Synoptic Passages

PER182 Second multiplication of the loaves for 4,000 people

The article analyzes Jesus' second multiplication of the loaves for four thousand people, with reference to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It explores the nuances between the two accounts while stressing Jesus' compassion and his ability to provide for the needs of the crowd.

Matthew 15.32-38 (King James Version) :

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER187 The Blind Man of Bethsaida

The article explores the unique miracle of Jesus healing the blind man of Bethsaida, recorded only in the Gospel of Mark. This gradual, two-stage healing symbolizes the disciples' spiritual growth and gradually deepening understanding.

John 9.1-7 (King James Version) :

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER239 The Parable of the Tower

The parable of the tower (Luke 14.28-30), transmitted only by Luke, is part of a discourse of Jesus on the cost of discipleship. Through the image of a builder who calculates his resources before building, Jesus invites his disciples to a considered, clear-sighted and persevering commitment, warning against a superficial or emotional faith without spiritual maturity.

Luke 14.30 (King James Version) :

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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 9.27-31 (King James Version) :

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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.

Luke 7.24-35 (King James Version) :

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!But wisdom is justified of all her children.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER140 The parable of the measure

The parable of the measure (PER140) teaches that the way we judge and treat others determines how God will measure us in return. Jesus calls for attentive listening, reciprocity, justice and generosity. This principle, shared by Mark 4.24-25, Matthew 7.1-2 and Luke 6.38, echoes the golden rule and forms the heart of Christian ethics.

Matthew 7.1-2 (King James Version) :

Judge not, that ye be not judged.For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER154 The healing of the woman with bleeding

Pericope 154 recounts the healing of a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years, as reported by Matthew, Mark and Luke. In Capernaum, she discreetly touches the garment of Jesus on his way to Jairus' house. Healed instantly, she is publicly acknowledged by Jesus, who declares: 'Your faith has saved you.' The article compares the three Synoptic accounts and explores the theological, christological and social significance of this miracle of faith.

Luke 8.43-48 (King James Version) :

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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 11.55 (King James Version) :

And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER160 Jesus the Messiah's compassion for the crowd

Pericope 160 analyzes Matthew 9.36-38, where Jesus, in Capernaum, is deeply moved with compassion for the crowd, “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The Greek term “splagchnizomai” expresses a visceral compassion that moves Jesus to teach, heal and feed, in contrast with the indifference of the religious leaders. This compassion becomes a model for the disciples.

Matthew 9.37 (King James Version) :

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER178 Rebukes of the Scribes and Pharisees

The article examines the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, in which Jesus criticizes the priority given to traditions over divine laws. In Matthew 15.1-9 and Mark 7.1-13, Jesus exposes Pharisaic hypocrisy by stressing the obligation of sincerity and spiritual authenticity.

Matthew 15.1-9 (King James Version) :

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER207 The disagreement between the Master and his brothers

John 7.3-9 recounts the tension between Jesus and his brothers before the Feast of Sukkot (October AD 32). Not understanding the messianic mission, they urge him to show himself publicly in Jerusalem. Jesus chooses caution, aware of the risk of arrest. Mary keeps in the background. This episode, found only in John, illustrates the family's incomprehension of the divine nature of Jesus, as the conversion of his brothers takes place only after the resurrection.

John 7.5 (King James Version) :

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER220 The Messiah Jesus sends out 70 disciples

Jesus sends seventy disciples on an evangelistic mission (Luke 10.1-16), a unique event in the gospels. From Bethany beyond the Jordan, around November 32, he extends his mission beyond the Twelve. The instructions recall those given to the apostles, with a more universal scope. Jesus warns of the risk of rejection and condemns the blindness of the Galilean cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum.

Luke 10.1-16 (King James Version) :

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER232 The mustard seed and the leaven

Pericope PER232 presents the twin parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Luke 13.18-21). Spoken near a synagogue in Jerusalem on a Saturday, they illustrate the nature of the kingdom of God: it begins humbly, grows powerfully and works in a hidden yet transforming way. These two complementary images invite us to perceive the quiet and irresistible growth of God's reign in the world.

Mark 4.30-32 (King James Version) :

And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER241 The image of salt without flavour

The article 'PER241 - The image of salt without flavour' analyses a passage of Luke 14:34-35, where Jesus teaches that disciples must be like salt, essential and transforming. If a disciple loses his spiritual 'flavour', he becomes useless, like insipid salt. This teaching calls for an active and lasting commitment in the spiritual life.

Luke 14.34-35 (King James Version) :

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Audience: Beginner|Intermediate

PER252 The Messiah Jesus Announces His Second Coming

The article analyzes Luke 17:22-37, in which Jesus announces his second coming. Unlike the discourse on the Mount of Olives, this unique teaching warns against false messiahs and illustrates the suddenness of his coming through references to the days of Noah and Lot.

Luke 21.5-38 (King James Version) :

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.And it shall turn to you for a testimony.Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.But there shall not an hair of your head perish.In your patience possess ye your souls.And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.Then let them which are in Judæa flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER276 The arrival of the Jews from the city of Jerusalem

The article deals with the arrival of Jews at Bethany to see Jesus as the Passion draws near. Faced with his growing popularity, the religious authorities consider having him arrested, while Judas’s betrayal is being prepared.

John 12.9-11 (King James Version) :

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER291 The parable of the vinedressers

The parable of the vinedressers (Matt 21.33-46; Mark 12.1-12; Luke 20.9-19), spoken on Holy Tuesday in the courtyard of the Temple, illustrates the history of salvation allegorically: God sends prophets and then his Son, whom the religious leaders reject and kill. The vineyard is transferred to the Church, without however closing the door to the Jewish people, who can enter into the faith.

Mark 12.1-12 (King James Version) :

And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER358 John's Added Details

John 19.31-37 reports details found only in his account of the events following Jesus' death: the Jewish authorities' request to have the bodies removed before the Passover Sabbath, the crurifragium applied to the robbers but not to Jesus, who was already dead, and the spear piercing his side. John, an eyewitness, attests the reality of Christ's death and the fulfillment of the Scriptures concerning the Passover Lamb.

Psalms 34.20 (King James Version) :

He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Synoptic Passages

Steps 1 to 10

Steps 11 to 19