LITTLE STORIES. with B I G M E A N I N G. Parables in Poetic Form. by Shirley May Davis. Copyright c January 2003

Transcription

1 LITTLE STORIES with B I G M E A N I N G Parables in Poetic Form by Shirley May Davis Copyright c January 2003 by Shirley May Davis

2 TABLE of CONTENTS Index... 3 Lamp Light... 5 The Difference... 6 New Versus Old... 7 Heart Condition... 8 Small Beginnings...9 Wheat or Weeds...10 Heaven Like Leaven...11 Treasure Without Measure...11 Pearl Seeker...12 Fish - In or Out Lost and Found Importance of Forgiveness...14 Penny Paycheque...15 To Go or Not To Go...16 To Feast or Not To Feast...17 Vengeance in the Vineyard...18 Little or Much Ready or Not, Here I Come...20 Wise or Foolish Neighbourliness Unwise Decision = Keep Alert Persistent Prayer Prevails...26 Unexplainable Growth...27 Be Ready Many or Few Production or Reduction...30 Come and Dine...31 Time to Rejoice Care of a Coin...33 Count the Cost Two Pray-ers Who Will Be Your Master?...36 Doing Your Duty

3 TABLE of CONTENTS (continued) Never Give Up Use Wisely What s Given to You...39 Good to Bad and Bad to Good...40 Common Titles for Parables

4 LAMP LIGHT A light to those groping in darkness Is what God has called us to be. Have we covered our light with a basket? Is it high up so others may see? Our life should be lived before others That those who are watching may see Our good works, yet give glory to God, Not unto you or to me. The things that today may be hidden Will be revealed by God one day. Let s allow Him to shine His searchlight Upon us and humbly pray. As the lamp illuminates surroundings By its bright and far-reaching rays, If we keep our lamp trimmed and burning, It, too, will show others God s ways. Lamp under a Bushel Matt. 5:14-16 Mark 4:21,22 Luke 8:16,17 Luke 11:

5 THE DIFFERENCE Many heard the words of Jesus as He taught folks day by day Some acted upon what they heard, Others casually went their way. Jesus compared those who heard Him unto builders with a great plan. One man dug a foundation and labourously built - a wise man! The other man thought that he knew a simpler and quicker way. Without foundation, his house went up and was finished in just a few days. Soon came the rain and wild tempest, vicious storms in the midst of the night. Only one house had not crumbled when viewed in the morning s light. What was the difference between them? Each heard what Jesus did say. The wise man acted upon what he heard. The foolish man did not obey. So, let us take heed and obey each word that the Master does speak, Then we will withstand life s trials as they come to us week by week. Wise Man Builds on Rock and Foolish Man Builds on Sand Matt. 7:24-27 Luke 6:

6 NEW VERSUS OLD If one does sew an unshrunk patch onto a garment that s old. The new will pull away and both the new and old be ruined, we re told. Likewise, one does not put wine that s new into wineskins which are old. The skins will burst, the wine will be lost. This is a parable which Jesus told. Fresh wineskin's required for what is new if the wine is not to be lost. So let us not mix flesh and spirit, but accept the new (spirit) at any cost. Unshrunk Cloth on an Old Garment New Wine in Old Wineskins Matt. 9:16,17 Mark 2:21,22 Luke 5:

7 HEART CONDITION A sower went forth one day to sow. Good seed was all that he had. Some seed feel upon good ground, Other seed fell upon bad. This is a parable which Jesus told To folks many years ago. Its truths are important for us today, Let s listen so that we will know. Some of the seed fell on the roadside, On paths many travelled past. The birds of the air, ever watchful, Swooped down and snatched it up fast. Other seed fell upon rocky ground Where the soil was sparse and thin. Although it sprang up immediately, Died quickly, no depth within. When the heat of temptation arose And trouble began to come, Because there was not much soil, no root, Satan soon a victory won. Still some other seed fell among thorns Which quickly choked the good seed; Pleasures, deceitfulness of riches, Caused hearers to take no heed. But oh, some seed fell upon good ground, It was received, and held fast; Increased thirty, sixty or one-hundred-fold, Much fruitfulness, sure to last. - 8a -

8 Heart Condition (continued) The Sower, we re told, is the Son of man. The Seed is the Word of God. Let s carefully heed the Word we hear, Make sure our heart is good sod. The Sower Matt. 13:3-9, Mark 4:3-9, Luke 8:5-8, b -

9 SMALL BEGINNINGS The smallest among garden herbs are the wee, tiny mustard seeds. When planted, they grow and become very great, and meet other s needs. The wild birds of the air soon find shelter in their branches, so tall. God has a plan for each of us even though, at first, it seem small. So let us yield, and allow God to plant us where ere He deems best. Fed by the Word, warmed by the Son, we ll become a haven of rest. The Mustard Seed Matt ,32 Mark 4:30-32 Luke 13:18,19-9 -

10 WHEAT or WEEDS The Kingdom of Heaven is compared to a man sowing good seed in his field. He worked hard,he worked long, expecting at Harvest he d receive a good yield. But while he was sleeping, an enemy came with a wicked plan in his mind. Among the good seeds,he sowed some weeks. Before long, the farmer these weeds did find. His servants observed his dilemma and offered the weeds to pull out. Oh no! the farmer replied, Not so, and I ll cheerfully garner what s mine. Let both of them grow side by side Til comes the great Harvest time. Then the weeds will be pulled up, burned, and I ll cheerfully garner what s mine. We all live on this earth together, the wicked as well as the good. When Jesus returns at the end of the age all will be righted and end as it should. The Tares (Weeds) Matt. 13:

11 HEAVEN LIKE LEAVEN The Kingdom of Heaven Jesus likened to leaven. A woman took it and hid it In three pecks of meal -- yes, she did it! The leaven did cause the meal to swell. This parable Jesus did tell. The Leaven Matt TREASURE WITHOUT MEASURE In a field a man found a treasure. Overjoyed was he without measure. He hit it, then ran, his possession to sell. WSith his new treasure he knew he d do well. The Hidden Treasure Matthew 13:

12 PEARL SEEKER The Kingdom of heaven is likened To a merchant who had a great plan. He sought til he found a fine pearl, Sold all and bought it - a very wise man! The Pearl of Great Price Matt. 13:45,46 FISH - IN OR OUT Again the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea. Fish of all kinds were gathered within, then sorted, their outcome to see. The good fish were put in containers, the bad quickly thrown away. At the end of the age, angels will come take out the wicked without delay. They will be cast into a furnace of fire, much weeping, to be sure, there will be. Let s respond to Jesus, do as we should that this not happen to you or to me. The Dragnet Matthew 13:

13 LOST and FOUND One hundred sheep is what the man had, but one of his sheep went missing. The shepherd left the ninety and nine, and searched for the lost one, unrelenting. We re ot told how many hours he searched, but of this we can be very sure. He searched til he found his little lost lamb, carried it home where safe once more. Twas then he called his neighbours and friends, to come and rejoice with him. Tho ninety and nine were safe in the fold, this lamb was precious to him. Just so, our Father who is in Heaven is concerned for all who are lost. Whenever a sinner truly repents all Heaven rejoices, knowing the cost. The Lost Sheep Matt. 18:12-14 Luke 15:

14 IMPORTANCE of FORGIVENESS A certain king called his servants before him. He wanted to settle accounts. As each appeared, the ledger was opened. Each servant was told his amount. One slave who came owed the king a huge sum. He had no money to pay. He and his family would have to be sold To help his debt to repay. The slave, upon hearing these stern words, Humbly fell at his master s feet. Have patience with me. I ll repay you all. The king, his debt, did delete. Forgiven, this slave went immediately out, Found one who owed him a small amount, Pay back what you owe me, do it right now! The slaved cried with a shout. Have patience with me. I will repay you. This poor man begged of his lender. Not so! right now to prison you ll go. This poor man had no defender. Others saw what happened, went to the king. They told him all that they knew. Angered, he called his servant before him. The wicked slave, into prison, he threw. We, as God s children, must learn to forgive As many times as is needed. We re to forgive each one from our heart, If God s words are to be heeded. The Unforgiving Servant - Matt. 18:

15 PENNY PAY CHEQUE Early one morning an estate owner hired workers for a penny a day. At 9:00 and noon, and 3:00 he hired more. Whatever s right, he said he would pay. At 5:00 p.m. he questioned still others, Why do you stand here idle all day? Because no man has come to hire us. Is what these, to the owner, did say. You go and wok today in My vineyard. At the day's end I ll pay what is fair. All the workers were paid from last to first, But some grumbled with their share. It just isn t right, they said, We ve worked hard and long, borne the heart of the day. I did you no wrong, take what s yours and go. I choose to give each one the same pay. Is your eye evil because I am good? Can I not do as I wish with mine? Let s labour faithfully for God each day, praying daily, Not my will, but Thine. The Labourers in the Vineyard Matt. 20:

16 TO GO or NOT TO GO Son, go work today in the vineyard. is the request a certain father made. The first son replied, I will, Sir, but he didn t go, father s wishes disobeyed. The other son emphatically refused, I will not! yet later repented and went. Which son did the will of the father? Was it not he who did repent? Jesus turned to the Chief Priests and Elders. For them He had a scathing review. The taxpayers and harlots believed John. They ll go into the Kingdom before you. The lesson we learn from this parable is the importance of doing the right thing. To say, Yes with our lips is not enough. Obedience will approval bring. The Two Sons Matt. 21:

17 TO FEAST or NOT TO FEAST The Kingdom of Heaven is compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. When he sent his servants to call the guests, they were unwilling to the wedding to come. He sent more servants out again to say, All is ready, do come now to the feast. They paid no attention, went their own way; servants were mistreated, to say the least. The king was enraged so he sent his army out to destroy the murderers, to burn their city. Because they had spurned his invitation, toward them, the king showed no pity. Still the king desired that his tables be full; his servants gathered folks from the street. While inspecting his wedding guests, he found one guest he had to delete (no wedding garment). Many are called, but few are chosen, is what Jesus to the Pharisees did say. Let s be clothed with Christ s righteousness, so we re prepared for the banquet day. The Wedding Feast Matt. 22:

18 VENGEANCE in the VINEYARD A landowner, after planting a vineyard, rented it out to vine growers to tend. He then went away on a journey, entrusting his farm to these men. As harvest time neared, he sent a group of servants, fruit to receive. The vine growers beat and killed them. This news he found hard to believe. He sent others. The results was the same. At last, he sent his own dear son, Feeling sure they would reverence him, to him, no harm would be done. Imagine the shock and the anger when he heard they had killed his son! They had reasoned, with the heir dead, the inheritance would be won. The owner returned to his vineyard and threw out those wicked men. He rented the vineyard to others, and slowly began over again. The Stone which the builders rejected has become the Chief Corner Stone. The Chief Priests tied to lay hands on Him but feared the people, so left Him alone. The Kingdom of God will be taken away from those rejecting God s Son. So let us be sure we re not guilty of rejecting the Promised One. The Wicked Vine Dressers Matt. 21:33-45; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:

19 LITTLE or MUCH A certain moneylender had two debtors; one owed 500 denari, the other 50. When they were unable to repay their debt, He graciously forgave them, showing pity. Which one will love him more? Jesus asked the Pharisee who had invited Him to dinner. The one he forgave more, I suppose. You ve judged correctly. You re a winner. Don t despise those who ve greatly sinned. Their capacity to love is very great. Extend forgiveness and mercy to all; Be the first to serve, don t hesitate. The Creditor and 2 Debtors Luke 7:

20 READY or NOT, HERE I COME The parable of the fig tree is one you may know well. When the tree puts forth its leaves, summer is near; you can tell. God gave His people signs which they were sure to see. They d know the Kingdom of God would come momentarily. Concerning the time of Christ s coming, it s a secret that only God knows. As it was in the days of Noah, life continually goes. They were eating and drinking before Noah entered the ark. Until the flood took them away, they were left in the dark. Just so, we are to be ready. Jesus may return at morning light. He ll come unexpectedly, as a thief in the midst of the night. The Fig Tree Matt. 24:32-44 Mark 13:28-32 Luke 21:

21 WISE or FOOLISH Ten virgins went out the bridegroom to meet. Five were foolish, the others were wise. Since the bridegroom tarried, the virgins slept. At midnight, He s coming, Arise! All the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps, Give us of your oil, the foolish cried. Not so! Go to the dealers and buy. Off they went, since the wise had denied. But while they were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom arrived, those ready went in. The feast was begun, then came a plea, Lord, we too have come, let us in. I do not know you, came the reply; thus was the foolish one s fate. They should have taken oil with their lamps, then they d not heard, You re too late! Jesus told us that we must be alert, for we know not the day nor the hour When Christ will return and the feast begin. We must be awake and filled with power. Wise and Foolish Virgins Matt. 25:

22 NEIGHBOURLINESS A certain man was going from Jerusalem to Jericho. Robbers attacked him, then on their way they did go. They had beaten and robbed him left him half dead. This is what Jesus to the inquirer had said. By chance a certain priest went down that road. He saw the dying man, but kept on his traveling mode. Then a levite came by, but he too kept on going. The very life blood from this poor man was flowing. When life and hope for this poor man was almost gone Jesus said that a certain Samaritan man came along. He looked upon the man with mercy and compassion. He cared although he was from another nation. He bandaged his wounds, poured in oil and wine. He wanted this dying man to revive and do fine. Upon his beast he put him, and took him to an inn. There, for awhile, he himself took care of him. When he had to leave, he put him in another s care, Paid what he could. Truly he d done his share. But he said he d return and pay whatever was owing. This Samaritan, true neighbourliness was showing. Which, Jesus asked, was neighbour unto him Who fell into the robber s hands? survival looked slim. The one who show mercy, that s quite easy to see. You re right, said Jesus, Go, then and so similarly. Our neighbour is whomever we see in need Of encouragement or food; him we should feed. Show love to him as though he were our own. We ll rejoice together one day around God s throne. The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:

23 UNWISE DECISION The land of a certain rich man, Jesus said, produced crops extremely well. He reasoned with himself, saying, What shall I do? My barns all swell. This is what I will do. I ll tear down my barns and I ll build bigger ones. Then I ll have much room to store my grain and goods, ton upon ton. I ll say to my soul, Soul, you have much goods laid up for years to come. Take your ease; eat, drink and be merry, enjoy your wealth, you re a smart one. But God said, You fool! This very night your soul is required of you. What will become of what you ve prepared? With your wealth, what will others do? Jesus warned those who were listening, Not only for themselves to lay up treasure, But rather they should to be rich toward God. In Heaven to have wealth without measure. The Rich Fool Luke 12:

24 = The Kingdom is likened unto a man who went on a long journey. He called is servants to him, and entrusted to them his money. To one servant, he gave five talents, to another servant, he gave two. To the third servant he gave but one, according to their abilities -- he knew. Immediately the man who had five went out and began to trade. Soon he had doubled the money; good business transactions he made. Likewise the servant with two went out and soon gained two more. But the man who had only one talent buried it. He was fearful to the core. After a long time their master returned to settle his servants accounts. Five had become ten; two had become four; he was pleased with these amounts. Then came forward a trembling man, to whom had been given only one. Nothing extra had he to show, no trading had be begun. His master was angry; told him he should have at least put the money in the bank. Take his talent, and give it to another; throw him out! Into darkness he sank (continued) Let s take all that the Master has given and develop our talents, each one. Then when He returns we ll hear, Well done. You re a faithful son. The Talents Matt. 25:14-30

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26 KEEP ALERT A certain man went away on a journey after putting his servants in charge. He assigned each one a special task; some were small, others were large. The doorkeeper was told to stay alert; the master could return any day. It might be morning, noon or night; no one knew the length of delay. We too must always keep alert and faithfully obey. The Kingdom of Heaven, like this man, may arrive almost any day. The Absent Householder Mark 13:

27 PERSISTENT PRAYER PREVAILS Suppose, Jesus said, you had a friend who came knocking at your door at midnight, explaining that a friend had just arrived, and he had no bread to give; not one little bite. Please loan me 3 loaves, a friend requests that I may be able to feed my friend. Would you say, Not so, we re all in bed. I will not get up, the loaves to lend. But suppose your friend kept on knocking, insisting that you help him right now. I tell you, you would arise and comply. Due to his insistence, you d do it somehow. Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and you shall surely find. Knock, the door shall be opened to you. Persistence you must ever keep in mind. If a son asks his father for a fish, His hunger he wishes to satisfy. Would he give him a snake instead of fish? No! That is not know he would reply. If a son asks his father for an egg, Would he give a scorpion unto him? If you then, being evil, Jesus said, Know how to give good gifts to your child, How much more then shall your Father Who is Heaven does constantly dwell, Give the Holy Spirit to all those Who ask Him? You know this very well

28 Persistent Prayer Prevails (continued) So let s be persistent in our prayers, and petition before Him day by day. He ll hear and He ll answer our requests When according to His will we pray. A Friend in Need Luke 11:5-13 UNEXPLAINABLE GROWTH The Kingdom of God is like unto a man who casts seeds on the soil. The seed sprouts up and grows by itself, without the man s toil. First comes the blade, then comes the ear. Soon the mature grain does appear. Immediately he puts in the sickle because harvest time is here. The Growing Seed Mark 4:

29 BE READY We re to be like men waiting for their master as he returns from the wedding feast -- They re alert at the sound of his knocking immediately respond and the door release. Blessed are the servants whom the master finds alert when he returns. He will gird himself and sere them. A lesson in servant hood they ll learn. The master may come in evening watch, or after midnight -- no one knows. So that is exactly the reason it behoves each of us to keep on our toes. Of this fact we can be very sure -- If the head of the house had been aware that a thief would come at a certain hour, he d have been ready, not taken unaware. You too, be ready, Jesus said, For the Son of man will surely come at an hour when you do not expect Him, so be ready, each and every one. The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant Luke 12:

30 MANY or FEW Who is a faithful and sensible servant, one whom his master can put in charge to give out his rations at the proper time? He who his master s wishes will discharge. But if that servant becomes slothful in his duties and begins to say in his heart, My master will not return for a long time. Let us eat and drink, a party start. His master will come in him unexpected, at an hour that he did not know. This one will be cut into pieces, assigned a spot where unbelievers go. To know God s will and not to do it will bring many lashes to that one. Those who knew not, will still be beaten, but few, when judgment day has begun. So let us be faithful to all God has given cheerfully do whatever we are asked; Keep alert and be ever watchful, always be true to our given task. Faithful and Wise Steward Luke 12:

31 PRODUCTION or REDUCTION A certain man, Jesus said, had a fig tree planted in his vineyard long ago. He came looking for fruit one day. There was none. He was disappointed so He told the vineyard keeper to go and cut that barren fig tree down, For, he reasoned, why does this tree even take up space in the ground? Let it alone, sir, said the worker. I ll dig round and put in fertilizer. If it bears fruit, all will be well. If not, I ll cut it down to be sure. We too should always be fruitful in season, in the place where we have been planted. Our Master will then be satisfied, and He ll not order us uprooted. Barren Fig Tree Luke 13:

32 COME and DINE A certain king was giving a big dinner. He prepared a spread, O so fine. When all was ready, he sent his servant to call those invited, Come and dine. But one by one they each made excuses why they preferred not to come. Angry, the master sent his servant out to bring in the poor and crippled ones. Still there was room at his table. The servant was sent out once more Into the highways and the hedges to compel others. There was food galore! Because the original ones made excuses Jesus said they d not even have a taste. The poor and the crippled were thankful. They ate heartily, nothing went to waste. Let s give priority to the Master s invitations drop everything and go to His feast. Remember too, to be humble, not proud and choose the seat which is least. The Great Supper Luke 14:

33 TIME TO REJOICE A certain man, Jesus said, had two sons. The younger said, Father, give me what s mine. So the father divided his estate between them The younger son left home in no time. He traveled to a country very far away and foolishly began to spend all his money. He joined himself to a farmer, fed his pigs, but no one gave him food to eat -- not funny. While this boy was feeding the pigs one day, He came to his senses and reasoned this way. My father s servants have plenty to eat. I ll return to my father and humbly say. I have sinned against Heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants, please. Truly sorry was he for all that he had done. He got up and started to go home to his father, But his father saw him while a long way off. They met, embraced, he started to say as planned, But his father called out, Kill the fatted calf! Bring the best robe and put it upon him, A ring for his finger, shoes for his feet. This son of mine was dead, now he s alive. Come, let s dance and be merry, joyously eat. The older son returning from the fields that day Heard music and dancing -- What s going on? Your brother s come, the fatted calf has been killed. All this infuriated the father s older son Come, join in the celebration, your brother has come. I ve served faithfully, You ve never given em even one Little kid that I may rejoice with my friends. All I have is yours, son. Now come, the feast s begun. The Prodigal Son Luke 15:

34 CARE of a COIN What woman, Jesus asks, if she has ten coins and one of her precious coins get lost, Will not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully, regardless of cost? She ll search until she finds her precious coin, then call her neighbours to rejoice with her. Just so, there s joy in the presence of the angels whenever repentance by a sinner does occur. The Lost Coin Luke 15:

35 COUNT THE COST If one of you wishes to build a tower do you not first sit down And calculate the total cost before started to dig the ground? Likewise, before a king sets out to do battle with his foe. He takes counsel -- Is he strong enough to win? He wants to know. Then Jesus said, to be My disciples, You must be willing to surrender all; Love Me more than father or mother, and quickly answer when I call. Love me more than your very self, pick up your cross and follow Me. Count the cost and don t look back, then My true disciple you will be. Building a Tower and A King Making War Luke 14:

36 TWO PRAY-ERS Two men -- a Pharisee and a Publican, we re told went up to the temple one day to pray. The Pharisee stood proudly and prayed to himself, telling God the good things he did every day. The Publican stood far off at a distance, smote his breast, with head bowed low. God be merciful to me, a sinner, he begged. God heard. Justified, to his house he did go. Jesus told this parable to those who trusted in themselves and had contempt for their brothers. Everyone who exalts himself, shall be humbled. Who humbles himself, will be exalted above others. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Luke 18:

37 WHO WILL BE YOUR MASTER? When a rich man took the stewardship from his man, quickly his steward thought of a plan. Of his master s debtors he made friends by reducing their debts. He had future ends in mind. He did not want to beg and he wasn t strong, so he needed friends to help him along. The steward was commended for he had acted shrewdly. Any riches entrusted to us, we too must use wisely. Be faithful with what belongs to our brothers, then we ll be given our own to tend, not to another. No one can serve both wealth and God, we re told. Let s serve God, hat wealth not gain a hold. The Unjust Steward Luke 16:

38 DOING YOUR DUTY A servant labours hard and long in the fields, plowing or tending his master s sheep. When he comes in, he then must prepare food for his master, that he may eat. His master does not say unto him, Come immediately, sit down and eat. He must serve his master, and then afterwards, he will enjoy his meat. These are the duties expected of a servant, no thanks given for what s required. He simply does all that he is asked, all the duties for which he is hired. Just so, Jesus said, when we have done all that we have been asked to do, We are still unworthy servants. It s required we be faithful and true. Unprofitable Servant Luke 17:

39 NEVER GIVE UP A widow who had need of legal protection went often with the judge to plead. The judge feared neither God, nor man, so at first, to her plea, paid no heed. After awhile he began to reason with himself. Not wanting for this widow to wear him out, he granted her legal protection as she desired. She was satisfied. Persistence had won out. Just so, God will quickly bring justice about when His elect cry unto Him day and night. We are not to loose heart, but pray at all times, and have faith God will answer when right. The Persistent Widow Luke 18:

40 USE WISELY WHAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO YOU Because they were close to Jerusalem, and they tho t the Kingdom of God near. Jesus told those listening unto Him a parable to make something clear. A certain nobleman about to travel to a distant land, a kingdom to receive, called ten of his slaves and gave them ten pounds. Then he did leave. Do business with this money until I return, were his parting words to his slaves. Upon his return he called the men to give an account, for the money he gave. The first appeared, Master, your money I have increased tenfold. Well done. Because you have been faithful; Over ten cities, you shall rule, he was told. Master, the money you gave me has also increased -- fivefold. You too have been faithful. Now rule over five cities, he was told. Another stepped forward and handed back the very money he had been given. The master commanded it taken from him. From the master s presence he was driven. To everyone who has, shall more be given. The little others have will be taken away. Slay the enemies who did not accept Me to reign over them. This parable Jesus did say. The Minas (Pounds) - Luke 19:

41 GOOD to BAD or BAD to GOOD A certain rich man dressed in purple and fine linen was living in splendor both day and night. At his gate lay a poor man, named Lazareth covered with sores -- what a pitiful sight! Lazareth longed to be fed with some crumbs that fell daily from the rich man s table. To work and earn money for himself, this poor man clearly was not able. One day Lazareth died and was carried by angels into Abraham s bosom -- now he had rest. The rich man also died and he was buried. Too late he realized Lazareth s choice was best. Now the roles of these two were reversed; in torment the rich man begged mercy to be shown to him. Lazareth was comforted, in pain and hunger no more. The rich man s future was not bright, but dim. Since there was nothing that could be done to change or relieve the rich man s state, He begged that Lazareth be allowed to go back and warn his brothers before it was too late. Your brothers have Moses & prophets to warn them, Abraham to the rich man said. If they will not listen to them, neither will they be persuaded should one rise from the dead. The Rich man & Lazareth Luke 16:19-31 We believe this story Jesus told is true, not a parable

42 COMMON TITLES for PARABLES Lamp under a Bushel... 5 Wise and Foolish Builders... 6 Old Wineskin; Old Garment... 7 The Sower... 8 The Mustard Seed... 9 The Tares The Leaven Hidden Treasure Pearl of Great Price The Dragnet The Lost Sheep The Unforgiving Servant Labourers in the Vineyard The Two Sons The Wedding Feast The Wicked Vine Dressers The Creditor and Two Debtors The Fig Tree Wise and Foolish Virgins The Good Samaritan The Rich Fool The Talents The Absent Householder A Friend in Need The Growing Seed Faithful and Evil Servant Faithful and Wise Steward Barren Fig Tree The Great Supper The Prodigal Son The Lost Coin Building a Tower; a King Making War...34 The Pharisee and the Publican...35 Unjust Steward Unprofitable Servant Persistent Widow The Minas (Pounds) Rich Man and Lazareth

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