Kingdom Parables: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) The Impudent Friend (Luke 11:5-8) The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) The Waiting Servants (Luke 12:35-40) The Wise Manager (Luke 12:41-48) Background Lesson 12 Time: October to November 29 A.D. midway through Jesus final year of ministry. Place: Jesus has left Galilee for the last time (cf. Luke 9:51). He would not return until after His resurrection. He has traveled through Samaria and entered Judea en route to Jerusalem. All of these parables are told during His travels in Judea. Historical Context: Jesus transfiguration has occurred (cf. Lk. 9:27-36). He is preparing for His upcoming passion. Jesus enemies are seeking ways to destroy Him, while He is focusing more and more of His attention upon the training of His disciples for the work they shortly would undertake. There was so much they had to learn in such a short time! Jesus used His parable to impress upon them and others important lessons.
The Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37) Notes on Setting: A certain lawyer stood up. We are not told who this man was, or where the incident took place. It was probably in a synagogue, but we cannot be sure. However, we can be sure that his question was not asked from a desire for genuine learning., for we are told he tested Him. Whether the testing was simply a matter of one-ups-man-ship or malevolence, we do not know. The lawyer asked, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? The lawyer viewed Jesus as a mere man just a teacher nothing more. His approach to things spiritual was workrighteousness. He followed the standard Jewish beliefs of his day. Jesus responded with a question of His own: What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? Jesus turned the man to God s Word. The lawyer responded with an appropriate Old Testament reference (Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18): You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. (Lk. 10:27) Jesus, however, did not then expound on the verse, but simply told the man: You have answered correctly; do this and you will live. Jesus was not suggesting that the lawyer could accomplish that task, but hoped to lead the man to reflect upon his life and lead him to a confession of sin. The lawyer, however, failed to understand Jesus intended point. He had provided the accustomed answer an answer any Jewish child would have been able to provide. Now he feared that he looked foolish in the eyes of all who were present. To extend the conversation and redeem his reputation, he asked: And who is my neighbor? Notice that the question assumes limitations legal clarifications. Notes on Parable: A certain man we are not told who; went down from Jerusalem to Jericho about 15 miles down a steep and treacherous road noted in ancient times for bandits; a certain priest...likewise a Levite two Jewish religious men akin in office to a pastor and a deacon today; passed by on the other side sins of omission; a certain Samaritan a race despised by most Jews 2
because of their mixed racial and religious heritage; went to him and bandaged his wounds taking love s risks; pouring on oil and wine used in ancient times medicinally to soften and cleanse wounds; and took care of him not asking who but simply responding to the what; when I come again, I will repay you assuming extraordinary responsibilities. Jesus then asked the lawyer: So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? Notice the nature of the question and its intent. Not who is, but rather to whom can. One is law-based, while the other is gospelmotivated! Quotation: The Parable implies not a mere enlargement of the Jewish ideas, but a complete change of them. It is truly a Gospel-Parable, for the whole old relationship of mere duty is changed into one of love. Thus, matters are placed on an entirely different basis from that of Judaism. The question now is not Who is my neighbor? but Whose neighbor am I? The Gospel answers the question of duty by pointing us to love. Wouldst thou know who is thy neighbor? Become a neighbor to all by the utmost service thou canst do them in their need. And so the Gospel would not only abolish man s enmity, but bridge over man s separation. Thus is the Parable truly Christian, and, more than this, points up to Him Who, in our great need, became Neighbor to us, even at the cost of all He had. And from Him, as well as by His Word, are we to learn our lesson of love. (Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Vol. II, p. 239) Discussion and Application: This is probably Jesus most well known parable. Why is that the case? Is it properly understood and applied within our culture? Discuss how understanding the law-gospel component of 3
changing the question from Who is my neighbor to To whom can I be a neighbor revolutionized a Christian s approach to helping others. The Impudent Friend (Lk. 11:5-8) Notes on Setting: This parable is included by Luke together with material Matthew earlier presented in Jesus Sermon on the Mount. That material dealt with prayer and included the Lord s Prayer as well as Jesus command to pray and His promise to answer prayer. This parable stresses the importance of persistence in our prayerlives. Jesus here uses a negative example to impress a positive lesson. Quotation: With this shameless disregard of his neighbor s private comfort and apparent indifference the importunate disturber succeeded in gaining his end. Now, if that slumber-loving sleeper could be forced to yield, how much more will our merciful Father in heaven grant the petitions we address to Him! [Adam Fahling, The Life of Christ, p. 436f.] Discussion and Application: Dante wrote: Fervent love, And lively hope with violence assail The kingdom of the heavens and overcome The will of the Most High; not in such sort As man prevails o er man; but conquers it, Because tis willing to be conquered, still, Though conquered, by its mercy conquering. Discuss how Dante s words express the meaning of Jesus parable and serve as an incentive for us to persist in prayer. Review James 5:16b-18. Discuss how James words likewise express the meaning of Jesus parable and serve as an incentive for us to persist in prayer. 4
The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) Notes on Parable: An unnamed member of the crowd asked Jesus to admonish his brother with regard to a question of inheritance. Jesus, recognizing the motivation behind the request greed, offers this parable in support of His contention that one s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. The rich man is presented by Jesus as someone who was hardworking, honest, and successful. However, God addresses him as Fool! Why? Because he lay up treasure for himself and was not rich toward God. Quotation: He was a fine farmer, with a fertile field, which he would till with a right good will; he was thrifty, and so he grew rich. There is not the least suspicion of a single dishonest penny in his pocket. And he wasn t a miserable miser, grubbing for gold till the end of his life. He would not hoard his money; he would live and let live. The butcher, the baker, and the wine merchant would have a good customer. He would put his money into circulation and help end the depression and bring back prosperity. He would be a regular fellow, respected, admired, and popular. What, then, was wrong with this man? Just one thing: Though he made his money right, he did not use it right that was plenty. First he thought himself a self-made man, and he worshiped his maker. With him it was all I and my. God was not in all his thoughts. Second, he was simply selfish. He minded earthly things, and his god was his belly He belonged to the populous and popular denomination of Bellyolaters. Third, he was a miserable materialist. He thought he could satisfy his soul with sensual pleasures, eat, drink, and be merry. He made a living, but not a life. Fourth, he was utterly foolish. He lived in a fool s paradise, dreaming of a heaven upon earth for many years. [William Dalllmann, Short Stories by Jesus, pp. 88-90] 5
Discussion and Application: Daniel Webster said: The greatest thought that ever entered his mind was, My accountability to almighty God. Discuss what Webster meant and how that thought compares to those of the rich man? [cf. William Dallmann, Short Stories by Jesus, pp. 89] William Gladstone once remarked that a man s character can be known by the way he makes and spends money. Money talks! [cf. William Dallmann, Short Stories by Jesus, p. 91] Discuss the truths we ought keep in mind, so that God will not address us as fool as we die. Discuss the significance for us of Jesus contention that one s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. The Waiting Servants (Luke 12:35-40) Notes on Parable: This parable has several interesting twists: 1) The servants who wait faithfully are commended for being ready whenever their master returns; 2) The master, upon returning, serves the servants a consistent picture of Christ s actions during His ministry and now, as it were, promised afterward; 3) We, who are first identified as servants, are finally identified with the master of the house, who watches and protects his home as he awaits Jesus return. Discussion and Application: The concept of being a servant is foreign to most of us in 21st century America. In what sense are all believers servants, and why is it a position and condition to be desired and embraced? The Wise Manager (Luke 12:41-48) Notes on Parable: You are a steward (manager) of Christ. How are you serving? To be a faithful and wise steward one does the Father s will. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. (Lk. 12:43) 6
Quotation: Peter raised the question whether the parable and its lesson was meant for the disciples or for all. The Lord did not answer directly, but the continuation of His discourse indicated that the reference was primarily to believing disciples. The most faithful servants are placed by the master in positions of trust While faithfulness in high places is taken for granted, it is sometimes put to a test. And blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing, performing his duty. His reward for faithful service is that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But if the servant, trusting in the delay of the master s return, is found beating the male and female slaves, eating and drinking, even becoming drunk, at the moment when the master unexpectedly returns, he will receive the punishment which his unfaithfulness deserves. The punishment is severe, but it is according to the demands of responsibility and trust. The servant who knew his master s will, but failed to do it shall be beaten with few stripes. In the entire matter of sanctification a follower of Christ, especially the trusted disciple, must be alert at all times. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. [Adam Fahling, The Life of Christ, p. 445f.] Presented by Pastor Paul D. Nolting 7
Study Outline Coming up: Lesson 13 Kingdom Parables: The Barren Fig Tree; Seats at the Wedding Feast; Banquet for the Poor; The Great Banquet; Building a Tower; A King Going to War (Lk. 13:6-9; 14:7-33) Lesson 14 Kingdom Parables: The Lost Sheep; The Lost Coin; The Lost Sons (Lk. 15:1-32; Mt. 18:12-14) Lesson 15 Kingdom Parables: The Dishonest Manager; The Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:1-31) Lesson 16 Kingdom Parables: The Unworthy Servants; The Persistent Widow; The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk. 17:7-10; 18:1-14) 421 N. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 507-345-3027 www.immanuelmankato.org 8