Part 27 of the series in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus tells his disciples that he must die - Peter objects but Jesus rebukes him - and that discipleship is basically cross-shaped, with eternal consequences.

Part 26 of the series in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus shows the signs that prove he is Messiah - the Jewish religious leaders still cannot see, but Simon confesses Jesus as the Messiah and becomes Peter, the first stone aligned with Jesus built into his Church and the first of the apostles who will be the foundation of that Church.

Part 25 of the series in Matthew. Jesus teaches his disciples about ministry in dependence upon him from a heart of humility and mercy through words and miraculous actions: feeding 5000, walking on water and healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman.

Part 24 of the series in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus' parables about the kingdom show it will grow now in the lives of those who receive the word alongside those who reject it until the final, decisive judgement. Will we be the good soil that receives and believes the good news and the scribes trained in the kingdom to bringits treasures to others?

Part 23 of the series in matthew's Gospel. Jesus is the Servant Isaiah prophesied about and the fulfilment of the pattern set by Solomon and Jonah. Will we reject him and speak evil against him, so facing judgement, or will we accept him and so become part of his new family?

Part 22 of the series in Matthew's Gopsel. Jesus said he is Lord of the Sabbath and showed it - what was he saying to first century Pharisees and what is he saying to us today?

Part 21 of the series in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus' famous invitation to come to him and find rest in the context of his prayer and explanation of his relationship with the Father.

Part 20 of the series in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus reassures and praises John the Baptist but pronounces woe on cities in Galilee that have rejected his miracles and message.

Part 19 of the series in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus appoints twelve apostles and sends them out on a mission to Israel with (limited) lessons for their later (and now our) mission to the world.

Part 18 of the series in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus shows the pattern of his kingdom and our mission, then calls us to pray and respond.