In Jesus’ parable found in Matthew 20:1-16, we find multiple characters: the house master, the laborers, and the manager (foreman). There are two settings: the vineyard and the marketplace. There are several elements to the…
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Stereotyping the characters in the parables of Jesus will thwart the genius and the purposes of His teachings. In the story of the Pharisee and the Publican [Luke 18:9-14] we must be aware of this…
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Jesus is the master story teller. In each of His parables He gathers up what has come before (the revelation of the Old Testament), and He casts it forward into the revealing of His present…
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In today’s culture, the term “good Samaritan” is synonymous with individual and corporate charitable do-gooders. Some even take a measure of pride that “we Samaritans” help “them” the marginalized poor and needy. The original context…
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The parables reflect the genius and the authoritative nature of the teaching of Jesus. They prod us to imaginative thinking. We assess the thoughts of others while simultaneously re-assessing our own ideas. These stories challenge…
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The parables are ablaze with the genius of Jesus’ teaching. These stories are authoritative and provocative. We must acclimate to His message while at the same time adjusting to the motion and momentum of His…
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There came a time in Jesus’ ministry when He used only parables when He taught the crowds. His disciples questioned this change in His method. His first parable, commonly known as the parable of the…
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“O people, hear my teaching, and listen to the words of my mouth. I will speak in parables and utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” These words of Psalm 78 find their…
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Jesus is on mission. His words and lifestyle are authoritative. He spent intentional time in solitude and prayer. The written Word of God permeated His entire being. He came to seek and to serve. He…
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God is constantly speaking to us, but most do not recognize it, and therefore do not respond to it. It is vital that we learn to hear and to listen to what God is saying…
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