Who do the crowds think Jesus Is? Who do the disciples think Jesus is?

Jesus warns His disciples to not fall prey to the false teachings of the Scribes and Pharisees. You need to watch and beware of those who twist the scriptures!

Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah promised to the Jewish nation of Israel. We gentile believers are eternally grateful Yahweh included us in the spiritual blessings of His New Covenant with Israel.

The Scribes and Pharisees use the tradition of the elders to justify breaking Yahweh's command to honor fathers and mothers. In addition, they horribly dishonor Yahweh by using Him as the reason for their transgression when, in fact, they are serving themselves.

Jesus will train those who follow him, despite their limited understanding and their doubts.

They were the evidence given when John the Baptizer doubted. They forced the Pharisees to accept or reject his claims. So, how would his "home crowd" respond? How will Herod, who has only heard of him, respond?

Jesus has been rejected by the nation of Israel. His offer of the Messianic Kingdom has been withdrawn from that generation. Through the following parables Jesus reveals the nature of the interim Kingdom. He is preparing His disciples for their role in interim Kingdom.

The sign of Jonah is the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth after three days in the grave! The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate sign and proof that Jesus is the promised Messiah-King. But as Matthew will report, even the ultimate sign of the resurrection of Jesus will be rejected by the scribes and Pharisees.