The beginning of the ministry in Galilee 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival 15 studies
- 2The parable of the sower
- 3The parable of the lamp under a bushel
- 4The parable of the measure
- 5The parable of the weeds and the wheat
- 6The comparison with the growing seed
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 2 studies
Miracles 1 study
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee
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PER054
Confirmation of the disciples’ calling
On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, around March 31, Jesus confirms the call of four fishermen: Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. Unlike the first call at Bethany, he now invites them to leave everything behind and devote themselves exclusively to evangelism. Their immediate and total response reflects a trust built up over the months spent at his side. Matthew (4:18-22) and Mark (1:16-20) report this foundational episode of the Galilean ministry.
Mark 1.16-20 (King James Version) :Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER138
The parable of the sower
The article analyzes the parable of the sower preached by Jesus. It compares the accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, each adapted to its audience. The article also discusses Jesus' use of parables and his strategy for communicating with large crowds, suggesting appendices for further exploration.
Luke 8.4-15 (King James Version) :And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER139
The parable of the lamp under a bushel
This article analyzes the parable of the lamp under a basket, explored in the Gospels. It emphasizes the importance of divine light for the disciple, showing how the Messiah Jesus uses this metaphor to illuminate divine truth and urge the disciples to be visible witnesses to their faith, while themselves remaining illuminated by the light of Christ.
Matthew 5.14-16 (King James Version) :Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER140
The parable of the measure
The parable of the measure (PER140) teaches that the way we judge and treat others determines how God will measure us in return. Jesus calls for attentive listening, reciprocity, justice and generosity. This principle, shared by Mark 4.24-25, Matthew 7.1-2 and Luke 6.38, echoes the golden rule and forms the heart of Christian ethics.
Luke 6.31 (King James Version) :And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER141
The parable of the weeds and the wheat
The parable of the weeds and the wheat (Matthew 13.24-30), unique to Matthew, teaches that good and evil coexist in the world until the final judgment. In it, Jesus illustrates God's patience in delaying the separation of the righteous and the wicked until the eschatological harvest, entrusted to the angels. This parable forms part of a profound biblical reflection on the apparent prosperity of the wicked, shared by Habakkuk, Asaph, Jeremiah, and Job.
Habakkuk 1.2-13 (King James Version) :O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.Notebreadth: Heb. breadthsNotetheir judgment…: or, from them shall proceed the judgment of these, and the captivity of theseNotefierce: Heb. sharpNotetheir…: or, the supping up of their faces, etc: or, their faces shall look (Heb. the opposition of their faces) toward the eastFor, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs.They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.Notemighty…: Heb. rockNoteestablished: Heb. foundedNoteiniquity: or, grievanceNotecreeping: or, movingNotedrag: or, flue netNoteplenteous: or, dainty: Heb. fatThou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER142
The comparison with the growing seed
Pericope 142 analyzes the comparison with the growing seed (Mark 4.26-29), the only parable unique to Mark. Delivered near Capernaum in Galilee around November–December 31, it teaches the mystery of the Kingdom of God: incomprehensible divine growth, the role of the human sower, the gradual development of spiritual life, and the eschatological prospect of the final harvest.
Mark 4.26-29 (King James Version) :And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER143
The parable of the mustard seed
The parable of the mustard seed (Mt 13.31-32; Mk 4.30-32; Lk 13.18-19) illustrates the Kingdom of God through a tiny seed becoming a large tree. Delivered near Capernaum in AD 31, it teaches that the Kingdom begins humbly but experiences extraordinary growth, offering refuge and welcome to all. It calls for faith, patience, and trust in God for spiritual growth.
Matthew 13.31-35 (King James Version) :Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER144
Other unrecorded parables
Pericope PER144 examines Mark 4.33-34, where it is acknowledged that Jesus told many parables not recorded by the evangelists. Set near Capernaum in November–December 31, this passage reveals Jesus' progressive teaching method: revelation adapted to his listeners, in-depth training of the disciples, and the importance of spiritual understanding. John himself acknowledges (Jn 20.30; 21.25) that the Gospels contain only a fraction of Jesus' teachings.
John 20.30 (King James Version) :And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER145
The parable of the leaven
The parable of the leaven (Mt 13.33-35; Lk 13.20-21) illustrates the quiet but powerful growth of the kingdom of God. Just as leaven transforms all the dough, the kingdom works gradually in people's hearts. Matthew links this teaching to the fulfillment of Psalm 78.2. Every believer is called to play an active role in this spread. Delivered near Capernaum around November–December 31, it is the fourth parable in the great discourse of Matthew 13.
Psalms 78.2 (King James Version) :I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER146
Evening explanation of various parables (the weeds)
PER146 reports the explanation Jesus gave to his disciples concerning the parable of the weeds (Mt 13.36-43), a testimony found only in Matthew. Jesus reveals a method of interpretation along three lines: symbolic identification of the elements, the eschatological dimension, and practical application. This passage belongs to the discourse of the seven parables of the Kingdom of God gathered by Matthew in chapter 13.
Matthew 13.44 (King James Version) :Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER147
The parable of the hidden treasure
The parable of the hidden treasure (Mt 13,44), reported only by Matthew, teaches that the kingdom of heaven is of incomparable value. A man discovers a buried treasure, covers it up again, then sells everything to buy the field. This parable illustrates the joy and determination of the one who recognizes the supreme value of the Kingdom, ready to sacrifice everything to obtain it. It resonates especially with Matthew's own journey, for he himself had left everything to follow Jesus.
Matthew 13.44 (King James Version) :Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER148
The parable of the pearl of great price
The parable of the pearl of great price (Matt 13,45-46), recorded only by Matthew, presents a merchant who sells everything to acquire a rare pearl. It teaches that the kingdom of heaven surpasses every earthly possession in value and calls for a freely given sacrifice, lived out in the joy of spiritual discovery.
Matthew 13.45-46 (King James Version) :Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER149
The parable of the net cast into the sea
The parable of the net (Mt 13,47-50), unique to Matthew, compares the Kingdom of heaven to a net gathering fish of every kind. At the final sorting, the good are kept and the bad thrown away, illustrating eschatological judgment. It teaches the universality of the Gospel, the reality of the final judgment carried out by the angels, and the urgency for believers to live in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.
Matthew 13.47-50 (King James Version) :Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER150
Conclusion of Jesus the Messiah
Pericope 150 closes the parable discourse of Matthew 13. Jesus asks his disciples whether they have understood, then describes the ideal disciple as a scribe instructed in the kingdom, able to bring out of his treasure things new and old. This passage underscores the complementarity of the Old and New Testaments and the responsibility of teachers to pass on the Messiah's teaching faithfully.
Matthew 13.52 (King James Version) :Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER151
Jesus the Messiah stills the storm
After an intense day of teaching, Jesus crosses Lake Tiberias with his disciples. A violent storm breaks out, threatening to sink the boat. Awakened by his panicking disciples, Jesus commands the elements to be silent, and a great calm immediately settles in. This episode, reported by Matthew, Mark and Luke, reveals Jesus’ divine authority over nature and teaches the importance of unshakable faith even in the midst of trials.
Matthew 8.23-27 (King James Version) :And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER152
The healing of the demoniac of Gadara
Pericope 152 recounts the healing of the demoniac of Gadara, reported by Matthew (8.28-34), Mark (5.1-20) and Luke (8.26-40). Jesus arrives in the territory of Gadara, meets possessed men living among the tombs, and delivers them from the demons by sending them into a herd of pigs that drown in the lake. This episode shows the sovereign power of the Messiah over demonic forces and his ministry extending beyond the borders of Israel.
Mark 5.1-20 (King James Version) :And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER181
Many healings in the evening
The article explores Jesus' healings, particularly in Galilee after his return from Phoenicia. Matthew describes the many miracles performed, while Mark focuses on one singular case involving a deaf man, demonstrating Jesus' unique method already observed elsewhere in the Gospels.
Mark 8.22-37 (King James Version) :And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Cæsarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER182
Second multiplication of the loaves for 4,000 people
The article analyzes Jesus' second multiplication of the loaves for four thousand people, with reference to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It explores the nuances between the two accounts while stressing Jesus' compassion and his ability to provide for the needs of the crowd.
Mark 8.1-9 (King James Version) :In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Miracles
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MIR022
Multiplication of the loaves and fish
The multiplication of the loaves and fish is a miracle recorded in the Gospels in which Jesus feeds a crowd of thousands with just five loaves and two fish. This story symbolises Jesus' compassion and divine power, while highlighting the importance of faith and recognition of his true spiritual role.
Matthew 14.13-21 (King James Version) :When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.He said, Bring them hither to me.And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN008
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew is the work of the apostle, a former tax collector from Capernaum, chosen by the Twelve to record their collective testimony. He seeks to show…
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ANN071
The town of Capernaum
The article explores Capernaum, a city of Galilee established on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias, known for having been the "headquarters" of Jesus after…