Studies 1 to 2
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PER279
Return to Jerusalem and stop at Bethphage
The article examines Jesus’ arrival at Bethphage, a strategic stop before Jerusalem. Jesus sends two disciples to fetch a colt in order to fulfil a messianic prophecy. Bethphage, the "house of figs", is crucial in the Gospel narratives.
Luke 19.28-34 (King James Version) :And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?And they said, The Lord hath need of him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER282
Cursing of the Barren Fig Tree
On Monday, March 28, AD 33, on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem, the Messiah Jesus curses a fig tree covered with leaves but bearing no fruit, and it withers at once. This act, reported by Matthew and Mark, is a miracle-parable symbolizing Israel: a great show of religion, but no real fruitfulness. Framing the cleansing of the Temple in Mark, this episode announces divine judgment on a barren piety.
Matthew 21.18-19 (King James Version) :Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org