Journeys to Jerusalem and Jewish feasts

  • PER206 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 7.10 (King James Version) :
    But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER208 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.

    John 7.10 (King James Version) :
    But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER213 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.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER219 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 10.22 (King James Version) :
    And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER258 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.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate