In Jesus' final public teaching in the Gospel of John (10:22-42), the people of Jerusalem tried to pin him down. They wanted him to declare openly who he was. In keeping with his indirect public style, Jesus pointed them to his words and works. He also boldly declared, "I and the Father are one." This statement sent them looking for rocks to stone him, since they thought he was a man who made himself out to be God. They grasped that he claimed identity with God, but they got things exactly backwards. (sermon notes)
Four short parables point to the surpassing value of the kingdom of God and the need to find it now.
Not only are believers in Jesus justified before God, but we also have peace, grace, hope, love, reconciliation, and salvation.
Jesus told his disciples how to handle not only adversity, but also prosperity, both of which require faith in God.
