Paul explains that the only foundation a church should be built upon is the gospel of Jesus. There can be false teaching which is the responsibility of the leaders of the church. If what they have built is wrong it will be destroyed; if it is good they will receive a reward.

Paul taught that the Church should be a place that welcomed people of all tribes and nations. In his day, there was a separation of Jews from Gentiles which had to be overcome. The Church is described as a building, a family and a temple.

Continuing in the dialogue with the religious leaders Jesus tells this parable to show that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from the Jews and others will enter. Jesus is the cornerstone they rejected.

Jesus encourages his disciples to choose Jesus over relationships with other people, to face rejection because of the Gospel and to use their resources for the Kingdom. True disciples will influence their society.

In response to a question Jesus explains that people have to make a choice to believe and trust Jesus but that was not easy and not many would do so.

Jesus prepares his disciples for the time of persecution that will be coming to them as leaders of the Church. He encourages them, and us, to think of life beyond the present - into eternity.

Jesus directly criticises the Jewish leaders for their love of money and social standing, for their legalism and leading the crowd astray.

Jesus repeats much of his teaching about dealing with evil and disbelief in this new context. There is no neutral ground: you are either for Jesus or against him.

Peter Declares Jesus is Messiah.

Jesus continues to warn the nation of Israel and particularly the leaders that to ignore the signs of the presence of the Messiah is dangerous. Old Testament examples are used to reinforce the message.