Synoptic Gospels

  • PER051 The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy

    Matthew 4:13–16 reports Jesus’ return to Capernaum in Galilee and interprets it as the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy about light shining in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali. Matthew, the only evangelist to make this connection, demonstrates that Jesus is indeed the foretold Messiah. John will return to the theme of light in his prologue. This episode is dated to February–March 31.

    John 1.9 (King James Version) :
    That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER112 Jesus the Messiah’s departure for other towns

    Pericope 112 analyses Jesus’ departure on a journey through the towns and villages of Galilee (Mt 11.1), dated to May–June AD31. Unlike John the Baptist, who remained in one place, Jesus actively travelled throughout the region to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven, guided by the Holy Spirit, so as to reach even the poorest, who could not travel to him.

    Matthew 11.1 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER114 The praise of John the Baptist

    Jesus pays tribute to John the Baptist in Capernaum (May–June AD31), according to Matthew 11.7-19 and Luke 7.24-35. Without seeking to recruit his disciples, he affirms John’s prophetic greatness, identifies him as the Elijah foretold by Malachi and signals the end of the old covenant. He contrasts the Kingdom of God with the kingdom built by the Pharisees according to their own rules.

    Matthew 11.12 (King James Version) :
    And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER161 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 6.1-6 (King James Version) :
    And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.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?Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN015 The Gospel of Mark

    The Gospel according to Mark holds a distinctive place among the four accounts. Its origins, composition, and the connections between Mark and the events…