Paul states that government is God’s plan for society. Despite the different forms of government, Christians should respect and honour those in authority who are under God’s sovereignty. Christians should pay their taxes and pray for those in authority.

Paul used many examples from the Old Testament to further his argument that God did not choose all Israel. All the way through their history a remnant remained faithful. Just like the clay cannot question the potter’s decision, we cannot question God’s decisions.

Jesus condemns the religious leaders as hypocrites, stating seven condemnations, and predicting judgement on them and Israel. The widow in Luke's Gospel contrasts this showing the right Kingdom attitude.

Despite many miracles and signs being performed in that area, most people did not believe. Jesus uses the prophecies of Isaiah to warn of impending disaster because of this unbelief.

At the entrance to Jericho, Bartimaeus shouts over the crowd to get Jesus' attention. He calls Jesus the Son of David - a messianic title and Jesus heals his blindness - a messianic sign.

The crowd hails Jesus as the Son of David - a messianic title but despite having seen all the miracles, the Pharisees deny his messiahship, attributing his power to Satan and not the Holy Spirit.

John's identity is questioned, reflecting views about Messiah. He calls Jesus 'the Lamb of God' referring to the Passover lamb in the Old Testament. Like John, we are to point others to Jesus. The episode ends in Revelation and the future role of the Lamb.

Herod is angry. Joseph, warned in a dream, takes the family to Egypt where they are refugees. They return to Nazareth, in Galilee. Matthew uses many Old Testament prophecies.

The identity, origin and journey of the Magi are all discussed. Links trace back to the Old Testament. The star phenomena is considered. Herod the Great is introduced and the effect of the Magi's visit.

Matthew wrote for the Jews. The genealogy of Jesus is traced back to Abraham, the father of the nation. Matthew traces the ancestry through Joseph but Luke through Mary. Ancestry was important to Jews.