Overview
The story of Jesus is the centerpiece of the Bible — and of human history, according to the Christian faith. But that story is told across four different Gospels, each with its own perspective and emphasis. The Life of Jesus plan weaves together passages from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John into a single chronological narrative of 40 readings, taking you from the announcement of his birth through his resurrection and appearances to the disciples. This chronological approach lets you experience Jesus’ life as a continuous story rather than four separate accounts. You’ll see how Luke provides the detailed birth narrative, how John introduces Jesus as the eternal Word, how Matthew records the Sermon on the Mount, and how Mark captures the raw intensity of Jesus’ final days. By drawing from all four Gospels, this plan gives you the richest possible portrait: the miracles, the parables, the confrontations with religious authorities, the intimate moments with his disciples, and the stunning events of the cross and empty tomb. At 40 readings of about 10 minutes each, this plan can be completed in just under six weeks. Many readers time it with the season of Lent, but it works beautifully any time of year. Whether you’re a new reader who wants to understand who Jesus was, or a longtime believer who wants to see his story with fresh eyes, this plan offers a focused, moving, and deeply human encounter with the person at the center of the Christian faith.
Who It’s For
- Anyone who wants to understand who Jesus was and what he taught
- Readers preparing for Easter or Lent who want a focused devotional journey
- People exploring Christianity who want to start with the central story
Reading Preview
- 1Day 1
Luke 1:1-38
- 2Day 2
Luke 1:39-80
- 3Day 3
Matthew 1:18-25
- 4Day 4
Luke 2:1-20
- 5Day 5
Luke 2:21-52
- 6Day 6
Matthew 3:1-17
- 7Day 7
Matthew 4:1-25
Reading Tips
- 1Notice which Gospel each reading comes from. Each author has a distinct voice — John is reflective, Mark is urgent, Luke is detailed, Matthew is structured.
- 2When reading the parables, ask yourself: who am I in this story? The answer often reveals something surprising.
- 3The final readings cover the crucifixion and resurrection. Read these slowly and let the weight of the events settle.
- 4Try reading the Sermon on the Mount (Days 15-18) as if you’re hearing it for the first time. What surprises you?
- 5If a passage raises questions, write them down. Many will be addressed in later readings as the story unfolds.
How It Works
- 1Download Lummi free from the App Store
- 2Choose this plan and start your first reading
- 3Read daily, build your streak, and grow your habit
See how it feels inside the app
A calm, focused reading experience — no clutter, no distractions. Just the passage and your progress.
Daily Reading
Home & Streaks
Journey & Milestones
Launching soon for iOS
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this plan different from the Gospels Journey?
The Gospels Journey reads each Gospel straight through, one at a time. The Life of Jesus weaves all four Gospels together into a single chronological story, so you experience events in the order they happened.
How long does this plan take?
Forty readings at about 10 minutes each. Reading daily, you’ll finish in about six weeks.
Can I use this plan during Lent?
Yes. At 40 readings, it aligns naturally with the 40 days of Lent (excluding Sundays). Many readers use it as their Lenten devotional.
What does “chronological” mean in this context?
The readings are arranged in the approximate historical order of Jesus’ life — from birth announcements through resurrection — rather than following any single Gospel’s arrangement.
Is this a good plan for someone who has never read the Bible?
It’s an excellent starting point. The story of Jesus is the heart of the Bible, and this plan presents it in a clear, engaging narrative flow. No prior knowledge is needed.
Why 40 readings instead of more or fewer?
Forty readings provide enough space to cover the major events of Jesus’ life without rushing, while keeping the plan short enough to maintain momentum. The number 40 also carries biblical significance — it echoes the 40 days of fasting and the 40 years in the wilderness.
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