In Jesus' final sign, recorded in John 11:1-54, he raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. As a sign, it was not to be a regular occurrence but an extraordinary event that pointed to Jesus as the only source of life from the dead and of eternal life. In the face of death, Jesus expressed anger and sadness even as he exercised dominance. Jesus' mastery over death should interest all who lose loved ones or who will themselves eventually die. (sermon notes)
The church in Thessalonica not only followed worthy examples but also became one itself.
This first parable from Matthew provides the key to understanding all the parables and to entering the kingdom of God.
In the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and in the two preceding parables, Jesus prepared his followers for his absence. He wanted...