THE NEW TESTAMENT a graphic novel
1st edition, 1st print
Copyright © 2023 Scandinavia Publishing House
www.sph.as | info@sph.as
Concept by José Pérez Montero
Text copyright © Ben Alex
Illustrations copyright © José Pérez Montero
Layout by Ben Alex
Cover design by Gao Hanyu
Printed in China
ISBN 9788772033488
CONCEPT AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY José
Pérez Montero
BY BEN ALEX
This is the story of Jesus’ birth and early ministry. Jesus was the son of God and savior of the world. He was the greatest person who ever lived on this earth -- and He was born in Israel, the land of the Jews, which was only a minor province in the mighty Roman empire ruled by Caesar Augustus. King Herod the Great was king of Israel, but most Jews didn’t like him because of his cruelty and collaboration with the Romans. They were waiting for a righteous king who would free them from the Romans...
In Israel lived a certain priest, Zechariah, who was married to a woman named Elizabeth. They had no children, and this was a great sorrow to them in their old age.
Zechariah, do not be afraid! God has heard your prayers. Elizabeth will give birth to a son.
One day something unusual happened. Zechariah was on temple duty when suddenly an angel appeared.
Elizabeth is too old for that. How will this be?
His name will be John. he will be filled with the holy spirit and be a blessing to you as well as your people.
Because of your doubt, you will not be able to speak until your son is born. Look! Zechariah is making signs. What is he saying? later Zechariah returned to his home...
Zechariah, I think I’m pregnant! Maybe God has finally heard our prayers!
Six months later the archangel Gabriel appeared to a relative
engaged
Hello Mary, do not be afraid. God has chosen you.
What for?
You are going to be the mother of Jesus, son of the most High God.
What does this mean? I don’t understand.
Jesus will be the king everyone has been waiting for. You will give birth to him. But how? I have no husband yet. I’m a virgin. Nothing is impossible for God. The Holy Spirit will come upon you.
One more thing. Your relative Elizabeth is also having a son. She is already six months pregnant.
The baby in my womb leaped for joy at the sound of your voice!
Mary knew well that any young girl getting pregnant outside of marriage would be in serious trouble. And what would Her fiance Joseph say when she told him she was with child?
May it happen according to your word.
Then the angel disappeared.
Mary told Elizabeth what had happened.
Elizabeth, I’m so happy that the Lord has chosen me to carry his son. But I’m also scared.
Elizabeth would understand! Mary could hardly wait to tell her the news. she rode all the way from Nazareth to Elizabeth’s home in Judea. Elizabeth!
Mary!
Dance, mary, dance! The Lord has been good to both of us.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months.
Elizabeth gave birth to a healthy boy. all her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her. When the boy was 8 days old, he was to be circumcised and named.
Shouldn’t he be named after his father Zechariah?
Zechariah wrote On a tablet: His name is John!
What does his father think?
Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened so he could speak. Praise the Lord, for he has visited and saved his people so we can be a holy nation and serve him !
I think he should be called John.
John grew up to become a man of spiritual strength. He lived in the desert until the day he would appear publicly to the people of Israel.
Mary left Elizabeth and Zechariah and went home to Nazareth. Hello Joseph!
Welcome home! How was it? How’s Elizabeth?
How can I explain this to him?
Wonderful, although she seems too old for that.
Fine! She gave birth to a beautiful boy.
Joseph, there’s something I must tell you... What?
Joseph, your family descends from the house of King David, right? yes, So?
You also know how the prophets have foretold that Messiah would be born of King David’s lineage, right?
Yeeees...
Joseph, I am going to be his mother. I am 3 months pregnant!
How could you do this to me?
Joseph, Come back please! I promise you, this is God’s will. An angel told me God has chosen us to be his parents.
Joseph was confused. Then...
Joseph, Joseph! Don’t worry, Mary is right. You can Marry her for The baby is conceived by the Holy Spirit.
I can’t marry Mary now. But I love her, and I don’t want to expose her to public disgrace. What shall I do?
Then one night... I must break the engagement.
An angel from God!
Mary!
Joseph!
then the happy parents-to-be were married.
Mary, I’m sorry! The angel of God told me everything. Will you marry me?
Months went by. Life in the small town of Nazareth went on as usual. Joseph was busy in his workshop, and Mary was counting the days until giving birth. Then one day a roman official arrived in town...
What’s that?
Oh, I’m so happy. Praise God!
Listen, people of Nazareth! This is a decree from emperor augustus in Rome...
Ceasar wanted a counting of all the people in his empire. The DESCENDENTS OF KING DAVID would have to go to Bethlehem in Judea to register.
This is a long trip, Mary. Think you can make it?
Soon they were on their way...
Look, Jerusalem! Bethlehem can’t be far away.
Many other travelers were on their way to bethlehem.
At last they arrived in Bethlehem. But The nights were cold, and they needed a place to sleep.
This way!
Joseph, I think it’s time for the baby to be born.
There were many people in town. Joseph went from place to place...
Sorry, no vacancy.
Mary was in Labor. Joseph was getting desperate... I know someone who might be able to help you.
OK, You may stay in my stable for the night.
May God help you!
Mary and Joseph looked at the baby and couldn’t quite understand they were holding the messiah in their arms. Mary wondered what his life would be like. How would he save their people and bring light to the world?
Joseph, I’m so happy... and a bit worried too.
in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were watching their sheep when an angel appeared...
A savior has been born in Bethlehem. He is Messiah, the lord!
This must be the child the angels told us about!
Glory to God, and peace on earth to those who love him!
Maybe God has finally heard the prayers of his people and sent a savior to us!
Come, let’s go to Bethlehem and see what has happened!
Then the shepherds left the stable.
