This is a story about authority and the power struggle between Jesus and the Religious Leaders. Who has authority over the community, synagogue, and the temple? [Reformation Sunday]

Jesus the Nazaren is the Son of David. What do you want him to do for you?

Jesus went to the cross deliberately in order to serve God and give his life a ransom for many. What is the intent of the ransom? To release many sinners from exile. What is the extent of the ransom? To redeem the many.

Entering the kingdom is not just difficult for wealthy people, it is difficult for everyone. Entering the kingdom is not just difficult for man, it is impossible for man.

Jesus loves our children even more than we do; and he knows what is right and good for them much better than we do. So let them come, and do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Jesus encourages marriage and discourages divorce. Instead of looking for ways to help people get out of marriage, Jesus looks for ways to help them get in and stay in marriage.

Like a watchman, Jesus stands at the crossroads of eternity, the intersection of our life and the life to come, and he warns us of the consequences of sin and the realities of Hell. From this text we can surmise five truths about Hell. Hell is a Place. Hell is for Punishment. Hell is Painful. Hell is Permanent. Hell is Personal.

In this story we learn two gospel-shaped truths:(1) True greatness is found in serving others in Jesus’ name. (2) True graciousness is found in the truth and love of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the Majestic Son of Man and the Beloved Son of God. When the dust settles and the clouds disappear and the stars fall from the sky Jesus will remain. Christ alone is all we will see—and that will be enough for us.