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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.
Matthew 21.18-22 (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.And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER184
The Pharisees ask for a sign
The article describes how the Pharisees ask Jesus to prove his authority by a sign, and how he refuses, denouncing their hypocrisy and mentioning only the sign of Jonah. The account highlights the tensions between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time.
Mark 8.11-12 (King James Version) :And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER190
The Messiah Jesus announces his coming sufferings, Peter’s reaction
Jesus announces his imminent sufferings at Caesarea Philippi. Peter, rejecting this idea, illustrates the disciples’ lack of understanding of the Messiah’s spiritual mission. Jesus’ announcement refocuses the goal on the Kingdom of God, anticipating the crucifixion.
Luke 9.22 (King James Version) :Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER193
The transfiguration
The article explores the transfiguration of Jesus, in which he shines with divine light alongside Moses and Elijah on Mount Hermon. Peter, James and John are witnesses of it. This event reveals the divinity of Jesus.
Mark 9.2-13 (King James Version) :And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org