Despite being in prison facing a death sentence, Paul opens his letter by reminding the church of all the blessings they have. He writes of God’s initiative in salvation but also the need for each Christian to make a decision. God is working out His purposes.

Paul explains the serious situation of those who do not believe - they are dead, separated from God. He balances this with the good news of grace shown by Jesus' death on the cross. Faith is all that is required.

Paul uses several stories form the Old Testament to illustrate God’s choices which divided the nation right from the beginning. God chooses to show mercy to some and also chooses who to use for his purposes.

Paul uses the image of the olive tree to explain how because of their unbelief, many Jews have been separated from the purposes of God and gentiles have been grafted into those purposes. He predicts a time when the Jewish nation will be fully included at a future time.

The second in a series of parables Jesus used to teach about the Second Coming. His servants/disciples need to be faithful and use what they have been given for the Kingdom of God.

In answer to the first of the disciples' questions, Jesus predicts the future destruction of Israel including the Temple. He warns his disciples to flee when they see the signs.

Another parable to teach that the invitation to the Jewish people to believe in Jesus as Messiah had been rejected yet others were invited in to the Kingdom of God. Punishment would follow.

The religious leaders try to trick Jesus with a question but he returns with a question of his own. He tells the parable to show that sinners are entering the Kingdom, having accepted Jesus as Messiah.

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.

Jesus explains that he must die just like a seed, so that others will be saved. God the Father speaks for the third time to confirm that Jesus' earthly life and his future death and resurrection has, and will, glorify him.