The teachings of Jesus confronted disciples of Jesus with their lack of love and comforted them with the abundant love, mercy, and forgiveness of God. The love and goodness of God manifested through the lives of believers should fill us with rejoicing in the knowledge we are children of God. In spite of our wretchedness we can experience the overflowing presence of God who loves us.

Jesus Christ confounded His self-righteous critics, called twelve apostles, healed those who came to Him, and faithfully taught His disciples. Truly there has never been in the history of the world anyone comparable to Jesus the Son of Man, the only One who has the authority and power of God to bless all who trust Him with fullness of joy, comfort, and eternal reward.

Jesus did not come the righteous but sinners to repentance. Jesus called Levi the tax collector to follow Him and the willing publican provides an example in making the decision to leave all, rise up, and followed Jesus. Are you willing to start a new life with Jesus today?

Through the cleansing of a leper and the forgiveness of sins and healing of a paralytic Jesus showed He is willing and able to save all who come to Him in faith. Jesus is able to touch the untouchable, to deliver from the curse of sin, and provide eternal life to all who trust Him. No matter how hopeless you feel, there is always hope for all in Jesus

Followers of Jesus Christ with genuine faith cannot ignore our need to confess and repent of our unbelief which hinders obedience. Many genuine Christians have yet to enter into the rest offered by Jesus Christ through faith, and all need to take warnings against unbelief to heart.

Jesus went in the power of the Holy Spirit to Nazareth and was rejected, but in Capernaum had many fans of His authoritative preaching. Jesus desires more than fans but friends: people who love, obey, and follow Him. Are you a friend of God who leads people to Jesus?

After Jesus was filled with the Spirit He was led to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan for 40 days. Jesus passed the brutal test by submission to God and held forth the Word of God as His defense. Having been tempted without sin, Jesus is able to help those who are tempted and sympathises with our weakness. He is our Way of escape and salvation!

Requiring proper identification foils imposters and provides credibility for those with rightful authority, and Jesus Christ has been identified by the almighty God (using multi-factor authentification!) as the promised Messiah. Jesus said those who follow Him in truth would be identified by the love of God displayed in their lives for one another.

Good preparation plays an important role in all successful endeavours. John the Baptist was sent by God with a baptism of repentance for remission of sins to prepare the way for Jesus who would baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire. Having received Jesus by faith Christians are prepared for the trials which God uses to refine us.

Joseph and Mary supposed Jesus was in their company, yet they were mistaken. Supposing or assuming we know best leads to anxiety and sorrow, but knowing God through a relationship with Jesus Christ results in peace and rest.