The Third Sunday in Lent
also known by the traditional name “Occuli (Eyes) Sunday”
March 12, 2023
God’s Love In Action…For Us and In Us
The early church father, Jerome shared a story about John the Apostle and Evangelist, while he was living in Ephesus in his very old age. He never missed the opportunity to worship on the Lord’s Day….even when he was unable to walk on his own. In his later years he asked his disciples to carry him to church. It was difficult for them and for him. Given his advanced age, John also lacked the physical stamina to speak to the congregation at length, as he had been able to do when he was younger. In spite of his infirmity, John always would say a few words to the brothers and sisters gathered in worship. Those words, Jerome reported, were simply (in Greek) “agapomen allelus” (“let us love one another”). Eventually, although they respected John deeply, his disciples and the members of the church did grow tired of John repeating the same thing week after week. And so, they finally asked him, “Master, why do you always say this?” He replied “Because it is the Lord’s command. And if that alone is done, it is enough.”
This morning both Jesus and John are going to encourage us to do the same thing as we gather for worship here at Grace Lutheran Church. We should also “Agapomen Allelus.” After all, each of us has received God’s love. Let’s do what He asks, and give that love to others too. In fact, I’ll get right to my (and the Lord’s) point and ask you, “Who are you going to love this week?” Later in today’s sermon we’ll get to consider a few suggestions to whom and how we can do that. At the same time I’m fairly certain that a little voice is going to whisper in your head, “Look, I’ve tried that before. It just doesn’t work. Besides, don’t want to love him (her/them), given what was said about me (or done to me). And, one more thing: Pastor, I don’t need you making me feel guilty about it.”
That’s your sinful nature speaking, of course. Mine sometimes talks that way to me too. But in every instance where God calls us to love others – even our enemies – and we don’t…..or won’t…..we’re sinning. And while Christ does forgive us all our sins, His forgiveness is never a “get out of jail free” card that we can play anytime we don’t want (or like) to do what the Lord expects from us, or be what He calls us to be. When I refuse (or fail) to love others, I need to repent. So do you. And then, we need to love others a lot more and a lot better.
But how can we do that? How do we love others the way Christ wants us to? Well, here’s a starting point. First, if we only love people begrudgingly and selfishly, we simply don’t have God’s love warming our hearts they way it should be there. So, I’d like to recommend to you this: that you “get loved up” by God before you do anything else. How can you do that? Why not start with reading the New Testament through (you can do it in a month if you spend about fifteen minutes a day in the Word.) As you read, look for all the evidences and expressions of God’s great love for you in sinlessness, sufferings, death and resurrection of Christ, your Savior. You might even memorize a few verses, so that you can carry them in your head and heart when you don’t have your Bible in your hand (and yes…..you’re capable of memorizing at Bible passage or two). Next, pray to God daily, thanking Him for His relentless love for you – a love that especially revealed itself in the forgiving and redeeming work of Jesus Christ. Finally….don’t ever think of keeping score on how much you love others, or how little others love you. Just love people because that’s what pleases and glorifies God. Love them because it’s the the Christian’s appropriate response to God’s overwhelming love for us in Christ. As you and I daily and gratefully reflect on God’s love for us, that love of God for us will fill us up to the point that it will automatically spill out of us toward other people in our lives. So, like a faucet, let God’s love flow to others from you. Only then, as Jesus and John so aptly advise us – can we truly love one another and show ourselves to be Christ’s disciples.
The Season of Lent and our Worship Service Today
Down through the centuries the Christian Church has used the 40 day period of Lent as a time during which its members are to contemplate, in an even more serious than usual fashion, the Spiritual significance of our Savior’s sufferings and death for our redemption. We are continuing that time-honored practice of Lenten reflection during our both our 2023 Wednesday evening and Sunday morning Lenten services.
Through our midweek evening meditations this year we’ve been listening to the stories of various Personalities in Christ’s Passion. The first three Wednesdays of Lent we considered the story of Caiaphas and his aweful, but awesome advice that One Man (Jesus) should die for the people. We also heard from Nicodemus, who was a disciple of Jesus in secret….but who eventually publicly gave evidence of his faith in Christ. And we listened to Judas Iscariot, who warned us not to throw our faith in Christ away (lest we become lost eternally, like him). This coming Wednesday, we’ll hear from Peter, the disciple who denied that he knew Jesus. In the coming weeks we will also hear the stories of Pilate and the Apostle John, who were both intimately involved in the Passion History of Christ.
These “solemn” 40 days of Lent (which began with Ash Wednesday and will continue through “Holy Saturday”) technically don’t include the six Sundays in Lent. The worship services on those days – as is the case for us this morning – are used as minor respites from the heavy penitential emphasis of the season. While there remains a “penitential” character associated with the Sundays in Lent, we especially want to joyfully focus on select portions of Scripture that encourage us through the victories of sin, death, and Satan, that our Savior has secured for us and shares with us even now.
Incidentally, the Sundays in Lent have been identified for many centuries by Latin names which were taken from the first words (from the Latin language…..which for centuries was the “language” used in worship services throughout the Western Church) of the Psalms traditionally appointed to be read in worship on these Sundays. This Third Sunday in Lent, then, is known as “Occuli Sunday,” taken from verse 15 of Psalm 25 (“Occuli” means “Eyes” — it’s underlined in today’s responsive reading).
Obviously, as the front of the worship flyer says, today’s service has to do with “love” – both the love that God has for us in Christ, as well as the love that we can demonstrate in our Christian lives both by extending love to others and by loving the word of our Lord and faithfully following it.
In our first reading, Paul urges the Christians in Ephesus (and us, today) not to live any longer in the darkness of ignorance, unbelief, and disobedience. Instead, live Spiritually renewed lives of righteousness before God by putting off the sinful impulses of lying, anger, stealing, inappropriate language, sexual immorality and grieving the Holy Spirit Who works faith in us. their salvation and the God of our salvation. Christians, saved by God’s grace in Christ, will want to do what pleases the Lord by speaking truthfully, building others up the faith, and generally living lives of Godly love.
Love is also at the center of our Children’s Lesson for today. As Jesus taught His disciples on the night He was betrayed and captured, so He tells us that we are to love each other with the same kind of selfless love that He gives us as our Savior. People will see our faith in Jesus by the way we love each other.
Our Gospel Lesson for today is also part of Jesus’ discourse (sermon) to His disciples on Maundy Thursday. He tells us that His love for us is as total and unconditional as the love God that Father has for Him. The Father loves the Son for many reasons – one of which is that Jesus did what He was commanded to do: He willingly sacrificed His life for us, so that we can have eternal life in heaven through faith in Him. Jesus also reminds us that He chose us to be faithful and productive followers for Him by the way we serve Him and by how we love one another.
Finally, in our Second Reading (and Sermon Text) John urges us to love each other in response to the love that God has already given us. In fact, he says that anyone who does not love others (including his/her enemies) does not really know the true God. God has revealed His love to us in many ways – but primarily through His Son, Whom He sent into our world to save sinful humanity from hell through His righteousness, death and resurrection for us. Since God loved us so very much to save us, we also ought to strive to please Him by loving each other. Additionally, knowing Christ as our Savior and living a life of love toward God and others should give us confidence on Judgement Day. That love for God should drive away any fear of condemnation for sin that we might otherwise feel. Consequently, love is a powerful evidence of truly having saving faith.
Pre-Service Prayer –
Lord Jesus, though but two or three In Your dear name assembled be,
You will among them show Your face And bless them with Your saving grace.
In Your dear name again we meet And worship humbly at Your feet;
You will Your gracious Word fulfill And cheer us with Your presence still.
Jesus, from Whom all blessings flow, Your peace and comfort now bestow;
Abide with us till life is o’er And keep us Yours forevermore. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission
Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Silent Prayer
We Praise Our God
The Introduction and Invitation to Worship
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Psalm for Today Psalm 25, selected verses
P: My Eyes are always on the Lord, because He frees my feet from the net.
C: Turn toward me and be gracious to me, + because I am lonely and afflicted.
P: The distress of my heart increases. Bring me out of my anguish.
C: See my affliction and my trouble, + and take away all my sins.
P: Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your mercy, for they are from eternity.
C: Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways. + According to Your mercy remember me, + because of Your goodness, O LORD.
P: To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You I have trusted, O my God.
C: Do not let me be put to shame. + For I have taken refuge in You.
After which the Congregation may be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 226 “To Your Temple I Draw Near”
sung antiphonally
Verse 1 – Entire Congregation
Verse 2 – Pulpit Side Verse 3 – Lectern Side
Verse 4 – Entire Congregation
Verse 5 – Women and Girls Verse 6 – Men and Boys
Verse 7 (all stand) – Entire Congregation
1 To your temple I draw near; Lord, I love to worship here.
Here are sacrament and Word; Here believers meet their Lord.
2 I through Christ am reconciled; I through Christ become your child.
Abba, Father, give me grace In your courts to seek your face.
3 While your glorious praise is sung, Touch my lips, unloose my tongue,
That my joyful soul may bless Christ the Lord, my righteousness.
4 While the prayers of saints ascend, God of love, to mine attend.
Hear me, for your Spirit pleads; Hear, for Jesus intercedes.
5 While I listen to your law, Fill my soul with holy awe
Till your gospel brings to me Life and immortality.
6 While your ministers proclaim Peace and pardon in your name,
Through their voice, by faith, may I Hear you speaking from the sky.
7 From your house, when I return, May my heart within me burn,
And at evening let me say, “I have walked with God today.”
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; I have done what is evil in Your sight and have failed to do what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins and trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
(Sung) Lord have mercy on us; Christ have mercy on us; Lord, have mercy on us.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, be strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life. God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent. Therefore, addressing you as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and under His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
(Sung) Glory be to God on high and on earth peace good will to men.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You.
We glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
O Lord God heavenly King, God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us.
You take away the sin of the world. Receive our prayer.
You sit at the right hand of God the Father. Have mercy on us.
For You only are holy. You only are the Lord.
You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit.
Are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen
The Prayer for this Day
O Almighty God, Heavenly Father, + by Whose grace we have been brought out of spiritual darkness + into the light of saving faith, + we thank You for choosing us to be Your children now and eternally. + We also implore You to be merciful to all who have gone astray from Your ways – both those persons we know who have wandered from You, + and the masses who are unknown to us but known to You. + Enable them also, with penitent hearts and steadfast faith + to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word. + And finally, be our defense against all the enemies of our souls, + that we might never forfeit Your grace, + but ever remain true to You. + All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + one God, now and forever. + Amen.
We Listen to the Word of God
The First Scripture Lesson Ephesians 4:17-5:10
17 So I tell you this and testify to it in the Lord: Do not walk any longer as the Gentiles walk, in their futile way of thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 Because they have no sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality, with an ever-increasing desire to practice every kind of impurity.
20 But you did not learn Christ in that way, 21 if indeed you have heard of him and were taught in him (since the truth is in Jesus). 22 As far as your former way of life is concerned, you were taught to take off the old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed continually in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new self, which has been created to be like God in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Therefore, after you put away lying, let each of you speak truthfully with your neighbor, because we are all members of one body. 26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. 27 Do not give the Devil an opportunity. 28 Let the one who has been stealing steal no longer. Instead, let him work hard doing what is good with his own hands, so that he has something to share with a person who is in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come from your mouths. Say only what is beneficial when there is a need to build up others, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of every kind of bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, and slander, along with every kind of malice. 32 Instead, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us.
5:1 Therefore, be imitators of God as his dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But do not let sexual immorality, any kind of impurity, or greed even be mentioned among you, as is proper for saints. 4 Obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking are also out of place. Instead, give thanks. 5 Certainly you are aware of this: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, who is God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 So do not share in what they do.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10 Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord
The Second Lesson I John 4:7-21
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love has not known God, because God is love. 9 This is how God’s love for us was revealed: God has sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we may live through him. 10 This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us so much, we also should love one another.
12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love has been brought to its goal in us. 13 This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. 16 We also have come to know and trust the love that God has for us.
God is love. Whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. 17 In this way his love has been brought to its goal among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are just like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love, but complete love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who continues to be afraid has not been brought to the goal in love.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For how can anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, love God, whom he has not seen? 21 This then is the command we have from him: The one who loves God should also love his brother.
After which the Congregation will rise for
Today’s Gospel Lesson John 15:9-17
9 “As the Father has loved me, so also I have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you hold on to my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have held on to my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that my joy would continue to be in you and that your joy would be complete.
12 “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this: that someone lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you continue to do the things I instruct you. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will endure, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 These things I am instructing you, so that you love one another.
The Public Confession of our Christian Faith
according to the words of the Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.
after which the Congregation will be seated for
Today’s Children’s Lesson John 13:14-15
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
“Love Each Other”….Jesus says so!
Second Hymn Hymn 391 “God Loved The World So That He Gave”
1 God loved the world so that he gave His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in him believe Should everlasting life receive.
2 Christ is the solid rock of faith, Who was made flesh and suffered death.
All who confide in him alone Are built on this chief cornerstone.
3 God would not have the sinner die– His Son with saving grace is nigh.
His Spirit in the Word does teach How we the blessed goal may reach.
4 Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son Forgives the sins that you have done.
You’re justified by Jesus’ blood; Baptized, you are a child of God.
5 When you are sick, when death draws near, This truth your troubled heart can cheer:
Christ Jesus saves my soul from death– This is the anchor of my faith!
6 Glory to God the Father, Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To you, O blessed Trinity, Be praise now and eternally!
The Greeting
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ! O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise. Amen.
The Sermon Text I John 4:7-11
The Love of God For Us
after the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May the God of peace, Who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, now equip you with everything good for doing His will! Amen.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Your presence. And take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation. And uphold me with Your free Spirit.
We Present our Offerings to the Lord
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship. However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry: 1) You can mail a check (no cash, please) to our church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745); or 2) You can donate through our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
As the offerings are brought to the altar, the Congregation will rise for
The Prayers for this Day
Special Prayers for this Day
Included in our prayers this morning are:
A Prayer of Intercession for the family of James Taylor. James’ nephew, AJ Buckner, suddenly passed away this past Friday.
Our General Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Blessing
The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The LORD look with favor upon you, and give you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 321
“Savior Again To Your Dear Name We Raise”
1 Savior, again to thy dear name we raise With one accord our parting hymn of praise.
Once more we bless thee ere our worship cease, Then, lowly bending, wait thy word of peace.
2 Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way; With thee began, with thee shall end the day.
Guard thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame, That in this house have called upon thy name.
3 Grant us thy peace, Lord, through the coming night; Turn thou for us its darkness into light.
From harm and danger keep thy people free, For dark and light are both alike to thee.
4 Grant us thy peace throughout our earthly life, Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife.
Then, when thy voice shall bid our conflict cease, Call us, O Lord, to thine eternal peace.
silent prayer, announcements, post-service music
Announcements
Recently At Grace Lutheran Last Sunday’s Worship: 56 Online: 22 Bible Class/SS Attendance: 22 and 3 Budgetary Offerings: $2761 Online Budgetary Offerings: $60.91 Tuesday Bible Class: 14
Wednesday Lenten Attendance: 34 Wednesday Online views: 10 Budgetary Offerings: $947
Looking Ahead For our Church-Family This Week
Today The 3rd Sunday in Lent, 9:30 a.m. Fellowship, 10:45 Bible Class/Sunday School, 11:05 a.m.
Youth Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Mar 13 (Mon) Church Secretary in office, 10 a.m. to early afternoon
Mar 14 (Tues) Morning Bible Class, 10:30 a.m.
Mar 15 (Wed) Lasagna and Salad Fellowship Meal, 6 p.m. The Third Midweek Lenten Service, 7:00 p.m.
Mar 18 (Sat) Outreach Visits, 10 a.m
Mar 19 (Sun) 4th Sunday in Lent, Worship with communion, 9:30am Fellowship Period, 10:45 a.m.
Bible Class/Sunday School time, 11:05 a.m. Youth Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Serving Us Next Sunday (Mar 19) Fellowship: Mary Karloski Elders: Terry Bruns, Tim Pfortmiller Ushers: Tim Huebner, Tom Otto Altar Guild: Katie Boatright, Marilyn Outlaw
Birthdays this week March 13 – Peter Strackbein; March 16 – Adam Larson; March 17 – Kent Swogger
Midweek Lenten Worship Encouragement….looking ahead to this coming Wednesday evening (March 15th), we will be conducting another special Lenten worship service. The goal of these midweek services is to help us better reflect upon our sins that necessitated Christ’s passion and repent of them, as well as to remind ourselves of God’s redeeming grace to us in Christ. Wednesday evening’s service will begin at 7:00 p.m. The focus of our sermons and services this year is the Personalities of Christ’s Passion. This week, we’ll be considering the story of Simon Peter. Please join us! …..And remember, if you are able, to bring a friend.
Lasagna and Salad Fellowship Meal…..We hope that many of you will be able to join us not only for Wednesday evening’s worship service, but also for the fellowship meal that will precede it, starting at 6 p.m. This week we’ll be having lasagna and salads (with desserts, of course) . Besides the good fellowship we can have during this time, we hope that these meals might make it a little less hectic for some of you to eat supper before attending the evening worship services. In addition to bringing yourself, if you’re able your bringing a food item or two would be appreciated. A sign up sheet is on a clipboard in the church entryway, and we will also pass it around during Bible Class today.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE VOICES…. … (perhaps yours???) to be a part of our church choir….particularly as we prepare for our upcoming Lenten and Easter services. Whether you’d be willing to try singing with the choir for a just a rehearsal to see if you’d like it (we normally rehearse on the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of each month, from 8:40 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.), or for the upcoming Lent and Easter season, or even longer, you can speak to Debbie Huebner (Debbie can even give you an at-home practice recording), or you can come to our next rehearsal (Sunday, March 12th). If you think God might have given you the singing ability, and/or if you have the interest, we’d be honored to have you as a part of our church choir.
Special Holy Week Worship Services Reminder – In slightly more than one month we’ll have two special opportunities to gather together here for worship during the week we know as Holy Week.. We urge all of you to make your preparations and plans now so that you will be able to join us for our Maundy Thursday (April 6th) worship service with the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 p.m., and our April 7th Good Friday worship service, which will also begin at 7:00 p.m.
Whom will you bring to worship this Easter Sunday? Yourself (and your spouse) of course. But how about inviting and bringing your son or daughter……your Grandchildren….your parents….an unchurched neighbor…..someone with whom you work….or how about a stranger that you’ve yet to meet? You could even invite a member of Grace who hasn’t been in church with us for a long time. A lot of the people that you and I know haven’t been inside of a church to worship our Lord in a very long time. Some of that is still due to the related effects that the Covid shut-down had. Some of that is the result of a growing apathy in our society toward religion, in general, and about God specifically.
I believe that’s part of why God has put each of us in the lives of various people. He wants us to be examples of faith in Christ to them and sources of Spiritual encouragement to them. And so He’s also called us all to verbally witness to them about how essential faith in the crucified and risen Christ is for us…and for them. After all, all of us are Christ’s “ambassadors” whose privilege it is to present the Gospel to people so the Holy Spirit can either establish, or strengthen, saving faith in their hearts. There’s no better opportunity to do that than this Lenten season, as we head toward the commemoration of Jesus’ death for us on Good Friday, and the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection for us on Easter Sunday. So, please be a witness for Jesus, and invite (and bring) someone you know who’s non-churched to worship our risen Savior with us on Easter morning….or any other worship service here.
A Special “THANK YOU”.….to the following, who gave their time and effort to work on our church grounds and in our buildings over this past weekend: Taylor Ashley; Robert Bontke; Tim Huebner; Dale Johannes; Kelvin Johannes; John Luedtke; Kent Mayer; Chris Roberts; Peter Strackbein; Kent Swogger; and John Wambold. Cold and wet though it was, your efforts made for a very successful work day….and you got a lot done.
The Parables of our Lord
Divine Truths From Real Life Stories
The Role And Interpretation Of Parables
What is a parable?
Definition of a parable
It is…….
– not a fable
– not a myth
– not a proverb
– A parable, by common definition, is an aid for teaching.
Many of us also have learned this definition: “A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.”
Look up the following Scripture references. In what way were parables effective in the given situations?
* Luke 20:1-19
* 2 Samuel 12:1-8
* Luke 14:25-33
How Jesus Used Parables
Look up Matthew 13:31,32. There’s no explanation of what this short parable means. Why did Jesus often speak in parables rather than simply stating the facts?
- Jesus used parables not to mask the truth, but to cause His hearers to search for it.
- Parables are more interesting than “abstract” theological discussions. They are also easier for people to relate to, and to remember.
- Jesus used parables in discourse with His enemies so that they would have no clear statements from Him to use against Him. Look up Mark 4:10-12.
- For those who were hardened in their refusal to acknowledge the truth of Jesus’ message and identity, parables served to hide the truth from them and act as a judgment against them. Look up Matthew 21:43-46. Who is Jesus addressing here? (see v.23) What is He clearly saying to them? Why did He use a parable to make this point?
The Gospel of John has no parables. Mark has only one that is unique to his book. The majority of our parables, then, come from Luke’s and Matthew’s Gospels. A few are also found in the Old Testament.
The Interpretation Of Parables
The following principles should guide us as we seek to interpret the parables of Jesus:
- The parables are not merely charming little stories about the “way things always are.” They explain ways in which God operates, or ways in which He expects His followers to live for Him. Matthew 13:11 tells us that parables explain certain aspects of the Kingdom of God to us; namely, God’s just and gracious dealings with sinful man. Also, keep in mind the main thought or leading idea of the parable as given by Christ himself, or the context.
- Always pay careful attention to the immediate context of the parable. Parables typically answer a question or address a particular situation that its hearers are facing. What prompted Jesus to speak the parables offered in the following references?
- Luke 7:41-50
- Matthew 12:29
- Luke 10:25-37
- All the features of the parable are subordinate to the leading idea. The interpretation of details must fit the main thrust of the story. Consequently, not every part of a parable needs to be interpreted. Some parts simply supplement the story. The parable itself should be studied along with the context to determine what is the one main point at issue (this is often called the “tertium”). For example in Luke 18:1-8, what might you conclude about God if you focused primarily on the description of the judge? What, however, is clearly the main point of this parable?
- Parables are not to be used to establish doctrine. Parables support other clear doctrinal passages.
- Finally, the interpreter should be familiar with the history, geography, culture and customs of Bible times to properly interpret the parables. Familiarity with Jewish marriage customs, the practice of wine making, the art of farming in ancient Israel, etc. will help us to better understand the parables.
Parables: Divine Truths From Real Life Stories
Section One: The Work And Worth Of The Gospel
(The sower & the seed; the weeds;
the mustard seed and yeast; the hidden treasure/pearl)
Section Two: God’s Great Expectations
(The two debtors; the lost sheep; the unmerciful servant;
the good Samaritan; the tower builder & warring king;
the shrewd manager; the unworthy servants; the 10 minas)
Section Three: By Grace Alone; By Faith Alone
(The searching shepherd/woman/father; the persistent friend;
the pharisee and the publican; the laborers in the vineyard)
Section Four: Preparation For Judgment
(The rich fool; the narrow door; the seats at a wedding feast;
the great banquet; the wedding banquet; the net;
foolish & wise virgins; the tenants)
Section Five: Miscellaneous and Lesser-Known Parables
(The Parable of The Patched Garment And The Wineskins; Children In The Marketplace;
Parables Proving The Person Of Christ; The Empty House; The Owner of the House; Clean and Unclean; Lost Sheep and Dogs; The Yeast of the Pharisees; The Rock and the Keys; The Lamp of the Body;
The Fruitless Fig Tree; The Wise and Foolish Builders)
Section One: The Work and Worth of the Gospel
The Sower, The Seed, And The Soils
(Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:2-20; Luke 8:4-15)
To understand this parable, note that farmers in Jesus’ day simply broadcast the seed on untilled ground and then scratched the seed into the soil with a crude plow. A footpath of soil hardened by foot traffic, often ran around the perimeter of the field.
This parable and others seek to explain the nature of and operation of the “Kingdom of God” or “The Kingdom of Heaven”. What do these passages tell us about God’s kingdom?
- Luke 17:20,21
- John 18:36,37
- Romans 14:17
We define “God’s Kingdom” as his gracious rule in our hearts through his Word.
What four results followed the farmer’s sowing of his field? (Mark 4:2-8)
Read Mark 4:10-12. For Jesus’ enemies, what purpose did these parables serve? What “secret” did the disciples know that enables them to understand the parables?
In verses 13-20, Jesus explains this parable to his disciples. In the first case, Satan takes away the word before it has a chance to sink in. Give examples of how the devil can take the Word away.
In the second case, why would someone “receive it [the Word] with joy, but have no root”? What are some of the issues/things in life that, spiritually-speaking, cause a shallow root system that, in turn, leads to the rather rapid death of a faith that initially seems to thrive?
Agree or Disagree……..A person like this person never had genuine faith in the first place.
In the third case, explain how worries and mixed-up priorities can choke out God’s Word in human hearts.
In the last case, what does Jesus mean when he says that the Word produces different amounts of fruit in people’s lives? Why is it dangerous to assume that all believers should produce the same amount of fruit in their lives?
This parable not only speaks to four types of hearers, but describes each of us individually as well. In what way is that true?
Our mission purpose, as a Christian Church, is to make and maintain disciples of Christ. How does a proper interpretation of this parable help us understand what we are to do?
The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)
On the basis of the previous parable, should we assume that some people are to receive credit for their salvation because they were “good soil” and accepted the Word whereas others rejected it? This parable shows us that the life that comes from a seed of grain, and spiritual life that comes from the seed of God’s Word, are both mysteries.
What warning can we take from this parable when we are tempted to tamper with or dress up God’s Word to make it more appealing to human hearts?
What comfort can we take from this parable as we seek to sow God’s Word in human hearts with sometimes fumbling efforts or little outward “success”?
The Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43)
Jesus uses another familiar illustration from the agricultural world. How did Jesus explain this parable? (vv.36-43)
Why is it dangerous to say, “We’re going to get rid of all those people in our congregation who act like unbelievers”?
How does this parable help us to understand and deal with the disturbing fact that there are hypocrites even in Christian congregations?
Often we wonder “why” things in this world are so evil. Verse 28 gives a succinct answer……
The Mustard Seed and the Yeast (Matthew 13:31-35)
The mustard plant here pictured is not the 18 inch plant that grows in our garden. The oriental mustard plant can reach the height of a tree one year from planting (J. Dwight Pentecost, in his book The Parables Of Jesus, claims that he has a picture of a one-year-old mustard tree, 32 feet high!)
Knowing Satan’s opposition to God’s kingdom, an understandable question is “What will become of God’s kingdom if Satan so vigorously seeks to destroy it?” How does this parable answer that question?
The Bible speaks of the Gospel as something considered by many to be “foolishness”, “weak”, and “lowly” (1 Corinthians 1:27,28). For example, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are regarded by many as mere rituals or symbols. When we speak about these Sacraments as “Means of Grace” through which God powerfully works, we are often met with skepticism and even ridicule. What evidence do we have, however, that these things are not as weak as they seem?
The parable of the Yeast in the dough focuses in on the way in which the Gospel works, which is similar to the working of yeast amid dough. Yeast works internally, and yet its work is all-pervasive and is readily observable.
How does this parable speak to the person who assumes (or presumes), “I can love however I want, as long as I believe”?
The Hidden Treasure And The Pearl of Great Price
(Matthew 13:44,45)
It was not uncommon for people in Bible times to bury part of their wealth as a means of keeping it secure in times of war or political unrest. People in ancient times placed an unusually high value on pearls, similar to how we might value gold, diamonds, or other precious gems today.
Does this parable teach that God’s kingdom is something that we obtain by giving up other things? (See Isaiah 55:1,2)
Does this parable teach us to hoarde the Gospel once we find it? (Mark 16:15)
This parable DOES teach us something about our attitude toward the Gospel. Namely, what?
Section Two: God’s Great Expectations
The Two Debtors (Luke 7:36-50)
The basis for this parable is an incident that occurs during a dinner Jesus attends at the home of a Pharisee named Simon.
What makes you wonder about the sincerity of this man’s invitation to Jesus? And if he did not invite Jesus out of true respect, why did he invite him?
The woman who enters Simon’s home is called “a woman who had lived a sinful life.” She was probably a prostitute. Pharisaic law made being touched by such a woman an act of defilement.
In addition, what kind of rabbi would accept an expensive perfume gift when it was undoubtedly purchased with sin-tainted money!? Why did Jesus allow this sorry, sobbing scandalous human being to even get near him?
What spiritual point does the parable make? What should it particularly have meant to Simon?
It was common hospitality in Eastern cultures to provide water for guest to wash their feet, to greet guests with a polite kiss, and to anoint the guest’s head with oil (considered by most to be an act symbolizing joy and festivity). Not only did Simon neglect to do this, but this sinful woman – in contrast — went beyond what was customary.
Do we ever consider ourselves less in need of forgiveness than others? When? Why?
In what ways do we view certain sinners with disgust? How should we be viewing them?
How would you have reacted to that woman? Would you have been embarrassed? Would you have thought she went overboard? When does showing love for Jesus become excessive? What is easier- To fall short of showing love for Jesus or to go too far?
The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14)
What was on the disciples’ minds that leads us into chapter 18? (See verse 1) What does this question tell us about their attitude and character?
Verses 10-14 contrast the disciple’s attitude and goals with God’s. The angels who “always see the face of my Father in heaven” rejoice whenever a sinner repents. What is Jesus’ point in this verse?
Contrast the attitude of the heavenly Father in this parable with that of the disciples in verse 1.
How does this parable influence how we look at others? How we look at ourselves? How we approach our ministry as a church and as individuals?
The Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
Jesus had just finished discussing how to deal with someone who has sinned against us. Peter has a question that seems quite natural, given the preceding conversation. “How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?”
We need to give Peter credit for the right motives, but the wrong mechanics. Pharisaic law demanded that one forgive two times, or three times if you wanted to exceed the standard. Peter also knew the law of love should prompt a Christian to be more forgiving than that. Even more than twice as forgiving. It seems he was anticipating Jesus to give him an answer somewhere between 3 and 7.
Note that Jesus’ use of the number “seventy times seven” was a Jewish idiom and was understood to mean an innumerable amount.
10,000 talents = millions of dollars
A few hundred denarii = A few dollars
What are some excuses we use to justify being unforgiving?
The parable gives us the reason why we are expected to forgive innumerable times. What is the number one motivating factor that makes the victim of a sin able to forgive the sinner. see Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13
“he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold . . .” The selling of a debtor who was not able to pay was not unusual in ancient times. “I will pay back everything.” A flat-out lie. Don’t many people think the same thing when it comes to salvation? Good works cannot pay God back for sins in our life.
The Roman Catholic church uses v. 34 as a proof passage for purgatory. Why is that not a legitimate interpretation?
What’s wrong (and dangerous) with this statement? “I just can’t forgive him/her for what he/she has done!”
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
To understand why Jesus spoke this parable, read verses 25-29. Why did this expert in the law ask the question, “And who is my neighbor?” What’s wrong with the lawyer’s question?
Look at Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. What is emphasized in both passages? Why the emphatic repetition of “all?” What will prompt such love? (See I John 4:1)
In verse 28, the Greek word for “do this” means “keep on doing, never fail, never give up, never slip, never let go.” What is Jesus’ point in telling the lawyer, “Do this and you will live?” (Also, see Galatians 3:21)
Jesus’ parable is His answer to the man’s question. To understand this parable better, we want to note the following:
- A priest was the highest and most repsected religious leader in Israel.
- The Levites were temple workers; both the priest and the Levite therefore could well be considered as model, God-fearing Jews.
- The Samaritans and Jews hated each other; the Jews considered the Samaritans as half-breed low-lifes because they were of mixed blood (Jewish and native Canaanite); Samaritans considered the Jews to be arrogant and overbearing. A Jew would have nothing to do with a Samaritan, and vice versa.
What reasons might that Priest and Levite have for not stopping to help that wounded man? Could their “reasons” be viable, spiritually speaking?
The main point of the parable is stated in verse 36. What is it?
Many misinterpret this parable. They assume that Jesus was teaching us to be kind to people. Acutally, this parable holds no comfort for us at all. Because it convicts us, just as it convicted that expert in the law…………of what?
This account points out sinful man’s wrong assumption that God is satisfied with our keeping common standards of basic, decent behavior. What ARE God’s standards? Can we “Go and do likewise?” If not, how can we have any hope of pleasing God?
In what ways are we, at times, like the Levite and priest? In what ways would you like to be more like the Good Samaritan? How is Jesus the true Good Samaritan?
The Tower Builder And The Warring King (Luke 14:25-35)
This parable leads the crowd following Jesus to consider whether they are willing to pay the price of living in this kingdom as a disciple of Christ.
In what sense does the call to follow Jesus include a call to “hate” even those close to us? How is it a call to “hate” even our own life?
Today, we hear the phrase “a cross to bear” and we think of something difficult we have to live with. However, in Jesus’ day, carrying a cross meant much more. It meant . . . what?
Why is it important to “count the cost” of discipleship?
According to this section of Scripture, who IS qualified to be a disciple? Are you qualified? Justify your response.
The Parable Of The Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13)
After focusing on God’s desire to save sinners, Jesus teaches his disciples how to live in such a way as to show that rescuing souls is their main objective as well.
In Eastern business practice, as long as a manager collected what his owner demanded, he was free to take any added percentage for himself. Therefore, it is possible that even with the discounts the manager offered, he still returned the amount that his owner originally demanded. Regardless, the manager lost out on money that could have been his. About what was the manager most concerned?
Why did the owner “commend” the manager?
There’s no question that dishonesty was involved in this man’s plan. However, that is not the point of Jesus’ parable. Jesus wants to bring attention to the shrewdness of the manager, and for his disciples to take note.
In verse 8, who are the “people of this world?” (see Psalm 17:14) Who are the “people of light?” (see Ephesians 5:8) Why would people of the light want to be shrewd in dealing with people of the world?
You have a neighbor that moves in and you find out he and his family are atheists. What are some ways you can be “shrewd” in dealing with him? What factors will determine how “shrewd” you become?
Agree or Disagree: The manner in which I use my wealth on this earth determines to what degree God will bless me with more. (see 2 Corinthians 9:6)
What is the main point of this parable?
NOTE: Heaven is a gift. It has nothing to do with how we use our money. However, our use of wealth in a God-pleasing way may RESULT in many people being in heaven to welcome us one day.
Unworthy Servants (Luke 17:7-10)
In verses 1-6 of chapter 17, Jesus has just given some examples of the stringent demands of obedience that those who follow Him must follow. When they expressed their intimidation at such high standards, Jesus comforted them by telling them that, though their faith was small, yet because their faith was in him, it was powerful enough to enable them to great things for God!
This short parable, however, speaks to a different concern: the human tendency to judge our faithfulness to God on the basis of how we stack up compared to others. There’s always someone less faithful than we are. Often we are able to find that person in our lives. What does this parable say to us when we start to compare ourselves to others?
What are the evil consequences for me, for others, and for God when I conclude, “you know, compared to most people, I’m a pretty faithful Christian”?
The Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27)
If someone gave you $l000.00 extra dollars, what would you do with it?
1. Invest it aggressively.
2. Put it in an insured bank account.
3. Stuff it in a mattress because you don’t trust banks.
The setting of this parable is that Jesus and his disciples are nearing Jerusalem on his last journey. Many believed Jesus would now establish His kingdom in Jerusalem. The story of Zacchaeus, just previous to this parable, points out the commitment to Jesus that accompanies a life of faith. Zacchaeus gave half of his possessions to the poor and paid back those he had cheated four-fold. The parable is all about faithfulness. Perhaps Jesus spoke this parable in Zacchaeus’ home.
Who’s the man who went into a far country and promised to return again? Who are the servants? Who are the people who say, “We don’t want you to rule over us?” What’s the distant country? What’s meant by the interval between when the nobleman left and would return?
(Verse 13) a mina was about three months wages. What does the mina that each servant received before the nobleman left in the parable represent? (see John 20:22). It could also be the means of grace God’s servants are to use faithfully until the end of the age. I Tim. 6:20. What are we to do with the mina until Jesus returns again?
In Biblical numerology the number ten, incidentally, consistently represents perfection or completeness.
The faithful servants in the parable showed their faithfulness by investing the money given to them by their master wisely and profitably. How can we show our faithfulness as God’s servants?
Should we expect tangible or visible rewards already now on earth?
What does Jesus mean in verse 26?
Should we be afraid of the Last Day when the Lord calls us to give an account?
Section Three: By Grace Alone…By Faith Alone
The Searching Shepherd, The Searching Woman, The Searching Father (Luke 15:1-32)
What precipitated these three parables? (v. 2)
These parables sharply contrast the attitude of the Pharisees toward sinners with God’s attitude toward sinners. How did a stereotypical Pharisee regard a “sinner”? What do these parable teach us about how GOD regards a sinner?
NOTE: Verse 7 reminds us that God is NOT in the business of rubber-stamping with his seal of approval the self-righteousness of people like the Pharisees. What really pleases him is rescuing repentant sinners. How do these parables challenge how we view ourselves?
List some details from these three parables that indicate the depth of God’s love for us.
Did you ever run away from home? Where did you go? What happened? (Or, Did you ever think of running away from home? Where would you have gone? Why did you change your mind?) Which child were you in your family, the “obedient” one or the “wild” one?
Why do you think the prodigal son decided to leave home?
In those times if a younger son left the family home for one reason or another, the older son was expected to stay at home and take care of the estate. However, the younger son had no right to demand his share of the inheritance when he did. According to Jewish law, the children could not divide the inheritance until after the father’s death. Then the firstborn (oldest) received a “double share” of the estate, and the other children shared the remainder of it (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). The younger son in the parable could have received a considerable amount of money.
What’s meant by the “distant country?” When are we off in a “distant country?” Why didn’t the father stop his son? Why doesn’t God stop us? What kind of pleasures can the world give?
Does God ever abandon someone to their foolishness? Romans 1:24,28.
Do you think that the father was wise to give his son his inheritance when he knew his son would probably blow it?
If the father had a pretty good idea where his son had gone, do you think he should have gone after him?
(Verses 17-19) What does the lost son realize he doesn’t deserve? What’s his only hope when he goes back home? What must we also realize we don’t deserve from God? What’s our only hope also?
Of what can we be sure when we return to our heavenly father? What’s the spiritual counterpart to the “best robe” (verse 22)? See Galatians 3:27; Isaiah.61:10. The ring signified son ship. Sons also wore sandals. Slaves went barefoot.
In the third parable, what flaws do you find in the protest of the older brother to his father’s goodness toward his younger brother? (vv. 28-30)
By temperament and experience, which of the three main characters do you best identify with in this story of the prodigal son/unforgiving brother/waiting father?
Agree or Disagree: Some “lost sons” can appear to be very nice, decent, family loving and church going people?
What’s the only food that nourishes and feeds the soul? What is some “pigs food” the world offers?
The Blind Guides (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:39-42)
This parable is connected to Jesus famous “Sermon On The Mount.” In this sermon Jesus teaches almost the diametric opposite of what the Pharisees taught; namely, that an attitude of humility and mercy are more important than an outward show of righteousness; that sin is not only what one does but what one thinks; that God expects more than reasonably good behavior, that he expects perfection.
Read the parable in verses 39-40 of Luke 6. In what sense were the Pharisees “blind” leaders?
What does Jesus indicate as the consequences of such blind leadership?
Read verses 41,42. Then read Luke 6:1-10. How did the Pharisees prove themselves guilty of the sin this parable reveals? What was the plank in the Pharisees’ eye? Let’s apply this parable to ourselves. Should we ever point out sin in the life of a fellow Christian? (See 6:37) If so, what should be our attitude in doing so and our goal?
The Persistent Friend (Luke 11:1-10)
This entire section has to do with prayer. What would prompt the disciples to request “Lord, teach us to pray”? What’s so difficult about praying?
Verses 2-4 describe the nature of God-pleasing prayer. God-pleasing prayer will reflect that our greatest concern is God’s glory and his kingdom (gracious ruling) in the hearts of people, that spiritual matters are most important, that we are dependant on God for everything from basic physical needs to forgiveness to help in any trouble.
Verses 5-8 is a parable which makes what point about HOW we are to pray?
(This parable should remind us not to go too far in interpreting every detail of parables. For instance, we shouldn’t assume that God is like the man in the parable, answering our prayers merely because we keep bothering him.
Verse 9,10 should be an encouragement to us; however, what do you make of the claim that some make based on these words, that, if you really believe, God will answer all of your prayers?
Verses 11-13 are an argument from a lesser point to a greater. What is the point?
What is the greatest gift we can ask for?
The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
The purpose of this parable is in Luke 18:1. What is the purpose? Why do we need this parable?
There is an argument from the lesser to the greater from this parable. If even an unjust judge grants justice after much pleading, then certainly . . . what?
Is Jesus’ last statement in v. 8 a warning for the disciples or about the world they live in? Be prepared to defend your answer. What does verse 8 say to us?
The Pharisee And The Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
When you were in high school, what did it take to be with the “in” crowd? What was a guaranteed way to be out?
What is the purpose of this parable? (verse 9)
(Verse 11) Was the Pharisee really thanking God?
God prescribed only 1 day of fasting a year, the Day of Atonement. Lev. l6:29,31 Later the Jews observed four official days of fasting. The Pharisees fasted each Monday and Thursday, the days tradition says Moses ascended and descended Mt. Sinai. The Jews also weren’t commanded to give a tenth of everything. Small herbs, for example, were exempted.
Comment on the body language of the tax collector.
(Verse 14) justified = not condemned, innocent, fully forgiven, free and rid of all guilt and punishment, accepted and beloved to God. On what basis does God pronounce this verdict? Why was the Pharisee not justified?
What’s meant by “universal justification?” When did it take place? What’s meant by “personal justification?” When did it take place? Why is universal justification of such comfort to the penitent sinner?
Agree or Disagree: Even today the Pharisee and the tax collector go to the temple to pray.
How can religious feelings be deceiving? To what must we compare ourselves to get a true picture of ourselves?
How is this parable a comfort? How is it a warning?
The Laborers In The Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
The basis for this parable is Peter’s question in 19:27. Peter was curious about the reward he could expect as someone who had left everything to follow Jesus. What does this parable say to those who serve God because they want to get a bigger reward than everybody else?
This parable forces us to ask, “Why do I serve God?” It also forces us to ask whether we feel a “new” Christian has the same rights as we do in the congregation? How does this parable respond to both of those concerns?
Section Four: Preparation for Judgment
The Parable Of The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)
According to Jewish law, the eldest son received a double inheritance, with the provision he subsequently must support his mother and (any) unmarried sisters.
The man in our text seems to make a rather simple request of Jesus. Describe Jesus’ response and what flaw he points out in the man’s question…and heart.
What does Jesus mean in verse 15 by the term “a man’s life?”
There are hints regarding the attitude problem this man had. How did he get his crop? (pay careful attention to the wording in verse 16)
Does this parable say that it is wrong to plan ahead for the future? (See James 4:13-15) Is it right to put money away in a life insurance policy or a retirement account or even to have a savings account?
Pay careful attention to the wording he uses when he talks about material possessions. What do you notice that indicates just what was the problem with this rich man’s view of life? (See also Psalm 39:6; Psalm 49:10; Eccl. 2:18,21)
Why did God call him a “fool” in verse 20?
Agree or Disagree: To possess wealth gives a person a false sense of security
Aside from material wealth, what other earthly matters might give one a false sense of security?
What does it mean to be “rich toward God”? And how does one do that?
Where are your riches? What are three chief priorities for your life right now? How would you like to be remembered?
Where would you like to leave your riches?
The Net (Matthew 13:47-50)
The normal way to fish on the Sea of Galilee was to simply drag a net through the water. The net, of course, would collect both edible and inedible fish. Take note that Jesus is speaking this parable from a location near the Sea of Galilee, where the people may been able to see fisherman out on the water and plying their trade.
It is impossible to determine how many “keepers” there are in a net bulging with fish, simply by looking at the net. What lesson do we learn from this parable about the nature of the kingdom of heaven?
How does this parable serve as a warning to us?
Define the “wicked” and the “righteous” (See Romans 3:20-23)
Many today do not believe in the traditional understanding of hell as a place of fiery punishment. Verse 50 makes the nature of hell very clear.
The “gnashing of teeth” is symbolic of anger and frustration. Why are the inhabitants of hell frustrated and angry?
The Narrow Door (Luke 13:22-30)
In what respect is the door to heaven a narrow door?
The people outside the house claim to be acquainted with Jesus. Why does God deny knowing them?
If it is “evildoers” (v.27) who will be shut out of heaven, how can you or I stand a chance?
In verse 28, the “weeping” refers to sorrow and the “gnashing of teeth” refers to anger. Why will people shut outside of heaven grieve and be angry?
In verse 30, what was the message for the Jews of Jesus’ day? What is the message for us today?
The Seats At The Wedding Feast (Luke 14:7-11)
The feast Jesus was attending was also attended by Pharisees and teachers of the law. In what way was their behavior at this feast (grabbing the best seats) indicative of their spiritual attitudes?
What did Jesus’ specifically mean in his statement in verse 11? Think of some situations when we need to remember these words.The Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)
One of the guests at this banquet expresses his feelings about the blessedness of sharing in that future feast in the kingdom of God. The parable Jesus speaks directs that man’s attention AWAY from how wonderful heaven will be to whether he is willing, RIGHT NOW, to accept the invitation.
Who embodies God’s invitation to his heavenly feast? And how does one therefore reject God’s invitation to his kingdom?
The people in the parable had seemingly legitimate obligations in other matters. Why, then, are these people excluded from the feast and their “reasons” for not accepting the invitation called “excuses” (v. 18)?
This parable is all about priorities . . . in what sense?
What are some excuses humans use today for rejecting God’s invitation to his kingdom?
The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
This parable was spoken right in the temple courtyard before the chief priests and elders during the week of Jesus’ death. His words are blunt.
How were the tax collectors and prostitutes like the first son? How were the Pharisees and teachers of the law like the second son?
There is a difference between claiming obedience and actually obeying. What command from the Father were the religious leaders simply unwilling to obey (though they calimed to be truely obedient to God)?
Comment on this statement: “Oh, I’m sure she went to heaven. She was very religious.”
The Parable Of The Tenants (Matthew 21:33-44)
Note that the situation is the same as that surrounding the parable above.
Who or what is . . .1) The landowner 2) The tenants 3) The servants 4) The son 5) The vineyard 6) The expected fruit 7) The other tenants 8) Harvest time?
Note how the parables are very direct and obvious in meaning to confront the religious leaders with their obstinate refusal to accept the truth of Jesus Christ.
What does verse 44 mean?
Ready And Waiting Servants (Luke 12:35-48)
In verses 35-40, Jesus speaks of being prepared for his second coming. In the first illustraation of servants waiting for their master to return home, what highly unusual thing does the master do for his faithful servants? What does this tell us about the nature of our Savior?
The second illustration pictures Jesus’ coming like a thief breaking into a house. Why?
The parable in verses 42-46 reminds us that there is a temptation all of us face until Jesus returns. What is that temptation? In what ways do we emulate that unfaithful servant?
The final verses, 47-48, remind us that the privilege we have been given to know the Savior and his word so well comes an important responsibility; namely, what?
NOTE: Scripture does teach clearly that there will be different degrees of punishment in hell.
The Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)
According to Jewish custom, when a couple was betrothed, an announcement was sent out regarding the impending marriage, which usually took place around one year later. This parable speaks about the subsequent personal invitations given shortly before the wedding.
The wedding clothes were special garments that guests were expected to wear to show their joy at the event being celebrated. Not wearing those garments was an insult.
Apply this parable to God’s dealings with Israel, focusing in on these details in the parable:
1. The repeated invitations
2. The apathetic and even hostile response
3. The subsequent invitation to anyone on the street
4. The importance of wedding clothing
What tendancies do we have that make this parable an apt warning for us?
In what way does this parable glorify God’s grace?
How does this parable help us to answer the charge: “I can’t believe a loving God would actually send people to hell.”
The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
Bridegrooms would walk in a festive procession from the home of the bride to the groom’s home. Guests could join the procession as it went along or greet the groom at his home. It was necessary, however, that the guests have lighted lamps. Each lamp would serve to further illuminate the home or banquet hall, and provide a bright and joyful atmosphere for the celebration.
Why did 5 of the 10 virgins fail to meet the groom? Whose fault was it? Why?
Verse 13 states the point of this parable. What is it?
What can lead us to not be prepared to meet Jesus when he returns?
Section Five: Miscellaneous Parables
The Parable of The Patched Garment And The Wineskins
(Matthew 9:16,17; Mark 2:21,22; Luke 5:36-39)
Jesus has been baptized by John, thereby authenticating the ministry of John as well as giving public witness of his identity as God’s Son and chosen Messiah. He has returned from the wilderness to Galilee and chosen his disciples. He has worked his first miracle (turning water into wine) in Cana of Galilee. He has returned to Jerusalem for the Passover. He has made his way back to Galilee, where he has set up headquarters at Capernaum. He has gone throughout the region proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God and healing many sick and demon-possessed people.
He has been ministering publicly long enough for the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law to become familiar with him and his message and to form some opinions about him. What do the following references tell you about the doctrine and practice of these religious leaders?
- Matthew 6:5
- Matthew 6:16-18
- Luke 11:37-54
- Luke 16:14
Is Jesus a friend or foe to them? Why?
- John 1:13-22
- Luke 5:17-26
- Luke 5:27-32
Read Luke 5:33-39 in light of the last two references from Luke 5 we just studied. This was obviously not an honest question. It was meant to discredit Jesus. What did the question imply about Jesus and his disciples?
The Pharisees assumed that fasting won brownie points with God. Jesus answer implies that fasting isn’t a deed that impresses God. It is a sign of sorrow. When Jesus said his disciples shouldn’t fast in sorrow, because the bridegroom was with them, what was he claiming about himself?
The parable Jesus then speaks about the garment is designed to lead the Pharisees to conclude that their teaching doesn’t match Jesus’ teaching. Explain the difference and how the parable illustrates the incompatibility of the two.
The parable of the wineskins indicates that it is impossible to package Jesus’ message in the structure of Old Testament Law. Explain how the parable illustrates that and why the point of the parable is true.
This parable has to do with mixing up the Law and the Gospel. How do the following examples illustrate an improper use of Law and Gospel?
All you have to do to get to heaven is believe in Jesus and live a good life.
We really feel good about our church! We’re growing by leaps and bounds, we always have something going for every age group, and people say that we’re the friendliest group around!
No Christian who appreciates what Jesus did for them would EVER have done what you did! Does Jesus’ death for you mean ANYTHING to you at all?
The Ten Commandments are a real comfort to me because they keep me on track in my walk with God.
Children In The Marketplace (Matthew 11:16-19; Luke 7:29-35)
This parable is directed to the Pharisees and experts in the law. How did these people regard John’s ministry? (See Luke 7:29,30) What did they think of Jesus? (See notes on the parable of the Wineskins)
Jesus compares the religious leaders of his day to children at play. In verse 32, what are we told about the way that children act when it comes to choosing what to play.
How did the religious leaders also act this way? (See vv. 33,34). In verses 33 and 34, what are we told about the different nature of John’s
and Jesus’ ministry?
Our sinful nature also resists both the Law and the Gospel. List some examples.
Parables Proving The Person Of Christ (Matthew 12:22-30; Mark 3:22-27)
What precipitated the parable-based teaching of this section? (See vv 22-24)
List the arguments Jesus uses to show how ridiculous and simple-minded the accusation that Jesus is driving demons out by the power of the devil is. (v26-29)
What conclusion, arising from Jesus’ obviously real and God-given miracle-working power, did the Pharisees not want to accept? Why not?
Many today want to find some reason to dismiss anything about Jesus that points to his divine nature. Why is it simple-minded for someone to think he can separate Jesus from his miracles and end up with “Jesus, the great humanitarian-teacher”?
The Empty House (Matthew 12:43-45)
What leads to Jesus’ words in this section? Read 12:38. The current religious leaders again show their absolute ridiculousness when they ask Jesus for a sign that will prove he is the Messiah sent from God. Why in the world would they need a sign, given all the miracles Jesus had already performed!? Their request merely betrays their refusal to accept the truth that had already been made clear.
Read the parable. It speaks about a demon-possessed man who enjoyed freedom from demon possession for a while, but in the end was possessed by seven demons rather than merely one.
Many Israelites who had rejected God repented when John the Baptist brought his message to Israel and pointed them to the Messiah, Jesus. But many of those baptized by John later rejected Jesus and so their fate was worse at the end.
What warning can we take from this parable?
How does this parable move us to reach out more energetically to our fallen-away friends and relatives?
The Owner Of The House (Matthew 13:51,52)
In order for the teachers of the law to give their listeners the full revelation of God, they first had to be instructed in the kingdom of heaven themselves. What did they need to learn about the kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 3:1-3)
What are the old treasures? What are the new treasures?
Christian teaching is more than just a matter of imparting knowledge or facts; it’s sharing treasures! List some of the treasures that Christian teachers (such as parents, Sunday School teachers, and every Christian witness) are privileged to share.
Clean And Unclean (Matthew 15:1-20)
Since the time of the return from the Baylonian Capitivity, the teachers of the law had added additional regulations and laws to the Mosaic Law. Two of those “traditions of the elders”, as they were called, are mentioned in the opening verses. One is the practice of ceremonial washing before meals, and the other is the practice of dedicating something as a special gift to God.
In their effort to keep the man-made traditions of the Elders, the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law ended up breaking God’s clear commands. How does Jesus illustrate that? How do the Isaiah passages support Jesus’ accusation?
Read 15:10,11 and then 15:15-20 for the explanation of this parable.
Our sin and our need for a savior is more serious if we view sin as a matter of the heart and rather than as a matter of one’s life. Why is that?
NOTE: This was a theme Jesus hit again and again in his discussions with the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. Without a true understanding of sin, there isn’t much need for a Savior.
Read 15:12-14 Jesus here tells his disciples why they shouldn’t be surprised if the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ words, nor should they let the Pharisees intimidate them as men who seem to be in control.
Lost Sheep And Dogs (Matthew 15:21-28)
Jesus’ ministry was conducted primarily for the benefit of God’s people, the Jews. Jesus’ mission was conducted for all people. Jesus’ is referring only to his ministry in verse 24.
In Jesus’ statement in verse26, who are the children? What is the bread? Who are the dogs?
In the woman’s reply, what was she saying to Jesus? How would you describe this woman’s faith?
Jesus didn’t help her right away; in fact he seemed to ignore her and then cut her down. Why did he deal with her in this manner?
The Yeast Of The Pharisees And Sadducees (Matthew 16:5-12)
The point of this parable is obvious and extremely important. The false teaching of the religious leaders was like yeast- it influenced a person’s entire thinking and life.
Note what had happened leading up to this parable. The religious leaders had asked Jesus for a sign to prove he was the Messiah. That doesn’t seem so bad, does it? How did this request, however, give evidence of their false beliefs and teaching?
One of Satan’s biggest lies is that a little false teaching is no big deal. A little false teaching can lead to toleration or acceptance of more false teaching and ultimately destroy one’s faith and eternal future.
The Rock And The Keys (Matthew 16:13-19)
The Roman Catholic Church states that this reference is Scriptural evidence that Christ chose Peter to be the first pope, and that all
successors of Peter have the headship of the church that Christ entrusted to Peter.
However, while Jesus DID change Simon’s name to Peter, which means “rock” because of his rock-solid confession of who Jesus was, Jesus was NOT referring to Peter when he said, “On this rock I will build my church.” The Greek word for “rock” in that phrase is of the feminine gender, and therefore cannot refer to Peter (masculine gender); it must refer to Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ and Son of God.
What are the keys Jesus speaks of? (See John 20:23)
The Lamp Of The Body (Luke 11:33-36)
Earlier in this chapter Jesus drove a demon out of a man and some concluded this miracle was accomplished through the power of Satan.
Others demanded that Jesus prove he was really God by a “sign” from heaven.
This parable shows that the problem for those who would not accept Jesus is NOT that there isn’t enough evidence. How does verse 33 point that out (if the lamp is Jesus)?
In verse 34, the eyes are “faith”, what is Jesus saying to those who refused to accept him as God and Savior?
In verses 35 and 36, what is Jesus saying about the person who truly believes in him?
This parable should be a good reminder to us that some people simply don’t WANT to believe, though they may claim that the evidence for Christianity isn’t compelling enough.
How does this understanding actually help us when we witness our faith to others?
NOTE: One year away from his death, Jesus begins now to use much clearer language. Consider what he says in the rest of this chapter.
The Fruitless Fig Tree (Luke 13:1-9)
This parable was spoken by Jesus in response to a question that has always plagued mankind. Why does tragedy strike some and not others? Jesus doesn’t answer that question. Rather, he addresses the attitude of those who asked it.
Rather than being concerned about whether somebody else was under God’s judgment, what should they be concerned about?
In verses 6-9, who is the vineyard owner, the vineyard tender, and the fig tree.
What is the point of the parable . . . about God? about stubborn Israel?
The Wise And Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-29; Luke 6:46-49)
Multitudes had been attracted to Jesus and his teaching. Many were amazed that he spoke with authority that even the Teachers of the Law did not have. But fascination with Jesus is not the same as faith in Jesus.
How does the parable in Luke 6:43-49 make that point? In what sense are we all builders? What is the rock foundation? What are the consequences of building or not building on the rock?
In what ways do we call Jesus “Lord” but live as if we are the lords of our lives?