The ministry of John the Baptist 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival 8 studies
- 2The healing of the man with the paralysed hand
- 3The Pharisees plan to murder Jesus the Messiah
- 4The praise of John the Baptist
- 5The contradictions of the Pharisees exposed
- 6The sign of the Queen of Sheba
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 5 studies
Miracles 2 studies
Word of a Friend 1 study
The ministry of John the Baptist
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PER040
The results in Jerusalem
Pericope 40 analyses the results of Jesus’ first preaching in Jerusalem during Passover in the year 30, according to John 2:23–25. Although many believed because of the miracles, Jesus remains reserved about this superficial faith, based on spectacle rather than sincere repentance. John emphasises Jesus’ divine ability to know the human heart. The article identifies two key points: the extended stay in Jerusalem and the divine nature of the Messiah’s discernment.
John 2.23-25 (King James Version) :Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER077
The healing of the man with the paralysed hand
Pericope 77 recounts the healing of a man with a paralysed hand in the synagogue in Capernaum on a Sabbath in AD 31. Reported by Matthew, Mark and Luke, this episode reveals the growing tension between Jesus and the Pharisees. Seeking to accuse him, they refuse to see the miracles performed. The year AD 31 ends with a break between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities.
Matthew 12.9-13 (King James Version) :And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER078
The Pharisees plan to murder Jesus the Messiah
Pericope 78 recounts the Pharisees' decision to murder Jesus the Messiah following the healing of the man with the paralysed hand on a Sabbath. In AD 31, in Capernaum, a clear divide separates the hostile religious authorities from the admiring people. Dissenting voices such as Nicodemus and Gamaliel testify to internal opposition within the Sanhedrin. Despite this plot, Jesus resolutely continues his ministry.
Luke 6.11 (King James Version) :And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER114
The praise of John the Baptist
Jesus pays tribute to John the Baptist in Capernaum (May–June AD31), according to Matthew 11.7-19 and Luke 7.24-35. Without seeking to recruit his disciples, he affirms John’s prophetic greatness, identifies him as the Elijah foretold by Malachi and signals the end of the old covenant. He contrasts the Kingdom of God with the kingdom built by the Pharisees according to their own rules.
Malachi 3.1 (King James Version) :Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.Noteformer: or, ancientNoteoppress: or, defraudKing James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER123
The contradictions of the Pharisees exposed
This article discusses the contradictions of the Pharisees that Jesus exposes through metaphors. Jesus compares people to trees, urging everyone to take a stand and emphasizing that words reveal the heart. He warns that everyone will be judged by their words, highlighting the importance of a regenerated life.
Matthew 12.33-37 (King James Version) :Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER125
The sign of the Queen of Sheba
Jesus uses the account of the Queen of Sheba, who traveled a great distance to listen to Solomon, to criticize those who refuse to acknowledge him despite his teachings and miracles.
1 Kings 10.1-13 (King James Version) :And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.Notequestions: Heb. wordsNoteattendance: Heb. standingNotecupbearers: or, butlersNotereport: Heb. wordNoteacts: or, sayingsNotethy…: Heb. thou hast added wisdom and goodness toNotealmug…: also called, algum treesNotepillars: or, rails: Heb. a propNoteof his…: Heb. according to the hand of king SolomonAnd she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built,And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king’s house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.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.
Matthew 8.28-34 (King James Version) :And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER159
Jesus the Messiah continues his work
Pericope 159 presents Jesus continuing his ministry in Galilee, from Capernaum, in February–March AD 32, before the third Passover. Relying solely on Matthew 9.35, the article emphasizes the priority given to proclaiming the Kingdom over miracles, the autonomy of the local synagogues in relation to the Pharisees, and Matthew's thematic method, corrected here by Mark's chronology.
John 2.13 (King James Version) :And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER161
Return to Nazareth
The second return of Jesus to Nazareth (March AD 32) is recounted by Matthew and Mark. Despite his teaching in the synagogue, the townspeople reject him because of their familiarity with him and his family. Their lack of faith limits his miracles. Jesus utters the famous saying: ‘A prophet is despised only in his own country.’ Mark adds details absent from Matthew: the presence of the disciples and Jesus’ astonishment at their unbelief.
Mark 6.5 (King James Version) :And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER205
Jesus the Messiah Continues His Journey in Galilee
Pericope 205 recounts the extended stay of Jesus the Messiah in Galilee, in the region of Capernaum, for about six months before his final departure for Jerusalem on October 3, AD 32. Only John mentions these journeys and reveals the intention of the religious authorities to put Jesus to death, while his disciples still struggle to understand what awaits him. This passage marks the transition to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.
John 7.2 (King James Version) :Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER214
The authorities are looking for the Messiah Jesus in order to arrest him
During the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, the crowd wonders about the messianic identity of Jesus. Despite the confusion over his origins and the attempts of the religious authorities to arrest him, Jesus teaches publicly in the Temple, reaffirms his divinity and announces his coming departure. Since his hour has not yet come, the guards cannot seize him. This episode, unique to the Gospel of John (7.25-36), illustrates the growing opposition between Jesus and the religious authorities.
John 7.30 (King James Version) :Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER223
The Messiah Jesus in Bethany at the Home of Martha and Mary
Luke 10.38-42 recounts the visit of the Messiah Jesus to Bethany, at the home of Martha and Mary, around late November or early December AD 32. Located 3 km from Jerusalem, this village welcomes Jesus in a context of relative calm: the Pharisees have changed strategy, preferring to gather incriminating testimonies rather than act violently. Luke is the only evangelist to mention this episode.
John 11.18 (King James Version) :Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER227
The invitation to a Pharisee's home
Pericope 227 recounts the invitation extended to the Messiah Jesus by a Pharisee for a meal, reported only by Luke (Lk 11.37). Far from being well-meaning, this invitation seems to be a trap orchestrated to gather accusations against Jesus before witnesses. Aware of what was at stake, Jesus nevertheless accepts the invitation, strengthened by a spiritual assurance that his hour had not yet come. The event probably takes place in Jerusalem, during a journey that Jesus undertakes despite the threats of the religious authorities.
John 7.51 (King James Version) :Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER240
The Parable of the King Preparing for War
The parable of the king preparing for war (Luke 14.31-33), recorded only by Luke, illustrates the demands of discipleship. Facing an adversary twice as powerful, a king chooses negotiation over battle. In the same way, following Jesus the Messiah requires clear-sightedness, humility and complete renunciation of self. Luke places this teaching within a thematic series on the cost of the Christian life, before the Feast of Dedication in December AD 32.
Luke 14.28-30 (King James Version) :For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Miracles
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MIR029
The transfiguration
The Transfiguration, recounted in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, reveals Jesus' divinity. He is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on a mountain. Moses and Elijah appear, and a heavenly voice declares Jesus to be the beloved Son. These accounts emphasize the importance of Jesus and his teaching.
Matthew 17.1-13 (King James Version) :And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
MIR041
Resurrection of the Messiah Jesus
A comparative analysis of the four Gospel accounts of Jesus' resurrection (Mt 28.1-10; Mk 16.1-8; Lk 24.1-12; Jn 20.1-18). The article identifies shared features — the empty tomb, the presence of women, the angelic announcement — and divergences — the number of women and angels, reactions and chronology. The differences are explained through each evangelist's distinct theological perspectives, literary styles and audiences, highlighting the centrality of the resurrection to Christian faith.
Mark 16.1-8 (King James Version) :And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Word of a Friend
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PDA017
Without me you can do nothing
The article explores John 15.5, stressing that Christians must depend on Jesus the Messiah in order to bear spiritual fruit. Even though achievements may occur without faith, it is by living connected to Jesus that the disciple accomplishes meaningful things.
John 15.1 (King James Version) :I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org