Jesus | a New Testament church

August 6, 2023October 6, 2024

The Persistent Widow: A Powerful Lesson on Prayer

– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Unjust Judge

Parables are earthly stories with spiritual meanings. As we study Jesus’ parables, we seek to know what the spiritual application is. In some cases, such as the parable of the sower, the text provides the explanation. In other instances, we may not receive a direct meaning, but the context can guide us. Sometimes, we lack an explanation, and the context also does not clarify the meaning. Such cases call for careful and prayerful meditation.

July 16, 2023October 7, 2024

Increase Our Faith: Building Devotion to God and Man

– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of the Mustard Seed & the Unprofitable Servant

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)

June 4, 2023October 12, 2024

Fruitless Faith: Cutting Down The Fig Tree

– 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)

May 28, 2023October 7, 2024

Seed Of The Kingdom Leading To A Spiritual Harvest

– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Seed

Mark 4 has some parables we’ve seen in other gospels: the sower (4:3-20), the lamp (4:21-23), and thte mustard seed (4:30-33). He adds a differrent parabble – a story of the growth of a seed.

May 21, 2023October 7, 2024

The Rich Fool: The Dangers Of Wealth And Selfish Living

– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Rich Fool

As the Lord taught His disciples, a man from tthe crowd spoke up, asking for Jesus’ help:

Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. (Luke 12:13)

May 14, 2023October 7, 2024

Being Wise Stewards of the Lord’s Talents

– 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.

May 7, 2023October 8, 2024

Bring Your Own Oil: The Importance Of Being Prepared

– 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.

April 30, 2023October 10, 2024

Embodying Stewardship: The Faithful Wise Servant

– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Faithful and Wise 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,

April 23, 2023October 11, 2024

Signs Of The Time: Tender Branches And Unfolded Leaves

– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Fig Tree

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)

April 16, 2023October 11, 2024

Embracing Righteousness: Exchanging Sin For A New Garment

– 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.