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)
In the earlier parables, Jesus left people wondering what he meant. In the latter parables, Jesus was often very direct. For example, in Matthew...
The people could draw near to God only after the blood of the covenant was shed.
One of the most familiar of Jesus’ parables is the Good Samaritan, found only in Luke 10:25-37. Jesus told the parable in a conversation...