1. PER186 Teaching the disciples about the influence of the Pharisees

    Jesus warns his apostles against the pernicious influence of the Pharisees, symbolized by the “leaven.” Matthew and Mark relate this teaching during a crossing toward Bethsaida, where the disciples have run short of bread. Jesus points out their lack of faith, inviting them to grasp the spiritual import of his words beyond material concerns.

    Matthew 16.5-12 (King James Version) :
    And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  2. PER243 The parable of the lost and found sheep

    This article deals with the parable of the lost sheep in the Gospel of Luke, stressing God's joy over the salvation of a sinner. It belongs to a set of three parables, illustrating different nuances of seeking and salvation.

    Matthew 18.12-14 (King James Version) :
    How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  3. PER262 Teaching on divorce

    The article discusses Jesus’ teaching on divorce, drawing on the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It places this teaching in the chronological context of Jesus’ ministry between Hanukkah and Passover, offering an in-depth analysis of the spiritual implications of his teachings beyond mere legal debates.

    Luke 18.35-43 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  4. PER266 The reward of the apostles

    The article explores the rewards of the apostles according to the Gospels between Hanukkah and Passover. Jesus travels to Jericho and near the Jordan, healing and teaching, notably raising Lazarus. These actions provoke a hostile reaction from the religious authorities.

    John 10.40-42 (King James Version) :
    And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.And many believed on him there.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  5. PER312 Dispute among the Disciples over Preeminence

    The article analyzes a scene from the Gospels in which Jesus’ disciples argue about who is the greatest, revealing their attachment to an earthly understanding of the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that true greatness lies in selfless service. This account illustrates the inverted spiritual values of Christianity.

    Matthew 20.20-24 (King James Version) :
    Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  6. PER321 Personal conversation with his disciples

    The article analyzes Jesus' last interactions with his disciples, highlighting their spiritual transformation through divine revelation. Jesus calls them friends, not servants, emphasizing the importance of love and of the divine mission. The account invites us to see election and mission in theological continuity.

    James 2.23 (King James Version) :
    And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  7. PER323 Jesus the Messiah comforts his disciples

    In John 16.5-15, Jesus comforts his disciples, promising the Holy Spirit to guide them into the truth after his departure. This important passage highlights the mission of the Spirit: to convict of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, while ensuring the continuity of Jesus' teachings.

    Luke 22.14-18 (King James Version) :
    And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  8. PER033 The first disciples

    The article examines Jesus’ first meeting with his earliest disciples, reported only by John. Andrew and John recognise Jesus as the Messiah and decide to follow him. A significant moment is Jesus’ transformation of Simon Peter’s identity, marking their commitment. This account offers a unique perspective absent from the Synoptic Gospels.

    John 19.14 (King James Version) :
    And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
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    Level: Intermediate Audience: Beginners

  9. PAR001 The sower

    La parabole du semeur, racontée par Jésus au bord du lac de Galilée, illustre comment la Parole de Dieu est reçue différemment selon la disposition du cœur. Elle montre quatre types de réceptivité à travers les sols variés où tombent les graines. Les disciples apprennent que les paraboles révèlent le Royaume à ceux qui écoutent avec des cœurs ouverts, mais restent cachées à ceux qui sont endurcis. Cette méthode pédagogique unique de Jésus souligne l'importance de la foi et de l'écoute spirituelle.

    Luke 8.4-15 (King James Version) :
    And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  10. PER041 Jesus the Messiah’s conversation with Nicodemus

    The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in Jerusalem, described in John 3, represents a crucial turning point towards a personal Christian spirituality, removed from Jewish rituals, with an emphasis on the inward relationship with God.

    John 3.1-21 (King James Version) :
    There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  11. PER043 Conflicts between the disciples

    The article ‘PER043 - Conflicts between the disciples’ explores the rivalry between John the Baptist’s disciples and Jesus’ disciples. At this key period at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Judea, some of John’s disciples begin following Jesus, causing tensions. John the Baptist emphasises his transitional role and Jesus’ messianic nature, with the events probably taking place at Aenon in Judea.

    John 3.25-36 (King James Version) :
    Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.He must increase, but I must decrease.He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  12. PAR003 The new cloth and the new wineskins

    L'article décrit la parabole du drap neuf et des outres neuves dans les Évangiles, illustrant l'incompatibilité de l'enseignement de Jésus avec les anciennes pratiques religieuses. Il met en évidence la symbolique du vin nouveau et des vieilles outres pour expliquer la nouveauté du Royaume de Dieu que Christ apporte.

    Mark 2.21-22 (King James Version) :
    No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  13. PER061 The disciple's dedication

    The article explores the dedication of Jesus' disciples, examining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It discusses the challenges and trials involved in choosing to follow Jesus, the Messiah's spiritual discernment, and the disciples' family obligations. Set in Galilee, it highlights the impact of Jesus' innovative ministry.

    Luke 9.61 (King James Version) :
    And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  14. PDA004 The great choice of our lives

    The article explores the crucial decision to follow Jesus despite the difficulties. Peter chooses the path of deep commitment to Jesus, favoring eternal values over immediate material blessings, unlike others who turn away. Stressing the importance of choosing the narrow path that leads to eternal life, the article urges us to put God first in order to succeed in our spiritual life and attain true salvation.

    Luke 12.16-20 (King James Version) :
    And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  15. PER084 The gathering of the disciples and the crowd

    The article addresses the gathering of the disciples and the crowd in Galilee, where Jesus delivers his Sermon on the Mount after choosing the twelve apostles. The crowd is drawn mainly by miraculous healings, but this moment is also essential for teaching Jesus' message. Luke and Matthew offer two complementary perspectives on this event.

    Matthew 5.1-2 (King James Version) :
    And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  16. PAR005 The mustard seed

    L'article 'Le grain de sénevé' explique comment cette parabole de Jésus illustre la croissance du Royaume de Dieu, même à partir d'infimes commencements. Il analyse les trois récits dans les Évangiles synoptiques.

    Luke 13.18-19 (King James Version) :
    Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  17. PDA006 Whoever seeks finds

    Dominique Lormier examines verse Matthew 7.8, which invites us to ask, seek and knock in order to find spiritual answers. Jesus offers a path of salvation, promising that those who sincerely seek find peace and reconciliation with God.

    Mark 2.10 (King James Version) :
    But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  18. PAR006 The leaven

    La parabole du levain démontre l'influence discrète mais transformative du Royaume de Dieu. À travers cette image, Jésus explique comment ce qui commence petit, comme le levain dans la pâte, finit par imprégner et renouveler tout ce qu'il touche, illustrant la nature subtile mais puissante du Royaume parmi les individus et les communautés.

    Matthew 13.33-35 (King James Version) :
    Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  19. PDA013 I have prayed for you, Jesus tells him!

    The article discusses Luke 22:31-32, where Jesus tells Peter of a serious trial, promising his intercession. Satan seeks to destroy the disciples, but Jesus prays that their faith may not fail. This divine assurance endures for all believers, protecting them in their difficulties. Jesus’ intercession should inspire gratitude and faith in believers.

    Romans 8.34 (King James Version) :
    Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  20. 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.

    Acts 17.28 (King James Version) :
    For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  21. PER179 Verdict on the human heart

    The article discusses Jesus’ teaching on true purity, based on Matthew and Mark. It reveals that impurity comes from the human heart, not from dietary rules, highlighting an important change in Christian teaching.

    Matthew 15.10-20 (King James Version) :
    And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN021 The disciples’ callings

    L'article analyse les différents récits des évangiles concernant l'appel des premiers disciples de Jésus, montrant que ces narrations ne se contredisent pas mais se…

  • ANN022 The choosing of the apostles

    L'article explore le choix des douze apôtres par Jésus, soulignant l'importance symbolique du nombre douze. Il détaille la sélection attentive des apôtres et l'impact…