The Christian life is marked by baptism (Matt. 3:13-17).
God is available to help us not give in to temptation (Matt. 4:1-11).
Jesus asks us to repent—turn away from wrong, confess wrongdoing (Matt. 4:17).
Jesus says, “Follow me” and you will help find other followers (Matt. 4:18-22).
Jesus says, “Take up your cross and follow me”(Matt. 16:24-27).
Repeatedly Jesus notes, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus seems to be telling us ways to experience heaven on earth now, and he also refers to a future realm where we will be in the presence of God and Jesus (Matt. 4:23; 13:18-52; 18:1-5).
Jesus showed compassion for all and helped them: the poor, the despised, the outcasts, and wants us to do the same (Matt. 4:24-25;9:9-13).
Jesus says he is like “new wineskins” or a completely new thing (Matt. 9:14-17).
The many stories and healings of Jesus teach us, “Have faith; it is enough” (Matt. 9:18-31).
Jesus emphasizes, “Be sincere, not a hypocrite” (Matt. 6:1-6).
Jesus and God are one (Matt. 10:40; 16:13-20).
Jesus warns, “Don’t let family get in the way of following me” (Matt. 10:35-38; 12:46-50).
Jesus has authority over the law and tradition (Matt. 12: 1-8; 15:1-9).
Jesus fulfills Old Testament scriptures (Matt. 1:22-23; 17:9-13).
Jesus preaches, “Love your enemies; do not hate, be reconciled” (Matt. 5:38-48; 5:21-24).
Jesus reminds us, “You must become like a child to enter the kingdom” (Matt. 19:13-15).
Jesus’ disciples become a community of faith, which forms the beginnings of the Christian church universal (Matt. 28:16-19).
The events of Jesus’ last week on earth are the culmination of his ministry and teachings, climaxing with his death on the cross. A man who has never sinned dies to save all the rest of us who have sinned (Matt. 21-27).
Jesus says, “I am alive! Go and tell everyone else” (Matt. 28:7-10).
He adds, “I will be with you forever” (Matt. 28:20b).
