PARABLES OF INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 2: 1.5 TALENTS Mt 25 : 14 - 30; Lk 19 : 12 - 27
THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS Matt. 25:14-30
Mt 25:14 ii pQr £ js gs jfg mgn^ g0jng on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to
another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once
and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way,
the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his masters money.19After a long time the master of those
slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents. '21His master said to him, Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master. ,22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents. ,23His master said to
him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge ofmany things; enter into the joy of your master. /24Then the one who had received the one talent also
came forward, saying, Master, I knew that you were a harsh man,
reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours. '26But his master replied, 'You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and
gather where I did not scatter?27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have
nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
INTRODUCTION. The parable of the talents follows directly the one of the ten virgins in Matthew. While the parable of the ten virgins teaches the importance of watching and preparing for the judgment, the parable of the talents teaches the importance of working while watching for the
master's return. Like the parable of the pounds, the talents is an
exhortation to the followers of Jesus to use the gifts entrusted to them
during his absence. Although the parable was spoken primarily to the
twelve disciples, the application is for all believers.
In the story a man called his three servants to him before he left for a far country. He divided his goods among his servants and gave to each
amounts or talents according to his ability. He expected the servants to use the talents and make a profit. A talent in New Testament times was not a coin, but a weight-a sum of money weighing a talent and varying in amount in different nations. The value of these talents in this story is not known, but a talent of silver could run from $1000.00 to $2000.00. A talent of gold would naturally be much more.
When the master returned, he called his servants for an accounting. The first two used their talents well and gained a profit. The master was
pleased, commended and rewarded them. The third servant, however, buried his talent and began to make excuses for his neglect. In addition he criticized his lord. The master ordered that the talent be taken from
the unprofitable servant, and that he be cast into outer darkness.
A. THE PARABLE
1. A man going to a far country delivered his goods to whom? (Matt.
25:14) his slaves
2. The man gave each according to what? (Matt. 25:15) each
according to his ability
3. Fill in the chart below indicating the amount each servant received and
gained. (Matt. 25:15-18)
Servant Talents Received Talents Gained Total
Talents
No. 1 5 5
10+1
No. 2 2 2 4
No. 3 1 0-1 0
4. What did the third servant do with his talent? (Matt. 25:18) a hole in
the ground and hid his master's money
5. When the lord returned and called for an accounting, what did the first servantteil him? (Matt. 25:19-20) Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents
6. What commendation did the lord give him? (Matt. 25:21) Well done,
good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master/
7. What did the second servant tell his lord? (Matt. 25:22) 'Master, you
handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents
8. What commendation did the lord give him? (Matt. 25:23) Well done,
good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master
9. What did the third servant tell his lord? (Matt. 25:24-25) Master, I
knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.
10. What did the lord call this servant? (Matt. 25:26) 'You wicked and
lazy slave
11. What should the servant have done with the money? (Matt. 25:27)
you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest
12. What was done with the servant's one talent? (Matt. 25:28) the
talent from him, and given to the one with the ten talents For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required...
13. What is the application of the parable? (Matt. 25:29) For to all
those who have,more will be given, and they will have an
abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away
14. What was the fate of the wicked servant? (Matt. 25:30) He was
throw into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth
B. THE LESSON
» Jesus has given each of his followers gifts and opportunities to be used in the service of the kingdom.
» The gifts have been bestowed in proportion to the ability of the
individual believer, and the amount of service required is according to that
ability. To whom much is given much is required (Luke 12:48).
f
(•• Opportunities + Abilities = Responsibility
» Those who faithfully use their abilities will enter into the joy of the
(- Lord. Those who neglect to use their abilities will be cast into outer
r darkness.
2.1.5b PARABLES OF INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY THE PARABLE OF THE POUNDS Luke 19:11-27
Lk 19:11 As o^ WQre jjSfening o tnfS/ ne wen: on to tell a parable,
because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12So he said, "A nobleman
' went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return.
( 13He summoned ten of his sia ves, and ga ve them ten pounds, and said to
them, 'Do business with these until I come back. ,14But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, We do not want this man to rule over us.' 15When he returned, having received royal " power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading.
16 The first came forward and said, lord, your pound has made ten more pounds. ,i7He said to him, Weil done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge often cities. /18Then
v the second came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has made five pounds. /i9He
said to him, And you, rule over five cities. /20Then the other came,
saying, 'Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, 21for I was afraid ofyou, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow. ,22He said to him, I will
judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then
• when I returned, I could have collected it with interest. /24He said to the
bystanders, 'Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds. '25(And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds!) 26I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have
nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27But as for these
enemies ofmine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.'"
INTRODUCTION. The parable of the pounds and the parable of the
talents are quite similar, but there are differences. The times and places are different. The parable of the pounds was spoken to multitudes as Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem from Jericho for the Passover feast, his last before his crucifixion. The parable of the talents was spoken to the
disciples as Jesus and the twelve were on the Mount of Olives on the third day after Jesus had entered Jerusalem. In the parable of the pounds the master gave the same amount of money to each servant. He did not
demand the same result from each, for he knew each had different
abilities. In the parable of the talents, the master entrusted different
amounts to each servant. Each was given an amount according to his ability.
In the parable of the pounds a nobleman went to a far country to receive a kingdom. He gave each of his ten servants a pound (mina-
approximately 100 drachmas or $17.00-$20.00, the amount of wages for 100 days). He instructed the servants to use the money for trade.
Meanwhile, the citizens who hated the nobleman sent ambassadors after him with the message that they did not want him to reign over them.
When the nobleman returned, he called his servants for an accounting. The first and second servants each reported a profit and were rewarded. The third returned the pound, criticizing the nobleman and giving excuses for not gaining a profit. The nobleman ordered that the pound be taken from the unprofitable servant. Then he commanded that his enemies who had rebelled against him be slain before him.
The parable not only refers to Jesus' second coming, but also describes in part an incident in history. When Herod the Great died in 4 B. C, his son Archelaus (Matt. 2:22) traveled to Rome in order to receive approval from Caesar to become king in his father's place. While he was on his journey, the Jews sent fifty messengers to Caesar stating they did not want
Archelaus to rule over them. Nevertheless, Caesar appointed him ruler over Judea, Samaria, and Idumaea. Just as Archelaus went to Rome and
eventually returned, so Jesus went to heaven and will return at the
appointed time. Jesus spoke the parable of the pounds because the
multitude following him supposed the kingdom was about to appear. They expected Jesus to receive a crown at Jerusalem. They did not as yet
understand that his kingdom was a spiritual kingdom. The parable was meant to teach that there would be an interim between Jesus' first and second comings and that patience and faithful service were necessary
during his absence.
In the parable the nobleman represents Jesus. As the nobleman went to a far country, so Jesus went to heaven. As the nobleman gave his servants money and expected them to work in his absence, so Jesus gives us gifts and blessings and expects us to be fruitful during his absence. As the
nobleman commanded that his enemies be slain when he returned, so
Jesus will bring vengeance upon his enemies when He comes again (II
Thess. 1:7-9).
A. THE PARABLE
1. Why did Jesus speak this parable? (Luke 19:11) because they
supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
2. Where did the nobleman go and why? (Luke 19:12) A nobleman
went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return.
3. What did he give each of his servants, and what were his instructions? (Luke 19:13) 13He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, "Do business with these until I come back.
4. What did the citizens do and why? (Luke 19:14) citizens of his
country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to rule over us/
5. When the nobleman returned, having received his kingdom, he called his servants for an accounting. Fill in the chart. (Luke 19:13,15-20, 24)
Servant(all received 1) Pounds Received Pounds Gained
Reward
No. 1 10 10+1 cities
No. 2 5 5 + cities
No. 3 0
6. What excuses did the third servant make? (Luke 19:21) for I was
afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow/
7.What was the nobleman's answer? (Luke 19:22) I will judge you by
your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?
8. What should the servant have done? (Luke 19:23) 23Why then did
you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest/
9. When the nobleman commanded those standing by to take the pound from the lazy servant and give it to the man with the ten, what did they say? (Luke 19:24-25) "Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds/ 25(And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds!'
10. What is the point of the parable? (Luke 19:26) I tell you, to all
those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away
11. What was to be done to the nobleman's enemies? (Luke 19:27) 27But
as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king
over them bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.
THE POUND AND THE TALENTS
The Pounds
Luke 19:11-27
• Spoken to the disciples and a multitude
Spoken on the road between Jericho
and Jerusalem
• Spoken just prior to the triumphal entry into Jerusalem
• Each servant received the same gifts
The profits of each servant were different
• The rewards for the faithful servants
were in proportion to their service and
abilities
The unprofitable servant lost his gift
The Talents
Matt. 25:14-30
Spoken to the disciples
Spoken on the Mount of Olives
Spoken the third day after the entry into Jerusalem
Each servant received an amount of gifts according to his ability
The profits of each servant were in proportion to his gift
The rewards for the faithful servants were the same
The unprofitable servant lost his gift and was cast into outer darkness
B. THE LESSON
» Jesus has given each of his followers gifts and opportunities to perform service in his absence.
» Each is responsible for what has been entrusted to him.
» Those who are industrious and use what has been entrusted to them to the best of their ability will be rewarded according to their efforts.
Those who do not use their trust and perform their tasks shall lose all.
2: 1.6 THE WEDDING GARMENTS Mt 22: 11 - 13.
Mt 22:11-13 But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, "Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?"And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, "Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
1. understanding the Parable in Jesus ministry (setting).
Why should a man from a street be expected to have a wedding garment ? The rabbinical answer is with repentance
Jesus answer is deeper rooted in the OT Is 61:10 He is clothed in the garments of salvation
He is covered with righteousness.
God clothed the redeemer with the wedding garment of salvation. Mk 2: 18-22 Jesus is referred to as a bridegroom
Mk 2:18-22 18 Now Johns disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the
Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?'19Jesus said to them, 'The
wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. 21 No one sews a piece ofunshrunk cloth on an old cloak;
otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. 22And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the
wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one
puts new wine into fresh wineskins.'
Lk Parable of the Prodigal son—ater he repented he is robed.
Mt attaches this P to clear the possibility of misunderstanding which would have risen.Both the bad & the good were invited, but we need to be clothed with Gods forgiveness & righteousness.
2: 1.7 Simile snare & the unwary (bird) Lk 21: 34-36 Lk 17:26 - 27; 28 - 30 Lk 21:34-36 "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day
catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to
stand before the Son ofMan."
2: 1.8 Simile- Budding Fia tree Mt 24:32-33 32uFrom the fig tree learn its
lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you
know that summer is near. 33So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
2:1.9 Simile concerning harvest time ; Lk 21 : 29 - 31
Mt 13:28-29 28He answered, An enemy has done this.' The slaves said to
him, Then do you want us to go and gather them?'29But he replied, No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them
Mk - who stands at the door - messiah, herald, signs of dreadful end
negativeThe symbol of the fig tree is a positive symbol A symbol of blessing -
Joel 2:22.
To direct the disciples to the harrows of the end but to salvationFig tree casts its leaves completely. The return of blessing after it is dead - leaves comes completely. The great mystery of life over death.
2: 1.10 EYE LAMP OF THE BODY Mt : 22 -23; Lk 11: 34 - 36.
Lk 11:34-36 Your eye is the lamp ofyour body. Ifyour eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of
darkness. Therefore consider whether the light in you is not darkness. If
then your whole body isfull of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays. "
Mt address to the disciples
Lk it is the rebuke to the crowd.
Mt seems to understand it is an allegory as shown in the context vs 19 understanding in the context of God.
Conclusions of these 10 Parables:
We have to understand the 10 parables in the setting of Jesus ministry Do not be taken unaware
Act now before it is too late, accept the salvation God is offering you, today. Early Church because of the delay of Xt glorious coming they interpreted the parable in the Xtological sense that the crises parable became parousia
parable.
SYMBOL
Nocturnal Burglar burglar Just as the house holder.
2 : 2, ACT NOW, TAKE NECESSARY ACTION f 7 PARABLES^
Develops the message of the early group. It gives practical ways to respond to the parable
2 : 2.1 DEBTORS Mt 5:25, 26; Lk 12: 58,59
2 : 2.2 THE DISHONEST STEWARD Lk 16: 1-8.
2 : 2.3 THE RETURN OF THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT Mt 12: 43-45a; Lk 11:24-26. 2:2.4 CHILDREN MARKETPLACE Mt 11:16-19 Simile
2 : 2.5 NEW GARMENTS /NEW SKINS Lk 5 : 36 - 39
2 : 2.6 PLOUGH MAN Lk 9 : 61,62; act now take necessary action
2 : 2.7 a. TOWER BUILDER,
b. KING CONTEMPLATING A CAMPAIGN Lk 14 : 28 -32.
2 . 2.1 DEBTORS Mt 5:25. 26: Lk 12: 58.59
(Refer to:-) 1.3 PARABLES OF FORGIVENESS
THE PARABLE OF THE TWO DEBTORS Luke 7:36-50
2 : 2.2 THE DISHONEST STEWARD Lk 16: 1 - 8.
THE PARABLE OF THE UNJUST STEWARD Luke 16:1-9
Lk 16:1 Then Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was
squandering his property. 2So he summoned him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your
management, because you cannot be my manager any longer. '3Then the manager said to himself, "What will I do, now that my master is taking
the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4I have decided what to do so that, when I am
dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes. '5So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, How
much do you owe my master?'6He answered, A hundredjugs of olive oil. 'He said to him, Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.' 7Then he asked another, And how much do you owe?'He replied, A
hundred containers of wheat. 'He said to him, "Take your bill and make it eighty. '8And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in
dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
INTRODUCTION. The parable of the unjust steward is probably the
most difficult of all the parables to understand. In New Testament times a wealthy man hired a manager or steward to oversee his estate. The
steward was responsible to his mas-ter, but he had charge of his master's possessions and controlled large sums of money. This was a position of trust but often presented opportunity for dishonesty.
In this story the steward was accused of wasting his master's goods. The rich man, the master, called the steward to make an accounting, and then he discharged him. The steward quickly had to devise a plan. He couldn't dig nor could he beg for a living, so he contrived a way to make friends so they would receive him into their homes when he lost his stewardship.
He called his master's debtors one by one. To each one he reduced the amount of debt, teiling each to write a new contract. The lord
commended the steward for his shrewdness. He did not approve of the steward's dishonesty, but the lord admired his wisdom in preparing for his future. The parable teaches that the sons of light or the spiritually minded must use their worldly possessions to secure spirituai treasures. The world and ail it contains belong to God (Ps. 24:1), and we are the stewards of God's possessions. Therefore, we must use wisely what God has
entrusted into our care In order that we will be received into the heavenly kingdom.
A. THE PARABLE
1. Of what was the steward accused? (Luke 16:1) was squandering
his property.
2. What did the rich man teil his steward? (Luke 16:2) What is this that
I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer
3. How did the steward reason within himself? (Luke 16:3) What will I
do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg
4. What did he resolve to do? (Luke 16:4) 4I have decided what to do
so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.
5. What was the amount owed by the first debtor? What did the steward tell him to do? (Luke 16:5-6), 'How much do you owe my master?'
6He answered, 'A hundred jugs of olive oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.
Note. One hundred measures of oil was a great quantity of oil,
approximately 900 gallons. The debtor willingly collaborated with the dishonest steward.
6. What was the amount owed by the second debtor? What did the
steward tell him to do? (Luke 16:7) xAnd how much do you owe?' He
replied, 'A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill and make it eighty.
Note. One hundred measures of wheat was approximately 1000 bushels. Again, the second debtor also agreed to reduce his debt and thus defraud the lord.
7.Why did the lord commend the unrighteous steward? (Luke 16:8)
because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.
Note. The steward was unrighteous, but the lord commended him, not for his dishonesty, but for his wisdom (shrewdness).
8. The sons of the world are wiser (shrewder) than who? (Luke 16:8)
shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.
Note. Jesus states that the people of the world sometimes use better
judgment in caring for their worldly treasures and affairs, than do the sons of light (the people of God) in preparing for their heavenly treasures and spiritual futures.
9. Jesus instructed his disciples to make friends by means of mammon, that when they fail they will be received into what? (Luke 16:9) 9AndI
tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest
wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
Note. The application of the parable is found in this verse. The steward used mammon of unrighteousness (worldly possessions, and in this case not his own) to make friends who would support him when he was
dismissed from his stewardship. He prepared for his future on earth. As disciples ofJesus we should prepare for our spiritual future by using our worldly possessions wisely and unselfishly to gain Gods favor that we may
be received into heaven when "ye fail"(when we die-KJV, NKJV), or "it
fails" (the mammon-ASV, NASB), for we cannot take our earthly wealth with us into eternal life.
10. Verses 10-13 further explain the parable. In these verses faithfulness is commended rather than shrewdness or prudence.
a. Those that are faithful in least are faithful in much those that are unrighteous in least are unrighteous in much (Luke 16:10)
b. If we are not faithful in the unrighteous mammon (worldly possessions),
how can we be trusted with true riches ? (Luke 16:11)
c. If we are not faithful in what belongs to another, who will give us _ that which is our own (Luke 16:12)
d. No servant can serve two masters. Why? (Luke 16:13) for either he
will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon
B. THE LESSON
» We are the stewards of God's creation.
» We must prepare for the future by using our worldly possessions wisely in order that we will be received into heaven by God and entrusted with the true riches.
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye
cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13
2 : 2.3 THE RETURN OF THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT Mt 12: 43-45a: Lk 11:24-26.
The unclean spiit is a Jewish simile for a demon, The desert is also the abode of the demon (temptations of Jesus ). He can be satisfied only in a place. He can cause destruction.
House is a symbol of a human person Mt 7 : 24.
In the middle east a person possessed was called the house of a demon House empty swept & put in order
7 more demons, 7 is a complete number, this shows the completeness of the destruction. There is an implied Mf If he finds the house empty; relapse the
fault is not of Jesus but the mans fault itself Eph 2 :22 A new master takes charge of the empty space. It should be filled by the living place of God.
2.2.4 CHILDREN MARKETPLACE Mt 11:16-19 Simile
Played a flute, round dance, men danced
We yeielded- mourning at a funeral—women
Lk 7:32 That the children are one group, some of them want to play a joyful game & the girls play sad games, & they are rebuking each other all in one room
Mt Lk
JBp --Boys Girls Boys Girls
-Joyful No Joy Sad
Jesus—Sad No
Going by Mt interpretation
1 group represents J & JBp
2nd. Group represents the Jewish authorities. Take necessary action now.
2 : 2.5 NEW GARMENTS /NEW SKINS Lk 5 : 36 - 39
Vs 39 It has been observed that in the villages / Religious people ( metaphor) there is a stubbornness to cling to what is old, they find it difficult to accept what is new.
2 : 2.6 PLOUGH MAN Lk 9 : 61 .62: act now take necessary action
In Palestine there was a very little plough that was guided with the left hand, The farmer when he ploughed had to also keep the plough upright, the right hand was used to guide the oxen.
This required total concentration.
PARABLES OF THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
2 : 2.7 a. TOWER BUILDER. Luke 14:25-35
2.2.7 b. KING CONTEMPLATING A CAMPAIGN Lk 14 : 28 -32
Lk 14:25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, 26 "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itsel , cannot be
my disciple. 27Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 2SFor which ofyou, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to
complete it?29Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish. '3i0r what king, going out to
wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider
whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes
against him with twenty thousand? 32If he cannot, then, while the other is
still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms ofpeace. 33So therefore, none ofyou can become my disciple ifyou do not give up all your possessions. 34"Salt is good; but ifsalt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? 35It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure
pile; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!"
INTRODUCTION. These two parables, the rash builder and the king at war, are often called twin parables because they were spoken by Jesus together and teach the same lesson-the cost of discipleship. The parables illustrate that discipleship has a price, and one needs to count the cost if he plans to follow Jesus.
The first parable concerns the building of a tower-probably a tower in a vineyard from which a watchman could guard the vineyard. The second parable pertains to a king preparing for war.
Jesus had previously warned his disciples regarding the perils they would face as they preached the gospel of the kingdom.
• To the twelve: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of
wolves..." (Matt. 10:16)
• To the twelve: "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the
councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be ;
brought before governors and kings for my sake..." (Matt. 10:17-18)
• To the twelve: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's
sake..."(Matt. 10:22)
• To the seventy: "...behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves."(Luke 10:3)
A. THE TWIN PARABLES
1. How many heard Jesus as He spoke the two parables? (Luke 14:25)
Large crowds
2. In order to come to Jesus, what must one do? (Luke 14:26) Whoever
comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and
children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple
Note. Hate in this passage does not mean despise; rather, it means to love less, or to prefer one thing over another.
3. In order to be a disciple, we must bear what? (Luke 14:27) carry the
cross
2 Before building a tower, the wise builder does what? (Luke 14:28)
estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it
5. If the builder is unable to complete his building, what will happen?
(Luke 14:29-30) will begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish
6. Before leading an army of 10,000 against another army of 20,000, the wise king will do what? (Luke 14:31) will not sit down first and
consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand
7. Rather than going into battle against such great odds, the king will do what? (Luke 14:32) If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.
8. In order to be Jesus' disciple, we must do what? (Luke 14:33) none of
you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
9. If salt has lost its savor (ability to season), it is not fit for anything and
men shall do what with it? (Luke 14:34-35) "Salt is good; but if
salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? 35It is fit
neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!"
B. THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP. In another passage Luke tells of three men who wished to follow Jesus and the problems involved.
1. What did the first man tell Jesus? (Luke 9:57) "I will follow you
wherever you go.
1. What was Jesus' answer? (Luke 9:58) "Foxes have holes, and
birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to
lay his head."
Note. Jesus neither accepted nor refused the mans offer-He merely pointed out the reality and cost of following him.
3. When Jesus told a second man to follow him, what did the man request?
(Luke 9:59) Lord, first let me go and bury my father.
2.What was Jesus' reply? (Luke 9:60) "Let the dead bury their own
dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.n
Note. In contrast to the first man who was eager to follow Jesus and had
to be cautioned, the second man wanted to delay. Jesus could have had several reasons for the answer He gave, but again the message is count the cost.
3.What did the third man want to do? (Luke 9:61) "I will follow you,
Lord; but let mefirst say farewell to those at my home
6. What was Jesus' answer? (Luke 9:62) "No one who puts a hand to
the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
Note. The third man, just as the second man, had something to do that came first. Jesus compared following him to plowing-if the plowman looks back when he is plowing, the rows will be crooked. Once we
determine to follow Jesus, we cannot look backward to pastjoys of the world, for then we will be unfit for the kingdom.
4. The apostle Paul said he did not consider he had attained or laid hold of eternal life, but "...forgetting those things which are behind, and
reaching forth unto those things which are before I press toward the markforthe prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-
14)KJV
C. THE LESSON
» Discipleship involves total commitment-only those totally committed to Jesus can be his disciples.
» Jesus told his listeners the cost of this discipleship. "...whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33).
2:3. ACT NOW LET NOTHING IMPEDE YOU. 7 Parables.
Make a list of what is impeding you
2 : 3.1 RICH FOOL Luke 12:16-21.
2 : 3.2 RICHMAN & LAZARUS Lk 16 : 19 - 31.
2 : 3.3. WEDDING FEAST 22: 1 - 14; Lk 14 : 15 - 24.
2 : 3.4 CAMEL/NEEDLE simifeMk 10:24; Setting & context all are same Mt
19:24.Alf are same Lkl8: 25
2 : 3.5 LET THE DEAD BURRY THE DEAD Mt 8 : 21 -22; Lk 9 :59 - 60.
2 : 3.6 2 MEN IN THE FIELD Mt 24 : 40; Lk 34 : 36 Metaphor
2 : 3.7 2 WOMEN AT THE MEAL metaphor Mt 24 :41; Lk 17 : 35.
PARABLES OF THE IMPORTANCE OF
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
2 : 3.1 THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL Luke 12:13-21
Lkl2:13 Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to
divide the family inheritance with me. "14But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?"15And he said to them,
"Take carei Be on your guard against ail kinds ofgreed; for one's life
does not consist in the abundance ofpossessions. "16Then he told them a parable: "The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought
to himself, 'What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?'
18 Then he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry. /20But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."
INTRODUCTION. As Jesus was teaching the multitude one day, a man in the crowd asked him to judge a family dispute. The man and his
brother were quarreling over their inheritance. The laws of inheritance were clear-the eldest son received a double portion of the inheritance, and the remainder was divided equally among the other children (Deut.
21:17). Jesus refused to become a judge in earthly matters, for his
mission was to attend to the spiritual concerns of the people. Jesus gave a warning against covetousness and then spoke the parable of the rich fool.
This parable is a story about a rich farmer and his covetousness.
Apparently the farmer was honest and industrious. He had gained his wealth from the productivity of his land which was a blessing from God. Then one year his harvest was so great he did not know where to store it. He devised a plan to hoard his possessions and enjoy a life of comfort and pleasure, but suddenly and unexpectedly death called and his soul was required.
Barns in Palestine were generally caves and underground pits or cisterns
where grain could be stored. The storage pits were carefully prepared and dry, preserving the grain for long periods. In addition, since they were underground, the pits were concealed from robbers. In this parable, the farmer planned to enlarge the pits by pulling down the old walls and
extending them.
Notice in the parable the rich man's use of "I" and "my." His thoughts
were only of himself. His surplus could have been shared with his
neighbors and the poor. Although his blessings were from God, God was not in his plans. He had forgotten the two great commandments-"love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
mind" and "love thy neighbor as thyself (Matt. 22:37-39).
A. THE PARABLE
1. What did one from the multitude ask Jesus? What was Jesus' answer? (Luke 12:13-14) "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family
inheritance with me." 14But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?"
2. What warning did Jesus give the man? (Luke 12:15) "Take care! Be
on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.
3. What problem did the rich man have? (Luke 12:16-17) The land of a
rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought to himself, xWhat should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?'
2 How did he plan to solve his problem? (Luke 12:18) 'I will do
this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods
3 What did he propose to do with his storehouse of goods? (Luke
12:19) And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.
4. What had God determined for the man? (Luke 12:20) You fool! This
very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared,
5. What about the man's wealth? (Luke 12:20) whose will they be
6. What problem do we have when we lay up treasures for ourselves? (Luke 12:21) We are not rich toward God/1
7. Where should we lay up our treasures? Why? (Matt. 6:19-21) 21So it
is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not
rich toward God
8. What should we seek first? (Matt. 6:33) But strive first for the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well
B. THE LESSON
» Covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5). Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).
» We need to prepare for the future by storing our treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matt. 6:19-21). 19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
2 : 3.2 RICHMAN & LAZARUS Lk 16 : 19 - 31. What is impeding Dives on others
This is a double edged P; 2nd. Part begins the rich man dies Vs 22. Vs 19 - 21 In this life
VS22-23 next life
A great chasm has been fixed, it is revocable of Gods judgment.
Why did Abraham turn down the respect, nothing prevented him to reconcile & acting now. The rich man does not believe in the now ness
2 : 3.3. WEDDING FEAST Lk 14 : 15 - 24. Refer to 1.8
2 : 3.4 CAMEL/NEEDLE simile Mk 10:24: Setting & context all are same Mt 19:24.AII are same Lkl8: 25
Mt 19:24 Again I ted you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
Simile the camel was the largest animal in the desert, The needles eye was a low narrow gate, just wide & high for one person to get thro. The riches are impeding the rich man, for entering the KOG.
2 : 3.5 LET THE DEAD BURRYTHE DEAD Mt 8 : 21 -22: Lk 9 :59 - 60.
Mt 8:21-22 Another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father. "But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead
Jesus calls the man to be his disciple, the man does not object, he expresses his desire to bury his father, the mans father is not dead yet. I will follow you some day later. When ever let nothing impede you not even your family.
Perhaps the calling will not come again - ACT NOW. The decision is so
important that the decision cannot be put off OR set aside even for the sake of your nearest relative LK 14 : 26.
2 : 3.6 2 MEN IN THE FIELD Mt 24 : 40 Metaphor
Mt 24:40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.
2:3.7 2 WOMEN AT THE MEAL metaphor Mt 24 :41: Lk 17 : 35.
41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be let.
2:4. ACT NOW IT IS SUPREME WORTH IT.
(TWIN PARABLES)
2 : 4.1 THE TREASURE Mt 13 : 4
2 : 4.2 THE PEARL Mt 13 45 - 46.
2 : 4.1 THE TREASURE Mt 13 : 4 PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM
THE PARABLE OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE Mat. 13:44
13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which
someone found and hid; then in hisjoy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
INTRODUCTION. This one verse parable is found only in Matthew.
Previously in Matthew, Jesus had compared the kingdom to small things-a mustard seed and leaven. In this parable of the hidden treasure and the one to follow-the parable of the pearl of great price-Jesus declared the great value of the kingdom. This parable tells of a man who found a
treasure hidden in a field. He willingly sold all that he had to buy the field.
It is unprofitable to speculate on the legality or morality of the find and
purchase of the field. It was common practice in Jesus' time to bury
valuables as a means of preserving one's property. Therefore, Jesus again used an illustration that was familiar to his hearers to teach a spiritual
lesson-the value of the kingdom of God.
A. THE PARABLE
1. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to what? (Matt. 13:44)
treasure hidden in a field,
2. Describe the man's actions and attitude. (Matt. 13:44) The man in
his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
3. What often happens to treasures that are stored? (Matt. 6:19) Do not
store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal
4. Where should Christians store treasure? (Mat. 6:20); but store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
5. What is the reward of one who sells all that he has for Christ? (Matt.
19:29) And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life.
B. THE LESSON
» The greatest treasure in this world and the world to come is the kingdom of heaven.
» Those who find the word of God (the treasure) should joyfully and eagerly be willing to give all they have to obtain the blessings of the kingdom.
2 : 4.2 THE PEARL Mt 13 45 - 46.
THE PARABLE OF THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE Matt.l3:45-46
13:45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine
pearls; 46on finding one pearl ofgreat value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
INTRODUCTION. This parable and the parable of the hidden treasure occur only in Matthew and form a pair. Both parables teach the great truth concerning the value of the kingdom. The parable of the hidden treasure was about a man who found by accident a hidden treasure. The parable of the pearl of great price is about a man who was searching for goodly pearls.
In New Testament times pearls were in great demand. The merchants found
pearls in the Red Sea, but they had to go to the Persian Gulf and India to find the finest quality pearls. The merchant described by Jesus found a pearl of great value and sold everything he had in order to buy it.
A. THE PARABLE
2. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to what? (Matt. 13:45) the
kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls
3. What did the man find and do? (Matt. 13:46) on finding one pearl
of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought i
3 Whom should we seek and why? (Isa. 55:6) Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near
4 What are Christians to seek first? (Matt. 6:33) But strive first for the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
5. What does Jesus say about those who sincerely seek him? (Matt. 7:7)
Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock,
and the door will be opened for you
6. What does God do for those who believe and diligently seek him? (Heb
11:6) And without faith it is impossible to please God, for
whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him
B. THE LESSON
» We must seek the Lord while He may be found (Isa. 55:6). » We
must seek first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33).
» Those who search diligently will find the kingdom
(Matt. 7:7; Heb. 11:6).
Pearls are formed in six tropical species of oysters that live on rocky
ocean bottoms. The oyster is lined with a smooth, iridescent substance known as mother-of-pearl. When a foreign body such as a grain of sand accidentally becomes trapped within its shell, the oyster gradually covers it with layers of the mother-of-pearl. This process forms the pearl.
Cultured pearls, which require about four years to produce, are created by artificially inserting the foreign object into the oyster. Pearls are the only gems made by a living process, and the only gems that come from the sea.
Double or Twin Parables, These are found in the Gospel of Thomas in two separate places.
1. The hidden treasure was found accidentally. Coins / Jewels
many people actually hid their treasures in the fields. The man who finds it is a day laborer. Land is the KOG it is worth selling every thing for it This was an accidental find
2. Pearls were highly priced. Divers got them from the red sea & the Persian Gulf. You had to be searching for pearls
Caesars Pearl NECKLACE WAS SOLD TO Brutus for Pd. 10000/-
But the difference is not concerned with the manner of discovery but the contact between the poor labourer & the rich merchant
Both sell all that they have.
2 : 5. ACT NOW THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE. I PARABLE
2 : 5. 1 THE UNPRODUCTIVE FIG TREE
PARABLES OF REPENTANCE NO. 2
I. THE PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG TREE Luke 13;6-9
Lki .6 jnefJ ^e ^ this parable: «J4 man had a fig tree planted in his
vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7So he said to the gardener, See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this ig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be
wasting the soil?'8He replied, Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it 9Ifit bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
INTRODUCTION. Fig trees were important in Palestine and symbolic of Israel's prosperity. During Solomon's reign as king, a time of peace and great prosperity, "And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon" (I Kings 4:25).
Fig trees are cultivated all over the land of Palestine and especially in the mountain areas. The trees grow generally 10 to 15 feet high, and their thick foliage provides dense shade in the summer. In warm climates such as Israel, the fig tree produces two crops each year, an early one which is ripe about June, and a later, more important one which is ripe about
August.
By December the leaves of the fig tree have shed and the trees are bare until the end of March when the leaf buds begin to appear. At the same time, tiny figs begin to grow. When they reach the size of a cherry, most of them fall to the ground. These "unripe" and "immature figs" are called taksh and may be and are eaten as they fall. Some of these immature figs
remain on the tree, ripen to perfection about June, and are then known as "early figs" or "first-ripe" (Isa. 28:4; Jer. 24:2; Hos. 9:10). The first-ripe figs are greatly desired for their delicate flavor (Mic. 7:1).
These first-ripe figs grow on the old wood of the tree, while the second crop which ripens in August grows upon the new spring shoots of the tree.
The fig tree in this parable was planted in a vineyard. For three years the owner had sought fruit upon the tree and had been disappointed-the tree was barren. He told the vinedresser to cut the tree down, for not only was the tree unproductive, it occupied space which might be more
profitably used. In addition, the tree took nourishment from the soil
needed for the grapevines. But the vinedresser pleaded for one more year to care for the tree, and if it did not bear then, he would cut it down.
Jesus spoke this parable when He was told of the Galilaeans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices (Luke 13:1-2). Jesus said that
those slain were not sinners above other Galilaeans, and further gave the example of the tower in Siloam falling and killing eighteen (Luke 13:4). In both cases the point was "...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3, 5).
In the parable, then, the owner of the vineyard represents God, the fig
tree denotes the Jewish nation, and the vinedresser depicts Christ offering a final oppotunity to the Jews to repent. God had nurtured his people, the children of Israel, protected and carefully cultivated them, but they were fruitless and unproductive, deserving to be destroyed. However, Jesus, the vinedresser, interceded on their behalf, and they were allowed further opportunity to repent. The parable ends with the door of
repentance left open and the time of grace extended. Nevertheless, there is a limit to the
patience and longsuffering of God, and when the Jews failed to heed the call to repentance, God allowed the Romans to destroy their nation and cities in A. D. 70.
A. THE PARABLE
1. What did a certain man piant? Where did he plant it? (Luke 13:6) A
man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard
2. When he came seeking fruit, what did he find? (Luke 13:6) he found
none
3. How long had he been seeking the fruit? (Luke 13:7) See here! For
three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none
4 What did he tell the vinedresser to do? (Luke 13:7) Cut it down!
5. In addition to the fact that the tree was unproductive, what other
reason did the man give for cutting it down? (Luke 13:7) Why should it
be wasting the soil
6.What did the vinedresser request, and what would he do? (Luke 13:8)
Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it
7.What would be the fate of the tree? (Luke 13:9) 9If it bears fruit next
year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.
8. How do we glorify God and become disciples of Jesus? (John 15:8)
My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples
9. What about the patience and longsuffering of God? (II Pet. 3:9) The
Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
10. What will occur when the day of the Lord comes? (II Pet. 3:10)
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the
heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with ire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
B. THE LESSON
» To be disciples of Jesus, we must bear fruit.
» God is merciful and patient, not willing that any perish, but that ail come to repentance.
» When God's patience is exhausted and the time for man's repentance has ended, judgment will occur.
First-ripe and Second Figs down.'"
Vs 1 - 5. The context is the call to repentance. The vineyard has all types of fruits not exclusively grapes.
In the 1st three years after the Fig tree grows. Before the fig could
be eaten Levi 19 : 23. By another
3 years = 6 yrs. The tree is hopelessly barren. Moreover the fig tree absorbs a lot of nutrients from the vines.
The gardener pleads for one more year, fig trees do not require manure.
Story 5th century Ahigar - folklore—near water transport.
Jesus picks from folklore — & gives it his own ending—in the folk lore the tree is cut. The request is granted.
The sentence is pronounced, "cut it down'. The intessasary figure comes to the forefront. The LAST CHANCE, context of repentance Joana Ch 3:10.
It has been observed that repentance is the only way to justify our existence. One has no right to live, who has no will to repent. Your Last Chance -ACT NOW.
1. Gods offer of salvation to sinners
2. Accepts Gods offer now ! URGENCY
3. Live the Kingdom life Today in relation to —God
— neighbours.
HOW
1. Confident Hope
2. Patience / tolerance
3. Obidience to God / Jesus word
4. Prayer
5. Love of neighbour
6. Stewardship.
7. Mission
8. Readiness for the end. KYRIOS the master—LORD Crises Parable parousia Parable
3 .1 WE LIVE THE KINGDOM LIFE -
IN CONFIDENT HOPE.
3 .1.1. Mustard seed
Mk 4 : 30 - 32.
Mt 13 : 31-32
Jn20:
3.
1.3 THE SOWER.
(6 PARABLES^
3 1.2. Leaven
Mt 13 : 33
Lk 13: 20-21.
Mk 4 : 3 - 8; Mt 13 : 3 - 8; Lk 8 : 4 - 8.
3 .1.4 PATIENT FARMER Mk 4 : 26 29
3.!. 5 THE UNJUST JUDGE Lk 18 : 2-8. CONFIDENT HOPE !
3 .1.6 THE UNOBLIGING FRIEND Lk 11 : 5 - 8.
Genera! setting in the ministry of Jesus. There are 6 Parables in this group, what is the occasion for Jesus to tell these. Seeing the poor response to the Gospel. The disciples expeienced discouragement & frustration. How different was the response from the time the Gs were announced. There was a growing opposition to the Gospel ? Why were these people opposing it ? Were there
not large numbers accepting the Good News. In response Jesus gives us Four contrast Parables
1. Mustard seed. These 4 were given to reassure
2. Leaven the disciples
3. Sower. That the kingdom
4. Patient farmer. Will triumph.
r »
Why are they called contrast Parables ?
Because in the contrast parables the beginning is contrasted with the end.
In the Jewish mind, they are not concerned with the process with the How
In addition to the 4 contrast parables Jesus thought
2 parables for the basis of confidence.
1. Unjust judge.
2. Unobligating friend.
SETTING IN THE CHURCH TODAY.
At times we as the disciples will experience discouragement & frustration. We can read these 6 parables in confidence hope, & here the voice of Jesus
speaking to our hearts.
3 .1.1. Mustard seed 3 1.2. Leaven
( Mk4:30-32. Mt 13 : 33
C Mt 13:31-32 Lk 13: 20 -21.
Jn20 :
3.1.1 THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED
i
( Matt. 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19
13:31 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like
a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 3Zit is the
<• smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of
? shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make
nests in its branches." !
INTRODUCTION. Jesus spoke two parables to teach how the kingdom
:- would grow, the mustard seed and the leaven. These two parables should
; • be considered together. The parable of the mustard seed teaches the
extensive growth (external, vast, outward spread), whereas the parable of the leaven teaches the intensive
' growth (internal, intense, great power) of the kingdom.
In this parable the kingdom of heaven is compared to the mustard seed. From this tiny seed grows the mustard tree, reaching to a height of seven
to eight feet, with twelve feet not being unusual. In the same manner, from a small beginning the kingdom of heaven spread throughout the whole world.
This parable was meant to be an encouragement to Jesus' followers. His disciples were uneducated fishermen whose task was to take the gospel message to the whole world. In a few short years they "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6), and the tiny gospel seed had been "preached to every creature which is under heaven" (Col. 1:23). From the smallest
beginning came the greatest blessing ever bestowed upon mankind-the forgiveness of sins through the sacrificial blood of the of God.
A. THE PARABLE
1. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to what? (Matt. 13:31; Mark
4:30-31; Luke 13:18-19) To a mustard seed.
2. What unique feature of the mustard seed makes this parable so
impressive? (Matt 13:32) it is the smallest of all the seed, when it grows it is the greatest of shrubs & becomes a tree
3. What was the number of disciples that were gathered in Jerusalem after
Jesus' ascension? (Acts 1:15) About 120.
4. With this small beginning, what did the apostle Paul declare some thirty
Years later? (Col. 1:23) Gospel will be proclaimed to every one.
5. In this parable Jesus alluded to a prophecy of the kingdom
(Ezek. 17:22-24).
a. The Lord will plant a young and tender twig where? (Ezek. 17:22) High
& lofty mountain
b. The tree will bring forth boughs and bear fruits.. (Ezek. 17:23)
c. Under it and in the shade of the branches will dwell every kind of
birds. (Ezek. 17:23)
6. Daniel's prophecy of the kingdom compared the growth of the kingdom
to a stone that became a great mountain and filled the whole (Dan.
2:35)
B. THE LESSON
» Often the greatest things come from the smallest beginnings. The tiny mustard seed grows and becomes a tree greater than all the herbs. The kingdom (church) gradually increased from a humble and despised
beginning until it filled the whole world.
» The mustard tree provides a lodging place for the birds of the air. The kingdom of God continues o grow and offer shelter to those who seek it.
» God's word is pure and steadfast. The prophecies of the Old
Testament have been fulfilled, and God's plan for the salvation of mankind cannot be thwarted.
3.1.2 THE PARABLE OF THE LEAVEN Matt 13:33: Luke 13:70-21
13:33 He ojj £hem gnother parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast
that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."
INTRODUCTION. The parable of the mustard seed declares the fact of the growth of the kingdom of heaven-it was extensive, vast, reaching out to the four corners of the world. The parable of the leaven is also about the growth of the kingdom, but
this parable teaches the way or manner of the growth-it was intensive, internal, having great power and force.
In the parable of the leaven both Matthew and Luke state that a woman hid leaven in "three measures" of meal. The measure is a saton, equal to about 13 liters or 3/8 bushel. Three sata or measures would be 39 liters or slightly more than a bushel. Thus a little leaven added to a large
quantity of meal permeated the entire mixture. Although the leaven
disappeared in the meal, it worked secretly and invisibly and after a time the results were visible.
B. THE LESSON
» As the power of the leaven changes the meal, so the power of the gospel of the kingdom has changed the whole world.
» The ieaven which is hidden in the meal works secretly and steadily
until the effect of its power is apparent. The gospel which is hidden in the hearts of individuals works mysteriously, spreading gradually until its
power influences human society.
» Each individual Christian must spread the gospel and let his light shine.
3. 1.3 THE SOWER. Mk 4 : 3 - 8; Mt 13 : 3 - 8; Lk 8 : 4 - 8.
PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER Matt. 13:1-9. 18-23; Mark 4:1-9. 14-20: Luke 8:4-15
Mt 13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. 2Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in parables, saying: listen.1 A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. SOther seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil.
6But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no roo ,
they withered away. 70ther seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 80ther seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9Let anyone with ears* listen!'
The Purpose of the Parables
The Parable of the Sower Explained
18 Hear then the parable of the sower. 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and
snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with
joy; 21yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and
when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. * 22As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in
another sixty, and in another thirty.'
INTRODUCTION. The parable of the sower is one of only three parables (the sower, the mustard seed, the wicked husbandman) that is found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Also, it is one of the few parables Jesus
explained to his disciples and others with them. Some have called the parable of the sower, the parable of par-ables, because it really
contains four parables in one with each emphasizing one basic truth.
In New Testament times farming was simple. The common ground in
Palestine was divided into long narrow strips. There was no fence around the strips, but separating the strips was a path or right of way upon which anyone could walk. These paths were beaten as hard as pavement from the many passers-by. In many areas the land consisted of outcroppings of bedrock, and the surface of this rocky terrain was covered with only a thin layer of soil. Ridding the ground of thorny weeds was a continual
problem. If the roots escaped the plow or if the weeds had produced seeds, a new growth of thorny weeds was inevitable.
The farmer carried his seed in a bag which was slung around his neck and shoulders. In the fall when the long, hot summer was ended, the farmer
walked through the field and cast or broadcast the seed upon the ground. Then he plowed the field to cover the seed, waited for the winter rain to germinate the seed, and looked forward to the harvest the following year.
A. THE PARABLE
1. As the sower scattered his seed, where did some of the seed fall? What happened to this seed? (Matt. 13:3-4) Fell on the path & the
birds ate it up.
2. Name the second type of ground described. What happened to the seed that fell on this ground? (Matt. 13:5-6) Rocky ground where
they did not have much soil, they sprang up quickly since they did not have depth of the soil
3. Name the third type of ground. What happened to the seed that fell there? (Matt. 13:7) Among thorns, the thorns grew & choked them up.
4. Name the fourth type of ground. Describe what occurred to the seed which fell on this ground. (Matt. 13:8) Good soil, & brought forth
grain, some 100, 60 & 30 folds.
B. THE INTERPRETATION
1. What is the seed?
a. Matt. 13:19 (Word) b. Mark 4:14 c. Luke 8:11
2. Although the parable does not identify the sower, who are the sowers of
the seed?
a. John 3:1-2 (Jesus) b. Mark 16:14-15 c. Acts 8:1, 4
3. What does the ground where the seed was sown represent? (Matt.
13:19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12) Heart
4. The wayside ground has been described as the hard, packed walkway
at the side of or between the cultivated fields.
a. What kind of heart does this ground represent? (Matt. 13:19)
Unreceptive heart (Not understanding and Heart)
b. The fowls that devoured this seed represent whom?
Matt. 13:19 Evil one Mark 4:15 Luke 8:12
c. What two words does Jesus use to describe this one? (John 8:44) Liar
& the father of lies.
d. How does Peter describe this one? (I Pet. 5:8) Roaring Lion.
5. The stony places have been described as a thin layer of soil over
bedrock.
a. What kind of heart does this ground represent? (Matt. 13:20-21)
Receptive Heart.
b. Paul compares those with a shallow faith to Children tossed to and fro and carried about with every Wind of doctrine. (Eph. 4:14)
6. Thorny ground has always been a problem for farmers, for the thorns and weeds choke out the good seed.
a. What kind of heart does the thorny ground represent? (Matt. 13:22)
Worldly person
b. Those that desire riches face what dangers? (I Tim. 6:9-10) Face ruin
& destruction.
7. The good ground is the fertile soil which is deep enough to receive the seed. The roots have room to grow and spread in order to draw needed moisture and nourishment Careful cultivation frees the soil from the
choking thorns and weeds.
a. Compare the three accounts for a complete picture of the good ground:
they hear the word and Understands it. (Matt. 13:23)
they hear the word and Accept it. (Mark 4:20)
they hear the word and Hold it fast in. (Luke 8:15)
b. What is the yield from this type of ground (heart)? (Matt. 13:23) It
bears fruit.
c. How do we bring forth this fruit? (Luke 8:15) With patience &
endurance.
C. THE PURPOSE. Matthew gives two reasons for Jesus' teaching in parables.
1. Jesus spoke in parables to fulfil! prophecy (Ps. 78:2). I will open my mouth to speak in parables I will utter dark sayings from of old. What is the prophecy? (Matt. 13:34-35) I will open my mouth to speak
in parables, I will proclaim what is hidden from the foundation of the world
2. Jesus also spoke in parables because of the hardness of people's hearts.
a. When the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, He told them they were selected to understand the secrets of the kingdom of heaven,
but to others it was not given. (Matt. 13:10-11)
b. Jesus said He spoke in parables because some have eyes that do not
and ears that do not Listen, and neither do they understand. (Matt. 13:13)
Note. Those who hardened their hearts and refused to accept Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, could not understand the true spiritual meaning of the parables:
• seeing they see not- they saw Jesus' works and miracles, but their eyes were blind to his Divine power;
• hearing they hear not -they heard Jesus' words of salvation, but their ears were deaf to his Divine message.
c. Jesus said the unbelievers, those who see not and hear not, fulfilled the prophecy of what prophet? (Matt. 13:14-15; Isa. 6:9-10)
P. THE LESSON
» The parable of the sower compares four kinds of ground to four different attitudes toward the word of God.
» The word is the same. The hearers are different because their hearts are different. Some have hearts that are hardened. Some lack
commitment and soon lose interest. Some have an abiding and
overpowering desire for the material things of the world. Some hear, understand, and obey.
3 .1.4 PATIENT FARMER Mk 4 : 26- 29
INTRO The parable is intended as a contrast by the effort of the zealots to bring about the Messianic difference. By forcing & over throwing the Roman yoke. Some of the disciples were Zealots
SETTING IN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS :Impatience of the section in ushering the KOG. Why does Jesus not act. From the Gentile yoke they see as a denial of his claim of his mission
KOG o******X******* 30/60/90 HARVEST
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PARABLE:
We are confronted with a sharp contrast of his activity & the harvest. The farmer is described as a sleeping & getting up—sickle.
REFLECTION : A committed person is a patient person
CONCLUSION : The end contrasts the beginning
Insignificant beginning — triumph
Fruit is the result of a seed.
The infinitely great is already active in the infinitely small
Believe in 60—100
On what ground does this confidence rest.
3. 1. 5 THE UNJUST JUDGE Lk 18 : 2 -8. CONFIDENT HOPE
The Parables of Praying
THE PARABLE OF THE IMPORTUNATE WIDOW Luke 18:1-8
Lk 18:1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, Grant me justice against my opponent. /4For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I
have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant herjustice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming. "/6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the
unjustjudge says. 7And will not God grantjustice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8I tell you, he will quickly grantjustice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man
comes, will he find faith on earth?"'
INTRODUCTION. This parable tells the story of a widow who sought justice from a judge. She did not have a lawyer, nor did she have any witnesses to support her claim. Even her adversary did not appear in
court. Her chance of being heard by the judge appeared hopeless.
Nevertheless, due to her persistence, the judge finally heard her complaint and gave her justice.
A widow in Israel was often poor and had a difficult time. God had
pledged to execute justice for the widow (Deut. 10:17-18), and had placed a curse on anyone who perverted justice due her (Deut. 27:19). Even so, widows were generally defenseless and apt to be oppressed by those in power.
The parable of the importunate (persistent, troublesome) widow resembles that of the parable of the friend at midnight, but the friend asked his
neighbor for a gift (bread), while the widow asked a judge for justice. The necessity of persistent prayer is the message of both parables.
A. THE PARABLE
1. What is the point of the parable as stated by Jesus? (Luke 18:1) the
need to pray always and not to lose heart.
2 Describe the judge. (Luke 18:2) judge who neither feared God nor
had respect for people.
3. What did the widow ask of the judge? (Luke 18:3) 'Grant me justice
against my opponent.
4. What was the judge's attitude toward God and toward man? (Luke
18:4) I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone,
5. Why did he avenge the widow? (Luke 18:5) because this widow
keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'
6. Who shall avenge the elect? Why? (Luke 18:6-7) God grant justice
to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?
Note. Jesus contrasts the unrighteousjudge with the righteous God, the despised widow with Gods elect, and the widows persistence with the
prayers of the elect. Jesus asks, shall not God avenge his elect "though he bear long with them?"
7. God will avenge in what manner? (Luke 18:8) he will quickly grant
justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Note. God may delay avenging his elect in order for them to develop
patience and strengthen their faith. Nevertheless, God isjust, and at the
proper time hisjustice will come suddenly and speedily.
8. What question did Jesus ask? (Luke 18:8) yet, when the Son of
Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Note. Jesus warns his listeners to be persistent in their prayers and not to become discouraged and lose their faith
B. THE LESSON
» We ought always to pray and not grow weary.
» God answers prayer according to his timetable and his will.
» We must increase our faith daily so that we will be prepared when
Jesus comes again. As for me, I will call upon God;and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Ps. 55:16-17
3 .1.6 THE UNOBLIGING FRIEND Lk 11 : 5 - 8.
PARABLES OF PRAYING
THE PARABLE OF THE FRIEND A T MIDNIGHT Luke 11:5-13
Lkll:5 And he said to them, "Suppose one ofyou has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves of
bread; 6for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him. '7And he answers from within, Do not bother me; the door has
A. THE PARABLE
1. What time did the man go to his friend's home? What did he request? (Luke 11:5) midnight/Friend, lend me three loaves of bread
2. Why did he disturb his friend at such a late hour? (Luke 11:6) friend
of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.
3. What was the response of the friend? (Luke 11:7) Do not bother
me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.
4. Why did the neighbor arise? (Luke 11:8) because of his persistence
he will get up and give him whatever he needs
Note. The word importunity or persistence means shamelessness in this instance. The borrowers shameless persistence caused his neighbor to grant his request.
5. Name three ways to approach God. (Luke 11:9-10) Ask, and it will
be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10For everyone who asks receives, and
everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened
6. When a child asks his father for the things listed below, what does the
father not give him? (Luke 11:11-12)
• loaf of bread I stone (KJV)
• fish I snake
• egg I scorpion
6. What application did Jesus then make to parable? (Luke 11:13) If you
then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds
36 Then he let the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, 'Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field/ 37He answered, vThe one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the
reapers are angels. 40Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send his
angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!
INTRODUCTION. Like the parable of the sower, the parable of the tares is one of the few parables Jesus explained. It is found only in Matthew.
Tares are weeds called bearded darnel grass. These weeds look so much like wheat in the early stages that it is almost impossible to distinguish one from the other. Not until the plants head out can the farmer tell the
difference, but by then the roots are so intertwined, pulling up the weeds would root out the wheat also.
There were three ways to separate the tares and wheat. The tares did not grow as high as the wheat, and sometimes the wheat was reaped over the top of the darnel. Then the field was set on fire, burning the darnel that remained. Sometimes the reaper separated the wheat and darnel as he reaped, dropping each in bundles. The darnel could then be gathered later and burned. If there was just a small amount of darnel in the field, the
seed was picked from the good grain before it was milled. This task was performed by women and was necessary, for the darnel seeds when
ground to flour were semi-poisonous.
end with the boat in a semicircle back to the shore. Other times the net was drawn between two boats. When the fishermen returned to the shore, they sorted the fish, keeping the good and throwing back the bad.
A. THE PARABLE AND THE INTERPRETATION
1. The kingdom is compared to what? (Matt. 13:47) A Net
2. Describe what occurred when the net was drawn to shore. (Matt.
13:48) They put the good in the basket but threw out the bad
3. Describe the end of the world. (Matt. 13:49-50) The angels will
come out & separate the evil from the righteous
4. To whom are we to preach the gospel? (Mark 16:15) Proclaim the
good news to the whole creation
5. Jesus came for what purpose? (Luke 19:10) He came to seek out &
save the lost
6. What invitation does Jesus extend? (Mat. 11:28) Come to me all you
that are weary & are carrying heavy burdens & I will give you rest,
7. What does Jesus say about those who come to him (call him Lord)?
(Matt. 7:21) Not every one who says to me Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my
father.
8. Why is it that not all who come to Jesus will be saved? For your answer refer to the parable of the sower.
B. THE LESSON
» The gospel is for everyone. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and He extends his invitation to all.
» The gospel will draw all kinds of people. Some will be good and some will be bad.
» In the day of judgment there will be a final separation of the good and
bad.
3 .3 OBEDIENCE TO GOD / JESUS WORD
1. THE 2 FOUNDATIONS Mt 7: 24 - 27; Lk 6 : 47 - 49.
2. THE 2 SONS Mt 21 : 28 - 32 See (1.2)
Gods Offer of salvation See I
3. THE SOWER Mk 4 : 14 - 20; Mt 13 : 18 - 23; Lk 8 : 1 - 15.
1. House = Life
Rock = Word of God
3. This is a development
(1) Intro : It misses the eschatological point it is speaking of here & now., it is an exhortation to the
'converts', to examine & test the authencity of their commitment.
(2) Setting in the ministry Of Jesus: -'confident hope'
(3) Interpretation of the parable in the context of the early church.—they were characterized by the delay of Jesus & the mission to the Gentiles.. The church interpreted them allegorizing them. They expanded the meaning of the parable by finding comparisons in the details.
(4) Salient features in the allegorisation
a. seed = word of God Soil Type of people Fate of the Word
b. Sower = Jesus Path
c. Different types of soil Rocky, Thorns, Soil
3 .3 OBEDIENCE TO GOD / JESUS WORD
1. THE 2 FOUNDATIONS Mt 7: 24 - 27: Lk 6 : 47 - 49.
Refer the above notes.
2. THE 2 SONS Mt 21 : 28 - 32
Refer I Gods Offer of salvation Section I. (1.2)
3. THE SOWER Mk 4 : 14 - 20: Mt 13 : 18 - 23: Lk 8 : 1 - 15.
Refer to 3.1.3
3 .4 PRAYER there are 2 parables that teach on prayer.
3.4.1. PHARISEE & THE TAX COLLECTOR ( originally 2 p)-
Lkl8:9-14 (1.10)
3.4.2. THE UNJUST JUDGE (3 1.5) Mt 13: 47—50.
3.4.3. UNOBLIGATENG FRIEND (3 1.6) Lk 11: 5-8
1. Intro: In the time of Jesus it was not a lesson on how to pray, but Gods offer of salvation to sinners
2. Setting in the ministry of Jesus: Vs 9 why Jesus told the parable. To some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous & regarded others with contempt.
3. Setting in the Gs Vs 1. ( Prayer & Unjust Judge); Lk will link these 2 parables on how to pray
4. Salient Features :
a. Pharisee
b. Vs 9. addressed, trusted in them
c. Vs 10. 9am—3pm
d. Vs 11-13. Pharisee restrains from 1 Cor 6-9 - swindler; seeking Gods;
He Promise of the j
e. Heart is the seat of sin Vs 13. guidance acknowledges
age to come i
beating is an expression of deepest contrition his own better self to God
Context at the time of Jesus : Pharisees prayer, --the publican stands—at the time of Jesus—He does not lift up his eyes & hands to heaven—His head is bowed—His hands folded on his breast—expression of deep despair—because of his sinful way of life—a person with no hope, his situation is bad, cannot even cry.
5. The CONCLUSION is beyond the capacity of the heaven, God be merciful to me a sinner Ps 51:13;
Vs 19. Jesus welcomes the hopeless despairing sinners & rejected the self i
righteous.
+ve —ve Pharisee/ Tax collector.
3 .4 PRAYER there are 2 parables thatie^ciiJUijjriLyej*
3.4.1. PHARISEE & THE TAX COLLECTOR f oriainaUv 2 dV
Lk 18 : 9 - 14
Refer Sec (1.10)
3.4.2. THE UNJUST JUDGE f3 1.5^ Mt 13: 47-50.
Refer Sec (3.1.5)
3.4.3. UNOBUGATING FRIEND (3 1.6^ Lk 11: 5-8
Refer Sec (3.1.6)
3 5. LOVE OF NEIGHBOUR
3.5.1. Good Samaritan Jn 15 : 12. Lk 10:25—37.
3.5.2. Last Judgment
3.5.3 Unfaithful servant
1. Setting in the ministry of Jesus: A lawyer asked a layman, Jesus about the way to eternal life, perhaps the man was disappointed. In his mind he asks Jesus to define where within the Jewish community the limits of loving
(demand of love- love has no limits) should be drawn. Who is my neighbour was justifiable. For the Pharisee it excludes non Pharisees For the Essinees It excludes people of darkness.Mt 5: 24 Hate your enemies; exclude personal enmities, certainly not SamaritansVs 30 descent Jerusalem—Jericho—20 km long—notorious for robbersVs 34 wounds—assaulted—defended himselfpriest & Levite—probably regarded him to be dead—Lev 21:1 grounds -Law-
Priests were forbidden to touch the dead bodies with the exception of his
relatives—Levites required to be pure in the course of cultic activities.
Levites—anti clerical—Israelites; Jesus said Samaritan that was a shock. In 6,9AD the Samaritans had defiled the temple court.
Samaritans response: with his head gear/ undergarments cleaned him, poured oil that was used for soothing, used wine that was used as a disinfectant..Reverse order of revenge—took care paid-- +ve. Emphasis Vs 29 object of love
Vs 36. Subject of love
Put you self in his place, who needs love from me- & you supply that love
3.5.1. Good Samaitan Jn 15 : 12. Lk 10:25—37.
A PARABLE OF THE LOVE OF ONE'S NEIGHBOR
THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN Luke 10:25-37 Lk 10:25 jUSf. ^en g jaWyer ^ggrj Up t0 test Jesus. "Teacher, "he said,
"what must I do to inherit eternal life?"26He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?"27He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with ail your hear , and with all your soul, and with all
your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
28And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live. "29But wanting to justify himsel , he asked Jesus, "And who is my
neighbor?"30Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was
going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him,
passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend./36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"37He said, "The one who showed him mercy. "Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
INTRODUCTION. This parable followed a question by a lawyer (scribe). The lawyer asked Jesus what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked the lawyer what was written in the law. The lawyer answered
correctly-to love God and his neighbor. However, the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, continued by asking Jesus to define "neighbor."
The parable relates the story of a man traveling the road from Jerusalem to Jericho who was beaten, robbed, and left wounded on the side of the road. The city of Jerusalem is located on hills about 2500 feet above sea level. Jericho lies in the Jordan River valley near the north end of the Dead Sea which is some 1200 to 1300 feet below sea level. From
Jerusalem the seventeen-mile-long road to Jericho descends 3500 feet, winding between steep and barren cliffs. In Bible times the road was sometimes called the "red" or "bloody way" due to the many bandits that preyed upon the travelers. Although the story is about the man who was attacked, the main character is the Samaritan. To gain a full appreciation of the parable, it is necessary to understand the origin of the Samaritans and the utter disdain the Jews had for them.
In 931/30 B. C. the United Kingdom of Israel was divided after the death of Solomon into the nothern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom continued to 722 B. C. when the city of
Samaria fell to Shalmaneser V, King of Assyria, after a siege of three years. As a result of this defeat, most of the people of the northern kingdom were carried away into Assyrian captivity. The Assyrians then populated the country with peoples from other conquered nations who intermarried with the Jews that were left. Thus the Samaritans were a mixed race, and the Jews did not normally associate with them.
A. THE PARABLE
1. What question did the lawyer ask of Jesus? (Luke 10:25) Teacher/
he said, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?'
2. What was Jesus' reply? (Luke 10:26) What is written in the law
3. What did the lawyer answer? (Luke 10:27) You shall love the Lord
your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.'
4. When Jesus told him he had answered correctly, what did the lawyer ask? Luke 10:28-29) You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live/ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?
Note. The lawyer knew the law, but he wanted to know if love has limits.
5. Describe what happened to the man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho.
(Luke 10:30) fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.
6. Who passed by first, and what did he do? (Luke 10:31) priest was
going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side
7. Who passed by next, and what did he do? (Luke 10:32) a Levite,
when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side
8. When the Samaritan saw the wounded man, what prompted him to help?
(Luke 10:33) he was moved with pity.9. Describe the Samaritan's care of the wounded man. (Luke 10:34) He went to him and bandaged his
wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
10. What arrangements did the Samaritan make with the innkeeper? (Luke 10:35) The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, "fake care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with ail thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27
11. What question did Jesus ask the lawyer? (Luke 10:36) Which of
these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?
12. What was the lawyer's answer and Jesus' final instruction to him?
(Luke 10:37) The one who showed him mercy/ Jesus said to him, 'Go and do likewise.
//
Note. The lawyer, refusing to say the despised word "Samaritan,
acknowledged that the neighbor was the one who showed mercy.
B. THE LESSON
» The parable teaches that love and compassion have no limits. "Love your neighbor" includes "love your enemy" (Matt. 5:43-44).
» The parable illustrates the golden rule, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31).
» Love and compassion must be coupled with action. "But be ye doers
of the word, and not hearers only..." (Jas. 1:22).
1. Setting in the ministry of Jesus: A lawyer asked a layman, Jesus about the way to eternal life, perhaps the man was disappointed. In his mind he asks Jesus to define where within the Jewish community the limits of loving
(demand of love- love has no limits) should be drawn. Who is my neighbour was justifiable.
For the Pharisee it excludes non Pharisees For the Essinees it excludes people of darkness.
Mt 5: 24 Hate your enemies; exclude personal enmities, certainly not Samaritans
Vs 30 descent Jerusalem—Jeicho—20 km long—notorious for robbers
Vs 34 wounds—assaulted—defended himself-priest & Levite—probably
regarded him to be dead—Lev 21:1 grounds -Law.—Priests were forbidden to touch the dead bodies with the exception of his relatives—Levites required to be pure in the course of cultic activities.
Levites—anti clerical—Israelites; Jesus said Samaritan that was a shock. In 6,9AD the Samaritans had defiled the temple court.
Samaritans response: with his head gear / undergarments cleaned him, poured oil that was used for soothing, used wine that was used as a disinfectant..
Reverse order of revenge—took care paid- +ve. Emphasis Vs 29 object of love
Vs 36. Subject of love
Put you self in his place, who needs love from me-- & you supply that love
3.5.2. Last Judgment
Matthew 5.24-2624 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be
reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26Tru!y I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
3.5.3. Unfaithful servant Mt 24:45-51: Lk 12:41-48
Mt 24:45-5145 'Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? 45Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. 47Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his
possessions. 48But if that wicked slave says to himself, "My master is delayed", 49and he begins to beat his fellow-slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. 51He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
3 .6. STEWARDSHIP
The parables that come under this section are after coming judgment event / warning against
3.6.1 Refer to 2 .1.4 Servant / Supervisor.
3.6.2 Refer to 2. 1.3 Doorkeeper.
3.6.3 Refer to 2 .1.5 Talents.
3.6.4 Refer to 2. 2.2 Dishonest Steward.
3.6.5 Refer to 2. 5.1 Unproductive Fig Tree.
Most of the Time the parables were addressed to the leaders of the people, The Scribes, Now Gods Judgment is at hand.
3 7. MISSION
3.7. 1. Great Supper Mt 22:1 -14; Lk 14: 16—24.
Refer to 1.8
This p is come down in a double tradition
In Mt + Lk also in Thomas Gs. What are the common features
Refusal of the invitation by the invited & the replacement by the next best
IN the ministry of Jesus: Like a lost sheep—Labourers in the vineyard
These are applied to the citics of Jesus or opponents of Jesus to indicate the GN against them. So if God wants to offer the GN to sinners -which you have spurred.
Differences between Lk, Mt, & Th.
Mt gives the story an allegorical interpretation & the second parable 22: 14 adds generalized conclusion
Lk/Th ///ties Mt
Man King
Great banquet / banquet marriage feast for the kings son
Single servant number of servants
1st. delivers the invitation, 2nd brings the message, feast is ready
In 14: 22 It is for the expected, 2nd. Invitation to the uninvited, Summon more guests, go outside the city, go beyond, go beyond the city walls of the city. 1st. invitations in the city—publicans/sinners -outsiders^gentiles
This is interpreted with a military command
Do you see any thing common today ?
CONCLUSION: MISSIONARY.
Salt / Light Mt 5: 13—16. to all in the house.
Mt 5:13-16 Salt and Light 13 You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for
anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 vYou are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that
they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Lk 11:33 that all who enter may see the light,
see the light goes beyond the house.
Lk 11:33 The Light of the Body 33 xNo one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cell ar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.
Mt 10:16. Mt 10:16-24 Coming Persecutions16 See, lam sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.17Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues;1Sand you will be dragged before governors and kings because ofme, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19When they hand
you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22and you will be hated by all because ofmy
name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23When they
persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns ofIsrael before the Son ofMan comes. 24 A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master;
Lk 10:2-11 2He said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his
harvest. 3Go on your way. See, lam sending you out like iambs into the midst of wolves. 4Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5Whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace to this house'"6And ifanyone is
there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9cure the sick who are there, and say to them, "The kingdom of God has come near to you. "10But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, n"Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know
this: the kingdom of God has come near."
As missionaries we are all called to proclaim the Good News.
BIBLOGRAPHY
Books:
New Jerome biblical commentary. International biblical commentary.
The New Testament "Parables of Jesus" by F.L Booth
Parables by Joachim Jeremiah
Harper's dictionary
Websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parables of Jesus
http://www.wcq.Org/lit/bible/qospels/parable2.h
tm
http://bible.oremus.org/
