Parables of Jesus - Embry Hills · In this lesson, we will study a series of parables that were grouped with the Parable of the Sower. All of these parables, with the exception of

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ParablesofJesus

IntroductionLesson1

OverallGoalsofthe13LessonStudyBytheendofthestudyeachoneofuswill:

1. HaveanincreasedappreciationforJesusasateacher2. Haveamorelovingandforgivingheart3. Bemorepersistentandhumbleinourprayers4. HaveaclearerunderstandingofourresponsibilitiesinGod’skingdom

IntroductionParableswereusedasamethodofteachingintheOldTestament,butthenumberofparablestobefoundtheredependsuponone’sdefinitionofaparable.ThemostobviousOldTestamentparableswouldincludeNathan’sstoryofthepoorman’slambinIISamuel12:1-4,thetwoeaglesandthevineofEzekiel17:1-10,andtheprophetJoab’sstory(throughawomanofTekoa)inIISamuel14:1-13.ButthemasterteacherofparableswasclearlyJesusourLord.It’sdifficulttosayhowmanyofhisparablesarerecordedinthefourGospelaccounts,asindividualshaveuseddifferentdefinitionsforwhatconstitutesaparable.Wehaveincludedachartattheendofthislessonthatlists46parablesofJesus.Otherswouldclaimamuchhighernumberastheycountmanyshortillustrations(suchasnewwineskins–Matthew9:17)andmetaphorsofJesus(Iamthebreadoflife,thelightoftheworld,etc)asparables.R.C.TrenchinhisNotesontheParablesofJesuslists30parables.Inthisclasswewillexamine29stories/illustrationsthatweconsidertobeparables,butwedonotregardthisasanexhaustivelist.SeetheScheduleofLessonsattached.BackgroundtotheParablesofJesusOnewaytoconsidertheseparablesistoaskthefollowingquestions:

1. Whotaughttheparablesofourstudy?Wehaveansweredthisinthetitleofourstudy–wewillexaminetheparablesofJesus.

2. Whatisaparable?Thereseemstobegeneralconsensusonthedefinitionofthewordparable(thoughnotnecessarilyonwhatisorisnotaparable).Mostdefinitionsaresimilartothis:“parablefromtheGreek,parabole,whichisfromaverbsignifyingtoputforthonethingbeforeorbesideanother”(fromNotesontheParablesofOurLord–R.C.Trench).Theideabeingthataspiritualmeaningiscastalongsideaneasytounderstandstory.Afamiliarandhelpfulexpressionisthataparableisanearthlystorywithaheavenlymeaning.Wearelookingforteachingthatusesfamiliarillustrationstoconveyamuchdeeperandcomplexspirituallesson.

3. WherewillwefindtheparablesofJesus?AlmostexclusivelyintheGospelaccountsofMatthewandLuke.Lookagainatthechartof46parables.OnlyoneisexclusivelyfoundinMark(Mark4:26-29)andonlyoneislistedatallfromJohn(John10:1-5,7-18).

4. WhendidJesusteachhisparables?Thisisaninterestingpoint–almostallofJesus’parablesweretaughtduringthelastyearofhisthreeyearministry.Eventhesearemostlyinthelatterhalfofthatyear,andmanyarefromthelastweekofhislife.Theyseemtohaveincreasedin

ParablesofJesus

frequencyastheoppositiontoChristbecamemoreintense.Webelievethereisaconnectionbetweenthetimingoftheparablesandtheanswertoournextquestion.

5. WhydidJesusteachinparables?HereweareonsomewhatfirmergroundforhegivesananswertothisquestioninMatthew13:10-13:

10Thenthedisciplescameandsaidtohim,“Whydoyouspeaktotheminparables?”11Andheansweredthem,“Toyouithasbeengiventoknowthesecretsofthekingdomofheaven,buttothemithasnotbeengiven.12Fortotheonewhohas,morewillbegiven,andhewillhaveanabundance,butfromtheonewhohasnot,evenwhathehaswillbetakenaway.13ThisiswhyIspeaktotheminparables,becauseseeingtheydonotsee,andhearingtheydonothear,nordotheyunderstand.

Butthisanswermayraiseevenmorequestions.WhywouldJesus,thegreatteacher,purposefullyuseamethodthatwouldbedifficultformanytounderstand?Basedonthetimingoftheparables,itappearsthatJesuswasintentionallychallenginghislistenersthroughparables,winnowingoutthosewhowerenotdeterminedtofollowhimatanycost.PaulEarnhartinhisbookontheparables,GlimpsesofEternity,explainsthisprocess:

“Jesus’parablesneverappealedmuchtopeoplewhoknewitalready.Theysimplyservedtoputoutthelittlelightthatsuchfolkhad,butthatwasalrightbecausetheLordwasnotcallingthemanyway,andthetimehadcomebythethirdyearofHispublicministrytodriveofftheeternalcritics,thecuriosityseekers,theunthinkinghangers-onwhohadnorealinterestinthekingdomofGod.”

GuidelinesforOurStudyDuringthecourseofourstudywewillpaycloseattentiontothefollowingguidelinesaswestudyeachindividualparable:

1. Wewillexaminethecontextoftheparable.WhydidJesusteachthisparticularparableatthisspecificmoment?Often,theaccountgivesusanexplanation.Forexample,theparableoftheGoodSamaritan(Luke10:25-37)isgiveninresponsetoalawyer’squestion.ThatquestionandthefurtherexchangeofJesusandthelawyerareessentialingraspingthefullmeaningoftheparable.Similarly,thethreeparablesonthingslostinLuke15weretriggeredbycriticismofJesusreceivingandeatingwithsinners(Luke15:1-2).

2. Wewilllookforthemainpointoftheparable.Thoughtheremaybemanysidelessonslearned

fromaparable,generallyspeakingJesushadonemainideathattheparablewasintendedtoconvey.Itisimportanttofocusonthatmainidea.

3. Wewillavoidgettingcaughtupinthedetailsoftheparable.Relatedtotheguidelineabove,itiseasytomisstherealpointthatJesusisteachingwhenwetrytoassignameaningtoeveryaspectoftheparable.SuchanapproachrunscountertothewaythatJesususedparables.

4. Wewillattempttomakeapersonalapplicationfromtheparable.Ratherthanseeingtheparableassolelyrelatedtotheoriginallisteners,wewilllookforpersonallessonsthatcanbelearnedandapplied.ReadourOverallGoalsfortheclassagain.Goals2-4arestatedinrecognitionofthefactthatweshouldmakepersonalapplicationsoftheparableswewillstudy.

KingdomParables–ParableoftheSower

Lesson2OverallGoalsofthe13LessonStudyBytheendofthestudyeachoneofuswill:

1. HaveanincreasedappreciationforJesusasateacher2. Haveamorelovingandforgivingheart3. Bemorepersistentandhumbleinourprayers4. HaveaclearerunderstandingofourresponsibilitiesinGod’skingdom5. Bemoreskilledinusingparablestoteachothers

IntroductionWebeginwiththeParableoftheSower.Theparableisfoundinthreeaccounts(Matthew13:3-9,Mark4:3-8,andLuke8:5-8).WhilenotthelongestofJesus’parables,itistheoneforwhichhegavethemostdetailedexplanation.Itwasalsothisparablethatpromptedtheapostlestoask,“Whydoyouspeaktotheminparables?”Jesusansweredtheirquestion,andthenproceededtoexplainthemeaningoftheparable;anexplanationthatwillaidusinunderstandingmanyofhisotherparables.1. Context

a. NotethatJesusteachesthisparablearoundtheendofthesecondyearofhisministry.b. DescribethesceneofJesusteachingthisparable:

i. Howisthesizeofthecrowddescribed?

ii. FromwheredidJesusteach?

c. Whateventshappenedintheprecedingchapter(useeitherMatthew12orMark3)thatillustratetheoppositionthatexistedagainstJesus?

2. ContentoftheParablea. ThisisMatthew’saccount(EnglishStandardVersion):

3Andhetoldthemmanythingsinparables,saying:“Asowerwentouttosow.4Andashesowed,someseedsfellalongthepath,andthebirdscameanddevouredthem.5Otherseedsfellonrockyground,wheretheydidnothavemuchsoil,andimmediatelytheysprangup,sincetheyhadnodepthofsoil,6butwhenthesunrosetheywerescorched.Andsincetheyhadnoroot,theywitheredaway.7Otherseedsfellamongthorns,andthethornsgrewupandchokedthem.8Otherseedsfellongoodsoilandproducedgrain,someahundredfold,somesixty,somethirty.9Hewhohasears,lethimhear.”

ParablesofJesus

b. Listthetypesofsoil.Whathappenstotheseedineachsoil?

3. MainPoint(s)a. DoesJesusgivetheparableatitle?Ifso,whatdoeshecallit?b. Inyourwords,whatisthemainlessontobelearnedfromthisparable?

4. ExplanationofJesus(ifany)a. Jesusexplanationoftheparable’smeaningaccordingtoMatthew13:18-23was:

18“Hearthentheparableofthesower:19Whenanyonehearsthewordofthekingdomanddoesnotunderstandit,theevilonecomesandsnatchesawaywhathasbeensowninhisheart.Thisiswhatwassownalongthepath.20Asforwhatwassownonrockyground,thisistheonewhohearsthewordandimmediatelyreceivesitwithjoy,21yethehasnorootinhimself,butenduresforawhile,andwhentribulationorpersecutionarisesonaccountoftheword,immediatelyhefallsaway.22Asforwhatwassownamongthorns,thisistheonewhohearstheword,butthecaresoftheworldandthedeceitfulnessofricheschoketheword,anditprovesunfruitful.23Asforwhatwassownongoodsoil,thisistheonewhohearsthewordandunderstandsit.Heindeedbearsfruitandyields,inonecaseahundredfold,inanothersixty,andinanotherthirty.”

b. Whatwastheseed?c. Whatdidthesoilsrepresent?d. Whathappenedtotheseedineachofthefourcases?Foreach,stateareasonwhyit

happened?

5. ApplicationtoUsa. Doyoubelieveapersoncanberepresentedbyonetypeofsoilatacertainpointinlifeandlater

bemorelikeadifferentkindofsoil?b. Whatlessonsdoyouseefromthisparableasyouconsiderteachingothers(i.e.takingonthe

roleofasower)?c. WhattwokindsofsoilareprobablymostoftenfoundamongactiveChristians?

d. Whatisthelessontoyoupersonally?

KingdomParables–Parablesof



IntroductionInthislesson,wewillstudyaseriesofparablesthatweregroupedwiththeParableoftheSower.Alloftheseparables,withtheexceptionofone,arefoundinthe13thchapterofMatthew.Theparableswewillexamineandwheretheyarerecordedareasfollows:

• ParablesoftheWeeds Matthew13:24-30• MustardSeed Matthew13:31-33 Mark4:30-32 Luke13:18-19• Leaven Matthew13:33 Luke13:20-21• HiddenTreasure Matthew13:44• GreatPearl, Matthew13:45-46• Net Matthew47-50• GrowingSeed Mark4:26-29

1. ContextoftheSetofParables

a. Thecontextoftheseparablesisthesameasthatoftheparableofthesower–theyoccuraroundtheendofthesecondyearofJesus’publicministry.

b. DescribethesceneofJesusteachingthisparable:i. Howisthesizeofthecrowddescribed?

ii. FromwheredidJesusteach?

2. ContentoftheParablesa. ThisisMatthew’saccountofsixoftheparablesofthislesson(Matthew13:24-33,44-50):

TheParableoftheWeeds24Heputanotherparablebeforethem,saying,“Thekingdomofheavenmaybecomparedtoamanwhosowedgoodseedinhisfield,25butwhilehismenweresleeping,hisenemycameandsowedweedsamongthewheatandwentaway.26Sowhentheplantscameupandboregrain,thentheweedsappearedalso.27Andtheservantsofthemasterofthehousecameandsaidtohim,‘Master,didyounotsowgoodseedinyour

ParablesofJesus

field?Howthendoesithaveweeds?’28Hesaidtothem,‘Anenemyhasdonethis.’Sotheservantssaidtohim,‘Thendoyouwantustogoandgatherthem?’29Buthesaid,‘No,lestingatheringtheweedsyourootupthewheatalongwiththem.30Letbothgrowtogetheruntiltheharvest,andatharvesttimeIwilltellthereapers,Gathertheweedsfirstandbindtheminbundlestobeburned,butgatherthewheatintomybarn.’”

TheMustardSeedandtheLeaven31Heputanotherparablebeforethem,saying,“Thekingdomofheavenislikeagrainofmustardseedthatamantookandsowedinhisfield.32Itisthesmallestofallseeds,butwhenithasgrownitislargerthanallthegardenplantsandbecomesatree,sothatthebirdsoftheaircomeandmakenestsinitsbranches.”33Hetoldthemanotherparable.“Thekingdomofheavenislikeleaventhatawomantookandhidinthreemeasuresofflour,tillitwasallleavened.”

TheParableoftheHiddenTreasure44“Thekingdomofheavenisliketreasurehiddeninafield,whichamanfoundandcoveredup.Theninhisjoyhegoesandsellsallthathehasandbuysthatfield.

TheParableofthePearlofGreatValue45“Again,thekingdomofheavenislikeamerchantinsearchoffinepearls,46who,onfindingonepearlofgreatvalue,wentandsoldallthathehadandboughtit.

TheParableoftheNet47“Again,thekingdomofheavenislikeanetthatwasthrownintotheseaandgatheredfishofeverykind.48Whenitwasfull,mendrewitashoreandsatdownandsortedthegoodintocontainersbutthrewawaythebad.49Soitwillbeattheendoftheage.Theangelswillcomeoutandseparatetheevilfromtherighteous50andthrowthemintothefieryfurnace.Inthatplacetherewillbeweepingandgnashingofteeth.

b. Whatisacommonstatementatthebeginningofeachoftheseparables?c. Whatdoesamustardseedandleavenhaveincommon?

d. Whatwasthecommonreactionofthefindersofthetreasureandofthepearl?

e. ThisistheoneuniqueparableinMark,theparableofthegrowingseedinMark4:26-29:TheParableoftheSeedGrowing

26Andhesaid,“ThekingdomofGodisasifamanshouldscatterseedontheground.27Hesleepsandrisesnightandday,andtheseedsproutsandgrows;heknowsnothow.28Theearthproducesbyitself,firsttheblade,thentheear,thenthefullgrainintheear.29Butwhenthegrainisripe,atonceheputsinthesickle,becausetheharvesthascome.”

3. MainPoints

a. Pairtheaboveparablesasfollowsandsuggestamainlessontobelearnedfromthepairs:i. Parableoftheweedsandtheparableofthenet:

ii. Parableofthemustardseedandtheparableoftheleaven:

iii. Parableofthehiddentreasureandthepearlofgreatprice:b. Inyourwords,whatisthemainlessonoftheparableoftheseedgrowing?

4. ExplanationofJesusa. Jesusexplainsthemeaningofonetheparablesabove–theparableoftheweeds(Matthew

13:37-43):37Heanswered,“TheonewhosowsthegoodseedistheSonofMan.38Thefieldistheworld,andthegoodseedisthesonsofthekingdom.Theweedsarethesonsoftheevilone,39andtheenemywhosowedthemisthedevil.Theharvestistheendoftheage,andthereapersareangels.40Justastheweedsaregatheredandburnedwithfire,sowillitbeattheendoftheage.41TheSonofManwillsendhisangels,andtheywillgatheroutofhiskingdomallcausesofsinandalllaw-breakers,42andthrowthemintothefieryfurnace.Inthatplacetherewillbeweepingandgnashingofteeth.43ThentherighteouswillshinelikethesuninthekingdomoftheirFather.Hewhohasears,lethimhear.”

b. Identifythesower,thegoodseed,andtheweeds:c. Whoistheenemy?d. Whateventisrepresentedbytheharvest?Whatwillbethefateofthe“weeds”?ofthegood

seed?e. NotealsotheexplanationofJesusinvs.34-35regardingwhyhetaughtinparables.

5. ApplicationtoUsa. Basedontheparableoftheweeds,whatshouldweexpecttheworldaroundustobelike?

Whateffectshouldthisexpectationhaveonthewaythatwelive?

b. Whatareyouholdingontoratherthansellinginordertoobtainthe“hiddentreasure”orthe“pearlofgreatprice”?

c. Shouldwebefrightenedbytheprospectofajudgmentday?

d. Whatshouldwebepromptedtodo,giventhelessonofthemustardseedandleaven?

PrayerandPersistenceParablesoftheMidnightFriendandthePersistentWidow



IntroductionHerewehavetwoparableswithasimilarmessageregardingourprayers.MidnightFriend–Luke11:5-131. Context

a. ThisparableappearstohavebeentaughtduringthelastyearofJesusministry.b. WhatrequestpromptedJesustoteachthisparable(Luke11:1)?c. HowdidJesusinitiallyrespondtotherequest?

2. ContentoftheParablea. Theparableisinvs.5-8(EnglishStandardVersion):

5Andhesaidtothem,“Whichofyouwhohasafriendwillgotohimatmidnightandsaytohim,‘Friend,lendmethreeloaves,6forafriendofminehasarrivedonajourney,andIhavenothingtosetbeforehim’;7andhewillanswerfromwithin,‘Donotbotherme;thedoorisnowshut,andmychildrenarewithmeinbed.Icannotgetupandgiveyouanything’?8Itellyou,thoughhewillnotgetupandgivehimanythingbecauseheishisfriend,yetbecauseofhisimpudencehewillriseandgivehimwhateverheneeds.

b. Isthereanexpectationthatthefriendwhoarrivesatmidnightwillreceivewhatheneeds?Whattwopotentialreasonsaregivenforbelievingthatthefriendwillreceiveananswer?

3. ExplanationofJesus(ifany)a. JesusgivesadeepermeaningtotheparableinhiscommentsthatfollowinLuke11:9-13:

9AndItellyou,ask,anditwillbegiventoyou;seek,andyouwillfind;knock,anditwillbeopenedtoyou.10Foreveryonewhoasksreceives,andtheonewhoseeksfinds,andtotheonewhoknocksitwillbeopened.11Whatfatheramongyou,ifhissonasksforafish,willinsteadofafishgivehimaserpent;12orifheasksforanegg,willgivehima

ParablesofJesus

scorpion?13Ifyouthen,whoareevil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftstoyourchildren,howmuchmorewilltheheavenlyFathergivetheHolySpirittothosewhoaskhim!”

b. Whoisdoingtheaskingattheendofthisexplanation?Whoishearingtherequest?Towhomishecompared?

4. MainPoint(s)

a. Wearetoldtoask,seekandknock.GiventhemodelprayerofLuke11:2-4,whatshouldwebeaskingfor?

b. Inyourwords,whatisthemainlessontobelearnedfromthisparable?

5. ApplicationtoUsa. WhatshouldbeourviewofGodaswepray?b. Whatshouldbeourattitudeandactionifwedonotreceivewhatwehaveprayedfor?

PersistentWidow–Luke18:1-81. Context

a. ThisparableispartofasequenceofparablestaughtbyJesusinthelastfewmonthsofhispublicministry.

b. WhatreasonisgivenforJesusgivefortellingthisparable(vs.1)?

2. ContentoftheParablea. ThisisLuke’saccount(EnglishStandardVersion):

“InacertaincitytherewasajudgewhoneitherfearedGodnorrespectedman.3Andtherewasawidowinthatcitywhokeptcomingtohimandsaying,‘Givemejusticeagainstmyadversary.’4Forawhileherefused,butafterwardhesaidtohimself,‘ThoughIneitherfearGodnorrespectman,5yetbecausethiswidowkeepsbotheringme,Iwillgiveherjustice,sothatshewillnotbeatmedownbyhercontinualcoming.’”

b. Whatwastherequestofthewidow?Whywouldshehaveturnedtothejudge?c. Whatwasthecharacterofthejudge(lookatvs.6also)?

d. Whywasthewomansuccessfulinherplea?

3. ExplanationofJesusa. Aswiththepreviousparable,JesusgivesadeepermeaninginhiscommentsthatfollowinLuke

18:6-8:

6AndtheLordsaid,“Hearwhattheunrighteousjudgesays.7AndwillnotGodgivejusticetohiselect,whocrytohimdayandnight?Willhedelaylongoverthem?8Itellyou,hewillgivejusticetothemspeedily.Nevertheless,whentheSonofMancomes,willhefindfaithonearth?”

b. WhatwillGodgivetohiselect?Whatwilltheelectdo?c. WhatquestiondoesJesushave(vs.8)?

4. MainPoint(s)a. Usethecontextofvs.1andtheexplanationofvs.6-8toanswerthenextquestion.b. Inyourwords,whatisthemainlessontobelearnedfromthisparable?

5. ApplicationtoUsa. Whydowebecomediscouragedinourprayers?b. Whyisitdifficultto“alwayspray”?c. Howcanyouusethisparabletolearntopraywithoutlosingheart?

ParablesonResponsibility(Part1)



ResponsibilityofDiscipleshipEachofushasbeenentrustedwithweightyandimportantresponsibilitiesbyGod.InthetwoparableswewilldiscussinthislessonJesusistryingtoimpressuponusjusthowsignificantourserviceisinhisKingdom.WecannottakeourservicelightlyorelsewewillfacejudgmentforourfailuretoliveuptothehighcallingofourMasterandKing.BothoftheseparablesweredeliveredbyJesusveryneartheendofhisearthlyministry.Isupposeashistimedrewneartoberesponsibletobeartheburdenofsinshefeltitappropriatetoremindusoftheresponsibilitieswemustbearaswetakeupthecrossandfollowhim.ParableoftheTalents–Matthew25:14-301. Context

a. ThiswastaughtneartheendofJesus’earthlyministrywhilehewasinJerusalemduringhislastweekbeforetheCrucifixion.

b. Justbeforethis,MatthewrecordsastringofinterviewsbetweenJesus&thereligiousleadersofJerusalem(21-22),followedbyJesus’scathingrebukeofthosehypocriticalreligiousleaders(23)andfinallyJesus’predictionofjudgmentonJerusalemandthedestructionofthetemple(24).

c. Thisparableissandwichedinchapter25betweentheParableoftheTenVirginsandadepictionofJudgmentDay.AllthreeoftheserelatetotheconceptofeachofusbeingpersonallyresponsibleforouractionsbeforeGod.

d. RESEARCHQUESTION:Howmuchapproximatevaluedida“Talent”represent?

2. ContentoftheParablea. ReadMatthew25:14-30b. WhatwasthedeterminingfactorforhowmuchtheMasterentrustedtoeachservant?c. HowdidtheMasterrespondtotheeffortsoftheFive&TwoTalentservants?Whatdifferenceis

thereinhisresponsestothem?

d. WhydidtheMastercondemntheOneTalentservant?

ParablesofJesus

e. Diddifferenceinlevelofabilityreducethelevelofresponsibilityamongtheservants?

3. MainPoint(s)

a. Whatdoyouthinkisthemainpoint(s)ofthisparable?b. Explainthefollowingquoteasitrelatestothisparable:“Fortoeveryonewhohaswillmorebe

given,andhewillhaveanabundance.Butfromtheonewhohasnot,evenwhathehaswillbetakenaway”(Matthew25:29).

4. ApplicationtoUsa. WhatthingshastheMasterentrustedtoyou?Howcanyouimproveinusingthesethingsin

servinghim?b. Howdoescowardiceimpairyourservice?

c. WhatshouldbethehopethatwestriveforinourservicetotheMaster?ParableoftheMinas–Luke19:11-271. Context

a. WhileverysimilartotheParableoftheTalents,thiswasdeliveredwithdifferentdetailsandatadifferenttime—justbeforeJesusentersJerusalemforthefinalweekbeforehisCrucifixion(Luke19:28).LukespendsalengthyportionofhisgospelrecordingJesusonhiswaytoJerusalem,placinggreatemphasisonthejourneythereandthejudgmentthatJesuswouldbringonthecurrenthypocriticalreligioussystem.

b. PreviouslyJesushadencounteredZaccheusandremindedusthatHismissionwastoseekandsavethelosteventhoughmostpeopledespisedsinners(Luke19:1-10).

c. WhydidJesustellthisparableaccordingtothebriefintroductioninthetext?(19:11)d. RESEARCHQUESTION:Approximatelyhowmuchvaluedida“Mina”represent?

2. ContentoftheParablea. ReadLuke19:11-27.b. Whodoyouthinkthe“Nobleman”represents?Explainyouranswer.c. HowmuchdidtheNoblemanentrusttoeachservant?d. DidtheKing(formerlycalledtheNobleman)haveasignificantlydifferentreactiontothefirst

andsecondservantswhobroughtbackwhattheyhadgained?

e. Whydidthethirdservanthidehismina?WhatdoyouthinkabouttheKing’sresponse?f. WhydoyouthinkJesusmentionedthecitizenswhorejectedtheKinginthebeginning(v.14)

andtheKing’sordertoexecutethemattheend(v.27)?

3. MainPoint(s)a. Whatdoyouthinkisthemainpoint(s)ofthisparable?b. Whatdidtheservantwhomade10minashavethattheservantwhohidhisminanothave?c. Howdoesthecondemnationonthefearfulservant(v.22-26)relatetotheordertoexecutethe

King’senemies(v.27)?

4. ApplicationtoUsa. WhataresomethingsthatallservantsoftheKinghavebeengiven?b. Whatdifferentiatesgoodservants&badservantsinthekingdom?

c. Doesthecontextofthisparable(19:10-11)relatetothelessonsinthisparableandhaveanyimpactonourservicefortheKingtoday?

ParablesonResponsibility(Part2)Lesson6



PeopleandPossessionsPerhapssomeofthegreatestchallengeswefaceinourresponsibilitiestotheLordarehowwetreatthemanyPeopleHeputsinourlivesandhowwedealwiththetemporalPossessionsHeblessesuswith.Partofthedifficultyisthatthesearethethingswemostfrequentlyinteractwithandtoooftenthatfamiliaritycausesustonottakeourresponsibilitiesinthesethingsseriously.TheparablesofTheGoodSamaritanandTheRichFoolaresoberingstoriesthatforceustopauseandconsiderourresponsibilitiestotheKingwithregardtothepeopleandpossessionsHehasputintoourlives.ParableoftheGoodSamaritan–Luke10:25-371. Context

a. Jesushassentoutthe72outtopreach(Luke10:1-16),theyhavereturnedwithjoybecauseoftheirsuccessbutJesusfocusestheirjoyontheirrelationshipwithGodandHepraisesGodforallowingchild-likedisciplestoseethekingdom(10:17-24).

b. Incontrasttothechild-likedisciplesofthekingdom,aLawyercomestotestJesus(10:25).WhatquestiondoestheLawyerinitiallyask?HowdoesJesusrespond?

c. AfterJesuspointstheLawyertotheanswertolife(love)whatdoestheLawyerdesire?What

questiondoesheaskthatstemsfromthatdesire?

2. ContentoftheParable

a. ReadLuke10:25-37b. WhathappenedtothemangoingdownfromJerusalemtoJericho?Doweknowanythingabout

thisman’snationality,character,purposeintravel,etc?c. HowdidthePriestandLevitereactwhentheysawthemaninneed?d. “ButaSamaritan…”

i. HowdidJews(Jesus’mainaudience)viewSamaritans?

ParablesofJesus

ii. WhatwastheSamaritandoingwhenhecameupontheman?

iii. HowdidtheSamaritanreactwhenhesawthismaninneed?

iv. WhatdidtheSamaritandofortheman?3. MainPoint(s)

a. WhatquestiondoesJesusposeattheendoftheparable?HowisthisquestionareversaloftheLawyer’squestion:“Andwhoismyneighbor?”?

b. WhatistheanswerthattheLawyergives?WhatpointdoesJesusmakeinresponse?

4. ApplicationtoUs

a. LoveistheheartofChristianliving(Lk.10:27-28;Jn.13:34-35;Eph.5:1-2;Col.3:14;1Jn.4:7-8).Whydoyouthinkwestrugglewithitsomuch?

b. ListsomespecificwaysthatyoucanshowNeighbor(i.e.Christ-like)Loveto…

i. FamilyatHome

ii. FellowChristians

iii. LostintheWorld

ParableoftheRichFool–Luke12:13-215. Context

a. AtthistimeinHisministryJesuswasdealingwithboththeintensifyinghatredoftheJewishreligiousestablishment(Luke11:53-54)andsoaringpopularityamongthepeoplewhoatthistimearethrongingtoHimliterallybythethousands(12:1).

b. InthemidstofthisoppositionandpopularityJesushasbeenspeakingonvarioustopicsthatrelatetowhatitmeanstobeatruediscipleofHis.

c. WhatwasJesusdiscussingjustbeforethemaninterruptshimwiththisinheritancedispute?Whatdoesthatshowyouabouttheman’sheartandmind?(12:13)

d. WhatdoesJesussayinresponsetothemanthatservesasanintroductiontothisparable?

(12:14-15)6. ContentoftheParable

a. ReadLuke12:13-21b. HowdidtheRichManbecomerich?c. Whatsolutiondoeshedevisetodealwiththesurplushehadaccumulated?

d. Whatistheattitude/mindsetthattheRichManhadtowardlifeandpossessions?e. HowdoesGodviewthisman?WhatdoesGodsaywillhappentohim?

7. MainPoint(s)a. WhatdoesJesuswarnusaboutinhisintroduction?WhatconclusiondoesHedraw?b. Howdoesthewarningrelatetotheconclusionoftheparable?c. Whatdoesitmeantobe“richtowardGod”?

8. ApplicationtoUsa. Useelementsofthisstorytodefinetheterm“covetousness.”b. AccordingtoColossians3:5,howseriousiscovetousness?c. Read1Timothy6:17-19.HowdoesthistextrelatetotheparableoftheRichFool?

ForgivenessParablesoftheTwoDebtors,UnworthyServants,and

thePhariseeandtheTaxCollectorLesson7



IntroductionInthislessonandinlesson8,wewillfocusonatotaloffiveparablesthatteachusaboutforgiveness.WewillstudythreeparablesfromLuke’saccountinthislesson,andtwomorefromMatthew’saccountinthelessonthatfollows.TwoDebtors–Luke7:41-421. Context

a. ThisparableappearsistaughtspecificallybecauseofwhathappenstoJesusinthehomeofaPharisee.ReadLuke7:36-40.

b. Howisthewomandescribedinthisincident(7:37)?c. WhatdidshedoforJesus?Whatdemonstratedheremotions?

d. WhatwasSimon’s(thePharisee)conclusionregardingthisscene?


41“Acertainmoneylenderhadtwodebtors.Oneowedfivehundreddenarii,andtheotherfifty.42Whentheycouldnotpay,hecancelledthedebtofboth.Nowwhichofthemwilllovehimmore?”

b. Whatwastherelativevalueofthefirstman’sdebttothesecondman?c. WhatwasJesus’questionattheend?

3. ExplanationofJesusa. JesustaughttheparabletomakeapointthatSimonmightnototherwisehaveunderstood.He

thenexplainsthereallifemeaningbehindthisparableinLuke7:43-50.

ParablesofJesus

b. ComparethebehaviorofthewomantothatofSimonwhileJesuswasinthehouse?

c. Whatblessingdidthewomanreceive?

d. WhatpointismadebyJesusinvs.47?

4. MainPoint(s)a. UseLuke7:47andthequestionandanswerofvs.42-43todescribewhatyoubelieveisthe

mainpointoftheparable.b. Whatotherreactionwasmadebythosewhosawthisincident(Luke7:49)?

5. ApplicationtoUsa. IsitimportantforustohaveasenseofhowmuchwehavebeenforgivenbyGod?Why?b. Whatshouldbeouremotionregardingourforgiveness?

PhariseeandTaxCollector–Luke18:9-131. Context


b. TowhomarewetoldspecificallyJesustaughtthisparable?9Healsotoldthisparabletosomewhotrustedinthemselvesthattheywererighteous,andtreatedotherswithcontempt.

2. ContentoftheParablea. ThisisLuke’saccount(EnglishStandardVersion):

10“Twomenwentupintothetempletopray,oneaPhariseeandtheotherataxcollector.11ThePharisee,standingbyhimself,prayedthus:‘God,IthankyouthatIamnotlikeothermen,extortioners,unjust,adulterers,orevenlikethistaxcollector.12Ifasttwiceaweek;IgivetithesofallthatIget.’13Butthetaxcollector,standingfaroff,wouldnotevenliftuphiseyestoheaven,butbeathisbreast,saying,‘God,bemercifultome,asinner!’

b. ForwhatwasthePhariseethankful?Whatdidheclaimtohavedone?c. Whatwasthetaxcollector’sphysicaldemeanor?d. Howdidthetaxcollectordescribehimself?Whatwashisrequest?

3. ExplanationofJesusa. JesusexplainsfurtherinLuke18:14:

14Itellyou,thismanwentdowntohishousejustified,ratherthantheother.Foreveryonewhoexaltshimselfwillbehumbled,buttheonewhohumbleshimselfwillbeexalted.”

b. Whatisnecessaryforjustification?

4. MainPoint(s)a. Usethestatementsofvs.9and14toanswerthenextquestion.b. Inyourwords,whatisthemainlessontobelearnedfromthisparable?

5. ApplicationtoUsa. ThinkofaprayerwhereyouhaveprayedlikethePharisee.b. Howcanyouincreasehumilitybeforeaprayer?c. Whatisthemeaningofmercy?

UnworthyServants–Luke17:7-101. Context


b. IfthereisaspecificreasonforthisparableitmayrelatetothequestionoftheapostlesinLuke7:5.

2. ContentoftheParable

a. ThisisLuke’saccount(EnglishStandardVersion):7“Willanyoneofyouwhohasaservantplowingorkeepingsheepsaytohimwhenhehascomeinfromthefield,‘Comeatonceandreclineattable’?8Willhenotrathersaytohim,‘Preparesupperforme,anddressproperly,andservemewhileIeatanddrink,andafterwardyouwilleatanddrink’?9Doeshethanktheservantbecausehedidwhatwascommanded?

b. Whatwouldamasternotsaytoaservant?Whatdoeshenotdofortheservant?

3. ExplanationofJesusa. JesusexplainsinLuke17:10:

10Soyoualso,whenyouhavedoneallthatyouwerecommanded,say,‘Weareunworthyservants;wehaveonlydonewhatwasourduty.

b. Whatwillkindofspiritwouldsuchastatementreflect?

4. MainPoint(s)a. Themainpointisclearlystatedin17:10.b. WhatconclusionsshouldnotbedrawnaboutGodfromthisparable?

5. ApplicationtoUsa. Dowesometimesfeelentitled,thatGodowesussomethingmorethanwehavereceived?b. Whatisourresponsibility?c. Howdoesthisparablerelatetoteachingonforgivenessandmercy?

ForgivenessParablesoftheUnmercifulServantandtheTwoSons



IntroductionInthislesson,wewillcompleteourstudyoffiveparablesthatteachusaboutforgiveness.WelookedatthreeparablesfromLuke’saccountinthepreviouslesson,andhereexaminetwomorefromMatthew’sgospel.UnmercifulServant–Matthew18:23-341. Context

a. PeterasksaquestionthatleadstoJesusteachingthisparable:21ThenPetercameupandsaidtohim,“Lord,howoftenwillmybrothersinagainstme,andIforgivehim?Asmanyasseventimes?”22Jesussaidtohim,“Idonotsaytoyouseventimes,butseventy-seventimes.

.b. ButthequestionofPeterfollowsteachingofJesusthattouchesonanumberoftopicsrelatedto

thesinofothers.Whatsubjectmatteriscoveredin:i. Matthew18:7-9

ii. Matthew18:10-14(cf.Luke15:4-7)

iii. Matthew18:15-20c. WhatdoyouthinkpromptedPeter’squestion?WhatanswerdidJesusgivebeforetheparable?


23“Thereforethekingdomofheavenmaybecomparedtoakingwhowishedtosettleaccountswithhisservants.24Whenhebegantosettle,onewasbroughttohimwhoowedhimtenthousandtalents.25Andsincehecouldnotpay,hismasterorderedhimtobesold,withhiswifeandchildrenandallthathehad,andpaymenttobemade.26Sotheservantfellonhisknees,imploringhim,‘Havepatiencewithme,andIwillpayyoueverything.’27Andoutofpityforhim,themasterofthatservantreleasedhimandforgavehimthedebt.28Butwhenthatsameservantwentout,hefoundoneofhisfellowservantswhoowedhimahundreddenarii,andseizinghim,hebegantochokehim,

ParablesofJesus

saying,‘Paywhatyouowe.’29Sohisfellowservantfelldownandpleadedwithhim,‘Havepatiencewithme,andIwillpayyou.’30Herefusedandwentandputhiminprisonuntilheshouldpaythedebt.31Whenhisfellowservantssawwhathadtakenplace,theyweregreatlydistressed,andtheywentandreportedtotheirmasterallthathadtakenplace.32Thenhismastersummonedhimandsaidtohim,‘Youwickedservant!Iforgaveyouallthatdebtbecauseyoupleadedwithme.33Andshouldnotyouhavehadmercyonyourfellowservant,asIhadmercyonyou?’34Andinangerhismasterdeliveredhimtothejailers,untilheshouldpayallhisdebt.

b. Trytodeterminethevalueof10,000talents.Wasitanamountthisservantwouldeverbeabletorepay?

c. Whatweretheplannedconsequencesforthismanandhisfamily?Whydidthemasterchange

hismindandforgivehim?d. Whatactiondidtheforgivenservanttakeagainstamanwhoowedhimmoney?Whatwasthe

reactionofthefellowservantswhowitnessedthis?

e. Whatultimatelyhappentotheforgivenservantbecauseofhislackofmercy?

3. ExplanationofJesus

a. Jesusexplainstheapplicationofthisparabletoeachofusintheversethatfollows(vs.35):35SoalsomyheavenlyFatherwilldotoeveryoneofyou,ifyoudonotforgiveyourbrotherfromyourheart.”

b. Whyisitsoimportantforustoforgiveothers?Besidestheconsequences,whatelseshould

motivateus?

4. MainPoint(s)a. JesusgivesusthemainpointofthisparableinhisanswerofMatthew18:22andthestatement

ofvs.35.b. HowmightyouapplyJesus’teachingtosituationssuchasthosedescribedinMatthew18:15-

20)?5. ApplicationtoUs

a. Whyisitsodifficulttoforgiveothers?b. DoesGodintendustobeconcernedaboutthesinsofothers?Besidestheparable,whatelsein

thischapterteachesthisprinciple?

TheTwoSons–Matthew21:28-301. Context

a. ThisparableistaughtduringthelastweekofJesus’lifeandispartofaseriesofresponsestothechallengesoftheoppositionoftheJewishleadership.

b. WhathappenedimmediatelypriortothisparableinMatthew21:23-27?

2. ContentoftheParablea. ThisisMatthew’saccount(EnglishStandardVersion):

28“Whatdoyouthink?Amanhadtwosons.Andhewenttothefirstandsaid,‘Son,goandworkinthevineyardtoday.’29Andheanswered,‘Iwillnot,’butafterwardhechangedhismindandwent.30Andhewenttotheothersonandsaidthesame.Andheanswered,‘Igo,sir,’butdidnotgo.

b. Howmanyofthesonssaidtheywouldgo?Howmanyactuallywent?c. Whichsonwasactuallyfaithful?

3. ExplanationofJesusa. Aftertheleadersacknowledgedwhichsonwasfaithful,Jesusmadeadevastatingapplication:

“Truly,Isaytoyou,thetaxcollectorsandtheprostitutesgointothekingdomofGodbeforeyou.32ForJohncametoyouinthewayofrighteousness,andyoudidnotbelievehim,butthetaxcollectorsandtheprostitutesbelievedhim.Andevenwhenyousawit,youdidnotafterwardchangeyourmindsandbelievehim.

b. Basedonthisstatement,whichofthetwosonsintheparablerepresenttheJewishleaders?

4. MainPoint(s)a. Whatmattersthemost–whatwesayorwhatwedo?b. WhydoyouthinkJesuswassoplaininthisparable?

5. ApplicationtoUsa. Thisparablecouldbeincludedinthegroupofrejectionparableswewillstudyinlesson12.

Whatlessondoyouthinktheparablecanteachonforgiveness?b. Arethererighteousstepsyouhaveintendedtotakebuthavefailedtofollowthroughwith?Isit

toolate?

ParablesontheLostLesson9



Jesus’DinnerPartyWeallliketoeatwithourfriendsandthepeoplewecareabout.Usuallythesearethepeoplemostlikeus,theonesthatmakeusfeeland/orlookgood,theyareablessingtous.WhenweseeJesusatdinnerweseehimsurroundedbythelowest,dirtiestsinners.Hereceivedpeoplemostdissimilartohim,thatbroughtburdenandreproachtohim,butthepeoplethathecouldbeablessingto.DowehavetheheartofJesustowardtheLost?ContextofLostParables

• StartinginLuke14:1,weseeJesushavingdinneratthehouseofarulerofthePhariseesandisunderclosescrutiny.Jesususedthisdinnerasanopportunitytoteachvariouslessonstothemanydifferenttypesofpeoplepresent.

• ItisapparentlyinthissettingthatthePhariseesandScribescomplainedaboutJesussaying,“Thismanreceivessinnersandeatswiththem”(15:1).

• HowdoesthisstatementhelpsetthestagefortheparablesthatJesustoldhere?Whatdoyouthinkwashispurposeintellingtheseparables?

ParableoftheLostSheep–Luke15:1-7

1. ContentoftheParablea. ReadLuke15:1-7b. WhodoestheShepherdrepresent?Thelostsheep?

c. WhatthingsdoesJesussaythattheShepherdwilldoforonelostsheep?

d. HowdoestheShepherdreacttofindinghisSheep?

2. Explanationa. WhatheavenlytruthdoesJesussaythisstorypointsto?

b. OurrepentancemakesGodrejoice!Whatanamazingthought!3. MainPoint(s)

a. WhatdoesthisstoryshowyouaboutGod’slovefortheLost?

b. HowdoesthisstoryillustratethepersonalinvestmentGodmakesinsavingtheLost?

ParablesofJesus

c. HowmuchdoweimpactGod’semotions?

4. ApplicationtoUsa. DoyoueverwonderhowGodfeelsaboutyouafteryouhavesinned?Doyouwonderifhecan

stillreceiveyoubacktohimself?Howdoesthisparablehelpgiveanswerstothosequestions?

b. Whatbringsyouthemostjoy?Howdoyouthinkthatimpactsyourevangelisticefforts?ParableoftheLostCoin–Luke15:8-10

1. ContentoftheParablea. ReadLuke15:8-10b. WhodoestheWomanrepresentinthisstory?Thelostcoin?

c. WhatalldoesJesussaytheWomandoeswholosesheronecoin?

d. HowdoestheWomanreacttofindingherCoin?

2. Explanationa. WhatheavenlytruthdoesJesussaythisstorypointsto?

b. WhodoesJesusspecificallysayrejoicesoverlostsinners?

3. MainPoint(s)a. HowmuchvaluedoesGodplaceoneveryperson?

b. HowintentisGodonsavingtheLost?

4. ApplicationtoUsa. DoyoueverwonderwhetheryouarevaluabletoGod(especiallywhenyouaren’tlivingright)?

Howdoesthisstoryhelpanswerthatquestion?

b. HowcanthisstoryhelpustohavemoreconcernfortheLost?ParableoftheLostSon–Luke15:11-32

1. ContentoftheParablea. ReadLuke15:11-32b. WhodoestheFatherrepresent?TheYoungerSon?TheOlderSon?

c. WhatthingsdoestheYoungerSondo/say/thinkwrong?

d. WheredoestheYoungerSonendupbecauseofhis“recklessliving”?

e. WhatdoesthetextsayhappensintheYoungerSonwhileheiswiththepigs?

f. WhatattitudedoyouseeintheYoungerSon’sreturn?

g. HowdoestheFatherreacttotheYoungerSon’sreturn?

h. HowdoestheOlderSonreacttohisbrother’sreturn?Whatdoeshecallhisbrother?

i. WhatdoestheFathersayabouthisfeelingsabouttheYoungerSon’sreturn?

2. MainPoint(s)a. DoyouthinkthisparableistoldprimarilytoillustrateGod’slovefortheLostortopointoutthe

wrongattitudesthatthe“Righteous”oftenhavetowardtheLost?Explain.

b. Whatisthesignificance(ifthereisany)oftheFathernotpursuing,seekingforhissonlikewesawintheprevioustwoparables?

c. HowdoestheFatherviewallofHischildren?

3. ApplicationtoUsa. WillGodforceustocomebackhometoHim?Whatdoesthisstoryshowisnecessaryforusto

comehome?

b. WhatwrongattitudesdoestheOlderSondisplay?Howcanweexhibitthesamespirit?

ParablesonJudgmentLesson10


1. HaveanincreasedappreciationforJesusasateacher2. Haveamorelovingandforgivingheartbybetterunderstandingourownforgiveness.3. Bemorepersistentandhumbleinourprayers4. HaveaclearerunderstandingofourresponsibilitiesinGod’skingdom5. Bemoreskilledinusingparablestoteachothers

JudgmentWillComeWemayattimesfeellikewecanescapeGod’snoticeinjudgmentbuttheparableswewillstudyinthislessonhelpustorealizethatGodwilljudgeusbyourdeeds.Jesusteachesusintheseparablesthatwemustbepeoplethatbearfruitsofrepentanceandlivewiththerealizationthatallwehaveanddointhislifeisonlypreparingusforthejudgmentthatwillleadtothenextlife.ParableoftheBarrenFigTree–Luke13:1-9

5. ContextoftheParablea. ReadLuke13:1-5b. WhatnewsstorywerepeoplediscussingwithJesusatthispoint?

c. WhatideadoesJesuspresentinlightofthisandanothersimilarevent?

d. Whatdoestheword“repent”mean?

6. ContentoftheParablea. ReadLuke13:6-9b. Whatwouldyouexpecttofindonafigtree?Whatdidthemaninthisstoryfindonhis?

Howlonghadthetreebeeninthiscondition?

c. WhatdidhetelltheVinedressertodotothetree?

d. WhatrequestdidtheVinedressermake?

7. MainPoint(s)a. Considerhowthisparableconnectstotheintroductorydiscussionin13:1-5.b. Whatisthemainpoint?

ParablesofJesus

8. ApplicationtoUsa. WhatdoesthisparableteachusaboutGod’sexpectationsandjudgmentofus?

b. HowdoesthisparableillustrateGod’spatienceinjudgment?ParableoftheDishonestManager–Luke16:1-13

5. ContextoftheParablea. ThisparableistoldinthemidstofaflurryofparablesthatLukerecords(14:1-17:10).b. WhatgroupdidJesusaddressthisparableto?Whoelsewasalsolistening(16:14)?

6. ContentoftheParablea. ReadLuke16:1-9.b. WhatwastheRichMan’sManagerdoingwrong?

c. WhatjudgmentdidtheRichManpronounceontheManager?

d. WhatdidtheManagerthinkabouthispredicament?Whatdidhedo?

e. HowdidtheMasterrespondtohisDishonestManager?

7. Explanationa. WhatdoesJesussaythe“sonsofthisworld”dobetterthan“sonsoflight”?

b. DoyouthinkJesusiscommendingdishonestbehavior?Explain.

8. MainPoint(s)a. HowdoyouthinktheDishonestManagerisapositiveexampleforus?

b. WhatlessondoesJesus“tell”usattheconclusionofthisparableasthemainpoint?

c. Afterthemainsummarypointoftheparable(16:9),whatlessondoesJesusteachabouthow“unrighteouswealth”willimpactourreceiving“trueriches”?

d. “Noservantcanservetwomasters”(16:13).BetweenGodandMoney,whichMasterwilljudgeoureternaldestiny?WhichMaster-Judgeshouldwepaymoreattentionto?

9. ApplicationtoUsa. What“unrighteouswealth”(16:9,11)hasGodentrustedtoyoupersonally?

b. Howcanyoubemore“faithful”inyourmanagementofwhatGodhasentrustedtoyou?

c. Basedonyourlifestyle,whoareyoulivingtobejudgedby—GodorMoney?

ParablesonJudgment



OpportunityEndsWewillnothaveanopportunitytorepentforever.Therewillcomeadaywhenwewillbecalledtoaccountforourworldlyliving.GodwantsustoberightwithHimwhenwestandinjudgment,buthispatiencedoesnotlastforever.TheparableswewillstudythislessonweretoldbyJesusinhislastweekandaremeanttoawakenoursenseofurgencytoservetheKingofHeavensothatwhenjudgmentcomeswewillbeacceptedbyHimasfaithfulcitizensinsteadofbeingcastoutofHisKingdom.ParableoftheWeddingFeast–Matthew22:1-14

1. ContextoftheParablea. JesushadenteredJerusalemandwasmetwithadorationbythecrowds(21:1-11).b. HethenhadvariousinteractionsanddiscussionswithandaboutthecorruptedJewish

religiousleaders(21:12-46).c. ThisispartofasetofparablesthatJesusistellingtoillustratethejudgmentGodis

bringingonJerusalemandthosethatrejecttheMessiah.2. ContentoftheParable

a. ReadMatthew22:1-14b. WhodoyouthinktheKingandSonprobablyareintendedtorepresent?

c. WhatdidtheKingdoforhisSon?HowdidthoseinvitedtotheFeastrespond?

d. HowdidtheKingappealtotheinviteesthesecondtime?Whatalldidtheydothistime?

e. Uponthissecondrejection,howdidtheKingrespond?Whatdidhesayaboutthecharacteraboutthosehehadinvited?

f. Whodidheinvitenext?DescribethesceneattheFeast.

ParablesofJesus

g. Whatwaswrongwithoneoftheguests?WhatdidtheKingdotohim?3. MainPoint(s)

a. Inyourownwords,whatisthemainpointofthisparableaccordingto22:14?

b. WhathappenstothosewhodonotproperlycometotheKing’sFeast?

4. ApplicationtoUsa. WhatdoesthisparableteachusaboutGod’sexpectationsforusandhowwewillbe

judged?

b. Arethe“called”thatonlyrespondpartiallytotheKinganybetterthanthosewhocompletelyrejectHim?Howshouldthatimpactyourattitudeandbehavior?

ParableoftheTenVirgins–Matthew25:1-13

10. ContextoftheParablea. ThisistoldimmediatelyafterJesuspredictstheJerusalem’sdestruction(Matt.24).b. ThisisthefirstofthreestoriesfocusingonGod’scomingjudgment.Theseparables

concludeMatthew’saccountofJesus’teachingministrybeforetheLastSupper.11. ContentoftheParable

a. ReadMatthew25:1-13b. Whoarethemaincharactersofthisstory?Whateventweretheyattending?

c. Howarethese2groupsofVirginsdescribed?Whatpreparation(orlackof)demonstratedtheircharacter?

d. WhatdidalltheVirginsdowhilewaiting?Whatwasthecryatmidnight?

e. WhatdidtheFoolishVirginsaskfor?HowdidtheWiserespond?

f. WhentheBridegroomcame,whydidtheFoolishVirginsendupoutsidethefeast?

g. HowdidtheFoolishVirginsfeelaboutbeingleftoutside?WhatdidtheBridegroomsay?

12. MainPoint(s)

a. WhatlessondoesJesusgiveattheendofthisstory?

b. RESEARCHQUESTION:CanyouthinkofanothertimewhenJesususedthesameorsimilarphrasesto“Lord,lord”and“Idonotknowyou”whenspeakingaboutjudgment?(HINT:LookinMatthew).

13. ApplicationtoUsa. HowdotheWise&FoolishVirginsserveasahelpfullessonforusinourdailylives?

b. ReadMatthew7:21-23.HowdoestheteachingJesusgivesinthispassagepairwiththeparablewehavestudiedinthislesson?

ParablesonRejectionLesson12


1. HaveanincreasedappreciationforJesusasateacher.2. Haveamorelovingandforgivingheartbyunderstandingourownforgiveness.3. Bemorepersistentandhumbleinourprayers.4. HaveaclearerunderstandingofourresponsibilitiesinGod’skingdom.5. Bemoreskilledinusingparablestoteachothers.

“HewasDespisedandRejectedbyPeople”EventhoughJesusdidmanymightyworksoflovebythepowerofGod,mostpeoplerejectedhim.HisauthoritativeKingshipwassomethingtheyrefusedtoacceptandtheresultwasthattheymurderedhimontheCross.TheparableswewillstudyinthislessonwillshowhowandwhypeoplerejectJesus.Aswecometotheendofourstudywemustaskourselvesthequestion:DoIacceptJesusordoIstillhaveaheartthatisfullofrebellionthatrejectshisKingshipinmylife?ParableoftheGreatSupper–Luke14:12-24

1. ContextoftheParablea. Jesustoldaparabletoteachthatweshouldshowkindnesstothosewhocannotrepay.b. Afterhearingthis,amanexclaimed,“Blessediseveryonewhowilleatbreadinthe

kingdomofGod!”(14:15).2. ContentoftheParable

a. WhatwasthespecificinvitationthattheServantgavetothoseinvited?

b. WhatreasonsdidpeoplegivetonotattendtheMan’sbanquet?

c. HowdidtheMasterrespondtobeingrejected?

d. Whattypeofpeopledidheinviteafterbeingrejected?

3. MainPoint(s)a. WhatwastheendgoaloftheManinhavingthisbanquet(14:23)?Sowhatwerepeople

reallyrejecting?

b. WhatdowelearnfromthisparableaboutrejectinganinvitationtoJesus’house?

ParablesofJesus

4. ApplicationtoUsa. ReadLuke14:25-33b. WhatthingsdoesJesussaymustbegivenupinordertoaccept/followHim?(Notethese

arethethingsthatpeoplewouldnotgiveuptocometotheFeastintheparable.)ParableoftheLaborers–Matthew20:1-16

1. ContextoftheParablea. VerynearJerusalemandjustafterthediscussionwiththeRichYoungRuler.b. WhatarethelastwordsofJesusimmediatelybeforethisparableistold(19:30)?

Considerhowthisconnectstotheparable.

2. ContentoftheParablea. WhatarethespecifictimesgivenwhentheLaborerswerehired?

b. WhatspecificpaymentpromisesdoestheMastermaketotheLaborers?

c. HowistheMaster’sconversationwiththefourthgroupunique?

d. Whowaspaidfirst?THOUGHTQUESTION:WhydoyouthinkJesusincludesthisdetail?

e. Whywereworkersofthefirstgroupupset?

f. HowdoestheMasterrespondtotheircomplaint?

3. MainPoint(s)a. WhatisthepointthatJesusmakesattheendofthisparable?

b. Whatdoesthisstatementmean?Howdoesthisparableteachthatlesson?

c. Whyisthisconceptadifficultonetoaccept?

4. ApplicationtoUsa. ReadMatthew19:23-30.WhatisPeter’smindsetasrevealedbyhisstatementin19:27?

b. WhydoyouthinkJesusfollowsuphispromisestothedisciples(19:28-29)withthestatementin19:30,thenthisparable,andthenthatstatementrepeatedin20:16?

c. IntermsofrankintheKingdom,whatshouldbethemindsetofdisciplestowardeachother?Whyisthismindsetchallengingtohave?

ParableoftheWickedTenants–Matthew21:33-41

5. ContextoftheParablea. JesushadjustcomeintoJerusalem,cleansedthetemple,cursedthefigtree

(emblematicofhisjudgmentonJerusalem/Jewish“fruitlessness”),wasdealingwiththeJewishreligiousleadersrejectinghisauthorityandhadjustpreviouslytoldtheparableoftheTwoSons(21:1-32).

6. ContentoftheParablea. HowmuchworkdidtheMasterputintothisvineyard?

b. WhatdidtheMasterexpectfromtheVineyardthathehadleasedtoTenants?WhatdidtheTenantsgivehiminstead?

c. Whodoyouthinkmightberepresentedby:theTenants?Servants?Son?

d. WhatdidthereligiousleaderssayshouldbedonetotheTenants?

7. Explanationa. ReadPsalm118.HowdoesJesus’quotationofthisPsalmhelpexplainthemeaningof

theparable?

b. WhatdoesJesussaythisparableteachesabouttheKingdom?

c. HowwillitgowithpeoplewhorejectJesus?

8. MainPoint(s)a. WhatisthemainpointofJesustellingthisparable?

b. HowdidtheJewishreligiousleadersprovethetruthofthisparable?

9. ApplicationtoUsa. WhatdidthepeopleofJesus’dayrejectaboutHim?LookespeciallyinMatthew21.

b. InwhatwaysmightweactsimilarlytothepeopleofJesus’day?

c. Ifwedonotproducefruit,whatdoesthisparableteachthatweareessentiallydoing?

ReviewLesson13

IntroductionThesearetheparableswestudiedoverthelasttwelvelessons:

Title Parables

KingdomParables ParableoftheSower(Matt.13,Mark4,Luke8)ParablesoftheWeeds,MustardSeed,Leaven,HiddenTreasure,GreatPearl,Net(Matt.13),Seed(Mark4)

PrayerandPersistence MidnightFriend(Luke11)PersistentWidow(Luke18)

ParablesonResponsibility Talents(Matt25)Pounds(Luke19)GoodSamaritan(Luke10)RichFool(Luke12)

ParablesonForgiveness TwoDebtors(Luke7),UnworthyServant(Luke17),PhariseeandTaxCollector(Luke18)UnmercifulServant(Matt.18)TwoSons(Matt.21)

ParablesontheLost LostSheepLostCoinLostBoy(Luke15)

ParablesonJudgment BarrenFigTree(Luke13)UnjustSteward(Luke16)WeddingFeast(Matt.22)TenVirgins(Matt.25)

ParablesonRejection WickedHusbandmen(Matt.21,Luke20)GreatSupper(Luke14)Laborers(Matt20)

OverallGoalsofOur13LessonStudyWemadeitouraimthatbytheendofthestudyeachoneofuswouldhaveaccomplishedthegoalslistedbelow.Youshouldrevieweachoneandconsidertheprogressthatyouhavemade.Foreachofthegoals,lookbackoverthelistofparableswehavestudiedandlistseveralthatshouldhavehelpeduswiththatspecificgoal.Forexample,theparableofthepersistentwidowwouldcertainlyaiduswithgoal#3,tobemorepersistentandhumbleinprayer.

1. HaveanincreasedappreciationforJesusasateacher

ParablesofJesus

2. Gainadeeperunderstandingofourforgivenessandhaveamorelovingandforgivingheart

3. Bemorepersistentandhumbleinourprayers

4. HaveaclearerunderstandingofourresponsibilitiesinGod’skingdom

5. BemoreskilledinusingparablestoteachothersQuestionsAnswerthefollowingquestions.Allbutoneofthemhavebeenincludedinourpre-classexercises.

1. WhatistheonlyparablefoundexclusivelyinMark?2. Inwhatbookandchapterwillyoufindthekingdomparables?

3. Inwhatbookandchapterwillyoufindthethreeparablesonlostthings?4. Inwhatbooksaremostoftheparablesfound?5. Intheparableofthesowerwhatdidthesoilsrepresent?6. Whatwasthemainlessonoftheparablesofthetreasureandofthepearlofgreatprice?7. Whattworeasonsweregivenfortheparableofthepersistentwidowbeingtaught?8. Howmanytalentsweregiventothethreemenandhowmanydidtheymake?9. Whatwasthemainlessonoftheparableofthetalents?10. WhatpromptedtheparableoftheGoodSamaritan?11. TowhomwastheparableofthePhariseeandtheTaxCollectoraddressed?12. WhatcriticismofJesusledtohisteachingthethreeparablesonlostthings?13. WhattworeasonsdidJesusgivethedisciplesforteachinginparables?14. DuringwhatperiodofJesus’ministrydidheteachmostoftheparables?15. Whatparabledowematchwiththeparableofthemustardseed?

16. Whatreallifeissuesarerepresentedbytheweedsofthethirdsoil?17. Whowastheenemyintheparableofthewheat?18. Whenweretheweedsremoved?19. WhydidJesusteachtheparableoftheUnforgivingServant?20. WhichLostSonendedupoutsidethehouse?21. WhywastheDishonestManagercommended?

Wherewouldyoufind?Theanswersareinthetableabove,buttrytonamethebookandchapterwherethefollowingparablesarefound:

1. TheparableoftheSower(nametwo).2. TheparableoftheGoodSamaritan3. TheparableofthePersistentWidow4. TheparableoftheProdigalSon5. TheparableoftheUnforgivingServant6. TheparableoftheUnjustSteward7. TheparableoftheTalents8. TheparableoftheTwoDebtors

Parables of Jesus - Embry Hills · In this lesson, we will study a series of parables that were grouped with the Parable of the Sower. All of these parables, with the exception of

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