There is a popular expression that says "seeing is believing." However, many people saw the amazing signs performed by Jesus and did not believe in him. In two separate incidents recorded in John 4:43-5:18, Jesus performed signs of healing, but few believed in him. One politically connected man did believe while the religious leaders did not. He became a model of faith, while they became a warning about the dangers of man-made religion. (full sermon notes)
With so much insistence in Galatians on our being right before God through faith in Christ and not by the works of the law,...
Through a series of mistakes by the disciples, Jesus taught them and us what following him is not.
This first parable from Matthew provides the key to understanding all the parables and to entering the kingdom of God.