Episode 1 of 29 · Instruction on stumbling blocks, forgiveness and faith

  1. Episode 1: Instruction on stumbling blocks, forgiveness and faith
  2. Episode 2: The Feast of Dedication
  3. Episode 3: Plot against Jesus the Messiah, who withdraws to Ephraim
  4. Episode 4: Jesus the Messiah blesses little children
  5. Episode 5: Parable of the lost sheep
  6. Episode 6: Discipline in the Church and forgiveness
  7. Episode 7: Parable of the king and the servant
  8. Episode 8: The Feast of Tabernacles
  9. Episode 9: Departure for Jerusalem and final departure from Galilee
  10. Episode 10: The men who want to follow Jesus the Messiah
  11. Episode 11: The Jews look for Jesus the Messiah
  12. Episode 12: Teaching of Jesus the Messiah in the temple
  13. Episode 13: The authorities seek Jesus the Messiah in order to arrest him
  14. Episode 14: The discourse on living water
  15. Episode 15: The people's conflicting opinions
  16. Episode 16: The woman caught in adultery
  17. Episode 17: Jesus the Messiah is the light of the world
  18. Episode 18: Attempted murder
  19. Episode 19: Jesus the Messiah sends out 70 disciples
  20. Episode 20: The good Samaritan
  21. Episode 21: Jesus the Messiah at Bethany in the house of Martha and Mary
  22. Episode 22: Jesus the Messiah challenged after a miracle
  23. Episode 23: The judgment of the religious leaders and the rebukes of Jesus the Messiah
  24. Episode 24: Reminder of the massacre of the Galileans by Pilate
  25. Episode 25: The parable of the barren fig tree
  26. Episode 26: The mustard seed and the leaven
  27. Episode 27: Teachings of Jesus the Messiah on the road to Jerusalem
  28. Episode 28: Parable of the presumptuous guest
  29. Episode 29: Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus the Messiah

From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week

  1. Instruction on stumbling blocks, forgiveness and faith

    This article examines Jesus’ teachings on stumbling blocks, forgiveness and faith in Luke 17.1-6. Jesus urges the disciples to avoid causing spiritual falls and to forgive without limit. This instruction highlights communal responsibility and the disciples’ commitment to the kingdom of heaven.

    Luke 17.1-6 (King James Version) :
    Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
    Read more
  2. The Feast of Dedication

    The article explores Pericope 258, describing the Feast of Dedication, where Jesus, although threatened by the Pharisees, moves freely in the Temple. The analysis highlights the Pharisees’ change of strategy, aimed at legal action against Jesus. This passage is central to understanding the religious and social dynamics of this critical period.

    John 10.22-23 (King James Version) :
    And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
    Read more
  3. Plot against the Messiah Jesus, who withdraws to Ephraim

    This article describes the plot of the Jewish authorities against Jesus after the resurrection of Lazarus. Faced with the threat they perceive in Jesus’ miracles, they decide to kill him. Jesus withdraws to Ephraim in anticipation of the crucifixion, while the plot paradoxically aligns with the divine plan.

    John 11.47-57 (King James Version) :
    Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
    Read more
  4. The Messiah Jesus blesses little children

    The article examines how Jesus blesses the children, at Bethany, after the Feast of Dedication. This event is described in the synoptic gospels, illustrating the importance of children in the Kingdom of God despite the disciples’ reluctance.

    John 10.22-23 (King James Version) :
    And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
    Read more
  5. Parable of the lost sheep

    The parable of the lost sheep (Mt 18.10-14; Lk 15.3-7) is taught by Jesus at Capernaum in September AD 32, shortly before his final departure from Galilee. Matthew emphasizes the protection of the ‘little ones’ and the divine will not to lose any of them, whereas Luke stresses the heavenly joy over the repentant sinner. The figure of the shepherd points to the messianic mission of Jesus, the good shepherd who prepares his disciples for his absence by promising them a spiritual guide.

    John 10.11-18 (King James Version) :
    I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
    Read more
  6. Discipline in the Church and forgiveness

    Pericope 203 presents Jesus’ teaching on church discipline and forgiveness, at Capernaum in September AD 32. Matthew 18.15-22 and Luke 17.3-4 develop brotherly correction, the authority of the Church, communal prayer and unlimited forgiveness (seventy times seven). These themes form the foundation of a Christian ethic of relationships centered on reconciliation and divine mercy.

    Matthew 18.21-22 (King James Version) :
    Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
    Read more
  7. Parable of the king and the servant

    The parable of the king and the servant (Mt 18.23-35), told in Capernaum in September 32, is unique to Matthew. It illustrates the vital importance of forgiveness by contrasting an immense debt of 10,000 talents cancelled by a merciful king with a small debt of 100 coins refused by the forgiven servant. The central teaching: those whom God forgives must in turn forgive, or they will lose the grace they received.

    Matthew 6.12-15 (King James Version) :
    And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
    Read more
  8. The Feast of Tabernacles

    Pericope 206 deals with the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), reported only by John (7.2-10). Jesus decides to go up secretly to Jerusalem in October AD 32, six months before his arrest. John reveals the tension with the religious authorities and the unbelief of Jesus’ brothers, elements absent from the Synoptic Gospels.

    John 7.2-10 (King James Version) :
    Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand.His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.For neither did his brethren believe in him.Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
    Read more
  9. Departure for Jerusalem and final departure from Galilee

    PER208 describes the final departure of Jesus and his disciples from Galilee on October 3, AD 32, on their way to Jerusalem for the Feast of Sukkot. Following Luke's account, they pass through Samaria rather than taking the usual route along the Jordan. They arrive on Friday evening, October 8, teach on the Temple Mount, and Jesus gives his discourse on water at Hoshana Rabbah on October 13. The group will remain in the Jerusalem region for six months, until the Passover of April 1, AD 33.

    Mark 10.1 (King James Version) :
    And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judæa by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
    Read more
  10. The men who want to follow the Messiah Jesus

    Luke 9.57-62 presents three men who wish to follow the Messiah Jesus, each with a condition or a hesitation. Jesus responds by calling for renunciation of material comfort, for the primacy of the Kingdom over family duties, and for a determination with no turning back. This passage, unique to Luke, takes place during the journey through Samaria toward Jerusalem and is a radical call to total, uncompromising commitment to the Messiah.

    Luke 9.57-62 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
    Read more
  11. The Jews are looking for the Messiah Jesus

    Pericope 212 relates, according to John 7.11-13 alone, the Jews' search for Jesus during the feast in Jerusalem in October AD 32. It illustrates the division of the people over the Messiah: some recognize him, others seek to eliminate him. The fear of the religious authorities hinders public conversions, revealing the political and spiritual tension of the time.

    John 7.13 (King James Version) :
    Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
    Read more
  12. Teaching of the Messiah Jesus in the temple

    At the Feast of Tabernacles in October AD 32, the Messiah Jesus teaches at the temple in Jerusalem with an authority that astonishes the crowd and angers the Pharisees. John 7.14-24 reports this unique episode in which Jesus affirms that his teaching comes from God and defends a Sabbath healing with a rigorous scriptural argument. The hostility of the religious authorities intensifies.

    Luke 13.10-17 (King James Version) :
    And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
    Read more
  13. 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 7.28-29 (King James Version) :
    Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
    Read more
  14. The discourse on living water

    On the last day of the feast of Sukkot (Hoshana Rabbah), the Messiah Jesus proclaims in the Temple of Jerusalem that he is the true source of living water. Taking up the symbolism of the water libation rite, he invites anyone who is thirsty to come to him. John explains that this living water refers to the Holy Spirit, who would be given after Jesus was glorified. Only John reports this episode, dated Wednesday, October 13, AD 32.

    John 7.38 (King James Version) :
    He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
    Read more
  15. The conflicting assessment of the people

    On the last day of the Feast of Sukkot in Jerusalem (October AD 32), Jesus proclaims himself to be a source of living water. The crowd is divided: some recognize him as the Messiah, others refuse to accept what is plain. The guards sent to arrest him disobey, impressed by his words. Nicodemus argues for a fair judgment, while the Pharisees put forward flimsy arguments. The opposition of the religious authorities turns fanatical, making Jesus' death their sole objective.

    John 7.40-53 (King James Version) :
    Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?So there was a division among the people because of him.And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.And every man went unto his own house.
    Read more
  16. The woman caught in adultery

    Pericope 217 recounts the episode of the woman caught in adultery (John 8.1-11), in which Pharisees set a trap for Jesus by bringing him a woman caught in the very act. Jesus foils the trap with his famous saying inviting the one who is without sin to cast the first stone, then forgives the woman. This account, whose textual authenticity is debated, illustrates the union of divine justice and mercy, and reveals Jesus' unique authority to justify.

    Leviticus 20.10 (King James Version) :
    And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.Notediscovered: Heb. made nakedNoteuncovereth: Heb. hath made nakedNotean…: Heb. a separation
    Read more
  17. 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 8.31-36 (King James Version) :
    Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
    Read more
  18. Assassination attempt

    On the last day of a feast in Jerusalem (13 October 32), the Pharisees try to stone the Messiah Jesus after his proclamations about his divine origin. Jesus escapes death by hiding among his disciples and leaves the city. He probably withdraws to Bethany beyond the Jordan. Only John reports this episode, based on John 8,59.

    John 8.59 (King James Version) :
    Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
    Read more
  19. 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.

    Mark 6.6-13 (King James Version) :
    And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.And they went out, and preached that men should repent.And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
    Read more
  20. The Good Samaritan

    Pericope PER222 presents the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.25-37), told by Jesus in response to a teacher of the Law who wanted to trap him. Set in Bethany beyond the Jordan in November AD 32, this parable teaches that the true "neighbor" is defined not by religion or culture, but by the act of mercy. The despised Samaritan becomes the model of compassion, a symbolic figure of the Messiah himself coming to the rescue of wounded humanity.

    Luke 10.28 (King James Version) :
    And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
    Read more
  21. 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.

    Luke 10.38-42 (King James Version) :
    Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
    Read more
  22. Jesus the Messiah challenged after a miracle

    In Jerusalem, after healing a mute demoniac, Jesus the Messiah is challenged by opponents who attribute his power to Beelzebul and demand another sign. He answers with logical and spiritual arguments, cites the sign of Jonah, redirects a word of praise toward obedience to the Word, and concludes with a metaphor about the inner light. This discourse, reported only by Luke (11.14-36), illustrates two opposite attitudes toward the Messiah: authentic faith and unbelieving rejection.

    Luke 11.14-36 (King James Version) :
    And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
    Read more
  23. The judgment of religious leaders and the rebukes of Jesus the Messiah

    During a meal at a Pharisee's house in Jerusalem (late 32), Jesus utters severe rebukes against the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. Luke 11.38-54, the only gospel to recount this episode, describes a hostile atmosphere in which the religious authorities look for evidence to condemn Jesus. His cutting words are in reality a call to repentance, ignored by men blinded by pride.

    Luke 11.53 (King James Version) :
    And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:
    Read more
  24. Reminder of the massacre of the Galileans by Pilate

    Pericope PER229 (Luke 13,1-5) recounts how witnesses of a Pharisee's meal confronted Jesus about the massacre of Galileans by Pilate. Jesus refuses to see in it a divine punishment and calls for personal repentance, also citing the fall of the tower of Siloam. He teaches that death is the common lot of all, and that only repentance opens the way to the Kingdom of God.

    Luke 13.2-3 (King James Version) :
    And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things?I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
    Read more
  25. The parable of the barren fig tree

    The parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13.6-9), reported only by Luke, illustrates God’s patience and the urgency of conversion. Jesus warns that every disciple who bears no spiritual fruit risks judgment, while emphasizing that God grants an additional time of grace. This text follows on from Luke 13.1-5 and carries a twofold message: a solemn warning and divine mercy.

    John 9.1-3 (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.
    Read more
  26. 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.

    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.
    Read more
  27. Teachings of the Messiah Jesus on the road to Jerusalem

    The pericope PER233 recounts the teachings of Jesus during his journey to Jerusalem, reported only by Luke (Lk 13.22-33), in December AD 32. Jesus passes through towns and villages, teaching about the narrow gate and the Kingdom of God. The article places these repeated journeys between Bethany and Jerusalem in context, amid growing tension with the Pharisees and Herod Antipas.

    Luke 13.31 (King James Version) :
    The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
    Read more
  28. Parable of the Presumptuous Guest

    The Parable of the Presumptuous Guest (Luke 14.7-14), related only by Luke, takes place in the house of a leader of the Pharisees in Jerusalem. There Jesus teaches humility by urging us to choose the last place rather than the first, and selfless generosity by encouraging us to invite the poor and the outcasts rather than those who can repay. These two teachings illustrate the fundamental values of the Kingdom of God: honor comes from God, not from oneself, and true giving will be rewarded at the resurrection of the righteous.

    Mark 9.35 (King James Version) :
    And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
    Read more

The last week before the arrest

  1. Mary of Bethany anoints the Messiah Jesus

    Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus with costly perfume at Bethany, symbolizing his coming burial. This act, criticized by Judas Iscariot and other disciples, is defended by Jesus and highlighted in the analysis of the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark and John. The text also discusses the chronological and communal implications of this biblical event.

    Matthew 26.6-13 (King James Version) :
    Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
    Read more