Jesus, the First, calls His disciples to put Him above all things – their own control, societal and religious obligations, and relationships- showing that true fitness for the kingdom is found not in our own strength, but His grace, as He became last to make the unfit fit for His kingdom.
Jesus became an object of the consuming fire of God’s judgment so that we might be objects of mercy that give mercy to others.
Jesus, the greatest of all, revealed His true greatness by humbling Himself to the cross, serving the least, and calling us to follow His example of selfless love and servanthood.
The majesty of Jesus calls us to trust him beyond what we see.
Jesus is the most clearly glorifed in his Exodus in Jerusalem where he will save his people from their sins
The cost of discipleship is seen most clearly in the humility of Christ’s birth and his obedience to the Father even unto death.
Jesus reveals himself as both the suffering Servant and glorious Son of Man who must suffer, die, and rise again to establish his kingdom through sacrifice rather than force.
Jesus’ provision of physical bread foreshadows his provision for our deepest spiritual needs.