As followers of Jesus, how do we respond to opposition? In particular when we experience tension in our relationships because of our faith in Jesus and alignment with his values, what should we do? In short, Jesus invites us to imitate him—to be kind to those who oppose us, to love our enemies, to actively and prayerfully treat others as we want them to treat us.

Jesus calls his followers to be salt and light in this world. This means counteracting the potential for decay within our society and deeking dispel darkness within our culture. We must avoid the temptation to blend in or hide; instead we are called to live distinctive lives that provide others the chance to recognize God's work and give him glory.

Why is it that as followers of Jesus we continue to face significant difficulties in our lives, often even more so than those who live for themselves? In one of Jesus’ most well-known teachings he offers a word of encouragement and empowerment by simply reminding his followers that things will not always be as they are today, and that God will one day set things right for those who have surrendered their lives to him.

What was it like to be around Jesus, and what does Jesus want for his church? In Jesus’ first teaching, we learn that there is a special place in God’s plan for the poor and the oppressed. Jesus came to speak good news to those who need it and also to demonstrate good news through acts of compassion. And we are challenged to be those who continue on in his way, serving those with real needs in the power of the Holy Spirit.

In one of the hardest hitting justice passages, Isaiah lays out a variety of lessons for us on the nature of spiritual disciplines. Fruitful prayer and fasting are not meant to be ends in themselves, but rather the means for deepening our relationships with God and others, inviting God to transform us into people who are deeply engaged in pursuing justice in our everyday lives.

We each desire our lives to get better in various ways. Will we believe in our society’s path towards the good life, through achievement and accumulation? Or will we trust Jesus that the path towards true life is actually through surrender? The choice is ours, and the stakes are high.

When God invites us into a difficult or unexpected path, how do we respond? Mary responds with beautiful maturity when she receives the news that she'll be the mother of the Messiah. In her famous song she models humility, gratitude and joy, returning worship to God for his goodness in her life.

Using the “shepherd” metaphor, Ezekiel calls out leaders of Israel who had neglected their duty and abused their power to the detriment of the people. He foreshadows the coming of Jesus, the “good shepherd” who would lay down his life for his sheep (John 10:15). This passage has potent implications for everyone who exercises influence over others. As part of God’s “royal priesthood” (I Peter 2:9), we are called to exercise power in a way that reflects the example of our chief shepherd.

Why are so many tired, weary or disillusioned in their faith? When we pursue God in our strength, we miss the whole point of the gospel, and we find ourselves burnt out on religion. Through the prophet Zechariah, we receive an ancient yet fresh call to return to a faith that is focused first on God, and to express our faith through lives that line up with God’s calling—to love our neighbours as ourselves.

As a result of centuries of repeated disobedience, God allows his people to be conquered by Babylon and carried away into exile. Despite living in a foreign land among people with no regard for God, God asks his people to make the most of their situation—to seek the peace and prosperity of their new city, to trust his long-term promises even in the midst of discouragement, and to continue to seek and worship him.