Once the disciples recognised Jesus as the Christ, God’s king, he began to tell them of his impending death. He also assured them that this will work out for glory, since the Father will raise him back to life. But
Big men, little woman
Jesus has silenced his opponents. But he will not be silent. Instead, he asks questions about the legal experts. Why do they struggle to see the most important commands? It’s not because they lack in intellect or knowledge. Their problem
A legal problem
After a number of group attacks, an individual comes to Jesus. This scribe wants to ask which law in all 613 of the Old Testament commandments comes first and provides the core principle that unites all the others. Jesus’ answer
Seven husbands?
Another group tackles Jesus’ authority to teach in the temple. These Sadducees try to show how Jesus’ belief in resurrection fails to understand Moses’ law. But he easily turns it around to show how they fail to understand God who
Render to Caesar
Jesus has told a parable about paying rent to a remote landlord. His opponents knew it was about their misbehaviour and went away angry. Now they send others to exploit Jesus’ words in order to trap him. He says it’s
Two riddles
Jesus has faced down the bullying leaders of Jerusalem. But he won’t just let them walk away. Instead, he tells one of his parables. The meaning may not be plain to some, but his opponents get it. Jesus is exposing
Answer the question!
Opposition to Jesus is becoming stronger. Given his challenge to worship in the temple, a committee of leaders come to throw hostile questions at him, looking to trap him. But Jesus manages the situation brilliantly, pushing back against the group
Praying for what you don’t want
Ever since the disciples recognised Jesus as the Christ, he has taught of the vital need of sacrifice. Jesus will lay down his life for his sinful people. Good must die so that something better can come. But it’s a
Anger management
Jesus has seen the state of the temple and it isn’t good. God judgement is going to strike it for its sorry state. But not yet. There must be mercy in wrath. Jesus will delay the destruction so that some
Private plan, public parade
Jesus arranges to ride up to Jerusalem. The crowd of Passover pilgrims and others on the road see this as a declaration that a new King David has arisen., meaning salvation from hated enemies. However, Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem will