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.

Jesus shows that children are important in the Kingdom and includes them in the same way he includes others on the fringes of society. Adults can learn from children.

Jesus uses two extremes in the Jewish religious culture to teach that God does not show mercy according to the works of the self-righteous but to the repentant heart of the sinner.

Jesus heals a mixed group of ten lepers - both Jew and Samaritan - but only one Samaritan returns to thank Jesus. They were sent to show themselves to the priests in Jerusalem to prove their healing which would in turn point to Jesus as the healer.

The parable is directed at the Pharisees and links to the previous parable. It warns against letting wealth and possessions distract from following the Law of Moses and the Kingdom of God. There are two eternal destinies after life.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep challenges the Pharisees judgemental attitude towards those who go astray. Jesus equates the joy of the woman who found the lost coin to God's rejoicing over a sinner who repents.

At a meal in a Pharisee's house, Jesus told the challenging parable about the banquet. This was part of the Jewish expectations but Jesus encourages humility and hospitality.

There needs to be clear discipline procedures in the church community to deal with Christians who continue to sin.

Jesus challenges the man-made laws of ritual cleansing and explains that outer religious observance is not as important as heart attitudes.

Jairus and a woman are from different social standings but both need Jesus and overcome fear, emotion and cynicism. They show faith and humility and are rewarded by healings.