Childrens Bible Stories

Matthew 4, 9, 10; Mark 1, 2, 3; Luke 5, 6

because you say so, I will let down the net.” Judea, and far beyond the Jordan River. The number 12
They headed toward the middle of One day, Jesus saw a tax collector There are many
references to the number
the sea, and Peter threw the big cast net named Matthew, counting out the money 12 throughout the Bible.
over the side. Suddenly, there was a great he had taken that day. He was disliked by In Scripture, the number is
surge and the net ballooned with fish. the Jewish people because he worked linked to “fullness.” Jacob
Peter watched in amazement. He had for the Romans. Jesus went up to him, had 12 sons, who went
never before seen such a catch. He saying, “Follow me!” Matthew got up on to become the fathers
signaled to his brother Andrew, far away immediately and went with him. That of the 12 tribes of
on the shore, to join them with the other evening, Jesus and his followers went Israel. Jesus chooses
boat. Together, the brothers heaved in the to Matthew’s house and sat down to eat 12 men to be his apostles.
haul of fresh fish. And then the two little with him. A few other tax collectors and In the Book of Revelation,
boats turned, both piled high and perilously some undesirable people joined them. the depiction of a perfect
low in the water. They just made it back Jerusalem is a city
to dry land before they sank. When the Pharisees saw this they were with 12 gates and
shocked. “Why does your teacher break 12 foundations. This
Two other fishermen, James and John, bread with such unsavory characters?” 6th-century-ce mosaic
the sons of Zebedee, came over, astonished they asked. shows the 12 disciples
at the miraculous catch and, along with surrounding Jesus.
Peter and Andrew, they fell down to the Jesus heard their pious words and
ground, consumed with fear. “Do not be replied, “It is not the healthy who need “Follow
afraid,” said Jesus. “Follow me and I will a doctor, but the sick. I am not looking me and
make you fishers of men.” for the righteous. I have come to find I will make
sinners. It is they who need me.” you fishers
So the four men left their boats and said of men.”
goodbye to their families. They set off with Later, Jesus went to the top of a high
Jesus and went with him all over Galilee as mountain to be on his own. He stayed
he taught in synagogues and preached by there all night, deep in prayer. The next
the wayside, spreading the word of God. day, he came down and called all of
He spoke with such authority that people his followers together and chose twelve
were amazed and flocked to hear him. And disciples to his side. They were Peter
he healed the sick and the diseased. News and his brother Andrew, James and his
spread far and wide, and soon people came brother John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
not only from Galilee but from Jerusalem, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon
the Zealot, Thaddeus, and Judas Iscariot.

Understanding the story

Jesus begins his ministry on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. His first
act is to recruit his disciples, also known as “apostles,” which means
“messengers,” because they will be tasked with telling people about

the word of God. The twelve are ordinary men, but Jesus will use
their human failings to establish God’s Kingdom on Earth.

201

Jesus’s early ministry Caesarea
Philippi
Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem
in Judea, to the south of Nazareth. In the region of Caesarea
Philippi, the disciples
He grew up in Nazareth, in a northern witness the Transfiguration.
region of Palestine called Galilee. Moses, the law-giver,
appears by Jesus’s side.
Though there is no universally agreed
route for Jesus’s travels at the start of his
teachings, what is known is that the main
places connected with his early ministry
were in and around Galilee. It was here
that Jesus performed his first miracles,

healed the sick, and helped the needy.

GALILEE Jesus heals Jordan River Bethsaida is the site of many
a leper in miracles, including the feeding
Jesus’s first miracle is Capernaum. of the 5,000 people.
turning the water into
wine at the wedding Bethsaida
feast of Cana.
Capernaum
Nazareth
Cana On the west On the Sea of Galilee, Jesus
GALILEE side of the Sea walks on water, calms a
of Galilee, Jesus storm, and preaches to
Jerusalem gives his Sermon crowds from a boat.
Bethlehem on the Mount.

judEA Nazareth

Tiberias is the capital city of Tiberias Sea of
Galilee’s ruler, Herod Antipas, GaLILee
who ordered the beheading
of John the Baptist. Gadara

At Gadara, Jesus sends
the demons that were
tormenting a man
into a herd of pigs.

SoUTH To JUDea,
JeRUSaLeM, aND

BeTHLeHeM

202

Luke 10; John 11

The Marriage
Feast of Cana

Jesus, his mother Mary, and the twelve
disciples were all invited to a wedding feast
at Cana, just north of Nazareth in Galilee.

Everybody was sitting in the sun as the take it to the guest of honor who is Wine jar
musicians played on their harps and pipes sitting over there.” In ancient times, water was
and tambourines. The women were dancing usually stored in stone jars
and singing to the music. The celebrations The servant looked at him, surprised, to be used for ceremonial
had been going on for some days now, as this water would never normally be washing. However, wine was
as was the custom, and everybody was used for drinking. But he went to fetch
enjoying the fine food at the banquet. a clean goblet and filled it carefully from kept in more decorative
the jar. He took it to the guest of honor ceramic jars, called
Mary, who was sitting next to Jesus, who thanked him and raised it to his
suddenly noticed that the wine had run out. lips. The guest of honor had no idea amphoras. This terra-cotta
There was not a single drop left although that it had just been poured from the amphora, crafted in Lebanon
the banquet was in full swing. She turned water jar. The servant watched curiously
to Jesus and told him, whispering quietly as he tasted the first few drops, and then during the 4th century,
so that no one else would hear. He turned drained the goblet. is a typical example.
to her and said, “Dear mother, why do you Shaped like a vase, it has
involve me? My time has not yet come.” The guest of honor called the two large handles for
bridegroom over and said, “Delicious! carrying the wine.
Then Mary called one of the servants Thank you so much! Most people give
over and said, “Do whatever he tells you.” their guests the finest wine first and then Understanding
There were six huge stone water jars bring out the cheaper wine later, when the story
standing nearby, the kind that were used the guests have had too much to drink.
to store the water for washing before But you have saved the best till now!” Wedding celebrations
a meal or for a religious ceremony. The bridegroom glowed with pleasure. usually lasted seven days.
The servant was still standing there. It was social humiliation for
Jesus pointed to the jars and said to He opened his mouth in amazement, the bridegroom if the wine
the servants, “Fill them with water, please!” but said nothing. ran out. But Jesus’s first
The servants did as he said, slowly filling miracle is much more than
the great jars with their water carriers. And so, Jesus turned the water into sparing embarrassment.
It took some time. Then Jesus said to wine at the wedding feast in Cana. It Jesus is showing a new path
one of them, “Now pour some out and was the first miracle that he performed. to righteousness. The wine
represents Jesus’s blood,
which will spill in order to
unite the people with God.

203

Matthew 5–7; Luke 6, 11

The Sermon
on the Mount

Mount of Beatitudes So many people had come to listen to Jesus that he went
The sacred spot where up the mountain to speak to the crowd from there. The words he
Jesus gave his sermon is spoke are known as the Beatitudes, from the Latin for “blessed.”
thought to be the Mount
of Beatitudes—a low “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is continued, “Do not think that I have come
hill near Capernaum the kingdom of heaven. to destroy the law or the words of the
prophets. I have come to uphold them.
with views over Blessed are those who mourn, for they The law must be obeyed. You are the light
the Sea of Galilee. will be comforted. of the world, do not hide it. Let your light
This church stands shine brightly before men so that they may
atop the mount today. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit see your good deeds and praise your Father
the earth. in heaven.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst “You have heard it said that you must not
for righteousness, for they will be filled. kill. But do not be angry with your brother,
either. If you have quarreled with him, be
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be reconciled. Forgive anyone who has made
shown mercy. you angry. You have heard it said, ‘An eye for
an eye, a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they not resist an evil person. If someone strikes
will see God. you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek
to him, also. Some people say that you must
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
will be called sons of God. But I tell you to love your enemies and pray

Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.”

The great crowd listened from a
distance, drinking in his words. Jesus

204

Matthew 5–7; Luke 6, 11

for those who persecute you. “Do not judge, or you, too, will be
“Do not boast about your good deeds. judged. Why do you criticize the speck
of sawdust in your brother’s eye when you
When you give to the needy, do not have a plank in your own eye? First, take
announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites this out, then you will see clearly to remove
do in the synagogues and on the streets. the speck from your brother’s eye.
When you pray to the Lord, do it quietly,
without being seen. Go into your room, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek
close the door, and pray to your Father, and you will find. Watch out for false
who is unseen. You do not need to babble prophets because they come to you
like the pagans, who think the more words in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they
they use the more they will be heard. are ferocious wolves.

“Pray simply to God, using words “You have heard my words. If you
like these: Our Father, who is in heaven, put them into practice, your house will
hallowed be your name. Your kingdom be safe. The rain will come and the wind
come, your will be done on earth as it is will blow and the floodwaters will rise, but
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread it will not fall down because the foundations
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those are built on rock.”
who sin against us. Do not lead us into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. Understanding the story

“I tell you not to worry about what you In his sermon, Jesus is teaching God’s
will eat or wear. Life is more than food and will on Earth. Jesus attempts to clarify
the body is more than clothes. Consider the the true meaning of God’s Law. He guides
ravens. They do not sow or reap, they have the people, explaining that those who lead
no storeroom or barn. Yet God feeds them. a spiritual life without revenge in their
The lilies of the field do not labor or spin, hearts will be the triumphant ones. God
but God clothes them in splendor. is the ultimate judge, who will reward

“Do not store up treasures for yourself the righteous in heaven and punish
on earth, where moth and rust destroy. unrepentant sinners.
Store up treasures in heaven, where thieves
do not break in and steal. No one can
serve two masters. You cannot serve both
God and money.

205

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth...
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they
will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:5, 8–9

206

Goat herder
This boy is looking after goats in Israel’s
Negev Desert, a sight that would have changed
very little since Jesus’s time. Jesus taught that
people needed to have the same openness,
humility, and lack of pretention as children
to be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

207

Matthew 8–9; Mark 1–2; Luke 5

Healing the Sick

Reed-roofed houses People came from all over
In Jesus’s time, most Galilee to hear Jesus teach and huge
homes were small crowds followed him wherever he went.

dwellings, built from mud One day, in Capernaum, a leper his friends, but their hearts sank when
bricks or uneven stones. approached Jesus, ringing a little bell and they saw the huge crowd of people. They
Many of them had just shouting, “Unclean!,” “Unclean!” People had come from far away and they were
one large room. The roofs fled from him. The poor man’s skin was determined to get to Jesus. Carefully, they
were flat for a variety of white and scaly and his clothes were carried their friend up the outside steps
reasons. It was easier to tattered and torn. He went up to Jesus and onto the little flat roof. Then they cut
and knelt down on the ground before him. a big hole in the roof, and gently lowered
dry fruit, grain, and “Lord, if you are willing, please cure me!” him down into the house on his mat. He
clothes on flat roofs, and he begged. Jesus looked at him and, filled landed just in front of Jesus.
with compassion, he reached out and
in very hot weather, touched him on the hand. “Of course I Jesus saw the faith they had and he
people could even sleep am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your
on them. Outside, a flight sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and the
Immediately, the leprosy vanished and teachers of the law, who had been there
of steps led up to the the man’s skin became soft and smooth. since crack of dawn, looked shocked and
roof. In Galilee, the flat He was completely cured, and he bowed raised their eyebrows. “Who is this fellow
roofs were crafted from down low on the ground in thanks. Jesus who speaks such blasphemy?” they said
layers of reeds and mud said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. to each other. “Who can forgive sins but
laid on top of supporting Just go and show yourself to the priest who God alone?”
will confirm that you are healed. And make
wooden beams. sacrifices, as Moses commanded.” But the Jesus, who could read their minds,
man was so overwhelmed by the miracle said, “Why are you thinking these things
“We have that he rushed around telling everybody. in your hearts? Tell me, which is easier?
seen And, as a result, even more people came To say ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say
to Jesus to be healed. He was mobbed ‘Get up and walk?’ ” And he turned to the
remarkable wherever he went. paralyzed man and said, “Get up, take your
things today!” mat, and go home.”
A few days later, Jesus was preaching
in a house, full of people. Some people Immediately, the man sprang to his
could not even get into the little house feet in front of everyone, praising God. He
but stood outside, trying to hear a word bent down and picked up the mat he had
or two. As the day wore on, more and more been lying on and went home. Everybody
people arrived, including a man who was watched him in amazement and gave
completely paralyzed. He was carried by thanks to God. “We have seen remarkable
things today!” they said to each other.

208

Matthew 8–9; Mark 1–2; Luke 5

Jesus heals the leper in
this 12th-century-ce mosaic

from the cathedral of
Monreale, Sicily, Italy.

Understanding the story

Touching a leper is regarded as dirty, yet Jesus ignores this and reaches out to him.
By miraculously healing the sick, Jesus demonstrates his close relationship with God.
The growing crowds are amazed at the healings they are witnessing, but what really

matters is that God has given Jesus the authority to forgive their sins.

209

Matthew 8; Luke 7

The Centurion’s
Servant

Roman army Jesus preached all over the country, drawing
Roman soldiers wore bigger and bigger crowds. But he always went back to
protective armor, weaponry, Capernaum on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
and hobnail sandals. A
soldier wore the same as Capernaum was a busy fishing town
his officer, except the and Jesus used it as his base during his
centurion’s armor was ministry. He performed many miracles
decorative. Only centurions there. Like so many others, a Roman
wore metal leg protectors, centurion had heard the stories about
known as greaves (above). a teacher named Jesus, who preached
the word of the Lord and had astonishing
Capernaum powers. The centurion had a much-loved
The thriving fishing town and most loyal servant, who had been
of Capernaum was where with him for many years. The servant
Jesus was based during his had fallen dangerously ill and was now
ministry in Galilee. It was on the brink of death.
also home to Peter and
other disciples who were The centurion did not know what to
fishermen. This synagogue do. He wondered whether he might ask
was built in the 4th century ce for Jesus’s help. He thought about it for
on the site of the former some time and, finally, enlisted the help
synagogue where Jesus of some elders from the synagogue in
Capernaum. He asked them if they would
often taught. go to Jesus on his behalf. They agreed,
gladly, as they liked the Roman centurion
and were fond of his old servant.

The elders approached Jesus and
begged him to come to the centurion’s
house to save the life of the servant.
“Our friend, the Roman centurion, is
well-deserving of this,” they said to
Jesus. “He loves our nation and has
built a synagogue.” Jesus listened with
interest and agreed to go with them.

210

Matthew 8; Luke 7

He was not far from the house, Centurion’s helmet
where the servant lay so dangerously Roman military soldiers
ill, when the centurion himself wore the galea (a special
came out to meet Jesus. He metal helmet) to protect
was a fine figure of a man,
resplendent in his shining their heads in battle.
chain mail, but he greeted A protective visor
Jesus respectfully. “Lord,
do not trouble yourself for extended to cover the
I do not deserve to have forehead. Metal cheek
you come under my roof,” plates came down low
he said, bowing low. to guard more of the
“That is why I did not face, while metal flairs
even consider myself
worthy to come to you. protected the neck
But I know that, if you just area. The ears and eyes
say the word, my servant were left uncovered so
will be healed. For I myself that soldiers could hear
am a man well acquainted and see clearly on the
with authority. I am used to battlefield. The precise
giving orders to soldiers and design of these helmets
having them obeyed.” depended on a soldier’s
ranking and his army.
When Jesus heard this he Higher-ranked officers
was astonished and said to his wore more prestigious
followers, “I tell you the truth, helmets, with crests of
I have not found anyone in feathers or horse’s hairs
the whole of Israel with such
great faith.” And, without further adorning the tops.
ado, the centurion turned
around and went home to “I have
find that his servant, who had not found
been at death’s door, was
completely recovered. anyone
in the whole
Understanding the story
of Israel
Faith can not only change situations, but save lives. The centurion is with such
a Roman military officer responsible for about 80 soldiers, but it is his deep great faith.”

religious belief that impresses Jesus. This unfaltering faith results in the 211
servant’s full recovery from the brink of death, proving that
there is salvation for those who truly believe.

Matthew 8; Mark 5; Luke 8

Jesus Calms
the Storm
Understanding
the story

One evening, Jesus and his disciples were walking Located in a basin
bordered by mountains,

by the Sea of Galilee. It had been a beautiful day and the Sea of Galilee is
the orange ball of the sun was sinking low in the sky. known for its sudden
storms. Jesus orders

the wind and waves to

The waters were calm and tranquil, and the sea, which raged below, and said to return to calm, and they

the fishermen were preparing for the night the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” obey him. The disciples

ahead. “Come, let us go to the other side,” Immediately, the waters calmed and see for themselves that

said Jesus. They climbed into their little the wind dropped. The Sea of Galilee lay he is able to control even

fishing boat, the disciples took the oars, flat once more. The disciples looked at the powerful forces of

and they sailed out to sea. each other, pale with fear and amazement. nature. They are in awe

A gentle breeze tickled the water and “How great is he? Even the winds and of his abilities and their

soon Jesus had fallen asleep, lulled by the water obey him!” faith grows stronger.

the rocking motion of the boat. The

disciples looked at him and

smiled at each other. On and

on they rowed and they were

far out at sea when, without

warning, the sky darkened.

A sudden violent wind

appeared from nowhere,

whipping the waters into

gigantic waves. Water crashed

down onto the little boat,

threatening to swamp it. Jesus

was still fast asleep in the

stern of the boat.

“Master! Master! Wake up!

Save us! We are going to

drown!” the disciples “Christ Stilling the Tempest”
shouted, shaking him. Jesus by Danish painter Anker Lund
opened his eyes and got to his
feet, holding the side of the (1840–1922).

boat. He lifted his arm above

212

Matthew 8; Mark 5; Luke 8

The Possessed Man

Assyrian demon Jesus and the disciples crossed the sea and landed in
In the Bible, evil spirits the country of the Gadarenes. As they stepped out of the
called demons are shown boat, a man rushed up to Jesus, screaming and gibbering.
as being in league with
The man was bleeding, with cuts on his thousand. Leave this man in peace.”
Satan against God. arms and legs. His wrists and ankles were Obediently, the evil spirits swarmed
At the time of Jesus, bound in chains and his torn clothes were
it was believed that filthy. He was possessed with demons and out of the man toward the herd. They
demons could possess had lived among the tombs of the dead for possessed the pigs like a terrible virus.
people, causing disease years, terrifying anyone who came near. The creatures squealed and shivered.
and mental illness. This Then, they charged down the hill. They
He fell at Jesus’s feet, clutching at his ran to the edge of the cliff and straight
statue depicts an robes with blackened hands. “What do over it and into the sea below. They
Assyrian demon. you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most plunged under the water and drowned.
High God? I beg you, do not torture me!”
Monastery The astonished herdsmen who had
At the spot where Jesus “What is your name?” asked been looking after the pigs rushed off to
released the demons from Jesus politely. tell everyone. Naturally, people came to
the disturbed man are the have a look. But when they arrived, all they
“My name is Legion,” he replied. saw was a normal man, sitting at Jesus’s
ruins of a Byzantine “Because I have so many demons feet, talking quietly. And not a pig in sight.
monastery. The site in inside me.”
Kursi was discovered in People were confused by what they saw.
1967 during excavations Jesus listened and looked at the huge They asked Jesus and his disciples to leave.
herd of pigs, rooting around on the hillside As they left, the man who had been cleansed
for a new road. that led down to the sea. “Be off!” he said of his demons, begged to go with them. But
to the demons possessing the wild man. Jesus turned to him and said, “Go home and
“Go and find a new home. Go to the pigs. tell everyone what God has done for you.”
There are plenty of them, at least two

Understanding the story

The demons inside the possessed man
recognized Jesus’s power and did as he asked
of them. Jews believed that pigs were the dirtiest
of animals, so when the pigs drown, it is symbolic of the
removal of the man’s uncleanliness. Those who benefit
from Jesus’s miracles want to stay with him, but Jesus
asks the man to spread the news of God’s mercy.

213

Matthew 9; Mark 5; Luke 8

Jairus’s Daughter

Jesus got back to the other side of the Sea
of Galilee and a crowd was waiting for him on the shore.

Place of worship One of the leaders of the synagogue, healed you. Go in peace and be freed from
Dating from the 3rd a very important man named Jairus, your suffering.”
century ce, this synagogue came up to him in a terrible state. He
in Baram, Galilee, is much fell at Jesus’s feet, pleading with him to While he was speaking to the woman,
more elaborate than the come to his house. His only daughter, some men came to Jairus with bad news.
simple synagogue run by a little girl of twelve years old, lay “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why
Jairus. As head of the there dying. bother the teacher any more? There is no
synagogue, Jairus would point in him coming with you now.”
have maintained the As Jesus went with Jairus through the
building and organized crowd, he was jostled and squashed by But Jesus ignored them. “Don’t be
religious services. people trying to get near him. Among afraid,” he told Jairus. “Just believe and
she will be healed.” And he continued on
Mourning them was a woman who had been his way to the house, taking only three of
music ill for many years, suffering from his disciples with him—Peter, James, and
bleeding. She had tried everything, John. As they approached, they could see
Public displays the flautists playing music for the dead,
of grief were the but nothing stemmed the flow. “If only and the people outside, weeping and
usual response I can touch his cloak, I will be healed,” sobbing. “Why all this commotion and
when someone she said to herself. She inched herself wailing?” Jesus asked. “The child is not
toward him, weaving her way through dead but asleep!” But the mourners did
died. It was the crowd and finally got near enough not believe him.
customary for to touch the edge of his cloak with her
musicians to play fingers. At once, her bleeding stopped He and the disciples went into the house
haunting and and she was released from her suffering. with Jairus and his wife. Their daughter was
sorrowful pieces Jesus stopped in his tracks and turned lying on her bed, cold and still. Jesus bent
during the week- around. “Who touched me?” he asked. over her and took her small hand in his.
long period of People shook their heads, denying it “Little girl,” he said softly. “I say to you, get
mourning. The was them, and the disciples said, “Master, up!” Her eyelashes fluttered and opened
reed pipe was one there are so many people crowding around and she smiled. Then she stretched and
of the instruments you! How can you ask who touched you?” yawned and jumped off the bed and ran to
played at this time But Jesus kept turning his head and looking her parents. Astonished, they clutched her
because of its around to see who it was. Eventually, the tightly to them and looked at Jesus in
high-pitched, woman bowed down before him, trembling amazement. He gave them strict instructions
wailing sound. with fear, and told him the truth. not to tell anyone what had happened. And
“Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has he told them to give her something to eat.

214

Matthew 9; Mark 5; Luke 8

Jesus cures a woman of
bleeding in this 6th-century-ce

mosaic in Ravenna, Italy.

Understanding the story

Jesus heals both the suffering woman and the sick girl in response to their faith.
Though the woman’s illness has condemned her to a life of loneliness, the belief that
contact with Jesus will cure her is rewarded. While Jairus knows his daughter has passed
away, Jesus reminds him to have faith, and she returns to life. Faith is stronger than death.

215

Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8

The Sower

Sower’s bag Jesus went to the lake to preach and a large crowd gathered
In ancient times, farmers to hear him. There were so many people that he got into
a little fishing boat and spoke to them from that.
sowed seeds by hand
from bags like this one. They listened from the shoreline, where they withered because they had no roots.
The method was called the wading birds wandered to and fro, and Other seed fell among thorns, which
broadcasting—walking from the bulrushes, where the waterfowl grew up and choked the plants. And the
up and down the fields, watched from their nests. Other people remaining seed fell on good soil where
scattering seeds over perched on the rocks or sat quietly on the it produced a fine crop and multiplied
the soil. Farmers prayed soft green grass. Jesus’s voice rang out greatly—by thirty, sixty, or even one
for their seed to yield across the water, clear as a bell, telling hundred times.” Jesus paused briefly and
them a parable. then added, “He who has ears, let him hear.”
a bountiful harvest.
“A farmer went out to sow his At first, the crowd had listened quietly
seed. As he scattered it, some fell but, as Jesus went on, a few of them started
along the path and the birds to shuffle their feet and whisper to each
came and ate it up. Some fell on other. They wondered why the preacher,
rocky places where there was not who had such a growing reputation, was
much soil. It sprang up quickly, telling them a simple story about an
but when the sun shone the ordinary farmer sowing his seeds. Others
stayed silent, listening to every word that
plants were scorched and Jesus said.

Later, when everyone had gone home

216

Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8

and the disciples were alone with Jesus, joy. But, because they have no roots, they The farming year
they asked him why he spoke in parables. quickly collapse and lose their faith when In October, the fields were
Jesus replied, “You are my disciples and I there is any trouble or opposition. Still
explain to you the secrets of the Kingdom others, like the seed sown among the thorns, sown and then plowed
of Heaven, but to everybody else I speak hear the word but are choked by the worries to bury the seed. This
in parables.” and desires of this life. The remaining ancient plow was used
people, like the seed sown on good soil, to scratch through the
And, because even the disciples hear the word and accept it. The seed can tough soil. Flax was
themselves did not always understand the only grow in those people who live their harvested in the new year,
details of every parable, he explained the lives according to the word of God.” wheat and barley were
meaning of the story he had just told. gathered in the spring,
Jesus told them that, although parables and fruit was ripe by late
“The farmer sowing the seed is sowing were not always easy, people must listen summer. Jesus’s parables
the word of God. Some people are like the to them with an open heart and a receptive often made comparisons
seed along the path; no sooner is the word mind. Only then could the truth take root.
sown in them than Satan comes along and They must search hard for the hidden with farming.
takes it away. Other people, like the seed meaning and take the message to heart.
sown on rocky places, hear the word with

Understanding the story “The farmer
sowing the
The word parable comes from the Greek word “parabole,” meaning a seed is sowing
comparison. Jesus’s simple stories about everyday life carried a deeper the word
meaning. Jesus hoped people would take the hidden message to heart.
In the sower parable, Jesus is the farmer who sows words rather than of God.”

seeds. He explains that his words will not grow inside everyone.
Jesus reveals the hidden meaning to his disciples because he
is aware that his ministry will soon pass to them.

217

Matthew 14; Mark 6

The Death of
John the Baptist

Machaerus fortress Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, respected and feared
Herod Antipas’s hilltop John the Baptist. But his wife, Herodias, hated the holy man
palace is shown here from because he had spoken out against her marriage to Herod.
an aerial perspective.
It lies to the east of the “It is not lawful for you to have your this way and that, holding her tambourine
Dead Sea in what is now brother’s wife,” John had told Herod one high in the air. Everyone watched, entranced
Jordan. Although the New day. Herodias wanted to have John put to by her. And Herod himself was spellbound,
Testament does not say death for his insolence, but Herod refused. unable to take his eyes off her. When she
exactly where John the He admired John and knew that many of had finished, he beckoned her over and
Baptist’s imprisonment his people held him in the highest esteem kissed her fondly on both cheeks. “Whatever
and execution took place, and thought that he was a great prophet. you ask, shall be yours,” he promised.
a Jewish historian named Herod did not want to risk an uprising. “Even half my kingdom!” And he swore
Josephus claimed that But, after much persuading, he did agree this on oath in front of all his guests,
to have John arrested and put in prison. raising his goblet of wine.
this was the site.
Soon after, a huge banquet was to be Salome ran over to her mother,
held in the palace to celebrate Herod’s Herodias, who had been watching her
birthday. It had taken months of planning. daughter dance. “What shall I ask for?”
The guest list included all the highest whispered Salome.
officials and the most important men in
the whole of Galilee. The leading lights “The head of John the Baptist on a
of the Roman army would also be there, plate!” said her mother.
in full military dress. It would be a
glittering occasion. Salome went straight back to Herod
and repeated her mother’s words. “I would
When the great day came, all the guests like you to give me the head of John the
sat down to a sumptuous feast. The finest Baptist on a plate,” she said.
wine flowed and musicians played on their
harps and lyres. Then, Herodias’s young Herod looked at her in horror, but he had
daughter, Salome, appeared in front of sworn an oath in front of all his guests and
her stepfather and his guests, a picture of he had to keep it. So he gave orders for his
beauty and grace. She smiled sweetly to the executioner to go to the prison to behead
king and started to dance for him, her dress John the Baptist. He waited, sick to the
floating around her and flowers nodding in stomach, while Herodias gloated.
her long, dark hair. Effortlessly, she turned
At last the doors opened, and a servant
entered carrying the bleeding head of John
the Baptist on a large silver platter. A trail of

218

Matthew 14; Mark 6

Greek dancers
In Jesus’s time, the
cultural influences of
both Rome and Greece
were apparent. It was
customary for the Greeks
to hire female dancers to
provide entertainment
at special feasts and
celebrations. This scene
of young women dancing
is taken from the lid of

a Greek vase.

“The Beheading of St John Understanding
the Baptist” oil on canvas, the story

by Niccolo de Simone. King Herod must keep
his word because he has
blood stained the marble floor as he gleamed with satisfaction. sworn a public oath to
walked toward Salome, who reluctantly As soon as John’s disciples heard honor whatever Salome
accepted her prize. She walked across
the room, blood dripping around her feet, the news, they went to the prison and wants. The terrible
and offered the platter to her mother. took the body of John the Baptist and beheading of John the
Herodias gazed at the severed head laid it in a tomb. When Jesus was told, Baptist is devastating to
of John the Baptist, and her dark eyes he took a boat and went away to his cousin Jesus. This
mourn and pray for his cousin. event is a turning point in
Jesus’s ministry. He tells
his disciples to spread
the same message as
John, but he also gives

them the power to
perform miracles.

219

Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9; John 6

Fish as a symbol The Feeding of the
A recurring theme in Five Thousand
Jesus’s life and teachings
is fish. Several of the Jesus and his disciples tried to get away
disciples were fishermen, on their own for a little while, and they went to
and Jesus told them they Bethsaida. But, as usual, the crowds followed them.
would be “fishers of men.”
Fish became an important When Jesus saw the crowds, he smiled. Jesus told the disciples to divide
He would never turn them away, whatever the people into groups of fifty or a
symbol for early happened. They brought him their sick hundred and make them sit down
Christians, and the motif and he healed them. on the grass. The people sat patiently,
waiting to see what would happen.
is included on some By the time the sun was low in the
tombs. Fish are shown in sky, everybody was tired and hungry. Meanwhile, Jesus took the loaves
this 4th-century-ce mosaic The disciples came to Jesus and said, and the fish from the boy and, looking
from the Church of the “It has been a long day. And we are far up to heaven, he gave thanks and started
Multiplication in Tabgha, from anywhere. Why don’t you send the to break the first loaf into pieces. He
said to be the site of the crowds away to find food for themselves?” gave them to the disciples to take around.
miraculous mass feeding. The disciples could not believe it. There
“They do not need to go away,” Jesus was more than enough for everybody.
“They replied. “You can give them something And then Jesus did the same with the
do not to eat here.” The disciples laughed and fish—turning two small sardines into
need to go said, “How can we do that? There must many thousands. Everybody tucked
away,’ Jesus be at least five thousand of them!” in gratefully—all five thousand of them.
replied. And, even after everybody had finished,
‘You can Then Andrew, the brother of Peter, there was still enough bread and fish
give them spoke up, “There is a boy here who has left over to fill twelve baskets.
something five small barley loaves and two small fish.
to eat here.” But how far will they go among so many?”

Understanding the story

This miracle not only proves Jesus’s power to the disciples, but also
echoes the story of the feeding of the Israelites in the wilderness
through Moses. Once again, God reaches out to feed His people,
this time through His son Jesus. The crowds are provided
with spiritual and bodily sustenance by God.

220

Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9; John 6

Jesus feeds the masses in
this detail from a fresco by
Italian Francesco Pagani

(c. 1502–1548).

221

Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake,
and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining

at the oars, because the wind was against them.
Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on
the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they
saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost.
They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.

Mark 6:47–50

222

The Sea of Galilee
Jesus found his first followers among the
fishermen of the Sea of Galilee, a large

freshwater lake. In the 1st century ce,
several hundred fishing boats regularly

worked the lake. It is still known for
rich fishing and sudden storms.

223

Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 6

Jesus Walks
on the Water

Sea of Galilee The crowds went away, talking of the miracle of the
The Sea of Galilee is loaves and fish, and the disciples said goodbye to Jesus.
a large freshwater lake, They got back into their boat and started to row home.
13 miles (21 km) long
and 8 miles (13 km) wide. Jesus stood on the shore, watching them “It’s a ghost!” they cried, shivering with fear.
It experiences sudden go. Then he walked up the mountainside. But then the familiar voice of Jesus
When he got to the top, he could see the
strong winds and boat making its way across the calm water. said, “Do not be afraid. It is only me.”
powerful storms because He sat there, alone as night fell, praying to The disciples stared at him in amazement.
warm air above the lake the Lord.
mixes with cool air from Then Peter said, “Lord, if it is you,
The disciples rowed on through the tell me to come to you on the water.”
the Mediterranean. darkness toward the other side. They were
far from the shore now and the inky water “Come!” said Jesus, and he held out
Fishing boat stretched around them, merging with the his hand.
This 1st-century-ce sky. The disciples were making good
fishing boat, discovered progress when, out of nowhere, the wind Peter got up and climbed over the side
on the northern shore of whistled in, whipping up the waves. The of the boat, not taking his eyes off Jesus.
Galilee, is about 29 ft disciples gripped tight to their oars and He put his feet down on the surface of the
(9 m) in length. It was battled on. water and walked slowly toward his master.
made of oak and cedar
wood, and it is probable Then, in the distance, they saw a strange But when Peter looked down at the water
that its hull was once sight. It looked like a man walking over the and at the waves, his courage failed him, and
coated with tar to prevent water. The figure came nearer and nearer, he began to sink. “Lord! Save me!” he cried.
gliding silently through the gloom and over
it letting in water. the moonlit sea. The disciples rubbed their Jesus reached out his hand and caught
eyes and looked at each other in terror as him. “You of little faith,” he said. “Why did
the apparition approached. Now they could you doubt?” He took Peter back to the boat
see that his sandalled feet were walking on and together they climbed in. Immediately,
the water as if it were solid ground. the wind died down, the waves vanished,
and the sea lay calm and tranquil.

The disciples looked at Jesus in awe
and said, “Truly you are the Son of God!”

“‘Do not be afraid. It is only me.’”

224

Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 6

“Peter Walks on Water” (1806)
by German painter Philipp
Otto Runge (1777–1810)

Understanding the story

The disciples’ faith in Jesus grows stronger once they see him walk on water.
Initially, Peter is able to walk across the water because of his faith in Jesus.
It is significant that he sinks at the moment his fear takes over and he begins

to doubt Jesus. The seemingly impossible can be achieved with faith.

225

Luke 10

The Good
Samaritan

First aid One day, a lawyer asked Jesus a difficult question,
The Samaritan used wine trying to trick him. “What must I do to gain eternal life?”
and olive oil to dress the
wounds of the injured Jew. “You know what the law says,” replied Jesus. Jerusalem to Jericho through the desert land.
“What does it tell you?” Suddenly, he was ambushed and attacked
Wine was applied first by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes
to act as an antiseptic The lawyer thought for a while and then and everything he had, beat him savagely,
before the cuts were answered him. “Love the Lord your God and left him at the side of the road to die.
coated in olive oil to with all your heart and with all your soul
soothe and protect. and with all your strength and with all your “Soon after, a priest walked along the
The wounds were then mind. And you must love your neighbor road, through the heat and the dust. But
covered in linen bandages. as you love yourself,” he said finally. when he saw the man lying there, covered
in blood, he crossed over and hurried
“Good—that is quite right,” answered past on the other side of the road. Next,
Jesus. “Remember these words every a Levite, who helped the priests in the
Temple, appeared, but when he caught
day of your life.” sight of his fellow Jew, bleeding and injured,
The lawyer frowned. he too crossed over quickly to the other side
“But who is my neighbor?” of the road and carried on his way. Then
he asked. a Samaritan arrived and, when he saw the
So Jesus told him a man lying there, he stopped and knelt down.
story. “A man was And, although Jews and Samaritans were
traveling along the not the best of friends, he showed the poor
lonely road from man the utmost kindness, unlike the priest
and the Levite. The Samaritan dressed his
terrible wounds and bandaged them up.
Then gently, he lifted the injured man
onto his own donkey and took him to the
nearest inn, where he looked after him.

“The next day,” Jesus continued, “when
the Samaritan was getting ready to go,
he gave the innkeeper two silver
coins and asked him to look after
the injured man. As he left, the

226

Luke 10

The rocky road from Jericho to
Jerusalem is 17 miles (27 km)

long, and provided many
hiding places for robbers.

Samaritan also asked the innkeeper to let man who fell into the hands “And you
him know next time he stayed if he owed of the robbers?” must love
any more money.”
“The one who showed kindness,” your
At the end of the story, Jesus paused the lawyer said. “The Samaritan.” neighbor
and asked the lawyer, “Which of these three
people do you think was a neighbor to the “Exactly,” said Jesus. “Go and as you
do likewise.” love yourself.”

Understanding the story 227

Jesus is telling the lawyer that love knows no nationality, religion,
or limit. People should love others without reservations, just as God

loves His people. The priest and the Levite follow the letter, but
not the spirit, of religious law. The Samaritan is the only one
who shows the injured man true love.

Matthew 16–17; Mark 8–9; Luke 9

The
Transfiguration

When Jesus got to the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples, "Who do people say I am?"

Mosaic of Pan “Some say you are John the Baptist, A week later, Jesus took Peter, James,
Caesarea Philippi was others say Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of and John to the top of a nearby mountain
built by Philip II, the son the prophets,” they said. to pray. It was a long and hard climb. As
of Herod the Great. It was soon as they got to the highest peak, Jesus
originally called Paneas, “But what about you?” Jesus asked was transfigured in front of their very eyes,
after the goat-footed the disciples. “Who do you say I am?” and a dazzling light radiated from deep
Greek god Pan, shown within him. His face was illuminated, like
here on a Roman mosaic. “You are the Christ, the Son of God,” the brightest sun.
Peter replied. No one else said anything.
Keys to the Kingdom Just then two men appeared from
The keys to God’s Jesus smiled at Peter and said, “Blessed nowhere and began talking to Jesus. The
are you, Peter. God, my Father in Heaven, disciples recognized them as Moses the
Kingdom are a symbolic revealed this to you. You are my rock and on law-giver and Elijah the great prophet.
reward for Peter’s good you I will build my church. I will give you the The three disciples watched in amazement.
keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.” But he
work. Jesus is asking warned the disciples not to tell anyone that Then, as Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were
Peter to open the door he was Christ. He said that, in time, he would speaking, a bright cloud came down from
of Christian faith to the go to Jerusalem and suffer at the hands of the sky and enveloped them. And a great
world. Peter will have a the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers voice inside the cloud said, “This is my Son,
leading role in establishing of the law. He told them that he would die, whom I love. With him I am well pleased.
the Christian Church. but would rise again after three days. Listen to him.”

Peter protested, “This cannot The disciples could not believe their ears
happen, Lord.” and fell to the ground, hiding their eyes. But
Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he
Jesus turned on him and said, “Get said. “Do not be afraid.” They opened their
behind me, Satan! Do not speak like that. eyes and looked around. Moses and Elijah
You are only thinking of yourself and not had vanished and Jesus was by himself
the will of God.” Jesus went on to tell his again, standing alone.
disciples that, to follow him, they must give
up all their worldly riches. “For whoever Then the three disciples came back
wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever down the mountain with Jesus, and he said,
loses his life for me will find it. What good “Until I have risen from the dead, do not tell
will it be for a man if he gains the whole anyone about what you saw today.”
world yet forfeits his soul?”

228

Matthew 16–17; Mark 8–9; Luke 9

Understanding the story

Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for the fulfilment of his mission with his death on
the cross. Peter protests, but Jesus tellingly uses the same words he used to banish Satan

in the desert. Through the amazing experience of Jesus’s transfiguration, the disciples
catch a glimpse of his true glory and power—greater even than that of Moses
and Elijah, the greatest prophets of the Old Testament.

229

nORTH TO GAlilEE

Jesus passes through Jericho where Jesus’s final journey
he heals the blind man and converts
Zacchaeus the tax collector. The transfiguration prepares the
disciples for their master’s death.
Jericho Jesus leaves Galilee and begins a
long journey toward Jerusalem,
JUDEA Jesus’s triumphant arrival traveling through Judea and into
in Jerusalem on a donkey Perea. He shares parables with
fulfils the Old Testament Jesus is arrested Jordan River his disciples and followers and
prophecy of the Messiah. in the Garden of performs many miracles. In the
Gethsemane on days leading up to his crucifixion,
Jesus’s donkey the Mount Jesus stays close to Jerusalem.
is taken from of Olives.
Bethphage. PEREA

Jerusalem ▲ Mount of Olives Jesus spends some time
in Perea (modern-day
KiDROn VAllEy Bethphage Jordan) where he
Bethany blesses the children
and talks
Jesus is crucified on Jesus visits Martha to the rich
a rocky hill at Golgotha, and Mary in Bethany, young man.
just outside Jerusalem. and returns later
to raise Lazarus nazareth
Jesus was buried in a rock-cut tomb close from the dead.
to Jerusalem. When the two Marys visit GALILEE
Jesus’s tomb, an angel rolls back the
stone to reveal that the tomb is empty.

DEAD SEA

Jerusalem PEREA
Bethlehem

JUDEA

230

Luke 10; John 11

Mary, Martha,
and Lazarus

There was a man named Lazarus, who lived Household tasks
in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. At the time of Jesus,
Jesus had stayed in their house one day, and Mary women had many duties
had spent many hours sitting at his feet, listening to him. to perform each day
in order to keep the
Mary absorbed every word Jesus said. as was the custom, his body washed household running
Her sister, Martha, on the other hand, and wrapped in linen, scented with smoothly. Women like
bustled about, cleaning the house and aloes and myrrh. Then it had been laid Martha woke early in
preparing the food. Eventually, she in a tomb in the hillside. As Jesus and order to prepare the
moaned to Jesus, “Lord, it is not fair the disciples approached, Martha ran food, make bread, and
that my sister has left me to do the work.” out to meet them. Mary stayed in the light fires for cooking.
house, mourning with her relatives. Since the matriarch was
“Martha,” Jesus replied gently. “Mary responsible for all the
is quite right. It is much more important “Lord,” said Martha to Jesus, domestic decisions, she
to listen to my teaching than to worry “If you had been here, my brother would was a highly respected
about cooking and cleaning.” not have died. But I know that even now member of the family.
God will give you anything you ask for.”
Weeks later, Lazarus lay seriously ill. “I am the
His sisters tried to make him better, but “Your brother will rise again,” replied resurrection
to no avail. They sent word to Jesus that Jesus. “I am the resurrection and the and the life.
their brother was on the brink of death. life. He who believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?” He who
When he got the message, Jesus said, believes in
“This sickness will not end in death. No, “Yes, Lord,” she answered. “I believe
it is for God’s Glory so that God’s Son that you are the Christ, the Son of God, me will
may be glorified through it.” He did not who has come into the world.” Then she never die.”
rush to Bethany but stayed where he was ran to the house and called Mary.
for two more days. Then he said to his “The teacher is here.” 231
disciples, “Let us go back to Judea. Our
friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. But I am Mary went out to meet Jesus,
going to wake him.” The disciples looked at accompanied by the other mourners.
each other, puzzled, not realizing that Jesus They had heard so much about the
was talking about death rather than sleep. preacher who healed the sick that
they wanted to see him for themselves.
When they got to Bethany, they
discovered that Lazarus had died four days Mary fell at his feet, sobbing, “Lord,
earlier. He had been buried immediately, if you had been here, my brother would
not have died.” Jesus was deeply moved

Luke 10; John 11

“Did I not “The Raising of Lazarus”
tell you (1857), oil on canvas by
that if you French painter Léon Bonnat
believed
you would (1833-1922)
see the Glory
of God?”

Preparing for burial by her sorrow and the tears of her family. He said, “Did I not tell you that if
When someone died, “Where have you laid him?” he asked. you believed you would see the Glory
their body was prepared “Come and see, Lord,” she replied, of God?”
for burial. This happened
soon after the death tears running down her cheeks. Jesus wept. The strongest men heaved the stone
One relative remarked, “See how he away from the entrance. Jesus looked to
in order to prevent the heavens and said, “Father, I thank you
excessive decay. The loved Lazarus, too.” that you have heard me. I know that you
body was first washed But another replied, “If he can make always hear me, but not everybody does.”
and wrapped in a sheet
or covered in bandages. a blind man see why did he not prevent Then, in a loud voice, Jesus shouted
Those who could afford Lazarus from dying?” into the tomb, “Lazarus! Come out!” After
it were wrapped in linen. a few moments, a shadowy figure appeared
Aloes (the juice of the Together, they went to the tomb of from the gloom. It was Lazarus, brought
aloe plant) and myrrh Lazarus. It was a cave, and a huge rock back to life from the dead. He was still
(the fragrant gum from had been rolled across the entrance to wrapped in the linen strips of his shroud
tree bark) were often seal it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” and a cloth was draped over his head.
placed between the
Martha asked, “But Lord, are you sure?
folds of the fabric. There will be a terrible smell.”

Understanding the story

Death is depicted as sleep on many occasions in the Bible. Jesus is keen
to teach his disciples that death is nothing to fear because the spiritual life

is eternal. Martha’s faith in Jesus makes her believe that he can help
her brother rise from the dead. By bringing Lazarus to life, Jesus
proves to all that he is the son of God.

232

Matthew 18; Luke 15

Lost and Found

All sorts of people had gathered round Jesus to hear
him speak, including some tax collectors and criminals.

The Pharisees, who thought it essential And then, Jesus explained the story The Good Shepherd
to uphold the law at all times, were not to them. “In the same way, there will be Sheep are vulnerable
happy with this. “Look at him! He makes more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner creatures, dependent
sinners welcome!” they said to each other, who repents than over ninety-nine righteous on shepherds for food,
stroking their long white beards. Jesus people who do not need to repent.” The water, and protection.
started to speak, telling the people a crowd listened intently as he went on to In the Old Testament,
parable about a shepherd and his sheep. tell another parable. God’s tender love and
care is compared to a
“There was a shepherd who had a “There was a woman who had ten silver shepherd looking after
large flock of one hundred sheep. He coins, but she lost one of them. She knew his flock. In the New
looked after them carefully out in the that it must be somewhere in the house.
fields, watching over them day and night. But she had no idea where. So she lit her Testament, Jesus
But one day, he was counting his sheep lamp, took her broom, and swept the house identifies with this role
and one was missing. He counted again, thoroughly from top to bottom, searching and calls himself the
just to be sure. There were only ninety-nine. for it. She looked in every corner, under
So, leaving the ninety-nine behind to graze each stick of furniture and rush mat and, Good Shepherd. By
on their own, the shepherd went to look at last, she found it hidden behind her protecting and ultimately
for the missing sheep. He searched high stone water jar. She called her friends
and low, never giving up hope. and neighbors together, asking them to dying to save his flock,
rejoice with her. ‘I am so happy that I have Jesus’s devotion and
“Eventually, he found the sheep and, found my silver coin!’ she told them.” self-sacrifice for all of
joyfully, he put it on his shoulders and
carried it home. He called his neighbors And, when he had finished, he added, humanity is clear.
and friends together and asked them to “In the same way, there is great rejoicing
give thanks and celebrate with him amongst the angels in heaven when even
because he had found his lost sheep.” one sinner repents.”

Understanding the story

The self-righteous Pharisees are unhappy that Jesus has welcomed tax
collectors and criminals to listen to him speak; yet Jesus’s point is that
the repentance of just one sinner is cause for celebration. In the same
way that the shepherd is delighted to locate one missing sheep and the

woman is thrilled to find her missing coin, there is much reason
to rejoice when a lost soul finds salvation with God.

233

Luke 15

The
Prodigal Son

Jesus told the crowd a parable about
a rich farmer who had two sons and what
happened when one of his sons left home.

The younger son squanders “One day, the about stealing some of it. Hunger gnawed
all his inheritance younger son came at him day and night and his thoughts
to him and said, turned to home. Finally, he said to himself,
Inheritance ‘Father, give me my ‘Even my father’s humblest servants will
The younger son’s request share of your estate.’ His have something to eat and food to spare
for his inheritance before father, who was a kind and here am I starving to death.’ He knew
his father had even passed man, agreed, and divided his that he had sinned against heaven and
property equally between his two sons. against his father, and that he must
away showed great Soon after, the younger son took his share make amends.
disrespect. To then waste of the inheritance, said goodbye to his
father and brother, and left home. He went “He set off on the long journey, and
the money made the far away to a different country, settled there, when he got close to his home, his father
situation even worse. and started a new life quite unlike the one saw him and his eyes filled with tears.
he had left behind. He lived it up day and He ran to meet his son with his arms
night, drinking and dancing with his wild outstretched and hugged him warmly. And
new friends and spending his money in the the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned
most extravagant way. It did not take him against heaven and against you. I am no
long to get through the whole of his fortune longer worthy to be called your son.’
and soon nothing was left. Then, to add to
his woes, there was a terrible famine in his “But his father would have none of it and
adopted country and people began to die told his servants to fetch the finest robe that
of hunger. could be found. He dressed his son in it, put
“The young man was desperate and did a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
not know what to do. Eventually, he had to ‘Bring a fattened calf and kill it,’ he ordered
swallow his pride and work as a lowly farm his servants. ‘We shall have a great feast to
laborer, tending pigs out in the fields. His celebrate. For this son of mine was dead
own stomach was so empty that he eyed and is alive now. He was lost and he is
the pigs’ food enviously and wondered found.’ The celebrations began.

“Meanwhile, the elder son had been
working in the fields. When he came

234

Luke 15

“He was lost and he is found.”

home at the end of the day, tired and could not bring himself to set foot in
hungry, he was amazed to hear music the house.
and dancing in the house. He asked one
of the servants what was going on, who “His father went out to plead with him,
replied, ‘Your brother has come home but his son shouted at him, ‘All these years
and your father has killed the fattened that he has been gone, I have slaved away
calf because he is back safe and sound.’ for you and never disobeyed you.
The older brother could not believe it. And you have never given me so much
Anger swelled within him and he as a miserable goat to say thank you.
But when your precious young son comes
home after squandering every last penny, Ring and sandals
you kill the fattened calf for him!’ The gifts the father
bestows on his repentant
“His father replied, ‘My son, everything son are symbolic of
that I have is yours and I love you dearly. his forgiveness and
acceptance. The giving
But we have to celebrate and give of a ring grants the son
thanks because this brother of yours authority over the
was dead and is alive again. He was servants. Only the family
lost and is found.’ ” wore sandals in the
house, so the father
Jesus looked at the crowd and makes his son wear them
said, “Like the father in this parable, to welcome him back.
God will open His arms to all

those who repent. He will rejoice
when they return to Him!”

The father is overjoyed Fattened calf
to see his younger son It was traditional for
wealthy families to
return home honor a very special
occasion by killing a calf
Understanding the story (fattened on milk) and
feasting on it. By doing
The word “prodigal” is used to describe someone who spends money this, the father makes it
wastefully. Jesus explains that God does not hold grudges for past mistakes. clear that the return of
As long as the sinner repents, he will be forgiven and accepted. Even the return his son is cause for

of a son who insulted and abandoned his family is celebrated after great celebration.
he asks for forgiveness for his errors.
235

Matthew 18

Servants The Unmerciful
There are many examples Servant

of servants in ancient Peter came to Jesus one day and said,
times. Most servants were “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother
slaves, and their working
day involved long hours when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”

and hard work. They Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times called everybody to him, one at at time.
received no wages for but seventy times seven.” And he told the A servant owed him ten thousand talents,
taking care of the house, disciples a parable. “There was a king who which was an extremely large sum of
from cleaning and running was very kind and often used to lend his money. The king asked for the debt to
errands, to cooking, as servants money when they were in need. be settled, but the servant had nothing
seen in this 1st-century-ce and could not pay him back. So the king
Roman relief of a servant The time came for ordered that the man and his wife and
the accounts to all his children should be sold as slaves
preparing a meal. be settled, so he in order to raise the money.
However, the Bible’s
recurring message is that “Distraught, the servant fell down on
everyone should be a true his knees before the king. ‘Be patient with
servant of God, and Jesus me, I beg you, my Lord!’ he pleaded. ‘I
is the best example will pay back everything!’ The king was
of this selflessness. a merciful man and took pity on him.
He decided to cancel the debt—all ten
thousand talents of it—and let the man go.

“Not long after, the servant met one of
his friends who worked at the palace and
owed him one hundred denarii. It was not
a large amount of money. As soon as the
servant saw his friend, he shouted, ‘I want
that money you owe me! Pay me back now!’
And he grabbed his friend around the
throat and started to beat him.

“Gasping for breath, the man fell to his
knees and begged for mercy. ‘Be patient
with me, please!’ he cried. ‘I will pay you
back!’ But his tormentor refused and had

236

Matthew 18 Denarii
These shiny silver coins
“The Unmerciful Servant”,
oil on canvas, attributed to Dutch are ancient Roman
painter Willem Drost (1633–1659) currency. Called denarii,
they were the coins that
were most commonly

used in Jesus’s time.
The coin was first issued

in 211 bce, and it was
common for the ruler of
Rome to have his profile
on one side of the coin.
One denarius was worth
about a day’s wages to
a soldier. The quality of
the silver changed in line

with the economic
climate. Eventually,
denarii came to be made
of copper with a silver
coating, to save on cost.

the man thrown in prison until he could me. Should you not have had mercy on
pay his debt. your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’
And then, boiling with rage, he sent the
“When the other servants in man to prison to be punished, until he
the palace heard about this they could could pay back all of the money
not believe it. They were so distressed that he owed.”
they went straight to the king and told him.
He immediately summoned the servant to At the end of the parable, Jesus said,
whom he had showed such kindness. ‘You “This is how my heavenly Father will treat
wicked man,’ he said. ‘I canceled all of your each of you, unless you truly forgive your
debt because you begged and pleaded with brother from the bottom of your heart.”

Understanding the story “Be patient
with me, I beg
This parable explains why people should treat
each other how they would wish to be treated. God is like the king, you, my
who cancels a debt that his servant can never repay. Yet the servant has Lord! I will
his friend imprisoned for a far smaller sum. When the servant himself is pay back
thrown in prison, Jesus is warning that God will punish those who do not everything!”

show true forgiveness. 237

Luke 16

Lazarus and “Remember,
the Rich Man in your life

Jesus told the disciples a story about a rich man you had
and a beggar, and what happened to them after they died. everything,

“There was a rich man who dressed come and cool my tongue! I am in agony!’ while
in purple and the most expensive linen. “Abraham looked down at him and Lazarus
He lived in the lap of luxury in a splendid
house, surrounded by every comfort and shook his head slowly. ‘My son,’ he said. had
waited on hand and foot. The food he ‘Remember, in your life you had everything, nothing.”
ate was the very finest, and the wine he while Lazarus had nothing. He has now
drank was the best. But, at his gate, there earned his comfort here in heaven, while Understanding
lay a poor beggar, named Lazarus. He was you are being punished in hell. And besides, the story
a pitiful sight, and his body was covered in there is a great chasm between heaven and
weeping sores. He was starving and longed hell and no one can bridge it.’ Many rich people
to eat any scraps of food that might fall thought that their wealth
from the rich man’s table. “ ‘Then I beg you,’ pleaded the rich man.
‘Send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I was a reward for
“The time came when Lazarus died have five brothers. Let him warn them their righteousness, and
and the angels carried him up to heaven. what has happened to me.’ so heaven was assured.
Soon after, the rich man also died and his However, it is Lazarus
body was buried with all due ceremony. “ ‘They have Moses and the prophets. who goes to heaven after
But he was taken straight down to hell, Let them listen to them,’ said Abraham. his hellish existence on
where he suffered the most terrible torment,
roasting day and night in the flames. He “ ‘But they won’t!’ the rich man Earth where the rich
looked up to heaven and saw Abraham, protested, as the flames licked around him. man ignored him. The
the father of his people, with Lazarus by ‘But, if someone from the dead goes disturbing glimpse of
his side. So he called up to him, ‘Father to them, they will repent.’ burning hell is Jesus’s
Abraham!’ he cried. ‘Have pity on me and warning of what lies
send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and “Again, Abraham shook his head. ahead for those who
‘If they do not listen to Moses and the
prophets, they will not listen if someone make money their
rises from the dead.’ ” life’s meaning rather

than God.

238

Luke 16

Prayer items The Pharisee and
For prayer time, Jewish the Tax Collector
men wore tallit (special
shawls) and kippah (skull Jesus told this parable about the dangers of
being self-righteous and looking down on other people.
caps) to show their
respect to the Lord. “Two people went to the Temple not like that tax collector over there.
People did not read to pray. One was a Pharisee and the I devote my life to you and am obedient
prayers from books, but other was a tax collector. The Pharisee in all things, fasting twice a week and giving
many worshippers carried a tenth of all I have to helping other people.’
small Torah texts in small stood up importantly, sure in
containers on their bodies. the knowledge that he “But the tax collector stood modestly
Prayers were usually had observed all the some way away. Nobody took any notice
said by candelight. Lord’s commandments. of him. He did not think himself worthy
These days, a nine- Catching the priest’s enough even to raise his eyes toward
branched candelabrum, eye, he raised his heaven, so he bowed his head to the
called a menorah, is head high in the ground. ‘God have mercy on me,’ he
used during Hannukah, air and started prayed. ‘I am a sinner.’ ”
the Jewish festival to pray to the
of lights, and books Lord. ‘God, Jesus concluded, “Now this was the
are used for prayer. I thank you that man, rather than the Pharisee, who went
I am not like home with God’s blessing. For everyone
other men who who puffs themselves up and exalts
commit crimes and themselves will be humbled. And those
who are meek and humble will be exalted.”
sins, and I also thank you that I am

“God have Understanding the story
mercy on
Jewish society looked up to the piety of the Pharisees and down on
me,’ he tax collectors, whom they considered dishonest. Jesus is saying that there
prayed. is no place for self-importance before God. The Pharisee is boastful of his
‘I am
a sinner.” achievements, while the tax collector is humble and admits to being
a sinner. His desire to repent means the tax collector is the
one who will enter God’s Kingdom.

239

Matthew 18–19; Mark 9–10; Luke 9, 18

Jesus and
the Children
Understanding
the story

On their way back to Capernaum, Children are just as

the disciples had been arguing. Jesus asked them important as adults to
what they had been quarreling about. Jesus. He believes that

all members of the

community are equal.

They had, in fact, been arguing about welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent In order to enter the

which of them would be considered me. I tell you the truth. Unless you change Kingdom of God, everyone

the most worthy in the eyes of God, but and become like little children, you will must have complete faith

they did not want to tell him. They were never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” in the Lord, just as a child

ashamed of themselves and kept quiet. And he stretched out his hand and blessed has faith in his or her

But Jesus knew exactly what was in their each baby and child in turn, as their smiling parents. Their humility

minds. Sitting down, he beckoned all twelve mothers watched. The disciples stood back, and trust are a lesson to all.

disciples to him. They gathered around quietly listening.

to listen. “If anyone wants to be first,”

he said to them, “he must be the very

last and the servant of all.” “Suffer the Little Children
Then a group of women arrived and to Come unto Me” (1854)
by Mexican artist Juan
came up to Jesus. They asked him if he
would bless the children that they had Urruchi (1828–1892)

brought with them. They clustered around

him expectantly, babies in their arms and

little children at their feet. It was quite a

crowd and the disciples started to push

the mothers away, telling them to stop

bothering Jesus. But Jesus, who never

turned anyone away, said to the disciples,

“Let the little children come to me.

Do not stop them for the Kingdom

of Heaven belongs to them.”

He took one little boy and lifted him

gently onto his lap. The child looked up

at him, wide-eyed, “Whoever welcomes

one of these little children in my name,

welcomes me,” said Jesus. “And whoever

240

Matthew 19; Mark 10; Luke 18

The Rich
Young Man
Understanding
the story

As Jesus went on his way, a young man ran Jesus explains

up to him and fell down on his knees before him. that living by the
Ten Commandments

is not enough. Though

“Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I “Anyone who has left their homes the rich man believes

do to gain eternal life?” and their fields and their families behind his prosperity is a

“You know the commandments. to follow me will receive one hundred blessing from God, Jesus

You must follow them,” Jesus answered. times as much and will recieve dismisses material

“Teacher,” the young man said. “I have eternal life,” Jesus answered. wealth. He tells him

kept all the commandments since I was to give his money to the

a boy.” poor and make God his

Jesus smiled at him. “Now all you have “All things priority. Jesus is not
to do is to sell everything you have and are possible rejecting the man, but
give it to the poor, then come and follow with God.” warning him that riches
me. You will have treasure in heaven.” The
young man was filled with sorrow when can ruin a close
relationship with God.

he heard this because he came from a

very wealthy family. As he walked away,

Jesus said to the disciples, “I promise that

it is easier for a camel to go through the

eye of a needle than for a rich man

to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Like most people, the disciples thought

that wealth and prosperity were a sign of

God’s blessing. “Who then can be saved?”

they asked.

Jesus replied, “All things are possible

with God.”

“Lord, we have left everything behind

to follow you!” said Peter. “What will “Christ and the Rich Young
happen to us?” he asked. Ruler” by German painter
Heinrich Hofmann (1824–1911)

241

Luke 19

Zacchaeus the
Tax Collector

Tax collectors On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through the
The Romans employed city of Jericho. People had heard so much about the teacher
Jewish tax collectors to from Galilee that they lined the streets to watch him go by.
gather monies, believing
they could bring insider Among them was a man named Zacchaeus, to your house? I would like to stay there.”
knowledge of people’s who was an extremely wealthy tax collector. The tax collector could not believe
finances. As a result, tax But he was a short man and was stuck at
collectors were disliked. the back of the crowd, unable to see his ears and slithered down the tree,
anything. He stood on tiptoes and craned landing at Jesus’s feet. He dusted himself
Sycamore tree his neck, but could not even catch a glimpse off and, bowing low, he said that he would
Weary travelers found of Jesus. Determined not to lose his chance, be honored and glad to welcome Jesus to
he darted ahead and spotted a shady his house. They carried on along the road
shade under the sycamore tree growing nearby. He heaved as the crowd watched, surprised to see
sycamore-fig trees lining himself slowly onto the lowest branch and the two deep in conversation together.
Israel’s roadways. In the climbed up through the dense, green leaves They did not like Zacchaeus because
Bible, figs can represent to get a bird’s-eye view of Jesus as he came he worked for the Romans and they did
along. The rest of the crowd watched him, not trust him. “Can you believe it?” they
good (ripe) and bad surprised to see a fully grown man, and muttered to one another. “Jesus is going
(rotten). Old Testament a tax collector at that, sitting in a tree. home with that sinner!”
prophet Amos was a
farmer of sycamore figs All the while, Jesus was walking slowly But, when they got to the house,
along the road, talking to the people. Zacchaeus said to Jesus, “Look, Lord.
before God’s calling. When he got to the sycamore tree he Here and now I promise to give half
stopped in his tracks and looked up. of my possessions to the poor. And, if I
“Zacchaeus, come down immediately,”
Jesus said. “Please would you take me

242

Luke 19

have ever cheated anybody out of anything,
I will pay back four times that amount.”

Jesus smiled and said to him, “Today
salvation has come to this house. This man
is, indeed, a son of Abraham. What was
lost has been saved.”

Understanding the story

The repentant tax collector risks his
dignity by climbing a tree in order to see
Jesus. Most Jewish people believed tax
collectors were dishonest and impure, so
they react angrily when Jesus befriends
one. Yet, Zacchaeus expresses remorse

and vows to make amends many times
over. Jesus shows forgiveness and

welcomes him back into Jewish society.

243

Matthew 22; Luke 14

The
Wedding Feast

One of the leading Pharisees had
invited Jesus and the disciples to eat at his house.

There were many other guests and, as they anyway!’ he stormed. ‘Go into town Ketubah
were sitting at the table, Jesus told them a and pick up anyone you can find. The marriage ceremony
parable. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like It doesn’t matter who they are! The is sealed with a contract,
the king who prepared a magnificent more the merrier! Invite them all!’
wedding banquet for his son. All the guests The servants did as they were told called the Ketubah
had been invited and everything had been and brought back dozens of people, (above), which states the
prepared. He sent his servants out to glad to be invited so unexpectedly to
summon the guests, telling them that the the wedding feast. groom’s obligations
celebrations were about to begin. But, toward the bride. This
although, they had all accepted their “The king came in and was pleased is read aloud during the
invitations quite some time ago, the to see all the guests. But he noticed one service and displayed in
guests began to make excuses. disrespectful man sitting at the table who the home after the event.
was not wearing wedding clothes. Going
“ ‘I have just bought a field and I have to up to him, he said, ‘Friend, how did you Understanding
go and inspect it now!’ said one, looking the get in here without wearing wedding the story
other way. ‘Please send my apologies!’ clothes?’ The man looked at him
and said nothing. Those who reject Jesus’s
“ ‘I have just bought five teams of oxen message are turning away
and I’m on my way to try them out now!’ “Immediately, the king ordered his from God. Jesus is warning
said another. ‘I am so sorry!’ servants to seize the man. ‘Tie him up,
hand and foot, and throw him out into the Pharisees that their
“ ‘I have just got married myself so I the darkness,’ he said.” place in the Kingdom of
am afraid I can’t come!’ said still another. Heaven is not assured.
‘Please excuse me!’ And, after he had finished telling They were invited first, but
the parable, Jesus looked round the table they have refused. They are
“The servants went back to tell their and said, “So it is with the Kingdom of breaking their commitment
master the bad news. Not one of the guests Heaven. Many are invited in, but only to God. Only those who
was coming. The king was furious. ‘They those with the right spirit are chosen.” respond to Jesus’s message
did not deserve to come to the banquet will enter God’s Kingdom.

244

Matthew 25

The Wise and
Foolish Maidens

Jesus told another parable to explain the Kingdom Oil jar
of Heaven. It was about ten bridesmaids at a wedding. Lamps were in everyday
use in ancient times, so
“They had helped the bride to get ready “But the others replied, ‘No, we can’t. households kept supplies
and were waiting excitedly for the groom There may not be enough for all of us!’ of oil in large jars. This
to arrive at her house. Then they would
escort the couple back to the groom’s house “So the foolish young women hurried was poured into the
for the wedding ceremony. When evening away to try to buy some oil, while the lamps before the wicks
came, it seemed unlikely that the groom wise ones greeted the groom and proceeded were lit. As oil provided
would come that day, so they settled down with him and the bride to the groom’s home,
for the night. But five of them—the wise where the wedding ceremony started. light for only three
ones—decided that they would keep hours, it was important
enough oil for their lamps to light the “Later, the five foolish bridemaids
wedding procession, if the groom arrived and knocked at the door. to store extra oil.
should arrive during the night. The But the groom refused to let
other five—the foolish ones—let them in. ‘It’s too late,’ he said.
their lamps burn out. ‘You’ve missed your
chance.’ ”
“At midnight there was a shout,
‘Quick, wake up, he’s here!’ The wise Jesus paused for a
bridesmaids hurriedly lit their lamps, moment and then he
but the foolish ones had no oil. said, “And so, always
be prepared. You do
“ ‘Lend us some,’ they said, ‘Please!’ not know the day or the
hour when I will return.”

Understanding the story Oil lamp
Oil was poured into the hole in
In this parable, the groom represents Jesus, while the bridesmaids are his the middle, and a wick was fed
followers, and the wedding ceremony is the Kingdom of Heaven. It is the from the smaller hole on the side
into the well of oil and lit.This
bridesmaids who are prepared for the groom’s arrival who accompany oil lamp dates from about 70 ce.
him to the wedding ceremony. Jesus explains that he could come at any
245
time. Those who live by God’s word will always be prepared for
his arrival and will gain entry to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 25

Talents The Parable
In Palestine, at the time of the Talents
of Jesus, people often
Jesus told another parable about the Kingdom of Heaven.
used weights instead It was about a master and his three servants.
of coins. With three
currencies in place, the “The master called his three servants hard with what I gave you. I will put you
weight system was based together and asked them to look after in charge of all sorts of things now.’
on shekels (pictured). his money for him while he went on a
The heaviest weight was journey. He gave them different amounts “Then the servant who had been given
a talent, which equaled of money, according to their ability. one talent came and said, ‘Master, I have
about 66 lb (30 kg). To the first servant he gave five talents, always known that you are a hard man,
to the second servant he gave two talents, harvesting where you have not sown and
It represented gathering where you have not scattered
approximately 3,000 and to the last servant he gave one talent. seed. So I was afraid and hid your talent
shekels or 6,000 denarii. “The first two men cleverly put the in the ground. See, here is what belongs
This was a very large to you.’ And he held out the talent.
sum—the equivalent money to work for them and soon
of many years’ wages. doubled the amount that they had “His master was furious and replied,
been given. But the third man went ‘You worthless and lazy man! Why didn’t
“So, we must and dug a hole in the ground and hid you put my money on deposit in the
all make the his money there. bank? Then, at least, when I returned
most of what “After a long time away, their master I would have got the interest. Take the
God gives us returned and wanted to know what had talent from him and give it to my servant
and then we happened to his money. The first servant who has ten talents.’ And, with that, he
will be ready came to him and said, ‘Master, you gave gave orders for the man to be thrown
to enter the me five talents and I have turned them out of the house.”
into ten.’
Kingdom “The second servant said, ‘I have Explaining the parable, Jesus went
of Heaven.” doubled your money, as well. You gave on, “The two servants who used their
me two talents and I have since made abilities to the full to benefit their master
two more.’ are rewarded, but the other man loses
“Their master was very pleased with everything. So, we must all make the most
them and said, ‘Well done. You are good of what God gives us and then we will be
and faithful servants. You have both worked ready to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

246

Matthew 25

Understanding the story

This parable is not about financial failure. The word “talent” here means aptitude.
As long as an individual makes the most of their abilities, they will be welcomed in the
Kingdom of God. By choosing the safe option of burying the talent, the third servant

has failed to recognize his full potential and is punished by losing everything.

247

Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12

Jesus Enters
Jerusalem

It was the week before Passover, and Jesus and the
disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. They came to
Bethphage on the Mount of Olives and stopped for a little while.

Jesus sent two of the disciples into the on the ground in front of him as he passed. “Blessed is he
village. “You will find a donkey tied up there, Others climbed up the tall trunks of the who comes in
with her young colt. Untie them both and date palm trees and cut branches to scatter the name of
bring them to me. If anyone asks you what beneath the donkey’s feet. They praised
you are doing, tell them that the Lord needs Jesus and called his name, shouting, the Lord!”
them.” And so the words of the prophet “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is
Zechariah would now come true. Many he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
years before, he had said, “See, your king
comes to you, gentle and riding on a Some of the Pharisees were shocked
donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” to hear the people calling Jesus “son of
David” as this was the special name for
The disciples fetched the two animals the expected Messiah. “Teacher! Can’t
and spread one of their cloaks over the colt. you control your disciples?” they said.
Then Jesus climbed on the colt, and they
set off down the hill. The olive trees cast “I tell you,” replied Jesus, “If they
a dappled light, protecting them from the keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
sun. Although the little donkey had never And he rode on.
been ridden before, he was good-tempered,
and plodded down the path, taking Jesus to At last, the procession approached
Jerusalem. The disciples walked by his side. the city walls. But as he drew near, Jesus
wept, knowing that before long Jerusalem
Soon, they were joined by other pilgrims, would be destroyed again. “The day will
also going to celebrate Passover. Word come when your enemies will surround
spread that the teacher who could heal the you on every side,” he said, as if talking
sick had traveled all the way from Galilee to the holy city itself. “They will destroy
and was on his way to Jerusalem. People everything because you did not recognize
stared in wonder and whispered that he God’s coming.”
was the Messiah. They clustered around
him and gradually the crowd swelled. Some Many pilgrims had gathered in the city
people took off their cloaks and laid them already. They watched in astonishment as
Jesus and his followers streamed through
the gate, heading toward the Temple.

248

Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12

“Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem”
(1842–1848) by French painter

Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin
(1809–1864)

Donkeys
During times of
peace, it was traditional
for kings to ride on
donkeys. An ancient
prophecy in the Old
Testament stated that
a king would come in
peace to Jerusalem.
Jesus’s arrival on a colt
(a young donkey) is
a symbolic act that
fulfills the prophecy.

Understanding the story Palm leaves
In ancient times, palm
When Jesus rides in on a donkey, the Jewish crowds realize the significance. Jesus leaves symbolized victory.
is the Messiah Zechariah promised them. During Jesus’s time, Herod the Great and This is why the people
his sons had enlarged and beautified Jerusalem. Jesus is reduced to tears because lay the leaves down on
Jesus’s path. They are
he knows that the city will soon be destroyed, and he will be crucified. sharing in his triumphant
arrival. Although these
leaves resemble branches,
they grow from the top of
the date palm’s tall trunk.

249

Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 2

Jesus and the
Temple Traders

Scales Jesus walked up the great steps and into the courtyard
In Biblical times, that led into the Temple. He looked around sadly.
traders used metal scales It was like a bustling marketplace, full of people
like these to weigh out buying and selling their wares as fast as they could.
money and products.
Some people worked Cattle and sheep stood lined up in the sun, Then, Jesus went up to the traders, who
as money exchangers, waiting to be sold for sacrifice, flicking their had by this time stopped their haggling and
converting foreign tails to keep the flies away. Doves and were watching open-mouthed. “It is written
currency into shekels pigeons cooed pitifully in their baskets that my house will be a house of prayer,”
for visitors to use in beside them. The traders he thundered. “But you have turned it into
the Temple and making haggled loudly, all
an unfair profit. Jesus determined to get the very a den of thieves.” And he began to drive
objected to them robbing best price. The money them out of the Temple. Filled with fear
those going into the exchangers sat at their they ran, taking their animals with them.
Temple to worship, so tables, competing with The money exchangers followed, hot on
he threw them out of each other furiously. They
raked in the foreign coins with their heels. Before long, the courtyard
the Temple. greedy fingers, changing them into had been cleared completely.
shekels at the worst possible rate. The pilgrims walked quietly
“It is written The pilgrims waited for their money into the Temple to pray, and Jesus
that my to be handed back so that they started to heal the sick. They
could go into the Temple. crowded around, waiting to
house will be cured by him, but the
be a house Overwhelmed with sorrow and chief priests and the
of prayer.” filled with rage, Jesus walked straight up teachers of the law
to the nearest money exchanger, grabbed
his table, and turned it over. The man sat watched with pursed lips. And, when they
there, unable to believe his eyes, as his heard the children singing “Hosanna to the
money cascaded to the ground. Jesus went son of David,” they marched up to Jesus.
to the next table and did the same. One by “Do you hear what these children are
one, he turned over all the tables, the coins saying?” they demanded indignantly.
bouncing and rolling into every corner
of the courtyard. Everyone watched “Yes,” replied Jesus. “Have you never
in utter amazement. read the psalm that says it is the lips of
children that praise God most sweetly?”

As the sun set, Jesus left Jerusalem and
went back to Bethany for the night. The

250