Chapter 1

1:2 - Mark claims that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy given in Malachi (3:1, 4:1, 5). But the Malachi prophecy says that God will send Elijah before "the great and dreadful day of the LORD" in which the world will be consumed by fire. Yet John the Baptist flatly denied that he was Elijah (Elias) in John 1:21 and the earth was not destroyed after John's appearance.

* In Malachi 3:1 and 4:1, he is clearly referring to John the Baptist.  In Malachi 4:5, he mentions Elijah because he is indicating that this forerunner of Christ will have the same kind of spirit as Elijah.

* John the Baptist did come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord.  This prophecy was fulfilled.  The Bible never gave a specific timetable for "the great and dreadful day of the Lord."

1:11 - In this gospel, Jesus is addressed directly by God saying, "Thou art my beloved son." While in Matthew (3:17), God addresses those witnessing the baptism of Jesus. ("This is my beloved son.")

* Matthew and Mark record God saying, "This is my beloved Son, whom I am well pleased."  Since Matthew and Mark have written in this tense, it indicates that God is endorsing Jesus Christ and His ministry; not for His conscious or self-esteem, but for the benefit of others. 

* Luke writes, "You are my beloved Son, whom I am well pleased."  Since Luke has written in this tense, it indicates that God is directly endorsing Jesus Christ and His ministry.  It is likely that both statements were made and an omission was made by each writer.  In the Greek text, there is a very small difference between the two statements.

1:12-13 - Mark says that Jesus went "immediately" into the wilderness after his baptism where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. But the gospel of John (1:35, 43; 2:1) denies this by describing the call of disciples and the wedding at Cana, which he says took place on the days immediately following his baptism.

* John does not record Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.  Therefore, this is simply an argument from silence.  The gospels overlap and record different events.  They do not contradict, though.

* If the gospel of John recorded Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and asserted it happened at a different time than the accounts of Matthew or Mark, then there may be a contradiction.  However, this is not the case.

* In short, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness after his baptism (like it says in John).  The busy days after his baptism happened afterwards.  This is evidenced by Mark 1:16 where Jesus, after his time in the wilderness, began calling His disciples - like it says He did in John 1:40.

1:14-16 - In Mark, John the Baptist is imprisoned before Peter and Andrew are called. But the order is reversed in John (1:40, 3:22-24).

* Mark and John are recording different times when John the Baptist was thrown in prison.  Neither of these accounts specify any details about when or why he was imprisoned.  Therefore, it is impossible to say they are both recalling the same time.

1:23-24 - "Unclean spirits" confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. If 1 Jn.4:2 is true, then these "unclean spirits" are of God.

* 1 John 4:2 was written after Jesus Christ had come and gone.  John wasn't referring to the spirits that talked to Jesus Christ.  John is helping his readers identify spirits that are against Christ.

* 1 John 4:2 states that all spirits that confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are of God.  All spirits that deny that He came are against Him.

1:23-24 - Are those who believe Jesus is the Christ of God? No.

* These verses are about demons.  Incidentally, the word used here is "know" and not "believe."  The demons recognized Jesus, but they were unable to get saved because salvation is offered only to humans.  They had been angels, sinned, and fallen from grace.

1:25 - Jesus rebukes the "unclean spirit" for saying that Jesus is "the holy one of God."

* Jesus cast the unclean spirit out of a man in order to help this man.  This evil spirit had entered this man and Jesus was not happy about it.

1:32, 34 - Jesus casts out more devils and tells them not to reveal who he is.

* Verse 34 simply says that Jesus did not allow the demons to speak because they knew Him.  If Jesus didn't want them to reveal His identity, which may or may not have been the case, it was because He had an earthly mission and perfect timing.  He had much to do and didn't want certain things to happen before they were meant to happen. 

* If literally everyone knew He was the Messiah, at the beginning of His ministry, it could have caused numerous problems.  For example, He didn't want to be delivered to the Romans and crucified before it was time.  Another example is the mathematical prophecy He fulfilled by entering Jerusalem, as Messiah the King, on Palm Sunday.  In order to fulfill Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 9:20-26, He had to enter Jerusalem, in this manner, on this exact day.

Chapter 2

2:25-26 - Was David alone when he asked for the holy bread at Nob?

* David was getting the bread to feed him and some men.  These men are mentioned in 1 Samuel 21:5 and in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  However, when he was in front of the priest, he was alone.  This is why the priest identifies him as alone, but inquires about the men.  This is also why the gospel writers indicate the bread was for David and his men that were with him.  They were with him, but in this scene, they were not in the same room.

2:26 - Jesus said the high priest's name was Abiathar, but 1 Sam.21:1 says the high priest was Ahimelech.

* Jesus specifically said it was, "in the time of Abiathar the high priest."  Jesus never said Abiathar was the high priest.  Abiathar is mentioned in 1 Samuel 22.  Therefore, the preceding chapter could be considered, "in the time of Abiathar the high priest."

Chapter 3

3:11 - More "unclean spirits" confess that Jesus is "the son of God." 1 Jn.4:2 says that all such spirits are of God.

* 1 John 4:2 was written after Jesus Christ had come and gone.  John wasn't referring to the spirits that talked to Jesus Christ.  John is helping his readers identify spirits that are against Christ.

* 1 John 4:2 states that all spirits that confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are of God.  All spirits that deny that He came are against Him.

3:11 - Are those who believe Jesus is the Christ of God? No.

* This verse is about unclean spirits recognizing Jesus Christ.  It isn't about humans believing in Him.

3:11-12 - Although the disciples weren't sure about Jesus even after his alleged resurrection, the "unclean spirits" knew that he was "the son of God." But Jesus told them not to tell anyone.

* Only some people doubted Jesus' resurrection.  It makes sense that some people wouldn't be convinced.

3:15 - Jesus gives his apostles the power to heal sickness and "cast out devils."

* This is correct.

3:18 - Mark says that Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles, but his name is not included in the lists given in Luke (6:14-16) or Acts (1:13), which list Judas the brother of James instead.

* Judas Lebbaeus was also called Thaddeus.  This is the same person.  Since Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ, leading to His death, Matthew and Mark use Judas Labbaeus' other name - Thaddeus.  They didn't want readers to get him confused with the evil Judas.  Luke simply uses his "family" or "given" name.

3:21 - Jesus' friends think he is insane.

* After Jesus healed some people, cast out some unclean spirits, and chose twelve people from the multitude that was following Him, some people thought He was insane.  Incidentally, they didn't get chosen as His apostles.

3:22 - The scribes think that Jesus casts out devils by the power of the prince of devils, Beelzebub.

* This is true.

3:29 - Jesus becomes angry at those who said that he had "an unclean spirit," so he announces the unforgivable sin: "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost."

* Jesus tells them that they would be held accountable for their unbelief and attributing the Holy Spirit's works to acts of demons.

3:31-34 - Jesus shows disrespect for his mother and family by asking, "Who is my mother, or my brethren?" when he is told that his family wants to speak with him.

* Jesus doesn't put down His earthly family.  However, He elevates the status of His eternal family.

Chapter 4

4:11-12 - Jesus explains why he speaks in parables: to confuse people so they will go to hell.

* Jesus spoke in parables for many reasons.  One reason is that the people would hear them and understand greater, spiritual truths.  The people who really wanted the answers received them (and still do, today).

4:25 - Jesus says that those who have been less fortunate in this life will have it even worse in the life to come.

* Jesus is simply stating that people who love God and are given things from Him will be given even more.  Those that don't trust or believe in Him will lose the little that they have.

4:31 - Jesus is incorrect when he says that the mustard seed is the smallest seed.

* Jesus didn't say it was the smallest seed.  He said it was the "least."

Chapter 5

5:2 - Mark says there was only one Gadarene demoniac, but Matthew (8:28) says there were two.

* Jesus did heal this man who was possessed.  There were two men, but only one spoke.  This is why Luke and Mark omit the other man.  Luke and Mark do not say there was "only one man."

5:7 - A man possessed with "an unclean spirit" recognizes Jesus as the son of God. According to 1 Jn.4:2, 15, this man must have been "of God."

* 1 John 4:2 was written after Jesus Christ had come and gone.  John wasn't referring to the spirits that talked to Jesus Christ.  John is helping his readers identify spirits that are against Christ.

* 1 John 4:2 states that all spirits that confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are of God.  All spirits that deny that He came are against Him.

5:12-13 - Jesus sends the devils into 2000 pigs, causing them to jump off a cliff and be drowned in the sea. When the people hear about it, they beg Jesus to leave.

* These people who owned the swine were Jews living on the outskirts of the country.  Why did they raise unclean animals?  They were supposed to avoid eating and touching these animals.

* Jesus cast the demons into the pigs.  The demons caused the pigs to kill themselves.  Jesus didn't cause the pigs to kill themselves.

5:23 - Mark says that Jarius' daughter is dying when Jesus is approached, but Matthew (9:18) says that she is already dead.

* In Luke and Mark, this Greek word for "dying" is better translated "dead."  Jarius' daughter was dead when he approached Jesus for help.

5:27 - Are those who believe Jesus is the Christ of God? No.

* This verse is about a woman who touched Jesus in faith.  She believed in Him and her faith made her well.

5:39-42 - Jesus raises Jarius' daughter from the dead, contrary to many bible verses that deny the existence of an afterlife.

* Yes, Jesus raised his daughter from the dead.

* See "Special Questions" for more on this.

Chapter 6

6:2-5 - Jesus is rejected by those who knew him the best, the people from his home town of Nazareth. "And he could do there no mighty work." If so, then how could he be omnipotent as he claims to be in Mt.28:18?

* At this point in His ministry, these people recognized His "mighty works," but still doubted.

* In Mark 6:5, he states that Jesus couldn't do mighty works because of their unbelief.  This doesn't mean that God's power is limited.  Faith activates God's power.  Since these people didn't believe, they didn't receive the mighty miracles of God.

* In Matthew 28:18, Jesus indicates that His Spirit would be with His disciples.

6:8-9 - Jesus tells his disciples to wear sandals and carry a staff. But in Matthew (10:10) he tells them to go barefoot and not carry staves.

* In this verse, Jesus clearly tells His disciples not to take a lot of things, including "staves" (plural).  In Mark 6:8 and 9, Jesus tells them the same things, but tells them to take "one staff" (singular).  Jesus was telling them not to take multiple staves, but they were permitted to take one.

* Jesus never told His disciples that they had to go barefoot.  This Greek word for "provide," in the phrase "provide neither . . . ," is also translated "get" or "acquire."  Jesus is simply telling His disciples not to go and get extra sandals.

6:11 - Any city that doesn't "receive" the followers of Jesus will be destroyed in a manner even more savage than that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

* The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were extremely wicked and unrepentant.  They received God's judgment, too.

* These cities that rejected the disciples and the gospel will be punished severely as well.

6:14-15 - There was much disagreement and confusion about Jesus' identity. Some thought he was Elijah or one of the prophets. And some (like Herod in this verse) thought he was the risen John the Baptist, even though John had just recently died and the people must have known what he looked like.

* Herod simply thought this was John the Baptist because he had put him to death.  This wasn't necessarily a widespread belief.

* Herod wasn't a follower of Jesus Christ.  According to the gospels, none of Jesus' followers ever asked Him if He was John the Baptist.  The only accounts of this allegation were when Peter admitted He was the Messiah and when Herod was confused.

* The gospel writers knew and recognized Jesus Christ as the Messiah.  These writers knew He wasn't John the Baptist.  Therefore, their resurrection accounts can surely be trusted.

6:20 - Has there ever been a just person?

* Yes. There have been some just people.  The apparent confusion lies only in Ecclesiastes 7:20.  However, the writer is stating that there are no perfect people.  In his new "circle of friends," there surely weren't any godly people (and definitely nobody perfect).

Chapter 7

7:9-13 - Jesus criticizes the Jews for not killing their disobedient children as required by Old Testament law. (See Ex.21:15, Lev.20:9, Dt.21:18-21)

* The Pharisees had created a doctrine ("the tradition of the elders") that stated a person must wash their hands before eating.  This doctrine included a belief about an evil spirit that sat on their hands during the night and if a person did not wash his or her hands before eating, this spirit would make the food hurtful for them! 

* Jesus indicated that the Pharisees were trying to make Him and His followers obey a foolish law that they created.  He also told them that they weren't following or understanding the law that was given by God.

7:22 - Jesus talks about the "evil eye."

* According to Mark 7:21 and 22, Jesus simply stated that, "From within, out of the heart of men proceeds . . . an evil eye . . ."

7:24, 31 - Ezekiel (26:14, 21, 27:36) prophesied that Tyre would be completely destroyed, never to be built again. But it wasn't destroyed and continued to exist, as shown by this verse in which Jesus visits Tyre.

* In 1291 A.D., Tyre was destroyed by the Mamluks.

* These verses in Ezekiel never give a timetable for the destruction of Tyre.

7:25-29 - Jesus initially refuses to cast out a devil from a Syrophoenician woman's daughter, calling the woman a "dog". After much pleading, he finally agrees to cast out the devil.

* Jesus made it clear that He had been sent to the Israelites, first.  However, His mission was to save all.  When He heals her daughter, this is made clear.

7:33 - Jesus puts his fingers in a deaf man's ears, then spits and touches the deaf man's tongue.

* This is correct.  He also heals this man.

Chapter 8

8:4 - The disciples ought to know by now where they can get enough food to feed a few thousand. After all, Jesus had just done it before (6:34-44). This "doublet" was probably the result of two oral traditions of the same event.

* These are two, clear and distinctly different accounts.  There is no evidence that they are fictional.

8:12 - Jesus says he will not give any signs, but the gospel of John (3:2, 20:30) and Acts (2:22) say that he performed many.

* Jesus did many signs and miracles.  However, when the unbelievers, that wanted to mock Him disbelieved these signs and miracles and asked for a special sign (just for them and their egos), He would not give it to them.

8:23 - Jesus spits on a blind man's eyes. Why don't televangelists spit on people when healing them?

* This is the method Jesus used to heal this man.

8:27-28 - There were various opinions about the identity of Jesus. Some thought he was Elijah or one of the prophets. And many thought he was a risen John the Baptist. With credulity like that just about anyone could later be passed off as the risen Christ.

* Herod simply thought this was John the Baptist because he had put him to death.  This wasn't necessarily a widespread belief.

* Herod wasn't a follower of Jesus Christ.  According to the gospels, none of Jesus' followers ever asked Him if He was John the Baptist.  The only accounts of this allegation were when Peter admitted He was the Messiah and when Herod was confused.

* The gospel writers knew and recognized Jesus Christ as the Messiah.  These writers knew He wasn't John the Baptist.  Therefore, their resurrection accounts can surely be trusted.

8:31 - Jesus explains to his disciples about his death and resurrection. Yet the gospel of John (20:8-9) claims that the disciples "knew not ... that he must rise again from the dead."

* John 20:9 states that the disciples at the tomb had not understood, from the scriptures, that Jesus' would be resurrected.  Nonetheless, Jesus had told them and this verse does not contradict this fact.

Chapter 9

9:1 - Jesus falsely prophesies that the end of the world will come within his listeners' lifetimes.

* This passage does not say that Jesus will return and establish His kingdom within their lifetime.  It reads, "And He said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.'”

* This passage is likely referring to John (and possibly others).  In Revelation (see 4:1), John is present in Heaven and has an awesome experience - He sees inside the Kingdom of God, he sees Jesus, etc.  This all happened, of course, before John's death.

* This Greek word for "coming" can also be translated "appearing."

9:2 - Mark says the transfiguration occurred six days after Jesus' false prophecy, but Luke (9:28) says it was eight days after.

* Luke clearly states, ". . . about eight days after these things . . ."  Matthew says, "After six days . . ."  Neither author indicates which event they were referring to as the starting point for their days.  Therefore, it is impossible to impose a contradiction.

9:13 - Jesus says that John the Baptist was Elijah, but John the Baptist explicitly denies it in Jn.1:21.

* Jesus didn't believe that Elijah was John the Baptist.  Jesus indicated that there would be a forerunner to precede Him that had the same spirit of power as Elijah.  This person was John the Baptist.

9:17, 25 - Jesus heals a boy with "a dumb spirit" by saying, "Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him and enter no more into him." (Sounds like a script from Monty Python, doesn't it?) But how could a deaf spirit hear the words spoken to it? And how could a dumb spirit cry out?

* Jesus was likely calling this a "dumb and deaf spirit" because it was making the boy dumb and deaf; not because the spirit was dumb and deaf.  At any rate, it was commanded to respond to Jesus Christ and it obeyed Him.

9:17, 25 - Who makes people deaf and blind? Foul spirits.

* Exodus 4:11 shows that God makes people a variety of ways.  He even allows people to be mute, deaf, and blind.  God is so sovereign and in control that even when he allows something to happen it could be said that He made it happen.  This is why there is some confusion here.

* Foul spirits are still under God's control.  However, He allows them to do certain things for certain reasons.

9:19 - Jesus gets mad at his disciples for failing to cast out a devil and says, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?

* Jesus had given them the power to cast our devils.  However, they couldn't utilize it correctly and do it.  Therefore, Jesus was upset.

9:38 - The disciples saw some others that they didn't know "casting out devils" in Jesus' name. (It was a popular sport back in those days.)

* Yes, someone else was casting out devils in Jesus' name.  The Bible doesn't indicate that exorcising devils was a sport, though.

9:38 - Who can cast out devils in the name of Jesus?  Others can do it, too.

* In the following verses after 38, we see that these people who were casting out demons in Jesus' name were also followers of Jesus; even though they weren't known by the disciples.

9:40 - Jesus says that those who are not against him are for him. But elswhere he says that those who are not for him are against him.

* These are semantic arguments regarding the English translations and they are unnecessary because the Greek is much simpler.  Luke 11:23 reads, "Opposition gathers and scatters."  Mark 9:40 reads, "Opposition is not superior (to Me)."  These are complementary statements.

9:43-48 - Does Hell exist? Yes.

* These verses clearly mention Hell.

9:43-49 - Jesus tells us to cut off our hands and feet, and pluck out our eyes to avoid going to hell.

* This isn't a literal commandment.  Jesus is saying this to indicate the depravity of sin and God's hatred for it.

Chapter 10

10:11 - In this verse Jesus condemns all divorces, but exceptions are made in in other verses.

* Mark 10:11, Luke 16:18, Matthew 5:32, and Matthew 19:9 are all different statements, made by Jesus, about divorce.  They don't contradict each other, though.  They complement each other.

* First, Jesus makes it clear that God created man and woman to enter into a covenant with God to stay married.  He quotes Genesis, too.  This is the ideal.

* Here are the things that we learn from these four statements by Jesus:

1) If a husband or wife divorces the other and marries another, then they commit adultery (Mark 10:11).  Since no reasons or circumstances are given, Jesus is obviously talking about divorce without fornication.

2) If a husband divorces his wife and marries another, then he commits adultery.  If the divorced wife marries another, then she commits adultery (Luke 16:18).  Once again, Jesus is talking about divorce without fornication being the cause.

3) If a husband divorces his wife for any reason besides fornication, then he causes her to commit adultery.  Whoever marries this divorced woman commits adultery (Matthew 5:32).  Now, Jesus is giving instructions about a married person who commits fornication.

4) If a husband divorces his wife for any reason besides fornication and marries another woman, he commits adultery.  Whoever marries this divorced woman commits adultery (Matthew 19:9).  Once again, Jesus is giving instructions about a married person who commits fornication.

* It is obvious from the text that the first two verses are toward people who have not committed fornication.  The third and fourth verses are given to people who have committed fornication.  These don't contradict each other, but they give instructions to people in different circumstances.  Furthermore, they aren't taken from the same times and places in Jesus' ministry, so they cannot be misquotes or omissions.

* 1 Corinthians 7:15 addresses another circumstance.  Paul gives instructions to spouses who have an unbelieving husband or wife that abandons them.  They are no longer in bondage to them.

10:15 - Jesus says that one must have a childish faith in order to be saved. But poor Paul in 1 Cor.13:11 says that he "put away childish things" and by so doing, if the words of Jesus are true, made his salvation impossible.

* Jesus is making a comparison between the heart and qualities of young people and the heart and qualities of a person that has saving faith in Jesus Christ.

* In 1 Corinthians 13:11, this Greek word for "childish" can be better interpreted "immature."  Paul is contrasting the immature things of youth with maturity.  There is no contradiction here.  There are simply two, different aspects of children that are being compared and contrasted.

10:18 - Jesus says that no one is good except for God. He also seems to be saying he is neither good nor God.

* By reading the text in verse 16, we know that this person didn't recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah.  In fact, He called Jesus, "Good Teacher."  This is the reason for Jesus' response.

10:18 - Is anyone good? No.

* In verse 17, a man called Jesus "Good teacher."  Jesus was making a point that He wasn't simply a "Good teacher."  He was the perfect Son of God and He should have been recognized as such.

10:19 - When Jesus lists the "ten" commandments, he only mentions five -- the humanistic ones that make no mention of God. He also gives one that is not included in the so-called ten commandments: "defraud not." Just where he got this one is anyone's guess.

* Jesus never claims to list the "ten commandments" here.  Therefore, there is no chance that He tried and failed.

* Jesus is referring to Leviticus 19:13.  It reads, "You shall not defraud your neighbor . . ."

10:25 - Jesus says that rich people cannot go to heaven.

* Jesus never says that rich people can't go to Heaven.  However, He does recognize that it is difficult for them to go to Heaven because they often rely on their riches instead of God.

10:29-30 - Jesus will reward men who abandon their wives and families.

* These scriptures state that Peter left all and followed Jesus Christ.  It doesn't indicate the nature of his relationship with his wife.

* Jesus' public ministry lasted approximately 3 years.  During this time when the faultless, Son of God walked the Earth, many people forsook their daily routines and regular responsibilities in order to learn from Him, please Him, and help Him.

10:34 - Jesus explains again (see 8:31) to his disciples about his death and resurrection. Yet John (20:9) claims that the disciples "knew not ... that he must rise again from the dead."

* John 20:9 states that the disciples at the tomb had not understood, from the scriptures, that Jesus would be resurrected.  Nonetheless, Jesus had told them and this verse does not contradict this fact.

10:42-43 - Does God approve of slavery?

* This verse doesn't mention anything about slaves.  Nonetheless, the Bible never condones owning slaves.  It only gives laws to curtail it and eventually end it.  See 1 Corinthians 13 for God's will regarding the ethical treatment of other humans.

10:45 - Was Jesus a ransom for many or for all? For many.

* This verse says Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many; not all (as it says in 1 Timothy 2:6).  However, the Hebrew word that is translated into the English word "ransom" is different, so that's why we have see an alleged error.

* In Mark 10:45 and Matthew 20:28, the simple Hebrew word "lutron" is translated "ransom."  It means to "loosen" or a "redemption price (figuratively ransom)."  In 1 Timothy 2:6, the compound Hebrew word "antilutron" is used.  It refers to substitution and a "redemption price."  Therefore, Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many and a substitutionary, redemptive price for all.

10:46 - Were one or two blind men healed near Jericho? Mark and Luke (18:35) say there was only one, but Matthew (20:30) says there were two.

* There were two blind men that received their sight.  As is customary, Mark and Luke simply mention the man that spoke and omitted the man who did not speak.

Chapter 11

11:7 - Matthew (21:7) says that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on both and ass and a colt, John 12:14 says the rode on an ass, but Mark and Luke (19:35) say he rode on a colt. Which is was it?

* John 12:14 states that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young ass.  This Greek word in Mark 11:17 and Luke 19:35 indicates that Jesus rode on a "young ass," also.

* Matthew 21:7 tells us that there was a "young ass" for Jesus and also another animal for the other disciples.

11:13-14 - Jesus kills a fig tree for not bearing figs, even though it was out of season. He did this to show the world how much God hates figs.

* Jesus was giving an illustration of the Jews and their lack of spiritual fruit and readiness.  Right after they "didn't recognize the time of their visitation" (by the Messiah), He cursed the fig tree.  The Jews (and the fig tree) may have not felt like it was the perfect time for the harvest, but according to God, it was.

11:20 - The fig tree immediately dies in Matthew (21:19-20), but it doesn't die until morning in Mark's account. Also, the curse is worded differently in the two gospels

* The fig tree's leaves withered away, immediately.  However, 1) not all of the disciples were there to witness this miracle and 2) its roots were not seen as withered until the next day. Mark records them passing the fig tree, Jesus cursing it and teaching His disciples, both from and to Jerusalem.  Matthew only records the events regarding the fig tree on the way to Jerusalem. 

* Here is Mark's record of the trip from Jerusalem: Mark 11:12-14 reads, "Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, 'Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.' And His disciples heard it."

* Here is Mark's record of the fig tree on the way to Jerusalem (the next day): Mark 11:20 and 21 reads, "Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, 'Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.'"

* Here is Matthew's record of the fig tree on the way to Jerusalem (also, the next day) Matthew 21:18-20 reads, "Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, 'Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately the fig tree withered away.
And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, 'How did the fig tree wither away so soon?'"  Simply because Mark's passage doesn't mention its leaves and their immediate withering, this doesn't mean that the fig tree's leaves didn't wither immediately. Jesus likely had a large group around Him and for every person to see and be present for every action He made and every word He said would be unreasonable. Furthermore, Mark isn't responsible for including every word that Jesus spoke or every reaction that was made by His followers. 

* Mark 11:20-21 reads, "Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.  And Peter, remembering, said to Him, 'Rabbi, look!  The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.'"  In this passage, we see a more emphatic statement because something new has been witnessed.  Some of the disciples had seen Jesus make the fig tree's leaves wither away (Mark 11:12-14).  However, it isn't cited as "dried up to/from the roots" until the next day (Mark 11:20-21 and Matthew 21:18-20).  This is typical and consistent with the withering of a plant.  First, the top is seen withered, then the roots are found withered, too.  It was apparently unearthed by the next day. 

* Peter may or may not have been there for the miracle on the first day.  However, this is immaterial because the next day, as Mark points out, Peter exclaims that the entire fig tree is withered - its leaves and its roots. 

Here is the chronology from Matthew:
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt.
The people laid down palms and proclaimed He was King.
Jesus cleansed the temple and healed people.
He and some disciples went out of Bethany.
In the morning, He and some disciples were returning to "the city" and saw the fig tree on the road.
Jesus cursed the fig tree, it withered and some of His disciples noticed it. (Matthew 21:18-20)
Jesus taught them about faith.
Jesus and some disciples returned to the temple.

Here is the chronology from Mark:
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt.
The people laid down palms and proclaimed He was King.
Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem. No details are given.
He left and went to Bethany with His 12 apostles.
He left Bethany and on the road, with some of the disciples, He cursed the fig tree. (11:12-14)
Jesus and some disciples went to the temple in Jerusalem and He cleansed it.
He left the city, in the evening.
In the morning, He and some disciples passed by the cursed fig tree.
Peter exclaimed that it and its roots were withered. (11:18-20)
Jesus taught them on faith.
Jesus returned to the temple in Jerusalem.

* In short, these stories don't contradict.  We have more details in Mark, though.  Jesus passed the fig tree twice.  He was with some different people and some of the same people on each passing, therefore He taught them about it, twice.

11:23-24 - If you do "not doubt in your heart" you can cast a mountain into the sea (or kill a fig tree, or whatever).

* Figuratively, this is true!  Christians with faith can move mountains of sin, shame, and weakness from their lives.

Chapter 12

* This verse refers to life after death; not life on Earth.

12:29, 32 - How many gods are there?

* There is one God.  See "Special Questions" for more on this.

12:31 - Jesus quotes Lev.19:18: "Love thy neighbor as thyself." This is by far the best verse in Leviticus, and one of the best in the entire bible. But in the next chapter of Leviticus, God orders us to kill wizards (20:6), children who are disrespectful toward their parents (20:9), adulterers (20:10), and homosexuals (20:13). And throughout the Old Testament, God encourages the Israelites to kill their neighbors every chance they get. (See Numbers 31 and 1 Samuel 15 for just two of many examples.)

* God didn't order us to kill wizards.  He told the ancient Israelites to put them to death for their rejection of God and decision to embrace evil spirits.  Furthermore, God decreed capital punishment was the appropriate punishment for several, wicked crimes, as citizens and lawmakers do, today.  In this case, He drew the line and the Israelites were to avoid crossing it.

* Concerning Numbers 31 and 1 Samuel 15, Israel fought many wars.  God often gave the spiritual reason for these wars, but there were surely other reasons, too.  It isn't always wrong to go to war.

12:35-37 - Jesus denies being a descendent of David. But this contradicts many Bible verses.

* Jesus never denies being a descendant of David.  In fact, He asks the Pharisees about the Messiah and they indicate He must come from David.  However, Christ asks them about a passage where David calls Him Lord and reveals that this person called Christ is also one with God.

Chapter 13

13:13 - What must you do to be saved? Endure to the end.

* If we begin reading at verse 12, we see that verse 13 is referring to earthly live being saved; not salvation of the soul.

13:17 - In the last days God will make things especially rough on pregnant women.

* God doesn't hate pregnant and nursing women.  Conversely, He loves them and gives them a warning about their hardships in the days of persecution.

13:24-25 - "In those days ... the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall." Of course this is nonsense. The billions of stars will never fall to earth and the moon does not produce its own light.

* Jesus never claims that billions of stars will fall to earth.

* Jesus never identifies the moon as an independent light source.

* These prophecies closely resemble the ones in Revelation.

13:26 - Will Jesus' second coming be visible to all?

* Yes.  In John 14:19, Jesus is simply saying that He was leaving the Earth, soon.  He states that, ". . . the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me . . ."

13:30 - Jesus shows that he is a false prophet by predicting his return and the end of the world within the lifetime of his listeners.

* This Greek word for "generation" also means "age."  Jesus is simply saying that the "church age," which was being ushered into existence, would not pass away until everything was fulfilled.  This is true.

13:31 - Jesus says that heaven won't last forever; and neither will the earth, contrary to other bible passages.

* In Ecclesiastes 1:4, this Hebrew word "forever" is better translated "concealed the vanishing point."  A better translation is this: "One generation passes away and another generation comes, but the Earth stands and its vanishing point is concealed."  No, the Earth won't last forever.

13:32 - There are some things that Jesus doesn't know -- like when the end of the world will come.

* In John 16:30 and 21:17, people are talking to Jesus and proclaiming that He knows everything.  Compared to what these people knew, they were correct.

* Colossians 2:2 and 3 are referring to the risen Christ.  All knowledge and wisdom are in Jesus Christ and God the Father.

Chapter 14

14:7 - In Matthew (28:20), Jesus says he will always be with his disciples, but he says the opposite in this verse.

* In Matthew 28:20, Jesus is referring to His Spirit and not His literal body.  In this verse, He is talking about His literal body.

14:12 - Was Jesus crucified the day before or the day after the Passover meal? The day after.

* This verse says it was the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, and the disciples ate their Passover meal.  This was also the day when Jesus was crucified.  This day was also called the Preparation Day of the Passover.

14:22-24 - Jesus tells his disciples to eat his body and drink his blood.

* Jesus institutes communion (also called "The Lord's Supper").  This was obviously symbolic because His disciples didn't eat His literal body or drink His literal blood.

14:28 - Did Jesus forewarn the apostles of his death and resurrection?

* Yes. John 20:9 states that the disciples at the tomb had not understood, from the scriptures, that Jesus would be resurrected. Nonetheless, Jesus had told them and this verse does not contradict this fact.

14:30 - Did Jesus say "before the cock crow twice" as this verse says, or once as is said in the other gospels? (Mt.26:34, Lk.22:34, Jn.13:38)

* These phrases, "before the cock crows" and "before the cock crows twice" are simply indicators of the same cock that crows before morning.  Cocks crow right before daybreak.  Jesus was simply telling Peter that before morning, he would deny Him three times.  This was fulfilled, too.

* Before alarm clocks, "the cockcrowing" was a time that everyone knew.  It was right before daybreak.  If any employer told his employee to be at work before "the cockcrowing," he would know that this meant to be there before daybreak. 

* The cocks generally crowed between Midnight and 1am, too, but this wasn't considered "the cockcrowing."  Matthew, Luke and John knew that people recognized "the cockcrowing" as the one right before daybreak.  Mark simply mentioned the first and second cockcrowing.

* It is likely that Jesus made both statements to Peter.  Jesus said, "The cock will not crow before you deny Me three times."  Peter promised he would never deny Jesus and He replied, "Even this night, before the cock crows two times, you will deny Me three times."

14:43-45 - Did Jesus identify Judas with a kiss? Yes.

* Verse 45 tells us that Judas kissed Jesus.

14:51-52 - One of the followers of Jesus was a young, nearly naked man who dropped his linen cloth and "fled from them naked" when the priests came to arrest Jesus.

* This is correct.

14:53 - Was Jesus taken to Caiaphas or Annas first? Caiphas.

* This verse tells us that they took Jesus to the high priest.  It doesn't say they took him there first.  It simply omits their trip to Annas' house.

14:57-58 - Mark says that those who quoted Jesus were "false witnesses," yet according to Jn.2:19, Jesus said what these witnesses said that he did. So how are they "false witnesses"?

* Luke 14:56-69 reads, "For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree.  Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, 'We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’”  But not even then did their testimony agree."  Clearly, there were several testimonies and they did not agree.  Mark did not record all the testimonies, though. 

* We cannot say that there were not false witnesses.  In fact, since the one, recorded statement somewhat agrees with what Jesus had said (at least it agreed with His literal words, even though they didn't understand He was talking about His body) and it was noted that there were some contradictory testimonies, this indicates that there were others and that the others were incorrect.

14:62 - Jesus, when asked by the high priest if he is the Christ, answers "I am" in this gospel. But in Matthew (26:64) he equivocates by saying, "Thou hast said it." In both gospels he falsely prophesies that the high priest would see his second coming.

* Matthew and Mark complement each other.  Jesus spoke, "I am as you said."  Part of this quote was recorded by Matthew and part was recorded by Mark.

* Jesus never said that the high priest would be alive at His second coming.  However, He did say that He would witness it.  This is consistent with Revelation 1:7, Daniel 7:13, Psalm 110:1, etc.

14:66-72 - To whom did Peter deny knowing Jesus?

* According to the scriptures, Peter denied knowing Jesus before a female servant, another female servant and one of the high priest's servants.  This was all done in a crowd of people.

* See "Special Questions" for more on this.

Chapter 15

15:17 - What color was Jesus' robe?

* These were two, different robes.  In Matthew 27:28, Jesus was given a scarlet robe, then they put a crown of thorns on His head.  In John 19:2, it states that the soldiers put a crown of thorns on His head, then had Him wear a purple robe.  In Matthew 27:31, it states that after Jesus was mocked, smote and spit on, they removed the purple robe and put the old robe on Him.  If you read these two accounts closely, you can see how they fit perfectly together and do not contradict.  They overlap.

15:21 - In the gospel of John, Jesus is said to have carried his own cross (19:17). But in this verse Simon the Cyrenian carried the cross for Jesus.

* In the Greek text, John 19:17 doesn't clearly state that Jesus carried His own cross.  There are two, different, Greek words here, too.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke use "airo" for "bearing" as Simon was "bearing" Jesus' cross.  This word means "to lift."

* John uses the Greek word "bastazo" for "bearing," which can mean "enduring."  It can be used figuratively, and in this case, it surely was.

15:23 - Mark says the soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with myrrh to drink. But Matthew (27:34) says they gave him vinegar mingled with gall.

* Jesus was given fermented wine which was also called vinegar.  According to the Greek words, in all of the gospels, this is consistent.  Mark mentions myrrh and Matthew mentions gall being mixed with this fermented wine.  These are synonymous because both came from a tree and were used for the same purposes.

* Simply because John didn't mention it being mixed, this isn't a contradiction.  It is an omission and expected from a different person's perspective.

15:25 - Mark says it was "the third hour" when Jesus was crucified. But John (19:14-15) says it was some time after "the sixth hour."

* John 19:14 clearly says it was "about the sixth hour."  In this verse, there are even distinct Greek words used for "about," "sixth," and "hour."  John forgot his watch, so he had to guess.  This is why he was approximately 2-3 hours off.

15:25 - Was Jesus crucified the day before or the day after the Passover meal? The day after.

* This verse says nothing about the Passover meal.  See the entries for Mark 14:12 and John 19:14-16.

15:26 - All of the gospels give the exact words that were written over the cross, but none of them agree about the words that were used (Mt.27:37, Lk.23:38, Jn.19:19).

* All of these accounts mention an inscription that was written in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.  Mark and Luke record it saying "The King of the Jews."  Matthew records, "Jesus the King of the Jews."  John records, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."  These differences are negligible and are not contradicting.  All of the gospels record similar and congruent statements.  A disagreement or contradiction would be one saying, "Jesus of Lebanon, King of the Greeks."

15:27 - Can thieves go to heaven? Yes.

* Yes.  The gospel message applies to everyone.

15:32 - Mark says that both thieves reviled Jesus, but Luke (23:39-40) says that only one reviled him, and the other rebuked him for it.

* According to the scriptures, both thieves reviled Jesus.  However, one of them had a change of heart and believed.

15:33 - When Jesus was crucified, there was three hours of complete darkness "over the whole land." It is strange that there is no record of this extraordinary event outside of the gospels.

* There are many extraordinary things that are only mentioned in the scriptures.  This doesn't mean they did not happen.  Much of the Bible has been verified by archaeology, historical records, ancient writings and manuscripts, etc.

15:39 - What did the centurion call Jesus when he died?

* Luke records the centurion saying, "Certainly, this was a righteous man."  Matthew and Mark record him saying, "Truly, this was the Son of God."  These are complementary phrases, so the centurion surely said both.

15:40 - Were the women looking from far away as this verse says, or from the foot of the cross as is said in John (19:25)?

* These two passages of scripture complement each other.  In John 19:25, the women are standing by the cross before Jesus dies.  This is proven by them clearly being there before Jesus is given the vinegar (John 19:29) and his death in verse 30.  In Matthew, He was given the vinegar in Matthew 27:48 and died in verse 50.  In Matthew 27:55, after Jesus' death, the women are "afar off."

15:44 - "And Pilate marveled if he were already dead." Maybe he wasn't!

* Jesus died quickly so that His bones would not be broken.  This fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy.  See Psalm 34:20.  If he had lived longer, then the Romans would have broken His legs (as is customary with crucifixions, to accelerate the dying process).

Chapter 16

16:1 - Mark says that two women visited the sepulchre on Easter morning. But all of the other gospels disagree (Mt.28:1, Lk.24:10, Jn.20:1).

* John does not say that only one woman visited the tomb.  John records Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb (in the dark).

* Matthew 28:1 reports that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were visiting the tomb at dawn.

* Mark reports that Mary Magdalene, the other Mary and Salome were visiting the tomb while the sun was rising.

* Luke uses the word "they" and does not indicate who was visiting the tomb.  He only indicates who told the account to the disciples.

* These accounts do not contradict.  First, there can be no argument from silence.  With this in mind, there are no conflicting stories, only separate accounts.  In order for a true conflict, one author would need to say that one of the women listed, in one or more of the gospels, was not there.

* If we take these accounts literally and assume each author knew exactly who was where at all times, then Mary Magdalene went to the tomb first.  Next, the other Mary joined her.  Immediately thereafter, Salome joined them.  After this, they returned and told the disciples what had happened.

16:2 - Mark says that the women came at sunrise, but John (20:1) says they came with it "was yet dark."

* John does not say that only one woman visited the tomb.  John records Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb (in the dark).

* Matthew 28:1 reports that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were visiting the tomb at dawn.

* Mark reports that Mary Magdalene, the other Mary and Salome were visiting the tomb while the sun was rising.

* Luke uses the word "they" and does not indicate who was visiting the tomb.  He only indicates who told the account to the disciples.

* These accounts do not contradict.  First, there can be no argument from silence.  With this in mind, there are no conflicting stories, only separate accounts.  In order for a true conflict, one author would need to say that one of the women listed, in one or more of the gospels, was not there.

* If we take these accounts literally and assume each author knew exactly who was where at all times, then Mary Magdalene went to the tomb first.  Next, the other Mary joined her.  Immediately thereafter, Salome joined them.  After this, they returned and told the disciples what had happened.

16:5 - The visitors saw a young man in Mark, but none of the other gospels agree (Mt.28:2, Lk.24:3-4, Jn.20:11-12).

* John records that Mary saw two angels (no sex mentioned) in white, sitting in the tomb.  Matthew mentions a conversation with a different angel - a male angel that was sitting on the stone (outside the tomb).  Mark records a young man sitting in the right side of the tomb.  Luke records two, male angels inside the tomb.

* These are all complementary stories.  None of them contradict each other.  John and Luke record two, male angels inside the tomb.  Mark only records one of them because only one spoke.  Matthew records a conversation with an angel that was outside of the tomb.  This doesn't contradict any of the other accounts.  It complements them.

16:5 - was the man (men, angel, or angels) inside or outside of the tomb? Mark, Luke (24:3-4), and John (20:11-12) says inside, but Matthew (28:2) says outside.

* John records that Mary saw two angels (no sex mentioned) in white, sitting in the tomb.  Matthew mentions a conversation with a different angel - a male angel that was sitting on the stone (outside the tomb).  Mark records a young man sitting in the right side of the tomb.  Luke records two, male angels inside the tomb.

* These are all complementary stories.  None of them contradict each other.  John and Luke record two, male angels inside the tomb.  Mark only records one of them because only one spoke.  Matthew records a conversation with an angel that was outside of the tomb.  This doesn't contradict any of the other accounts - it complements them.

16:7 - The "young man" told the woman to tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. But in Acts (1:4) and Luke (24:48) they are told to stay in Jerusalem.

* Acts 1:4 is a quote from Jesus Christ.  He was telling His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were "baptized with the Holy Spirit."  He also said this would happen in a few days from now.  Jesus never mentioned His return.  Luke 24:48 and 49 correlate with this passage in Acts.

* This happened at Pentecost.  This event was 50 days after Passover; which was 50 days after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  Jesus was in the grave for three days, then rose and walked the Earth for 40 days.  Therefore, Pentecost and the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" happened seven days after Christ's ascension.

* Matthew 28:10 is a passage of scripture where Jesus tells some of His disciples to tell other disciples that He would also appear in Galilee before His ascension.  Incidentally, in verse 19, Jesus is telling His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations."  Jesus is clearly talking about meeting certain disciples in Galilee, before His ascension, and His disciples eventually going into the entire world and making more disciples.

* Mark 16:7 correlates with Matthew 28:10.  Right after Jesus' resurrection, some angels told some of His disciples that He would meet them in Galilee.

16:8 - The women were afraid and told no one after seeing the young man. But Luke (24:10) and Matthew (28:8), saying that the women "told all these things to the eleven."

* Matthew states that they ran and told the disciples.  Matthew simply omits their first reaction: surprise.

* Mark 16:10 and 13 clearly state that these women told the rest about Jesus' resurrection.  Verse 8 simply indicates their first reaction.  Nonetheless, Mark tells us (two verses later) that they told the disciples.

16:9 - Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene "out of whom he had cast seven devils." Now there's a reliable witness for you.

* After Mary was delivered, she became a follower of Jesus Christ and the Bible does not indicate that she was ever possessed, again.

16:14 - According to this verse, Jesus appeared to the "eleven." But 1 Cor.15:5 claims that he appeared to "the twelve." Was a resurrected Judas there, too? And was his first (and only?) appearance in a room or on a mountain top?

* This verse simply says Cephas saw Him before the rest of the twelve.  It never mentions the women, so Paul simply omits them.

* In this verse, Paul simply called Matthias one of the twelve.  He was surely with the apostles and was named one shortly after Jesus ascended to Heaven.  Since Paul wrote this epistle after Matthias was chosen, he simply called him one of the twelve.

16:15 - Jesus, contrary to his previous instructions (Mt.10:5-6, 15:24), tells his disciples to preach the gospel throughout the world.

* First, the gospel went to the Jews and not to the Gentiles or Samaritans.  Later, the gospel was preached to these groups of people.  See Romans 1:16, 2:9, and 10, etc.

16:16 - Jesus says that those that believe and are baptized will be saved, while those who don't will be damned. But this contradicts Jn.5:29 and Lk.10:26-28 that say that those who do good will be saved and those that do evil will be damned. It also contradicts Mt.12:37 which says that "by thy words" you will be either saved or damned. And, of course, it also contradicts the many New Testament verses that deny that salvation is by faith alone.

* This isn't what Mark 16:16 states.  Mark 16:16 reads, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."

* In John 3:18 and 16, Jesus is emphasizing how one must believe in order to be saved.  This is correct and correlates to many other passages of scripture.

* This passage, in Matthew 12:37, is better understood by reading the two verses that precede it.  Matthew 12:35-37 read, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.  But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."  Jesus is simply indicating that a person's words declare their repentance and belief in Him.  These Pharisees verbalized their disbelief, therefore they were going to face judgment.

* Matthew 12:35-37 correlates with John 3:18 and 36 because John is simply cutting to the chase.  How can a person have a silent, saving belief?  A belief in Jesus Christ involves repentance and admitting He is their Lord and Savior.  Saying these words justifies a person and not saying these words leaves a person in their state of condemnation.

* In Luke 10:26-28, Jesus gives the lawyer an ambiguous answer with two, important meanings.  The first is this: He is telling the lawyer that he must flawlessly obey the entire Old Testament law (summed up in verse 27 - therefore, Jesus is telling him that he must be perfect) in order to go to Heaven without trusting Jesus Christ.  The second is this: Jesus is telling the lawyer that he must love God with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind and love his neighbor as himself.  Doing this surely included loving Jesus, which involved believing and trusting Him as his Lord and Savior.  Both messages complement each other and do not contradict any passages of scripture.

* In 1 John 4:7, John is talking to believers.  Therefore, he is not telling them how to be saved.  They are already saved.  John says that "everyone who loves is born of God."

* In John 5:29, this entire passage is prefaced with this statement in verse 24: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."  Therefore, the "good" person in verse 29 is the one who believes, trusts, and accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

16:17 - Who can cast out devils in the name of Jesus?  Only the followers of Jesus can do it. (It's one of the signs of a true believer.)

* This verse says, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons . . ."  It is congruent with Mark 9:38 and Luke 9:49 as those passages mention other followers of Christ who were casting out demons in Jesus' name.

16:17-18 - The true followers of Christ routinely perform the following tricks: 1) cast out devils, 2)speak in tongues, 3) take up serpents, 4) drink poisons without harm, and 5) cure the sick by touching them.

* Jesus didn't say that His true followers routinely do these things.  However, He did indicate that some would do them.

16:20 - This verse claims that Jesus performed many signs through his followers. But elsewhere in the gospels Jesus said he would not provide any signs (except for the sign of Jonas.)

* Jesus did many signs and miracles.  However, when the unbelievers that wanted to mock Him disbelieved these signs and miracles and asked for a special sign (just for them and their egos), He would not give it to them.