Episode 1 of 19 · The Circumcision of the Child Jesus

  1. Episode 1: The Circumcision of the Child Jesus
  2. Episode 2: The Baptism of Jesus the Messiah
  3. Episode 3: The Wedding at Cana
  4. Episode 4: The Consecration of the Disciple
  5. Episode 5: The Call of Another Disciple, Matthew
  6. Episode 6: The Healing of the Roman Officer's Servant
  7. Episode 7: The Mission of the 12 Apostles
  8. Episode 8: The Parable of the Measure
  9. Episode 9: The Healing of the Demoniac of Gadara
  10. Episode 10: The Healing of Jairus's Daughter Interrupted
  11. Episode 11: The Healing of the Woman with the Flow of Blood
  12. Episode 12: Jesus the Messiah Continues His Work
  13. Episode 13: Return to Nazareth
  14. Episode 14: Reminder of the Arrest of John the Baptist
  15. Episode 15: The Transfiguration
  16. Episode 16: The Third Passover Feast
  17. Episode 17: Offenses and Causes of Stumbling
  18. Episode 18: The Journey Through Samaria
  19. Episode 19: The Reaction of James and John

Synoptic Passages

Further reading
  • ANN075 The traders driven out of the Temple

    The article examines the incident in which Jesus drives the merchants out of the Temple, an event reported differently in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While…

  • ANN070 The temptation of Jesus the Messiah

    This article explores Jesus' temptation, his 40-day fast, and the Gospel accounts of this period in Judea. The Synoptic Gospels…

The life of Jesus up to the age of 12

  1. The circumcision of the infant Jesus

    Luke 2.21 recounts the circumcision of the infant Jesus, eight days after his birth in Bethlehem. In accordance with Mosaic law, Joseph and Mary have the child circumcised and name him Jesus, as announced by the angel Gabriel. This Hebrew name (Yehoshua) means ‘the Eternal is salvation’. Luke alone recounts this episode, emphasising the Messiah's humanity and his roots in Jewish tradition.

    Luke 2.21 (King James Version) :
    And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
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The ministry of John the Baptist

  1. The baptism of Jesus the Messiah

    The article describes Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, a significant event marking the beginning of Jesus’ messianic ministry. Taking place at Bethany beyond the Jordan, this baptism expresses the continuity between John’s and Jesus’ work, symbolising their spiritual mission. The Trinity is manifested during this act, highlighting its theological importance and its example for future generations.

    Mark 1.9-11 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
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  2. The wedding at Cana

    The wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11) constitutes Jesus’ first sign: he turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana in Galilee, in November 29. Only John reports this episode. The article explores possible reasons for Jesus’ family’s presence, tentatively identifies Nathanael as the bridegroom, and emphasises that this miracle strengthens the disciples’ faith by revealing the Messiah’s glory.

    John 2.1-11 (King James Version) :
    And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
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The beginning of the ministry in Galilee

  1. The disciple's dedication

    The article explores the dedication of Jesus' disciples, examining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It discusses the challenges and trials involved in choosing to follow Jesus, the Messiah's spiritual discernment, and the disciples' family obligations. Set in Galilee, it highlights the impact of Jesus' innovative ministry.

    Acts 1.21 (King James Version) :
    Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
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  2. The calling of another disciple, Matthew

    The article examines Jesus' calling of Matthew, highlighting his unique role among the disciples as the future writer of the Gospel. Matthew leaves his work as a tax collector to follow Christ after having known him previously, probably through John the Baptist. This calling is significant because it makes Matthew a crucial spokesman for the apostles.

    Acts 1.21-22 (King James Version) :
    Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
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From the second to the third Passover festival

  1. The healing of the Roman officer’s servant

    The article explores Jesus’ healing of a Roman officer’s servant in Capernaum, a demonstration of extraordinary faith and of Jesus’ authority over all peoples.

    Matthew 8.5-13 (King James Version) :
    And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
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  2. The mission of the 12 Apostles

    The article analyses the mission of the twelve apostles according to Matthew, Mark and Luke, highlighting the Jews' priority in the plan of salvation and the instructions Jesus gives for proclaiming God's kingdom.

    Genesis 12.3 (King James Version) :
    And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
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  3. 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.

    Luke 6.31 (King James Version) :
    And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
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  4. The healing of the demoniac of Gadara

    Pericope 152 recounts the healing of the demoniac of Gadara, reported by Matthew (8.28-34), Mark (5.1-20) and Luke (8.26-40). Jesus arrives in the territory of Gadara, meets possessed men living among the tombs, and delivers them from the demons by sending them into a herd of pigs that drown in the lake. This episode shows the sovereign power of the Messiah over demonic forces and his ministry extending beyond the borders of Israel.

    Mark 5.1-20 (King James Version) :
    And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
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  5. The interrupted healing of Jairus' daughter

    Pericope 153 recounts the beginning of the episode of Jairus' daughter at Capernaum (February–March AD 32). A synagogue ruler, Jairus begs Jesus to heal his only daughter, aged 12. But Jesus, held up by the crowd, does not arrive in time: the little girl dies. This synoptic account (Mt 9.18-19; Mk 5.21-24; Lk 8.40-42) raises the question of Jairus' faith in the face of the ordeal of death.

    Mark 5.21-24 (King James Version) :
    And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
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  6. 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.

    Leviticus 15.25-27 (King James Version) :
    And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she shall be unclean.Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation: and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation.And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
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  7. 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 11.55 (King James Version) :
    And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
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  8. 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?
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  9. Recalling the arrest of John the Baptist

    Pericope PER164 recalls the circumstances of John the Baptist's arrest, as recounted by Matthew (14.3-5) and Mark (6.17-20). John was imprisoned for publicly denouncing the unlawful marriage of Herod Antipas to Herodias, the former wife of his brother. Mark offers a nuanced portrait of Herod, ambivalent and fascinated by John, whereas Matthew stresses his fear of the crowd. It is Herodias who pushes for the prophet's death; he was held at Machaerus in March AD 32.

    Mark 6.17-20 (King James Version) :
    For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
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From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week

  1. 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.
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  2. The third Passover feast

    Pericope PER168 marks the third Passover feast of the ministry of the Messiah Jesus, dated Monday, April 12, AD 32, and mentioned only by John (Jn 6,4). Located in Galilee near Bethsaida, Jesus and his disciples do not seem to go up to Jerusalem, given the intensity of their activity. This mention serves as a chronological landmark in the synopsis, announcing the events to come up to the Feast of Tabernacles in October AD 32.

    John 7.14 (King James Version) :
    Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
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  3. Offenses and occasions for stumbling

    Pericope PER201 presents Jesus' private teaching in Capernaum on offenses and occasions for stumbling. He distinguishes two cases: those who cause new converts to stumble, and Christians confronted with their own weaknesses. Through radical bodily metaphors, Jesus calls us to eliminate everything that leads to sin, stressing that life in the kingdom of God is worth any sacrifice. Matthew, Mark and Luke report this teaching with complementary nuances.

    Matthew 18.7-9 (King James Version) :
    Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
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  4. The journey through Samaria

    Pericope 209 recounts the journey of Jesus and his disciples through Samaria, reported only by Luke. Leaving Galilee on October 3, AD 32, Jesus chooses the shorter Samaritan route to Jerusalem. Some villages refuse to welcome him, illustrating the tensions between Jews and Samaritans, while others accept him. This passage foreshadows the universal mission and the future evangelization of the region by the 70 disciples.

    John 7.9-10 (King James Version) :
    When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
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  5. The reaction of James and John

    During Jesus’ journey through Samaria, James and John, the “sons of thunder,” propose calling down fire from heaven on a hostile Samaritan village. Jesus sternly rebukes them, reminding them that he came to save people, not to destroy them. This episode, reported only by Luke (Lk 9.54-56), illustrates the Jewish-Samaritan tensions and the gradual formation of the disciples toward a spirit of mercy.

    2 Kings 1.9-12 (King James Version) :
    Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly.And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.
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