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
-
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 1.49 (King James Version) :Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.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 1.44 (King James Version) :Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee
-
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.
Luke 9.7 (King James Version) :Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
-
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.
Matthew 12.15-21 (King James Version) :But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;And charged them that they should not make him known:That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.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.
Mark 3.13-19 (King James Version) :And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:And Simon he surnamed Peter;And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.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).
Matthew 8.5-13 (King James Version) :And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.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.
Luke 8.40-42 (King James Version) :And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.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.
Matthew 14.1-2 (King James Version) :At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
-
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.
Mark 6.45-52 (King James Version) :And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.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 6.25-34 (King James Version) :And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.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 8.13-20 (King James Version) :The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last week before the arrest
-
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.
Mark 12.35-37 (King James Version) :And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Exorcisms
-
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