5. Jesus: The Good News of God’s Kingdom

THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S KINGDOM

TEACHING

Read this section to get the point of this part’s big picture. Then, move on to watch the main videos and start the Bible readings below the videos. Feel free to collapse this section when you’re done

For weeks, we’ve been following the story of the Bible from the very beginning. We’ve seen how God created the world and invited humans into a relationship with Him. We saw promises made to people like Abraham and Moses. We followed Israel’s journey—how they were called to be God’s people, but often failed. In the last section, we saw how they were sent into exile. And now, after hundreds of years of waiting and silence, the moment finally comes: Jesus enters the story.

Jesus is the climax of everything God has been doing. He’s not just a great teacher or a miracle worker—He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the One who brings God’s kingdom to earth. Everything changes when Jesus arrives.

The Waiting Ends

After the last prophet in the Old Testament, there were 400 years with no new message from God. During this time, Israel was conquered again and again—by the Greeks, Egyptians, Syrians, and finally the Romans. The people were tired, oppressed, and longing for freedom. They clung to the hope that God would send someone to rescue them—a new king like David, a deliverer like Moses.

And then, Jesus shows up.

The Good News Begins

The Gospel of Mark starts with a bold announcement:
“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.”
(Mark 1:1, NIV)

The phrase “good news” is where we get the word “gospel.” It means a joyful message that changes everything. And that message is this: the kingdom of God has come near. Through Jesus, God is starting something new.

Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River—a powerful moment full of meaning. The same river Israel crossed into the Promised Land, Jesus now steps into. But this time, instead of parting water, heaven is opened. God speaks and says,
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
(Mark 1:11, NIV)

God is confirming that Jesus is His Son. But there’s more. Jesus is also identified as the suffering servant described in Isaiah—one who would bring justice, take on suffering, and restore humanity.

A New Beginning

Right after His baptism, Jesus goes into the wilderness for 40 days. Just like Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years, Jesus faces trials. But unlike Israel, Jesus stays faithful. He passes the test.

Then He begins His mission with this declaration:
“The time has come… The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
(Mark 1:15, NIV)

Let’s pause there.

“Repent” means to turn around. It means changing direction—leaving behind the old life of sin, selfishness, and the lies we believe—and turning toward God.
“Believe” means more than agreeing with an opinion or even the facts. It means trusting Jesus and living like He’s actually in charge. It means putting your full confidence in Him and letting His way shape your decisions, values, and relationships.

A Fresh Start

When we repent and believe, something incredible happens: we get a fresh start. A reset. Like rebooting your Wi-Fi router when it’s not working—Jesus gives us a way to restore our connection to God.

This is the message of Jesus: you don’t have to stay stuck. You don’t have to carry guilt, shame, or regret. You can start again. And not just start over—you can live in a new way, with Jesus as your teacher, Savior, and King.

Your Next Steps

So what do you do with all this?

Repent and believe. Whether you’ve never trusted Jesus before or you’ve just been going through the motions, today’s a good day to start over. Turn away from your old life, ask Jesus to lead your new life, and believe the good news: the kingdom is here, and you are invited in.
Start learning how to live. The best place to begin? The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). It’s full of Jesus’ teachings about life, love, anger, forgiveness, prayer, and more.

When we follow Jesus, we don’t just get a ticket to heaven someday. We join Him in bringing heaven to earth—restoring Eden, step by step, choice by choice.

VIDEOS

There are two sets of videos here from the Bible Project: the “main” videos that are important to watch and the “bonus” videos you can watch if you’d like to explore more. You can watch them one day at a time along with the Bible readings below, or you can watch them all in one sitting. It’s up to you.

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MAIN VIDEOS

Watch these short videos to understand some important themes about the life, message, and death of Jesus.

The Gospels aren’t just stories—they’re announcements of good news. Discover how these four accounts reveal Jesus as the world’s true King.

What is the gospel, really? Discover how Jesus’ upside-down kingdom fulfills God’s story and changes everything.

In Luke, Jesus brings God’s promises to life—announcing good news that turns the world upside down for rich and poor alike.

Mark reveals Jesus as the true King—one who conquers not by force, but through suffering, death, and resurrection.

BONUS VIDEOS

Watch these short videos to explore more about this part of the Bible.

Jesus was innocent—so why was He executed? Discover how His death wasn’t the end, but the beginning of a new future for the world.

How can God deal with evil without destroying us? Discover how sacrifice and Jesus’ death make restoration possible.

READINGS

There are seven readings of key Bible passages in this part. You can read them as a daily devotional or you can read multiple passages in one sitting. Check off what you’ve read and come back to pick up where you left off. We’ll keep track of what you’ve completed. Hover over or touch the bible references to read the passage.

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Reading 1

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Matthew 21:1–11

Today’s passage marks the beginning of Jesus’ final week. In Matthew 21, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah that the King would come in humility. Crowds shouted “Hosanna,” welcoming Him as the Son of David. Yet many misunderstood the kind of King He was—a Savior who came to bring peace through sacrifice, not political revolution. This moment fulfilled messianic hopes in part, but the full meaning of His kingship would unfold through the cross and resurrection.

Reflect
How do you respond when Jesus doesn’t meet your expectations—but offers something deeper?

Prayer
Jesus, You are the King who came in humility and love. Help me receive You for who You truly are, not just what I want You to be.

Reading 2

Jesus Clears the Temple

Matthew 21:12–17

This scene shows Jesus confronting injustice and corruption. In Matthew 21, He entered the temple and drove out those who turned worship into exploitation. Quoting Scripture, He reminded them God’s house was to be a place of prayer. He welcomed the blind and lame, healed them, and received children’s praise. This bold action fulfilled prophecy and revealed His authority to purify what belongs to God. Yet it also foreshadowed the conflict that would soon lead to His death.

Reflect
What needs to be cleared out of your life so that your worship can be honest and whole?

Prayer
Jesus, cleanse my heart and make it a place where You are honored. Drive out anything that gets in the way of true worship.

Reading 3

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Matthew 26:1–16

This passage reveals how the road to the cross was both human betrayal and divine plan. In Matthew 26, religious leaders conspired to arrest Jesus, and Judas agreed to betray Him for thirty silver coins. At the same time, a woman anointed Jesus with costly perfume, preparing Him for burial. Her love and sacrifice contrasted sharply with the greed and deception of others. Jesus knew what lay ahead, yet He embraced it willingly—for the sake of the world.

Reflect
In a world of compromise and betrayal, how can your devotion to Jesus stand out?

Prayer
Jesus, You walked toward the cross with courage and love. Help me honor You with the kind of devotion that costs something.

Reading 4

Jesus’ Authority

Luke 20:1–19

This Gospel chapter shows how Jesus’ authority was questioned and revealed. In Luke 20, religious leaders tried to trap Him with challenges about His teaching and power. In response, Jesus told a parable about tenants who rejected the vineyard owner’s son—a clear indictment of Israel’s leaders and a foreshadowing of His own rejection and death. Though they tried to undermine Him, Jesus spoke with clarity, wisdom, and divine authority. His words still confront us today.

Reflect
Are you resisting Jesus’ authority in any area of your life—or submitting to His loving leadership?

Prayer
Jesus, You are not just a teacher—I believe You are Lord. Help me submit to Your authority in every part of my life.

Reading 5

The Last Supper and Jesus’ Arrest

Matthew 26:17–30; John 18:1–14

These passages take us from intimacy to betrayal. In Matthew 26, Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples, reframing it as the new covenant in His blood. He gave them bread and wine, pointing to His sacrificial death. Today, we eat the Lord’s Supper together as a tangible reminder of our forgiveness in Christ and the unity we have in him. In John 18, after prayer in the garden, Jesus was arrested—betrayed by Judas and bound by soldiers. He did not resist. These events moved steadily toward the cross, showing that Jesus laid down His life willingly for the salvation of the world.

Reflect
How does Jesus’ willingness to suffer for you shape your willingness to trust Him?

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for offering Yourself so freely for my sake. Help me trust You even in the dark places, knowing You walked that path first.

Reading 6

The Death of Jesus

Mark 15:1–47

This Gospel chapter is the sobering moment of the Christian story. In Mark 15, Jesus was falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and crucified. The crowd that once cheered Him now called for His death. Yet even as He suffered, Jesus fulfilled Scripture, forgave His enemies, and cried out to God. When He died, the earth trembled and the temple curtain tore, and a Roman centurion declared, “Surely this man was the Son of God.” His death was both an act of injustice and the greatest act of love the world has ever known.

Reflect
What does the cross reveal to you about the depth of God’s love?

Prayer
Jesus, You gave everything for me. Help me never take the cross lightly—and let it shape how I live and love.

Christ a Sacrifice for All

Hebrews 9:1–10:39

This New Testament letter explains the deeper meaning of Jesus’ death. In Hebrews 9–10, the writer (we don’t know who the author was) compares the old covenant, with its repeated animal sacrifices, to the new covenant, where Jesus offered Himself once for all. His blood cleanses our consciences, opens access to God, and removes the need for ritual offerings. We are invited to draw near with confidence, live by faith, and hold unswervingly to hope. What the temple foreshadowed, Christ fulfilled completely.

Reflect
Do you live as if you’ve truly been made clean and welcomed into God’s presence?

Prayer
Jesus, You are the perfect sacrifice and the great High Priest. Thank You for making a way for me to live in freedom, forgiveness, and faith.

5. JESUS