Israel’s wilderness tabernacle – the tent where the ark of God was housed – is coming to the end of its life. That’s because it’s been horribly misused and, also, because God is moving his plans forward to centre on
The Lord is calling
Thanks to wicked corruption, Israel’s Tabernacle has become a very dim place where little is seen of the Lord’s light. But God has not yet abandoned it and, so, having inserted Samuel into the tent, now he calls out to
Denial!
Peter was left confused by his Lord’s refusal to fight. Yet he still wants to be near him. However, when that leads to his exposure, the pressure pushes him into a corner like a frightened animal. The result is that
Ransom
The disciples are falling out over the behaviour of two of their number. Jealousy and rivalry can spring up so quickly in any group. It stems, in this case, from their desire to have power like those who rule Jerusalem.
Salty sacrifice
Jesus is tackling sinful pride in his disciples which is leading them to mistreat others whom he would value and love. So he speaks firmly to the twelve. They have to change their mindset to one of humility and self-sacrifice,
Who’s the greatest?
Jesus is trying hard to get his disciples to see the principle of “strength in weakness”. This is God’s plan for his people. Jesus is going to be handed over to be murdered, but God will raise him up again.