1st century Christianity in the 21st century
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Day Labourers
In Matthew 13 we found a series of parables often referred to as the kingdom parables. However, parables about the kingdom of heaven are not exclusive to that chapter. OUr text today, Matthew 20:1-16, also presents a kingdom parable.
Continue reading “The Lord’s Reward to the Day Labourers: Just and Right in All Aspects”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Unforgiving Heart)
Simon Peter once asked the Lord how often he should forgive one who sinned against him. Thinking himself charitable, he put forth seven times as a good number. Recall, Jesus told him,
I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:11-13)
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The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Jesus plainly taught that His purpose on earth was to seek and save the lost. On more than one occasion, He used parables to reveal the importance of the soul, and the restoration of those who have been lost. Matthew records:
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The Parable of the Leaven of the Pharisees
In Matthew 16:6, Jesus warned His apostles:
Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
The disciples misunderstood His warning, thinking He was referring to a forgotten loaf of bread. Of course, Jesus spoke of something spiritual, not physical.
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The Parable of the Red Sky, Signs of the Time
It wasn’t uncommon for the Jews to ask Jesus for a sign, though strangely, the request often followed a miracle. Consider:
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable Concerning Defilement
Having called for the crowd’s attention, the Lord made this simple statement:
Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. (Matthew 15:11)
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The Parable of the Blind Leaders of the Blind
If a blind man ever bids you to follow him, do so carefully and with your eyes wide open.
Jesus warned His hearers about the religious leaders of HIs day. Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:13-14)
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The Parable of the Dragnet
This is the last of the kingdom parables in Matthew 13. Again, the Lord used an image familiar to His listeners. He said:
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to share; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:47-50)
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The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Our text this week is very much like the text we looked at last week. Matthew 13:44 spoke of a man who found a treasure in a field. With great joy he sold all that he had so he could purchase it. Of course, the treasure is the kingdom of God. Now we come to the pearl of great price.
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The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
The kingdom parables continue in Matthew 13 with the parable of the hidden treasure. It reads:
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)
Continue reading “The Hidden Treasure Of Extraordinary Value”