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Start With Jesus

If it all feels like too much, start with him. Not a religion, not a rulebook, not a to-do list. Start with the person of Jesus, in his own words, in one of the four Gospels. Mark is the shortest and moves fastest. Luke is the warmest. John is the most personal. Pick one, read a little, and let him introduce himself.

Where to actually begin

You do not need a study Bible, a church membership, or a single thing you do not already have. You need one of the four accounts of Jesus’ life, called the Gospels, and a few quiet minutes. Here is a simple way to choose:

• Mark is the shortest and fastest moving. Good if you want the whole arc quickly.
• Luke is warm and full of mercy for the outsider. Good if you want to feel his heart.
• John is the most personal and reflective. Good if you want to know who he claimed to be.

Read slowly. You are not being tested. You are being introduced.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I start reading the Bible about Jesus?

Start with one of the four Gospels, the accounts of Jesus' life. Mark is the shortest and fastest, Luke is the warmest, and John is the most personal. You do not need to read the Bible front to back to meet Jesus.

What is the shortest Gospel?

The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four, at sixteen chapters, and can be read in about an hour. It is a good place to start if you want the whole story quickly.

Do I need to believe anything first?

No. You do not have to believe, decide, or agree to anything to read the Gospels and see who Jesus is. Come with honest questions and read for yourself.