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.

Jesus’ Messianic miracles are to prove He is the Messiah but also to teach His disciples, who eventually proclaim that “He is the Christ.”

Jesus combats the perverted legalism of the Pharisees and heals Gentiles in Tyre and the Decapolis, all proving He is the Messiah