I ritually cleanse you through baptism as a mark of turning your life around. But someone is coming after me, someone whose sandals I am not fit to carry, someone who is more powerful than I. He will wash you not in water but in fire and with the Holy Spirit.

I am not here to attend to people who are already right with God; I am here to attend to sinners. In the book of the prophet Hosea, we read, “It is not sacrifice I want, but mercy.” Go and meditate on that for a while—maybe you’ll come to understand it.

Jesus knew what the disciples were saying among themselves, and He took them to task. Jesus: You men of little faith, do you really think that I care which baker you patronize? After spending so much time with Me, do you still not understand what I mean? So you showed up without bread; why talk about it?

And Jesus ordered His disciples to keep these teachings secret. Jesus: You must tell no one that I am the Anointed.

Jesus: Go into the city, find a certain man, and say to him, “The Teacher says, ‘My time is near, and I am going to celebrate Passover at your house with My disciples.’”

But I tell you: I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until I am with you once more, drinking in the kingdom of My Father.

Jesus came forward and addressed His beloved disciples. Jesus: I am here speaking with all the authority of God, who has commanded Me to give you this commission:

and a voice echoed in the heavens. Voice: You are My Son, My beloved One, and I am very pleased with You.

When the Pharisees’ scribes saw who shared the table with Jesus, they were quick to criticize: Scribes (to His disciples): If your master is such a righteous person, then why does He eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners, the worst among us?

At last, the woman—knowing He was talking about her—pushed forward and dropped to her knees. She was shaking with fear and amazement. Woman: I touched You. Then she told Him the reason why.

Jesus: O faithless generation, how long must I be among you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.

At length, they made their way toward Jerusalem. Jesus was walking ahead of them. As they neared the city, wonder and amazement filled them. But soon those who were following began to tremble.

Jesus (calling out): Am I a thief or a bandit that you have to come armed with swords and clubs to capture Me?

Messenger (sternly): I am Gabriel, the messenger who inhabits God’s presence. I was sent here to talk with you and bring you this good news.

The messenger entered her home. Messenger: Greetings! You are favored, and the Lord is with you! [Among all women on the earth, you have been blessed.]

In Jerusalem Annas and Caiaphas were high priests in the temple. And in those days, out in the wilderness, John (son of Zacharias) received a message from God.

John the Baptist: I baptize you with water, but One is coming—One far more powerful than I, One whose sandals I am not worthy to untie—who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

One Sabbath Day, some Pharisees confronted Jesus again. This time, they saw the disciples picking some grain as they walked through the fields. The disciples would dehusk the grain by rubbing the kernels in their hands, and then they would eat it raw. Pharisees: Don’t You know the sacred law says You can’t harvest and mill grain on the Sabbath Day—the day on which all work is forbidden? Why do You think You can ignore the sacred law?

The ruler replied, “Well done! You’re a good servant indeed! Since you have been faithful in handling a small amount of money, I’ll entrust you with authority over 10 cities in my new kingdom.”

The ruler replied, “I will condemn you using your very own words, you worthless servant! So I’m a severe man, am I? So I take a profit without making an investment and harvest without planting seed?

Then the onlookers replied, “Lord, he already has 10 times the original amount!”

Jesus: It has been My deep desire to eat this Passover meal with you before My suffering begins.

Who is greater right here as we eat this meal—those of us who sit at the table, or those who serve us? Doesn’t everyone normally assume those who are served are greater than those who serve? But consider My role among you. I have been with you as a servant.

Two Disciples (to each other): Amazing! Weren’t our hearts on fire within us while He was talking to us on the road? Didn’t you feel it all coming clear as He explained the meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures?

John the Baptist: Baptizing with water is what I do; but the One whom I speak of, whom we all await, is standing among you; and you have no idea who He is.