With his harshest words, Jesus brings to light the religious leaders failure of prioritizing the internal heart over the external appearance.

In this passage, Jesus teaches us that the greatest commandment is actually two, and you can’t have one without the other

When challenged by the Pharisees about taxes to Rome, Jesus illustrates an

important distinction between our earthly kingdoms and His heavenly one.

In another parable, Jesus illustrates a new group of wedding invitees who

must be willing to surrender their lives for new life in him.

Through two parables, Jesus communicates the lack of fruit from Israel, and

the coming of his new kingdom. This kingdom welcomes anyone who will repent

and bear fruit.

Followers of Jesus must bear fruit.

Emmanuel is for the lowest of the low, the Spiritual Seekers, and the Powerful.

The humblest servant and slave, most dependent on the grace of God, is the greatest in God’s kingdom.

Jesus' love and generosity transcends human ideas of fairness.

Jesus teaches us through a parable that a community of the forgiven must be a forgiving community.