This week we take a break from our series in Matthew and explore the question, "What kind of church should we be?" looking at the end of Acts 2 and the priorities and practice of the early church.

Jesus’ disciples have just acknowledged his true identity, in this week’s passage he tells them why he’s come to earth, and what he expects of his followers.

Public opinions on Jesus may be honorific, yet they fall short of his real identity. Jesus wants you to know who he truly is, personally. Don't get stuck in other people's views.

Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman, who serves as an unlikely example of great faith. We learn from her that people of great faith know their unworthiness, act with persistent boldness, and trust the character and plan of Jesus.

Jesus reminds us that faith is about belief, not behaviour. It is not our external actions which truly matter but the heart that drives them all.

Jesus demonstrates he is God in word and deed as he walks on the water. Peter responds in faith and when that faith wavers, Jesus shows himself to be the compassionate saviour. The disciples respond to Jesus' identity with worship.

Jesus withdraws - but when the people come to him with need, he has compassion. He sees their needs, sends his disciples to meet it, supplies what it needed, and more than that, satisfies them.

Today we have a shocking story of what seems like a senseless injustice. What are we to make of this? What should we learn?

big idea: judgement on evil planted in God’s good world must wait, but will come introduce me Why is there so much evil and suffering in our world? Where does it come from? What is at its root? I think probably the most common answer you’d get if you asked the average person on the street is “ a few…