Jesus’ ministry intensifies as His teachings expose the growing contrast between God’s kingdom and the world’s assumptions. These readings highlight rising tension with religious leaders, growing misunderstanding among the crowds, and the steady march toward the cross. Through parables, confrontations, and moments of compassion, Jesus reveals a kingdom that upends expectations and calls for wholehearted trust rather than cultural or political certainty.

These passages trace the upside-down nature of the kingdom through Jesus’ parables, His predictions of suffering, and His call to servant leadership. Encounters with the blind, the desperate, and the despised—culminating in Zacchaeus’ transformation—reveal a Messiah who seeks the lost and overturns human assumptions about worth, power, and status. Everything builds toward the triumphal entry, where hopes run high but expectations run in the wrong direction.

The Gospels slow down as Jesus turns His attention to the end of the age, the coming judgment, and the hope of His return. Apocalyptic teaching, warnings to stay watchful, and parables about readiness give shape to a sober but hope-filled vision of what lies ahead. As Jesus shares His final meal, prays for His disciples, and speaks of the Spirit’s coming, the weight of His mission becomes unmistakably clear.

These readings move from Gethsemane to the cross with heartbreaking clarity. Jesus wrestles in agony, willingly submits to arrest, endures betrayal, denial, and corruption at every level of power, and ultimately walks the road toward crucifixion with full knowledge of what it will cost. Yet woven through the darkness is unshakable purpose—Scripture fulfilled, the enemy defeated, and the path opened for resurrection and new creation.

Text: Proverbs 6:16-19

Whatever you do avoid causing division.

Text: Proverbs 9:8-9

Choosing the right opportunities to speak up can make or break your relationships.

Text: Proverbs 12:15

You open your mind when you open your ears.

Text: Proverbs 12:18

Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will hurt or heal me.

Text: Proverbs 13:20

You will become like the people with whom you spend the most time.

Text: Proverbs 15:1

Choose to respond rather than react in the face of anger.

Text: Proverbs 17:17

The needs of others are opportunities to demonstrate loyalty.

Text: Proverbs 18:17

Cook your conclusions as slowly as possible.

Text: Proverbs 19:11

Dealing with conflict begins by being honest with yourself.

Text: Proverbs 20:3

Wise people focus on issues that matter.

Text: Proverbs 25:17

Leave people wanting more of you not less.

Text: Proverbs 26:17

Be careful where you poke your nose.

Text: Proverbs 26:18-19

Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Text: Proverbs 26:20

Join the movement to make our planet a more peaceful place.

Text: Proverbs 27:10

Friendships will be some of the wisest investments you will ever make.

Text: Proverbs 27:14

Sensitivity helps to ensure that your gift is appreciated.