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.
Mark 4.21-23 (King James Version) :And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.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.
Matthew 7.1-2 (King James Version) :Judge not, that ye be not judged.For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.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.
Job 21.7-13 (King James Version) :Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?Notesafe…: Heb. peace fromNotein wealth: or, in mirthTheir seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.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 13.31-32 (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.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.
Mark 4.34 (King James Version) :But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.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.
Matthew 13.33-35 (King James Version) :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 -
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.
John 4.4 (King James Version) :And he must needs go through Samaria.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.
Luke 9.10-17 (King James Version) :And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.And they did so, and made them all sit down.Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.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…