Birth & Early Years
Gospel Chronology · Study Tool
#1
John the Baptist’s birth foretold
Circa 7–6 BC · Judea (near Jerusalem)
Zechariah receives Gabriel’s message that Elizabeth will bear a son who will prepare the way of the Lord.
Luke 1:5-25
#2
Jesus’ birth foretold
Circa 6 BC · Nazareth
Joseph learns Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. An angel tells him to take her as his wife.
Matthew 1:18-24
Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Mary accepts God’s plan with faith.
Luke 1:26-38
#3
Mary visits cousin Elizabeth
Circa 6 BC · Hill country of Judea
John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb. Mary proclaims the Magnificat.
Luke 1:39-56
#4
The birth and naming of John the Baptist
Circa 6 BC · Hill country of Judea
John is born and named. Zechariah regains his speech.
Luke 1:57-66
#5
Zachariah’s song at John’s birth
Circa 6 BC · Hill country of Judea
Zechariah prophesies John’s mission.
Luke 1:67-80
#6
Joseph’s dream and obedience
Circa 6 BC · Nazareth
Joseph learns Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. An angel tells him to take her as his wife and name the child Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-24
#7
The birth of Jesus
Circa 6–4 BC · Bethlehem
Joseph names Him Jesus.
Matthew 1:25
Jesus is born and laid in a manger.
Luke 2:1-7
#8
Angelic announcement to shepherds
Circa 6–4 BC · Fields near Bethlehem
Angels announce the birth; shepherds visit and praise God.
Luke 2:8-20
#9
Circumcision and naming of Jesus
Circa 6–4 BC · Bethlehem
Joseph names Him Jesus.
Matthew 1:25
Jesus is circumcised and formally named.
Luke 2:21
#10
Jesus’ presentation in the temple
Circa 6–4 BC · Jerusalem
Jesus is presented in the Temple. Simeon and Anna recognize Him.
Luke 2:22-38
#11
The Magi visit and honor Jesus as a Child
Circa 5–4 BC · Bethlehem
Wise men from the East follow the star, find Jesus, and offer gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:1-12
#12
Joseph & Mary’s flight to Egypt with Jesus
Circa 5–4 BC · Egypt (from Bethlehem)
An angel warns Joseph in a dream. The family flees to Egypt to escape Herod.
Matthew 2:13-15
#13
Herod has children killed
Circa 5–4 BC · Bethlehem
Herod orders the killing of all boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity.
Matthew 2:16-18
#14
Jesus’ family returns to Nazareth
Circa 4 BC · Nazareth (from Egypt)
After Herod dies, an angel tells Joseph to return. The family settles in Nazareth.
Matthew 2:19-23
#15
Jesus in the temple at age 12
Circa AD 7–8 · Jerusalem
At age 12 Jesus stays behind in the Temple. Mary and Joseph find Him discussing with the teachers.
Luke 2:41-52