The Parables

1. Knowing God is the Most Important Thing

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."

God-centered life. Our understanding of God shapes our entire existence. It's not just about theological correctness, but about how we respond to others, reflecting God's character. The Lord Jesus consistently sought to correct misunderstandings about His Father, emphasizing that true knowledge of God is demonstrated through love and compassion.

Theological cafeteria. Many people pick and choose aspects of God that appeal to them, creating a god in their own image. This approach is flawed because it ignores the full revelation of God in Scripture. Instead, we must seek to understand God as He has revealed Himself, not as we wish Him to be.

Imitating God's response. Knowing God is not merely intellectual assent to theological truths, but a transformation of our character to reflect His. This is seen in our response to people, especially those who are marginalized or considered "sinners." True knowledge of God is evidenced by our imitation of His love and compassion.

2. Love God and Love Your Neighbor

"A Christian is someone who lives outside himself. He lives in Christ by faith and in his neighbor by love."

Love as the core. Love is central to Jesus' message, but it's not a sentimental slogan. It's a call to action, a way of life that reflects God's character. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates that love is not limited to those we find easy to love, but extends to all, even our enemies.

Defining "neighbor." The question "Who is my neighbor?" is not about defining boundaries, but about recognizing the needs of those around us. Our neighbor is anyone in need, regardless of their background or beliefs. Love is not a feeling, but a sacrificial action that seeks the best for others.

Love in action. The Good Samaritan's actions demonstrate the true nature of love: compassion, care, and commitment. He didn't just feel pity; he acted on it, bandaging wounds, providing shelter, and ensuring ongoing care. This is the kind of love that God calls us to emulate.

3. Gratitude Reveals True Forgiveness

"If gratitude is a sign of forgiveness, of what is lack of gratitude a sign?"

Forgiveness precedes love. Love is a response to forgiveness, not the other way around. When we truly understand the depth of our sin and the magnitude of God's grace, we are moved to love and gratitude. This love is not earned, but freely given.

The forgiven heart. The woman who anoints Jesus' feet demonstrates the heart of a forgiven person. Her extravagant love and gratitude are evidence of the forgiveness she has received. In contrast, Simon's cold formality reveals a lack of understanding of his own need for forgiveness.

Love for Jesus. The level of our love for Jesus is a direct reflection of our understanding of forgiveness. If we show a lack of love for Christ, it indicates a lack of understanding of the depth of our sin and the cost of our forgiveness. True gratitude is expressed through love for the One who has forgiven us.

4. Forgiveness is Essential for Spiritual Health

"Forgiveness means pardoning the unpardonable or it is not forgiveness at all."

Real sin, real forgiveness. Forgiveness deals with real sin, not just minor offenses. It's about letting go of the wrong, releasing the desire for revenge, and trusting God to handle the situation. Forgiveness is not excusing or forgetting, but a conscious choice to release the debt.

The unforgiving servant. The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates the hypocrisy of receiving forgiveness and refusing to extend it to others. The servant's refusal to forgive his fellow servant reveals a lack of understanding of the grace he had received.

The cost of unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is a prison that locks us into bitterness, resentment, and anger. It is a form of self-torture that prevents us from experiencing the freedom and joy that comes from forgiveness. Refusing to forgive is not just a moral failure, but a spiritual one.

5. Discipleship Requires Total Commitment

"Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Beyond casual attachment. Discipleship is not a casual or occasional activity, but a total commitment to Jesus. It requires a willingness to prioritize Him above all else, even family and personal desires. It's a call to a life of sacrifice and service.

The way of the cross. Carrying our cross means embracing a life of self-denial and submission to God's will. It's about aligning our goals with His mission, not our own. It's a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.

Counting the cost. Discipleship is not a cheap or easy path. It requires careful consideration of the costs and consequences. It's about making a conscious choice to follow Jesus, knowing that it will demand everything we have. It's a commitment that requires both enthusiasm and endurance.

6. Materialism is a Spiritual Danger

"A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

The lure of possessions. Materialism is a subtle and dangerous trap that seduces us with the promise of security and happiness. It's a belief that our worth is measured by what we own, not who we are in Christ. It's a pursuit that never satisfies.

The rich fool. The parable of the rich fool illustrates the folly of building our lives around material possessions. The man's focus on self-indulgence and accumulation reveals a lack of understanding of true value. His life is cut short, and his wealth is left behind.

Investing in eternity. True wealth is not found in earthly possessions, but in a relationship with God. We are called to invest in things that have eternal value, not in things that will fade away. This requires a shift in our priorities, from self-centeredness to God-centeredness.

7. Shrewdness is a Virtue for Believers

"The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly."

Strategic living. Shrewdness is not about being cunning or manipulative, but about being wise and strategic in our use of resources. It's about recognizing opportunities and acting decisively to achieve our goals. It's about using our gifts and talents for God's glory.

The dishonest manager. The parable of the dishonest manager illustrates the importance of using our resources wisely, even if they are not our own. The manager's shrewdness in securing his future, though morally questionable, is a model for how we should use our resources for eternal purposes.

Eternal investments. We are called to use our worldly wealth to gain friends for ourselves in heaven. This means using our resources to support the work of the kingdom, to meet the needs of others, and to spread the gospel. It's about investing in things that will last forever.

8. Eternal Destiny is Determined by Present Choices

"Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."

The reality of death. Death is an unavoidable reality that forces us to confront the meaning of our lives. It's a reminder that our time on earth is limited and that we will all face judgment. It's a call to live with eternity in mind.

The rich man and Lazarus. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the eternal consequences of our choices in this life. The rich man's self-indulgence and neglect of Lazarus lead to eternal torment, while Lazarus's suffering on earth is followed by eternal comfort.

The importance of Scripture. The rich man's request to send Lazarus back to warn his brothers is denied because they already have the Scriptures. The Word of God is sufficient to guide us to salvation and to warn us of the consequences of sin. Our eternal destiny is determined by our response to God's Word.

9. Persistent Prayer is Essential for Disciples

"They should always pray and not give up."

Prayer as a lifeline. Prayer is not an optional activity, but an essential part of the Christian life. It's a lifeline that connects us to God and enables us to persevere in the face of adversity. It's a constant communication with our Father.

The unjust judge. The parable of the unjust judge illustrates the importance of persistent prayer. The widow's persistence eventually wears down the judge, and he grants her justice. This is not a model of how God responds, but a contrast to His loving nature.

Confidence in God. We are called to pray with confidence, knowing that our Father is eager to hear and answer our prayers. He is not like the unjust judge, who is indifferent to our needs. He is a loving Father who is committed to our good.

10. True Humility is Seeing Ourselves as God Sees Us

"Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

The danger of self-righteousness. Self-righteousness is a dangerous delusion that blinds us to our true condition before God. It's a belief that we are good enough on our own, that we don't need God's grace. It's a form of pride that separates us from God.

The Pharisee and the tax collector. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates the difference between self-righteousness and true humility. The Pharisee's self-congratulatory prayer reveals his pride, while the tax collector's cry for mercy reveals his brokenness.

Justification by grace. The tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. This is because justification is not earned by our good works, but received by grace through faith. True humility is recognizing our need for God's mercy and grace.

Last updated: January 19, 2025