EditedByDavidWebb
TableofContents
TheParablesofJesus
Introduction
ThewordparableisatransliterationoftheGreekword“parabole”(para-bow-LAY),and comesfromtwoGreekwords,“para” (translated“beside”)and“ballein”(translated“to throw”).Literally,thewordparablemeans“tothrowbeside,”or“toplacebeside,orto placetogetherforthepurposeofcomparing,ormakingacomparison.”Theycan usuallybeidentifiedbytheuseoftheword“like,”asinJesus’statement,“Thekingdom ofheavenislikeamustardseed,”or“Thekingdomofheavenislikeleaven”(Matthew 13:31,33).Intheseexamples,Jesuswascomparingthekingdomofheaventothe attributesorcharacteristicsof amustardseedandtoleaven(yeast).Somehave definedthewordparableas“astorybywhichsomethingrealinlifeisusedasameans ofpresentingamoralthought.”Othershavesaidaparable“putstheknownnextto theunknownsothatwemaylearn.” Theyareusuallyastoryoranarrativetakenfrom natureorfromeverydayhumanexperiences.Perhapsthe simplest definitionofallis thataparableisanearthlystorywithaheavenlymeaning.
Thecharactersinparablesdoonlythosethingswewould expectanyonetodointhe normalcourseofevents – suchasasowergoingoutintoafieldtosowseed,ora merchantgoingtothemarketplacetofindcostlypearls.Thecharactersinparablesare notsuperhuman,nordotheyperformsuperhumanfeats.Thenaturaleventsdescribed inparablesarealsothosewewouldexpecttowitnessinnature – suchasseedsownby asowerfallingonvariouskindsofsoil,oramustardseedgrowingintoalargetree,ora dragnetbringingallkindsoffish.Parablesare notallegories,fables,myths,or proverbs.Infact,thereisamajordifferencebetweentheseforms ofstory-telling.For example,anallegoryissimplydefinedasafigurativeapplicationorillustrationtaken fromrealhistoricalfactsorevents – as intheallegoryofAbraham’stwosons(Galatians 4:22-5:4).Ontheotherhand,Parablesspeakofsupposedeventsthatneverreally occurred.Fablesandmythsarestoriesthatarefantasyorlarger-than-life.Agood examplefromtheOldTestamentisthe fableoftreesthatchooseaking(Judges9:815).Proverbsaredefinedasshortstatementsthatcontainacompleteandvaluable thought,orshort,wisesayingsthatcontainpracticaltruthsthatarelearnedby experiencesorthroughobservation.Sometimesproverbsandparablesareconfused, asintheso-called“ParableoftheFigTree”(Matthew24:32),whichisactuallya proverb – acomparativetruthlearnedbyexperienceandobservation.
Parablesareamongtheoldestandmostcommonformsofteaching.EventheOld Testamentcontainsmanyparables.OneclassicexampleisNathan’sparabletoDavid aboutthepoormanwithonelittleewelamb(2Samuel12:1-10).DuringHisearthly ministry,Jesususedthismediumofteachingalmostconstantly,andfor averygood purpose.ItseemsJesuswantedtoteachonepartofthecrowdthatconstantly
followedHim,whileintentionallypreventingtheotherpartfromunderstandingwhat wasbeingsaid.Inotherwords,themainpurposeforJesusteachinginparables wasto concealthetruthfromthosewhoseheartswerealreadyprejudicedandhardened.
“AndthedisciplescameandsaidtoHim,‘WhydoYouspeaktothemin parables?’Heansweredandsaidtothem,‘Becauseithasbeengivento youtoknowthemysteries ofthekingdomofheaven,buttothemithas notbeengiven.Forwhoeverhas,tohimmorewillbegiven,andhewill haveabundance;butwhoeverdoesnothave,evenwhathehaswillbe takenawayfromhim.ThereforeIspeaktotheminparables,because seeingtheydonotsee,andhearingtheydonothear,nordothey understand.AndinthemtheprophecyofIsaiahisfulfilled,whichsays: “Hearingyouwillhearandshallnotunderstand,andseeingyouwillsee andnotperceive;fortheheartsofthispeoplehavegrowndull.Their earsarehardofhearing,andtheireyestheyhaveclosed,lesttheyshould seewiththeireyesandhearwiththeirears,lesttheyshouldunderstand withtheirheartsandturn,sothatIshouldhealthem.”Butblessedare youreyesfortheysee,andyourearsfortheyhear;forassuredly,Isayto youthatmanyprophetsandrighteousmendesiredtoseewhatyousee, anddidnotseeit,andtohearwhatyouhear,anddidnothearit.’” (Matthew13:10-17)
ThedisciplesoftheLordwereblessedtolearn“themysteriesofthekingdomof heaven”becausetheyhadtherightattitudetowardJesusandHisteaching.Butthose whoseheartshadbeenhardenedbytheirownwickednessandrebellionwerekeptfrom understandingtheparables. Essentially,Jesuswasattemptingtoseparatetruthseekersfromcuriosity-seekers.ThoseofHisdiscipleswhoweregenuinelyseekingto knowthetruthsothattheymightobeyitwouldaskJesus,“explaintousthemeaning oftheparable.”Hewouldthen explainthemeaningoftheparabletothemprivately (cf.Mark4:33-34).Theheartsofthesediscipleswereopenandreceptivetothetruths taughtbyJesus.Therefore,Jesussaid,“Forwhoeverhas[anhonestandreceptive heart],tohimmorewillbegiven,andhewillhaveabundance[byvirtueofthefactthat theywilllearnandapplytheteachingsofJesusintheirlives]”(Matthew13:12a).But thosewho,formostpart,werenotinterestedinobeyingtheteachingsofJesuswould heartheparables,failtograsptheirmeaning,andsimplybrushthemoff.Thisiswhy Jesusadded,“butwhoeverdoesnothave[anhonestandreceptiveheart],evenwhat hehaswillbetakenawayfromhim[byvirtueofthefactthathewillfailtomake applicationofJesus’ teachingtohislife](Matthew13:12b).Thereasonthesehearers failedtograspthemeaningoftheparablesofJesusisbecause“theheartsofthis peoplehavegrowndull.Theirearsarehardofhearing,andtheireyes they have closed,lesttheyshould seewiththeireyesandhearwiththeirears,lesttheyshould understandwiththeirheartsandturn,sothatIshouldhealthem.”(Matthew13:15). Theyhadclosedtheirowneyesandearsfromreceivingthetruth.
However,thereisanotherreasonwhyJesustaughtinparables,andthatwasto reveal heavenlytruthstojustaselectgroupofpeople – whoseheartswereopenand receptivetothesetruths.Jesuswastakingtheknown(earthlytruthscontainedinthe parables)andusingthemtoexplaintheunknown(thegreaterheavenlytruths).Only thenwouldtheybeabletomakeaspiritualapplicationorgainspiritualinsightfromthe parablesofJesus.Repeatedly,theSaviorsaid,“thekingdomofheavenislike.”He wouldthenproceedtodrawacomparisonbetweentheknownandtheunknown “mysteriesofthekingdomofheaven.”
ButthereisalsoanotherreasonwhyJesustaughtinparables,andthatwasto appeal tothehearer’ssenseofjusticebeforetheyrealizedtheparableappliedtothem. Nathandid thiswithDavid(2Samuel12:1-10).ButJesususedthisapproachoften whenconfrontingHisenemies.TheParableoftheWickedVinedressers(Matthew 21:33-46)isaclassicexample.Jesusspokeofwickedvinedresserswhorefusedtopay theownerofthe vineyardwhathewasowed.Aftersendingseveralemissariestothese corruptvinedressers,theownersenthisson,whomthevinedresserseventuallykilled outofbitterenvyandhatred.AsthechiefpriestsandPhariseesbeganhearingthis parable,they wouldhavebeguntosideagainsttheunjustandwickedvinedressers. Butwhentheparablewasconcluded,theScripturessay,“Nowwhenthechiefpriests andPhariseesheardHisparables,theyperceivedthatHewasspeakingofthem.” (Matthew21:45).JesusdidforthesechiefpriestsandPhariseeswhatNathandidfor David – causingthemtoagreewiththeinjusticeofthesituationandtheneedfor righteousjudgmentagainsttheguiltyparties,beforetheysuddenlyrealizedtheywere therealsubjectoftheparable.So,itcanbesaidthatJesustaughtintheformof parablestoCONCEAL,toREVEAL,andtoAPPEAL.
Onoccasions,Jesusprovidestheinterpretationoftheparable.Butonotheroccasions, wearelefttointerprettheparableforourselves.Whenattemptingtointerpret parables,thereareafewextremestoavoid.First,avoidtheextremeofreadingtoo muchintotheparable.Somemakethemistakeofreadingdeepspiritualtruths into everyminutedetail(eisegesis),ratherthandrawingsimple truths from theparable (exegesis).Parablesaremeanttorevealsimple,basictruthstothosewhoareseeking tounderstandtheLord’steaching,nottoconfuseHisteachingwithawiderangeof endlesstheologicalspeculation.Theplain,simpletruths containedinparableswere meanttobecarriedawayinthemindofthehearer,notexaminedunderamicroscope ordissectedtorevealeveryminutedetail.Therefore,lookforthe simplest explanation first – thegeneralthemeoftheparable,thendelvedeeperintosub-meaningsorsubthemes.Second,avoidtheextremeofsayingthereisjustonespiritualtruthcontained ineachparable.However,makecertainthatthespiritualtruthsgleanedfromthe parablearenotformulatingsomeneworcontradictory doctrine.Truthmustagreewith truth.
WheninterpretingaparableofJesus,therearecertainquestionsthatshouldbeasked. First,askwho theintendedaudiencewas,ortowhomwasJesusspeaking?Inmost
instances,theintendedaudiencewillbeHis disciples.Butonotheroccasions,the audiencewillrangefrompublicansandsinners,tothescribesandPharisees.Agood waytodeterminetheintendedaudienceistoaskwhowaslearningthemostfromthe teachingofJesusatthetime?Second,askwhatdidJesusintendtoaccomplishbythe parable?Thismaynotalwaysbeobvious.Forexample,theParablesoftheMustard SeedandtheLeavenareverybriefandoffernoclearinsightintowhyJesustaught theseparables.ButwhenweunderstandthattheSaviorhadjustspokentwoparables toHisdisciplesthatweresomewhatdiscouraging(theParableoftheSower,andthe ParableoftheWheatandtheTares),itseemsprobablethattheParableoftheMustard SeedandtheLeavenwerespokentogivethedisciplesencouragement.Onother occasions,thepurposeoftheparablewillbecomeobvious.Somewerespokentothose whoweremoreconcernedaboutanoutwarddisplayofreligionthantheywereinthe practicalapplicationofsuch(asintheParableoftheGoodSamaritan).Othershad problemswithforgiveness,orwithseeingthemselvesinneedofforgiveness,orwith theacquisitionofwealth.AndstillotherswereintentonkillingJesus,eventhoughthey knewHewastheSonofGod,andneededtoknowthatJesuswaswellawareoftheir evilplans.Third,askwhatisthelessontobelearned?Everyparablehasasimple lessontoteach.Somewillbemoreapparentthanothers.Butthereisasimplelesson tolearnfromeveryparableofJesus.Don’tmakethelessonsocomplexorhighly theological.Anddon’tforgetthatparableswereintendedtobesimple,directlessons thatcouldeasilyberemembered,andwhosetruthswouldbeunforgettable.Lookfor the“central”truthineverylesson.
Parablescontainedthe“mysteriesofthekingdomofheaven”(Matthew13:11),aswell as“thingswhichhadbeenkeptsecretfromthefoundationoftheworld”(Matthew 13:35).However,thesemysteriesandsecretthingsarenowrevealedinthewonderful gospelofChrist.InhisclosingremarkstothechurchatRome,theapostlePaulgives usthispromise:
“NowtoHimwhoisabletoestablishyouaccordingtomygospelandthe preachingofJesusChrist,accordingtotherevelationofthemysterykept secretsincetheworldbeganbutnowhasbeenmademanifest,andby thepropheticScriptureshasbeenmadeknowntoallnations,accordingto thecommandmentoftheeverlastingGod,forobediencetothefaith;to God,alonewise,beglorythroughJesusChristforever.Amen.” (Romans 16:25-27).
EnjoyyourstudyofthewonderfulteachingsofJesuscontainedinHismanyparables. Yourknowledgewillsurelybeincreased,andyourlifewilltrulybeenriched.
DavidWebb
TheParablesofJesus LessonOne
DefiningtheKingdomof Heaven
Introduction:
WhenJesusbeganHisministry,thegeneralthemeofHispreachingwasthings concerningthe“kingdomofheaven.”Matthewsays,“FromthattimeJesusbeganto preachandtosay,‘Repent,forthekingdomofheavenisathand.’...AndJesuswent aboutallGalilee,teachingintheirsynagogues,preachingthegospelofthekingdom, andhealingallkindsofsicknessandallkindsofdiseaseamongthepeople.”(Matthew 4:17,23).HisfamousSermonontheMountrepeatedlydescribedmanythingsabout thekingdomofheaven(Matthew5:3,10,19-20;6:10,33;7:21).Therefore,itshould notbesurprisingthatthegeneralthemeofJesus’parableswasalsothekingdomof heaven.Infact,manyofHisparablesbeginwiththewords,“Thekingdom ofheavenis like...”(Matthew13:24,31,33,44,45,47).Jesusalsospokeregarding“themysteries ofthekingdomofheaven”(Matthew13:11).ButwhatdidJesusmeanwhenHespoke ofthekingdomofheaven?Whatisit?
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Some attempttomakeadistinctionbetweentheterms“kingdomofheaven”and “kingdomofGod.”Comparethepassagesbelow,andanswerthefollowing questions.
Matthew4:17
Matthew5:3
Matthew13:31
Mark1:14-15
Luke6:20
Mark4:30-31
a. Dothesepassagesindicateadistinctionbetweentheterms“kingdomof heaven”and“kingdomofGod?”Explain.
b. WhydoyouthinkMatthewusedonetermexclusivelywhileMarkandLuke usedtheothertodescribewhatappearstobethesamething?
2. Whatdoestheterm“kingdom”mean(See:Luke17:21;Matthew6:10)?
3. FromJohn18:36,whatisthe“nature”ofthekingdom – physicalorspiritual?
4. Howisthe“kingdomofheaven”orthe“kingdomofGod”manifestedtoday(See: Matthew16:18-19;Colossians1:12-14;1Thessalonians2:10-12;Revelation1:49)?
5. Inonesense,the“kingdomofheaven”andthe“kingdomofGod”areboth PRESENT,butinanothersense,theyarebothFUTURE.
a. Inwhatwayisthe“kingdomofheaven”PRESENT(See:Colossians1:12-14; Revelation1:4-9)?
b. Inwhatwayisthe“kingdomofheaven”FUTURE(See:1Corinthians15:24;2 Peter3:13;Matthew7:21-23)?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
TheParablesofJesus LessonTwo
TheParableoftheSower
(Matthew13:3-9,18-23;Mark4:3-9,13-20;Luke8:4-8,11-15)
Introduction:
EventhoughJesuspreachedthegospelofthekingdomofheaven,Hedidn’talwaysfind areceptiveaudience.AndalthoughHismiraclesandothermightyworkswhichHe performedwereunmistakablyperformedbydivinepower,Hewasstillrejected.Some thoughtJesusperformedthesemiraclesbythepowerofSatan.Whilethepeopleof Jesus’dayhadearstohear,theirearshadbecomehardofhearing,andeventhough theyhadeyestosee,theireyeshadbecomeblindedtothetruth.ToillustratetoHis disciplesthatnoteveryonewillbereceptivetothemessageofthegoodnews,Jesus taughtthisparable.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describethe eventsinthisparable.
2. Whoisthesower,eventhoughthesowerisnotspecificallymentioned(Compare with:Matthew13:37)?
3. Whatistheseed(See:Matthew13:19a)?
4. Describethefirstkindofsoilmentionedintheparable(the“wayside”).
a. Whatorwhoisrepresentedbythebirds(See:Luke8:12)?
5. Describethesecondkindofsoilmentionedintheparable(the“stonyplaces”).
6. Describethethirdkindofsoilmentionedintheparable(theseedthatfell“among the thorns”).
a. Explainhowseedfallingamongthornsislikethosetroubledby“thecaresof thisworld”(Matthew13:22b).
b. Explainhowseedfallingamongthornsislikethosetroubledby“the deceitfulnessofriches”(Matthew13:22c).
c. Explainhowseedfallingamongthornsislikethosetroubledby“thepleasures oflife”(Luke8:14).
7. Describethefourthkindofsoilmentionedintheparable(the“goodground”).
8. WhatkindoffruitareChristianssupposedtobear?
9. Whatdoesitmeanthatnotallbearthesameamountofharvest – “somea hundredfold,somesixty,somethirty”(Matthew13:23)?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonThree
TheParableoftheWheatandTares (Matthew13:24-30,36-43)
Introduction:
FromtheParableoftheSower,JesustaughtHisdisciplesthatnoteveryonewould accepttheWordofthekingdomthesameway.Somewouldhaveheartscompletely hardenedagainstreceivingtheWord.Otherswouldreceiveit,butpersecutionsor concernsovermattersinlifewouldkeeptheWordfromgrowingproperlyand producingfruit.ThismeantthatonlyaminorityofthosewhoheardtheWordand obeyeditwouldeventuallybefruitful.IntheParableoftheWheatandtheTares, Jesusalsoillustratedthistruth,butgoesonestepfurthertoshowtheroleSatanwill haveinattemptingtocontaminatethekingdomwithfalseteachersandfalsedoctrines.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Readtheparablecarefullyandanswerthefollowingquestions:
a. WhoisthesowerandwhatkindofseeddoesHesow(Matthew13:37)?
b. Whatdoesthefieldrepresent(Matthew13:38)?
c. Whatorwhoarerepresentedbythe“goodseed” (Matthew13:38)?
d. Whatorwhoarerepresentedbythe“tares”(Matthew13:38)?
e. Whoisthe“enemy”(Matthew13:39)?
f. Whoarethe“reapers”(Matthew13:41)?
3. WhendoesJesussaytheproblemofthetareswillbeaddressed,andwhy (Matthew 13:41)?
4. Whathappenstothetaresandwhathappenstothe“righteous”(Matthew13:4243)?
5. WhatdoesthisparableteachaboutthelongsufferingofChrist?
6. Doesthisparablemeanthechurchdoesn’tneedtoworryaboutdiscipline (withdrawingfromthosewhostubbornlyrefusetorepentofpublicsins)?Explain youranswerinlightofMatthew18:15-17;1Corinthians5:1-13;2Thessalonians 3:6-15.
7. Theangelswillgathertwoclassesofpeople“outofHiskingdom.”Explaineach.
a. Thosewho“offend”(See:Matthew18:6-7;1Corinthians8:11-13;10:3111:1;Romans16:17-18;alsoseeRomans14:13,19-21).
b. Thosewho“practicelawlessness”(See:Matthew7:21-23;2John9).
8. Whatisthepunishmentwaitingforthewicked? Explain.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonFour
TheParableoftheGrowingSeed (Mark4:26-29)
Introduction:
JesushadjusttaughttwoparablesthatsaidnoteveryonewillheartheWordofGod, andSatanwoulddohisbesttounderminetheeffortsofthosewhofaithfullyfollowed theLord.ThiswouldhavecertainlybeenadiscouragingmessageforJesus’disciplesto hear.Therefore,togivethemencouragement,Jesustaughtparablesthatshowthe kingdomofheavenmaystartsmall,butitisdestinedforremarkablegrowth.Toteach thisencouraginglesson,JesususedtheParableoftheGrowingSeed,theParableofthe MustardSeed,andtheParableoftheLeaven.Whiletherearemanysimilarities, there arealsosomesubtledifferencesbetweentheseparables.Therefore,theywillbe studiedseparately.ThisparableoftheGrowingSeedisfoundonlyinthebookofMark, andissimilarinitssettingtotwootherparables,theParableoftheSower (Matthew 13:1-9,18-23;Mark4:1-20;Luke8:4-8,11-15)andtheParableoftheMustardSeed (Matthew13:31-32;Mark4:30-32;Luke13:18-19).
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Althoughtheseedisnotspecificallyidentifiedinthisparable,whatdoestheseed inthisparablemostlikelyrepresent(See:Mark4:14;Luke8:11).
3. IfthisparableisdescribinggrowthproducedbytheWordofGod,describehow suchgrowthisrepresentedinthefollowingverses:
a. Mark4:26-28a?
b. Mark4:28b?
4. Whateventuallyfollowsthegrowthoftheseed(Mark4:29)?Explainwhatthis means.
5. IncomparingtheParableoftheSowerwiththeParableoftheGrowingSeed, whichparableseemstoemphasizehumanresponsibilityandwhichseemsto emphasizedivinepowerwithintheWord?Explainyouranswer.
6. Fromthefollowingpassages,whatcantheseeddoforus?
a. 1Peter1:22-25;James1:18.
b. 1Peter2:1-2.
c. James1:21
7. Whatdothefollowingpassagestellusabouthowwearetoreceivethe“seed” (theWord)inourlives(Luke8:15;Acts17:11;James1:21;1Peter2:1-2)?
8. Thisparableteachesusthattherealpowertochangethelivesofmenandwomen lieswithintheseed(theWord),andnotwithintheonewhosowstheseed. However,therearesomethingsthatweneedtodo.Explainthetwoactions describedbyPaulin1Corinthians3:5-7.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonFive
The ParableoftheMustardSeed
(Matthew13:31-32;Mark4:30-32;Luke13:18-19)
Introduction:
TogiveencouragementtoHisdisciples,Jesustaughtparablesthatillustratethefact thatthekingdomofheavenmaystartsmall,butisdestinedforremarkablegrowth.To teachthisencouraginglesson,JesususedtheParableoftheGrowingSeed,theParable oftheMustardSeed,andtheParableoftheLeaven.Whiletherearemanysimilarities, therearealsosubtledifferencesbetweentheseparables.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Whatisparticularaboutmustardseeds?
3. Onanotheroccasion,Jesususedthemustardseedtodescribeaperson’sfaith. Explainhowmustardseedwasusedinthatexample(Matthew17:14-21).
4. ComparethestoneintheprophecyofDaniel(Daniel2:31-45,esp.verse35),with themustardseedinthisparableofJesus.Whatareeachteaching?
5. DidthechurchbeginasJesussaiditwould(See:Acts2:41-42;4:4;6:7;9:31; 21:20)?
6. Themustardseedgrewintoatreesothat“thebirdsoftheaircomeandnestin itsbranches.”Whatdoesthismeanregardingthechurch?
7. Whyisn’tthechurchgrowingtoday?
Considerthemathematicalpossibilitiesofchurchgrowth. Beginningwithjust20 disciples,andeachconvertingjustonepersonayear,andeachconvertdoingthesame, hereishowthechurchcouldgrow.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonSix TheParableoftheLeaven
(Matthew13:33;Luke13:20-21)
Introduction:
IntheParableoftheGrowingSeed,JesusshowedHisdisciplesthemarvelouspower thatwascontainedintheWordofGodtoconvictandconvertthesinnerandbringa bountifulharvest.IntheParableoftheMustardSeed,Jesustaughtthatthekingdom willgrowdespiteitssmallbeginning.SinceJesushadjusttaughtparableswhichshow thatnoteveryonewillheartheWordofGod,andSatanwoulddohisbesttoundermine theeffortsofthosewhofaithfullyfollowedtheLord,thedisciplesmayhavebeen discouraged.TogivethemencouragementJesustaughtparablesshowingthekingdom isdestinedforremarkablegrowth.ThethirdoftheseparablesistheParableofthe Leaven.
QuestionstoConsider:
3. JesussymbolicallyusedleaveninotherofHisteachings(Matthew16:5-12;Luke 12:1),andsodidtheapostlePaul(1Corinthians5:1-13).Howisleavenusedin thesepassages? 4. CompareorcontrasthowJesusissymbolicallyusingleavenintheParableofthe Leaven(Matthew13:33;Luke13:20-21).
5. IstheleavenintheParableoftheLeavenapositiveornegativeinfluence? Explain.
6. Whatwouldthe“threemeasuresofmeal”(theloaf)representinthisparableof Jesus?
7. Inwhatwaysdoesthegrowthofthekingdomofheavencomparetoleaven hiddeninthreemeasuresofmeal?
8. Howdoesourbeing“thesaltoftheearth”and“thelightoftheworld”(Matthew 5:13-16)fitinwiththeParableoftheLeaven?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonSeven
TheParableoftheHiddenTreasure (Matthew13:44)
Introduction:
ToimpressHisdiscipleswiththeincomprehensiblevalueofthekingdomofheaven, Jesustaughttwoparableswhichsaymuchthesamething,butinaslightlydifferent way.Onein theParableoftheHiddenTreasure,andtheotheristheParableofthe PearlofGreatPrice.Althoughthesetwoparablesareoftenstudiedtogether,wewill examinethemseparately.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Doyoubelievethemaninthisparablewasintentionallylookingforthetreasure? Explain.
3. WhatkindofpersonisJesusdescribinginthisparable?
4. CanyouthinkofoneormoreNewTestamentcharacterswhomightbelikethe manwhofoundatreasurehiddeninafieldaccidentally whenhewasn’t searchingforit?
5. Fromeachofthepassagesbelow,explainwhatvaluethekingdomistous. a. Colossians1:13.
b. Romans14:17.
c. Hebrews12:25-29.
d. 1Corinthians15:21-26.
Application: Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonEight
TheParableofthePearlofGreatPrice (Matthew13:45-46)
Introduction:
TheParableoftheHiddenTreasuredepictsthevalueofthekingdomofheavento one whoaccidentallyfindsit.However,theParableofthePearlofGreatPricespeaksofthe valueofthekingdomofheaventoonewhodeliberatelysetsouttofindit.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Whatkind ofpersonisJesusdescribinginthisparable?
3. Doesthisparablesuggestwecan“buy”or“earn”ourwayintothekingdomof heaven?Explain.
4. IfsalvationisagiftofGod’sgrace(Ephesians2:8-9),howisitthatwe“buy”the kingdomofheaven?
5. TheNewTestamentprovidesuswithfourgoodexamplesofthosewhowere looking(searching)forsomethingofspiritualvalue.Describehoweachfitsinwith thisparableofJesus.
a. TheEthiopianEunuch(Acts8:26-39).
b. Cornelius(Acts10:1-8,30-33).
c. Lydia(Acts16:11-15).
d. TheBereans(Acts17:10-11).
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonNine
TheParableoftheDragnet
(Matthew13:47-50)
Introduction:
Intheparablesstudiedsofar,JesushasimpressedseveralthingsonthemindofHis disciples.First,noteveryonewillbereceptivetotheWord,andSatanwillmakeevery efforttopreventthekingdomfromthriving.Second,thekingdommaystartoutsmall, butwillgrow.Third,therewillbethosewhofindthekingdomeitherbyaccidentor becausetheyaresearchingforit,andwillsacrificealltheyhavetogainit.Now,Jesus wantstoimpressHisdisciplesonceagainthateventhoughtherewillbeamixture of goodandbadinthekingdom,therewillbeafinalseparation.ThefirsttimeJesus taughtthisprinciplewasintheParableoftheWheatandtheTares(Matthew13:24-30, 36-43).ThesecondtimeJesusteachesthissameprincipleishereintheParable ofthe Dragnet.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Whatisthegeneralthemeofthisparable?
3. Whatisadragnet?
4. Inwhatwaywilltherebeaseparationofthegoodfromthebad(thejustfromthe wicked),andwhowilldotheseparating?
5. Whathappensto“thebad,”orthewicked(Matthew13:50)?
6. TheGreekwordfor“hell”is“Gehenna.”LookupthewordinaBibledictionary andexplainwherethiswordcamefrom,andwhatitmeans.
7. Usingaconcordance,findotherplaceswherethefollowingtermsareused,and explainwhattheymean:
a. Furnaceoffire(orlakeoffire).
b. Weepingandgnashingofteeth.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTen
TheParableoftheHouseholder (Matthew13:51-52)
Introduction:
WhenJesusasked“haveyouunderstoodallthesethings”(Matthew13:51),Hewas probablyspeakingofalltheparablesHehadtaughtuptothispoint truthsthatwere relatedto“themysteriesofthekingdomofheaven.”Whenthedisciplesrepliedinthe affirmative,JesustaughtanotherparableknownasTheParableoftheHouseholder. Thisparableseemstobespeakingmoredirectlytothosewhoalsoshouldhave understoodallthesethings,butdidn’t thescribes(thosewhoweretrainedinthe finerpointsoftheLawofMoses).Morespecifically,Jesusspeaksaboutthosescribes whohadbeen“instructedconcerningthekingdomofheaven”(Matthew13:52).
Questionsto Consider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. ThisparabledescribesthedisciplesoftheLordinthefollowingways.
a. DisciplesarelikescribeswhoknewandunderstoodtheWordofGod.Explain whyitisimportantforustoknowandunderstandtheWordofGod.
b. Disciplesarelikeahouseholderwithatreasure.Whatisthe“treasure”outof whichthehouseholderbringsoutthingsnewandold(See:Psalms19:7-11; Proverbs3:13-18;Colossians2:2-3)?
c. Everydisciplehasbothanoldandanewtreasure.Whatwouldbest representthe“old”andthe“new”treasure(See:Romans15:4;1Corinthians 10:11;2Timothy3:14-17)?
Application: Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonEleven
TheParableoftheUnmercifulServant (Matthew18:21-35)
Introduction:
Thepreviousparableshaveconcentratedmostlyonthekingdomofheavenitself,along withadescriptionofthosewhowillbefoundinthekingdom bothgoodandbad. However,thenext parablefocusesmoreonthespecificcharacterofthosewhowill makeupthekingdom -- thosewhodisplaymercyandforgiveness.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Whatpromptedthisparable(Matthew18:21)?
2. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
3. Readthefollowingverses,andexplainwhyPeterbelievedheonlyneededto forgiveabrotherwhohadsinnedagainsthimuptoseventimesinaday(Amos 1:3,6,9,11,13;2:1,4,6).
4. ExplainJesus’response(Matthew18:22).
5. Somecommentatorsbelievethetalentmentionedinthisparablemayhavebeen equivalenttosixthousanddenarii.Itisalsosaidthatonedenariuswasthe equivalentofadayswagefortheaverageworkingman.Basedonthis information,calculateandanswerthefollowingquestions.
a. Thefirstdebtorowedthekingtenthousandtalents.Howmanydayswages (orhowmanydenarii)wouldberequiredtopaythisdebt?Howmanyyears? Whatdoesthistellyouaboutthisman’sdebt?
b. Theseconddebtorowedthefirst debtoronehundreddenarii.Howmany dayswageswouldberequiredtopaythisdebt?Whatdoesthistellyou aboutthisman’sdebt?
6. Whatdidthefirstdebtoraskfor,whatdidthekingdo,andwhydidhedoit?
7. Whatdidtheseconddebtoraskfor,whatdidthefirstdebtordo,andwhydidhe doit?
8. Whatwastheking’sreaction,andwhatwasthefirstdebtor’spunishment?
9. Whichofthetwodebtorsbestrepresentuswhenitcomestooursinsagainst God?
10. Whichofthetwo debtorsbestrepresentthosewhosinagainstus?
11. Howdowedevelopaforgivingspirit(See:Ephesians4:32;Colossians3:13)?
12. Isitpossibleforustoputanoffenseoutofourmind(See:Genesis41:51; Philippians3:13;2Timothy4:16).
13. ReadMatthew6:14-15.WhatdidJesusteachaboutforgivenesshere?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwelve
TheParableoftheLaborersintheVineyard (Matthew20:1-16)
Introduction:
IntheParableoftheLaborersintheVineyard,Jesusfocusesonanotherattitudeof heartthathasnoplaceinthekingdomofheaven.Thisparablehasbeendifficultfor manyexpositors,andtheexplanationshavevariedsignificantly.However,acareful readingofthetextshouldallowustounderstandthemainpointofJesus’teaching.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Tounderstandthesettingofthisparable,readMatthew19:16-30,andanswerthe followingquestions.
a. WhofirstapproachedJesusandwhatwashisquestion(Matthew19:16)?
b. WhatwasJesus’reply,andwhydidthemangoawaysorrowful(Matthew 19:21-22)?
c. WhatdidJesussaytoHisdisciplesaboutriches(Matthew19:23-24)?
d. Whatwastheirresponse(Matthew19:25)?
e. WhatwasPeter’squestion(Matthew19:27)?
f. WhatwasJesus’reply(Matthew19:28-30)?
3. Whatwasthechiefcomplaintamongthosewhointheparablewholaboredallday (Matthew20:12)?
4. SincetheparableisinresponsetoPeter’squestion(Matthew19:27),whowould theworkersbewhowerethefirstintothevineyard?
5. Whowouldbetheworkerswhoarrivedlatertoworkinthevineyard?
6. Whatisthemainpointoftheparable?
7. Whatkeptthelaborerswhowerehiredlastfromgoingintothevineyardearlier (Matthew20:7)?Whatdoesthistellyouabouttheirdesiretowork?
8. Isthisparableteachingthatthosewho purposely putoffobeyingthegospeluntil thelastmomentwillbesaved(See:Matthew20:7)?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonThirteen TheParableoftheTwoSons
(Matthew21:28-32)
Introduction:
AlthoughJesusoftenrespondedtoHisdisciple’squestions withaparable,Healsoused parablestoanswerthosewhoopposedHim.DuringHisfinalweekinJerusalem,Jesus encounteredmuchoppositionfromawiderangeofJewishreligiousandpolitical leaders.Threespecificparableswerespokentothesegroups ofpeople -- theParable oftheTwoSons(Matthew21:28-32),theParableoftheWickedVinedressers(Matthew 21:33-46;Mark12:1-12;Luke20:9-20),andtheParableoftheWeddingFeast (Matthew22:1-14).
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Whatquestionspromptedthisparable,andtowhomdidJesusspecificallyapply thisparable(Matthew21:23-27)?
3. Whichsondidthewillofhisfather?Explain.
4. Howwerethereligiousleaderslikethesecondson?
5. Howwerethe“taxcollectorsandharlots”likethefirstson?
6. WhichkindofsonwouldbedescribedbyJames1:22-27?Thefirstorthesecond?
7. WhichkindofsonwouldbedescribedinLuke6:46?Thefirstorthesecond?
8. Ifweare savedby“gracethroughfaith”and“notofworks”(Ephesians2:8-9), isn’trequiring“obedience”justanotherformoflegalism?Explain.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonFourteen
TheParableoftheWickedVinedressers
(Matthew21:33-46;Mark12:1-12;Luke20:9-20)
Introduction:
DuringHisfinalweekinJerusalem,JesustaughtthreeparablesagainstthoseJewish religiousandpoliticalleaderswhoopposedHim.FirstcametheParableoftheTwo Sons(Matthew21:28-32)inwhichJesuscharacterizedthechiefpriestsandeldersof thepeoplelikethesonwhogladlysayshewilldohisfather’swill,thenlaterrefusedto obey.Thesecondoftheseparables,theParableoftheWickedVinedressers(Matthew 21:33-46;Mark12:1-12;Luke20:9-20),isalsospokentothosewhostoodinopposition toJesusandwereplottingHisdeath.Inthisparable,Jesusshowsthesewickedmen thatHeiswellawareoftheirplotsandschemes.Thefinalparablespokento those whoopposedJesuswillbetheParableoftheWeddingFeast(Matthew22:1-14).
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. IfJesusisspeakingthisparabletotheJewishreligiousandpoliticalleaders,what wouldthevineyardrepresent(See:Isaiah5:1-7)?
3. Whowasrepresentedbythelandownerinthisparable?
4. Whowouldberepresentedbythewickedvinedressers?
5. Whowouldtheservantsofthelandownerrepresent?
6. Whoisthelandowner’sson?
7. Whowerethe“builders”andwhowasthe“stone”theyrejected(See:Matthew 21:42;Mark12:10;Luke20:17;Psalms118:22-23;Acts4:10-12).
8. WhatdidJesusmeanwhenHesaid,“Andwhoeverfallsonthisstonewillbe broken;butonwhomeveritfalls,itwillgrindhimtopowder”(Matthew21:44;also Luke20:18)?
9. Whatdoesthisparableteachabouthowweshouldviewtheblessingsand privilegesGodhasgivenus?
10. Fromthefollowingpassages,whatdoestheBibleteachabouttheprivilegeswe neglectasChristians(John15:1-2,6;Revelation2:4-5,16;3:1-3;Hebrews10:2631)?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonFifteen
TheParableoftheWeddingFeast (Matthew22:1-14)
Introduction:
ThethirdparableJesusspoketotheJewishreligiousandpoliticalleadersduringHis finalweekinJerusalemwastheParableoftheWeddingFeast.Thefirstwasthe ParableoftheTwoSons(Matthew21:28-32)whereJesusdescribesthechiefpriests andelderslikethesonwhogladlysayshewilldohisfather’swill,thenlaterdisobeyed. ThesecondwastheParableoftheWickedVinedressers(Matthew21:33-46;Mark12:112;Luke20:9-20)whereJesusshowsthechiefpriestsandeldersthatHeiswellaware oftheirplotstokillHim.Inthefinalparable,theParableoftheWeddingFeast (Matthew22:1-14),Jesusagainshowsthesemenhowtheyarewickedlyrejectingthe kindnessandgraciousnessofGodwhohasinvitedthemtotheweddingfeastofHis Son,JesusChrist.TheParableoftheWeddingFeastisnottobeconfusedwitha similarparable,theParableoftheGreatSupper(Luke14:15-24).
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. TherearetwoattitudesdisplayedbythosewhospurnedtheinvitationoftheLord inthisparableofJesus.Describeeach.
a. Matthew22:3-5.
b. Matthew22:6.
3. Whowouldthe“servants”oftheKingbeinthisparable(Matthew22:5-6)? (Comparewith:Matthew21:33-46)
4. WhywastheKingsofurious?
5. CompareMatthew22:7toLuke19:41-44,anddescribewhateventJesusmay havebeenwarningabout.
6. Whowouldberepresentedbythosewhowere first invitedtotheweddingfeast, andwhowouldberepresentedby thosewhowereinvited after theothers refusedtocome?
7. Hostscustomarilyprovidedtheirguestswithsuitableapparelforaweddingfeast. Whatkindofattitudewasdisplayedbytheonewhowasnotproperlyattired?
8. Whatwasthepunishmentofthisperson,andwhywasitsosevere?(Compare: Matthew13:42,50).
9. HowwouldweapplythefinalstatementofJesustoday(Matthew22:14)?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonSixteen
The ParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirgins (Matthew25:1-13)
Introduction:
AfterJesuswarnedHisdisciplesaboutthecomingdestructionofJerusalem(Matthew 24),Heproceedstoteachthemtwoadditionalparables.Somescholarsareuncertain astowhethertheParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirginsandtheParableoftheTalents isacontinuationofthewarningJesusgaveoftheneedtoprepareforthecoming destructionofJerusalem,orwhetherthewarningistobepreparedforHiseventual SecondComing.Someoftheparableswehavealreadyexamineddescribewhatwill takeplaceinthe“kingdomofheaven”whenJesusreturns(theParableoftheWheat andTares,andtheParableoftheDragnet),anditisalmostuniversallyagreedthatthe Matthew25:31-46 pertainstotheFinalJudgmentattheSecondComingofJesusChrist. TheParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirginsandtheParableoftheTalentsseemtofit bestinthecontextoftheFinalJudgmentofMatthew25:31-46.Ineithercase,there arevaluable andtimelylessonstolearnfrombothparables.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Whatisthemainthemeorthecentralpointofthisparable?
3. Howdoesthisparablecomparetothefollowingpassages:
a. 1Thessalonians5:1-6. b. 2Peter3:10-12.
c. Revelation3:2-3.
4. HowaresomeChristianstodaylikethefollowing:
a. Thefivefoolishvirgins?
b. Thefivewisevirgins?
5. Thefivefoolishvirginsseemedtohavewantedtogetbywith onlya“minimal” amountofoil.Whatkindofattitudedoesthissuggest?
6. Thefivewisevirginscouldnotsharetheiroilwiththefoolish.Isitpossibleforus to“share”ouraccomplishmentsandworkwithothers?Explain.
7. WhatwasthefinalwarningofJesusandhowdoesitapplytous(Matthew25:13)?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonSeventeen
TheParableoftheTalents (Matthew25:14-30)
Introduction:
TheParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirginsandtheParableoftheTalentswereboth spokenbyJesustoHisdisciplesimmediatelyafterwarningthemaboutcoming destructionofJerusalem(Matthew24).Althoughsomebelievetheseparablesarea continuationofthewarningJesusgaveconcerningthedestructionofJerusalem,it appearsthattheyfitbestintothecontextoftheFinalJudgmentofMatthew25:31-46. WhiletheParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirginsstressestheneedtobeprepared,the ParableoftheTalentsseemstoemphasizebeingproductiveandworkingfortheLord whilewewaitforHisreturn.Theword“Talent”inthisparablepertainstoasumof money.Onetalentwasapproximately6000denarii,ortheamountofmoneyan averageworkingmanwouldearnduringatwentyyearperiodofemployment(sincea denariusisanaverageday’swage).
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
2. Whatisthesignificanceoftalentsbeinggiventoeachman“accordingtohisown ability”(Matthew25:15)?
3. WhatwasthepointJesuswasattemptingtomakeinverse19?
4. Whatkindofpersonisbeingdescribedbythefollowing:
a. Thetentalentmanandthefivetalentmanwhodoubledtheirinvestment?
b. Theonetalentmanwhosimplyhidhisinvestment?
5. Whatshouldtheonetalentmanhavedonewiththeinvestment?Why?
6. WhatdoesJesusmeanbythestatement“toeveryonewhohas,morewillbe given,andhewillhaveabundance;butfromhimwhodoesnothave,evenwhat he haswillbetakenaway”(Matthew25:29)?
7. HaseveryChristianbeengiventalents(usingtheword“talents”tospeakofGodgivenabilities)?Explain.
8. Whatdoesthislessontellyouaboutthesinsof omission aswellassinsof commission?
9. Listthe“talents”(abilities)Godhasgivenyou.Areyouusingthemtothefullest ofyourpotential?
10. Whatarewayswecandetermineour“talents”(abilities)?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonEighteen
TheParableoftheTwoDebtors (Luke7:41-43)
Introduction:
ThisparableappearsonlyinLuke.Itwasmeanttofocustheattentionofoneselfrighteousmanononeforgivensinfulwoman,andcausehimtounderstandhow gratefuleveryoneshouldbethatGodhasforgivenusofoursins.However,thereisa deepermessageinthisparable.Italsodrawsourattentiontoactsofservicewemay doinreturnforthegraciousgiftofsalvationthathasbeensofreelygiventous.
Questions toConsider:
1. Whatisthesettingofthisparable(See:Luke7:36-40)?
2. Describetheeventsinthisparable.
3. Fromthesettingofthisparable,whatsignificantfactsdoyouknowaboutSimon? WhatdothesefactstellyouaboutwhatSimon’sattitudetowardGod’sforgiveness should havebeen?
4. Whatsignificantfactsdoweknowaboutthiswoman,andhowisshedifferent fromSimon?
5. AlthoughthetwodebtorsinJesus’parableoweddifferentamounts,whatone thingdidtheyhave incommon?
6. Whatkindofpersonswouldberepresentedbya500denariidebtversesa50 denariidebt,andwhatonethingdoeachhaveincommon?
7. Whichdebtorlovedthecreditormore?Why?Explainyouranswer.
8. WhathadSimonfailedto dothatanygoodhostshouldhavedone?Bycontrast, whatdidthewomando?
9. WhatdidJesusmeanwhenHesaid,“hersins,whicharemany,areforgiven,for shelovedmuch”(Luke7:47a)?
10. WhatdidJesusmeanbythewords,“towhomlittleis forgiven,thesameloves little”(Luke7:47b)?
Application: Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonNineteen
TheParableoftheGoodSamaritan (Luke10:25-37)
Introduction:
Thisisanotherparablethatappearsonly inLuke,andisperhapsoneofthebestknown parablesofJesus.Theterm“GoodSamaritan”hasbeengiventohospitals,andevento lawswhichencouragethosewhoseeothersinlifethreateningsituationstooffer assistancewithoutfearofreprisals.Unfortunately,thisparablehasbeengivenallkinds ofallegoricalinterpretationswhichhaveobscuredthesimplemeaningofthelesson.As withallparables,thereisatendencytoreadtoomuchintotheparable.Let’sseeifwe candiscoverthesimple, directmessageJesustaughtonthisoccasion.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Whatisthesettingofthisparable(See:Luke10:25-29)?
2. Whatwasa“lawyer”asusedinthecontextofLuke10:25?
3. Whatwasthelawyer’spurposeforposinghisquestionstoJesus?
4. Whenthelawyerasked,“Teacher,whatshallIdotoinheriteternallife,"whatdid Jesusdo?WhatisthesignificanceofpointingthismantotheLaw?
5. Whatisinvolvedinthecommandmentsto“lovetheLORDyourGodwithall your heart,withallyoursoul,withallyourstrength,andwithallyourmind,andyour neighborasyourself”(See:Deuteronomy6:5;Leviticus19:18)?
6. Jesusquotedthesesamecommandmentsonanotheroccasion,butaddedone additionalstatement. WhatdidHemeanbysaying,“Onthesetwo commandmentshangalltheLawandtheProphets”(Matthew22:40)?
7. Howwasthelawyerseekingto“justifyhimself”byasking,“Andwhoismy neighbor”(Luke10:29)?
8. DescribethemainpointsoftheParableoftheGoodSamaritan.
9. WhatisknownabouttheroadbetweenJerichoandJerusalem?
10. WhatissignificantaboutapriestandaLevitepassingthewoundedman?
11. WhoweretheSamaritans,andwhyweretheysodespisedbytheJews (See: John4:9;2Kings17:24-41)?
12. WhatissignificantabouttheextenttowhichtheSamaritangoestotakecareof thewoundedman?
13. DescribehowJesusrewordedthequestionofthelawyer,andwhatthatimplies (Luke10:29,36).
14. Whoisourneighbor?
15. Whatdoesthisparableteachusaboutthecostofbeingcompassionatetoward others?
Application: Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwenty
TheParableoftheFriendatMidnight (Luke 11:1-13)
Introduction:
WhilemostoftheparablesofJesusdealtwiththethemeofthekingdomofheaven, someareresponsestospecificquestionsJesuswasaskedbyeitherHisdisciplesor evenbyHisenemies.ThisparableisJesus’responsetoaquestionHewasaskedabout prayerbyoneofthedisciples.Lukewrites,“Nowitcametopass,asHewasprayingin acertainplace,whenHeceased,thatoneofHisdisciplessaidtoHim,‘Lord,teachusto pray,asJohnalsotaughthisdisciples.’”(Luke11:1).Jesusdidthreethingsin answeringthisrequest.First,Hetoldthemhowtopray,andwhatweshouldprayfor. Second,Hetaughtaparablewhichstressedtheimportanceofbeingpersistentin prayer.Finally,HefolloweduptheparablewithanexplanationofwhatHehad intendedtoillustrate.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. ExaminethefollowingpassagesanddescribetheprayerhabitsofJesus.
a. Mark1:35.
b. Luke5:16.
c. Luke6:12-13.
d. John17.
e. Matthew26:36-44.
f. Matthew27:46andLuke23:34,46.
2. Jesusteachesalessononprayerbygivinganexampleofhowoneshouldpray, andwhatshouldbeincludedinthatprayer(See:Luke11:2-4).Jesustaughta similarlessononprayerintheSermonontheMount.Whatdid Jesusmeanbythe words“inthismanner,therefore,pray?”(See:Matthew6:9-15).
3. Comparethetwolessonsonprayer(Luke11:2-4withMatthew6:9-15).Whatdo theselessonsteachregardinghowweshouldpray,andwhatshouldbeincludedin ourprayers?
4. Describetheeventsoftheparableknownas“TheFriendatMidnight”(Luke11:58).
5. WhatdoesJesusteachabouttheimportanceofpersistenceinourprayers(See: Luke11:9-10)?
6. WhatwasJesustryingtotellHisdisciplesinLuke11:11-13?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentyOne TheParableoftheRichFool (Luke12:13-21)
Introduction:
OnoneoccasionJesuswasinterruptedduringaseriesoflessonsbya manwhowanted Himtosettleafamilydisputeoveraninheritance.Jesusnotonlyrespondedinaterse manner,butproceededtowarnHisdisciplesto“bewareofcovetousness,forone'slife doesnotconsistintheabundanceofthethingshepossesses”(Luke12:15). Immediately,JesuslaunchedintowhathasbecomeknownastheParableoftheRich Fool.Itconcernedacovetousmanwhofoolishlyplacedallhisconfidenceinearthly riches.Inamaterialisticsocietylikeours,thisparableisverytimely.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Examinethefollowingversesandbrieflydescribethecontentofthethreelessons JesushadbeenteachingthecrowdbeforeHewasinterrupted.
a. Luke12:1-3.
b. Luke12:4-7.
c. Luke12:8-12.
2. Whatdoestheman’s question(Luke12:13)tellyouabouthischaracterandwhere hisheartwas?
3. FromJesus’response(Luke12:14),whattellsyoutheLordwasdispleasedwith theinterruption?
4. HowdidtheLordviewtherealnatureoftheman’sproblem(Luke12:15)?
5. DescribetheeventsoftheParableoftheRichFool(Luke12:16-21).
6. TherearethreebasicmistakestheRichFoolmade.Explaineachofthefollowing inyourownwords.
a. HedidnotthankorgiveglorytoGod.
b. Hedidnotsharehisbountywithothers.
c. Hedidnotunderstandhisownmortality.
7. Whatdoesitmeantobe“richtowardGod”(Luke12:21)?
8. Intheversesthatfollow,Jesustaughttwoimportantlessons.Explaineach.
a. Luke12:22-32.
b. Luke12:33-34.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentyTwo
TheParableoftheBarrenFigTree (Luke13:6-9)
Introduction:
Jesustaughtseveralparablesthatspokeofthewickednessandfatethatawaitedthe religiousleadersofIsrael,suchastheParableoftheTwoSons,theParableofthe WickedVinedressers,andtheParableoftheWeddingFeast.Theseparableswere spokenbytheLordduringthefinalweekbeforeHiscrucifixion.Onanearlieroccasion, JesustaughtasimilarparablethatrelatedtoGod’sdealingswiththenationofIsraelas awhole howthenationwouldbedestroyedifitrejectedJesusastheMessiah.That parablewastheParableoftheBarrenFigTree.It’saparablethatspeaksoftheneed forbothindividualaswellasnationalrepentance.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsleadingupthethisparable(Luke13:1-5).
2. Describethebasicelementsoftheparable(Luke13:6-9).
3. WhatdoesthisparableteachaboutGodextendingprivilegestoIsrael?
4. WhatdoesthisparableteachaboutGod’slongsufferingtowardIsrael?
5. WhatdoesthisparableteachaboutIsrael’sunfruitfulness?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentyThree
TheParableofTakingtheLowestPlace (Luke14:7-11)
Introduction:
JesusdidnotlimitHisparablestosimplyinstructingHisdisciples.Aswehavealready seen,Heusedparablestorespondtothosewho challengedHim,aswellastoteach othersimportantspirituallessons.Thelatterwereoftentaughtincasual,informal settings.SuchwasthecaseintheParableofTakingtheLowestPlace.Jesususeda casualsettingtoteachavaluablelessononhumility.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsleadingupthethisparable(Luke14:1-7).
2. DescribetheeventsoftheParableofTakingtheLowestPlace(Luke14:8-11).
3. Whatisthemainprincipletaughtinthisparable?Explain.
4. IntheParableofTakingtheLowestPlace,Jesuswasobviouslydealingwiththe sinofpride.Examineeachofthefollowingversesandexplainwhattheyteachon thesubjectofpride.
a. Proverbs8:13.
b. Mark7:21-23.
c. 1John2:15-17.
5. Fromthefollowingpassages,whatdowelearnabouthumility?
a. Psalms25:9andProverbs3:34.
b. Proverbs11:2.
c. Proverbs18:12.
d. Colossians3:12.
e. 1Peter5:6.
f. Philippians2:3
g. Titus3:2and2Timothy2:24-25.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentyFour
TheParableoftheGreatSupper (Luke14:15-24)
Introduction:
TheParableoftheGreatSupperwastaughtinthesamesettingastheParableof Takingthe LowestPlace.Jesuswasaguestatthehouseofoneoftherulersofthe Pharisees.HehadgonetheretoenjoyamealontheSabbath,butwasbeingwatched closelybythescribes(lawyers)andPhariseeswhowerepresentasHehealedaman withdropsyon thatSabbath.Aftersilencingtheirobjections,Jesusrevealedthepride andhypocrisyofthePhariseesbyillustratinghowtheyallsoughtthebestseats.He immediatelylaunchedintoasecondparableknownastheParableoftheGreatSupper. Although thisparableissimilartotheParableoftheWeddingFeast,therearemarked differences.TheParableoftheWeddingFeast,whichwasspokenmuchlaterduring theministryofJesus,seemstofocusmoreonthenationofIsraelasawhole,whilethe ParableoftheGreatSupperseemstobemorelimited.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheeventsprecedingtheparable(Luke14:12-15).
2. Theseversescontainaclassic“not - but”statement.A“not - but”statementis oftenusedinScripturetomean“notsomuchthis,butmorethis.”Itplacesa greateremphasisonthelatterovertheformer.Withthisinmind,whatisJesus sayingintheseverses(Luke14:12-15)?
3. DescribetheeventsoftheParableoftheGreatSupper(Luke14:16-24).
4. Whatperiodoftimewouldthe“GreatSupper”inthisparablerepresent?Explain.
5. Whatkindofpeoplearebeingdescribedinverses18-20?(Compare:Matthew 6:33andLuke10:38-42).
6. Whowouldbestrepresentthosewhoacceptedtheinvitationtothe“Great Supper?”(See:Matthew21:31-32andMatthew21:43).
Application: Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentyFive
TheParableoftheLostSheep (Luke15:1-7)
Introduction:
Inthefifteenth chapterofLuke,Jesustaughtthreeparablesback-to-backthatspeakof God’sloveforthelost.TheyaretheParableoftheLostSheep,theParableoftheLost Coin,andtheParableoftheLostSon(alsoknownastheParableoftheProdigalSon). ThepurposeoftheseparableswastosilencethescribesandPhariseeswhowere complainingaboutJesusbeingafriendtosinners.Theywerespokentorevealthe extentofGod’slovetowardthoselostinsin,andtoshowwhatourattitudeshouldbe towardthelostaswell.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. ThereweretwogroupsofpeoplewhodrewneartoJesus.Tellwhatyouknow abouteachgroupastheyaredescribedinthissettingandinotherNewTestament passages.
a. Thetaxcollectors(publicans).
b. Sinners.
2. ThechiefcomplainsofthescribesandPhariseesagainstJesuswas“ThisMan receivessinnersandeatswiththem”(Luke15:2).Inyourownwordsexplainwhy thescribesandthePhariseeswouldmurmuragainstJesusforassociatingwithtax collectorsandsinners.
3. DescribetheeventsintheParableoftheLostSheep(Luke15:3-7).
4. WhatdoesthisparabletellyouabouttheextenttowhichGodwillgotofindthose lostinsin?(See:Luke19:10).
5. Whatdoesthisparabletell youaboutGod’sattitudetowardthosewhoarefound?
6. Howdowereconcilethefactthatwearetobeseparatefromtheworld(2 Corinthians6:14-18),butyetwecanassociatewiththoseintheworld(1 Corinthians5:9-11;10:27-29)?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentySix
TheParableoftheLostCoin (Luke15:8-10)
Introduction:
LiketheParableoftheLostSheep,theParableoftheLostCoinwasintendedtosilence thescribesandPhariseeswhowerecomplainingaboutJesusbeingafriendtosinners. ThisparablewasalsospokentoillustrateGod’slovetowardsinners,andtoshowwhat ourattitudetowardthelostshouldbeaswell.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. DescribetheeventsoftheParableoftheLostCoin(Luke15:8-10).
2. Manyhaveattemptedto“allegorize”everydetailofthisparableandmakeitteach awiderangeoflessons.However,thereisonlyonecentrallessoninthisparable. Whatisit?
3. Whatisthedifference,ifany,between“joyinheaven”(verse7)and“joyinthe presenceoftheangelsofGod”(verse10)?
4. Whataresomeofthemostcommonattitudesthatpeople(includingourselves) havetowardthelost?Whatshouldourattitudebe?Explain.
5. Whataresomeofthemostcommonattitudesthatmany(includingourselves) havetowardthosewhorepent?Whatshouldourattitudebe?Explain.
6. Whyshoulditbeanoccasionofgreatjoywhenasinnerrepents?
Application: Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentySeven
TheParableoftheLostSon(ProdigalSon) (Luke15:11-32)
Introduction:
TheParableoftheLostSonisalsoknownastheParableoftheProdigalSon.Theword “prodigal”means “reckless”or“wasteful,”andspeaksofsomeonewhocarelessly misusessomethingofgreatvalue.Theterm“prodigal”isanaccuratedescriptionofthe youngmanwho“wastedhispossessionswithprodigalliving”(Luke15:13).Likethe ParableoftheLost SheepandtheParableoftheLostCoin,theParableoftheLostSon wasintendedtosilencethescribesandPhariseeswhowerecomplainingaboutJesus beingafriendtosinners.ButthisparabledidmorethansimplyillustrateGod’slove towardsinners, itrevealedtheevilintheheartofthoselikethescribesandPharisees whowereliketheolderbrother,refusingtoacknowledgesinnerswhentheydidrepent.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Whatdoestheyoungerson’srequesttellyouabouttheattitudeof hisheart towardhisfatherandtheinheritance(Luke15:12)?
2. AccordingtoDeuteronomy21:17,howwereestatesbetweentwobrotherstobe divided?
3. Whathappenedtotheyoungerson’sinheritance(Luke15:13-14a)?
4. Whatissignificant aboutthisyoungmanworkingtofeedpigs?(See:Leviticus 11:7).
5. Whatwordsareusedtodescribetheturningpointintheyoungerson’slife?(See: Luke15:17).Explain.
6. Whattwothingswastheyoungersondeterminedtodo(Luke15:18-19)?
7. Howwastheyoungersonreceivedbythefather(Luke15:20b)?Explain.
8. Whatisthesignificanceofthefollowing(Luke15:22-23):
a. Thebestrobe?
b. Thering?
c. Shoes?
d. Thefattedcalf?
9. Whatdidthefathermeanbythephrase“forthismysonwasdeadandisalive again;hewaslostandisfound”(Luke15:24)?
10. Whatwastheattitudeoftheolderbrother(Luke15:25-30)?
11. Whatwastheolderbrother’schiefcomplaint(Matthew15:29-30)?
12. Whatwasthefather’sresponse(Luke15:31-32)?
13. Whatwordsdoestheolderbrotherusetodescribetheyounger,asopposedtothe wordsthefatheruses(Luke15:30,32).Explainthesignificanceofthis.
14. Whodothefollowingcharactersin thisparablerepresent?Explaineach.
a. Thefather?
b. Theyoungerson?
c. Theolderbrother?
15. WhatwerethekeylessonsJesuswasattemptingtoteachinthisparable?
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentyEight
TheParableoftheUnjustSteward (Luke16:1-15)
Introduction:
TheParableoftheUnjustStewardisonewhichwasdirectedspecificallytothedisciples ofJesus,althoughthePhariseeshappenedtooverhearwhatJesussaid andderided Him.Inthisparable,Jesusnotonlygivestheparableitself,butalsogivesthe interpretationoftheparable.Whilemanyconsiderthisparabledifficulttounderstand, sinceitappearsonthesurfacethatJesusisteachingHisdisciplesto bedishonest, nothingcouldbefurtherfromthetruth.Theparablehasonecentraltheme one mainpoint.JesusisteachingHisdisciplestoexerciseshrewdness,tobesharpand aware,tobe“streetsmart”whenitcomestohandlingmaterialwealth.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. DescribetheeventsoftheParableoftheUnjustSteward(Luke16:1-8).
2. WhatdidJesusmeanbythestatement,“Forthesonsofthisworldaremore shrewdintheirgenerationthanthesonsoflight”(Luke16:8b)?Explain.
3. Whyis“mammon”(riches)called“unrighteousmammon”(Luke16:9)?
4. Luke16:9presentsvariousproblemswiththeinterpretation.Somebelievethe “friends”mentionedinthisverseareGodtheFatherandtheSon,whileothers believethe“friends”arethosewhohelpedtheunjuststeward.Howdoyou understandthisverse?Explain.
5. ExplainthetwomaximsfoundinLuke16:10:
a. “Hewhoisfaithfulinwhatisleastisfaithfulalsoinmuch.”(v.10a)
b. “Hewhoisunjustinwhatis leastisunjustalsoinmuch.”(V.10b)
6. WhatisthepointJesusisattemptingtomakeinverse11?
7. Whatisthe“physical”or“earthly”applicationofverse12,andwhatisthe “spiritual”or“heavenly”application?
a. Physicalorearthlyapplication:
b. Spiritualorheavenlyapplication:
8. Whyisitimpossibletoserve“twomasters”(Luke16:13)?
9. WhydidthePhariseesderideJesus(Luke16:14-15)?
10. ExplaintheresponseJesusgavethePharisees(Luke16:15).
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonTwentyNine
TheParableoftheRichManandLazarus (Luke16:19-31)
Introduction:
TherearedoubtsamongvariousBiblicalscholarsandcommentatorsastowhetherthe storyoftheRichManandLazarusisaparableoranactualaccount.Generally speaking,donotuserealcharacters.However,atleastoneofthecharactersinthis storyisreal -- Abraham.ItseemsquitelikelythatLazaruswasarealpersonaswell,as wastheunnamedRichMan.JesusdoesnotidentifytheLazarusofthisstory(or parable),buthecouldhavebeenanybeggar,sinceLazaruswasacommonname duringthedaysofJesus.Whetherthisisaparableornotdoesnotchangethetruths taughtintheseverses.Althoughmany,liketheJehovah’sWitnessesandMormons, attempttodenythisasbeingatruestory(becauseneitherbelieveinaburninghell), thatdoesn’tchangethefacts.Parablesareanearthlystorywithaheavenlymeaning. Theyare storiesornarrativestakenfromnatureorfromeverydayhumanexperiences. WhetherthestoryofTheRichManandLazarusisaparableoranactualevent,it teachescertainundeniabletruths.First,judgmentawaitseveryoneafterdeath a judgmentin whichsomewillbelostandsomewillbesaved.Second,noonecan changetheirfatefollowingdeath -- theyareeithersavedeternallyorlosteternally. Finally,thedeaddonotreturntowarntheliving wearewarnedfromGod’sWord alone.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describethetwomaincharactersofthisparable(story)inlife(Luke16:19-20).
2. Describethetwomaincharactersofthisparable(story)indeath(Luke16:20-31).
3. Howistheword“hades”usedintheScriptures,and howisitbeingusedinthis parable(story)?
4. WhatdothefollowingversestellyouabouttheRichMan’sfate:
a. Luke16:24-25.
b. Luke16:26.
c. Luke16:27-28.
5. WhatisthecentrallessonwelearnfromthefinalstatementofJesus(Luke 16:31)?
6. Isthisparable(story)sayingallrichmenwillendupasthisone?Explain.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonThirty
TheParableoftheUnprofitableServant (Luke17:7-10)
Introduction:
Onoccasion,Jesususedthemaster-servantrelationshiptoteachHisdisciplesthe importanceofservicetoGod,asintheParableoftheTalents.Onotheroccasions, Jesususedabusesinthemaster-servantrelationshiptoillustratethewickednessof thosewhoshouldhavebeenservantsofGodbutservedthemselvesinstead,asinthe ParableoftheUnmercifulServant,andtheParableoftheWickedVinedressers.Inthe ParableoftheUnprofitableServantJesusdemonstratesanimportantlessonto His disciples servantsarenotgreaterthantheirmasters,andareexpectedtodo whatevertheyarecommandedtodo.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. TheParableoftheUnprofitableServantisprecededbyastatementmadebythe disciplesregardingtheneed forgreaterfaithandareplygivenbyJesus(Luke 17:5-6).HowdotheseversesconnectwiththeParableoftheUnprofitable Servant?Explain.
2. JesusaskedHisdisciplestofirstthinkofthemselvesasamaster.Explainwhata masterwouldnormallyexpectfromhisservant(Luke17:7-9).
3. JesusthenaskedHisdisciplestothinkofthemselvesasservants.Explainhowa servantwouldnormallyviewhisduties(Luke17:10).
4. Isthisparableintendedtoexplaintheproperattitudeofmastersorservants? Explainyouranswer.
5. Whatdoesthisparableteachusaboutourroleasservants,andourrewardfor whatwedo?
6. ExaminethefollowingpassagesofScriptureandexplainwhattheyteachabout earningormeritingsalvation.
a. Titus3:4-5.
b. Ephesians2:4-9.
c. Isaiah64:6.
7. Ifwecannotearnormeritsalvation,andifitissolelybyGod’sgrace,isobedience necessary?UsethefollowingpassagesofScripturetoexplainyouranswer(John 14:15;John15:10; 1Corinthians7:19b;1John2:4;2Thessalonians1:7-10; Hebrews5:8-9;1Peter4:17).
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonThirtyOne
TheParableofthePersistentWidow (Luke18:1-8)
Introduction:
IntheeighteenthchapterofLuke,Jesustaughttwoparablesonthesubjectofprayer. ThefirstistheParableofthePersistentWidow(Luke18:1-8),andthesecondisthe ParableofthePhariseeandtheTaxCollector(Luke18:9-14).Onanother occasion, Jesusalsotaughtaparableaboutpersistentprayer -- theParableoftheFriendat Midnight(Luke11:5-13).PersistenceinprayerisobviouslysomethingJesuswanted Hisdisciplestounderstand.Theneedforthiskindofprayingisjustasimportanttoday asitwasinthedaysofJesus.Toomanyloseheartandfailtoprayastheyought. Therefore,Jesusstressedthevitalneedtopraywithdeterminationandpurpose.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describethetwomaincharactersofthisparable,andtellwhatyouknowabout each(Luke18:2-3).
2. Whatwasthedifficultythiswidowfaced(Luke18:2-4a)?
3. Whydidthejudgeagreetohearhercase(Luke18:4b-5)?
4. Thisparablepresentswhatisoftencalled“anargumentfromthelessertothe greater.”ExplainthepointJesuswastryingtomake.
5. WhatdoesthisparableteachusaboutGod’savengingofHiselect?Explain.
6. WhatdidJesusmeanwhenHeasked,“Nevertheless,whentheSonofMancomes, willHereallyfindfaithontheearth”(Luke18:8b)?
Application: Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonThirtyTwo
TheParableofthePhariseeandtheTaxCollector (Luke18:9-14)
Introduction:
Twoimportantparablesonthesubjectofprayerarefoundintheeighteenthchapterof Luke.ThefirstistheParableofthePersistentWidowinwhichJesusstressedtheneed tobepersistentinprayerandnottoloseheart.Inthesecond,theParableofthe PhariseeandtheTaxCollector, Jesusdealswithanotherimportantfactorinprayer -havingtheproperattitudeofheart.Bymeansofcontrast,Jesuspresentstwomenin prayer,oneaPhariseeandtheotheraTaxCollector.Phariseeswereproudoftheir religiousdevotionandfaithfulnesstothetraditionsofthefathers,whileTaxCollectors wereoftenregardedwithcontemptastraitors,extortionersandcovetousthieves.The keytounderstandingthisparableistocloselyexaminetheattitudeoftheheartofeach man.Oneman’sprayeraccomplishednothing,whiletheothermanwentdowntohis housejustified.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. DescribewhatyouknowaboutPharisees.
2. DescribewhatyouknowaboutTaxCollectors.
3. Examinetheprayerofeachmanandtellwhatyousee. a. TheprayerofthePharisee(Luke18:11-12).
b. ThePrayeroftheTaxCollector(Luke18:13).
4. Whataretheresultsofeachprayer(Luke18:14a)?
5. PartofthePharisee’sproblemwasself-righteousness.Whatdoyoulearn about self-righteousnessfromthefollowingpassages?
a. Isaiah64:6.
b. Luke17:10.
c. Ephesians2:8-10
d. Titus3:3-5.
6. AnotherproblemwiththePhariseewasarrogance.Whatdoyoulearnabout arrogancefromthefollowingpassages?
a. Proverbs8:13.
b. Proverbs16:18.
c. Proverbs29:23.
d. Luke14:11.
e. James2:1-9.
7.Onanotheroccasion,Jesustaughtawonderfullessononhumility(TheParableof TakingtheLowestPlace - Luke14:7-11).Whatdothefollowingpassagesteach abouthumility?
a. Isaiah57:15.
b. Isaiah66:1-2.
c. Luke1:46-55.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonThirtyThree
TheParableoftheMinas (Luke19:11-27)
Introduction:
TheparableoftheMinasissimilarinmanyrespectstotheParableoftheTalents (Matthew25:14-30).Bothteachtheneedtobefaithfulinourserviceaswewaitfor theLord’sreturn.However,therearesomedifferencesbetweenthetwoparables.Not onlydo thedetailsofeachparablevaryslightly,butthesettingforeachisalso different.IntheParableoftheMinas,JesuswasonHiswaytoJerusalemshortly beforeHistriumphalentrywhichwouldmarkthebeginningofthefinalweekbeforeHis crucifixion.SomeofHisdiscipleswerelaboringunderthemisconceptionthatthe kingdomwastoappearimmediately.Therefore,Jesususedthisopportunitytocorrect thaterror,andstresstheneedforHisdisciplestoremainfaithfuluntilHiseventual return. Thereisaninterestinghistoricalsettingtothisparable.Thestoryparallelsan actualeventthatoccurredduringtheboyhoodofJesus.Itconcernsthetimewhen Archelaus,thesonofHerodtheGreat,wenttoRometorequesthisownkingdomin Palestine.ThekingdomwouldstillbesubjecttoRome,butunderthedirectcontrolof Archelaus.Similartotheeventsintheparable,theappointmentofArchelauswas opposedbyadelegationofhisownsubjects.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Describetheevents oftheparable.
2. Howdoesthisparableexplainthatthekingdomofheavenwouldnotappear immediately(Luke19:12)?Explain.
3. WhendidtheLord“receive”Hiskingdom(See:Acts2:30-36;Ephesians1:20-23; 1Peter3:22;Daniel7:13-14)?
4. WhatdoesthisparablerevealabouttheroleoftheLord’sdisciplesbetweenHis departureandHisreturn(Luke19:13)?Explainyouranswer.
5. HowdoesthisparableportraytherejectionoftheLord’sreign(Luke19:14)? Explain.
6. Whatdoesthisparableteachaboutthetimeofreckoningoraccountingthat awaitseveryChristian(Luke19:15-26)?Explain.
7. Whatdoesthisparableteachaboutthejudgmentawaitingthosewhodonot submittoChristasKing(Luke19:27)?Explain.
Application:
Whatpersonalapplicationscanwemakefromthisparable?
LessonThirtyFour
TheParableofJesus - Conclusion
Introduction:
TheparablesofJesuswerestoriesoranarrativestakenfromnatureorfromeveryday humanexperiences.Mostsimplydefined,theywereanearthlystorywithaheavenly meaning.Theywereintendedtofocusthelistener’sattentionontheattributesofthe kingdomofheaven -- theruleofChristwithintheheartsofmenandwomen everywhere.Thedisciples oftheLordwereblessedtolearn“themysteriesofthe kingdomofheaven”becausetheyhadtherightkindofattitudetowardJesusandHis teaching.Butthosewhoseheartshadbeenhardenedbytheirownwickednessand rebellionwerekeptfromunderstandingtheparables.Throughtheuseofparables, Jesuswassimplyattemptingtoseparatetruth-seekersfromcuriosity-seekers.Let’ssee whatwehavelearnedfromtheparablesofJesus.
QuestionstoConsider:
1. Whatdowelearnaboutthecharacterand natureofthekingdomfromthe followingparables(giveonlyaonesentencesummaryofeachparable):
a. TheParableoftheWheatandtheTares(Matthew13:24-30,36-43)?
b. TheParableoftheMustardSeed(Matthew13:31-32;Mark4:30-32;Luke 13:18-19)?
c. TheParableoftheLeaven(Matthew13:33;Luke13:20-21)?
d. TheParableoftheGrowingSeed(Mark4:26-29)?
e. TheParableoftheHiddenTreasure,andtheParableofthePearlofGreat Price(Matthew13:44-46)?
f. TheParableoftheDragnet(Matthew13:47-50)?
g. TheParableoftheWickedVinedressers(Matthew21:33-46;Mark12:1-12; Luke20:9-20),theParableoftheWeddingFeast(Matthew22:1-14),the ParableoftheBarrenFigTree(Luke13:6-9),andtheParableoftheGreat Supper(Luke14:15-24)?
2. Whatdowelearnaboutthecharacterofthosewhowouldbethedisciplesofthe kingdomfromthefollowingparables(giveonlyaonesentencesummaryofeach parable):
a. TheParableoftheSower(Matthew13:3-9,18-23;Mark4:3-9,13-20;Luke 8:4-8,11-15)?
b. TheParableoftheHouseholder(Matthew13:51-52)?
c. TheParableoftheUnmercifulServant(Matthew18:21-35)?
d. TheParableoftheLaborersintheVineyard(Matthew20:1-16)?
e. TheParableoftheTwoSons (Matthew21:28-32).
f. TheParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirgins(Matthew25:1-13)?
g. TheParableoftheTalents(Matthew25:14-30),andtheParableoftheMinas (Luke19:11-27)?
h. TheParableoftheTwoDebtors(Luke7:41-43)?
i. TheParableoftheGoodSamaritan(Luke10:25-37)?
j. TheParableoftheFriendatMidnight(Luke11:1-13),andtheParableofthe PersistentWidow(Luke18:1-8)?
k. TheParableoftheRichFool(Luke12:13-21)?
l. TheParableofTakingtheLowestPlace(Luke14:7-11),andtheParableof thePhariseeandtheTaxCollector(Luke18:9-14)?
m. TheParableoftheUnjustSteward(Luke16:1-15),andtheParable(Story)of theRichManandLazarus(Luke16:19-31)?
n. TheParableoftheUnprofitableServants(Luke17:7-10)?
3. WhatdowelearnaboutthecharacterorattributesoftheKingfromthefollowing parables(giveonlyaonesentencesummaryofeachparable):
a. TheParableoftheLostSheep(Luke15:1-7),andtheParableoftheLost Coin (Luke15:8-10)?
b. TheParableoftheLostSon(theProdigalSon)(Luke15:11-32)?
c. TheParableoftheTalents(Matthew25:14-30),andtheParableoftheMinas (Luke19:11-27)?
4. WhatshallwedowithwhatwehavelearnedfromtheparablesofJesus(See: Matthew13:12-17)?