The last week before the arrest 8 studies
- 1Cursing of the Barren Fig Tree
- 2Announcement of the Destruction of Jerusalem
- 3Cleansing of the Temple (second time)
- 4Healing of blind and lame people
- 5The authority of the Messiah Jesus challenged
The last day up to the crucifixion 10 studies
- 9Judas Iscariot, the traitor, is identified
- 10The Departure of Judas Iscariot
- 11Warning About Persecution
- 12The arrest
- 13The rebellion of the disciple Peter and the healing of Malchus
The resurrection and the various appearances 4 studies
Contradictions 1 study
The last week before the arrest
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PER282
Cursing of the Barren Fig Tree
On Monday, March 28, AD 33, on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem, the Messiah Jesus curses a fig tree covered with leaves but bearing no fruit, and it withers at once. This act, reported by Matthew and Mark, is a miracle-parable symbolizing Israel: a great show of religion, but no real fruitfulness. Framing the cleansing of the Temple in Mark, this episode announces divine judgment on a barren piety.
Matthew 21.18-19 (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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER283
Announcement of the Destruction of Jerusalem
In Luke 19.41-44, Jesus approaches Jerusalem, weeps over the city and foretells with precision its future destruction by the Romans in AD 70. Only Luke reports this episode in this form. Jesus laments that Jerusalem did not recognize its divine visitation. This passage reveals both the compassion of the Messiah and the gravity of rejecting divine revelation, and it belongs to the last week before his arrest.
Luke 18.31-33 (King James Version) :Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER284
Cleansing of the Temple (second time)
Jesus' second cleansing of the Temple, on Monday, March 28, AD 33, is a prophetic and symbolic act. By driving the sellers out of the Court of the Gentiles and quoting Isaiah and Jeremiah, Jesus denounces the corruption of worship, asserts his messianic authority and announces the coming judgment on the Temple. This event hastens the decision of the religious leaders to put him to death.
Luke 19.45-46 (King James Version) :And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER285
Healing of blind and lame people
After the cleansing of the Temple, Jesus heals the blind and the lame in the courtyard on Monday, March 28, AD 33. Only Matthew reports this episode. The crowd and the children acclaim him as Son of David, while the chief priests and the scribes, increasingly hostile, are indignant at these messianic demonstrations. This episode illustrates the contrast between the faith of the common people and the rejection by the religious authorities.
Matthew 21.15-16 (King James Version) :And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER289
The authority of the Messiah Jesus challenged
In the Temple of Jerusalem, the religious leaders publicly challenge Jesus’ authority. With a clever counter-question about the baptism of John, he reduces them to silence and exposes their bad faith. This synoptic episode (Matt 21.23-27; Mark 11.27-33; Luke 20.1-8) illustrates the growing opposition of the authorities to the Messiah during his last week before the arrest.
Matthew 21.23-27 (King James Version) :And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER293
The questions of the foreigners to the Messiah Jesus
An episode unique to John (John 12.20-50), set on Holy Tuesday in the Court of the Gentiles. Some Greeks ask to see Jesus, which triggers the announcement of the hour of his glorification. Through the image of the grain of wheat, Jesus reveals that his death is the source of universal life. The cross is presented as a glorious lifting up that draws all people to him, opening salvation to all nations.
John 12.44-50 (King James Version) :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 -
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.
Matthew 6.3-4 (King James Version) :But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.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
The last day up to the crucifixion
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PER311
Judas Iscariot, the traitor, is identified
This article explores the betrayal of Judas Iscariot at the last Passover meal with Jesus. By analyzing the Gospel accounts, it highlights the disciples’ reactions and the theological implications of this crucial event in Jerusalem.
John 13.2-3 (King James Version) :And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER315
The Departure of Judas Iscariot
The article explores the dramatic departure of Judas Iscariot during the last Passover meal, described essentially in the Gospel of John. This moment, steeped in symbolism, marks the progress of the redemptive drama leading to the arrest of Jesus, highlighting the complexity of Jesus' gesture of offering bread to Judas, at once an act of grace and of judgment.
John 13.18 (King James Version) :I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER322
Warning About Persecution
The article explains Jesus’ warning to his disciples about the inevitable persecution they will face. Drawing on the Gospels, it shows that this hatred is bound up with their belonging to Christ. Yet Jesus promises the support of the Holy Spirit to help them go through these trials.
John 16.1-4 (King James Version) :These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER331
The arrest
This article deals with the arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane as related in the Gospels. It highlights Judas's betrayal and the soldiers' reaction to Jesus' declaration, revealing his mastery of the situation.
Luke 22.47-53 (King James Version) :And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?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.Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER332
The rebellion of the disciple Peter and the healing of Malchus
This article explores the arrest of Jesus at Gethsemane, where Peter, in an impulsive gesture, cuts off Malchus's ear. Jesus calms the situation by healing Malchus, thereby underlining his divine mission and rejecting violence, in keeping with the Scriptures. He shows his control and divine love even toward those who arrest him.
Matthew 26.51-54 (King James Version) :And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER333
The words of Jesus the Messiah to the crowd at the arrest
This article examines the arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, highlighting his serenity and his willingness to fulfill the divine plan. Through his words, he exposes the contradictions of the religious authorities and underscores his mastery of the situation, revealing his redemptive mission out of love for humanity.
John 3.16 (King James Version) :For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER334
The Flight of the Disciples
The article examines the disciples’ flight at the arrest of Jesus, stressing their fear and the calm of Jesus. It details the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, the interpretation of the Gospels, and the contrast between the disciples’ panic and the sovereignty of Jesus.
Matthew 26.36-56 (King James Version) :Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER339
The abuse begins
The article deals with the mistreatment inflicted on Jesus before the crucifixion, centered on the interpretation of the Gospel accounts. It explores how the Sanhedrin manipulated the accusations to obtain the support of the Roman authorities, turning a religious accusation into political sedition.
John 18.19-24 (King James Version) :The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER340
The Denial of the Apostle Peter, Accompanied by the Apostle John
This article describes the denial of the Apostle Peter as recounted in the Gospels, when he denies his Master Jesus three times. The article highlights the precise circumstances of this event and explores the role of the apostle John. By setting the different versions of the Gospels side by side, this tragic moment is analyzed in depth within the historical and religious context of the time.
Matthew 26.69-75 (King James Version) :Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER310
The last meal before the crucifixion
This article explores Jesus’ “last meal,” highlighting his institution of the Lord’s Supper. It takes place on Thursday evening before the crucifixion, in the house of Mary in Jerusalem. The Gospels record this meal as symbolically significant, with Judas leaving to betray him. The meal is crucial to Christian identity.
Mark 14.17 (King James Version) :And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The resurrection and the various appearances
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PER364
The women go to the Tomb
Pericope 364 describes the women's departure for the tomb of Jesus early on Sunday morning, as attested by all four Gospels. Moved by their faithfulness and devotion to Jesus, they bring spices without expecting a resurrection. The study highlights their steadfastness in contrast to the failure of the apostles, their failure to understand the announcements of the resurrection, and their ignorance of the guards placed at the tomb. A rigorous synoptic analysis within the framework of the Passion and the Resurrection.
Matthew 28.2-4 (King James Version) :And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER368
The Reaction of Peter and John
Pericope 368 examines the reaction of Peter and John after Mary Magdalene's testimony about the empty tomb. The two apostles run to the sepulchre, discover the burial linens and the folded face cloth, but do not yet grasp the reality of the resurrection. The article harmonizes the accounts of Luke 24.12 and John 20.3-12, distinguishes two successive announcements to the disciples, and highlights the initial lack of understanding in the face of Jesus' prophecies about his resurrection.
Luke 24.6 (King James Version) :He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER370
First Appearance of the Messiah Jesus to Mary Magdalene
Pericope PER370 analyzes the first appearance of the risen Christ to Mary Magdalene, on the morning of Sunday, April 3, AD 33, near the tomb in Jerusalem. Reported mainly by John (Jn 20,11-18) and confirmed by Mark (Mk 16,9), this encounter reveals Mary’s initial ignorance of the resurrection, her mistaking Jesus for a gardener, and the distinctive nature of the Easter appearances. The article adopts a rigorous synoptic method by comparing the Gospels.
Mark 16.9-11 (King James Version) :Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER373
The guards warn the Jewish authorities
Matthew 28.11-15 reports that the tomb guards, unwitting witnesses of the resurrection, went to the Jewish authorities. The latter bribed them to spread the claim that the disciples had stolen the body. The article analyzes the apologetic value of this testimony from outside the Christian circle and the contradictions of the official version, noting that this episode, found only in Matthew, fits within the Easter chronology of Sunday, April 3, AD 33.
Luke 24.1-3 (King James Version) :Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Contradictions
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CTD049
When the women visited the tomb
This article examines the Gospel accounts of the women's visit to the tomb and refutes the alleged contradictions between them. It proposes that the evangelists' different descriptions represent different stages in time of the same event rather than conflicting accounts.
Luke 24.1 (King James Version) :Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org