A Visit With Jesus Bible Narratives

Bible Narratives

Search Narratives

Select a Narrative

Testament

Jacob and Esau

Jacob and Esau were twin brothers, and Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34). Later, Jacob received his father's blessing instead of Esau (Genesis 27:28-29). This caused conflict between the brothers and changed the course of their family history.

See Details

Jacob Moves to Egypt

After learning that Joseph was alive, Jacob and his family traveled to Egypt and settled there in the land of Goshen (Genesis 46:5-7). This marked the beginning of the Israelites living in Egypt (Genesis 47:11).

See Details

Jacob Wrestles with God

On his way back to meet Esau, Jacob wrestled with a man through the night and received a new name, Israel (Genesis 32:24-28). The struggle symbolized Jacob's life and his relationship with God. Jacob left the encounter blessed but with a limp (Genesis 32:31).

See Details

Jacob's Ladder

While traveling to Haran, Jacob had a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending, and God reaffirmed the covenant promises to him (Genesis 28:12-15). Jacob realized the place was holy and called it Bethel (Genesis 28:19). This event confirmed that God's covenant would continue through Jacob.

See Details

Jesus Baptism

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove while a voice from heaven declared Him to be God's Son (Matthew 3:16-17). This event marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

See Details

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and prepare for His arrest and crucifixion. He prayed to the Father but submitted to God's will (Matthew 26:39).

See Details

John's Vision on Patmos (Revelation)

The apostle John was exiled on the island of Patmos where he received visions from Jesus about the future, the church, and the final victory of God (Revelation 1:9-19).

See Details

Jonah and Nineveh

God told Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and warn them of judgment, but Jonah tried to run away and was swallowed by a great fish before finally going to Nineveh where the people repented and were spared (Jonah 1-3).

See Details

Joseph in Egypt (Potiphar and prison)

Joseph served in Potiphar's house and prospered, but after a false accusation he was imprisoned (Genesis 39:20). Even in prison, God was with Joseph and he gained favor and responsibility (Genesis 39:21-23). Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40:8).

See Details

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams

Pharaoh had troubling dreams that no one could interpret, but Joseph interpreted them as seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:29-30). Pharaoh placed Joseph in charge of Egypt to prepare for the famine (Genesis 41:41).

See Details

Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

After testing his brothers and seeing that they had changed, Joseph revealed his identity to them and forgave them for selling him into slavery (Genesis 45:4-5). Joseph told them that God had used their actions to save many lives during the famine (Genesis 45:7).

See Details

Joseph Sold into Egypt

Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was hated by his brothers and sold into slavery to traders traveling to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). His brothers deceived their father into believing Joseph had been killed (Genesis 37:31-33). This event began Joseph's journey that would eventually lead to the preservation of his family.

See Details

Page 3 of 8

Narratives

While some Bible narratives can be taken at face value, others require some knowledge of the places, times and customs involved in order to be fully appreciated. Absent such context, scripture can sometimes leave the reader with an inaccurate view of the event.

Where knowledge of translational difficulties can help our understanding, it is also true that one must resist the understandable temptation to look at the text through the lens of a modern cultural context.

In this section, narratives are presented that we hope may bring a clearer picture of certain Bible stories.