Jacob is now heading back to the land God had promised ... and this will mean facing his brother Esau, whom he hasn't seen for 20 years. Jacob is clearly growing in faith and living his life in light of his faith.

After decieving his elderly father and stealing the inheritance Jacob is forced to flee to Haran. Here he will find a wife ... but will also meet his match with his conman uncle.

This is a chapter of the bible filled with deception. Every member of thos family seems to be driven by self interest. But God is able to achieve his purposes ... even through this disfunctional family.

There is only a small amount of space devoted to Isaac in Genesis ... and most of it seems to be repeating his father's mistakes. But we see that God is committed to the Promises he made to Abraham ... promises that are now passed to Isaac.

Jesus has now arrived in Jerusalem ... and has entered the week leading up to his death on the cross. In this passage Jesus says that the hour has now come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Jesus says that he is the resurrection and the life. Eternal life comes through know Jesus.

Jesus offers a critique of the Religious Leaders and points out that they have been terrible shepherds. Jesus has come as the shepherd God promised to send (Ezek 34). As his sheep we are to know him, listen to him and follow him.

Mnay people think faith is about believing impossible things. But Jesus says that those who trust in him are the ones walking in the clear light of day.

The whole of Matthew 13 is Jesus teaching about the Kingdom. In the middle Jesus tells his disciples 3 important things they need to know about the Kingdom they are part of.

Jesus told 2 parables with a similar message to encourage his decisoples to be persistant in prayer.