Jesus matched the gifts of every other prophet; exhorting, comforting, teaching, explaining, predicting. 
He did this with all the limitations that we have, as a man. 
Respect that; admire Him; He is the greatest man who ever lived. 

It takes courage to be totally honest with every problem in the Bible. 
It takes courage to base your life and ministry totally on the Bible. 
Jesus did both. He was the greatest Bible teacher in history. 

a brief review; all the events of Matthew reveal His courage. 
Roman soldiers were his largest group of followers because of... His courage, and His followers' courage. 

What was the secret of Jesus' resolve?  
He had compassion on sinners;  on you and me. 

It is one thing to start a terrible ordeal; it is another to finish it. 
He could have put an end to the cross at any moment; but He finished it, for you. 

Jesus bravely did what it took to provoke his evil enemies so they would kill Him on the day He chose, in the way He chose, at the place He chose, at the time He chose.  

Politicians avoid hard questions, or waffle.  Jesus never did, even when it got him killed. 

Satan tempted Jesus to enter the temple via angels' wings. 
Instead, He rebuked the leaders for their venal practices, making enemies of all of the most important people in Israel. 
His passion lent Him courage; and His passion was our need. 

Jesus could have charged any amount for His healing. He charged nothing. 
Jesus was never charged with having an affair with a woman.  His life was too open, and too pure for even His critics to lie about. 
Jesus challenged His enemies to accuse Him of a sin.  They couldn't. 

Jesus was brave enough to stand for truth against wicked powers. 
He was brave enough to choose the lowest members of society for His teammates. 
Beggars. Prostitutes. Romans. Tax collectors. Samaritans. You.