From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 2 studies
The last week before the arrest 3 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER233
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 13.32 (King James Version) :And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER234
Lament over Jerusalem
The Lament over Jerusalem (Mt 23.37-39; Lk 13.34-35) shows Jesus weeping over the holy city, a few days before his Passion. Through the metaphor of the hen protecting her chicks, he expresses rejected divine love, condemns the murder of the prophets and announces the desolation of the Temple, while leaving open a hope of final reconciliation.
Luke 13.34-35 (King James Version) :O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last week before the arrest
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PER279
Return to Jerusalem and stop at Bethphage
The article examines Jesus’ arrival at Bethphage, a strategic stop before Jerusalem. Jesus sends two disciples to fetch a colt in order to fulfil a messianic prophecy. Bethphage, the "house of figs", is crucial in the Gospel narratives.
Matthew 21.1-5 (King James Version) :And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER282
Cursing of the Barren Fig Tree
On Monday, March 28, AD 33, on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem, the Messiah Jesus curses a fig tree covered with leaves but bearing no fruit, and it withers at once. This act, reported by Matthew and Mark, is a miracle-parable symbolizing Israel: a great show of religion, but no real fruitfulness. Framing the cleansing of the Temple in Mark, this episode announces divine judgment on a barren piety.
Matthew 21.18-19 (King James Version) :Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER288
The fig tree is withered
The day after Jesus cursed the fig tree, the disciples discover the tree completely withered. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach about the power of faith and the importance of forgiveness. Beyond this teaching, the fig tree symbolizes Israel in the Scriptures, and its withering foreshadows the judgment that would fall on the nation forty years later with the destruction of the Temple. Faith and forgiveness remain the unshakable values that Jesus puts forward.
Hosea 9.10 (King James Version) :I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org