Matthew

There is an expression in English which says, "Seeing is believing". Interestingly it comes from Jesus' words to doubting Thomas who only believed because he had seen (John 20:29).

Capernaum was the base for Jesus and His disciples when they were in the Galilee area. The miracles He performed were the talk of the town; and they clamoured to see more.

Many clever people like to think that, with enough knowledge and skill they can manage their lives and the circumstances around them.

The relationship between Jesus the Son of God and God the Father seems strange to many people.

The King is kind! Having pronounced judgement on the unrepentant towns, Jesus turned His attention to the many people who were eager to welcome Him - but might have doubted if He really wanted them.

Jesus was a problem to the religious authorities. He did not fit into their mould or play their religious games.

Jesus had been accused by the Pharisees of allowing His disciples to break God's Law. But they had not.

With such amazing miracles, you might think that Jesus was popular. Not with the religious leaders!

Jesus was popular with the crowds but hated by the religious leaders. He loved them all but did not trust Himself to any of them.

Jesus lived in occupied territory. Israel, God's Promised Land, had been invaded by the Roman army: the people had been conquered. They had to obey Roman laws and pay Roman taxes.