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Ministry of Jesus

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The ministry of Jesus is a central part of the four canonical gospels.

The Ministry of Jesus
The Ministry of Jesus

Most accounts say his work began with his baptism near the River Jordan. This event was led by John the Baptist, who acted as a precursor. The Gospel of Luke notes that Jesus was about 30 years of age at this time. Many scholars try to find the exact date this happened. Some use historical data about Emperor Tiberius to suggest a date around AD 28 or 29. Other researchers look at the Gospel of John and the history of the Temple in Jerusalem. These studies suggest a start date between AD 27 and AD 29.

Sapsaphas Madaba
Sapsaphas Madaba

After his baptism, Jesus began a period of teaching and traveling. He went to the region of Galilee after spending time in the Judaean Desert.

Ghirlandaio, Domenico - Calling of the Apostles - 1481
Ghirlandaio, Domenico - Calling of the Apostles - 1481

During this early Galilean ministry, he began to recruit his first disciples. These followers would eventually form the core of the early Church. Some people were amazed by his teaching and his authority. The Gospel of John also mentions a miracle at a wedding in Cana. This early period saw his reputation grow as he moved through different villages.

Vittore carpaccio, vocazione di san matteo
Vittore carpaccio, vocazione di san matteo

Jesus' work involved many different stages of travel and teaching. One major part was his work in Galilee, where he commissioned the Twelve Apostles. He also gave very famous speeches during this time. The Sermon on the Mount is one of the longest pieces of teaching in the New Testament. It includes the Beatitudes and the well-known Lord's Prayer.

As he moved through the land, he also performed many miracles. Some accounts describe him healing people or even walking on water. These stories show how his ministry reached many different people.

As time passed, Jesus began a final journey toward the city of Jerusalem. This involved traveling through the region of Judea and the area of Perea.

S. Apollinare Nuovo Resurr Lazzaro
S. Apollinare Nuovo Resurr Lazzaro

In the later Perean ministry, he returned to the area near where he was baptized. He traveled about one third of the way down from the Sea of Galilee. This journey led him toward his final days in the city. The Gospels describe his movements through these different lands with great detail. His travels helped connect the different regions of the Roman province.

His final ministry in Jerusalem is a very significant period.

Giotto - Scrovegni - -26- - Entry into Jerusalem2
Giotto - Scrovegni - -26- - Entry into Jerusalem2

This time is sometimes called the Passion week. It begins with his triumphal entry into the city. The Gospels devote about one third of their text to this final week. This period includes the Last Supper with his disciples. Most accounts see the Last Supper as the end of his ministry. However, some people also include the time between his Resurrection and his Ascension.

Giotto - Scrovegni - -27- - Expulsion of the Money-changers from the Temple
Giotto - Scrovegni - -27- - Expulsion of the Money-changers from the Temple
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Ghirlandaio, Domenico - Calling of the Apostles - 1481.jpg
Ghirlandaio, Domenico - Calling of the...
File:The Ministry of Jesus.svg
The Ministry of Jesus.svg
File:Sapsaphas Madaba.jpg
Sapsaphas Madaba.jpg
File:Vittore carpaccio, vocazione di san matteo.jpg
Vittore carpaccio, vocazione di san matteo.jpg
File:16 Lorenzo Veneziano, Christ Rescuing Peter from Drowning. 1370 Staatliche Museen, Berlin..jpg
16 Lorenzo Veneziano, Christ Rescuing...
File:Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter by Pietro Perugino.jpg
Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter by...
File:S. Apollinare Nuovo Resurr Lazzaro.jpg
S. Apollinare Nuovo Resurr Lazzaro.jpg
File:Enrique Simonet - Flevit super illam 1892.jpg
Enrique Simonet - Flevit super illam 1892.jpg
File:Giotto - Scrovegni - -26- - Entry into Jerusalem2.jpg
Giotto - Scrovegni - -26- - Entry into...
File:Giotto - Scrovegni - -27- - Expulsion of the Money-changers from the Temple.jpg
Giotto - Scrovegni - -27- - Expulsion of...
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