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
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
Final justice
God is triune, three who are one: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Hence, when God made man in his image, he made us not simply as solo creatures but for community. This means that others affect our behaviour. In our
Pulling down walls
‘It is finished’ said the Saviour as he closed his eyes in death (Jo 19:30). To reach the point at which a task is done can be precious to us, especially if it is on our conscience as a duty
Racing towards danger
It can be very helpful to pause and ask ourselves the question: “What matters most to me?”. Or to put it a different way: “What would I want to get right in my life, even if I got everything else
The temple of life
Bezalel was gifted by the Holy Spirit to create a temporary temple for God, during the time of Moses (Ex 31:1-11). Over 1500 years later, Paul saw himself as a temple builder except of a grander kind: an eternal temple