Episode 1 of 15 · The Temptation of Jesus the Messiah

  1. Episode 1: The Temptation of Jesus the Messiah
  2. Episode 2: A Stop in Capernaum
  3. Episode 3: Arrival in Capernaum in Galilee
  4. Episode 4: The Fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy
  5. Episode 5: The Man with an Unclean Spirit
  6. Episode 6: Many Healings in the Evening
  7. Episode 7: Preaching in Galilee
  8. Episode 8: The Healing of a Leper.
  9. Episode 9: Healing of a Paralytic
  10. Episode 10: The Feast Given by Levi
  11. Episode 11: The Question of John the Baptist's Disciples About Fasting
  12. Episode 12: The Choosing of the 12 Apostles
  13. Episode 13: The Comparison with the Growth of the Seed
  14. Episode 14: Exorcism in Capernaum
  15. Episode 15: Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law

The ministry of John the Baptist

  1. The temptation of Jesus the Messiah

    This article examines Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, drawing on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Jesus faces three symbolic trials, highlighting his struggle against temptations similar to Eve’s. After this period of fasting, he returns to Galilee, marking a crucial stage in his ministry.

    Genesis 3.1-5 (King James Version) :
    Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?NoteYea…: Heb. Yea, because, etc.And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
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  2. A visit to Capernaum

    After the wedding at Cana, Jesus the Messiah visits Capernaum with his family around 1 December 29. Only John reports this episode (John 2:12). He meets his disciples Peter, Andrew, James and John there and befriends Zebedee and Salome. This town later becomes the headquarters of his Galilean ministry. After this visit, he returns to Nazareth before joining John the Baptist at Aenon.

    John 1.44 (King James Version) :
    Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
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The beginning of the ministry in Galilee

  1. Arrival in Capernaum in Galilee

    The article explores Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum, his base in Galilee, frequently mentioned in the Gospels. The town, where several disciples lived, served as the base for his Gospel activities.

    Mark 1.29-31 (King James Version) :
    And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
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  2. The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy

    Matthew 4:13–16 reports Jesus’ return to Capernaum in Galilee and interprets it as the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy about light shining in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali. Matthew, the only evangelist to make this connection, demonstrates that Jesus is indeed the foretold Messiah. John will return to the theme of light in his prologue. This episode is dated to February–March 31.

    John 12.46 (King James Version) :
    I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
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  3. The man with the unclean spirit

    The article examines the episode in which Jesus encounters a possessed man in the synagogue in Capernaum. Through his word, he frees the man, shocking the witnesses and strengthening recognition of his divine authority. The event marks a turning point in his reputation in the region, illustrating his dominion over unclean spirits.

    Luke 4.33-36 (King James Version) :
    And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
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  4. Many healings in the evening

    This article explains an episode in the Gospels in which Jesus heals several people in Capernaum, illustrating his divine power and authority. This event takes place after the Sabbath, drawing a crowd filled with admiration and intrigued by his deeds.

    Luke 4.40-41 (King James Version) :
    Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
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  5. Preaching in Galilee

    The article details Jesus' preaching in Galilee, highlighting his teaching in the synagogues and the impact of his miracles on the crowds. His disciples accompany him, while the religious authorities continue to question his identity.

    Luke 4.43-44 (King James Version) :
    And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.
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  6. The healing of a leper.

    This article explores Jesus' healing of a leper, illustrating his compassion and messianic authority, and raises the issue of tensions with the religious authorities in Galilee.

    Isaiah 35.4 (King James Version) :
    Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
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  7. Healing of a paralysed man

    The article addresses Jesus' healing of a paralysed man in Capernaum, highlighting his divinity, proclaimed through the forgiveness of sins, which shocks the experts in the law and widens the gulf between Jesus and the religious authorities.

    Matthew 9.1-8 (King James Version) :
    And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.And he arose, and departed to his house.But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
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  8. The feast given by Levi

    Matthew, also called Levi, holds a feast to mark his calling by Jesus. This banquet highlights Jesus' inclusive mission, as he is welcomed by those who are often rejected. The event is recounted in the Synoptic Gospels and symbolises Matthew's impact on those around him.

    Mark 2.15 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
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From the second to the third Passover festival

  1. The question of John the Baptist's disciples about fasting

    This article explores the question about fasting asked by John the Baptist's disciples and Jesus' reply, highlighting the transition from traditional Judaism to a personal relationship with God that is distinctive in Christianity.

    Mark 2.18-20 (King James Version) :
    And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
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  2. The choosing of the 12 Apostles

    Jesus chooses twelve disciples from among his followers and gives them the title of apostles, a Greek term meaning ‘sent on a mission’. This choice, made after a night of prayer, corresponds to the number of Israel's tribes. The Twelve receive authority to heal and proclaim salvation, forming the foundation of the future Church. The article explores the term's etymology, Jesus' prayer, the question of his omniscience and the case of Judas Iscariot.

    Matthew 10.1-4 (King James Version) :
    And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
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  3. The comparison with the growing seed

    Pericope 142 analyzes the comparison with the growing seed (Mark 4.26-29), the only parable unique to Mark. Delivered near Capernaum in Galilee around November–December 31, it teaches the mystery of the Kingdom of God: incomprehensible divine growth, the role of the human sower, the gradual development of spiritual life, and the eschatological prospect of the final harvest.

    Mark 4.26-29 (King James Version) :
    And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
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Exorcisms

  1. Exorcism in Capernaum

    The article analyzes the passages in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in which Jesus the Messiah heals and casts out demons after the Sabbath, fulfilling prophecies and revealing his divine identity.

    Luke 4.40-41 (King James Version) :
    Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
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Healings

  1. Healing of Peter's mother-in-law

    This article discusses the miracle of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, as recounted in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It highlights Jesus’ healing power and his compassion for the sick, with the accounts emphasizing different aspects of this event. Jesus immediately heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and she then begins to serve them. The unique perspectives of the Gospels enrich our understanding of this miraculous act.

    Matthew 8.14-15 (King James Version) :
    And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
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