From the second to the third Passover festival 1 study
The last week before the arrest 2 studies
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER095
The Sermon on the Mount (11): Giving
This article explores Jesus' teaching on giving in the Sermon on the Mount. By insisting on a personal relationship with God, it criticises the Pharisees' ostentatious practices. The setting is Galilee shortly after Passover in AD 31, highlighting a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry.
Mark 12.41-44 (King James Version) :And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last week before the arrest
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PER299
The Widow’s Offering
In the Temple of Jerusalem, Jesus watches a poor widow put two small coins into the treasury, all that she has. Unlike the rich, who give ostentatiously out of their surplus, she offers her entire livelihood. Jesus declares that she has given more than all the others, overturning human standards of value. This account, reported by Mark (12.41-44) and Luke (21.1-4), teaches that true generosity is measured not by the amount given, but by the disposition of the heart and the sacrifice made.
Mark 12.41-44 (King James Version) :And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER300
The unbelief of the Jews
Pericope 300 deals with the unbelief of the Jews in the face of the signs performed by Jesus, an episode reported only by John (Jn 12,37-50), set in the Temple of Jerusalem on Wednesday, 30 March AD 33. In contrast, the poor widow's gift illustrates genuine faith. Jesus overturns human criteria: true generosity is measured not by the quantity given but by the disposition of the heart, offering to God all that one is.
John 12.37-50 (King James Version) :But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org