As the Pharisees mock, Jesus shows the need for true internal righteousness. In the midst of this He shows that He is the continuation and fulfillment of all of God’s promises.
Jesus uses this parable to exhort his disciples to live in light of the future. Specifically (1) be generous, (2) use what you have, don’t focus on what you don’t, and (3) serve God with your money, don’t serve money.
Various
The Magi come seeking Christ so that they may worship Him. However, while they are eagerly desiring Him, the religious leaders are apathetic and Herod is apoplectic.
The Promise of the child comes in the midst of a siege and seeming hopelessness. Christ has come but his people still long for him to return.
In this passage, Jesus deals with the religious leaders' anger and annoyance that He eats with tax collectors and sinners by telling three parables. Each parable deals with something being lost, hunted for, and then found with joy and celebration. However, in verses 11-32, the focus not only rests on on the prodigal but on the elder son in verses 25-32. Rather than rejoicing, he is bitter and angry that the Father has allowed the prodigal to return home.
Jesus warns the crowd that half-hearted discipleship is actually not discipleship. Christ must be our all and have our primary allegiance.
Jesus is at a feast with the religious authorities, and there have been some awkward silences due to Jesus condemnations of them. Then after another one, a man shouts out “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Jesus then gives a story that shows that not all who think they will be there will be, but in fact many they assumed never will be there are invited and come.