THE PARABLES OF JESUS: Learning from the Master Teacher

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:Learning from the Master Teacher YezdiBhada, Ph.D., CMA Trinity Church Adult Bible Study Jan. – Mar. 2014

THE PARABLES OF JESUSIntroduction to the Study • Who? When? Where? What will we be doing? • Why study these parables? • How should I approach the study? • What is a parable? • Interpreting parables • A sample study of a familiar parable

THE PARABLES OF JESUSIntroduction to the Study Why study the parables of Jesus? • Christ Jesus, The Son of God, is the most credible source for truth, the Kingdom of God, and righteous living • He has the authority (Matt. 7:28) • He teaches us what we need to know (Matt. 13:34-35) • Opens door for the Holy Spirit to continue our sanctification • He has the attributes of a Master Teacher: • has a powerful and relevant message • has the ability to communicate in a brief, simple, thought-provoking, instructive, and intelligent way to help us learn. • This method of instruction demands active learning: • Sows seeds to produce fruit

THE PARABLES OF JESUSIntroduction to the Study How should we approach the study? • Read the parable carefully: Focus on the message data • May need to read several times and/or more than one translation • Capture (describe) the scenario • Research the context • What prompted Jesus to tell this parable? • Consider the cultural and historical setting for that time • To whom is this parable addressed? 3. Process transference to real issue(s) • Make the connection between the data and the desired meaning 4. Recognize the message and other items of interest • What is the message of truth and God’s Kingdom that He is projecting? • Are there other lessons that can be learned? 5. Remember this message as it impacts you personally • How does this message improve my understanding of God’s Word? • How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

THE PARABLES OF JESUSIntroduction to the Study What is a parable? • Derivation: Parabole (Greek); Mashal/Mathla (Hebrew) • A method of communicating an idea from speaker to hearer • Building a bridge from the natural to the spiritual • Pictorial stories with definite learning objectives • Videoing a familiar image to project truth • In NT, used as a figure of speech in many different forms: • Simile =emphatic and vivid similarity between two situations • Similitude = image with distinctive familiarity • Metaphor = implied characteristic likeness between situations • Analogy = resemblance between two otherwise unlike situations • Story = specific incident to evoke interest and motivate attention • Allegory = fictional story that needs subjective use of imagination • Other variations: illustration, proverb, fable, vignette, case • Our usage: Parable = Jesus’ word pictures that illustrate a profound truth for our learning and edification

THE PARABLES OF JESUSIntroduction to the Study Interpreting parables: • Parables are not mere words from Jesus; they are meant to make a real difference in our lives • It is up to each one to personally understand the parable, make the proper transference, and perceive the truth • Be cognizant of the gap between the time of Christ and today: • Parables were never spoken in a vacuum • Consider the historical, cultural, religious, literary and linguistic contexts • Do not let your imagination run wild • Do not “force” a meaning that is not meant to be there • Call on the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning for you

THE PARABLES OF JESUSThe Sower and the Soils Reason for selecting this as the first parable: • It begins with the origins of God’s Kingdom • Jesus said it was easy to understand (Mark 4:13) • Jesus Himself explains it (Matt.13:18-23; Mark 4:14-20; Luke 8:11-15) Learning from the parable: • Read the parable: describe the scenario • Matt. 13:3-9; Mark 4:2-9; Luke 8:4-8 • Research the context • Process transference to real issue(s) • State the message and additional items of interest • What did I learn from the message?

THE PARABLES OF JESUSThe Sower and the Soils • Research the context • What prompted Jesus to tell this parable? • Multitudes were coming to Him – opportunity to clarify His ministry • He had recently rebuked Pharisees and hinted on His role (Matt 12) • Consider the cultural and historical setting for that time • First Century Palestine was a predominantly agricultural society • Israelites were familiar with sowing for wheat (staple diet) crops • All objects included in the parable had been used in the OT • Israelites could relate to image of God as sower and people as soil • Form of the parable is a classic pattern in oral folklore • To whom is this parable addressed? • The huge crowds that had gathered; i.e., people seeking Him • “those from various cities were journeying to Him” (Luke 8:4); i.e., variety of backgrounds with different needs • To all mankind seeking the truth; i.e., us included

THE PARABLES OF JESUSThe Sower and the Soils • Process transference to real issue(s) • Significant components: Sower, seeds and 4 types of soil • “sower sowed” = Jesus, God, preachers/teachers, YOU/ME • “seeds” = the Word, life-giving wisdom, thoughts, deeds • “besides the road” = non-receptive, hardened heart, callous hearers • “birds ate them” = the evil one, naysayers, unholy friends/family • “rocky places”; “not much soil”; “no depth of soil” = ready to buy whatever is sold; no strength of character; shallow heart • “immediately sprang up” = emotional response; superficial acceptance • “sun--- scorched”; “no root --- withered” = lose interest fast; retreat under challenging circumstances; no courage of conviction • “thorns --- choked” = worldly temptations; social pressures, weak faith; materialistic desires; strangled heart • “good soil” = open heart, receptive; seekers of truth; Believers • “yielded crop – 100, 60, 30 fold” = bring others to receive salvation; work for the Kingdom of God; produce Fruit of the Spirit;

THE PARABLES OF JESUSThe Sower and the Soils Sower Seeds besides road birds rocky places, not much soil sun-scorched thorns choked good soil yielded crop 100,60,30 fold Jesus/God; preachers/teachers; us The Word; Kingdom of God; thoughts, deeds Hardened heart; non-receptive; callous hearers Satan & followers; misguided friends/family/media Shallow- heart; seemingly good, but no depth Superficial; short-term emotional acceptance Easily lost; retreat under challenging conditions Strangled heart; worry-warts; worldly influenced Temporal desires; social pressures, materialistic Receptive heart; willing to accept spiritual truth Spiritually obedient; work for the Kingdom Productive in varying degrees

THE PARABLES OF JESUSThe Sower and the Soils • The message and additional items of interest • Jesus’ is spreading the message of new life and God’s kingdom on earth • He recognizes that the message will not be accepted by all. There will be those who will not respond appropriately to the message: the hardened hearts, weak characters and/or temporally influenced individuals • But, there will be those who will choose His gift of salvation / eternal rewards and be spiritually productive • As Believers, our duty is to continue His work by spreading the Word throughout the world, and let “he who has ears, let him hear”. • Caveat: Our own plot of land may have road-sides, rocky places, and thorn bushes alongside our fertile soil

THE PARABLES OF JESUSThe Sower and the Soils 5. What did I learn from this parable (my take-aways)? • God has given me His Word and I should be willing to receive it with an spiritually open heart • I am also expected to be a sower of His Word • I can not expect all seeds to fall on good soil, and it is not for me to judge how others respond • My own field can have road-sides, rocky places and thorn bushes, along with my good soil • I need “ears to hear”; i.e., I need to make a conscious effort to learn from His teaching

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:Pertaining to “The Kingdom of God” Read Parable of the Seed Growing [Mark 4:26 – 29] Description of Jesus’ word-picture: • Man casts seeds on soil -> rests -> crops grow secretly through stages -> harvested when ready Context: • Jesus teaching “The Kingdom of God” concepts to followers • Continuing on foundation laid for parable of Sower/Seeds • There may have been some zealots who wanted to push their will with revolutionary tactics • Same cultural and historical setting as with previous parable • Israelites were familiar with God’s sickle (Joel 3:12-13) • Clarifying the roles of God and man for multitudes / us

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:Parable of the Growing Seed Item pictured Projected image Spiritual reality; God’s truth Man, preachers/teachers, us The Word; wisdom; thoughts; deeds Rests; completes phase; waits Conscious; perceiving Productive process of conversion Secretive; incomprehensible Unexplainable process; mysterious Progression: germinate, grow, fruit Ready for producing positive results Judges the outcome with action • Kingdom of God • Sower • Seeds • ‘goes to bed” • “gets up” • Seed sprouts -> grows • “himself not know” • “produces crop by itself” • “blade – head – grain” • “crop permits” • “puts in the sickle”

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:Parable of the Growing Seed The Message and additional items of interest: • We are to faithfully spread the wisdom that Jesus has provided with complete dependence on God to produce the harvest. • Be fishers of men: you catch ‘em, he’ll clean ‘em • The harvest does not depend on our secular wisdom, skills or zeal, but on God’s miraculous process of growth. • We need to be patient since the growth process may take time and go through various stages • Growth of the Kingdom is promised, harvest is inevitable, and will be fulfilled at the right time [Matt.24:14] What did I learn from this lesson? • I am to do His will and He will take my participation to fruition • His miraculous work is beyond my comprehension and control, but I need to have faith (confidence, comfort) in His infinite power • There will be a final day of judgment

RETENTION OF LEARNING 10 % of what we read. 26 % of what we hear. 30 % of what we see. 50 % of what we see and hear. 70 % of what we discuss with others. 80 % of personal experience. 90 % of what we say as we do it. 95 % of what we teach. Source: Jenny Johnson, “Individualization of Instruction, “Faculty Focus, Fall 1996.

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:Parable of the Tares among Wheat Read the parable of Tares among Wheat: Matthew 13:24 – 30 • Description of word-picture (tell the story to someone): Context: • Jesus continuing on foundation for multitudes • Cultural/ historical considerations as in previous parables • Significant OT connections, particularly Book of Daniel • Sabotaging a neighbor’s field by spreading weeds was not uncommon. In fact, there were Roman laws against sowing tares in someone else’s field • The weed mentioned in Matthew was “darnel”, a poisonous fungus found mainly in the Middle-East, which looked similar to wheat as the two plants matured • Trying to uproot weeds before the grain is ripe leads to substantive loss of wheat crop • Israelites knew that it takes patience and courage to let darnel grow alongside the wheat until harvest time

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:Parable of the Tares among Wheat From data to desired image: Explained in Matt. 13:37-42 • “man who sowed” = “Son of Man” = “belongs to man” = Jesus • “his field” = the world; the Church • “good seed” = “sons of the kingdom” = belongs to Jesus = us • “men were sleeping” = resting from their labor; not staying alert • “the enemy” = the devil, Satan • “ tares” = darnel; sons of the evil one = non-believers/opponents • “slaves” = servants; Believers; the righteous [v.43] • “harvest” = final judgment; “end of the age” [Daniel 12:2-3] • “reapers” = His angels • “gather them -- bind them -- burn them” = suffer consequence • “righteous will shine ---” = glorious reward • “into my barn” = eternity in Heaven

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:Parable of the Tares among Wheat The message and additional items of interest: • The evil one does exist and will make every effort to sabotage God’s work • Satan will be active until the end of the ages • Good and evil exist today, but will be separated in the end • We need to be patient and faithful; let God take over • Be fishers of men: you catch ’em, He’ll clean ‘em • We are called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges. • It is difficult to distinguish between believers and non-believers and our actions could result in non-intended consequences • There is a reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:Parable of the Tares among Wheat What did I learn from this parable? • I need to stay alert at all times since the evil one is lurking to deceive me • I have to accept the fact that there are evil ones on this earth • It is not for me to judge whether someone is a Believer or not • It is my duty to pray, worship, witness, wait; and have faith in God to achieve ultimate results • I am assured a place in God’s Kingdom.

THE PARABLES OF JESUSParables Regarding Lamps LAMP 1 : Read Matt. 5:14-16; Mark 4:21-22; Luke 8:16-18 • Description: Context: • Part of Sermon on the Mount • Clarification of discipleship responsibilities • Jesus often used image of light / lamps; common items • Lamp (with floating wick) usual form of lighting, even in daytime • Lampstand: usually niche in wall of house • Jesus addressing multitudes (disciples and followers)

THE PARABLES OF JESUSParables Regarding Lamps Transference from word picture to meaning: • “You are the light of the world” = personal responsibility to carry the Gospel message • City set on a hill cannot be hidden = Jesus standing atop the mountain; His message can not be buried • V.15: enlightenment is not to be kept unused, but is given for edification of all those who need the wisdom • V.16: people who have the true knowledge of God are to enlighten others through their walk • “Glorify your Father” = Bless, exalt, love God by doing His will • [Mark & Luke] “nothing hidden … to be revealed … no secret … should come to light” = truth/Gospel will & should be revealed; • could also refer to sins that may be concealed, but will be made known at time of final judgment • [Luke v.8:18] emphasizes importance of learning – reward is proportionate to obedience

THE PARABLES OF JESUSParables Regarding Lamps Message and other points • The world is in spiritual darkness and Jesus is the light-giver • The sinful nature of man can clearly be seen in light of Jesus’ message • Jesus’ message of salvation should be openly spread to the world • We are to be light-bearers by proclaiming the Gospel • It is every Believer’s responsibility to convey His message • Being a Believer should not be a secret, but should be used for furtherance of His Kingdom • Our lives need to reflect His sinless character • We may try to hide our sins, but we can not hide them from God

THE PARABLES OF JESUSParables Regarding Lamps What did I learn? • I have the responsibility to project Jesus’ message to the world • I can serve God’s Kingdom through my walk and my talk • The presence of sin darkens my life and should be avoided at all cost • There is the need for learning from His Word to be effective in spreading the Gospel • I show my love for God by doing His will

THE PARABLES OF JESUSParables Regarding Lamps LAMP 2 : Read Luke 11:33-36 • Reiterates start of previous parable, but moves to new input Context: • Starts with familiar picture, then changes direction • Responding to blaspheming Pharisees and other opponents • Cast out demon – claimed it was work of devil [v.14-26] • Reference to “wicked generation” [v.29] • Challenging Him to prove Himself [v.29 para.] Transference: • “lamp of body is eye” = eye is gate to perception of reality • “clear eye” = receptive heart to comprehend truth • “bad eye” = sinful desires • “darkness” = sin blocking the ability to live a full life

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parables Regarding Lamps Message and other inputs: • Jesus is telling non-believers that He has illuminated the world with The Word that can save them • However, to receive the truth, one needs an open heart • A receptive heart permits life to receive God’s blessings • Those who have “seen the light” need to be careful and not permit sin to blur perception of righteousness • Sin inhibits us from incorporating God’s truth in our lives What did I learn? • If I want to enjoy God’s blessings, I need to take in (learn) His Word, and avoid sin with a passion.

THE PARABLES OF JESUS A Pair of Parables: “ The Mustard Seed” & “The Leaven” READ : Parable of the Mustard Seed • Mark 4:30-32; Matt.13:31-32; Luke 13:18-19 CONTEXT: • Jesus knows Israelites’ concept of “kingdom” • More like earlier warrior kings, as in King Saul, David; Solomon, etc. • They expected a massive, powerful, king to overthrow Romans • Jesus was fond of using mustard seed in His illustrations • Mustard seed was the smallest seed known to Israelites • Jesus was using a popular Jewish idiom for “something really small” • Smallest measurable and smallest amount that could be weighed • One type comes in a pod; when seed is crushed it spews a dust that becomes the mustard seed • May be “black mustard”, an herb used as condiment and for m.s. oil • OT has references to trees as mighty kingdoms [Ezk. 17, 31; Dan.4]

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The Mustard Seed TRANSFERENCE : • “Kingdom of God” = main theme: God’s message of salvation • Presented / compared with: signifies important concept • mustard seed = main item to illustrate spiritual reality • Essential implications noted in Context section • “smallest of all …” = insignificant, inconsequential (important attribute for comparison) • “when planted” = necessary condition for further action • “grows … becomes large” = miraculous transformation • “becomes a tree” = implies growth beyond normal • “birds can nest” = provides peaceful shelter; or could mean attracts non-desirable infiltrators

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The Mustard Seed MESSAGE: • Jesus wants disciples to shift their concept of His Kingship • He wants to replace their pre-conceived notion of “kingdom” • To adjust perspective and focus on eternal values • His is not a temporal/earthly (social, political, economic) kingdom, but is a spiritual Kingdom of God • Communicates that His ministry starts in an unimpressive form • However, it will miraculously continue to grow to blossom and provide refuge to many • The beginning is tiny, but the end is beyond normal bounds • Born a babe, 12 followers, 3.5 years of ministry, death on a Cross; 120 at Pentecost, 3,000 in Acts 2; Acts 4:4 up to 5,000; continuous persecution of followers; today 2 Billion+; at time of harvest ??? • Out of the most insignificant beginnings, God provides the means for all those who seek salvation to be in His Kingdom

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The Mustard Seed WHAT DID I LEARN? • God can start with the insignificant / inconsequential and yet produce the unimaginable triumph • God’s ways are contrary to the ways of the world • I need to plant seeds, however small they may appear • I am not to be discouraged at small or slow beginnings • Don’t fall for the “I want it, and I want it now” culture • Leads me to consider issues of size and success • I can be rest assured that God’s Kingdom will eventually attain significant results, irrespective of its inauspicious start or its apparently slow progress

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The Leaven READ : Matt.13:33; Luke 13:20-21 CONTEXT: • Partner to the Mustard Seed parable (reinforces concepts) • Israelites familiar with bread baking process • “leaven” = yeast; fungus used as agent for baking / brewing • They used fermented dough from previous baking • Alien to natural constitution of flour • Leaven and flour need each other for reaction /result • Properties: it is pervasive, persistent, strong; an irreversible, mysterious process; when in flour, it yields a delicious aroma • “leaven” as ingredient was used in OT (Exo.12, Lev.7) • Israelite mindset emphasizes beginning / ending in situation • Contemporary mindset emphasizes process

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The Leaven TRANFERENCE: • “Kingdom of God”: as discussed previously; Godly wisdom • “like leaven” = possible opposite interpretations: • Used in Bible with positive and negative connotations • Related to individual, church, or all humanity • Other transformational implications: discussed in Context • “hid” = term for common baking practice; infused, incorporated • “3 pecks of meal” = “sata” (Greek) = dough • Large quantity; approx. 50 lbs.; can feed 100 people • “3” relates to Gen. 18:6; Abraham’s bread for the Lord • “until it was” = represents inward transformation • “all leavened” = spread throughout; expanded greatly • Process implication: little leaven, big effect • Emphasis on conclusion of process

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The Leaven MESSAGE: • Christ has introduced an element in humanity that will work persistently, pervasively, irreversibly • His power (The Holy Spirit) will work from within the temporal body: individually, corporately and universally • The Holy Spirit is the necessary essential for transformation • The Kingdom of God will spread throughout the nations • Results come not from military might , but through quite effort • “The Great Commission” is process for achieving results • God’s influence will continue to grow and be felt worldwide WHAT DID I LEARN? • Jesus has sown the Word for all mankind • The Holy Spirit is mysteriously establishing the Kingdom of God through me and other Believers • I need the Word and the Spirit in my life to grow spiritually

THE PARABLES OF JESUS A Pair of Parables: Similarities and Differences “ The Mustard Seed” & “The Leaven” SIMILARITIES: • Both clarify the Kingdom of God Gospel • Both start with unimpressive credentials, but continue on path to impressive completion • Both deal with familiar items that people can relate to • Both require insertion and a miraculous creative process • Both end in substantive growth for significant results DIFFERENCES • M.S. sown by MAN; Leaven inserted by WOMAN • M.S. -> EXTERNAL growth; L. -> INTERNAL transformation • Elements have different PROPERTIES • Leaven has been used with OPPOSITE connotations in Bible • Leaven parable implies need for HOLY SPIRIT and THE GREAT COMMISSION

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of Vineyard Owner, Son and Tenants READ: Mark 12:1-12; Matt. 21:33-45; Luke 20:9-19 CONTEXT: • Parable follows His dramatic entry into the temple • Directs His message to Jewish religious authorities • Addressed to Sanhedrin (chief priests, scribes, Pharisees) • “vineyard” well recognized as symbol of God’s Israel • Several OT references to the “vine” (Jer.2:21; Ezk.19:10; Ps.80:8-10) • Structures message using Israeli history to make His point • Appears to answer question that was left unanswered: “by what authority are you doing these things?” • Background to this parable: Isaiah 5:1-7 (Song of the Vineyard) • Another important connection: PS.118:22-23; • Historical note: Galileans had mistreated foreign landowners • Used “squatter’s rights” after 3 years of land rental

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of Vineyard Owner, Son and Tenants TRANSFERENCE: • [v.1] God created earth and all that is in it (connect with Isaiah) • Made covenant with His people so they could be productive • [v.2] arranged through His prophets to receive faithful service as return for His trust in providing them with livelihood • [v.3-5] His people acted defiantly, irresponsibly, and rejected His authority by shamefully attacking His appointed emissaries • [v.6] His last-ditch effort was to send his Beloved Son Jesus, with expectation of their relenting on seeing how special He is • [v.7] leaders decide on evil action to willfully disobey, usurp authority, and repudiate God’s right to His Kingdom • [v.8] Jesus prophesies His own ignoble death

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of Vineyard Owner, Son and Tenants TRANSFERENCE (contd.) • [v.9] question based on righteous indignation: • Answer: reject those who denied God’s authority (Jewish religious authorities), and channel blessings to a group that is willing to be faithful (Christ’s followers, gentiles and Jews) • [v.10-11] quotes Psalm 118:22-23 • “stone” reference in Dan.2:34-35 • Jesus is the chief corner stone rejected by Jewish leaders • He brings the marvelous gift of salvation through God’s Grace • [v.12] “they” = Jewish religious leaders (Chief Priests, Pharisees) • Note: they knew He was addressing the parable to them, but did not heed His warning • In fact, they fulfilled His prophesy

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of Vineyard Owner, Son and Tenants MESSAGE: • Jesus confirms the past (history of Israel); the present (His earthly mission); and the future (His Church/Believers) • Claims religious leaders to be greedy, disobedient, dishonorable • Provides insight into God’s character: patient, long-suffering, compassionate, noble • After repeated rejection of His messengers, God is willing to sacrifice His Son to provide one more opportunity for salvation • Demonstrates that His righteous anger, frustration, anguish, and desire for retributive justice are all repressed by His Grace • Judgment is not on all Jews, but on those who reject Him (Jews and gentiles) • He prophesies His own death

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of Vineyard Owner, Son and Tenants WHAT DID I LEARN? • Solidifies my understanding of why God had to send His only Begotten son to save me/us • The lesson from this parable is just as applicable today as it was when Jesus presented it • Helps me explain why we need to follow Jesus • As His new tenant, it is imperative that I/we do not replicate the Jewish model of behavior • Makes me appreciate God’s Grace more than ever.

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The TALENTS READ : Matt.25:14-30 (Similar parable in Luke 19:12-27) CONTEXT: • Jesus had instructed on faithfulness before this parable • He is about to go on The Cross • So, this one is part of His last important body of teaching • There is a cumulative effect if parable is studied with the Foolish Virgins and the parable of the Sheep and Goats • “talents = “talanta” (Greek) = large sum of money • 1 talent = approx. $200,000 -$250,000 = 10 years wages • Concepts of judgment, reward, punishment important to Jesus • Most likely, He presented a variation on this parable as the Parable of Minas detailed in Luke’s Gospel

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The TALENTS TRANSFERENCE: • “It is just like…” = Kingdom of Heaven (v.25:1) • “a man” = Jesus • “… go on a journey …” = absence from earth; time between First and Second Coming • “… own slaves …” = disciples; Believers • “entrusted” = God bestowed stewardship • “possessions” = Gospel; message of Salvation • “talents” = Can mean resources, skills, gifts, talents, money • “5, 2, 1” = different degrees, magnitude variation • “… according to ability …”= different levels of inherent resources • NT evidence: Paul in Rom.12:6-8; Christ’s gifts in Eph. 4:7-8

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The TALENTS TRANSFERENCE (continued) • :…went and traded …” = worked with intent to produce results • “… hid his master’s money …” = did not use resource gainfully • “ … after a long time …” = time till Second Coming • “ … settled accounts …” = required accountability • “ … I have gained …” = reporting results of work • [v.21-23] accomplishment judged as faithful, rewarded accordingly, bestowed with master’s favor and friendship • “ … the one who received the one talent …” starts with his personal assessment of master’s negative character attributes • “I was afraid …” = lack of faith; cowardly reaction • “ … hid talent …” = did not use gift; spiritual atrophy • “ … you have what is yours … “ = excuse for callous handling

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The TALENTS TRANSFERENCE (continued) • “ … Master answered …” = judgment; response to inaction • “ … wicked, lazy …” = irresponsible slanderer, slothful, callous • [v.26-27] If this is what you believed, then you knew your responsibility and should have acted accordingly • “ … take away …” = consequence of shirking responsibility • “ … give it to …” = heap reward on the faithful • [v.29] magnitude of reward is directly related to accomplishment; serious consequence for non-compliance • “ … worthless slave …” = lacking value in God’s Kingdom • “ … outer darkness …” = apart from God’s light; hell • “ … weeping / gnashing of teeth …” = uncomfortable existence

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The TALENTS MESSAGE: • God provides disciples with resources / abilities • Each one is bestowed specific abilities at defined magnitudes • We have the responsibility to use our resources effectively • Resources are to be used to serve the Kingdom of God • We need to work productively and not be timid or lazy • We are accountable for how we use our unique resources • Ability + responsibility -> accountability • There will be a day of reckoning when our works will be judged • God will be the judge and His judgment is final • No excuses will prevail, for the truth will be known by Him • God is a good and benevolent Father to the faithful, but a stern disciplinarian to the rebellious, lazy, faithless

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of The TALENTS WHAT DID I LEARN? • I have been blessed with unique resources by God • There is the corresponding responsibility to use these resources effectively for God’s Kingdom • My abilities plus this responsibility makes me accountable to God • There will be a day when I will stand in front of God to receive His judgment • I want to hear the words: “well done, good and faithful servant” • Hence, I have to do my very best to be faithful to His calling

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of THE RICH FOOL READ : Luke 12:16-21 CONTEXT: • Addressing multitude / disciples (12:1) • Implication for Pharisees coveting material possessions • they believed God blesses those who pursue wealth • Responding to issue brought up by “someone in crowd” [v13] • Wants to clarify His role – they want him to be a civil judge • Jesus uses agricultural setting familiar to followers • Knows that money is a major item of interest (Jesus refers to money more than most other items to make His point) • Continues distinction between body and soul (temporal/eternal) • Jesus wants to reiterates the principle from Ecclesiastes that seems to have been ignored by the rich

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of THE RICH FOOL TRANSFERENCE: • [V.16] God blesses man with productive resources • Concept of “divine favor” or “common grace” • Note: man is already rich; his needs have been met • [v.17] Man, as steward, has the opportunity to choose his action • [v18] Man worldly reasoning encourages gluttonous desire • Temporal success sprouts covetous decision • [v.19] Pride/self-aggrandizing promote foolish desires • False sense of security and self-promotion create disillusionment • Action rationalized by misuse of God’s word (Eccl. 8:15 out of context) • Violates God’s First Commandment; first love is himself • [v.20] God is sovereign over life and resources • Man does not have permanent rights to anything • Biblically “fool” refers to practical atheist [Ps.14:1; 53:1] • [v.21] Worldly pleasures are temporal and not spiritually rich • “here today, gone tomorrow”

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of THE RICH FOOL MESSAGE: • Seek spiritual blessings, not worldly pleasures and acquisitions • Do not covet or be preoccupied with riches • God considers pursuit of wealth for selfish desires to be foolish • God is the source for life and satisfaction; we have little control • Life is not a right, but a loaned gift • “Rich” is not defined by acquired wealth, but by the attitude toward usage of wealth • We are responsible stewards, not owners of wealth • Possessions are temporal, but can be invested for eternal riches • Wealth can be a dangerous obstacle for eternal life [Matt.19:24] • The love of money is the root of all evil • You can’t serve God and mammon [Matt.6:24]

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of THE RICH FOOL WHAT DID I LEARN? • God is sovereign over my life; I must trust and obey • I need to continuously question my priorities • Put God’s commandments ahead of my personal wants / desires • I am accountable for how I use God-given resources • I am a privileged steward, not an owner of my resources • I need to invest in eternal rewards, not temporal pursuits • I should not covet material possessions; however, I can enjoy blessings God has bestowed on me • Be “rich toward God” should be my goal • Detailed in 1 Tim.6:17-19 • Never forget Matt.6:31-34; Luke12:29-31 • “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you “

THE PARABLES OF JESUS Parable of THE UNRIGHTEOUS, SHREWD STEWARD • “The insights one can draw from this parable are both profound and exciting. At the same time it is one of the most difficult parables of all to understand. It has taken me 40 years to begin to grasp what the parable is teaching, and I have talked about it with many great Bible teachers and theologians.” R.T. Kendall, The Parables of Jesus, 2004 • “The parable of the unjust steward has always been disturbing. Preachers, writers, interpreters, and teachers of the Bible often avoid it like the plague.” Kenneth E. Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, 2008

THE PARABLES OF JESUS: Learning from the Master Teacher