The chief priest and elders challenge Jesus’ authority. He challenges their integrity and tells the parable of the two sons. In this story, Jesus is comparing the religious leaders to the disobedient son.

Vinedressers and The Cornerstone

Jesus tells another parable which compares the religious leaders to the wicked vinedressers who kill the master’s son. Jesus compares himself to the chief cornerstone and the church is to align with His standards . He also foretells of coming judgement.

Jesus tells this last parable which implies what will happen to those who hate Him and kill His prophets. In this parable He speaks of the marriage of the King’s son and His armies that will come to destroy the wicked. All are invited to the wedding feast but those who will not receive His “garments” are rejected.

Forgiveness

While not everyone can receive forgiveness, the disciples of Christ are commanded to offer forgiveness to those who sinned against them, even until Christ’s kingdom comes.

Marriage and Divorce – Part 1

The Pharisees hope to test Jesus by questioning His authority on Divorce. Jesus instructs them on the sanctity of marriage and intent of marriage which God had ordained from the beginning.

Marriage and Divorce (Part 2)

For the believer the expectation is that marriage is to be a life commitment. The one exception is in the case of sexual immorality.  Marriage and bringing little children to Christ should be priories in the life of His followers.

The Rich Young Ruler

The rich young ruler is admirable in all ways, but mistakenly believes that the kingdom can be earned. His covetousness and idol keeps him from following The One who is good. It is only His followers who will inherit eternal life.

Lessons in Faith

We can often limit God through our unbelief. In this chapter the disciples are taught about the kind of faith that it will take to deliver souls, move mountains, choose not to offend and to obey in spite of the improbability of miracles.

The Kingdom of Heaven

In the Kingdom, greatness is found in humility and purity of faith like that of a child, and those are called to the kingdom will deal aggressively with their sin. 

Final Instructions on Unity

When there has been sin, disobedience to the instructions given for reconciliation can lead to division. The church is given the authority to convict or acquit those found in sin.