Questions arise around the King. As the waters begin to boil, Matthew wants us to see that the best attempts to oppose Jesus fall miserably short of the wisdom and power of God that he uniquely possesses. Jesus brilliantly responds to a political trap, weak theology, a legal question, and asks a question of his own with a lesson in Christology that leaves the "courtroom" stunned and silenced.

Jesus speaks with authoritative clarity about his kingdom through the Parable of the Wedding Feast. God has patiently and persistently invited Israel to his Messianic banquet for centuries; yet, most Israelites reject his invitation. Therefore, God extends his invitation to the nations—justly judging those who reject his gracious offer. We are left with a pointed application concerning our own garments.

Do you know anyone fearless in the face of opposition? Jesus is! As the King, he challenges the powers that be. The true and living God is to be freely worshipped by the nations. "My house shall be a house of prayer." The children rejoice, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Yes! As the Son of David and kingly Messiah he is worthy to be praised as is prophesied in Psalm 8:2. Let the nations pray and praise!

The crowd was stirred as the king entered Jerusalem that first palm Sunday. But what kind of king is he? Jesus is no ordinary king. His arrival and the manner of his arrival fulfill the OT prophecies. Jesus is a demanding king. Jesus is a humble and unexpected king. Jesus is the true and royal king of all kings and his praise will one day fill the earth!

Jesus continues to unveil what the Church is to be in the Kingdom of God. The disciples struggle to see the Church as a kingdom community of grace and mercy that ultimately reflects Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection in the world. Jesus ultimately points to himself as the greatest example and models for his followers what it looks like to be a servant.

What would it look like to see blueprints of the Kingdom? At this point in his ministry, Jesus reveals key attitudes that his disciples are to embody, for they themselves, are the kingdom that he is building! As Christians, we are to be a transformed people that look like our King. Imagine kingdom communities across the world embodying the character of Jesus. This is Jesus' plan and he will build his church.

Proverbs says it is a man's glory to overlook an offense. But what are we to do when an offense cannot be overlooked? Sin in the church is serious and Jesus teaches that the goal in difficult and necessary confrontations is that your brother or sister might hear. Discipline is one aspect of discipleship. Humble, clarifying confrontations can lead to the restoration of God's people within kingdom communities.

What is the heart of God towards his people? Jesus reveals that it is the heart of a shepherd. God treasures each sheep in the flock of his heavenly kingdom. The King came to rescue the lost and seek after those who go astray. Does our heart reflect the heart of God towards other Christians? Let us not despise God's people, but rather join Christ in searching for them when they go astray.

Sin is real. Jesus takes sin seriously and knows exactly what sin is, where it comes from, and how it affects us. Jesus paid sin's penalty for his people on the cross and by the power of the Spirit, he helps remove and eliminate the power of sin from our lives. One day, Christians will be eternally removed from the presence of sin. Until that day, we are commanded to overcome sin by the wisdom of the King.