In one of Jesus’ most famous parables, he taught us that the only proper response to a son being dead and coming to life again is celebration.

Jesus told more parables to show that the kingdom of God is free to enter but demands everything.

In his teachings on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus announced the great reversals that the kingdom of God produces among the first and the last, and the exalted and the humbled.

Jesus combined a warning of judgment with a demonstration of the liberating power of the kingdom of God.

With parables and warnings, Jesus told everyone in his day and ours to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man.

Jesus told his disciples how to handle not only adversity, but also prosperity, both of which require faith in God.

As opposition grew toward Jesus, he anticipated that it would reach his followers as well and prepared them for how to live without fear.

Jesus’ scathing denunciation of the religious leaders exposed their hypocrisy and challenges us to let his light shine on ours.

Jesus’ power over the forces of evil demonstrated that the kingdom of God had come.

Jesus told his followers what to pray and why to pray, so let’s pray and keep on praying!