The gospel of Matthew is a winding journey that takes us on a trek from Jesus’ humble birth, all the way to his victorious return from the grave. In between, there are countless stories, teachings, and interactions that fill in so much of who this Jesus is and what kind of kingdom he came to create.

In this section, we see what relationships are meant to look like in light of the “kingdom” that Jesus talked so much about. How should followers of Jesus treat one another? How does the way of Jesus change the way we relate to those similar to us, and those completely unlike us?

As always, the disciples have much to learn, and we’re along for the ride. While the journey is rarely easy, the destination is a vision of relationships radically countercultural, formed around the teachings of our risen Savior rather than the expectations of the world.