This saying of Jesus seems rather strange. Was He really suggesting that people should violently enter other people's houses and steal their possessions? Of course not! Jesus was using an illustration to show that the power of Satan could not be overcome unless he is confronted by a person who is stronger than him. Jesus was saying that Satan is very strong and thinks that he owns a large house (the world); but he is not all-mighty.
 

It is easy to say the right sort of things to make a good impression. Many do just that. It is the stuff of sales and marketing, job interviews and romantic encounters. Most families adhere to a code of acceptable speech, and so do most groups in society including churches. So we learn how to stay included, by what we say.
 

Jonah and Solomon both achieved much. Although their historical legacy was a source of pride for Israel, they also had significant faults. Jonah preached judgement to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria which had given much grief to God's people. Despite Jonah's early disobedience in running away (and later discontent when God showed mercy), God used a great fish to transport Jonah back to his mission field, Nineveh (which means 'House of Fish') and the king and people all repented.
 

The Bible is clear that Jesus was not a solitary religious icon who represented God's love: He was raised and lived in a human family. His mother Mary, guardian father Joseph and His brothers and sisters all lived together (although by the time of Jesus' ministry Joseph is not mentioned, we presume he had died). Matthew 13:55-56 reports the people as criticising Jesus by saying, "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?"