Jesus' disciples have a job to do, a mission. He does not view discipleship as an academic exercise. It is more like an apprenticeship. Jesus' followers learn by doing. So as disciples, what matters is that we are faithful to our commission and trusting him for the outcomes.

Jesus is renowned for speaking in parables. They often seem like pithy little stories designed to teach the basics of the Christian faith to children. But then, without warning, we are confounded by them. Their simplicity is confused by a simplistic approach. It turns out that they might conceal more than they reveal. In Mark 4, Jesus explains why this is so.

At the turning point of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), Jesus' attention turns towards Jerusalem. He calls disciples to follow him there'� which will also mean denying themselves and taking up their cross.

As Jesus purposefully sets his course towards Jerusalem and the cross, his focus narrows. Distractions and lesser priorities are put aside as '�salvation' becomes the primary objective.

Jesus was prepared to own Peter's label '�Messiah,' but the disciples needed to keep it secret. The Transfiguration starts to show us why. There was a lot more to Jesus as Messiah than a national military hero who might set up a new royal dynasty. Jesus far exceeded these in his person and in his role.

The third sign in John's gospel has Jesus healing a paralysed man on the sabbath. This sign points to the arriving kingdom of God. Humanity has been passively lying, helpless and hopeless, for a very long time. Only God can intervene, bringing healing and renewal. And the sabbath is the most appropriate day upon which to declare this liberty, freedom and jubilee.