1. MIR038 Withering of the fig tree

    In Matthew and Mark, Jesus curses a fig tree to teach about faith and prayer. His word withers the tree, illustrating the power of faith. Mark also stresses the importance of forgiveness. Though the two accounts differ in the order of events, they share the same central teaching: faith and prayer can work wonders when practised without doubt.

    Mark 11.12-25 (King James Version) :
    And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.And when even was come, he went out of the city.And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  2. MIR039 Healing of Malchus

    This article explores the accounts in Luke 22.50-51 and John 18.10, in which Simon Peter cuts off Malchus' ear during Jesus' arrest. Jesus rejects violence, accepts the divine will and heals Malchus, showing compassion and peace.

    Luke 22.50-51 (King James Version) :
    And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  3. MIR040 Second miraculous catch of fish after the resurrection

    John 21.1-14 recounts the miraculous catch of fish after the resurrection, when the risen Jesus reappears on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias and advises his disciples about fishing. John recognises him when the net overflows with fish. Overjoyed, Peter swims to him while Jesus prepares a symbolic meal.

    John 21.1-14 (King James Version) :
    After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.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.Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  4. CTD064 The woman with a hemorrhage

    The article explores the account of the woman suffering from bleeding in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Each Gospel presents a slightly different version of the event, highlighting various details while emphasising the woman's faith and Jesus' healing power. The Gospels are brought together to offer a complete view of this event.

    Mark 5.25-34 (King James Version) :
    And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  5. CTD065 Jairus' daughter

    This article discusses the apparent discrepancies in the Gospel accounts of the raising of Jairus' daughter. Matthew, Mark and Luke offer slightly different versions, prompting an analysis of the chronology and the faith shown by Jairus. Despite these differences, the emphasis remains on Jesus' miracle and the message of faith it conveys.

    Luke 8.40 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  6. CTD066 What does Jesus say to Jairus' daughter?

    The article analyses the account of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter, discussed in three Gospels. The accounts of Mark, Matthew and Luke, often considered contradictory, are presented as complementary. By comparing the details of each Gospel, the article shows that there is no contradiction but a diversity of perspectives on this miraculous event.

    Luke 8.54-55 (King James Version) :
    And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  7. PER180 Healing of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter

    This article examines the healing of the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman, highlighting the openness of Jesus’ message to the Gentiles. Drawing on the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, it brings out human faith beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries. The narrative sheds light on Jesus’ priority mission to Israel, while acknowledging the demonstration of faith by non-Jews.

    Matthew 15.21-28 (King James Version) :
    Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  8. PER182 Second multiplication of the loaves for 4,000 people

    The article analyzes Jesus' second multiplication of the loaves for four thousand people, with reference to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It explores the nuances between the two accounts while stressing Jesus' compassion and his ability to provide for the needs of the crowd.

    Matthew 15.32-38 (King James Version) :
    Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  9. PER196 A demon difficult to drive out

    The article explores the disciples’ failed attempt to cast a demon out of a young boy, which required Jesus’ intervention after the Transfiguration. The accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke point to the weakness of their faith as the reason for their failure.

    Matthew 17.14-18 (King James Version) :
    And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  10. PER255 Healing of a man born blind

    This article explores Jesus’ healing of a man born blind in Jerusalem (John 9.1-34). The narrative highlights the theological depth of the event, symbolically linking the Jewish feasts to Jesus’ mission as the light of the world. The healing emphasizes the spiritual and prophetic message of the Gospel according to John.

    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
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  11. PER270 Healings of the blind near Jericho

    This article discusses Jesus’ healings of the blind near Jericho. Set within the context of the Synoptic Gospels, it explores the chronological and theological interpretation of these events, highlighting the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and his journey to Jerusalem in AD 33.

    John 11.53 (King James Version) :
    Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  12. 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.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  13. MIR041 Resurrection of the Messiah Jesus

    A comparative analysis of the four Gospel accounts of Jesus' resurrection (Mt 28.1-10; Mk 16.1-8; Lk 24.1-12; Jn 20.1-18). The article identifies shared features — the empty tomb, the presence of women, the angelic announcement — and divergences — the number of women and angels, reactions and chronology. The differences are explained through each evangelist's distinct theological perspectives, literary styles and audiences, highlighting the centrality of the resurrection to Christian faith.

    John 20.1-18 (King James Version) :
    The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  14. CTD061 Peter's mother-in-law

    The article analyses the Gospel accounts of the healing of Peter's mother-in-law, highlighting divergences between Matthew, Mark and Luke. It explores the theological implications of the differences and emphasises the richness contributed by each account.

    Luke 4.38-39 (King James Version) :
    And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  15. PER199 The Temple Tax in the Fish’s Mouth

    The article recounts the question of the Temple tax, dealt with by Jesus at Capernaum. Asserting his divine sonship, Jesus nevertheless pays the tax to avoid causing offense, thereby demonstrating his wisdom. The miracle of the fish underscores divine providence and Jesus’ commitment to social and religious laws.

    Mark 9.33 (King James Version) :
    And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  16. PER250 The healing of the ten lepers

    This article explores Jesus’ healing of ten lepers, with an emphasis on gratitude and inclusion, notably through a Samaritan. The event highlights divine grace and the importance of faith beyond ethnic divisions.

    Luke 9.51 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate