1st century Christianity in the 21st century
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Fig Tree
Some people told Jesus about a group of Galileans whom Pilate killed. Jesus’ reponse indicated those who brought it up believed they got what they deserved. He said to them:
Do you suppose these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered such things? I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:2-3)
Continue reading “Fruitless Faith: Cutting Down The Fig Tree”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Seed of the Kingdom
Mark 4 has some parables we’ve seen in other gospels: the sower (4:3-20), the lamp (4:21-23), and the mustard seed (4:30-33). He adds a different parable – a story of the growth of a seed.
Continue reading “Seed Of The Kingdom Leading To A Spiritual Harvest”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Rich Fool
As the Lord taught His disciples, a man from the crowd spoke up, asking for Jesus’ help:
Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. (Luke 12:13)
Continue reading “The Rich Fool: The Dangers Of Wealth And Selfish Living”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Talents
If we hear someone speak about “talents,” we tend to think about skills or abilities that one has. In Matthew 25, Jesus gave a parable about three servants and their use of the master’s talents. In this case, a talent was not their skill or ability, but a sum of money.
Continue reading “Being Wise Stewards of the Lord’s Talents”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
In Matthew 24, Jesus gave a few parables addressing the need for His people to prepare for His return. He continued the same thought in Matthew 25, teaching the parable of the ten virgins.
Continue reading “The Need to be Prepared: The Ten Virgins”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Wise and Faithful Servant
The first part of Matthew 24 addresses Jerusalem’s impending destruction, while the latter portion is about the second coming of Christ – the final judgment. Signs would precede the first event (fulfilled in 70 AD), but there would be no signs for the Lord’s return (Matthew 24:36-39). Jesus said,
Continue reading “Embodying Stewardship: The Wisdom of the Faithful Servant”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Fig Tree, Signs of the Time
During a discourse about the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus used a fig tree parable to illustrate the need to read the signs of the time. He said:
Now learn this parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. (Matthew 24:32-33)
Continue reading “Signs Of The Time: Tender Branches And Unfolded Leaves”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Marriage Feast
The parable of the wicked vinedressers enraged the Pharisees, for they knew that Jesus spoke of them. However, they did not lay a hand on Him, for they feared the people (Matthew 21:45-46). Immediately, He spoke another parable against them, the parable of the marriage feast.
Continue reading “Embracing Righteousness: Exchanging Sin For A New Marriage Feast Garment”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers
Jesus shared a parable about wicked men who were not only dishonest and greedy, but also violent and murderous. He spoke the parable in the hearing of the Pharisees, the very people whom He pictured in the parable.
Continue reading “Jesus’ Powerful Rebuke Of The Jewish Leaders (Wicked Vinedressers)”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Two Sons (Authentic Service)
The Jews confronted Jesus, asking what authority He had to do and say the things He did. He answered:
I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: the baptism of John – where was it from? from heaven or from men? (Matthew 21:24-25)
Continue reading “Lip Service Or Authentic Service: What Do We Offer God?”