III. The Call of the King 8:1-10:42
A. Miracles of healing 8:1-17
The purpose for the miracles of healing is to reveal Jesus having authority and power over sickness and diseases. By the words and deeds Jesus Christ had authenticate credentials necessary to institute the kingdom. This is important in context for the kingdom because it bring about the power of change. And these miracles demonstrate the various realms in which Christ has authority.
B. The cost of following the King 8:18-22
The cost of following the King suggests that those who follow Him must be prepared to have no home. And If we are true followers of the Kingdom renunciation ties is one of disciple of family ties is one of the condition of discipleship; one cannot wait until all family connections are satisfied. This is important in context because it stresses the urgency of the kingdom there’s no time to wait the kingdom is near. And it further supports that His Kingdom is not of this world.
C. Miracles of power 8:23-9:8
The purpose for His miracles and powers is the fulfillment of words spoken through Isaiah (53:4). His taking our infirmities and carrying our diseases was finally accomplished on the cross in his death. This is important to present Jesus as King because by casting out demons demonstrates his power over Satan, ruler of the demon world.
D. The challenge of following the King 9:9-17
The purpose of these scriptures as it relate to the challenges following the King suggests: it requires demonstrates that His ministry is directed toward those who realize they have a need. This is important because it shows Jesus Kingship as one having power over tradition. The Pharisees always brought proper sacrifices, but they were totally lacking in compassion towards sinners.
E. Miracles of Restoration 9:18-34
The purpose of these miracles of restoration suggests Jesus power over death, darkness, and dumbness. This is important to context because only such power belongs to the Lord. It affirms His deity as Lord and Savior.
F. The commission to follow the King 10:1-42
The commission to follow the King suggests the appropriate message concerning the lost sheep of Israel. Therefore the kingdom message was for God’s covenant people. The apostles’ message, like their Lord’s would be authenticated by miracles. They were not to make elaborate provisions for their travel, thus avoiding the impression they were engaged in a business enterprise. This is in important in context because it gives Israel the first opportunity to accept their King. However, all would be fully fulfilled after the day of Pentecost in the spreading of the gospel in the churches. Furthermore, these words will find their fullest manifestation in the day of the tribulation throughout the entire world before Jesus Christ returns in power and glory as-well as establish His kingdom on the earth.
IV. The Challenge to the King 11:1-16:12
A. The rejection of John the Baptist 11:1-19
The rejection of John the Baptist challenges the King’s authority. John needed reassurance and clarification for he had expected. This is important in context because the Messiah was to overcome wickedness, judge sin, and bring in His Kingdom.
B. The condemnation of the cities of Galilee 11:20-24
The purpose of the condemnation of the cities of Galilee pronounced against the cities in which some of His most significant miracles Jesus preformed. This is important in context because though Jesus lived in Capernaum for some time the rejection of the Messiah would impose that they indeed would go down to the depths, literally, to hades the place of the dead.
C. The invitation to the oppressed 11:25-30
The invitation oppressed suggest in contrast with His condemnation on the Galilean cities. Jesus issued a great call to those who in faith would turn to Him. To those who are declared true to the Gospel would enjoy the good pleasure. By becoming yoke with Him from Him they would indeed find rest for their souls. Contextually this is important because by yoking themselves with Christ they become true disciples of Jesus and join Him in His proclamation of divine wisdom.
D. The controversies over Christ’s authority 12:1-50
The purpose of these scriptures was to challenge Jesus authority concerning the Sabbath.
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees by using two illustrations. First, the life of David as he fled from Saul David was given the consecrated bread which had been removed from the tabernacle. Secondly, the priest was involved in work on the Sabbath however they were considered blameless. This scripture as it relates to context reveals two important aspects of his kingship. Number one He is greater than the Sabbath; in fact He is the Lord of the Sabbath. Secondly, he reminds them of the words of Hosea 6:6 I desire mercy, not sacrifices, that is, inner spiritual vitality, not mere external formality.
E. The change in the kingdom program 13:1-52
The change in the kingdom program exposes Jesus method of teaching. These parables which Jesus spoke illustrate the dynamic link between known and unknown truths. This is important in context because it reveals the secrets of the kingdom and that would be given to the disciples, but would be hidden from the religious leaders who rejected Him.
F. Various rejections of the King’s authority 13:53-16:12
The various rejection of the King’s authority precedes Him teaching parables in the synagogue.
Therefore it would fulfill prophecy which has been kept secret. This is important in contextually because it exposes the truth to those who were otherwise withheld from it.
