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)
If we invest in making disciples, our lives become bound up with theirs to die and live together.
This first parable from Matthew provides the key to understanding all the parables and to entering the kingdom of God.
In three related episodes, Jesus demonstrated his authority to forgive our sins.
