From the second to the third Passover festival 27 studies
- 1The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount
- 2The Messiah Jesus' teaching on worry
- 3The gathering of the disciples and the crowd
- 4The Sermon on the Mount (1): the Beatitudes
- 5The Sermon on the Mount (2): the woes recorded by Luke
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER109
The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount
This article explores Jesus’ healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount, discussing the differing accounts in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The healing is described as a challenge to the strict laws on purification, and the importance of observing the Law of Moses is emphasized. The article considers the continuity between different Gospel accounts.
Luke 5.12-14 (King James Version) :And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER132
The Messiah Jesus' teaching on worry
Jesus teaches people not to worry about material needs, illustrating divine providence through examples from nature and emphasizing the priority of the Kingdom of God.
Luke 12.22-34 (King James Version) :And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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.
Luke 6.17-19 (King James Version) :And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER085
The Sermon on the Mount (1): the Beatitudes
The article analyses the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting differences between Matthew's and Luke's versions. It explains how these teachings of Jesus, addressed mainly to the disciples, were often repeated and compiled. Particular emphasis is placed on the Beatitudes and their spiritual significance.
Matthew 5.2-12 (King James Version) :And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER086
The Sermon on the Mount (2): the woes recorded by Luke
This article focuses on the woes Jesus pronounces in the Sermon on the Mount according to Luke's Gospel. By denouncing attachment to material things and the pursuit of human approval, these warnings highlight the essential values to follow as a true disciple.
Luke 6.24-26 (King James Version) :But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER087
The Sermon on the Mount (3): the salt of the earth
The article examines the ‘salt of the earth’ in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, analysed in Matthew 5:13 with connections to Mark's and Luke's Gospels. Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate the disciples' role as bearers of wisdom and protection against corruption, warning against losing their spiritual influence.
Matthew 5.13 (King James Version) :Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER088
The Sermon on the Mount (4): the light of the World
This article explores how, in the Sermon on the Mount, the image of the ‘light of the world’ teaches disciples to live their faith visibly, illustrated through Matthew 5:14–16, Mark 4:21–22 and Luke 8:16/11:33–35. These allegories encourage them to be examples of integrity, reflecting God's light to inspire others to celebrate him.
Luke 11.33-35 (King James Version) :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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER089
The Sermon on the Mount (5), the Messiah Jesus' relationship with the law
The fifth part of the Sermon on the Mount, this article analyses Jesus' relationship with Mosaic law on the basis of Matthew 5:17–20. Jesus states that he came to fulfil the law fully according to God's original purpose rather than abolish it. He distinguishes Moses' authentic law from the religious traditions added by scribes and Pharisees and warns that their institutionalised righteousness does not lead to the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5.17-20 (King James Version) :Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER090
The Sermon on the Mount (6), murder, offerings, and forgiveness
The sixth part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21–26), this pericope examines Jesus' teaching on murder, offering and forgiveness. Jesus deepens the fifth commandment by showing that anger and contempt towards one's brother are spiritually as serious as murder itself. He contrasts the letter of Pharisaic law with God's original spirit and affirms that sincere forgiveness alone, rather than an offering, restores a normal relationship. The warning is eschatological: without reconciliation, there is Gehenna.
Matthew 5.21-26 (King James Version) :Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER091
The Sermon on the Mount (7), adultery and divorce
Pericope 91 explores the seventh part of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on adultery and divorce (Matthew 5:27–32; Luke 16:18). Jesus goes beyond Mosaic law by condemning not only the act but also thoughts in which one indulges. He addresses divorce in relation to the schools of Hillel and Shammai, setting radical demands. The metaphors of the eye and hand emphasise the need for an inward transformation of the heart to avoid sin.
Romans 8.27 (King James Version) :And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER092
The Sermon on the Mount (8): perjury
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about perjury (Matthew 5:33–37). Against the contemporary practice of conditional oaths, he requires simple, honest speech: let ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and ‘no’ be ‘no’. Matthew is the only Gospel writer to report this teaching, as Luke addresses non-Jews less concerned with this practice. James 5:12 repeats this precept in the apostolic tradition.
James 5.12 (King James Version) :But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER093
The Sermon on the Mount (9): Vengeance
PER093 examines Jesus' teaching on vengeance in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38–42). Jesus reinterprets the law of retaliation (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21) by calling his disciples to non-violence, forgiveness and love of enemies. This teaching, unique to Matthew, advocates a peaceful response transcending the logic of vengeance rather than total passivity, in keeping with Romans 12:17 and 1 Peter 3:9.
Matthew 5.38-42 (King James Version) :Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER094
The Sermon on the Mount (10): loving one's enemies
The tenth section of the Sermon on the Mount concerns love of enemies (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:27–36). Jesus goes beyond Pharisaic interpretation by inviting his disciples to love even Gentiles, following God, who loves all people. The ‘Golden Rule’ (Matthew 7:12) complements this teaching. The ultimate aim is divine perfection: ‘Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.’
Leviticus 19.18 (King James Version) :Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER095
The Sermon on the Mount (11): Giving
This article explores Jesus' teaching on giving in the Sermon on the Mount. By insisting on a personal relationship with God, it criticises the Pharisees' ostentatious practices. The setting is Galilee shortly after Passover in AD 31, highlighting a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry.
Matthew 6.1-4 (King James Version) :Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER096
The Sermon on the Mount (12): instruction on prayer
This article examines Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the call to authentic piety, far from formalism. Drawing on Matthew's and Luke's Gospels, it explains prayer's meaning and context.
Luke 11.1-4 (King James Version) :And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.Give us day by day our daily bread.And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER097
The Sermon on the Mount (13): forgiveness
This article explores forgiveness in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasising that our ability to forgive is connected with divine forgiveness, a central theme in Matthew's Gospel.
Luke 17.3-4 (King James Version) :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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER098
The Sermon on the Mount (14): fasting
The article analyses the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus criticises the Pharisees' religious formalism. It stresses the importance of sincere and discreet motives when practising fasting and other religious acts.
Matthew 6.16-18 (King James Version) :Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER099
The Sermon on the Mount (15): treasure in heaven
This article analyses a passage of the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus Christ discusses the importance of choosing between earthly and spiritual riches, emphasising that true treasure is in God's kingdom. Jesus highlights the incompatibility of serving both God and money, advocating priority for spiritual values.
Luke 11.34-36 (King James Version) :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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER100
The Sermon on the Mount (16), cares and worries
The article explores Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasising faith over material concerns through teachings drawn mainly from Matthew and Luke, and explaining how Jesus urged his disciples to trust God.
Matthew 8.26 (King James Version) :And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER101
The Sermon on the Mount (17), do not judge others
This article examines Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, particularly the prohibition against judging others. Focusing on Matthew 7.1-6 and Luke 6.37-45, it advocates mercy and reciprocity in interpersonal relationships.
Matthew 7.1-6 (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.And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER102
The Sermon on the Mount (18), encouragement to pray
The article explores how Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, encourages persistent prayer, emphasizing that God answers those who ask insistently. It illustrates this concept with fatherly analogies and highlights God’s goodness.
Luke 6.20 (King James Version) :And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER103
The Sermon on the Mount (19), the golden rule
The article discusses the golden rule in the Sermon on the Mount, explains that spiritual transformation is necessary to put it into practice, and emphasizes the need for God’s help.
John 6.60 (King James Version) :Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER104
The Sermon on the Mount (20), the two paths
The article discusses the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus explains the importance of spiritual choices, symbolized by two paths. This recurring theme emphasizes Jesus’ call to his disciples to choose the difficult way leading to eternal life.
Luke 13.24 (King James Version) :Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER105
The Sermon on the Mount (21), false prophets
This article discusses Jesus’ warning against false prophets in the Sermon on the Mount. The fruits of their teaching make it possible to distinguish truth from falsehood. Three main criteria are considered: motivations, alignment with Jesus, and behavior.
Matthew 24.24 (King James Version) :For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER106
The Sermon on the Mount (22), those who call me Lord
The article explores the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus speaks of supposed disciples whom he does not recognize. Comparing the evangelists Matthew and Luke, it discusses the authentic faith needed to enter the Kingdom of God, beyond ethnic identity and miraculous deeds.
Luke 13.25-30 (King James Version) :When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER107
The Sermon on the Mount (23), the two houses
This article analyzes the parable of the two houses, illustrating the importance of solid spiritual foundations in the face of deceptive appearances and emphasizing the distinction between true and false disciples.
Matthew 7.24-27 (King James Version) :Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER108
The results of the Sermon on the Mount
PER108 concludes the Sermon on the Mount according to Matthew 7.28-29. The crowd and the disciples are struck by Jesus’ unique authority, so different from that of the Pharisees. Through 23 points, Jesus has outlined the portrait of a true disciple, an ideal impossible to attain without profound transformation. The crowd glimpses the Messiah in him and longs for the new life he offers.
Mark 1.22 (King James Version) :And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER200
Discourse on humility
The article analyzes Jesus’ discourse on humility to his apostles, stressing the importance of humility and service in the Kingdom of God, as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Matthew 18.1-6 (King James Version) :At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org