Jesus taught in Parables
God’s Book of
Nature shows the pattern of how things work in our world. Jesus used these as a pattern of spiritual
things. Some are dark sayings with
hidden meanings. Some are more easily
understood. In the NT Jesus used 50
parables in His teaching.
“Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You
speak this parable only to us, or to all people?" 42 And
the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his
master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of
food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant
whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” Luke 12:41-43
“Jesus is not disclosing truth to some while
hiding it from others. He proclaims the
Good News of the Kingdom openly to all, but only those who repent and believe
can perceive the power of the Kingdom in Him and in their eyes. The Gospel of God’s Kingdom is powerful, but
our heart response determines its fruitfulness in our lives.” Wallerstedt
The word of the Kingdom.
The farmer walked through the fields. He would dip seed from his bag and fling it
across the area. The seed was always the
same. But the soil received it in
different ways.
"Therefore hear the parable of the
sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and
does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches
away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he
who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and
immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he
has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or
persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he
who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of
this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes
unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on
the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed
bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
Matt 13:18-23 (NKJV)
At harvest time all available workers
were pressed into service.
“Then Jesus went about all the cities and
villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom,
and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But
when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they
were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then
He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the
laborers are few. 38 Therefore
pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matt 9:35-38
The
Good News of the Kingdom
of God
It is
important to understand that the Gospel (Good News) is not merely an
announcement of what Christ has done in the past to save a lost world. It is an announcement of what Christ wants to
do now, and is able to do, in the present time. It is not merely an announcement of Bethlehem and Calvary , it
is an announcement of a living Saviour, a Saviour who is able to save to the
uttermost.
He is our
Eternal High Priest.
“But He, because He continues forever, has an
unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore
He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him,
since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Heb 7:24-25
He is a Saviour who can save not merely
from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin. “For the grace of God that brings
salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking
for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus
Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people,
zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14
He is a
Saviour who not only forgives but cleanses from sin. “If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
He is a
Saviour who is able to keep us from yielding to temptation. “Now to Him who is able to keep you
from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His
glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God
our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power,
Both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25
He is a
Saviour who ministers on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary. “Now this is the main point of
the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the
right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a
Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected,
and not man.” Heb 8:1-2
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