– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Lost
The scribes and Pharisees complained against Jesus, because He would receive those whom they deemed to be base persons of society. When this accussation was levied against Him in Luke 5, Jesus answered:
Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:31-32)
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables about Commitment and the Need to Count the Cost
Luke records,
Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:25-27)
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Returning Unclean Spirit
It is interesting to notice the references to demon possession in the Bible. Search the Old Testament, and there doesn’t seem to be any reference to such happening. In the gospels, demons appear to be a common occurrence, but as we continue in the New Testament, demon activity wanes in the book of Acts, and is non-existent in the epistles.
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Tax Collector and Pharisee’s Prayer
It’s important for a speaker to know his audience. Of any speaker, we should expect that Jesus knew how to read an audience, and we see His ability to do so displayed several times in the gospels. To introduce the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Luke reveals that Jesus knew those who were listening to Him, and adapted His teaching to best serve their needs. Luke tells us that Jesus spoke to those whho trusted in their own righteousness and despised others.
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Unjust Judge & Widow’s Persistent Prayer
Jesus spoke about prayer a lot. Several of His parables address the need to pray as well as the manner of our approach to the Father. In Luke 18, Jesus taught of a widow characterized by her persistent prayer.
The Lord seeks for us to learn from her and make application in our prayers. Luke 18:1 reads,
…He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart… (Luke 18:1).
Sean Cavender | March 13, 1987 – July 20, 2023
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.” (Proverbs 27:9)
I confess to knowing very little about oils and perfume. Certainly, a fragrant aroma is better and more desirable than a putrid smell. Soap and deodorant are more pleasant than the lack thereof. Beyond that, I’m not the guy to speak to about fragrance. Of course, Solomon’s purpose is not to exalt the excellence of beautiful odours – this is the lesser through which he introduces the greater – the value, the sweetness, and the delight of a close friend.
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of the Mustard Seed & the Unprofitable Servant (Increase our faith)
Having heard the Lord talk about offenses and the need to forgive, Peter asked Jesus,
…how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? (Matthew 18:21)
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Shrewd Steward
This is perhaps one of the most difficult of Jesus’ parables to grasp. As we read it and look for lessons, we must be careful what we apply and how. This isn’t the only time the Lord used an unfaithful servant in a parable, but His usage here is somewhat unique.
– 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)
– 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.
