Citizens Weekly

Jesus' brief story of the Two Sons in Matthew 21 challenges His audience's recognition of Him while offering us, Gospel readers, a call to intercede for those we love who have lost sight of Him.

Parables featuring banquets and feasts remind audiences that the Kingdom of God is a party we do not want to miss. Are our expectations of this Kingdom party appropriately high? If not, let's accept God's invitation to raise our expectations.

In Matthew 18, Jesus reveals what the Kingdom of Heaven is like: a King overflowing with mercy who forgives an impossible debt, and a people transformed by that mercy. Those who truly understand the magnitude of God's forgiveness walk in humility, repentance, and forgiveness toward others. Unforgiveness, pride, and bitterness keep us bound, but those who receive grace and extend it to others live in the freedom of the Kingdom. This message explores the parable of the unforgiving servant, the humility of biblical heroes like Joseph, David, Mary, and John the Baptist, and the call for every believer to receive God's mercy and release others from their debts. The evidence of having experienced God's mercy is showing mercy to others.