THE PARABLES OF JESUS: Learning from the Master

Transcription

1 : Learning from the Master Yezdi Bhada, Ph.D., CMA Trinity Church Adult Bible Study Jan. Mar. 2014

2 Introduction to the Study Who? When? Where? What will we be doing? Why study these parables? How should I approach the study? What is a parable? Interpreting parables A sample study of a familiar

3 Introduction to the Study Why study the parables of Jesus? Christ Jesus, The Son of God, is the most credible source for truth, the Kingdom of God, and righteous living He has the authority (Matt. 7:28) He teaches us what we need to know (Matt. 13:34-35) Opens door for the Holy Spirit to continue our sanctification He has the attributes of a Master Teacher: has a powerful and relevant message has the ability to communicate in a brief, simple, thought-provoking, instructive, and intelligent way to help us learn.

4 Introduction to the Study How should we approach the study? 1. Read the parable carefully: Focus on the message data May need to read several times and/or more than one translation Capture (describe) the scenario 2. Research the context What prompted Jesus to tell this parable? Consider the cultural and historical setting for that time To whom is this parable addressed? 3. Process transference to real issue(s) Make the connection between the data and the desired meaning 4. Recognize the message and other items of interest What is the message of truth and God s Kingdom that He is projecting? Are there other lessons that can be learned? 5. Remember this message as it impacts you personally

5 Introduction to the Study What is a parable? Derivation: Parabole (Greek); Mashal/Mathla (Hebrew) A method of communicating an idea from speaker to hearer Building a bridge from the natural to the spiritual Pictorial stories with definite learning objectives Videoing a familiar image to project truth In NT, used as a figure of speech in many different forms: Simile =emphatic and vivid similarity between two situations Similitude = image with distinctive familiarity Metaphor = implied characteristic likeness between situations Analogy = resemblance between two otherwise unlike situations Story = specific incident to evoke interest and motivate attention Allegory = fictional story that needs subjective use of

6 Introduction to the Study Interpreting parables: Parables are not mere words from Jesus; they are meant to make a real difference in our lives It is up to each one to personally understand the parable, make the proper transference, and perceive the truth Be cognizant of the gap between the time of Christ and today: Parables were never spoken in a vacuum Consider the historical, cultural, religious, literary and linguistic contexts Do not let your imagination run wild

7 The Sower and the Soils Reason for selecting this as the first parable: It begins with the origins of God s Kingdom Jesus said it was easy to understand (Mark 4:13) Jesus Himself explains it (Matt.13:18-23; Mark 4:14-20; Luke 8:11-15) Learning from the parable: 1. Read the parable: describe the scenario Matt. 13:3-9; Mark 4:2-9; Luke 8: Research the context 3. Process transference to real issue(s) 4. State the message and additional items of interest 5. What did I learn from the message?

8 The Sower and the Soils 2. Research the context What prompted Jesus to tell this parable? Multitudes were coming to Him opportunity to clarify His ministry He had recently rebuked Pharisees and hinted on His role (Matt 12) Consider the cultural and historical setting for that time First Century Palestine was a predominantly agricultural society Israelites were familiar with sowing for wheat (staple diet) crops All objects included in the parable had been used in the OT Israelites could relate to image of God as sower and people as soil Form of the parable is a classic pattern in oral folklore To whom is this parable addressed?

9 The Sower and the Soils 3. Process transference to real issue(s) Significant components: Sower, seeds and 4 types of soil sower sowed = Jesus, God, preachers/teachers, YOU/ ME seeds = the Word, life-giving wisdom, thoughts, deeds besides the road = non-receptive, hardened heart, callous hearers birds ate them = the evil one, naysayers, unholy friends/family rocky places ; not much soil ; no depth of soil = ready to buy whatever is sold; no strength of character; shallow heart immediately sprang up = emotional response; superficial acceptance sun--- scorched ; no root --- withered = lose interest fast; retreat under challenging circumstances;

10 Sower Seeds besides road birds rocky places, not much soil sunscorched thorns choked good soil THE PARABLES OF JESUS The Sower and the Soils Jesus/God; preachers/teachers; us The Word; Kingdom of God; thoughts, deeds Hardened heart; non-receptive; callous hearers Satan & followers; misguided friends/ family/media Shallow- heart; seemingly good, but no depth Superficial; short-term emotional acceptance Easily lost; retreat under challenging conditions Strangled heart; worry-warts; worldly

11 The Sower and the Soils 4. The message and additional items of interest Jesus is spreading the message of new life and God s kingdom on earth He recognizes that the message will not be accepted by all. There will be those who will not respond appropriately to the message: the hardened hearts, weak characters and/or temporally influenced individuals But, there will be those who will choose His gift of salvation / eternal rewards and be spiritually productive As Believers, our duty is to continue His work by spreading the Word throughout the world, and let he who has ears, let him hear.

12 The Sower and the Soils 5.What did I learn from this parable (my take-aways)? God has given me His Word and I should be willing to receive it with an spiritually open heart I am also expected to be a sower of His Word I can not expect all seeds to fall on good soil, and it is not for me to judge how others respond My own field can have road-sides, rocky

13 : Pertaining to The Kingdom of God Read Parable of the Seed Growing [Mark 4:26 29] Description of Jesus word-picture: Man casts seeds on soil -> rests -> crops grow secretly through stages -> harvested when ready Context: Jesus teaching The Kingdom of God concepts to followers Continuing on foundation laid for parable of Sower/Seeds There may have been some zealots who wanted to push their will with revolutionary tactics Same cultural and historical setting as with previous parable

14 Item pictured Kingdom of God Sower Seeds goes to bed gets up Seed sprouts -> grows himself not know produces crop by itself blade head grain THE PARABLES OF JESUS: Parable of the Growing Seed Projected image Spiritual reality; God s truth Man, preachers/teachers, us The Word; wisdom; thoughts; deeds Rests; completes phase; waits Conscious; perceiving Productive process of conversion Secretive; incomprehensible Unexplainable process; mysterious Progression: germinate,

15 : Parable of the Growing Seed The Message and additional items of interest: We are to faithfully spread the wisdom that Jesus has provided with complete dependence on God to produce the harvest. Be fishers of men: you catch em, he ll clean em The harvest does not depend on our secular wisdom, skills or zeal, but on God s miraculous process of growth. We need to be patient since the growth process may take time and go through various stages Growth of the Kingdom is promised, harvest is inevitable, and will be fulfilled at the right time [Matt. 24:14] What did I learn from this lesson? I am to do His will and He will take my participation

16 RETENTION OF LEARNING 10 % of what we read. 26 % of what we hear. 30 % of what we see. 50 % of what we see and hear. 70 % of what we discuss with others. 80 % of personal experience. 90 % of what we say as we do it. 95 % of what we teach. Source: Jenny Johnson, Individualization of Instruction, Faculty Focus, Fall

17 : Parable of the Tares among Wheat Read the parable of Tares among Wheat: Matthew 13:24 30 Description of word-picture (tell the story to someone): Context: Jesus continuing on foundation for multitudes Cultural/ historical considerations as in previous parables Significant OT connections, particularly Book of Daniel Sabotaging a neighbor s field by spreading weeds was not uncommon. In fact, there were Roman laws against sowing tares in someone else s field The weed mentioned in Matthew was darnel, a poisonous fungus found mainly in the Middle-East, which looked similar to wheat as the two plants matured

18 : Parable of the Tares among Wheat From data to desired image: Explained in Matt. 13:37-42 man who sowed = Son of Man = belongs to man = Jesus his field = the world; the Church good seed = sons of the kingdom = belongs to Jesus = us men were sleeping = resting from their labor; not staying alert the enemy = the devil, Satan tares = darnel; sons of the evil one = nonbelievers/opponents slaves = servants; Believers; the righteous [v.43] harvest = final judgment; end of the age [Daniel

19 : Parable of the Tares among Wheat The message and additional items of interest: The evil one does exist and will make every effort to sabotage God s work Satan will be active until the end of the ages Good and evil exist today, but will be separated in the end We need to be patient and faithful; let God take over Be fishers of men: you catch em, He ll clean em We are called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges. It is difficult to distinguish between believers and non-believers and our actions could result

20 : Parable of the Tares among Wheat What did I learn from this parable? I need to stay alert at all times since the evil one is lurking to deceive me I have to accept the fact that there are evil ones on this earth It is not for me to judge whether someone is a Believer or not It is my duty to pray, worship, witness, wait; and have faith in God to achieve ultimate results I am assured a place in God s Kingdom.

21 Parables Regarding Lamps LAMP 1 : Read Matt. 5:14-16; Mark 4:21-22; Luke 8:16-18 Description: Context: Part of Sermon on the Mount Clarification of discipleship responsibilities Jesus often used image of light / lamps; common items Lamp (with floating wick) usual form of lighting, even in daytime Lampstand: usually niche in wall of house

22 Parables Regarding Lamps Transference from word picture to meaning: You are the light of the world = personal responsibility to carry the Gospel message City set on a hill cannot be hidden = Jesus standing atop the mountain; His message can not be buried V.15: enlightenment is not to be kept unused, but is given for edification of all those who need the wisdom V.16: people who have the true knowledge of God are to enlighten others through their walk Glorify your Father = Show your love for God by doing His will [Mark & Luke] nothing hidden to be revealed no secret should come to light = truth/gospel will & should be revealed; could also refer to sins that may be concealed, but will be made known at time of final judgment

23 Parables Regarding Lamps Message and other points The world is in spiritual darkness and Jesus is the light-giver The sinful nature of man can clearly be seen in light of Jesus message Jesus message of salvation should be openly spread to the world We are to be light-bearers by proclaiming the Gospel It is every Believer s responsibility to convey His message Being a Believer should not be a secret, but should be used for furtherance of His Kingdom Our lives need to reflect His sinless character

24 Parables Regarding Lamps What did I learn? I have the responsibility to project Jesus message to the world I can serve God s Kingdom through my walk and my talk The presence of sin darkens my life and should be avoided at all cost There is the need for learning from His Word to be effective in spreading the Gospel

25 Parables Regarding Lamps LAMP 2 : Read Luke 11:33-36 Reiterates start of previous parable, but moves to new input Context: Starts with familiar picture, then changes direction Responding to blaspheming Pharisees and other opponents Cast out demon claimed it was work of devil [v.14-26] Reference to wicked generation [v.29] Challenging Him to prove Himself [v.29 para.] Transference: lamp of body is eye = eye is gate to perception of reality

26 Parables Regarding Lamps Message and other inputs: Jesus is telling non-believers that He has illuminated the world with The Word that can save them However, to receive the truth, one needs an open heart A receptive heart soaks one s life in God s blessings Those who have seen the light need to be careful and not permit sin to blur perception of righteousness Sin inhibits us from incorporating God s truth in our lives