Jesus is not simply another prophet, or another great teacher. No, Jesus sits like a King on his throne and we approach him like subjects in a royal court. And now He is asking us, can I be king of your heart? Will you trust me with your life? If you do, you are the salt of the earth… now go and give it some flavor.

Jesus asked the disciples a simple question, "who do you say I am?". Their answer would have a direct impact on how they would face trials in this world after Jesus' departure.

In every season there is something to be done. God has given us a mission and this mission is to be pursued even in times of waiting.

We all have felt distant from God at some point in life. Jesus knew his disciples would feel this disconnect after his departure. In John 17, Jesus prayed for their protection as they remained in this world. Protection by His name, by His word, and by living with an assignment.

“I don’t go to church, because the church is full of hypocrites.” It’s one of the biggest hurdles that keeps people from church, and one that people use to keep their distance from God. But the truth is that hypocrisy is more than a barrier when it comes to faith. It’s something we all deal with every day. Jesus rebukes religion done merely for the sake of appearance. Pure religion serves God and others out of humility.

Religion is worthless unless it is accompanied by holy living as a result of loving God. There is a religion, a system of belief and practice, which is pure in God’s eyes: believing His Word and obeying it.