When Moses tried to make atonement for Israel's apostasy, God's response tested the reality of Israel's repentance.

In the parable of the prodigal son, the Lord Jesus corrects and criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for not understanding God's grace and their own need for it.

The Lord Jesus necessarily ate with sinners, because the kingdom of God is a kingdom of mercy.

Although Israel's idolatry shattered God's covenant with them, Moses' actions to stop the spread of idolatry held out hope that not all was lost.

Although Israel provoked God's wrath by an egregious violation of their covenant commitment in the idolatry of the golden calf, the Lord provided remission for them through the intercession of his appointed mediator.

As the Son of Man, the Lord Jesus has plenary authority to address our deepest need- the forgiveness of sins.

In the cleansing of a leper, Christ demonstrated the compassion that was at the heart of his mission, but also experienced a certain restriction on his activity in consequence of unwanted notoriety.

Christ illustrated the nature of God's kingdom by his works of mercy, but did not lose focus on preaching and prayer.

Christ's teaching not only authoritatively declared truth, but also compelled obedience even from unclean spirits. Here is one who has authority even over the spiritual realm.

Christ's effectual call of four disciples from their fishing work to be his followers illustrates his authority over the human heart.