Week 12: The Parables of Jesus
August 11-17
This week’s memory verses:
Matthew 6:9-10
Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
This week’s Scripture Readings:
Matthew 5:1-6:4 – Sermon on the Mount, Part 1
Matthew 6:5-7:39 – Sermon on the Mount, Part 2
Matthew 13:1-58 – The Kingdom of Heaven
Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan
Luke 15:1-32 – Lost and Found
Day 1
Sermon on the Mount, Part 1 Matthew 5 – 7 – The “Sermon on the Mount” is the title given to the teachings of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 5 through 7, that describe the kingdom of heaven and its arrival in this world. This portion of scripture can be divided into 3 distinct sections.
First, in Matthew 5:3-16, there is an introduction. In this introduction, Jesus reveals to those who have gathered on the mountain to hear his teaching that the kingdom of heaven has arrived. On top of this grand announcement, Jesus also makes clear that this new kingdom life can be experienced right now! Jesus goes on to describe nine different types of people (the poor in spirit, those that mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted, and those who are falsely accused). Its these types of people, the lowly and overlooked, who are first to experience that kingdom life. Jesus then goes on to describe those in the kingdom as salt and light. Jesus is making it clear that he and his followers will be a reflection of the peace and blessing that come with that blessed, kingdom life. Jesus will spend the bulk of the sermon, the next big section, describing how that is done.
Day 2
Sermon on the Mount, Part 2 Matthew 5 – 7 –Next, in Matthew 5:17-7:12, there is Jesus’ description of righteousness. By righteousness, Jesus is talking about right relationships that exist between ourselves and God, as well as ourselves and other people. Jesus begins his discussion of righteousness by discussing the Law and the Prophets. Jesus makes it clear that his call to righteousness does not replace or abolish what has already been taught. Actually, the life that Jesus is calling the people to live is actually a fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. Jesus uses 6 instances to prove his point. By looking at anger, lust, divorce, truth, revenge, and the treatment of our enemies, Jesus shows that the law and the prophets dictated certain outward behavior in these areas, but true righteousness is an inward change. Ultimately, this is the goal of this type of righteousness – inward change that allows someone to grow into complete, mature relationships. This discussion of inward change continues when Jesus compares kingdom righteousness with the religious practices of the day. Jesus makes it clear that there is a temptation to use ones religious practices to draw attention to themselves. Jesus encourage those in the kingdom to use areas like generosity, prayer, and fasting to strengthen relationships with God and others. This is the true reward – to know and be known by God. What others think about you is not the kingdom focus. Jesus closes this main section with a look at things that can keep us from knowing, being known, and living the kingdom life. Our stuff and our relationships with other people, when handled incorrectly, can lead to issues in our relationship with God. Thus, we want to conduct our lives in the kingdom way that God has instructed us. We want to love God, love others, and see the kingdom of heaven realized.
Finally, in Matthew 7:13-27, there is a conclusion – a conclusion which invites its hearer, or the reader, to make a choice. Jesus will use a couple of different images here to illustrate this choice. First, Jesus uses two gates. One gate leads to life and the other destruction. Next, Jesus uses a picture of two trees. Ultimately, you will be able to tell what type of tree that exists, based on the fruit it produces. Finally, Jesus uses the picture of two homes. One of the houses was built on a sure foundation, while the other was built on sand. Ultimately, in all of these depictions, there is the choice to be made. Do you focus your life on these kingdom truths that lead to life, fruitfulness, and security? Or, do you dictate the direction of your life, ultimately leading to instability and ruin? The choice is yours.
Day 3
The Kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 13 – In chapter 12, a huge group of people had overcrowded a home in order to hear Jesus’ teachings. In this chapter, Jesus has moved his teaching outside. Next to the Sea of Galilee, and standing on a boat so the people can see and hear, Jesus begins to teach the crowd in parables. Parables (para – “alongside of” and bole – “to throw”) usually mean an idea “thrown alongside of” another idea. This definition carries with it the idea of an analogy or illustration that is used to help emphasize or illustrate a bigger idea or truth. These illustrations, usually illustrations from everyday life, can help make moral or abstract truth more concrete or real. At the same time, because parables usually use imagery or symbolism, they can certainly make some details more confusing. We see these things in the parables that Jesus uses here. We also see that this was Jesus’ intention. For those who had trusted Jesus, and were leaving everything to follow him, they were slowly able to understand this kingdom life that Jesus was teaching about. For those who had rejected Jesus, and had rejected the truth He was communicating, those dull hearts and closed ears would not be able to see or understand. This was all to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, which Jesus quotes in verses 10 through 17.
For example, Jesus uses 6 different parables – 3 that describe those in the kingdom and 3 that describe the kingdom itself. In those first 3, Jesus uses the parable of the sower, the parable of the farmer, and the parable of the fishing net to contrast those who have accepted the truth the kingdom with those who have not. For now, these two groups will follow right alongside one another, but there is coming a day where they will be separated – those who are children of God and those who are not. In the other 3 parables, Jesus presents the kingdom of heaven as a mustard seed, leaven in flour, and a treasure in a field. In these parables, Jesus is showing that the kingdom of heaven may be a small and seemingly insignificant thing now. But, there is coming a day when that kingdom will grow into something mighty. That kingdom will change everything around it. That kingdom will be so valuable that those who see it and understand it will give up anything to be apart of it.
In the end, Jesus asks his disciples if they understand these things. They say that they do (later interactions show us the disciples still lack complete understanding). But, with what they know, the disciples are now responsible to respond to, and use, the truth they know. The same is true for us. When we learn something about the gospel, or about our walk with the Lord, those things are not meant to be kept to ourselves. We should utilize that truth. We should share what we know about our Lord. Sunday after Sunday, we hear truth that so many around us will never hear – unless we are the ones that share it with them. Or, we can find ourselves like those in Jesus’ hometown at the end of chapter 13. Those in Nazareth are so familiar with Jesus, and so sure that he isn’t as important as He claims to be, that they are disinterested and unconcerned with him. That could be us. We could be so familiar with Jesus, and have him placed in some little compartment in our lives, that we are disinterested with the claims he makes. Its so familiar its mundane. Or, we could realize that the claims He has made, and the truth we know, are meant for us to carry out to the world around us.
Day 4
The Good Samaritan – Luke 10 – Luke chapter 10 is a part of a larger portion of scripture that runs from the end of chapter 9 (Luke 9:51 – Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem”) to the middle of chapter 19 (Luke 19:28 – the “Triumphal Entry”). In this long section of scripture, Jesus is now more focused on teaching his disciples and preparing them for his sacrifice. As he travels toward Jerusalem, Jesus will instruct the disciples on many subjects and correct misunderstandings on many others.
We see Jesus’ focus on training his disciples at the beginning of chapter 10. The chapter starts with Jesus’ commissioning of seventy-two disciples, who are meant to heal the sick and preach the good news of the kingdom of God. Jesus gives them specific instructions on how they are to do what He has called them to do. As those disciples head out, we see Jesus discussing the judgement that will come to those cities who have heard His message, seen His miracles, and still reject the truth of Jesus. After this brief aside, the seventy-two return and are excited at all of the miracles they saw performed. They were ables to cast out demons! Jesus tells the disciples that while he has given them authority over such things, what they really should be amazed by is that they have eternal life. This prompts Jesus to pause and pray. Jesus gives thanks to God for revealing the truth and that because they know Jesus, they know His father. They have a relationship with God because of God’s loving-kindness to send Jesus into the world. That is a truth worthy of excitement! As Jesus talks with his disciples, and with the Father, a lawyer stands up and asks a question – “What must I do to receive this eternal life you speak of?” Jesus asks the lawyer about the law, specifically about what it says on the subject. The lawyer rightly answers that “loving God” and “loving others” is what the law says. But, that isn’t enough for the lawyer. He needs specifics. He ask Jesus specifically who these “others” are that he should love. Jesus responds with the story of the “Good Samaritan.” Ultimately, this story that Jesus shares points to a truth – it isn’t about the specifics of what we do, but about the character we do it with. The lawyer wants to know the specifics of the actions he needs to take, instead of the love and character that define a follower of Jesus.
Luckily for us, Jesus gives us an example of a follower who truly understands the character and sacrifice that should mark a follower of Jesus. At the close of the chapter, we see Mary of Bethany at the feet of Jesus absorbing everything she can. Meanwhile, Martha busies herself with all the tasks that come with hosting. Again, we see this priority on relationship and focus on the Lord, as opposed to the business of tasks and the specifics of what must be “done.” The truth is we act like Martha and that young lawyer at times. We get so wrapped up in what we MUST “do,” we completely forget about the relationship that anchors us. We have a relationship with the God of the universe. He loves us and cares for us. The Lord has called us to do certain things (like love one another, share the gospel, etc). But, He also empowers us to do those things. We don’t have to justify ourselves by what we do – Jesus has already done everything we need for that. Enjoy your relationship with him and operate in the freedom he has provided.
Day 5
Lost and Found – Luke 15 – As Jesus continues His parable teachings about the coming of the kingdom of God, and how to live a kingdom life, we come to some of his most familiar stories. In this chapter, Jesus relates the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Before these stories are related, the first couple of verse of chapter 15 set the stage. The Pharisees and scribes, who have seemingly been against Jesus since day 1 of his ministry, see numerous amounts of tax collectors and sinners drawing near to Jesus. They have a question for Jesus: Why do you receive (or entertain) sinners? Jesus’ response, these three parables, are essentially showing these religious leaders, who are supposedly experts in the ways of the Lord, how they should react when meeting lost people. If a shepherd lost a sheep, surely he would leave the flock and secure the one he lost. When he finds that lost sheep, he celebrates. Again, if a woman lost one of her 10 silver coins, would she not look everywhere until it is found? Like the shepherd, once the woman found the coin, would she not be overjoyed, relate the news to family and friends, and celebrate? Finally, if a son intentionally rebelled against his father, falls into ruin, and is lovingly restored to relationship by a merciful father – would there not be celebration? Why is it that the Pharisees, like the older brother who did everything “right,” cannot stand to see forgiveness, restoration, and relationship? Why can they not celebrate over lost things being found?
Ultimately, the answer Jesus gives to the Pharisees and scribes is this – you have no reason to question or complain. You should rejoice that those who are lost are coming to know the Lord. The pride and self-righteousness of this group has kept them from seeing what is important – those that are lost are coming to the Father. Like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son, the Pharisees and scribes were so close to the things of God that they had forgotten the point. That older brother lived and worked with his father every day and still didn’t understand who his father really was. Its completely possible for us to be near the things of God, even to the point of becoming prideful and self-righteous, and completely forget the point – the lost being found. Let us not look down on anyone, but instead be serious about seeing everyone come to the Father. There is room at the table. There is enough cake (or fatted calf) at the party. Let us rejoice and be glad for all we have, and all we see God do in the lives of those around us.