The ministry of John the Baptist 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival 2 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 1 study
The last week before the arrest 1 study
Contradictions 1 study
The ministry of John the Baptist
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PER036
The wedding at Cana
The wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11) constitutes Jesus’ first sign: he turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana in Galilee, in November 29. Only John reports this episode. The article explores possible reasons for Jesus’ family’s presence, tentatively identifies Nathanael as the bridegroom, and emphasises that this miracle strengthens the disciples’ faith by revealing the Messiah’s glory.
John 2.11 (King James Version) :This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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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.
Luke 8.22-25 (King James Version) :Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER157
The healing of a demon-possessed man
Pericope 157 recounts Jesus’ healing of a mute demoniac at Capernaum, reported only by Matthew (Matt 9,32-33). This episode highlights Jesus’ authority over demonic forces, the role of intercessory faith, and the contrast between the crowd’s amazement and the Pharisees’ unbelief. Here Matthew builds a progressive messianic argument, presenting Jesus as the one whose miracles have no precedent in Israel.
Matthew 9.32-33 (King James Version) :As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER169
The multiplication of the loaves for the 5,000 people
The multiplication of the loaves for 5,000 men is a miracle attested by all four evangelists, set near Bethsaida in April AD 32. With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus feeds an immense crowd, illustrating his divine power and his shepherd's compassion, and foreshadowing the Eucharist. The twelve baskets left over symbolize the abundance of the Kingdom of God.
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
The last week before the arrest
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PER288
The fig tree is withered
The day after Jesus cursed the fig tree, the disciples discover the tree completely withered. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach about the power of faith and the importance of forgiveness. Beyond this teaching, the fig tree symbolizes Israel in the Scriptures, and its withering foreshadows the judgment that would fall on the nation forty years later with the destruction of the Temple. Faith and forgiveness remain the unshakable values that Jesus puts forward.
Hosea 9.10 (King James Version) :I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Contradictions
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CTD014
Jairus' daughter
Article CTD014 examines the alleged contradiction between Matthew 9.18 and Mark 5.23 concerning the condition of Jairus's daughter. Matthew says she is dead, Mark that she is dying. The analysis shows that these accounts are complementary: Mark describes a narrative progression in which the death occurs along the way, while Matthew condenses the event by presenting the final condition directly. There is no contradiction, but two distinct editorial styles recounting the same miracle.
Mark 5.23 (King James Version) :And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org