2. Jesus predicts his suffering

Jesus is preparing to activate a major mission and calls people to join him. He explains the cost of discipleship and not all are prepared to commit.

Jesus ends his teaching on church community with a dramatic parable to teach the need to forgive - from the heart.

There needs to be clear discipline procedures in the church community to deal with Christians who continue to sin.

Everyone is important to God, and he cares about each individual, just as the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the lost one.

Several warnings are given here - not to cause others to lose their faith, not to be nominal Christians, not to let temptation spoil faith. Eternal judgement is a reality.