“What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree?”……Answer: Jesus told the Parable of the Fig Tree—Luke 13:6-9—immediately after reminding His listeners of a tower over the pool of Siloam (John 9:7) which unexpectedly fell and killed eighteen people. The moral of that story is found in Luke 13:3: “Unless you repent, […]
“What is the meaning of the Parable of the Friend in Need (Persistent Neighbor)?”……Answer: Immediately after teaching the disciples to pray the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus told the story of the neighbor who was in need of bread for a visitor (Luke 11:5-10). The disciples had just asked Him to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1), […]
Parable #5–7 Parable #5…Luke 7:41-47 …The Moneylender 41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver[a] to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, cancelling their debts. …Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”…43 Simon answered, …“I […]
Parable #39 – Matthew 21:33-44…The Wicked Tenants of the Vineyard?”… 1. Let’s sort out the people and things in the parable (then and now): what does the vineyard represent? Who does the vineyard owner represent? The servants the owner sent to the vineyard? The tenants?The son of the vineyard owner?…2. Doesn’t it seem a bit […]
How Should We Understand the Teachings of Jesus? His teaching was dynamic and interactive. It spoke into both the practicalities of everyday life, and into cosmic, eternal issues If someone asked you who your favorite teacher was when you were growing up, chances are someone specific would come to mind. And chances are you still […]
“What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed?”……Like with all parables, the purpose of the Parable of the Mustard Seed is to teach a concept or “big idea” using elements or details, like birds, weeds, and growth, that are common, easily recognized, and usually representational of something else. While the elements themselves […]
How Should We Read the Words of Jesus? Jesus is the greatest preacher of all time. He told stories and preached sermons the whole world needs to hear. The genius of Jesus is that he often preached one message with two punch lines. If you were confident of your own righteousness, you got law, but if […]