Episode 1 of 6 · The Compassion of Jesus the Messiah for the Crowd

  1. Episode 1: The Compassion of Jesus the Messiah for the Crowd
  2. Episode 2: The Pharisees Ask for a Sign
  3. Episode 3: Jesus the Messiah Foretells His Coming Sufferings, Peter's Reaction
  4. Episode 4: The Invitation to a Pharisee's House
  5. Episode 5: Lament over Jerusalem
  6. Episode 6: John's Clarifications

From the second to the third Passover festival

  1. 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 9.38 (King James Version) :
    Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week

  1. 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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  2. 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.

    Mark 8.31-33 (King James Version) :
    And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  3. PER227 The invitation to a Pharisee's home

    Pericope 227 recounts the invitation extended to the Messiah Jesus by a Pharisee for a meal, reported only by Luke (Lk 11.37). Far from being well-meaning, this invitation seems to be a trap orchestrated to gather accusations against Jesus before witnesses. Aware of what was at stake, Jesus nevertheless accepts the invitation, strengthened by a spiritual assurance that his hour had not yet come. The event probably takes place in Jerusalem, during a journey that Jesus undertakes despite the threats of the religious authorities.

    John 7.51 (King James Version) :
    Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  4. PER234 Lament over Jerusalem

    The Lament over Jerusalem (Mt 23.37-39; Lk 13.34-35) shows Jesus weeping over the holy city, a few days before his Passion. Through the metaphor of the hen protecting her chicks, he expresses rejected divine love, condemns the murder of the prophets and announces the desolation of the Temple, while leaving open a hope of final reconciliation.

    Lamentations 2.15 (King James Version) :
    All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The last day up to the crucifixion

  1. 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.

    Deuteronomy 21.22-23 (King James Version) :
    And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:Noteaccursed…: Heb. the curse of GodHis body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate