A young magistrate approaches Jesus, wanting to know what good thing he can do to merit eternal life. He would walk away from Jesus after being told to give away his wealth. Although it isn't wrong to have money, Jesus knew this man loved his. He'd have to lose this love of money if he wanted to come empty handed to Jesus and enjoy salvation. He represents all those who come to God wanting to earn salvation which, as Jesus said, is impossible. Salvation is all of God, and it's gained by faith, not earned by good deeds.

Jesus, in responding to a question about divorce raises the conversation to uphold the model of marriage that God gave from the beginning. Before we can even think about pastoral difficulties regarding divorce and remarriage, we must refer to marriage as originally given, which was to be for life. It is to be held up as the ideal all must strive for. Only then are we in a right mind to consider special circumstances in our own experience and approach God with our pleas.

What's it to be- glory or Gehenna- Jesus here uses the most extreme language to warn against both sinning against others-especially those esteemed least in the church-and sinning yourself. The gravity of his warnings is seen in their being addressed to believers. Even holding a -perseverance- position, we should tremble when we sin and go to the one who will surely forgive us and cleanse our consciences, restoring to us the joy of his salvation.

Using as an example a child-the lowest people in Jewish society-to represent the least esteemed in the church, Jesus teaches that his followers should take an interest in others. Greatness in the church is not about status as the world knows it but rather by service. He went on to back up his teaching by showing himself as the servant of all the church as well as being its head.

Jesus and the three disciples descend from the mount of transfiguration. He learns that the remaining disciples had failed in an attempted exorcism. Could it be true, they'd been neglecting prayer- Certainly, there was unbelief all round. We look at unbelief in atheism, in theism and, paradoxically, in those who have true faith too. We believe, Lord...but help us to believe-

The transfiguration certainly glorified Jesus, but there was more to it. We look at some of the purposes of it and think about the response by the disciples. Once again, Jesus emphasises the necessity of his suffering, but reminds them of his glorious resurrection.

Following the announcement by Jesus of his coming demise and victory, and his harsh rebuke of Peter for undermining it, he now turns to the people. He informs them that if they want to follow him and receive eternal life, they must die. In this play on words, Jesus means to encourage them to deny their own selves in order to receive the future, glorious inheritance.

Jesus asks his discples two questions about his identity. Who does the world think he is, and who do they think he is- Peter's outstanding confession that Jesus is the Christ is immediately undermined by his attempted rebuke of Jesus. The Son of God's rebuke of Peter is unique in its harshness, as he calls Peter a -satan-, an opposer of his mission. The sterness of the put-down shows how important it is to know who Jesus really is. He saves eternally, not in the carnal sense Peter expected.

Chapter 8 describes a set of events that parallel those in the previous two chapters. Yet they are distinct accounts. Another mass catering operation is followed by rebukes to Pharisees and disciples. Disciples today are likewise warned to beware of the leaven, or -yeast-, of unbelief, false religion and bad doctrine. Leaven is a small ingredient, but it can -give rise- to terrible consequences.

This healing account might appear slightly unusual to the modern reader, but Jesus was simply visualizing for the man what he would do for him. We learn the way he comes to each of his elect people is likewise unique. We see the episode has allusions to OT prophecy about the new age of the gospel we live in. And we see in every aspect of Christ's work that he does all things well.