As the Jewish leadership plots Jesus’ death when Judas offers to betray Him, Jesus completes His discourse on end times by challenging us to be ready, to be faithful and to not try to figure out when all this will occur.

Jesus answers his disciples’ questions about end-time events.

Jesus responds to His opponents and then goes on the offensive, silencing His enemies.

Jesus neutralizes the threats from the Pharisees, the Herodians and the Sadducees.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is followed by His cursing of the fig tree (a metaphor for Israel), cleansing the Temple complex and the challenge to HIs authority by the spiritual leadership.

As Jesus predicts His future sufferings, His death and His resurrection, He teaches His disciples about “greatness” and about servant leadership.

Jesus stresses child-like faith, while emphasizing how wealth can become as a god in our lives.

Jesus issues a call to radical discipleship and to be His salt in a broken world.

In two specific narratives, Jesus teaches the importance of faith in Him.

As Jesus affirms the meaning of discipleship, He takes his inner circle of three to Mt. Hermon and is transfigured before them, manifesting His glory.