From the second to the third Passover festival 3 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 1 study
Word of a Friend 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER074
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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER075
The parables of the new cloth and the new wine
The parables of the new cloth and the new wine illustrate the radical break between Judaism and Christianity. Spoken by Jesus in reply to John the Baptist's disciples about fasting, they affirm that the old and the new cannot be mixed. The change required is a complete transformation rather than a reform, inviting each person to choose the Teacher they will follow.
Matthew 9.16-17 (King James Version) :No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.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 9.14-15 (King James Version) :Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER197
The explanation of the disciples’ failure
The article analyzes the disciples’ failure to exorcise a demon, as emphasized by Jesus. According to Matthew and Mark, spiritual practices such as faith, prayer, and fasting are essential to overcome spiritual obstacles.
Mark 9.28-29 (King James Version) :And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Word of a Friend
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PDA014
The Eternal Will Fight for You
The article recounts how Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, faced with an enemy coalition, turns to God through prayer and fasting. God promises to fight for them, symbolizing that some battles require divine intervention. This is reflected in Jesus' triumph over sin, offering us redemption and forgiveness. The article encourages us to trust God in our personal trials.
2 Chronicles 20.20 (King James Version) :And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.Notethat…: Heb. praisersKing James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org