Isaiah 53 shows us a profound hope. In the midst of Israel's imminent destruction - God promises something so glorious and wonderful, beyond expectations. The only problem is that without the right expectations - it's easy to miss. Isaiah urges us to see the truth for what it is. God has sent a substitutionary saviour, a saviour who took on judgement and exile he didn't deserve so we could have unearned grace and a share of the spoils of his excellent victory. Let's see it for what it is.

"...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials..." (1 Peter 1:6). Matthew teaches us that following Jesus is by faith (how) and into difficulty (where).

Jesus knows we instinctively clutch at a whole bunch of things to make our own lives easier. Which is why he prepares us to count the cost of following him. We will risk it all to follow Jesus because of how valuable WE are, and because of the glory of HIS kingdom.

What is going on?! Our times are confusing. How can we understand our times? Jesus helps us. We can see transparently into our times and see there is a focus to them: Jesus is building his assembly, and death will not defeat his building project. When he's finished, his assembly will be personal, social and eternal.

Jesus is inclusive. His gospel is equally for Jews and Gentiles. The inclusivity of his mercy is seen in where this text is based, why he's there, and what he does while there.

'Flee religion,' says Jesus. Why? What's at stake? Jesus calls us to run from false religion, and instead to follow him. For he is our ultimate spiritual doctor, who can really diagnose us, and truly heal us.

Israel shared our fear of the climate. How Jesus walked on water showed him as the one who can control our cosmos, which changes our faith, our confidence, and our worship.

Jesus provides for us as we follow him. We might be dismissed like he was, or meet with the hurtful consequences of people's disobedience against him. But he will bring us safely to the promised land.

We don't leave people alone if they don't know Jesus. For in Jesus we fully and finally know God; know the world's ultimate ruler; and know the worlds' only saviour.

God seeks our maturity over our comfort. His wisdom helps us face trials and temptations.