← Birth and childhood of Jesus (Nativity)

Ministry of John the Baptist

  • PER029 The ministry of John the Baptist

    The article examines John the Baptist's role in preparing for Jesus' coming. Appearing in Matthew, Mark and Luke, John baptises and preaches in the Judean wilderness. Regarded as Christ's forerunner, he never claimed to be the Messiah. His teachings prepared the people to welcome Jesus, the royal Messiah.

    John 3.25 (King James Version) :
    Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER042 The return to Aenon south of Galilee

    This article explores Jesus’ return to Aenon after Passover, highlighting the complementary ministries of Jesus and John the Baptist. John, the only evangelist to document this phase, emphasises the relationship between their ministries. Through this episode, the article shows that their roles were harmonious rather than competitive, each playing an essential part in the divine plan.

    John 3.22-24 (King James Version) :
    After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.For John was not yet cast into prison.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER044 John the Baptist’s arrest

    The article explores John the Baptist’s arrest by Herod Antipas, illustrating a major transition from John’s ministry to that of Jesus as the sole acknowledged Messiah. The event, probably in AD 30, is a crucial turning point in the religious context of the time, highlighted by references to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

    John 3.24 (King James Version) :
    For John was not yet cast into prison.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER113 John the Baptist’s question

    Imprisoned, John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus whether he is indeed the awaited Messiah. Jesus answers through his deeds—healings, resurrections and proclamation to the poor—drawing on Isaiah 35.5. The article analyses the divergence between the two ministries, Matthew’s editorial reasoning and the powerful Christological implication in the prophetic reference: Jesus is God coming to save his people (Isa 35.4).

    Luke 7.18-23 (King James Version) :
    And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER163 Death of John the Baptist

    Pericope 163 analyzes Herod Antipas's reaction to the fame of Jesus, whom he identifies with John the Baptist risen from the dead. Through a synoptic comparison of Matthew 14.1-2, Mark 6.14-16 and Luke 9.7-9, the article explores the convergences and differences between the three accounts, the political context in Galilee in March AD 32, and the weight of Herod's guilt after the murder of John the Baptist.

    Mark 6.14-16 (King James Version) :
    And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER164 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.

    Deuteronomy 24.1-4 (King James Version) :
    When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.Notesome…: Heb. matter of nakednessNotedivorcement: Heb. cutting offAnd when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife.And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, 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

  • PER165 Reminder of the circumstances of the murder of John the Baptist

    Pericope 165 analyzes the circumstances of the murder of John the Baptist according to Matthew (14.6-12) and Mark (6.21-29). In Galilee, in March AD 32, Herod Antipas yields to the manipulation of Herodias through Salome's dance and has the prophet beheaded. The article highlights the parallel between the martyrdom of John and that of Jesus, two messianic figures unjustly condemned and laid in a tomb.

    Matthew 14.6-12 (King James Version) :
    But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate