The Kingdom Draws Near

Part Two

Following Jesus

Preparation and the Beginning of Jesus’ Public Ministry

John prepares the way, the Father identifies his beloved Son, and Jesus steps into public ministry. Through testing, first followers, signs, encounters, and growing authority, the King gathers a people around himself.

14 core lessons

Begin this part
Following Jesus home

The movement of this part

Follow the story as it unfolds

The movement begins at the Jordan and in the wilderness, then follows Jesus through the first disciples, Cana, Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. Each event answers a foundational question: Who is Jesus, what kind of mission has he begun, and what does it mean to follow him?

Movement

The way prepared

John calls Israel to repentance and directs attention away from himself to the coming One.

Movement

The beloved Son

At baptism and in testing, Jesus is identified and proves faithful where Israel failed.

Movement

First followers

Witness draws disciples to Jesus, and his call begins reshaping their lives.

Movement

Signs and new life

Cana, Nicodemus, and Samaria reveal glory, new birth, worship, and living water.

Movement

Authority in Galilee

Jesus teaches, heals, forgives, confronts false religion, and establishes his mission.

The complete study path

Explore every teaching in this part

Read the page introductions, study the passages, and watch the messages in order—or enter at the event you are ready to explore.

Core Chronological Journey

Follow the main sequence in order. Each lesson carries the story forward toward the next decisive movement.

Part Two · Lesson 1 of 14

To Fulfill All Righteousness

From the Gospel introductions and genealogies to the baptism of Jesus

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-3:17 · Mark 1:1-11 · Luke 1:1-4 · John 1:1-34

Part Two · Lesson 2 of 14

Testing in the Wilderness

Jesus resists Satan’s testing in the wilderness

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 · Mark 1:12-13 · Luke 4:1-13

Part Two · Lesson 3 of 14

The Testimony of John

John identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God and Son of God

Scripture: John 1:19-34

Part Two · Lesson 4 of 14

The First Followers

Jesus calls Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael

Scripture: John 1:35-51

Part Two · Lesson 5 of 14

The First of His Signs

Jesus reveals his glory at the wedding in Cana

Scripture: John 2:1-12

Part Two · Lesson 6 of 14

The Temple He Would Raise

Jesus cleanses the temple and points to his resurrection

Scripture: John 2:13-25

Part Two · Lesson 7 of 14

Born from Above

Jesus teaches Nicodemus about new birth and eternal life

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Part Two · Lesson 10 of 14

He Took Jesus at His Word

Jesus heals an official’s son from a distance

Scripture: John 4:43-54

Part Two · Lesson 12 of 14

Come, Follow Me

Jesus establishes his Galilean ministry and calls the fishermen

Scripture: Matthew 4:13-25 · Mark 1:14-39 · Luke 4:31-44 · Luke 5:1-11

Part Two · Lesson 14 of 14

The Son Who Gives Life

Jesus heals at Bethesda and declares his divine authority

Scripture: John 5:1-47

Why this movement matters

The theological center

Jesus does not seize authority; he receives and exercises it in faithful obedience to the Father. He withstands the tempter, fulfills righteousness, reveals his glory, offers new birth and living water, and calls ordinary people into a new community. The kingdom draws near because the King himself is present.

Read with all four Gospels

One life, four complementary witnesses

The chronology helps us see when and where events unfold. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John also preserve distinct emphases that should be heard on their own terms. The lesson pages identify the relevant Gospel accounts so the movement can be studied without flattening their witness.

Continue the journey

Move to the next major movement, return to the series hub, or revisit the preceding part.