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[[File:Ghirlandaio, Domenico - Calling of the Apostles - 1481.jpg|thumb|350px|''[[Vocation of the Apostles]]'' (1481) by [[Domenico Ghirlandaio]]]]
{{Jesus |expanded=in Christianity}}
{{Christianity|expanded=hide}}

The '''ministry of Jesus''', in the [[canonical gospels]], begins with [[Baptism of Jesus|his baptism]]  near the [[River Jordan]] by [[John the Baptist]], and ends in [[Jerusalem in Christianity|Jerusalem]] in [[Judea]], following the [[Last Supper]] with his [[Disciple (Christianity)|disciples]].<ref name=Alister16 >''Christianity: an introduction'' by Alister E. McGrath 2006 {{ISBN|978-1-4051-0901-7}} pp. 16–22.</ref> The [[Gospel of Luke]] states that [[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus]] was "about 30 years of age" at the start of his [[Christian ministry|ministry]].<ref name=Kostenberger140 /><ref name=ChronosPaul >[[Paul L. Maier]] "The Date of the Nativity and Chronology of Jesus" in ''Chronos, kairos, Christos: nativity and chronological studies'' by Jerry Vardaman, Edwin M. Yamauchi 1989 {{ISBN|0-931464-50-1}} pp.&nbsp;113–129.</ref> A [[chronology of Jesus]] typically sets the date of the start of his ministry at around AD 27–29 and the end in the range AD 30–36.<ref name=Kostenberger140 /><ref name=ChronosPaul /><ref name=Barnett19 >''Jesus & the Rise of Early Christianity: A History of New Testament Times'' by Paul Barnett 2002 {{ISBN|0-8308-2699-8}} pp.&nbsp;19–21.</ref>{{NoteTag|name=sourceexplain}}

Jesus' early Galilean ministry begins when after his baptism, he goes [[Return of Jesus to Galilee|back to Galilee]] from his [[Temptation of Jesus|temptation]] in the [[Judaean Desert]].<ref name="Matthew' p. 71">''The Gospel according to Matthew'' by Leon Morris {{ISBN|0-85111-338-9}} p.&nbsp;71.</ref> In this early period, he [[preaching|preaches]] around [[Galilee]] and recruits [[first disciples of Jesus|his first disciples]] who begin to travel with him and eventually form the core of the [[Early Christianity|early Church]]<ref name=Alister16 /><ref name=Redford117 >''The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels'' by Douglas Redford 2007 {{ISBN|0-7847-1900-4}} pp.&nbsp;117–130.</ref> as it is believed that the [[Dispersion of the Apostles|apostles dispersed]] from [[Early centers of Christianity#Jerusalem|Jerusalem]] to found the [[apostolic see]]s. The major Galilean ministry which begins in [[Matthew 8]] includes the [[Commissioning the twelve Apostles|commissioning of the Twelve Apostles]], and covers most of the ministry of Jesus in Galilee.<ref name="New Testament' p. 324">''A theology of the New Testament'' by George Eldon Ladd 1993, p.&nbsp;324.</ref><ref name=Redford143 >''The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels'' by Douglas Redford 2007 {{ISBN|0-7847-1900-4}} pp.&nbsp;143–160.</ref> The final Galilean ministry begins after the [[beheading of John the Baptist]] as Jesus prepares to go to Jerusalem.<ref name="Steven L. Cox pp. 97-110">Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 ''Harmony of the Gospels'' {{ISBN|0-8054-9444-8}} pp.&nbsp;97–110.</ref><ref name=Redford165 >''The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels'' by Douglas Redford 2007 {{ISBN|0-7847-1900-4}} pp.&nbsp;165–180.</ref>

In the later Judean ministry Jesus starts his final journey to Jerusalem through Judea.<ref name=KingsburyMark /><ref name=Barton132 /><ref name="Steven L. Cox pp. 121-135">Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 ''Harmony of the Gospels'' {{ISBN|0-8054-9444-8}} pp.&nbsp;121–135.</ref><ref name="Jesus pp. 189-207">''The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels'' by Douglas Redford. 2007 {{ISBN|0-7847-1900-4}} pp.&nbsp;189–207.</ref> As Jesus travels towards Jerusalem, in the later [[Perea (Bible)|Perean]] ministry, about one third the way down from the [[Sea of Galilee]] (actually a freshwater lake) along the River Jordan, he returns to the area where he was baptized.<ref name="Steven L. Cox p. 137">Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 ''Harmony of the Gospels'' {{ISBN|0-8054-9444-8}} p.&nbsp;137.</ref><ref name="Jesus pp. 211-229">''The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels'' by Douglas Redford 2007 {{ISBN|0-7847-1900-4}} pp.&nbsp;211–229.</ref><ref name="Bible' p. 929">''Mercer dictionary of the Bible'' by Watson E. Mills, Roger Aubrey Bullard 1998 {{ISBN|0-86554-373-9}} p.&nbsp;929.</ref>

The final ministry in Jerusalem is sometimes called the [[Passion of Jesus|Passion]] week and begins with Jesus' [[triumphal entry into Jerusalem]].<ref name=Cox155 /> The gospels provide more details about the final ministry than the other periods, devoting about one third of their text to the [[Holy Week|last week of the life of Jesus in Jerusalem]].<ref name=Turner613 >''Matthew'' by David L. Turner 2008 {{ISBN|0-8010-2684-9}} p.&nbsp;613.</ref>

== Overview ==
{{See also|Chronology of Jesus|New Testament places associated with Jesus}}
[[File:The Ministry of Jesus.svg|thumb|upright=1.4|[[Judea]], [[Galilee]] and neighbouring regions during the ministry of Jesus|alt=Topographical map of Palestine in the First Century highlighting places mentioned in the canonical gospels.]]
{{Gospel Jesus}}

The gospel accounts place the beginning of Jesus' ministry in the countryside of [[Judaea (Roman province)|Roman province Judaea]], near the River Jordan.<ref name="Alister16" />

The gospels present [[John the Baptist]]'s ministry as the precursor to that of Jesus and the [[baptism of Jesus]] as marking the beginning of Jesus' ministry, after which Jesus travels, preaches and performs [[miracles]].<ref name=Alister16 /><ref name="Kellum141">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g-MG9sFLAz0C&q=%22only+one+Passover%22&pg=PA141|title=The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament|first1=Andreas J. |last1=Köstenberger|first2=L. Scott|last2=Kellum|first3=Charles L. |last3=Quarles|year=2009|isbn=978-0-8054-4365-3|pages=141–143|publisher=B&H Publishing }}</ref><ref name=Blomberg224 /> Jesus's baptism is generally considered the beginning and the [[Last Supper]] with his disciples in Jerusalem as the end of his ministry.<ref name=Alister16 /><ref name=Kellum141 /> However, some authors also consider the period between the [[Resurrection of Jesus|Resurrection]] and the [[Ascension of Jesus|Ascension]] part of the ministry of Jesus.<ref>''New Testament History'' by Richard L. Niswonger 1992 {{ISBN|0-310-31201-9}} p.&nbsp;154.</ref>

[[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] {{Bibleverse-nb|Luke|3:23}} states that Jesus was "about 30 years of age" at the start of his ministry.<ref name=Kostenberger140 /><ref name=ChronosPaul /> There have been different approaches to estimating the date of the start of the ministry of Jesus.<ref name=Kostenberger140>[https://books.google.com/books?id=g-MG9sFLAz0C&q=Jesus+%22public+ministry%22&pg=PA140 ''The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament''] by [[Andreas J. Köstenberger]], L. Scott Kellum 2009 {{ISBN|978-0-8054-4365-3}} p.&nbsp;140.</ref><ref name=Eerdmans246>''Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible'' 2000 Amsterdam University Press {{ISBN|90-5356-503-5}} p.&nbsp;249.</ref><ref name=Scarola>Jack V. Scarola, "A Chronology of the nativity Era" in ''Chronos, kairos, Christos 2'' by Ray Summers, Jerry Vardaman 1998 {{ISBN|0-86554-582-0}} pp.&nbsp;61–81.</ref><ref>''Luke 1–5: New Testament Commentary'' by John MacArthur, Jr. 2009 {{ISBN|978-0-8024-0871-6}} p.&nbsp;201.</ref> One approach, based on combining information from the [[Gospel of Luke]] with historical data about Emperor [[Tiberius]] yields a date around 28–29 AD/CE, while a second independent approach based on statements in the [[Gospel of John]] along with historical information from [[Josephus]] about the Temple in Jerusalem leads to a date around AD 27–29.<ref name=ChronosPaul /><ref name=Eerdmans246 /><ref name=Scarola /><ref name=PAnderson200>''The Riddles of the Fourth Gospel: An Introduction to John'' by Paul N. Anderson 2011 {{ISBN|0-8006-0427-X}} p.&nbsp;200.</ref><ref name=Knoblet>''Herod the Great'' by Jerry Knoblet 2005 {{ISBN|0-7618-3087-1}} p.&nbsp;184.</ref>{{NoteTag|Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible states that Jesus began his ministry "ca 28 AD" at "ca age 31". In ''Chronos, Kairos, Christos:'' Paul L. Maier specifically states that he considers the Temple visit date in John at "around 29 AD/CE", using various factors that he summarizes in a chronology table. Maier's table considers 28 AD/CE to be roughly the 32nd birthday of Jesus, and elsewhere he states that 5 BC was the year of Jesus' birth.<ref>{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704114053/http://www.mtio.com/articles/aissar30.htm |date=2008-07-04 }}</ref> Paul N. Anderson dates the temple incident at "around 26–27 AD/CE" Jerry Knoblet estimates the date as around AD 27 AD/CE. In their book, Robert Fortna & Thatcher estimate the date at around AD/CE 28. Köstenberger & Kellum (p. 140) make the same statement as Maier, namely that the 32nd birthday of Jesus was around 28 AD/CE when his ministry began.|name=sourceexplain}}

In the New Testament, the date of the Last Supper is very close before the date of the [[crucifixion of Jesus]] (hence its name). Scholarly estimates for the date of the crucifixion generally fall in the range AD 30–36.<ref>''Jesus & the Rise of Early Christianity: A History of New Testament Times'' by Paul Barnett 2002 {{ISBN|0-8308-2699-8}} pp.&nbsp;19–21</ref><ref>''Paul's early period: chronology, mission strategy, theology'' by [[Rainer Riesner]] 1997 {{ISBN|978-0-8028-4166-7}} pp.&nbsp;19–27 (p.&nbsp;27 has a table of various scholarly estimates)</ref>

The three [[Synoptic Gospels]] refer to just one [[passover]], specifically the Passover at the end of Jesus's ministry when he is crucified (with the exception of Luke's Gospel, which narrates a visit of the Holy Family for Passover when Jesus is twelve years old). There are three references to Passovers in John's Gospel: 2:13, 6:4, and 12:1. Some contend that the [[Gospel of John]] refers to only two actual Passovers, one at the beginning of Jesus's ministry and the second at the end of Jesus's ministry, and that the third reference to Passover is only a forecasting of the second Passover in the Gospel of John. But much scholarship recognizes that a lot of time passes between 6:4, "the Passover . . . was at hand," and 12:1, "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany..," especially at the beginning of Chapter 7 which even includes another feast (Booths/Tabernacles), and then again at 10:22 another season passes as well as the Feast of Dedication.

This third reference to a passover in the Gospel of John is why many suggest that Jesus's ministry was a period of about three years. Scholars that support a three-year ministry, such as [[Andreas J. Köstenberger|Köstenberger]] state that the Gospel of John simply provides a more detailed account.<ref name="Kellum141" /><ref name="Blomberg224">''Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey'' by Craig L. Blomberg 2009 {{ISBN|0-8054-4482-3}} pp.&nbsp;224–229.</ref><ref>''New Testament History'' by Richard L. Niswonger 1992 {{ISBN|0-310-31201-9}} pp.&nbsp;132–136.</ref>

During the ministry of Jesus, the [[Tetrarchy (Judea)|tetrarch]] ruling over [[Galilee]] and [[Perea (Holy Land)|Perea]] in this period was [[Herod Antipas]], who obtained the position upon the division of the territories following the death of [[Herod the Great]] in 4 BC.<ref name=Boring>''The people's New Testament commentary'' by M. Eugene Boring, Fred B. Craddock 2004 {{ISBN|0-664-22754-6}} p.&nbsp;212.</ref>

==Baptism and early ministry==
[[File:Sapsaphas Madaba.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Part of the [[Madaba Map]] showing [[Bethabara]] (Βέθαβαρά), calling it the place where John baptized]]
The gospels present John the Baptist's ministry as the precursor to that of Jesus and the Baptism of Jesus as marking the beginning of Jesus' ministry.<ref name=Alister16 /><ref name=Kellum141 /><ref name=Blomberg224 />

In his sermon in {{Bibleverse|Acts|10:37–38}}, delivered in the house of [[Cornelius the Centurion|Cornelius]] the centurion, [[Apostle Peter]] gives an overview of the ministry of Jesus, and refers to what had happened "throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached" and that Jesus whom "God anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power" had gone about "doing good".<ref>''Who is Jesus?: an introduction to Christology'' by Thomas P. Rausch 2003 {{ISBN|978-0-8146-5078-3}}{{page needed|date=September 2022}}</ref>

{{Bibleverse|John|1:28}} specifies the location where John was baptizing as "Bethany beyond the Jordan".<ref name=BigPic >''Big Picture of the Bible - New Testament'' by Lorna Daniels Nichols 2009 {{ISBN|1-57921-928-4}} p. 12</ref><ref name=Sloyan11 /> This is not the village [[Bethany]] just east of Jerusalem, but the town of [[Bethabara]] in [[Perea (Bible)|Perea]].<ref name=Sloyan11 >''John'' by Gerard Stephen Sloyan 1987 {{ISBN|0-8042-3125-7}} p. 11</ref> Perea is the province east of the Jordan, across the southern part of [[Samaria]], and although the New Testament does not mention Perea by name, {{Bibleverse|John|3:23}} implicitly refers to it again when it states that John was baptising in [[Ænon|Enon near Salim]], "because there was much [[water]] there".<ref name=BigPic /><ref name=Sloyan11 /> First-century historian [[Flavius Josephus]] also wrote in the ''[[Antiquities of the Jews]]'' ([[wikisource:The Antiquities of the Jews/Book XVIII#Chapter 5|18 5.2]]) that John the Baptist was imprisoned and then killed in [[Machaerus]] on the border of Perea.<ref>''Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible'' 2000 {{ISBN|90-5356-503-5}} p. 583</ref><ref>''Behold the Man: The Real Life of the Historical Jesus'' by Kirk Kimball 2002 {{ISBN|978-1-58112-633-4}} p. 654</ref>

{{Bibleverse|Luke|3:23}} and {{Bibleverse|Luke|4:1}} indicate possible activities of Jesus near the Jordan River around the time of his baptism, as does the initial encounter with the disciples of John the Baptist in {{Bibleverse|John|1:35–37}}, where "two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus".<ref>''Jesus of Nazareth'' by Duane S. Crowther 1999 {{ISBN|0-88290-656-9}} p. 77</ref><ref>''The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels'' by Douglas Redford 2007 {{ISBN|0-7847-1900-4}} p. 92</ref><ref name=Landers6 >''A Summary of Christian History'' by Robert A. Baker, John M. Landers 2005 {{ISBN|0-8054-3288-4}} pp. 6–7</ref> Assuming that there were two incidences of [[Cleansing of the Temple]], which was located in Jerusalem, a possible reference to an early Judean ministry may be {{Bibleverse|John|2:13–25}}.<ref>''International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: E-J'' by Geoffrey W. Bromiley 1982 {{ISBN|0-8028-3782-4}} p. 1026</ref><ref>''Mercer dictionary of the Bible'' by Watson E. Mills, Roger Aubrey Bullard 1998 {{ISBN|0-86554-373-9}} pp. 333–344</ref><ref name="CAEvans49"/>

==Ministry in Galilee==

=== Early Galilean ministry ===
The ''Early Galilean ministry'' begins when, according to Matthew, Jesus goes back to Galilee from the [[Judaean Desert]], after rebuffing the [[Temptation of Christ|temptation of Satan]].<ref name="Matthew' p. 71" /> In this early period, Jesus preaches around Galilee and, in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|4:18–20}}, [[first disciples of Jesus|his first disciples]] encounter him, begin to travel with him and eventually form the core of the early Church.<ref name=Alister16 /><ref name=Redford117 />

The Gospel of John includes the [[Wedding at Cana]] as the first [[Miracles of Jesus|miracle of Jesus]] taking place in this early period of ministry, with his return to Galilee.<ref>H. Van der Loos, 1965 ''The Miracles of Jesus'', E.J. Brill Press, Netherlands p. 599</ref><ref>Dmitri Royster 1999 ''The Miracles of Christ'' {{ISBN|0-88141-193-0}} p. 71</ref> A few villages in Galilee (e.g. [[Kafr Kanna]]) have been suggested as the location of [[Cana]].<ref>''Jesus and Archaeology'' by James H. Charlesworth 2006 {{ISBN|0-8028-4880-X}} pp. 540–541</ref><ref>''Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible'' 2000 {{ISBN|90-5356-503-5}} p. 212</ref>

The [[return of Jesus to Galilee]] follows the arrest of [[John the Baptist]].<ref>''The Gospel according to Mark'' by James R. Edwards 2002 {{ISBN|0-85111-778-3}} p. 43</ref> The early teachings of Jesus result in his [[Hometown rejection of Jesus|rejection at his hometown]] when in {{Bibleverse|Luke|4:16–30}} Jesus says in a Synagogue, "No prophet is acceptable in his own country", and the people reject him.

In this early period, Jesus' reputation begins to spread throughout Galilee. In {{Bibleverse|Mark|1:21–28}} and {{Bibleverse|Luke|4:31–37}}, Jesus goes to [[Capernaum]], where people are "astonished at his teaching; for his word was with authority", in the [[Exorcism at the Synagogue in Capernaum]] episode, which is followed by [[healing the mother of Peter's wife]].<ref>''Reading Luke'' by Charles H. Talbert 2002 {{ISBN|1-57312-393-5}} pp. 61–62</ref><ref>John Clowes, 1817 ''The Miracles of Jesus Christ'' published by J. Gleave, Manchester, UK p. 31</ref>

{{Bibleverse|Luke|5:1–11}} includes the first [[Miraculous draught of fishes]] episode in which Jesus tells [[Saint Peter|Peter]], "now on you will catch men". Peter leaves his net and, along with him, [[James, son of Zebedee|James]] and [[John the Apostle|John]], the sons of Zebedee, follows Jesus as disciples thereafter.<ref>John Clowes, ''The Miracles of Jesus Christ'' published by J. Gleave, Manchester, UK, 1817, p. 214, available on Google books</ref><ref>''The Gospel of Luke'' by Timothy Johnson, Daniel J. Harrington, 1992 {{ISBN|0-8146-5805-9}} p. 89</ref><ref>''The Gospel of Luke'', by Joel B. Green 1997 {{ISBN|0-8028-2315-7}} p. 230</ref>

This period includes the [[Sermon on the Mount]], one of the major discourses of Jesus in Matthew, and the [[Sermon on the Plain]] in the Gospel of Luke.<ref name=Redford117 /><ref name="VaughtPref">''The Sermon on the Mount: A Theological Investigation'' by Carl G. Vaught 2001 {{ISBN|978-0-918954-76-3}} pp. xi–xiv</ref> The ''Sermon on the Mount'', which covers chapters [[Matthew 5|5]], [[Matthew 6|6]] and [[Matthew 7|7]] of the Gospel of Matthew, is the first of the [[Five Discourses of Matthew]] and is the longest piece of teaching from Jesus in the [[New Testament]].<ref name="VaughtPref" /> It encapsulates many of the moral teachings of Jesus and includes the [[Beatitudes]] and the widely recited [[Lord's Prayer]].<ref name="VaughtPref" /><ref>"Beatitudes." Cross, F. L., ed. ''The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church''. New York: Oxford University Press. 2005{{page needed|date=September 2022}}</ref>

The ''Beatitudes'' are expressed as eight blessings in the ''Sermon on the Mount'' in Matthew, and four similar blessings appear in the ''Sermon on the Plain'' in Luke, where they are followed by four woes that mirror the blessings.<ref name=Synop>''The Synoptics: Matthew, Mark, Luke'' by Ján Majerník, Joseph Ponessa, Laurie Watson Manhardt 2005 {{ISBN|1-931018-31-6}}, pp. 63–68</ref> The Beatitudes present the highest ideals of the teachings of Jesus on [[mercy]], spirituality and compassion.<ref name=Synop /><ref name=Haste>''A Dictionary Of The Bible'' by James Hastings 2004 {{ISBN|1-4102-1730-2}} p. 15–19</ref>

<gallery perrow="4">
File:Giotto - Scrovegni - -24- - Marriage at Cana.jpg|[[Marriage at Cana]]
File:Christus heilt einen Besessenen.jpg|[[Exorcism at the Synagogue in Capernaum|Synagogue in Capernaum]]
File:Raphael - The Miraculous Draft of Fishes - Google Art Project.jpg|[[First disciples of Jesus|First disciples]] and [[Miraculous catch of fish]]
File:Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg|[[Sermon on the Mount]]
</gallery>

===Major Galilean ministry===
The ''Major Galilean ministry'', also called the ''Great Galilean ministry'', begins in [[Matthew 8]], after the [[Sermon on the Mount]] and refers to activities up to the [[death of John the Baptist]].<ref name="New Testament' p. 324"/><ref name="Redford143"/>

The beginnings of this period include [[The Centurion's Servant]] ({{Bibleverse|Matthew|8:5–13}}) and [[Calming the storm]] ({{Bibleverse|Matthew|8:23–27}}), both dealing with the theme of faith and fear. When the Centurion shows faith in Jesus by requesting a "healing at a distance", Jesus commends him for his exceptional faith.<ref>''The Gospel According to Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary'' by R. T. France 1987 {{ISBN|0-8028-0063-7}} p. 154</ref> On the other hand, when his own disciples show fear of a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus instructs them to have more faith, after he orders the storm to stop.<ref>Michael Keene 2002 ''St Mark's Gospel and the Christian faith'' {{ISBN|0-7487-6775-4}} p. 26</ref><ref>John Clowes, 1817 ''The Miracles of Jesus Christ'' published by J. Gleave, Manchester, UK p. 47</ref>

[[File:Vittore carpaccio, vocazione di san matteo.jpg|thumb|250px|The ''[[Calling of Matthew]]'' by [[Vittore Carpaccio]], 1502]]
In this period, Jesus is still gathering the [[twelve apostles]], and the [[Calling of Matthew]] takes place in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|9:9}}.<ref>''The Gospel of Matthew'' by R. T. France 2007 {{ISBN|0-8028-2501-X}} p. 349</ref> The conflicts and criticism between Jesus and the [[Pharisees]] continue, e.g. they criticize Jesus for associating with "publicans and sinners", whereby Jesus responds: "It is not healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bible Gateway passage: Luke 5:31–32 – New International Version|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%205%3A31-32&version=NIV|access-date=2020-09-23|website=Bible Gateway|language=en}}</ref>

[[Commissioning the twelve Apostles]] relates the initial selection of the [[twelve Apostles]] among the disciples of Jesus.<ref>Harold Riley, ''The First Gospel'', 1992 {{ISBN|0-86554-409-3}} p. 47</ref><ref>''Mercer Dictionary of the Bible'' by Watson E. Mills, Roger Aubrey Bullard 1998 {{ISBN|0-86554-373-9}} p. 48</ref> Jesus goes out to a mountainside to pray, and after spending the night praying to God, in the morning he calls his disciples and chooses twelve of them.<ref>''The Life of Jesus'' by David Friedrich Strauss, 1860 published by Calvin Blanchard, p. 340</ref>

In the [[Mission Discourse]], Jesus instructs the [[twelve apostles]] who are named in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|10:2–3}} to carry no belongings as they travel from city to city and preach.<ref name="New Testament' p. 324"/><ref name="Redford143"/> Separately, {{Bibleverse|Luke|10:1–24}} relates the [[Seventy Disciples]], where Jesus appoints a larger number of disciples and sends them out in pairs with the ''Missionary's Mandate'' to go into villages before Jesus' arrival there.<ref name=Ringe >''Luke'' by Sharon H. Ringe 1995 {{ISBN|0-664-25259-1}} pp. 151–152</ref>

In {{Bibleverse|Matthew|11:2–6}} two [[messengers from John the Baptist]] arrive to ask Jesus if he is the expected Messiah, or "shall we wait for another?"<ref>''The Gospel of Matthew'' by [[Rudolf Schnackenburg]] 2002 {{ISBN|0-8028-4438-3}} p. 104</ref> Jesus replies, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk".<ref>''Mercer Dictionary of the Bible'' by Watson E. Mills, Roger Aubrey Bullard 1998 {{ISBN|0-86554-373-9}} p. 459</ref> Following this, Jesus begins to speak to the crowds about the Baptist.<ref>''Harmony of the Gospels'' by G. T. Elihai 2005 {{ISBN|1-59781-637-X}} p. 94</ref>

This period is rich in parables and teachings and includes the ''Parabolic discourse'', which provides many of the parables for the [[Kingdom of God (Christianity)|Kingdom of Heaven]], beginning in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|13:1}}.<ref name=Jensen>''Preaching Matthew's Gospel'' by Richard A. Jensen 1998 {{ISBN|978-0-7880-1221-1}} pp. 25 & 158</ref><ref name=Talbert3 >''Matthew'' by Charles H. Talbert 2010 {{ISBN|0-8010-3192-3}} (Discourse 3) pp. 162–173</ref> These include the parables of [[Parable of the Sower|The Sower]], [[The Tares]], [[Parable of the Mustard Seed|The Mustard Seed]] and [[The Leaven]], addressed to the public at large, as well as [[The Hidden Treasure]], [[Parable of the Pearl|The Pearl]] and [[Drawing in the Net]].<ref name=Talbert3 />

At the end of the Major Galilean ministry, Jesus returns to his hometown, Nazareth. His [[Sophia (wisdom)|wisdom]] is recognised there, questioned, and rejected.<ref>{{bibleverse||Matthew|13:53–58|NKJV}}</ref>

<gallery perrow="4">
File: Rembrandt Christ in the Storm on the Lake of Galilee.jpg|[[Calming the storm]]
File: Brooklyn Museum - The Exhortation to the Apostles (Recommandation aux apôtres) - James Tissot.jpg|[[Twelve Apostles]]
File:70Apostles.jpg|[[Seventy Disciples]]
File: Oberzell Alte Kirche Decke Johannes im Kerker.jpg|[[Messengers from John the Baptist|Baptist's Messengers]]
</gallery>

===Final Galilean ministry===
[[File:16 Lorenzo Veneziano, Christ Rescuing Peter from Drowning. 1370 Staatliche Museen, Berlin..jpg|thumb|300px|[[Jesus walking on water|Walking on water]], by [[Lorenzo Veneziano|Veneziano]], 1370]]

The ''Final Galilean ministry'' begins after the [[death of John the Baptist]], and includes the [[Feeding the 5000]] and [[Jesus' walk on water|Walking on water]] episodes, both in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|14}}.<ref name="Steven L. Cox pp. 97-110"/><ref name="Redford165"/> After hearing of the Baptist's death, Jesus withdraws by boat privately to a solitary place near [[Bethsaida]], where he addresses the crowds who had followed him on foot from the towns, and feeds them all with "[[Feeding the multitude|five loaves and two fish]]" supplied by a boy.<ref>Robert Maguire 1863 ''The Miracles of Christ'' published by Weeks and Co. London p. 185</ref>

Following this, the gospels present the ''Walking on water'' episode in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|14:22–23}}, {{Bibleverse|Mark|6:45–52}} and {{Bibleverse|John|6:16–21}} as an important step in developing the relationship between Jesus and his disciples, at this stage of his ministry.<ref>Merrill Chapin Tenney 1997 ''John: Gospel of Belief'' {{ISBN|0-8028-4351-4}} p. 114</ref> The episode emphasizes the importance of faith by stating that, when he attempted to walk on water, [[Apostle Peter|Peter]] began to sink when he lost faith and became afraid. At the end of the episode, the disciples increase their faith in Jesus, and, in Matthew 14:33, they say, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God".<ref>Dwight Pentecost 2000 ''The Words and Works of Jesus Christ'' {{ISBN|0-310-30940-9}} p. 234</ref>

Major teachings in this period include the [[Discourse on Defilement]] in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|15:1–20}} and {{Bibleverse|Mark|7:1–23}} where, in response to a complaint from the Pharisees, Jesus states: "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'".<ref>''Jesus the Miracle Worker: A Historical & Theological Study'' by Graham H. Twelftree 1999 {{ISBN|0-8308-1596-1}} p. 79</ref>

Following this episode, Jesus withdraws into the "parts of [[Tyre, Lebanon|Tyre]] and [[Sidon]]" near the [[Mediterranean Sea]], where the [[Canaanite woman's daughter]] episode takes place in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|15:21–28}} and {{Bibleverse|Mark|7:24–30}}.<ref name=Twelftree133 >''Jesus the Miracle Worker: A Historical & Theological Study'' by Graham H. Twelftree 1999 {{ISBN|0-8308-1596-1}} pp. 133–134</ref> This episode is an example of how Jesus emphasizes the value of faith, telling the woman: "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted."<ref name=Twelftree133 /> The importance of faith is also emphasized in the [[Cleansing ten lepers]] episode in {{Bibleverse|Luke|17:11–19}}.<ref>Berard L. Marthaler 2007 ''The creed: the apostolic faith in contemporary theology'' {{ISBN|0-89622-537-2}} p. 220</ref><ref>Lockyer, Herbert, 1988 ''All the Miracles of the Bible'' {{ISBN|0-310-28101-6}} p. 235</ref>

In the Gospel of Mark, after passing through [[Sidon]], Jesus enters the region of the [[Decapolis]], a group of ten cities south-east of Galilee, where the [[Healing the deaf mute of Decapolis|Healing the deaf mute]] miracle is reported in {{Bibleverse|Mark|7:31–37}}. After the healing, the disciples say, "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." The episode is the last in a series of narrated miracles which builds up to Peter's proclamation of Jesus as Christ in {{Bibleverse|Mark|8:29}}.<ref>Lamar Williamson 1983 ''Mark'' {{ISBN|0-8042-3121-4}} pp. 138–140</ref>

==Judea and Perea to Jerusalem==

=== Later Judean ministry ===
In this period, Jesus starts his final journey to Jerusalem by going around [[Samaria]], through [[Perea (region)|Perea]] and on through Judea to Jerusalem. At the beginning of this period, [[Jesus predicts his death]] for the first time, and this prediction then builds up to the other two episodes, the final prediction being just before Jesus enters Jerusalem for the last time, the week of [[Crucifixion of Jesus|his crucifixion]].<ref>''St Mark's Gospel and the Christian faith'' by Michael Keene 2002 {{ISBN|0-7487-6775-4}} pp. 24–25</ref><ref>''The temptations of Jesus in Mark's Gospel'' by Susan R. Garrett 1996 {{ISBN|978-0-8028-4259-6}} pp. 74–75</ref> In {{Bibleverse|Matthew|16:21–28}} and {{Bibleverse|Mark|8:31–33}}, Jesus teaches his disciples that "the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again."<ref>''Matthew for Everyone'' by Tom Wright 2004 {{ISBN|0-664-22787-2}} p. 9</ref>

[[Image:Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter by Pietro Perugino.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Pietro Perugino]]'s depiction of the "[[Confession of Peter|Giving of the Keys to Saint Peter]]" by Jesus, 1492]]
Later in this period, at about the middle of each of the three [[Synoptic Gospels]], two related episodes mark a turning point in the ministry of Jesus: the [[Confession of Peter]] and the [[Transfiguration of Jesus]].<ref name=KingsburyMark >''The Christology of Mark's Gospel'' by Jack Dean Kingsbury 1983 {{ISBN|0-8006-2337-1}} pp. 91–95</ref><ref name=Barton132 >''The Cambridge companion to the Gospels'' by Stephen C. Barton {{ISBN|0-521-00261-3}} pp. 132–133</ref><ref name="Steven L. Cox pp. 121-135"/><ref name="Jesus pp. 189-207"/> These episodes begin in [[Caesarea Philippi]], just north of the [[Sea of Galilee]], at the beginning of the final journey to [[Jerusalem]] which ends in the [[Passion (Christianity)|Passion]] and [[Resurrection of Jesus]].<ref name=Karris >''The Collegeville Bible Commentary: New Testament'' by Robert J. Karris 1992 {{ISBN|0-8146-2211-9}} pp. 885–886</ref> These episodes mark the beginnings of the gradual disclosure of the identity of Jesus as the [[Christ|Messiah]] to his disciples; and his prediction of his own suffering and death.<ref name=KingsburyMark /><ref name=Barton132 /><ref name=Karris /><ref name=Lee21 >''Transfiguration'' by Dorothy A. Lee 2005 {{ISBN|978-0-8264-7595-4}} pp. 21–30</ref><ref name= Nobbs />

Peter's Confession begins as a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|16:13}}, {{Bibleverse|Mark|8:27}} and {{Bibleverse|Luke|9:18}}. Jesus asks his disciples: ''But who do you say that I am?'' Simon Peter answers him: ''You are the Christ, the Son of the living God''.<ref name=Karris /><ref name="Kingsburyxvi">''Who do you say that I am? Essays on Christology'' by Jack Dean Kingsbury, Mark Allan Powell, David R. Bauer 1999 {{ISBN|0-664-25752-6}} p. xvi</ref><ref>''The Gospel of Mark, Volume 2'' by John R. Donahue, Daniel J. Harrington 2002 {{ISBN|0-8146-5965-9}} p. 336</ref> In {{Bibleverse|Matthew|16:17}}, Jesus blesses Peter for his answer, and states: "flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven." In blessing Peter, Jesus not only accepts the titles ''[[Christ]]'' and ''[[Son of God]]'', which Peter attributes to him, but declares the proclamation a divine revelation by stating that his [[God the Father|Father in Heaven]] had revealed it to Peter.<ref name=Yueh >''One teacher: Jesus' teaching role in Matthew's gospel'' by John Yueh-Han Yieh 2004 {{ISBN|3-11-018151-7}} pp. 240–241</ref> In this assertion, by endorsing both titles as divine revelation, Jesus unequivocally declares himself to be both Christ and the Son of God.<ref name=Yueh /><ref>''Jesus God and Man'' by Wolfhart Pannenberg 1968 {{ISBN|0-664-24468-8}} pp. 53–54</ref>

In the Gospel of Matthew, following this episode, Jesus also selects Peter as the leader of the Apostles, and states that "upon this rock, I will build my church".<ref name=Boring />
In {{Bibleverse|Matthew|16:18}} Jesus then continues:
"That thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church". The word "church" (''ekklesia'' in Greek) as used here, appears in the Gospels only once more, in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|18:17}}, and refers to the community of believers at the time.<ref name=Rudolf7 >''The Gospel of Matthew'' by [[Rudolf Schnackenburg]] 2002 {{ISBN|0-8028-4438-3}} pp. 7–9</ref>

===Later Perean ministry===
Following the [[Confession of Peter|proclamation by Peter]], the account of the [[Transfiguration of Jesus]] is the next major event and appears in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|17:1–9}}, {{Bibleverse|Mark|9:2–8}} and {{Bibleverse|Luke|9:28–36}}.<ref name=Barton132 /><ref name=Lee21 /><ref name=Nobbs >''The Content and the Setting of the Gospel Tradition'' by Mark Harding, Alanna Nobbs 2010 {{ISBN|978-0-8028-3318-1}} pp. 281–282</ref> Jesus takes [[Saint Peter|Peter]] and two other apostles with him and goes up to a mountain, which is not named. Once on the mountain, {{Bibleverse|Matthew|17:2}} states that Jesus "was transfigured before them; his face shining as the sun, and his garments became white as the light." At that point, the prophets [[Elijah]] and [[Moses]] appear and Jesus begins to talk to them.<ref name=Lee21 /> Luke is specific in describing Jesus in a state of glory, with {{Bibleverse|Luke|9:32}} referring to "they saw his glory".<ref name=Lee72>''Transfiguration'' by Dorothy A. Lee 2005 {{ISBN|978-0-8264-7595-4}} pp. 72–76</ref> A bright cloud appears around them, and a voice from the cloud states: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him".<ref name=Lee21 />
[[File:S. Apollinare Nuovo Resurr Lazzaro.jpg|thumb|250px|A sixth-century mosaic of the [[Raising of Lazarus]], church of [[Sant'Apollinare Nuovo]], [[Ravenna]], Italy]]
The Transfiguration not only supports the identity of Jesus as the [[Son of God]], (as in his [[Baptism of Jesus|Baptism]]), but the statement "listen to him" identifies him as the messenger and mouth-piece of God.<ref name=Meta47 >''Metamorphosis: The Transfiguration in Byzantine Theology and Iconography'' by Andreas Andreopoulos 2005 {{ISBN|0-88141-295-3}} pp. 47–49</ref> The significance is enhanced by the presence of Elijah and Moses, for it indicates to the apostles that Jesus is the voice of God, and, instead of Elijah or Moses, he should be listened to, by virtue of his filial relationship with God.<ref name=Meta47 /> {{Bibleverse|2 Peter|1:16–18}} echoes the same message: at the Transfiguration, God assigns to Jesus a special "honor and glory" and it is the turning point at which God exalts Jesus above all other powers in creation.<ref>''The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: John's Gospel, Hebrews-Revelation'' by Craig A. Evans {{ISBN|0-7814-4228-1}} pp. 319–320</ref>

Many of the episodes in the Later Judean ministry are from the Gospel of Luke but, in general, these sequence of episodes in Luke do not provide enough geographical information to determine Perea, though scholars generally assume that the route Jesus followed from Galilee to Jerusalem passed through [[Perea (region)|Perea]].<ref name="Bible' p. 929"/> However, the Gospel of John does state that he returned to the area where he was baptized, and {{Bibleverse|John|10:40–42}} states that "many people believed in him beyond the Jordan", saying "all things whatsoever John spake of this man were true".<ref name="Steven L. Cox p. 137"/><ref name="Jesus pp. 211-229"/><ref name="Bible' p. 929"/> The area where Jesus was baptised is inferred as the vicinity of the Perea area, given the activities of the Baptist in [[Bethabara]] and [[Ænon]] in John {{Bibleverse|John|1:28}} and {{Bibleverse|John|3:23}}.<ref name=BigPic /><ref name=Sloyan11 />

This period of ministry includes the [[Five Discourses of Matthew|Discourse on the Church]], in which Jesus anticipates a future community of followers and explains the role of his apostles in leading it.<ref name=Jensen/><ref name="King pp. 215-216">''Behold the King: A Study of Matthew'' by Stanley D. Toussaint 2005 {{ISBN|0-8254-3845-4}} pp. 215–216</ref> It includes the parables of [[The Lost Sheep]] and [[The Unforgiving Servant]] in [[Matthew 18]], which also refer to the Kingdom of Heaven. The general theme of the discourse is the anticipation of a future community of followers, and the role of his apostles in leading it.<ref name="King pp. 215-216" /><ref name=Chouinard />

Addressing his apostles in {{Bibleverse|Matthew|18:18}}, Jesus states: "Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven". The discourse emphasizes the importance of humility and self-sacrifice as the high virtues within the anticipated community. It teaches that in the Kingdom of God, it is personal humility that matters, not social prominence and clout.<ref name="King pp. 215-216"/><ref name=Chouinard >''Matthew'' by Larry Chouinard 1997 {{ISBN|0-89900-628-0}} p. 321</ref>

At the end of this period, the Gospel of John includes the [[Raising of Lazarus]] episode in {{Bibleverse|John|11:1–46}}, in which Jesus brings [[Lazarus of Bethany]] back to life four days after his burial.<ref name=Cox155 >Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 ''Harmony of the Gospels'' {{ISBN|0-8054-9444-8}} pp. 155–170</ref> In the Gospel of John, the raising of Lazarus is the climax of the "seven signs" which gradually confirm the identity of Jesus as the [[Son of God]] and the expected Messiah.<ref name="Kellum312">[https://books.google.com/books?id=g-MG9sFLAz0C&q=%22seven+signs%22&pg=PA312 ''The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament''] by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum 2009 {{ISBN|978-0-8054-4365-3}} pp. 312–313</ref> It is also a ''pivotal episode'' which starts the chain of events that leads to the crowds seeking Jesus on his [[Triumphal entry into Jerusalem]]—leading to the decision of [[Caiaphas]] and the [[Sanhedrin]] to plan to kill Jesus ([[Crucifixion of Jesus]]).<ref>Francis J. Moloney, Daniel J. Harrington, 1998 ''The Gospel of John'' Liturgical Press {{ISBN|0-8146-5806-7}} p. 325</ref>

==Final ministry in Jerusalem==
[[File:Enrique Simonet - Flevit super illam 1892.jpg|thumb|right|350px|''Flevit super illam'' (He wept over it); by [[Enrique Simonet]], 1892.]]
[[File:Giotto - Scrovegni - -26- - Entry into Jerusalem2.jpg|thumb|250px|Jesus [[triumphal entry into Jerusalem|enters Jerusalem]] and the crowds welcome him, by [[Giotto]], 14th century.]]
The final ministry in Jerusalem is traditionally called the [[Passion (Christianity)|Passion]] and begins with Jesus' [[triumphal entry into Jerusalem]] early in the week that includes the [[Last Supper]] and is liturgically marked as [[Holy Week]].<ref name=Cox155 /><ref name=Boring256>''The People's New Testament Commentary'' by M. Eugene Boring, Fred B. Craddock 2004 {{ISBN|0-664-22754-6}} pp. 256–258</ref><ref name=CEvans381>''The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Matthew-Luke, Volume 1'' by Craig A. Evans 2003 {{ISBN|0-7814-3868-3}} pp. 381–395</ref><ref name=M133>''The Synoptics: Matthew, Mark, Luke'' by Ján Majerník, Joseph Ponessa, Laurie Watson Manhardt 2005 {{ISBN|1-931018-31-6}} pp. 133–134</ref><ref name=CAEvans114>''The Bible knowledge background commentary: John's Gospel, Hebrews-Revelation'' by Craig A. Evans {{ISBN|0-7814-4228-1}} pp. 114–118</ref><ref>{{Bibleverse|Matthew|21:1–11}}, {{Bibleverse|Mark|11:1–11}}, {{Bibleverse|Luke|19:28–44}} {{Bibleverse|John|12:12–19}}</ref> The gospels pay special attention to the account of the last week of the life of Jesus in Jerusalem, and the narrative amounts to about one third of the text of the four gospels, showing its theological significance in Christian thought in the [[Early Christianity|Early Church]].<ref name="Turner613" /><ref>''Preaching Through the Christian Year, Year C'' by Fred B. Craddock, John H. Hayes, Carl R. Holladay, Gene M. Tucker 1994 {{ISBN|1-56338-100-1}} p. 172</ref>

Before arriving in Jerusalem, in {{Bibleverse|John|12:9–11}}, after [[Raising of Lazarus|raising Lazarus]] from the dead, crowds gather around Jesus and believe in him, and the next day the multitudes that had gathered for the feast in Jerusalem welcome Jesus as he descends from the [[Mount of Olives]] towards Jerusalem in
{{Bibleverse|Matthew|21:1–11}}, {{Bibleverse|Mark|11:1–11}},{{Bibleverse|Luke|19:28–44}} and {{Bibleverse|John|12:12–19}}.<ref name=Boring256 /><ref name=CEvans381 /><ref name=M133 /><ref name=MacArthur17>''John 12–21'' by John MacArthur 2008 {{ISBN|978-0-8024-0824-2}} pp. 17–18</ref> In {{Bibleverse|Luke|19:41–44}} as Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he looks at the city and weeps over it, foretelling the suffering that awaits the city.<ref name=Boring256 /><ref name=M133 /><ref name=Mills1032>''Mercer Commentary on the New Testament'' by Watson E. Mills 2003 {{ISBN|0-86554-864-1}} pp. 1032–1036</ref>

[[File:Giotto - Scrovegni - -27- - Expulsion of the Money-changers from the Temple.jpg|thumb|250px|''[[Cleansing of the Temple|Casting out the Money Changers]]'' by [[Giotto]], 14th century]]
In the three Synoptic Gospels, entry into Jerusalem is followed by the [[Cleansing of the Temple]] episode, in which Jesus expels the money changers from the Temple, accusing them of turning the Temple to a den of thieves through their commercial activities. This is the only account of Jesus using physical force in any of the Gospels.<ref name=CAEvans49>''The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary'' by Craig A. Evans 2005 {{ISBN|0-7814-4228-1}} p. 49</ref><ref name=Bromiley571>''The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia'' by Geoffrey W. Bromiley 1988 {{ISBN|0-8028-3785-9}} pp. 571–572</ref><ref name=Anderson158>''The Fourth Gospel And the Quest for Jesus'' by Paul N. Anderson 2006 {{ISBN|0-567-04394-0}} p. 158</ref> The synoptics include a number of well known [[parables of Jesus|parables]] and sermons such as the [[Widow's mite]] and the [[Second Coming Prophecy]] during the week that follows.<ref name=Boring256 /><ref name=CEvans381 />

In that week, the synoptics also narrate conflicts between Jesus and the elders of the Jews, in episodes such as the [[Authority of Jesus Questioned]] and the [[Woes of the Pharisees]], in which Jesus criticizes their hypocrisy.<ref name=Boring256 /><ref name=CEvans381 /> [[Judas Iscariot]], one of the [[twelve apostles]], approaches the Jewish elders and performs the "[[Bargain of Judas]]" in which he accepts to betray Jesus and hand him over to the elders.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Matthew|26:14–16}}, {{Bibleverse|Mark|14:10–11}}, {{Bibleverse|Luke|22:1–6}}</ref><ref name=Lockyer106>''All the Apostles of the Bible'' by Herbert Lockyer 1988 {{ISBN|0-310-28011-7}} p. 106–111</ref><ref>''The Synoptic Gospels and the Book of Acts'' by Doremus Almy Hayes 2009 {{ISBN|1-115-87731-3}} p. 88</ref> Matthew specifies the price as [[thirty silver coins]].<ref name=Lockyer106 />

In [[Matthew 24]], [[Mark 13]] and [[Luke 21]], Jesus provides a ''Discourse on the End Times'', which is also called the [[Olivet Discourse]] because it was given on the [[Mount of Olives]].<ref name=Jensen /> The discourse is mostly about judgment and the expected conduct of the followers of Jesus, and the need for vigilance by the followers in view of the [[Last Judgment|coming judgment]].<ref name=Leon>''The Gospel according to Matthew'' by Leon Morris 1992 {{ISBN|0-85111-338-9}} pp. 593–596</ref> The discourse is generally viewed as referring both to the coming destruction of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], as well as the End Times and [[Second Coming of Christ]], but the many scholarly opinions about which verses refer to which event remain divided.<ref name=Chouinard /><ref name=Leon />

A key episode in the final part of the ministry of Jesus is the [[Last Supper]], which includes the ''[[Eucharist|Institution of the Eucharist]]''. In {{Bibleverse|Matthew|26:26–29}}, {{Bibleverse|Mark|14:22–25}}, {{Bibleverse|Luke|22:19–20}} during the last supper, Jesus takes bread, breaks it and gives it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body which is given for you". He also gives them "the cup" to drink, saying this is his blood. While it may have been fermented, none of the biblical accounts refer to it as wine, but rather as "the fruit of the vine" or "the cup".
In {{bibleverse|1Cor.|11:23–26|9|1 Corinthians 11:23–26}}, [[Paul the Apostle]] refers to the Last Supper.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Bibleverse|Matthew|26:20}}, {{Bibleverse|Mark|14:17}}, {{Bibleverse|Luke|22:21–23}}, {{Bibleverse|John|13:1}}</ref><ref name=SCox180>Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 ''Harmony of the Gospels'' {{ISBN|0-8054-9444-8}} pp. 180–191</ref><ref name=Fahlbusch52>''The encyclopedia of Christianity, Volume 4'' by Erwin Fahlbusch, 2005 {{ISBN|978-0-8028-2416-5}} pp. 52–56</ref><ref name=CEvans465>''The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary'' by Craig A. Evans 2003 {{ISBN|0-7814-3868-3}} pp. 465–477</ref> {{Bibleverse|John|14–17}} concludes the Last Supper with a long, three chapter sermon known as the [[Farewell Discourse]] which prepares the disciples for the [[Ascension of Christ|departure of Jesus]].<ref name=Gail142>''John'' by [[Gail R. O'Day]], Susan Hylen 2006 {{ISBN|978-0-664-25260-1}}, Chapter 15: The Farewell Discourse, pp. 142–168</ref><ref name=Herman546>''The Gospel according to John'' by [[Herman Nicolaas Ridderbos|Herman Ridderbos]] 1997 {{ISBN|978-0-8028-0453-2}} ''The Farewell Prayer'': pp. 546–576</ref>
<gallery perrow="4">
File:Brooklyn Museum - Woe unto You, Scribes and Pharisees (Malheur à vous, scribes et pharisiens) - James Tissot.jpg|[[Woes of the Pharisees|Woes of Pharisees]]
File:Duccio di Buoninsegna - Pact of Judas - WGA06789.jpg|[[Bargain of Judas]]
File:Juan de Juanes 002.jpg|[[Last Supper]] and [[Eucharist]]
File:Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles.jpg|[[Farewell Discourse]]
</gallery>

==See also==
:'''Gospels and theology'''
* [[Christ myth theory]]
* [[Gospel harmony]]
* [[Historical Jesus]]
* [[Jesus Seminar]]
* [[Jesus in Christianity]]
* [[Life of Christ in art|Life of Christ]] in art
* [[Life of Jesus in the New Testament]]
* [[Miracles of Jesus]]
* [[Parables of Jesus]]

:'''Associated places'''
* [[Al-Maghtas]]
* [[Qasr el Yahud]]

== Notes ==
{{NoteFoot}}

== References ==
; Citations
{{Reflist}}

{{Clear}}
{{Jesus footer}}
{{Parables of Jesus}}
{{Miracles of Jesus}}
{{Sermon on the Mount}}
{{History of the Catholic Church}}
{{Catholic Church footer}}
{{History of Christianity}}
{{Christianity footer}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ministry Of Jesus}}
[[Category:Life of Jesus in the New Testament]]