In his fourth discourse, Jesus further clarifies the nature of his kingdom. He teaches his people to be childlike (not childish) and further, to receive children in the faith is to receive the King himself! Jesus cares strongly about how we treat his people—especially the weak, young, and the most vulnerable in the faith. Christians are instructed and warned about discipling the next generation.

Jesus knows our questions. Jesus knows our hearts. Though not obligated to do so, Jesus was willing to give up his rights as the King of the kingdom for the sake of others. The Son of God gives true freedom, provides for our needs, and teaches us what it means to be truly great. We must continually relinquish our independence and humbly depend on God in Christ as children of the kingdom.

What does it look like to follow Jesus as the Christ or Anointed King? It means embracing Christ crucified—dead and buried—prior to the crown. This is a difficult and surprising reality for the disciples. Jesus has a cross to bear and so do we. Discipleship is a journey of growing in grace and understanding. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus. This is the pattern of the King and his Kingdom.

"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" There were many ideas of who Jesus truly was floating around in the first century. There are many ideas about who he is floating around today! Sadly, many are not even considering this weighty question that has eternal implications for us all. Jesus directs his words to the heart. "But who do you say that I am?" This is the centerpiece question of Matthew's gospel and our very lives.

In our passage today, many gather around tables. Encounters with Jesus lead to the truth about the human heart. Jesus takes his disciples beyond man-made traditions and peels back layers of prejudice. God's kingdom addresses the heart. The Father's kingdom is for all—Jew and Gentile—who come to Christ by faith. Every other plant will be rooted up.

Christ is risen from the dead! This paradigm shifting hope gripped the hearts of Jesus' first disciples and continues to grip the hearts of his followers today. Yet, notice how deeply personal this hope is for the women at the tomb that first resurrection morning. Every believer throughout history will one day experience the personal touch of Christ when he wipes every tear from their eyes. Such hope stirs our hearts to worship Christ the Lord.

"Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned he stood..." In my place? In my place. Left to ourselves, we would ultimately crucify our Savior. Yet, the strength, power, and love of God are most vividly revealed in the excruciating death of Jesus. For in his hour of sacrifice, he is revealed to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

The gospels are Passion narratives with extended introductions. From the beginning we see Jesus Christ, through his words and deeds, painting faint sketches that point to the cross. As we walk with Jesus and his disciples, we begin to see these outlines filled in with deep shadows. By the end, we will hear direct declarations that point to his sacrificial atoning death on the cross. He is the King and he will endure suffering to glory.

Hostility and fame are on the rise at the midway point of Jesus' earthly ministry. He begins to speak to the crowds in a puzzling mysterious form—parables. These earthly stories are filled with heavenly meaning that is revealed only to disciples. Jesus strengthens his confused and weary followers by giving them a deep understanding of the truth and nature of his Kingdom. He helps his disciples hear, see, and understand so that they—and we—might endure to the end.

It has been said that all roads lead to Heaven. Of course, that isn’t true. Jesus himself said, there are only two roads and “the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many” (Matt. 7:13). However, in a very real sense all roads do lead to God. All roads lead to Judgment. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” But judgment for those in Christ and those outside of Christ will be fundamentally different. Eternal souls stand before us every day. May our hearts be fixed on eternity.