Parables of Jesus Christmypcom.com/files/studyMaterials/Parables_class1_20100606.pdf2010/06/06 ·...
Transcript of Parables of Jesus Christmypcom.com/files/studyMaterials/Parables_class1_20100606.pdf2010/06/06 ·...
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Parables of Jesus Christ Adult Sunday School Class 1 – 6/6/2010
Gregory Chao
Introduction (Why study the parables of Christ?)
Christ’s use of parables was unique. Only one OT example 2 Sam 12:1-10. No one in the early church taught by parables. The Rabbinic parables served to illustrate or expound the Law instead of teaching fresh insights about God’s ways. Christ’s use of the parables was extensive. Approximately 1/3 of Jesus’ teaching is through parables. Christ uses parables to teach about the Kingdom of God. We learn about God’s values, what heaven will be like, and what a Christian’s duties are.
Purpose/Schedule of Class
This three week study will focus on developing rules for interpreting parables and then applying them to actual parables. It is meant to be a practical class helping students of the Bible to gain confidence in interpreting parables and applying their teaching. Week 1 Rules of Interpretation/Simple Three Point Parables(Part I) – Rule of
Interpretation, the Prodigal Son (Luke 15_11-32), The Lost Sheep and Lost Coin (Luke 15:4-10 cf. Mt 18:12-14), The two Debtors (Luke 7:41-43).
Week 2 Simple Three Point Parable (Part II) – The Two Sons (Mt 21:28-32) and Faithful and
Unfaithful Servants (Luke 12:42-48; Mt 24:45-51), The Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13), The Wheat and the Tares (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43), The Dragnet (Mt 13:47-50).
Homework - Week 3 Complex Three point Parables - The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), The
Children and the Marketplace (Mt 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35), The Talents (Mt 25:14-30; cf. Lk 19:12-27), The Labors in the Vineyard (Mt 20:1-16), The Sower (Mk 4:3-9, 13-20)
Appendix Two Point and One Point Parables - The Great Supper (Luke 14:15-24; cf. Mt 22:1-
14) and The Unforgiving Servant (Mt 18:23-35), The Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14), The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), The Mustard Seed (Luke 13:18-21). Theology of Parables.
Reference: Interpreting the Parables by Craig Bloomberg
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Background History
1) Scholarly work on the parables of Jesus is vast and varied. Early Church fathers (Augustine) used allegory (one to one correspondences) to interpret parables. E.g. In the Prodigal son – Father = God, Prodigal = Sinner, Older Son = Pharisee, Ring = Baptism, Banquet = Lord’s Supper, Robe = immortality, Shoes = prep for journey to heaven. Notable voices that called for a halt were Chrysostom, Aquinas and Calvin.. The problem with the use of allegory is the “arbitrariness” of interpretation.
2) During turn of the century, Adolf Julicher almost single-handedly demolished the allegory method. Following and refining his thought were C.H.Dodd and Jeremias. They rejected all use of allegory. They asserted that parables have only one lesson. a) The majority of modern scholars reject allegorical interpretation in favor of an approach
which sees each parable as making only one main point. b) Parable that do have a few undeniable allegorical elements are an exception to the rule
or are not authentic 3) However, a growing minority of Modern scholars now believes that the parables are much
more allegorical than previously acknowledged. a) Removes the need to reject allegorical element of parables as inauthentic b) Many parables make more than one point.
Rules to Interpretation
1) Interpret parables through the eyes of the original audience 2) Details that are unrealistic are most likely allegorical 3) The main characters are most likely allegorical 4) Most other details are not allegorical and serve to enhance the story only 5) The meaning of the parable can be found by taking the point of view of the main characters.
Most parables have three characters and therefore three meanings.
The Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Even as the father went to elaborate lengths to offer reconciliation to the prodigal, so also God offers all people, however undeserving, lavish forgiveness of sins if they are willing to accept it.
Father Prodigal older brother
Father
Character 2 Even as the prodigal always had the option of repenting and returning home, so also all sinners, however wicked, may confess their sins and turn to God in contrition
Prodigal
Character 3 Even as the older brother should not have begrudged his brother’s reinstatement but rather rejoiced in it, so those who claim to be God’s people should be glad and not mad that he extents his grace even to the most undeserving.
Older Brother
Allegorical Elements
Father = God; prodigal = sinners; Older brother = Pharisees and scribes, “righteous”; ring, robes, shoes, and fatten calf are not allegorical but server to highlight the extent of restoration.
Unusual Elements
No son would ask father for inheritance; Father’s lavish welcome atypical;
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Lost Sheep and Lost Coin – Luke 15:4-10; cf. Mt 18:12-14
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Just as the shepherd goes out of his way to search diligently for their lost possessions, so God takes the initiative to go to great lengths to seek and save the lost sinner
Shepherd Lost sheep 99sheep
Shepherd
Character 2 Just as the discovery of the lost sheep elicit great joy, so the salvation of lost men and women is cause for celebration
Lost Sheep
Character 3 Just as the existence of the 99 sheep affords no excuse for not searching for what is lost, those who profess to be God’s people can never be satisfied that their numbers are sufficiently great so as to stop trying to save more.
99 Sheep
Allegorical Elements
Shepherd = God; Lost Sheep = sinner; 99 Sheep = scribes and Pharisees or God’s children
Unusual Elements
Shepherds were reputed to be dishonest and lawless;
The Two Debtor – Luke 7:41-43
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Like the creditor, God forgives both categories of sinners and allows them to begin again with a clean slate.
Creditor Debtor Debtor Forgiven Forgiven More Less
Creditor
Character 2 Like the debtor owing five hundred denarii, those who recognize they have much for which to be thankful will naturally respond in generous expression of love for Jesus.
Debtor forgiven more
Character 3 Like the man owing fifty denarii, those who take their spiritual condition for granted and are not aware of having been forgiven of numerous gross wickednesses should not despise those who have been redeemed from a more pathetic state.
Debtor forgiven less
Allegorical Elements
Creditor = God; Debtor forgiven less = _________; Debtor forgiven more = ___________
Unusual Elements
500 denarii = 1 ½ years wages.
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Parables of Jesus Christ Adult Sunday School Class 2 – 4/25/04
Gregory Chao
Review of Rule of Interpretation
1) Interpret parables through the eyes of the original audience 2) Details that are unrealistic are most likely allegorical 3) The main characters are most likely allegorical 4) Most other details are not allegorical and serve to enhance the story only 5) The meaning of the parable can be found by taking the point of view of the main characters. Most
parable have three characters
The Two Sons (Mt 21:28-32)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Like the father sending his sons to work, God commands all people to carry out his will.
Father Son who Son who Refused but promised Went but didn’t go
Father
Character 2 Like the son who ultimately obeyed, some rebel but later submit and are accepted. Son who refused
but went
Character 3 Like the son who ultimately disobeyed, some promise but do not perform rightly and are rejected by God
Son who promised but
didn’t go
Allegorical Elements
Father = God; Son who refused = sinners; Son who promised = Jewish leaders; Some commentators have allegorized the vineyard as Israel or the church (reject church by rule 1, Israel is possible by not an essential allegorical element)
Unusual Elements
This parable is one of shocking reversal.
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Faithful and Unfaithful Servants (Luke 12:42-48; Mt 24:45-51)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 God rewards and punishes people at the final judgment on the basis of their stewardship of the tasks assigned to them. God may come back unexpected
Master Faithful Unfaithful Servant Servant
Master
Character 2 Faithful stewardship requires perseverance and consistency, for the end could come at any time.
Faithful Servant
Character 3 Those who postpone their responsibility and do evil in the meantime may sadly discover that it is too late for them to make amend for their errors.
Unfaithful Servant
Allegorical Elements
Master = God; Faithful Servant = faithful followers of Christ; Unfaithful Servant = Unfaithful followers of Christ;
Unusual Elements
Rule 2 – cut to piece very extreme = reference to the judgment day, “weeping and gnashing of teeth” = hell
Three Additional Simple Three Point Parables
The Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Bridegroom Wise Foolish Young Young Women Women
Bridegroom
Character 2 . Wise
Young Women
Character 3
Foolish Young
Women
Allegorical Elements
Bridegroom = God; Wise Women = wise followers of Christ; Foolish Women= foolish followers of Christ. Commentators have attributed oil = good works, saving faith or grace, Holy Spirit but foolish women are told to buy more which breaks down the allegory; therefore, oil is probably not allegorical.
Unusual Elements
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This parable is contrasted with Faithful/Unfaithful servant in that the issue is that the Father may be delayed in coming back. It is implausible for the bridesmaids to refuse to open the door and claim they do not know them – the irreversible judgment which awaits those who have masquerateded as true people of God. Answers: (1) Like the bridegroom, God may delay his coming longer than people expect. (2) Like the wise bridesmaids, his follower must be prepared for such a delay—discipleship may be more arduous than the novice suspects. (3) Like the foolish bridesmaids, those who do not prepare adequately may discover a point beyond which there is no return – when the end comes it will be too late to undo the damage of neglect.
The Wheat and the Tares (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Farmer Wheat Tares
Farmer
Character 2 . Wheat
Character 3
Tares
Allegorical Elements
Jesus provides an interpretation here – outlining the allegorical elements. Tends to support rules 2, 3, and 5 Farmer = God; Wheat = followers of Christ; Tares= Wicked; Field = world; Harvest = judgment. Burning = Hell; Older commentator make field=world (reject by rule 1)
Unusual Elements
Each of the main characters of the story takes turns holding the upper hand. First, the enemy and weeds seem to triumph. Second, the wheat thrive inspite of the tare. Third, the farmer still harvest crops destroying weeds and salvaging wheat. Answers: (1) God permits the righteous and the wicked to coexist in the world, sometimes superficially indistinguishable for one another, until the end of the age. (3) The wicked will eventually be separated out, judged and destroyed. (2) The righteous will be gathered together, rewarded and brought into God’s presence.
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The Dragnet (Mt 13:47-50)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Dragnet stands for God who will come to judge his people on the last day
Fisherman (Dragnet) Good Bad Fish Fish
Dragnet
Character 2 The righteous will be gathered for further service and safekeeping
Good Fish
Character 3 The unredeemed will be discarded as worthless
Bad Fish
Allegorical Elements
Dragnet = God; Good Fish = followers of Christ; Bad Fish = Wicked
Unusual Elements
Emphasis on every kind of fish is unusual probably representing different nationalities of human beings.
Consistent Themes So Far
God 1) God seek those who are lost 2) God welcomes sinners 3) God forgives all who are repentant 4) God command all to do His will 5) God reward and punishes according to their obedience and stewardship 6) God establishes a day of final judgment, the timing of which is uncertain, in which truth will be
completely vindicated and evil irreversibly obliterated
Good Subordinates
1) Men must turn to God irrespective of their past, repent, and show love for all 2) They must persevere with a consistent expectation of the end of the age 3) They will be rewarded with God’s abiding presence
Bad Subordinates
1) Warning against despising the grace God extends to others 2) Warning against complacency in one’s spiritual life (even when one appears superficially similar to
the truly pious) 3) Warning against failure to keep one’s promises to God 4) Warning against inadequate preparation for the “long haul” of discipleship 5) Warning against lovelessness or miserliness, especially with respect to the world’s needy
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Parables of Jesus Christ Adult Sunday School Class 3 – 5/2/04
Gregory Chao
Review of Rule of Interpretation
Version 2 (boiled down version)
1) Interpret parables through the eyes of the original audience 2) Details that are unrealistic are most likely allegorical 3) The main characters are most likely allegorical 4) Most other details are not allegorical and serve to enhance the story only 5) The meaning of the parable can be found by taking the point of view of the main characters. Most
parable have three characters
Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Like Lazarus, those whom God helps will be borne after their death into God’s presence
Abraham Lazarus rich man
Lazarus
Character 2 Like the rich man, the unrepentant will experience irreversible punishment Rich man
Character 3 Through Abraham, Moses, and the prophets, God reveals himself and his will so that none who neglect it can legitimately protest their subsequent fate
Abraham
Allegorical Elements
Lazarus = people who have faith in God; Abraham = spokesman for God; Rich man = those who value riches more than God
Unusual Elements
Only parable with action in the next world. Only parable with character names. Overturns the idea that the rich are blessed.
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The Children in the Marketplace (Mt 11:16-19; LK 7:31-35)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 The joyful message of forgiveness should be freely celebrated and not dampened by legalistic restrictions.
Uncooperative children playmates playmates suggesting suggesting wedding funeral
playmates suggesting wedding
Character 2 The solemn message of repentance should not be ignored but taken with full seriousness
Playmates suggesting
funeral
Character 3 The truth of both of these principles will be demonstrated by those who implement them. Uncooperative
children
Allegorical Elements
Playmates suggesting wedding = Jesus’ ministry; Playmates suggesting funeral = John the Baptist ministry; uncooperative children = unresponsive Jews
Unusual Elements
None
Complex Three-point Parables
The Talents (Mt 25:14-30)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Like the master, God entrusts all people with a portion of his resources, expecting them to act as good stewards of it.
Master Good Wicked Servants Servants
Master
Character 2 Like the two good servants, God’s people will be commended and rewarded when they have faithfully discharged is commission
Good Servants
Character 3 Like the wicked servant, those who fail to use the gifts of God has given them for his service will be punished by separation from God and all things good.
Abraham
Allegorical Elements
Master = God; good servants = faithful followers; wicked servants = wicked people; Non-allegorical elements include talents or ratio of return
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Laborers in the Vineyard (Mt 20:1-6)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 From the unifying role of the master stems the precious truth that all true disciples are equal in God’s eyes.
Master Eleventh Rest Hour labors of laborers
Master
Character 2 From the earlier group of workers, one learns that none of God’s people will be treated unfairly; no one will be short changed
earlier group
Character 3 From the last group of workers comes the principle that many seemingly less deserving people will be treated generously, due to the sovereign, free choice of God.
Latter group
Allegorical Elements
Master = God; Earlier Group = Jews; Latter Group = sinners and tax collectors
Unusual Elements
None
The Sower (Mark 4:3-9, 13-20)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Like the sower, God spreads his word widely among all kinds of people
Sower Fruitful seed unfruitful seed Seed on seed on seed on Path rocks thorns
Sower
Character 2 Like the three kinds of unfruitful soil, many will respond to his word with less than saving faith, be it (a) complete lack of positive response due to the enticement of evil, (b) temporary superficiality masquerading as true commitment, or (c) genuine interest and conviction about the truth that simply falls short due to the rigorous demands of discipleship.
Unfruitful seed
Character 3 Like the fruitful soil, the only legitimate response to God’s word is the obedience and perseverance which demonstrates true regeneration
Fruitful seed
Allegorical Elements
Sower = God; Unfruitful seed = people who do not follow X; Fruitful seed = people who listen to the word
Unusual Elements
Jesus interprets the parable for the reader showing the level of allegory and lessons.
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Parables of Jesus Christ Adult Sunday School Class 4 – 5/9/04
Gregory Chao
Complex Three point Parables
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 From the example of the priest and Levite comes the principle that religious status or legalism does not excuse lovelessness.
Samaritan Man priest/ In Levite ditch
Priest/Levite
Character 2 From the Samaritan, one learns that one must show compassion to those in need regardless of the religious or ethnic barriers that divide people
Samaritan
Character 3 From the man in the ditch emerges the lesson that even one’s enemy is one’s neighbor Man in ditch
Allegorical Elements
Chararcters are generic.
Unusual Elements
Clearly shows the power of teaching lessons through parables
The Great Supper (Lk 14:15-24)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 From the graciousness and severity of the master we learn that God generously and consistently invites all kinds of people into the kingdom but that a day will come when the invitation is rescinded and it is too late to respond
Banquet giver Replacement invitees Guest who refuse To come
Banquet giver
Character 2 From the excuses of the first group of guest stems the principle that all excuses for rejecting God’s invitation are exceedingly lame
Invitees who refuse
Character 3 From the helplessness of the second group of guest follows the teaching that God’s generosity is not thwarted by the rejection of the “establishment,” because he extends his invitation even to the dispossessed of this world.
Replacement guests
Allegorical Elements
Banquet giver = God; Invitees who reject = those who reject the call of God; Replacement guest = those who accept the call
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The Unforgiving Servant (Matt 18:23-35)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 Just at the king forgives his servants, so God’s grace is boundless
King First servant Fellow servant
King
Character 2 In the middle section, the second servant underlines the absurdity of grace spurned; one who has been forgiven so much and yet so mistreats his fellow debtor does not deserve to live
Fellow servant
Character 3 The final section depicts the frightful fate awaiting the unforgiving, as the wicked servant discovers his ruin.
First servant
Allegorical Elements
King=God; first servant=any person; fellow servants= fellow human beings
Unusual Elements
6000:1 ratio of two debts (10000 talents (600000 denarii) versus 100 denarii)
The Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 All of God’s people will be called to give a reckoning of the nature of their service to him.
Master steward debtor
Master
Character 2 Preparation for that reckoning should involve a prudent use of all our resources, especially in the area of finances
debtors
Character 3 Such prudence, demonstrating a life of true discipleship, will be rewarded with eternal life and joy
steward
Allegorical Elements
King=God; steward=wise person; debtors= fellow human beings
Unusual Elements
The unscrupulousness of the steward should not be allegorized.
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The Wicked Tenant (Mt 12:1-12)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 God is patient and longsuffering in waiting for his people to bear the fruit which he requires of them, even when they are repeatedly and overtly hostile in their rebellion against him.
Landlord (son?) New Original Tenants tenants
Landlord
Character 2 A day will come when God's patience is exhausted and those who have rejected him will be destroyed
Original Tenants
Character 3 God's purposes will not thereby be thwarted, for he will raise up new leaders who will produce the fruit the original ones failed to,provide.
New Tenants
Allegorical Elements
Landlord=God; Original=Israel leaders; New= replacement people; other servant= prophets; son=Christ
Unusual Elements
Two Point Parables
The Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 He who exalt himself will be humbled (God/Jesus) Tax Pharisee collector
Pharisee
Character 2 He who humbles himself will be exalted
Tax Collector
Allegorical Elements
Pharisee=anyone who exalts himself; Tax Collector=anyone who humbles himself
Unusual Elements
There is no third unifying figure to judge between two.
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The Two Builders (Luke 18:9-14)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 The person who responds to the gospel with obedience will survive God’s judgment intact
(Storm/flood) Wise Foolish Builder Builder
Wise
Character 2 The person who refuses to follow Christ in discipleship, on the other hand, will be destroyed on that last day
Foolish
Allegorical Elements
Wise builder=anyone who is wise; Tax Collector=anyone who is foolish; Storm=judgment
Unusual Elements
The Unprofitable Servant (Luke 17:7-10)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 God retains the right to command his followers to live however he chooses
Master Servant
Master
Character 2 God’s people should never presume that their obedience to his commands has earned them his favor
Slave
Allegorical Elements
Master=God; Servant= followers
Unusual Elements
The Seed Growing Secretly (Mk 4:26-29)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 The kingdom will continue to grow inexorably, though sometimes almost invisibly
Farmer Seed
Seed
Character 2 At the end of the age, the kingdom will have grown into all its fullness, after which judgment day will immediately follow
Farmer
Allegorical Elements
Farmer=God; Seed= followers
Unusual Elements
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The Rich Fool (Lk 12:16-21)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 A purely selfish accumulation of possessions is incompatible with true discipleship
God Rich Man
Rich Man
Character 2 This incompatibility stems from the transience of earthly riches and the coming reckoning which all will face before God.
God
Allegorical Elements
Rich man = anyone
Unusual Elements
The Barren Fig Tree (Lk 13:6-9)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 God continues for a short while to offer mercy in the hope that Israel’s leaders will at last respond properly to him.
Master Fig tree/vinedresser
Master
Character 2 The threat of imminent judgment hangs over Israel’s leaders Fig tree/
vinedresser
Allegorical Elements
Master=God; Fig tree= Israel’s leaders
Unusual Elements
The Unjust Judge (Lk 18:1-8)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 God will hear and answer the cries of his people against injustice by again sending the Son of man to earth, although the cannot be sure of the timing
Judge Widow
Judge
Character 2 We must persist in faithful petition for the consummation of the kingdom Widow
Allegorical Elements
Judge=God; Widow=followers
Unusual Elements
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The Friend at Midnight (Lk 11:5-8)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 God will provide for the needs of his people even more generously and willingly
Man sleeping Friend needing bread
Man sleeping
Character 2 One should practice bold, unabashed forthrightness in prayer, which does not hesitate to request the good gifts which God has promised to his people if they ask for them.
Friend needing bread
Allegorical Elements
Man Sleeping=not God; Friend= followers
Unusual Elements
The Householder and the Thief (Mt 24:43-44)
Meaning Diagram
Character 1 People must constantly be ready for the possible return of Christ
Householder thief
Householder
Character 2 He might come at any time and catch some off guard Thief
Allegorical Elements
Householder=followers; Thief= Christ
Unusual Elements
Christ is like a thief in that he can come at anytime.
One Point Parables
The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price (Matt 13:44-46) – The kingdom of God is so valuable that it is worth sacrificing anything to gain it. The Tower Builder and the Warring King (Lk 14:28-33) – Would be disciples must consider the commitment required to follow Christ The Mustard Seed and the Leaven (Lk 13:18-21) – The kingdom will eventually attain to significant proportions despite its entirely inauspicious outset.
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Theology of the Parables: The kingdom and the Christ
1. Teaching about God
a. God is sovereign. He commands his servants as he chooses (Lk 17:7-10) and sows his word in whatever soil he selects (Mk 4:3-9)
b. God is patient – He delays his punishment of evildoers in the hopes that they will at last bear the fruit of obedience to his commands (Mk 12:1-9 pars.) and that he will find faith on earth at the end of the age (Lk 18:1-8). He takes great pains not to destroy evil where good might be destroyed as well (Mt 13:24-30). God gives generously to those who ask him (Lk 11:5-8 18:1-8).
c. God is gracious and merciful beyond all expectation - He does not reward on the basis of merit (Mt 20:1-16). He goes to great lengths to seek and to save the lost, extending his concern even to the disenfranchised of society (Lk 15; 7:41-43, 31-35 par.; 14:16-24 Mt 18:23-35).
d. God entrusts all people with tasks of stewardship (Mt 21:28-32; 25:14-30; Lk 16:1-9), and he will judge them in accordance with their faithlessness or faithfulness to his charge (Lk 13:6-9 16:19-31; Mt 24:43-25:13 pars.; 13:47-50).
2. Teaching about God’s people a. Abandonment - Those who would truly follow Christ must be prepared to abandon
whatever might stand in the way of whole-hearted discipleship (Lk 14:28-32; Mt 13:44-46).
b. Unworthiness - In so doing they acknowledge their utter unworthiness to earn God's favor (Lk 17:7-10).
c. Stewardship - They commit themselves to a life of stewardship (Mt 25:14-30), obeying God's commands, making concern for society', oppressed and afflicted a priority (Lk 10:25-37; 16:19-31), and assiduously avoiding the idolatry which invariably comes with the needless accumulation of possessions (Lk 12:13-21; 16:1-9; Mt 18:23-35).
d. Alert - They must not presume to know how long a span of time they have in which to exercise this stewardship, but they must remain alert to the possibility that the end could come at any moment (Mt 24:43-25:30).
e. Prayer - They bring their needs to God in prayer, boldly and without shame (Lk 11:5-8; 18:1-8). They look forward to seeing the kingdom grow into a powerful force despite its inauspicious beginning and often imperceptible presence (Mk 4:1-34 pars.).
f. Behavior - They must not begrudge God's generosity to others nor try to box him into molds of predictable behavior (Lk 15:11-32). They must realize that their disobedience and faithlessness can lead to their forfeiting the privileges which should be theirs (Mt 21:28-32; Mk 12:1-9 pars.; Lk 14:16-24; Mt 22:11-14).
g. Persevere - Those who persevere until the end will ultimately be rewarded with eternal fellowship with God and the company of all believers (Mt 13:24-30; Lk 16:19-31; 12:35-48
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3. Teaching about those who are not God’s people a. Profession of faith not enough - Profession of allegiance to God or Christ is inadequate
in and of itself. A visible life yielding the "fruits befitting repentance" must follow (Mk 12:1-9; 4:3-9; Mt 21:28-32; 7:24-27).
b. Position/status not enough - Positions of status in organized religion are no substitute for true repentance and deeds of mercy (Lk 18:9-14, 10:25-37).
c. Imminence - Now is the day in which to make a full commitment, while judgment is delayed for just a little while longer (Lk 13:6-9; 19:11-27). A day will come when it will be too late to repent, and then those who have spurned God will have no further prospect save that of a fearful, eternal judgment in separation from all things good (Mt 13:24-30, 47-50; 18:23-35; 24:45-25:30).
d. All sins can be forgiven - No sin or state of degradation is so vile that God will refuse to forgive the repentant heart (Lk 15:11-32).
e. Rebellion/excuses - Persistent rebellion is ultimately nothing but hypocrisy, since it rejects true happiness and denies human sinfulness (Lk 7:31-35 par.). All excuses for remaining outside the kingdom are remarkably flimsy (Lk 14:1624).