Synoptic Passages

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER187 The Blind Man of Bethsaida

The article explores the unique miracle of Jesus healing the blind man of Bethsaida, recorded only in the Gospel of Mark. This gradual, two-stage healing symbolizes the disciples' spiritual growth and gradually deepening understanding.

John 9.1-7 (King James Version) :

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER239 The Parable of the Tower

The parable of the tower (Luke 14.28-30), transmitted only by Luke, is part of a discourse of Jesus on the cost of discipleship. Through the image of a builder who calculates his resources before building, Jesus invites his disciples to a considered, clear-sighted and persevering commitment, warning against a superficial or emotional faith without spiritual maturity.

Luke 14.29 (King James Version) :

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER113 John the Baptist’s question

Imprisoned, John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus whether he is indeed the awaited Messiah. Jesus answers through his deeds—healings, resurrections and proclamation to the poor—drawing on Isaiah 35.5. The article analyses the divergence between the two ministries, Matthew’s editorial reasoning and the powerful Christological implication in the prophetic reference: Jesus is God coming to save his people (Isa 35.4).

John 1.29 (King James Version) :

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER114 The praise of John the Baptist

Jesus pays tribute to John the Baptist in Capernaum (May–June AD31), according to Matthew 11.7-19 and Luke 7.24-35. Without seeking to recruit his disciples, he affirms John’s prophetic greatness, identifies him as the Elijah foretold by Malachi and signals the end of the old covenant. He contrasts the Kingdom of God with the kingdom built by the Pharisees according to their own rules.

Luke 7.24-35 (King James Version) :

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!But wisdom is justified of all her children.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER140 The parable of the measure

The parable of the measure (PER140) teaches that the way we judge and treat others determines how God will measure us in return. Jesus calls for attentive listening, reciprocity, justice and generosity. This principle, shared by Mark 4.24-25, Matthew 7.1-2 and Luke 6.38, echoes the golden rule and forms the heart of Christian ethics.

Matthew 7.12 (King James Version) :

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER154 The healing of the woman with bleeding

Pericope 154 recounts the healing of a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years, as reported by Matthew, Mark and Luke. In Capernaum, she discreetly touches the garment of Jesus on his way to Jairus' house. Healed instantly, she is publicly acknowledged by Jesus, who declares: 'Your faith has saved you.' The article compares the three Synoptic accounts and explores the theological, christological and social significance of this miracle of faith.

Matthew 9.20-22 (King James Version) :

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER159 Jesus the Messiah continues his work

Pericope 159 presents Jesus continuing his ministry in Galilee, from Capernaum, in February–March AD 32, before the third Passover. Relying solely on Matthew 9.35, the article emphasizes the priority given to proclaiming the Kingdom over miracles, the autonomy of the local synagogues in relation to the Pharisees, and Matthew's thematic method, corrected here by Mark's chronology.

John 2.13 (King James Version) :

And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER160 Jesus the Messiah's compassion for the crowd

Pericope 160 analyzes Matthew 9.36-38, where Jesus, in Capernaum, is deeply moved with compassion for the crowd, “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The Greek term “splagchnizomai” expresses a visceral compassion that moves Jesus to teach, heal and feed, in contrast with the indifference of the religious leaders. This compassion becomes a model for the disciples.

Matthew 9.36 (King James Version) :

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER161 Return to Nazareth

The second return of Jesus to Nazareth (March AD 32) is recounted by Matthew and Mark. Despite his teaching in the synagogue, the townspeople reject him because of their familiarity with him and his family. Their lack of faith limits his miracles. Jesus utters the famous saying: ‘A prophet is despised only in his own country.’ Mark adds details absent from Matthew: the presence of the disciples and Jesus’ astonishment at their unbelief.

Mark 6.2 (King James Version) :

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER178 Rebukes of the Scribes and Pharisees

The article examines the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, in which Jesus criticizes the priority given to traditions over divine laws. In Matthew 15.1-9 and Mark 7.1-13, Jesus exposes Pharisaic hypocrisy by stressing the obligation of sincerity and spiritual authenticity.

Isaiah 29.13 (King James Version) :

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:^{aNoteproceed: Heb. add}

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER207 The disagreement between the Master and his brothers

John 7.3-9 recounts the tension between Jesus and his brothers before the Feast of Sukkot (October AD 32). Not understanding the messianic mission, they urge him to show himself publicly in Jerusalem. Jesus chooses caution, aware of the risk of arrest. Mary keeps in the background. This episode, found only in John, illustrates the family's incomprehension of the divine nature of Jesus, as the conversion of his brothers takes place only after the resurrection.

John 7.3 (King James Version) :

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER220 The Messiah Jesus sends out 70 disciples

Jesus sends seventy disciples on an evangelistic mission (Luke 10.1-16), a unique event in the gospels. From Bethany beyond the Jordan, around November 32, he extends his mission beyond the Twelve. The instructions recall those given to the apostles, with a more universal scope. Jesus warns of the risk of rejection and condemns the blindness of the Galilean cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum.

Mark 6.6-13 (King James Version) :

And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.And they went out, and preached that men should repent.And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER232 The mustard seed and the leaven

Pericope PER232 presents the twin parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Luke 13.18-21). Spoken near a synagogue in Jerusalem on a Saturday, they illustrate the nature of the kingdom of God: it begins humbly, grows powerfully and works in a hidden yet transforming way. These two complementary images invite us to perceive the quiet and irresistible growth of God's reign in the world.

Luke 13.18-19 (King James Version) :

Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER241 The image of salt without flavour

The article 'PER241 - The image of salt without flavour' analyses a passage of Luke 14:34-35, where Jesus teaches that disciples must be like salt, essential and transforming. If a disciple loses his spiritual 'flavour', he becomes useless, like insipid salt. This teaching calls for an active and lasting commitment in the spiritual life.

Matthew 5.13 (King James Version) :

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

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

Level: Intermediate Audience: Beginner|Intermediate

PER252 The Messiah Jesus Announces His Second Coming

The article analyzes Luke 17:22-37, in which Jesus announces his second coming. Unlike the discourse on the Mount of Olives, this unique teaching warns against false messiahs and illustrates the suddenness of his coming through references to the days of Noah and Lot.

Mark 13.1-26 (King James Version) :

And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.And the gospel must first be published among all nations.But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judæa flee to the mountains:And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER276 The arrival of the Jews from the city of Jerusalem

The article deals with the arrival of Jews at Bethany to see Jesus as the Passion draws near. Faced with his growing popularity, the religious authorities consider having him arrested, while Judas’s betrayal is being prepared.

John 12.9-11 (King James Version) :

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER291 The parable of the vinedressers

The parable of the vinedressers (Matt 21.33-46; Mark 12.1-12; Luke 20.9-19), spoken on Holy Tuesday in the courtyard of the Temple, illustrates the history of salvation allegorically: God sends prophets and then his Son, whom the religious leaders reject and kill. The vineyard is transferred to the Church, without however closing the door to the Jewish people, who can enter into the faith.

Matthew 21.33-46 (King James Version) :

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER358 John's Added Details

John 19.31-37 reports details found only in his account of the events following Jesus' death: the Jewish authorities' request to have the bodies removed before the Passover Sabbath, the crurifragium applied to the robbers but not to Jesus, who was already dead, and the spear piercing his side. John, an eyewitness, attests the reality of Christ's death and the fulfillment of the Scriptures concerning the Passover Lamb.

John 19.32 (King James Version) :

Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Synoptic Passages

Steps 1 to 10

Steps 11 to 19