This passage teaches several important truths:

In these verses, Jesus teaches His disciples how to conduct themselves as they go out:

• When they are to seek out those who are willing to receive them

• When to remain in one place and not chase comfort

• When to offer peace and keep that peace, even when rejected

• When to respond to rejection without bitterness, leaving the outcome to God

• When to understand that rejecting the message carries serious consequences

• Endurance is necessary for salvation in times of trial

• Believers will face hatred and opposition for the sake of Christ

• God provides assurance and protection even in difficult times

• Specific signs point to the beginning of a period of great trouble

• The focus of these events is largely on the house of Israel

• Faithfulness must continue until the end

Several important events are recorded in this chapter

• The healing of a man who could not walk

• The calling of Matthew (also called Levi, as noted in Mark 214 and Luke 527)

• Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors

• Teaching about fasting and the meaning of the new covenant

• The raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead

• The healing of a woman who had been suffering for twelve years

• The healing of two blind men

• The freeing of a man who could not speak because of a demon

• Jesus showing compassion to the crowds and calling for workers in God’s harvest

Jesus Cleanses a leaper; Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant; Peter's Mother-in-Law Healed; Many Healed in the Evening; The Cost of Discipleship; Jesus Calms the Wind; Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed.

The Children of the East visit Jerusalem to worship a King; the news threatens Herod; Joseph and Mary flee with Baby Jesus to Egypt.

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ; the birth of Jesus Christ.