The Lord loves His people.  And as He is the gentle and lowly King, His disciples are to reflect His character and His nature.

In one of the greatest declarations of all time, in the midst of pagan territory, Peter declares, in answer to Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am," "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!"  The truth of Peter's statement is profoundly relevant for this life and the life to come. 

The ministry of Jesus extends beyond Israel to the Gentiles.  As we see conflict increasing between Jesus and the Jewish religious rulers, we also see faith increasing and the reach of the Gospel expanding.  

This is a very timely passage for the time in which we live - all passages are that way.  But here, Jesus reminds us that wicked behavior flows from wicked hearts.  There is, indeed, something profoundly wrong with the human heart.  But praise be to God, He has provided the cure!  Jesus washes dirty hearts!  

In these three miracles by the sea, the feeding of the 5000, Jesus walking on water, and the healing in Gennasaret, the evidence of who Jesus is, is becoming all the more clear.  Even the often doubting disciples proclaim, "Truly you are the Son of God."  The Son of God provides for His sheep, has power over creation, and He heals the sick.

There are two episodes here in this passage showing different responses to Jesus and His ministry.  One from his hometown of Nazareth - "He Just Can't Be, We Know Him."  And the other one from Herod, "He Must Be John the Baptist Risen from the Dead."

In these parables Jesus teaches the disciples and us the inestimable value of the kingdom of God.

In this fundamental parable, Jesus teaches us the purposes of the parable as well as the reality that not all who hear the gospel receive it.  

Every reason is given to believe - and yet some still reject the good news of the gospel. 

In this very important set of parables, Jesus both corrects his disciples understanding of the nature of the kingdom as well as encouraging them with the nature of the kingdom.  

Marveling at Jesus, the people asked, "Can this be the Son of David?"  The answer should be evident.  And yet, the Pharisees respond by attributing His power not to the Spirit of God but to Beelzebul.  No matter what Jesus had done, the Pharisees reject Him because their hearts were hard.  This demonstrates what it means to blaspheme the Spirit of God.  This is the unforgivable sin.  

Jesus confronts the Pharisees on their misunderstanding and misapplication of the Sabbath - they fail to see Christ as who He is - the Lord of all.

We come to a new section leading us to the next great discourse with the parables of the kingdom.  Here in chapter 11, we begin to see the different responses to the Gospel of the Kingdom and to its King.  

Jesus continues instructing His disciples as they prepare to take the gospel of the kingdom forth.  

Jesus commissions the twelve apostles and we have the privilege of learning of the first part of Jesus' ordination sermon for them as he sends them.  

Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost - He is the Great Shepherd of the Sheep who seeks out His own.  

We continue with our study of Matthew with the last set of three miracle stories evidencing who Jesus is and that the Kingdom has come with His coming.  

Jesus makes the lame walk - but that's not the greatest thing - He forgives sin!