for our Bible word studies click here.

Words of Jesus - Introduction (Jesus Christ, His Heritage, Nativity and Epiphany)
Context: Luke 1-3, Matthew 1-3, John 1
      Lesson 2 -Jesus Appears (Luke 1:1-2:38)
      Lesson 1 - Who is Jesus? (Luke 3:1-20, John 1:1-34)
      Lesson 3 - Wise Men Seek Jesus (Luke 3:23-38, Matthew 1:1-2:23)
This course has no words of Jesus. It focuses on Who He is and how He arrived on earth in the form of a man. Here instead of studying His words, as we do in the other 24 courses in the series, we will look at Who is doing the speaking.

Ministry Begins (His baptism and temptation in the wilderness)
Course Context: Luke Chapters 2-4, Matthew Chapters 3 & 4, Mark Chapter 1
      Lesson 1 - Temple Teachers are Taught (Luke 2:48-51)
      Lesson 2 - Jesus is Baptized (Luke 3:21-23)
      Lesson 3 - Temptation in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
In this course we will read about how Jesus began His ministry at an early age but delayed it in obedience to His earthly parents. We will read about His baptism by John the Baptist and His temptation in the wilderness.

Private Conversations (Jesus talks to His mother, His disciples and Nicodemus)
Course Context: John Chapters 1, 2 and 3
      Lesson 1 - First Disciples (John 1:35-51)
      Lesson 2 - Mary & His First Miracle (John 2:1-12)
      Lesson 3 - Nicodemus Visits by Night (John 3:1-21)
We are going to look at three private conversations in this course: one with His first disciples, one between Jesus and His mother, Mary; and between Jesus and Nicodemus, who was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin.

Woman, Nobleman, Nazareth (Woman at the well, nobleman's son, & visit to Nazareth)
Course Context: John 4, Luke 4, Matthew 13 & Mark 6
      Lesson 1 - Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:5-26)
      Lesson 2 - Jesus Preaches at Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30)
      Lesson 3 - Nobleman & Second Miracle of Jesus (John 4:46-54)
Jesus talks to the woman at the well, heals a nobleman's son and preaches at Nazareth to a very unfriendly crowd..

Lord of the Sabbath (Calling 4 disciples, attending a party and Sabbath questions)
Course Context: Luke 5&6; Matthew 4 & 9; Mark 1 & 2)
      Lesson 1 - Calling of Four Disciples (Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 4:17-22, Mark 1:14-20)
      Lesson 2 - Matthew Gives a Party for Jesus (Luke 5:27-39)
      Lesson 3 - Violating the Sabbath? (Luke 6:1-11)
Four disciples are called, Jesus attends a party with the culturally unacceptable, tells some puzzling parables and questions about the Sabbath arise.

Jesus is Lord (Jesus reveals Himself, honors John the Baptist and adopts us)
Course Context: Luke 7 & 8; Matthew 12, Mark 3, John 5
      Lesson 1 - Jesus Reveals His Identity (John 5:16-47)
      Lesson 2 - John the Baptist (Luke 7:18-35)
      Lesson 3 - Jesus Has a New Family - Us! (Luke 8:19-21)
Jesus reveals His deity, answers questions from the disciples of John the Baptist and honors him, and then explains who is real family is.

Sower, Debtors & Lamp (Dinner with a Pharisee & Parables)
Course Context: Luke 7, Luke 8, Matthew 13
      Lesson 1 - Parable of Two Debtors (Luke 7:36-50)
      Lesson 2 - Parable of the Sower and Soils (Luke 8:4-15)
      Lesson 3 - Parable of the Lamp (Luke 8:10-24)
Jesus has dinner with a Pharisee and teaches about the Kingdom of God using Parables. He gets a visit from His earthly family and responds in a surprising way.

Discipleship (Take up Your Cross)
Context: Luke 9-10, Matthew 10, 14, Mark 6, John 6
      Lesson 1 - Disciples Are Sent (Luke 9:1-6, Luke 10:1-24)
      Lesson 2 - Food & Drink (Luke 9:22-27, John 6:26-71)
      Lesson 3 - The Good Samaritan (Luke 9:46-62, Luke 10:25-42)
Twice Jesus sends out His disciples. In Luke 9 He sends the twelve and then in Luke 10 he sends out seventy. Some of the directions He gave them may apply to us today as well. After feeding of the 5000, the Transfiguration, and walking on water, Jesus gives a discourse on discipleship. When a lawyer tries find a loop hole in God's law, Jesus' closes it with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Finally, he tells Martha what is the only necessary thing.

Prayer & Wickedness (Persistent Prayer is Effective but the Wicked are Doomed)
Context: Luke 11, 12, 18, Matthew 6, 2 Corinthians 12
      Lesson 1 - Persistent Prayer (Luke 11:1-13)
      Lesson 2 - Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:14-26, Luke 12:1-12)
      Lesson 3 - Wicked Generation (Luke 11:27-54)
Jesus teaches on prayer at the request of His disciples. Jesus strongly responds to accusations from the Pharisees.

Fire from Heaven (Greed, Preparation for End Times, and Fire)
Context: Luke 12, Matthew 24, John 13
      Lesson 1 - Greed (Luke 12:13-34)
      Lesson 2 - Ready or Not (Luke 12:35-48)
      Lesson 3 - Christ Kindled Fire (Luke 12:49-59)
Jesus preaches on greed, warns us to be prepared for His second coming, and illuminates His purpose in coming the first time.

The Narrow Way (Sabbath, Narrow Way, Fig Tree, Mustard Seed, Leaven)
Context: Luke Chapters 13 & 14, Matthew 16, 24, Mark 4
      Lesson 1 - Three Short Parables (Luke 13:1-9, Luke 13:18-21)
      Lesson 2 - Sabbath Healings (Luke 13:10-17, Luke 14:1-6)
      Lesson 3 - Passing Through Villages (Luke 13:22-35)
Jesus heals on the Sabbath twice, answers some questions, teaches in various villages, talks about the narrow way, and tells three parables - the fig tree, mustard seed and leaven.

Light, Truth and Liberty (Adultery, Light, Truth and a Man Born Blind)
Context: John 7, 8 & 9
      Lesson 1 - The Feast of Booths (John 7:1-53)
      Lesson 2 - Before Abraham (John 8:1-59)
      Lesson 3 - Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41)
Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths, is questioned about an adulterous woman, declares that He is the Light of the world, announces the truth will set us free, reveals that He pre-existed Abraham, and heals a man born blind.

Cost of Discipleship (Parables of Guests, Host, Lost Coin & Lost Sheep)
Context: Luke 14 & 15, Matthew 9 & 18
      Lesson 1 - Parables of Hospitality (Luke 14:7-24)
      Lesson 2 - Discipleship Requirements (Luke 14:25-35)
      Lesson 3 - Lost and Found (Luke 15:1-10)
Jesus observes competition for the best seats, teaches on humility, on being ready for the kingdom, on the cost of discipleship, and on the joy in heaven when sinners repent.

Parables of Preparation (Prodigal Son, Scheming Manager, Rich Man & Lazarus )
Context: Luke 15 & 16
      Lesson 1 - The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
      Lesson 2 - The Scheming Manager (Luke 16:1-17)
      Lesson 3 - Rich Man & Lazarus (Luke 16:18-31)
Jesus tells three parables - The Prodigal Son, the Scheming Manager (a.k.a the Unrighteous Steward), and the Rich Man & Lazarus. The Rich Man & Lazarus is thought by many to be actual events rather than a parable.

Lightning (Forgiveness, Discipline, Gratitude, Woes and End Times)
Context: Luke 17, Matthew 18 & 23, Mark 13
      Lesson 1 - Forgiveness & Discipline (Luke 17:1-10, Matthew 18:15-35)
      Lesson 2 - Gratitude/Ingratitude (Luke 17:11-21, Matthew 23:1-36)
      Lesson 3 - Things to Come (Luke 17:22-37, Mark 13:1-37)
Jesus teaches on forgiveness, church discipline, being grateful, woe to those not living according to God, and end time prophecy.

The Good Shepherd (Shepherd, Resurrection and Prophecy of Death)
Context: John 10, 11 & 12
      Lesson 1 - The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-42)
      Lesson 2 - Lazarus (John 11:1-57)
      Lesson 3 - Jesus Death Foretold (John 12:1-50)
Jesus tells us He is the door to the sheepfold, the Good Shepherd, the resurrection and the life, and the light of the world. He raises Lazarus from the dead and unites the Sadducees and Pharisees in their hatred of Him. The apostle John demonstrates the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Boldly Enters Jerusalem (Parables on Prayer and Humility, Encounters with Three Men)
Context: Luke 18-19, Matthew 19 & 21, Mark 10-11
      Lesson 1 - Prayer, Pharisee, Publican & Preschoolers (Luke 18:1-17)
      Lesson 2 - Rich Young Ruler, Bartimaeus & Zaccheus (Luke 18:18-19:9)
      Lesson 3 - Jesus Boldly Enters Jerusalem (Luke 19:11-48)
Jesus teaches on prayer and humility. He accepts little children and blesses them. He talks with the Rich Young Ruler, heals Bartimaeus of blindness, and befriends Zaccheus, a tax collector, who repents. Jesus teaches on the coming Kingdom, enter Jerusalem in triumph and drives commerce out of the temple.

Jesus' Authority Questioned (Vineyard Workers, Two Sons, Taxes, Resurrection, David's Son)
Context: Luke 20, Matthew 21 & 22
      Lesson 1 - Wicked Vineyard Workers (Luke 20:1-18)
      Lesson 2 - Death and Taxes (Luke 20:19-39)
      Lesson 3 - David's Son (Luke 20:40-47, Matthew 22:33-47)
Jesus tells the parables of the Wicked Vineyard Worker and the Two Sons. He doesn't answer questions about His authority, and fends off trick questions about paying Roman taxes and the General Resurrection. He talks about the two Great Commandments and asks the Pharisees a question about the Christ being David's son which they cannot answer.

End Times (Prophecies and Parables of the End of the Age)
Context: Luke 21, Matthew 24 & 25
      Lesson 1 - Signs of the Times (Luke 21:1-24, Matthew 24:1-28)
      Lesson 2 - Get Ready (Luke 21:25-38, Matthew 24:29-Matthew 25:13)
      Lesson 3 - The Judgment (Matthew 25:14-46)
Jesus teaches about the end of the age and His Second Coming. He tells the parables of the Fig Tree, the Ten Virgins and Talents. He describes how the sheep and goats will divided in the Final Judgment.

The Last Supper (The Lord's Supper, Trinity, Jesus is the Vine)
Context: Luke 22, Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13-15
      Lesson 1 - The Lord's Supper (Luke 22:1-38, Matthew 26:20-35, Mark 14:12-31, John 13:1-38,
1st Corinthians 11:23-34)
      Lesson 2 - The Trinity (John 14:1-31)
      Lesson 3 - Jesus is the Vine (John 15:1-27)
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper. He talks about the Father and the Holy Spirit and how the persons relate to Each Other. Jesus teaches about how we are connected to Him and what that means by using an analogy of a vine and a vinedresser.

Jesus Arrested (Prayers, Promises, Prophecy and Arrest)
Context: Luke 22, Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 16-18
      Lesson 1 - Promises & Prophecy (John 16:1-33)
      Lesson 2 - A Prayer for Us (John 17:1-26)
      Lesson 3 - In the Garden (Luke 22:39-53)
Jesus completes His teaching of His disciples at the Last Supper, prays over them and us, and retreats to the garden where, after some additional prayer, He is arrested.

Trials, Crucifixion and Resurrection (Illegal Trials, Crucifixion, Burial & Resurrection)
Context: Luke 22-24, Matthew 26-28, Mark 15-16, John 18-20
      Lesson 1 - Illegal Trials (Luke 22:54-71)
      Lesson 2 - On the Cross (Luke 23:26-49)
      Lesson 3 - Resurrected Lord (Luke 24:1-53)
Jesus is put on trial, but the proceedings are illegal. Jesus is condemned to the cross and endures much. Jesus rises from the dead and appears to many.

Final Appearances (On the roads to Emmaus and Damascus, picnic on the beach)
Context: Luke 24, John 21, Acts 1 & 9
      Lesson 1 - Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
      Lesson 2 - On the Beach (John 21:1-25)
      Lesson 3 - Road to Damascus (Acts 1:9-11, Acts 9:1-19)
Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and explains how the Old Testament was about Him. He meets some disciples on the shore of a lake and feeds them breakfast and gives some instructions. He rises up to heaven with angels promising His return. He meets Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus and Saul the Persecutor becomes Paul the Preacher.

Revelations to the Apostle John (Messages to the Seven Churches, Final Promise of Return)
Context: Revelation 1-3 & 22
      Lesson 1 - Patmos, Ephesus, Smyrna & Pergamum (Revelation 1:1 - 2:17)
      Lesson 2 - Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea (Revelation 2:18 - 3:22)
      Lesson 3 - Final Promises (Revelation 22:1-21)
Jesus Christ appears to the Apostle John on the island of Patmos and gives him messages for seven churches in Asia Minor. Then after John is shown an extensive vision of the end times, Jesus tells John a bit about paradise and promises to return for us one day.