Episode 1 of 16 · Jesus the Messiah, the Word Made Flesh, and John the Baptist, the Forerunner

  1. Episode 1: Jesus the Messiah, the Word made flesh, and John the Baptist, the Forerunner
  2. Episode 2: The Delegation from Jerusalem
  3. Episode 3: The Meeting with Philip
  4. Episode 4: The Meeting of Jesus the Messiah with Nathanael
  5. Episode 5: The First Passover Feast
  6. Episode 6: The Conversation of Jesus the Messiah with Nicodemus
  7. Episode 7: The Samaritan Woman and the Water of Life
  8. Episode 8: The Village of Sychar in Samaria
  9. Episode 9: Jesus the Messiah Asserts His Equality with the Father
  10. Episode 10: Testimonies Confirming That of Jesus the Messiah
  11. Episode 11: Jesus the Messiah Is the Good Shepherd
  12. Episode 12: The Resurrection of Lazarus
  13. Episode 13: Teaching of Jesus the Messiah About the Bread of Life
  14. Episode 14: Arrival at the Home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary
  15. Episode 15: The Vine and the Branches
  16. Episode 16: The First Meeting of Mary Magdalene with the Risen Jesus

The life of Jesus up to the age of 12

  1. PER002 Jesus the Messiah, the Word made flesh, and John the Baptist, the Forerunner

    The article explores how the Gospel of John affirms that Jesus is the Word made flesh and is God, with John the Baptist as his Forerunner. John the apostle aims to demonstrate that Jesus, both the Messiah as king and a divine figure, fulfils Jewish messianic expectations.

    John 1.1-18 (King James Version) :
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.The same was in the beginning with God.All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.In him was life; and the life was the light of men.And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.He came unto his own, and his own received him not.But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The ministry of John the Baptist

  1. PER032 The delegation from Jerusalem

    The article explores John the Baptist's meeting with the Sanhedrin's representatives at Bethany, highlighting his renown and the authorities' messianic expectations. John is questioned about his messianic role despite performing no miracles, revealing the Pharisees' expectations of a royal and priestly messiah. The analysis reconciles differing Gospel accounts.

    John 10.41 (King James Version) :
    And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  2. PER034 The encounter with Philip

    PER034 recounts Jesus’ meeting with Philip, reported only by John (Jn 1:43–46), at Bethany beyond the Jordan on 6 October 29. Philip, formerly a disciple of John the Baptist like Andrew, John and Simon Peter, becomes Jesus’ fourth disciple. The article explores these disciples’ natural transition to the Messiah, with John the Baptist understanding himself as a forerunner rather than a rival teacher.

    John 1.43-46 (King James Version) :
    The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  3. PER035 Jesus the Messiah’s encounter with Nathanael

    Pericope 35 studies the meeting between Jesus and Nathanael, unique to John’s Gospel (John 1:47–51), dated to 23 November 29 at Nazareth. Jesus demonstrates supernatural knowledge of Nathanael, who becomes the first to confess him publicly as the Son of God and King of Israel. Identified with Bartholomew and originally from Cana, Nathanael is connected with the wedding at Cana that follows in John’s narrative.

    John 21.2 (King James Version) :
    There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  4. PER038 The first Passover festival

    Pericope PER038 analyses the first Passover festival in John’s Gospel (John 2:13), dated precisely to 7 April 30. The article makes three observations: the festival’s chronological value for dating Jesus’ ministry over three and a half years, John’s distinction of the ‘Passover of the Jews’, and Jesus’ observance of Jewish rites. John alone records this period before John the Baptist’s arrest.

    1 Corinthians 5.7 (King James Version) :
    Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
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    Level: Advanced Level: Intermediate

  5. 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

The beginning of the ministry in Galilee

  1. PER046 The Samaritan woman and the water of life

    The article examines Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar, described in John 4:4–26, emphasising the spiritual meaning of the living water Jesus offers.

    John 4.4-26 (King James Version) :
    And he must needs go through Samaria.Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  2. PER047 The village of Sychar in Samaria

    The article discusses Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at Sychar, emphasising its importance in his Galilean ministry. The village’s conversion illustrates Jesus’ universal message.

    John 4.43 (King James Version) :
    Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

From the second to the third Passover festival

  1. PER071 Jesus the Messiah affirms his equality with the Father

    The article analyses Jesus' proclamation of his equality with God, drawing on the healing of a disabled man and highlighting the impact of his theological assertions in Jerusalem during Passover.

    John 5.14 (King James Version) :
    Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  2. PER072 Testimonies confirming that of Jesus the Messiah

    The article discusses the testimonies confirming that Jesus is the Messiah, notably those of John the Baptist and the divine miracles, in John's tradition. The setting is Jerusalem after Passover in March AD 31. Jesus criticises the religious authorities who do not recognise him and invokes Moses as a precursor. Some, such as Nicodemus, will convert.

    John 8.1-11 (King James Version) :
    Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

  1. PER257 The Messiah Jesus is the good shepherd

    The article examines how Jesus presents himself as the good shepherd in John 10. He is the authentic spiritual guide, in contrast to false guides. Jesus announces universal salvation and invites everyone to listen to his voice in order to find spiritual life.

    John 10.1-21 (King James Version) :
    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.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.There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  2. PER273 The resurrection of Lazarus

    Jesus raises Lazarus at Bethany, revealing his divine power over death, as a prelude to Passover. Between Hanukkah and Passover, after two days of reflection, Jesus makes the significant journey that includes memorable encounters in Jericho, foreshadowing the imminent Passion. The reaction of the religious authorities to this miracle hastens the crucifixion of Jesus.

    John 11.6 (King James Version) :
    When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  3. PER174 Teaching of the Messiah Jesus about the bread of life

    John 6.22-59 records Jesus’ discourse on the bread of life, delivered in the synagogue of Capernaum on a Sabbath in May AD 32. After the multiplication of the loaves, Jesus reveals himself as the 'bread of life', inviting the crowd to believe in him in order to obtain eternal life. This passage, found only in John, displays a major christological and eucharistic richness, in the face of the incomprehension and murmuring of his hearers.

    John 6.28 (King James Version) :
    Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The last week before the arrest

  1. PER275 Arrival at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary

    This article explores Jesus’ arrival in Bethany, highlighting the importance of this moment before the Passion. Bethany, a place of calm and friendship, stands in contrast to the tumultuous events in Jerusalem. The article looks at the symbolism of this last stage in Jesus’ mission, as reported by the Gospel of John.

    John 12.1 (King James Version) :
    Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The last day up to the crucifixion

  1. PER320 The vine and the branches

    The article “PER320 - The Vine and the Branches” explores Jesus’ teaching in John 15:1-17, using the image of the vine and the branches to illustrate the relationship with his disciples. Jesus presents himself as the source of true spiritual fruitfulness, calling for a reciprocal union centered on love and obedience.

    John 13.30 (King James Version) :
    He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Contradictions

  1. CTD053 The first meeting of Mary Magdalene with the risen Jesus

    The article examines whether the Gospels of Matthew and John contradict each other about the encounter of Mary Magdalene with the risen Jesus. In reality, they report two distinct episodes that complement each other, thus enriching the understanding of the resurrection.

    Matthew 28.9 (King James Version) :
    And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate