If you have your Bibles I'd invite you to turn with me to Matthew chapter 14.  As we have been studying in the gospel of Matthew, we have noted a progression from Matthew 11 unto this point:  Matthew 11 highlighting the majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ, Matthew 12 contrasting Christ's character with the character of the Pharisees, and Matthew 13 showing us that special use of parables in Christ's teaching and recording us for us seven kingdom parables, stories which illustrate important truths about the kingdom that Jesus was coming to preach.  But Matthew 13 also records for us what begins to be a turning point in Christ's ministry, as more and more there is opposition to Christ and His disciples and their preaching. The Pharisees had opposed Him early on, but now even…