After telling his disciples that they should love one another, Jesus began preparing them in John 15:18-16:11 to be hated by the world. Even so, he sent them out to be witnesses for him, but not on their own. He also promised to send the Holy Spirit to be the witness who would convince the world about the truth of the gospel.
After noting how little the people had accomplished, in Haggai 2:1-9 God told them to be strong because of his presence with them.
During a meal with his disciples in John 13:1-17, Jesus did something that shattered social norms. He dressed like a slave and performed a...
Two parables directed against the religious leaders indicated why they would lose their management of the kingdom, and why others would take their place.