THE COMIC BOOK BIBLE JESUS’ BIRTH AND EARLY MINISTRY Published by Scandinavia Publishing House 2013 Scandinavia Publishing House, Drejervej 15,3, DK-2400 Copenhagen, NV, Denmark info@scanpublishing.dk www.scanpublishing.dk Concept by Jose Perez Montero Text copyright © Ben Alex Illustrations copyright © Jose Perez Montero Design by Ben Alex Printed in China Hardcover ISBN 9788771325119 Softcover ISBN 9788771325126 All rights reserved
THE COMIC BOOK
BIBLE
JESUS’ BIRTH AND EARLY MINISTRY CONCEPT AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOSE PEREZ MONTERO TEXT BY BEN ALEX
scandinavia
This is the story of Jesus’ birth and early ministry. Jesus was the son of God, the savior of the world, and the greatest person who ever lived on this earth. 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 the day 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 of Elizabeth, a young woman named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a young man in the town of Nazareth in Galilee.
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.
THE BIRTHs OF JOHN AND JESUS
Luke 1:5 – 2:20
Jesus will be the king everyone has been waiting for. You will give birth to him.
Am I not too young for that? Besides, I’m a virgin.
Nothing is impossible for God. The Holy Spirit will come upon you.
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One more thing. Your relative Elizabeth is also having a son. She is already six months pregnant.
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?
Elizabeth would understand! Mary could hardly wait to tell her the news. she rode all the way from Nazareth to Mary! Elizabeth’s home in Judea. Elizabeth!
May it happen according to your word.
Then the angel disappeared. The baby in my womb leaped for joy at the sound of your voice!
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.
Dance, Elizabeth, 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 taken to the temple to be circumcised and named. Shouldn’t he be named after his father Zechariah?
Zechariah wrote On a tablet: His name is John!
Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened so he could speak.
What does his father think? 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.
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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?
Joseph, there’s something I must tell you...
What?
Fine! She gave birth to a beautiful boy.
Wonderful, although she seems too old for that.
You also know how the prophets have foretold that Messiah would be born of King David’s lineage, right?
Joseph, your family descends from the house of King David, right?
Joseph, I am going to be his mother. I am 3 months pregnant!
Yeeees... yes, So?
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.
Then one night...
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?
I must break the engagement.
An angel from God!
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Mary! Joseph!
then the happy parents-to-be were married.
Listen, people of Nazareth! This is a decree from emperor augustus in Rome...
Oh, I’m so happy. Praise God!
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...
Ceasar wanted a counting of all the people in his empire. The people of Nazareth would have to go to Bethlehem in Judea to register.
What’s that?
Soon they were on their way...
This is a long trip, Mary. Think you can make it?
Many other travelers were on their way to bethlehem.
Look, Jerusalem! Bethlehem can’t be far away.
At last they arrived in Bethlehem. But The nights were cold, and they needed a place to sleep.
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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 labour. Joseph was getting desperate... I know someone who might be able to help you.
OK, You may stay in my stable for the night.
This way! Joseph, It’s now!
May God help you!
Right there, in a stable outside of Bethlehem, the savior of the world was born.
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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!
Glory to God, and peace on earth to those who love him!
Come, let’s go to Bethlehem and see what has happened!
This must be the child the angels told us about!
Maybe God has finally heard the prayers of his people and sent a savior to us!
Then the shepherds left the stable.
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When Jesus had been circumcised and named, Joseph and Mary took him to the temple in Jerusalem to make a special offering to God--a pair of turtledoves and two young pigeons. His name is Jesus, which means ‘God saves.’
An old man of God named Simeon came up to Mary and Joseph... Can I hold him? God told me I wouldn’t die until I had seen the savior.
God, now let your servant die in peace for I have seen the savior with my own eyes.
This child will be a light to the people of Israel and all the world!
His life will bring you pain. for although many will rejoice because of him, others will hate him when he reveals their innermost thoughts.
In the temple was also an old woman named Anna. She never left the temple but was fasting and praying day and night, and she always talked to people about the coming savior.
This child will rescue Jerusalem!
JESUS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE
Luke 2:21-38
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Far away in the East lived three wise men called the Magi. in the western sky, they noticed an unusually bright star. They knew the star signified an important event, so they followed the star and finally arrived in Jerusalem.
We have seen the star of the future king of the Jews. Where can we find him?
When Herod heard about a new king, he got upset and summoned the chief priests and wise men to his court. he asked them where this king was supposed to be born according to the scriptures. They told Him:
“Out of You, Bethlehem in Judea, will come a ruler and shepherd of my people Israel!” Now Herod was really worried. He secretly called the Magi... when you find this king, let me know where he is. I want to worship him too!
The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem!
This was a lie. Herod had other plans. I must kill him.
The Magi left and came to the place where the baby was... ...and they worshiped him and offered him expensive gifts. Then they returned to their country without telling Herod where they had found him..
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THE VISIT OF THE MAGI
Mary, I’m sure God will protect us.
Matthew 2:1-12
That night Joseph had a dream. In the dream an angel said to him: Joseph, wake up! Herod wants to kill the child. you must Flee to Egypt.
When the sun came up, they were on their way to Egypt. Mary, get up! the angel told us to leave.
Go from house to house and kill every boy under two years old!
When Herod realized he had been outwitted by the magi, he was furious.
In the meantime Jesus and his parents had arrived safely in Egypt.
The soldiers carried out the king’s orders... Sir, every boy under two is dead.
They stayed there for over a year...
You are safe now. Herod is dead.
...until the angel told them to go home.
Herod died and was succeeded by his son who was even worse than his father. I am the greatest king ever in Israel. Write it down!
After their longjourney...
Back in Nazareth, far from the king’s palace in Jerusalem, Joseph’s family was received with joy.
Welcome home!
Jesus grew up and helped Joseph in his workshop. He was growing up to become a mature young man, full of wisdom and pleasant to be with.
THE ESCAPE TO EGYPT
Matthew 2:13-23
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Son, this is the great temple built by king david and solomon.
Every year Jesus and his parents used to go to Jerusalem for the passover festival. This was an important religious event. When Jesus was twelwe years old, they went to the festival as usual.
On their way home Mary couldn’t find Jesus. I wonder where the boy is.
Probably with Joseph.
then They went back to Jerusalem to search for him there.
Joseph, is Jesus with your group?
For three days they were searching for Jesus. We have looked all over town.
Have you seen our son Jesus?
No, we haven’t.
No, I thought he was with you!
There he is--inside the temple!
He’s talking with the religious teachers!
We have looked all over for you! Why did you do this to us?
You didn’t need to look for me. You should have known I must be in my father’s house. At that time they didn’t know what Jesus meant. But Mary stored all these things in her heart. After this Jesus returned with them to nazareth, and he continued to grow in wisdom. God was pleased with him, and so were the people around him.
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JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
Matthew 2:41-52
When Jesus was thirty years old, his cousin John started to preach on the banks of the Jordan river. John urged people to change their lives, return to God, and have their sins forgiven. As The prophet ISAIAH Had said long ago, “Someone is shouting in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord!”
Repent, You Hypocrites! You think you’re safe because you’re jews.
Back in Nazareth Jesus had taken over Joseph’s cabinetmaker business.
Everyone talks about John. He’s preaching that the kingdom of God is near.
This was exciting news. For although the rabbis had spoken about the coming kingdom for centuries, no one had dared talk about it like John.
At the Jordan river, John was baptizing people.
Mother, I must go and see John. I’ll be back.
Change your hearts! And prove this change in your lives! The axe of judgment is ready to cut down the trees that don’t produce fruit.
What should we do? Share what you have with those who don’t have! Don’t cheat people!
Be happy with your pay, and don’t force people by making false accusations!
Are you the Messiah?
What about us? I baptize you with water, but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am. He will baptize you with the holy spirit.
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
Luke 3:1-22; Matthew 3:13-17; John 1:19-34
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John.
Jesus!
What are you doing here?
Me baptize you? No, you should baptize me!
It’s right that you baptize me, John. do it!
Baptize me, John!
After his baptism Jesus listened to John for a while. One day a group of religious leaders came out to investigate who this strange man was. Who do you think you are? Messiah?
This is my son, the one I love. I am pleased with him.
Or Elijah?
No.
you know I’m a nobody who only baptizes with water. but among you is a man you don’t know. He is the one. I’m not even worthy to tie his shoes.
I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’
If you’re not the Messiah or Elijah, who has given you the authority to baptize people?
This is hilarious! We must keep an eye on them so they won’t cause trouble.
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He is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
After Jesus’ baptism, God’s Spirit led him into the desert to be tested. For 40 days and nights he didn’t eat anything, and he was getting very hungry. That’s when the devil came to tempt him...
If you are the son of God, you can easily order these rocks to become bread!
No, God says obedience to his word is more important than bread.
Prove your faith in God by jumping off this roof! God has promised to protect you.
Then the devil took him up to the top of a high mountain... I’ll give you all the kingdoms in the world if you will worship me!
God also says, ‘Don’t test me!’
away with you, Satan! God’s word says to worship him alone.
Then the devil took him up on the temple roof...
After this the devil left Jesus alone for awhile. instead angels came and strengthened him.
You must be andrew. I saw you with John. Tell me, where is he?
I must see John.
Andrew was a disciple of John. He told Jesus the bad news: John had been imprisoned by Herod. Now Andrew had lost his master. Andrew found some of John’s other disciples...
Didn’t John tell us this Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?
When they found him... Come with me!
And didn’t John say this Jesus is greater than him?
Let’s find out who he is!
We want to follow you.
Friends, what do you seek?
where do you live?
I’m from Nazareth in Galilee where some of you also live.
JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY
We’re from Bethsaida.
Come and see!
Follow me, Philip!
Matthew 4:1-25; John 1:35-51; Mark 1:14-20; Luke 5:2-11 16
The news about Jesus got out. More Nathanael, and more we’ve found a people heard prophet, jesus about him. of nazareth!
Can anything good come from there?
You’re certainly a man of integrity, Nathanael.
I saw you under the fig tree. How did you know me?
You will see greater things than this.
Master, you are the son of God!
Jesus and his handful of disciples walked from town to town in Galilee, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God and healing every disease and sickness among the people. The news about him spread even beyond the borders of Israel. Andrew, do you really think Jesus is the messiah?
I never heard anyone speak like him.
Simon, push your boat out into the water!
Peter, I know he is!
Simon, throw out your nets!
Jesus spoke to the crowd from the boat. Then...
Peter didn’t want to make a fool of himself.
The nets were so full they began to tear!
Try again! On your word then.
Come and help us!
Master, please leave me alone. I am a sinful man.
OK, Master, but we have worked all night and haven’t caught a thing.
Fear not, simon Peter. from now on you’ll be fishing for people.
As soon as peter and his companions landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
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We’re out of wine! A couple of days later, Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding. Jesus’ mother, Mary, was also there. A wedding usually lasted for seven days, and the guests were served wine and delicious foods that were not available on normal days. But at this particular wedding there was a problem... There’s no more wine. Maybe it’s time for Jesus to step in.
Ok, fill the jars with water.
Mary went to the servants... Son, they are out of wine.
Maybe you can help them.
Dip some out and take it to the master of ceremonies.
The master of ceremonies went to the bridegroom...
Why are you telling me this? My time has not yet come.
Do whatever he tells you.
The master of ceremonies had no idea where the wine came from. This is a good wine-very good!
How come you have saved the best wine until now?
This was the first miracle Jesus did--turning water into wine at a wedding in the town of Cana in Galilee.
JESUS’ FIRST MIRACLE
John 2:1-11
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After this Jesus stayed in Capernaum for a couple of days with Mary, his brothers, and the disciples.
He wanted to continue to the passover feast in Jerusalem, so He only stayed there for a couple of days.
Jesus saw the merchants selling animals for the sacrifices. How could it get to this point?
Get it out of here!
Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
How dare he!
You have turned my father’s house into a marketplace!
Ha, it took 46 years to build it--and you will build it again in three days!
If God gave you authority to do this, prove it with a miracle!
They didn’t get that Jesus meant his body, not the building.
I have to meet this man.
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Rabbi, can I talk to you, please?
We all know that God has sent you to teach us...
Nicodemus was a pharisee and an important Jewish leader. He decided to meet with Jesus at night. Like Jesus he loved truth, and he felt Jesus had a point.
JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
John 2:12-25
JESUS AND NICODEMUS
John 3:1-21
Nicodemus, listen! unless you’re born again, you can’t see the kingdom of God.
What do you mean? No one can go back into their mother’s womb.
No, you must be born from above --by water and the spirit of God.
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” I am a teacher in Israel, but I have no idea what he is talking about.
How is this possible?
Through faith.
Rumors about Jesus got around. More and more people wanted to see him. This made the religious leaders furious for they feared he might cause even more trouble than John the Baptist. so They were relieved when he finally left Judea and headed north towards Galilee. Jesus, this road will take us through Samaria. We Jews usually want to avoid the samaritans.
While Jesus was waiting for them, a woman came out to draw water from the well.
A jewish man like you isn’t supposed to talk to a Samaritan woman.
Please give me a drink!
Sir, please give me that water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again.
I don’t have one.
The disciples were hungry and tired. Let’s take a rest.
You don’t know who I am, and you have no idea what God can give. If you would ask me, I would give you living water.
Right, you have had five, and the one you live with now is not your husband.
Go get your husband!
JESUS AND THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
We’ll go to town and buy some food.
But you have nothing to draw with. Besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob who built this well? This water will make you thirst again. But The water I give will be like a spring inside of you.
Sir, you must be a prophet. Can you then tell me where to worship god--on this holy mountain or in the temple in Jerusalem?
The time has come when it doesn’t matter where you worship God...
John 4:4-26
20
...as long as you worship him in spirit and in truth. the father is looking for True worshipers.
Hmm... When messiah comes, he will explain everything.
I am the messiah.
Just then the disciples came back... I have food to eat that you don’t know about. Master, we got food!
In the meantime the woman had gone back to town. When she told people about Jesus, many believed, and they begged him to stay.
Jesus and the disciples continued their journey and arrived in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. On the sabbath he entered the synagogue...
He was welcomed by the rabbi and seated.
Then they handed him the book of Isaiah and asked him to read. He found the place where it is written,
Then he sat down and said, What I just read has come to pass today.
“The spirit of God is on me. He has called me to preach good news to the poor, to heal those who hurt, to set captives free, and to announce the time for god’s favor on people.”
At first the people agreed with him. But when they realized he was speaking about himself, they got furious. Isn’t this the son of Joseph, the cabinetmaker?
Who do you think you are?
Get out of here!
No prophet is accepted in his hometown.
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JESUS IN THE SYNAGOGUE
Luke 4:14-30
Move!
Outside, they drove Jesus to the top of a hill...
...But he turned around and walked away.
Jesus, did you come here to destroy us? We know who you are--God’s chosen one!
...and spoke to them about the kingdom of God..
He healed their sick...
Jesus left NAZAreth and preached all over Galilee. People came from far away to hear him teach.
One sabbath, when Jesus came into the synagogue in Capernaum to teach, he was harrassed by a demon-possessed man... Be quiet and come out of him!
Come, Philip! Peter is waiting.
The spirits left the man at once.
Look! even the evil spirits obey him!
Jesus, my mother-inlaw is sick. Will you help her?
What kind of teaching is this?
She has a high fever.
Jesus ordered the sickness to go away, and it left her immediately.
SOME MIRACLES OF JESUS
Luke 4:31-36; 4:38-44; 5:12-16
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Then she got up and waited on them.
That evening many people brought their sick friends and relatives to Jesus. he laid hands on them, and they were healed. Others were delivered from evil spirits, and when they came out, they cried, “Spare us, Jesus of Nazareth!” On his way back, he met peter...
Father, I am one with you.
Where have you been? There are so many needs. They want you to stay with them.
At daybreak Jesus got up and went to a solitary place.
I must preach God’s kingdom in the other towns as well.
In another town they met a man covered with leprosy... Watch out, he’s unclean! Get out of here!
I want to. Be healed!
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Master, if you want to, you can heal me!
Don’t let him get near Jesus!
Immediately the leprosy went away. Look! My hands!
Don’t talk about this. Instead go to the priest and let him witness your healing.
Then offer a gift to god in the temple.
But the man was too
excited to keep quiet... So the news about Jesus spread, and people came to see him. But Jesus went away to pray.
I am healed! Jesus healed me!
A few days later, Jesus returned to Capernaum where he was invited to someone’s house. When the people heard that Jesus was back in town, they ran to the house to hear him speak, hoping to see a miracle. We’ll make a hole in the roof!
Welcome, master!
Great idea! Hey, we can’t possibly get our friend inside. I have an idea.
Then they let down the bed with the lame man on it.
SOME MIRACLES OF JESUS
Master, please heal our friend!
Luke 5:17-26; 5:27-39
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