1st century Christianity in the 21st century
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of Children Playing Games
Jesus spoke about the work of John the Baptist to the people. They “justified God,” for they had received his baptism. However, Luke says the Pharisees,
…rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. (Luke 7:30)
Continue reading “Playing Games or Genuine Service? What Do We Offer the Lord?”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of Plentiful Harvest
Matthew spoke of the Lord’s work as He journeyed, taking the gospel from village to village. The apostle recorded:
…when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)
Continue reading “There is a Great Harvest, but Few Labourers”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of the Bridegroom and Patches and Wineskins
The disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees asked Jesus:
Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink? (Luke 5:33)
Continue reading “The Parables of the Bridegroom, Patches and Wineskins : Jesus’ Teaching on the New Covenant”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of the Physician
Immediately after Jesus called Levi to follow Him, this new disciple hosted a feast at his home. Matthew 9:10 tells us that many tax collectors and sinners came and sat downn at his table. Even at this early stage in Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees and scribes were keeping tabs on what Jesus was doing. Mark 2:16 reveals they saw Him eating with this motley crew at Matthew’s house. And so, they asked His disciples why He ate with such people.
Continue reading “Jesus, The Great Physician: Bringing Restoration to the Spiritually Ailing”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of the Wise Man who Built His House on the Rock
For about 15 years in the 1990s and early 2000s, General Motors used Bob Segar’s song, “Like A Rock” in their truck ads. Of course, they wanted to convey the idea that their trucks are strong and reliable. I’ve never owned one, so I don’t know if the image is appropriate or not. But two millennia ago, Jesus used the stability of a rock to speak about the faithfulness of a child of God.
Continue reading “The Wise Man Built His House On The Rock”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of the Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing & A Tree Known by its Fruit
Jesus said the way to heqaven is narrow, and then Immediately spoke of some who will hinder those who seek to walk the heavenly way. He identifies them as false prophets (Matthew 7:15), and used two images to speak about them. The first speaks of their methods (Matthew 7:15) and the second speaking of their mannner of life (Matthew 7:16-20).
Continue reading “Watch Out! Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing & Trees Known By Their Fruit”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Lamp of the Body
Last week, we looked at Jesus’ use of salt and light in the sermon on the mount to describe the influence a Christian should have on the world. Our focus this week is a chapter later, but in the same sermon. The Lord said:
The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:22-23)
Continue reading “The Lamp of the Body: Insights for Spiritual Life”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of Salt and Light
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus used two simple images to speak about His people, identifying us as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Continue reading “Salt And Light: Powerful Images Of The Christian’s Role”In Mark 4:2, Jesus taught the multitude many things using parables. Matthew, Mark, and Luke record many parables spoken by Jesus. The gospel of John, though different in design from the synoptic gospels, also records some of Jesus’ parabolic teachings. There are likely more parables in the four gospels than you realize. I’m sure there are certainly parables that come to mind immediately. However, as we explore this series, you may be surprised to see how often Jesus spoke to the people in parables. I was!
Continue reading “Jesus’ Use of Parables: Powerful Lessons from the Great Teacher”