The ministry of John the Baptist 2 studies
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival 6 studies
- 4Many healings in Galilee
- 5The choosing of the 12 Apostles
- 6John the Baptist’s question
- 7Jesus the Messiah in the Pharisee’s house
- 8The interrupted healing of Jairus' daughter
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 3 studies
The last week before the arrest 1 study
Exorcisms 1 study
The ministry of John the Baptist
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PER035
Jesus the Messiah’s encounter with Nathanael
Pericope 35 studies the meeting between Jesus and Nathanael, unique to John’s Gospel (John 1:47–51), dated to 23 November 29 at Nazareth. Jesus demonstrates supernatural knowledge of Nathanael, who becomes the first to confess him publicly as the Son of God and King of Israel. Identified with Bartholomew and originally from Cana, Nathanael is connected with the wedding at Cana that follows in John’s narrative.
John 1.47-51 (King James Version) :Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER037
A visit to Capernaum
After the wedding at Cana, Jesus the Messiah visits Capernaum with his family around 1 December 29. Only John reports this episode (John 2:12). He meets his disciples Peter, Andrew, James and John there and befriends Zebedee and Salome. This town later becomes the headquarters of his Galilean ministry. After this visit, he returns to Nazareth before joining John the Baptist at Aenon.
John 3.22-24 (King James Version) :After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.For John was not yet cast into prison.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee
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PER052
The beginning of the preaching in Galilee
Pericope PER052 marks the official beginning of Jesus’ preaching in Galilee after John the Baptist’s arrest. Matthew emphasises continuity between John’s message and Jesus’ message, both calling for repentance. This decisive turning point, placed in Capernaum around February–March 31, confirms the fulfilment of messianic prophecies and Jesus’ full entry into his public ministry.
Matthew 4.17 (King James Version) :From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER079
Many healings in Galilee
Pericope 79 recounts the many healings Jesus performed in Galilee, around Capernaum, in AD 31. Faced with crowds from all over Israel, Jesus heals the sick and proclaims salvation, asking for discretion. Matthew connects these events with the prophecy of Isaiah 42:1–4 and sees a Trinitarian revelation in them. His growing fame contrasts with the increasing opposition of the Pharisees, jealous of his influence on the people.
Isaiah 42.1-4 (King James Version) :Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Notesmoking: or, dimly burningNotequench: Heb. quench itNotediscouraged: Heb. brokenHe shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER080
The choosing of the 12 Apostles
Jesus chooses twelve disciples from among his followers and gives them the title of apostles, a Greek term meaning ‘sent on a mission’. This choice, made after a night of prayer, corresponds to the number of Israel's tribes. The Twelve receive authority to heal and proclaim salvation, forming the foundation of the future Church. The article explores the term's etymology, Jesus' prayer, the question of his omniscience and the case of Judas Iscariot.
Luke 6.12-16 (King James Version) :And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes,And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER113
John the Baptist’s question
Imprisoned, John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus whether he is indeed the awaited Messiah. Jesus answers through his deeds—healings, resurrections and proclamation to the poor—drawing on Isaiah 35.5. The article analyses the divergence between the two ministries, Matthew’s editorial reasoning and the powerful Christological implication in the prophetic reference: Jesus is God coming to save his people (Isa 35.4).
Luke 7.18-23 (King James Version) :And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER117
Jesus the Messiah in the Pharisee’s house
In Capernaum, Jesus accepts an invitation from a Pharisee named Simon. During the meal, a sinful woman anoints his feet with tears and perfume. Faced with Simon’s contempt, Jesus tells a parable about forgiveness and declares that the woman has been saved by her faith. This episode, recorded only by Luke (7,36-50), illustrates the opposition between the Pharisees’ religious pride and the repentant humility that opens the way to salvation.
Luke 7.44-46 (King James Version) :And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER153
The interrupted healing of Jairus' daughter
Pericope 153 recounts the beginning of the episode of Jairus' daughter at Capernaum (February–March AD 32). A synagogue ruler, Jairus begs Jesus to heal his only daughter, aged 12. But Jesus, held up by the crowd, does not arrive in time: the little girl dies. This synoptic account (Mt 9.18-19; Mk 5.21-24; Lk 8.40-42) raises the question of Jairus' faith in the face of the ordeal of death.
Matthew 9.18-19 (King James Version) :While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER163
Death of John the Baptist
Pericope 163 analyzes Herod Antipas's reaction to the fame of Jesus, whom he identifies with John the Baptist risen from the dead. Through a synoptic comparison of Matthew 14.1-2, Mark 6.14-16 and Luke 9.7-9, the article explores the convergences and differences between the three accounts, the political context in Galilee in March AD 32, and the weight of Herod's guilt after the murder of John the Baptist.
Mark 6.14-16 (King James Version) :And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER171
The Messiah Jesus and Peter walk on the water
Pericope 171 analyzes the miracle of Jesus walking on the waters of Lake Gennesaret (April AD 32), including the episode of Peter. A rigorous comparison of the accounts in Matthew 14.22-32, Mark 6.45-52 and John 6.16-21 brings out points of agreement and difference, revealing the divine power of the Messiah and the tension between faith and doubt among the disciples.
John 6.16-21 (King James Version) :And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER174
Teaching of the Messiah Jesus about the bread of life
John 6.22-59 records Jesus’ discourse on the bread of life, delivered in the synagogue of Capernaum on a Sabbath in May AD 32. After the multiplication of the loaves, Jesus reveals himself as the 'bread of life', inviting the crowd to believe in him in order to obtain eternal life. This passage, found only in John, displays a major christological and eucharistic richness, in the face of the incomprehension and murmuring of his hearers.
John 6.35-40 (King James Version) :And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER218
The Messiah Jesus is the light of the world
At the Feast of Sukkot in Jerusalem, Jesus proclaims himself the ‘light of the world’ (John 8.12-58), drawing on the symbolism of the great illuminations of the Temple. He gradually reveals his divine identity through debates with the Pharisees, culminating in the statement ‘Before Abraham was, I AM’, an explicit affirmation of his pre-existence and his divinity. To believe in him is to enter into the light, the truth and eternal life.
John 8.48-58 (King James Version) :Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last week before the arrest
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PER297
The Messiahship of Jesus
At the Temple court in Jerusalem, on the Tuesday before his Passion, Jesus questions the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. Citing Psalm 110, he reveals that the Messiah is both Son of David according to the flesh and eternal Lord according to his divinity, confounding his opponents, who are left without an answer. A fundamental Christological statement about the dual nature of Jesus.
Matthew 22.41-46 (King James Version) :While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Exorcisms
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MIR006
Exorcism in Capernaum
The article analyzes the passages in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in which Jesus the Messiah heals and casts out demons after the Sabbath, fulfilling prophecies and revealing his divine identity.
Matthew 8.16-17 (King James Version) :When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org