Parables: Riches

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”  ~ Mark 8:36-37

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses.”  ~ Luke 12:15

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” ~ 1 Timothy 6:6-7

Let us consider two parables that we will classify as “riches” parables.  Let’s notice…

The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21)

The setting (Luke 12:13-15):  A great multitude has gathered to hear Jesus (Luke 12:1).  One from the crowd wants Jesus to decide an inheritance case (Luke 12:13).  Jesus wants to part of it.  He did not come to earth to spend His time as a judge or an arbitrator, though some seemed to want Him to so function (Luke 10:40; 12:13-14; John 8:3-4).  He cautions, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15).

The Parable (Luke 12:16-21): A man prospers in farming.  He doesn’t even have enough room to store his crops.  He plans to build a bigger barn.  One day he thinks, “I will retire and take my ease.  I will eat, drink, and be merry for many years.”  However, he did not have many years.  He would die that very night.

The application: God calls the man a fool.  He was a fool because: (1) He was rich in every thing except what really matters.  He was not rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21).  (2) He had no sense of stewardship.  He used the pronouns “I” and “My” ten times (as recorded in NKJV).  He spoke of “My crops” and “My goods,” but he made no reference to God.  (3) He seems to have had no concern for others.  His plans revolve around self.  Never once does he mention others, not even family.   (4) He assumed that death was far off, while it was at the door.  “Come now, you who say ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  it is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that'” (James 4:13-14).  (5) He failed to prioritize the spiritual over the material (Mark 8:36-37; Luke 12:16-21; 16:19-26).  (6) He was zealous for what could not be carried to the hereafter (Luke 12:20; 1 Timothy 6:7; Ecclesiastes 2:17-19a).  He should have been laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).  (7) He failed to keep before him the coming judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).

The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke16:19-31)

A Parable? Some object to classifying this as a parable.  It contains proper names.  None of the parables contain proper names, unless this is the exception.  Moreover, some think that the truth of the teaching is diminished if this is considered a parable.

I have no problem considering it a parable.  It begins “a certain rich man” (Luke 16:19), which sounds like the two previous parables, which begin “a certain rich man” (Luke 16:1) and “a certain man” (Luke 15:11).  Moreover, the fact that it is a parable does in no way diminish the truth.  Parables are always based in reality, unlike fables which have trees walking and animals talking (without miraculous help), parables are told using events that could really happen (e.g. a sower sowing seed cf. Luke 8:4-ff).  Furthermore, there is a reason why the name Lazarus may be included.  The name means “God helps.”  It may have sounded as a joke from an earthly vantage point.  However, we should consider the bigger picture.

The setting (Luke 16:1, 13-14): Jesus’ disciples are present (Luke 16:1), along with certain Pharisees (Luke 16:14).  Jesus teaches , “No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13).  The Pharisees, “Who were lovers of money… derided him” (Luke 16:14).

The parable (Luke 16:19-31): Jesus tells a story of two men.  One is a rich man.  He has all of the luxuries in life that one can imagine.  He has fine clothes, a gated house, and he eats well.  The second man, Lazarus, is a beggar.  He is not a beggar due to laziness or lack of work ethic (He is not corrected for such things).  He may be a beggar due to illness.  He is sick and full of sores.

Both men die.  Wealth does not conquer death.  It eventually gets all.

We can imagine that there would be a great difference in the manner and expense with which these two were buried.  The text does not elaborate.

Next, Jesus tells us of these two men’s states on the other side in the hadean realm.  The rich man is in torments (majestic, plural, signifying great torment).  Lazarus is in comfort and in the company of Abraham.  Betwixt the two is a great gulf which cannot be crossed.

The rich man has five brothers.  He is concerned about them for they too are headed toward this some unhappy end.  Perhaps, they are even following the example of their brother.  Can’t they be warned?  The answer is they have been.  They have “Moses and the prophets,” in modern terms – they have the Bible.

The application: The point is that ones material success, or lack of sucess in life, is no indicator of what awaits on the other side.

The issue is not money. The Bible mentions men and women of faith who were wealthy in this life: Abraham, Sarah, Job, Joseph, David, Mary and Martha and Lazarus, Joseph of Arimathea, Mary the mother of John Mark.  The Bible also mentions men and women of faith who were poor in this life: Job, Ruth, Naomi, the poor widow who put in two mites. God wants us to be faithful in whatever financial state we find ourselves.  He wants us to be good stewards of what we have, serving Him.  “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

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Parables: Stewardship

Posted on August 10, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

Definitions of steward –

“The manager of a household or estate.”   ~ Vine’s

“The management of a household or household affairs; specifically, the management, oversight, administration of other’s property.”   ~Thayer

“A steward is someone who has been given something to use for the benefit of someone else.  He is a manager who has been placed in charge of someone else’s money or property… A steward is someone entrusted with something that doesn’t belong to him, to use for the benefit of others.”   ~Kenny Gardner

Note: The English word comes from the Old English “styward,” “stig” or “sty” in reference to people referred to a “hall,” in reference to animals it referred to an “enclosure” or “pen.”  “Weard” or “ward” meant “guard” or “protect.”  Thus, it was one who had the responsibility to care for something.

Let us consider two parables that we will classify as “stewardship” parables.

Talent (Matthew 25:14-30)

The setting (Matthew 24:1-ff):  Jesus is with his disciples (Matthew 24:1), specifically with Peter, James, John, and Andrew (Mark 13:3).  He spoke to them of the judgment day, saying – “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only… watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:36, 42).

The Parable (Matthew 25:14-30):  A man is to travel to a far country.  The man is Jesus (Matthew 25:14, 19 cf. 25:31-ff).  The far country, which is also mentioned in other passages (Matthew 21:33; 25:14; Mark 12:1; Luke 19:12; 20:9), no doubt refers to heaven (Luke 19:12 cf. Daniel 7:13-14; John 14:1-3).

Prior to the man’s departure he entrusts varying amounts of talents to each of his servants.  One servant received 5 talents (The ESV Study Bible calculates this to be about $3 million in today’s money).  One servant received 2 talents (about $1.2 million).  One servant received one talent (about $600,000).  They were to be good stewards of what was entrusted to them.   After a long time the Lord returns.  This long time is emphasized throughout Jesus’ teachings concerning His return (Matthew 24:48; 25:5; 25:19; Luke 12:45).

He summoned his servants.  The first two servants are found to have used their talents profitably.  The five talent man had gained another five talents.  The two talent man had gained another two talents.  He commends each of them saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  The third servant had buried his talent.  He had done nothing with it.  He tries to make a defense.  However, the Lord indicates that the real reason for the lack of productivity was that he had been a “wicked and lazy servant.”  This man did not enter into the joy of the Lord as the other two, but was cast into outer darkness.

The application:  While the apostles may primarily be in view (Matthew 24:1-ff), all Christians are servants of God (Romans 6:22; 12:11).  (1) Each servant received something.  We may not all have the same abilities. However, we do have ability and talent that should be used in His service.  (2) Whatever we have really belongs to Him.  We are His stewards (cf. Psalm 24:1; 50:10).  (3) We are entrusted with a treasure, the treasure of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:7).  How are we using it?  Are we burying it?  (4) The Lord judges based on our abilities (cf. Luke 12:48; 2 Corinthians 8:12; Mark 12:41-44).  Wayne Jackson, “It was not the number of talents, but the quality of service that was praised” (The Parables in Profile, p. 64).  (5) The one talent man was condemned not for what he did, but for what he did not do.  Christianity is more than ‘don’t’.  It is a religion of ‘dos’ (cf. James 4:17; Galatians 6:10). Consider the words of the following song, “If, at the dawn of the early morning, He shall call us one by one, When to the Lord we restore our talents, Will He answer thee well down?” (Song:Will Jesus Find Us Watching? by fanny Crosby).

Pounds (Luke 19:12-27)

The setting (Luke 19:11): Jesus is traveling to Jerusalem (Luke 17:11; 18:35-37; 19:1; 19:11; 19:28).  Excitement is high, and a throng of humanity press to see him (Luke 18:35-37; 19:1-4).  The expectation is that he would soon declare himself King, and set up a physical kingdom.  This parable is set forth, “because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately” (Luke 19:11).

The parable (Luke 19:12-17):  A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.  The man is Jesus.  The kingdom would be received in a far country, not in Jerusalem.  The far country, no doubt, is heaven, and is mentioned several times by Jesus (Matthew 21:33; 25:14; Mark 12:1; Luke 19:12; 20:9).  Note – this was not historically or politically unusual.  A man might journey to Rome to appear before the Emperor and Senate before receiving kingship over a land.  Jesus was to go to the ancient of days to receive the kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14).

Prior to departure the nobleman entrusted ten servants with one pound (KJV)/Mina (NKJV) each, and instructed “Do business till I come” (Luke 19:13).  The ESV Study Bible implies that a mina would be worth about $7,200 today.

While he was away, some citizens sent a delegation to the far country saying, “We will not have this man reign over us” (Luke 19:14).  Note – such a thing actually happened with Archelaus (cf. Matthew 2:22) the son of Herod the Great (Gospel Advocate Commentary on Luke, by H. Leo Boles, p. 302).

He returned a king.  He summons his servants.  The first two servants had been productive with varying success.  However the third servant had done nothing productive.  He tried to make an excuse.  Ultimately, he had his stewardship stripped from him.  Next, he orders that those who did not want him to reign over them be brought  before him and slayed.

The application: (1) The Kingdom would not be received in Jerusalem, but in a far country (cf. Daniel 7:13-14).  (2) We will be held accountable to Him.  (3) He will return.

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Parables: Prayer

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?   In the name of Christ our Savior, did you sue for loving favor as a shield today?

When you met with great temptation, did you think to pray?  By His dying love and merit, did you claim the Holy Spirit as your guide and stay?

When your heart was filled with anger, did you think to pray?   Did you plead for grace my brother, that you might forgive another who had crossed your way?

When sore trials came upon you, did you think to pray?  When your soul was bowed in sorrow, Balm of Gilead did you borrow at the gates of day?

~Mrs. M.A. Kidder

Let us consider four parables that we will classify as “prayer” parables.  Let us notice…

A Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8)

The setting (Luke 11:1): Jesus had been praying.  Prayer was a normal, frequent, and important part of his life (Luke 3:21; 6:12; 9:18; 9:28; 11:1; 22:41; 22:44).  The disciples wanted to learn how to pray.  Jesus, then, provided them with a model prayer (Luke 11:3-4).

The parable (Luke 11:5-8): Jesus tells a story of a friend who comes to your house at midnight.  Your children are asleep in bed with you.  If you get up you likely will wake the whole house.  You want him to go away.  However, he doesn’t.  He keeps on knocking and calling out to you.  What does he want?  He wants three loaves of bread.  Finally, you decide to arise and give him what he wants so that you and your house can have some peace.

Neil Lightfoot provided this picture, “In Palestine the majority of the people were poor and most of the houses were one-room cottages.  The houses were built on the ground, with beaten clay serving as the floor.  The animals were usually kept inside to protect them against weather and possible theft.  In a part of the house a platform was raised above the floor on stilts.  It was in this upper story where the family cooked, and ate, and slept together.  Quite naturally then, the man did not want to get out of bed because it would disturb the whole household” (The Parables of Jesus, Part 1, p. 64).

The application: Some have suggested that this teaches persistence in prayer.  Certainly, there is nothing wrong with persistence (Luke 6:12; Matthew 26:44).  However, I do not think that this is the point.  I do not think that this is intended to teach that God has to be worn down, or that he is inconvenienced or disturbed when we pray.  Read Isaiah 65:24.

The meaning is found in contrast.  On one hand, there is a man who is inconvenienced by his friend.  On the other hand, there is God who is not inconvenienced by us.  He stands ready to respond.  Moreover, He does not answer to get rid of us.  He invites us to ask, seek, and knock (Luke 11:9-10).

A Father’s Response (Luke 11:11-13)

The setting (Luke 11:1) same as the first.

The parable (Luke 11:11-13): If your son asked for the necessities of life, if he asked for food (bread, fish, egg) would you give something cruel or even harmful (stone, serpent, scorpion)?  Note – each of these have a similar appearance. A stone can resemble a loaf of bread, a serpent can resemble a fish, and a rolled up scorpion can resemble an egg.

The application: God cares about us.  The parallel account reads, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11).  He will give us what we need.

The Unjust Judge (Luke 18:8)

The Setting (Luke 18:1): The audience is the disciples (cf. Luke 17:22A).  The purpose of the parable is stated, “men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1 cf. Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

The parable (Luke 18:2-8): A Judge who does not fear God or regard man finally gives into a widow’s plea for justice.  He says, “because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.”

The Application: Some have suggested that this teaches the need for persistence in prayer.  However, let us ask: Is God a God who must be wearied before answering?  Is He one who has no regard for man?  Is God troubled by our requests?

The meaning is that prayer is not to be neglected.  If an unjust Judge, without regard for man, can be prompted to respond, how much more your living Father, who cares for you?  It is a lesson from contrast.

The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:10-14)

The setting (Luke 18:9): This parable concerns those who approach God in a self-righteous manner, and despise others.

The Parable (Luke 18:10-14):  Two men are pictured in the temple praying.  The Pharisee boasted of his good deeds and religion.  He also compared himself to others.  How much better he was in his mind than others.  The Publican (tax-collector) knew his shortcomings.  He compared himself to no one.  This was between him and God, and involved no other.  He said, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”

The Application:  Jesus said, “I tell you this man (the publican) went down to his house justified rather than the other (the Pharisee):  for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).  Don’t boast to God.  He knows you.  Don’t compare yourself with others.  They are not the standard.  Be humble.  Acknowledge your sins and ask for mercy, when needed.  “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34; James 5:6).  “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” (I Peter 5:6-7).

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Parables: Service

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

“It is high time that the ideal of success should be replaced by the ideal of service.” ~Albert Einstein

“The high destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule…” ~Albert Einstein

” I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I awoke and saw life is all service. I served and saw service is joy.” ~Khalil Gibran

Let us consider two parables that we will classify as “service” parables.  Let us notice…

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

The setting (10:25-29): A lawyer asked Jesus, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  The question may have not been sincere for it says that he did this to test him.  Jesus answered the question by saying that the requirements may be summed up in two points: (1) Love God; (2) Love your neighbor (your fellow-man).   Keep in mind that man demonstrates his live for God by keeping His commandments (John 14:15, 21, 23; 1 John 2:4; 5:3), and one demonstrates his love for man by keeping the commandments (Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 5:2; 2 John 5-6).

The lawyer then replied, “Who is my neighbor?”  Does this include non-Israelites?

The Parable (10:30-37): A traveling man is in trouble.  He has been robbed.  The robbers took even his clothes.  He was wounded.  His wounds are serious.  He is “half-dead”.

A priest traveling that same road comes upon him, sees him, but passes without helping.  Next, a Levite comes, looks, but he too passes on without helping.  Perhaps, they were in a hurry.  Perhaps they did not want to get involved, or even feared getting involved.  Perhaps, they didn’t want to risk getting blood on their garments.  Why they passed by, we are not told.  We are only told that they did pass.

Finally, a Samaritan stops.  He treats the man’s wounds.  He transports him to an inn and cares for him that day.  The next day, he departs, first instructing the innkeeper, “take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again I will repay you.”

Jesus asks, “Which of the three was a neighbor?”  The lawyer answered, “he who showed mercy.”  Jesus instructs, “Go and do likewise.”

The application:(1) The idea of love and responsibility should not be limited to nationality or ethnicity.  (2) We should show compassion to those in need.

Consider the following passages – Hosea 6:6, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”  Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”  Matthew 25:40, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.”  James 2:13, “Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgments.”

One last point, Margaret Thatcher once said, “No one would have remembered the Good Samaritan if he hadn’t any money” (Dave Ramsey, Total Money Makeover, p. 13).  While this may not be entirely true, it is true that money can be used to show kindness (1 Timothy 6:17-19).  Money itself is not evil.  It is a tool with which one can do great good.

The Unprofitable Servant (Luke 17:7-10)

The setting (17:5-6): The audience is the apostles.  Jesus has told them that if they had faith as a mustard seed they could do great things.  T. Pierce Brown has written, “It is my judgment that most commentaries do not do justice to the lesson Jesus is trying to teach.  The ones I remember say something like this ‘The grain of mustard seed is small.  If you just had a small amount of faith, you could do great things… Jesus already admits that they had a little faith (Matthew 8:26; 14:31; 17:20)… It is not the size of the faith that he is emphasizing, but the nature or quality of the faith… Now how big is a grain of mustard seed?  Well, it is small, but that is not the important point… The important thing is that the mustard seed does have power to appropriate God’s gifts… The point is… They needed on active operative faith.  If a grain of mustard seed is dead, it does not matter whether it is small or large, it will produce nothing.  But if a grain of mustard seed is alive, active, and appropriating the gifts of rain, sunshine and earth it will produce greatly.  So it is with our faith.” (Article: How Much Faith Do You Need?).  If their faith were alive, then they would grow and accomplish great things.

The Parable (17:7-10): It is easy for us to think that we’ve done something great when we serve God and do good to our fellow-man.  It is easy to become puffed-up, arrogant and haughty over the work which we’ve done (Luke 10:17 cf. 10:19-20; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 cf. 4:6-7).  This parable is set forth to caution against such thinking.  “When you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants.  We have done what was our duty to do.’”  Note: The word “unprofitable” does not mean in context “useless.”  It means – having rendered no service beyond what was due.

The Application: (1) We are to “maintain good works” (Titus 3:8, 14).  We are to do this while serving our Master.  (2) Yet, we cannot do works of supererogation.  We can never do more than our duty.  We live as His servants.  We should humbly say, “We have done what was our duty to do.”

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Parables: Concern for the Lost

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave.”  – Fannie Crosby

“Lead me to some soul today; O teach me, Lord, just what to say; Friends of mine are lost in sin, and cannot find their way.”  -Will Houghton

“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10).

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.”  (Galatians 6:1).

“Brethren if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20).

Jesus set forth three parables that we will classify as ‘Concern for the Lost” parables.  Let’s notice…

The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7)

The setting (15:1-3): The Pharisees and Scribes could not understand why Jesus would spend time with sinners.  This was not the first time such troubled them (cf. 5:29-32).

The Parable (15:4-7): If a shepherd lost one of his sheep, wouldn’t he search for it?  Wouldn’t he rejoice, if he found it and was able to bring it home?  This is an argument from the lesser to the greater.  If one would do such for a sheep, what about a man?  Isn’t a man’s soul worth far more than a sheep?  (cf. 13:15-16; 14:1-5).

The Application: (1) The immediate application is that this explains why Jesus spent time with sinners.  He came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). (2) The secondary application is that we too should be concerned for the lost (cf. Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20).  J.W. McGarvey has written, “What can be the meaning of this parable, unless… faithful brethren is to go and hunt up, and try to win back, the wanderer?… If a congregation were assembled on the Lord’s day for worship, and the elders, upon looking over their faces, were to miss one, and ascertain that he was absent in some gay company, or at home in an ill-humor, or about to start out for the day on a pleasure excursion, would they be pressing the teaching of this parable too far, should one of the immediately leave the house of God, and go bring in that person?  How much joy it would create among the saints on earth, and among the angels in heaven, if such a thing were done successfully and often; should anyone, however, be unwilling to press the analogy to this extent, he must still admit that the nearest possible approach to this degree of vigilance can alone meet fully the demands of the shepherd’s duty” (The Eldership, p. 34-35).

The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)

The setting (15:1-3):  This is the same context as the previous parable.  Jesus ate and associated with all types of people: (1) Pharisees (7:36-50; 11:37-44; 14:1-4); (2) Publicans and sinners (5:29-30; 15:1-2; 19:1-ff).  He explained, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (5:31-32).

The parable (15:8-10): If a woman lost a silver coin, wouldn’t she make an effort to find it?  Wouldn’t she rejoice, if she did find it?  Neil Lightfoot makes this comment, “Some scholars have suggested that in this case the coin was especially valuable to the woman since it formed an ornament for her head.  It was customary for Jewish women to save up 10 coins and string them together for a necklace or hairdress.  The ornament became a treasured possession worn as a sign of a married woman, very much like a wedding band is worn today.”  (The Parables of Jesus, Part II).  Wayne Jackson also comments, “Silver coins, which were commonly worn as ornaments by near-eastern women, were highly valued, frequently being handed down from mother to daughter” (The Parables in Profile, pp. 42-43).

The Application: (1) Jesus cares about the lost.  “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (15:10).  (2) We too should care.  “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)

The setting (15:1-3): The context is the same as the two previous parables.

The parable (15:11-32): The parable is of a lost son and a father’s love.  In the words of George Strait’s song, “Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then.  It’s a love without end, amen.”

There is a difference between this parable and the two previous.  In the case of the Lost Sheep there was a search and rescue.  Sheep are near-sighted.  It is very easy for them to wander off and not be able to find their way back home.  In the case of the lost coin there was a search and find.  The coin did not know it was lost.  However, with the lost son, there is no search.  The father knew where the son was.  He was where he was by choice, and he knew the way home.  It would have done no good to hog-tie him and bring him home.  The son needed to come to himself, and decide that he wanted to return.

The Application: (1) God is ready and willing to receive the sinner who repents.  (2) The real emphasis is upon the elder son, who was not ready to receive the sinner back home.  The father told the elder son, “It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found” (15:32).

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Parables: Forgiveness

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven.” – Thomas Fuller

“Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it forgoes revenge, and dares forgive an injury.” – E.H. Chapin

Jesus set forth two parables that we will classify as Forgiveness Parables.  Let’s notice:

The Two Debtors (Luke 7:40-47)

The setting (7:36-39): Jesus is a guest for dinner at Simon’s house.  Simon is a Pharisee.  A woman of sinful reputation comes to Jesus and begins to wash his feet with her tears, and wipe them with her hair, and anoint them with fragrant oil.  Simon wonders how Jesus, if he be a prophet of God, would allow such a woman near Him.

The Parable (7:40-43): Jesus’ parable speaks of human tendency.  Generally speaking, the larger the debt forgiven, the more gratitude.  Simon understands this.

The Application (7:44-47): “Simon, you have misjudged this woman.  Yes, she has had a sinful past, but she has been forgiven.  It is for this reason she honors Me.”  Wayne Jackson commented on verse 47, “Perfect tense – an act in the past with abiding results.  The Lord was not forgiving her sins at this point in time, rather he was stating what her present condition was.  This woman had obviously received the Savior’s pardon on some previous but unrecorded occasion” (The Parables in Profile, p. 53).  J.W. McGarvey commented, “Her love was the result, and not the cause, of her forgiveness” (The Four Fold Gospel, p. 295).

The truth is none of us can pay for our sins (7:42).  This woman grasped how much she needed the Savior.  Simon failed to grasp this point (cf. Luke 18:10-14).  Do we grasp how lost we would be without the Savior?  How appreciative we should be!

The Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)

The setting (18:21-22): Peter want to know how many times one is required to forgive.  He asks, “Up to seven times?”  Some Jewish rabbis taught that one was required to forgive up to three times, based on Amos 1:3, 6, 13; 2:6.    The idea of seven times may have come from Peter’s literalizing Jesus’ teachings (Luke 17:3-4).  Jesus answers by throwing out a large number (seventy times seven) to say in effect, “Peter, you are not even close.”

The Parable (18:23-35): Two men are considered.  One owed the King a very large debt (10,000 talents, the E.S.V. Study Bible calculates this at about $6 billion).  The man could not repay the debt.  However, the King forgave him.  The other man owed the first man a debt (100 denarii, the E.S.V. Study Bible calculates this at about $12,000 in today’s terms).  The first man, unlike the King, refuses to forgive the debt, but committed him to debtors prison.  When the King heard of this, he reinstated the debt of the first man.

The Application: God has greatly forgiven us.  How can we refuse to forgive others. The truth is – our forgiveness will be forfeited if we refuse to forgive others.  As the King did to the unmerciful servant, Jesus said – “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses (18:35).  Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).  Moreover, he warned, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15).

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The Queen of the South and the Men of Nineveh

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“The Queen of the South will rise up in judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.  The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for the repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.”  (Luke 11:31, 32).

1.  The Effort of the Queen…

  Many scholars inform us that Sheba was more than 1000 miles away from Jerusalem.  It must have been a great distance, because Luke 11:31 says that she came from the “ends of the earth”.  She travelled that great distance to hear the wisdom of Solomon.  Yet, how many in this generation fail to even lift the Bible off the coffee table to feed daily from the wisdom of God?  How many in this generation use the excuse, “It’s just too much trouble to go to worship services today?”

2.  The Test of the Queen…

She had heard of Solomon’s wisdom as his fame spread (1 Kings 10:1-3 cf. 1 Kings 9:25-28; 10:22-25).  But she did not blindly accept what others told her.  She tested him, “with hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1).  She came away impressed, saying, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom.  However, I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes: and indeed the half was not told me.  Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard” (1 Kings 10:6-7).  Yet, how many of this generation are happy to accept what another says concerning a religious matter without investigation?  The Bible says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).  It warns, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).  We should be as those Bereans who, “received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these thing were so” (Acts 17:11).

3.  The Change of the People of Nineveh…

They repented (Luke 11:31).  It should be understood that repentance produces a change of behavior.  Consider what it says occurred in Nineveh, “So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.  Then the word came to the King of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes.  And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, ‘let neither man nor beast, heard or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water.  But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands'”(Jonah 3:5-8).  Then, we’re told, “God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that he said he would bring upon them and did not do it” (Jonah 3:10).  Luke’s account calls this repentance!

4.  The Reception of the Message Despite the Messenger…

They “repented at (eis – literally ‘into’) the preaching of Jonah.”  (Luke 11:32).  The meaning is that they conformed themselves to what Jonah preached.  Now get this, Jonah hated them.  He did not want to preach to them (Jonah 1:1-3).  He did not want them to be saved (Jonah 4:1-3).  Even so, they were honest enough – that when they heard the truth, they were ready to accept it as truth, without regard to who said it.  Yet, how many of this generation allow some perceived ‘ungodly’ or ‘unkind’  preacher to cause them to reject God’s truth?   Alas, some reject the message due to the messenger.  How many have said, “I’ll never come back because the preacher did not shake my hand?”  Such likely was an oversight.  This article is not to excuse rude behavior or bad attitudes… but the excuses of some!  The good and honest heart will accept the truth regardless of who the messenger happens to be (Even if he be Jonah).

These two examples should serve to remind us of the love we should have for the truth (Romans 15:4). Remember,  It is the truth and only the truth that will make us free (John 8:32).

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This Coming School Year

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

Did you know that the term “school,” as used for a place of learning, is derived from the Greek “schole,” which means “leisure”? It seems that the Greek mind so closely connected the concept of leisure with the pursuit of learning, and self-improvement, that they could hardly think of one without the other. Note: “School” as we are using it does not come from the same source as “school” of fish. This “school” is derived from the Old English “scolu,” which means “multitude”. So much for our trivia lesson.

It will not be long until the start of yet another school year. Perhaps, you have already stocked-up on your supplies, purchased required material, and bought new school clothes.

Here are some things to remember this school year –

  1. Begin each day with prayer and Bible reading (Psalm 119:147-148; Mark 1:35).
  2. Be an example to others “in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
  3. Test all that you are taught with the word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Psalm 119:99).
  4. Be selective with your friendship. Choose those with good character for your friends (Psalm 119:63; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17). Avoid those of bad influence (Psalm 119:115; Proverbs 1:10-15; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 22:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:33).
  5. You will not always be popular, if you are truly a Christian ( Luke 6:26; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Pet.er 4:4).
  6. Flee tempting situations (2 Timothy 2:22).
  7. Obey your parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20). Some young people think that their parents are just old and out of touch, and perhaps, other’s parents are not so strict and demanding. Still, obey your parents. Respect their restrictions and requirements.
  8. Live a life dedicated to God (Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20). Remember that He sees all (Psalm 139; Proverbs 15:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Mark 12:36-17; Romans 2:16, etc.).
  9. Be kind (Colossians 4:6).

a.  Words are Wonderful Things

– Mrs. E. R. Miller

“Keep a watch on your words, my darling,
For words are wonderful things;

They are sweet like the bees’ fresh honey,
Like the bees they have terrible stings;

They can bless like the warm, glad sunshine,
And brighten a lonely life;

They can cut, in the strife of anger,
Like an open, two-edged knife.”

b.      Rules of Behavior

– unknown

“Hearts, like doors, will open with ease
To very, very little keys
And don’t forget that two of these
Are ‘Thank you sir,’ and ‘If you please’ ”

10.  Learn all that you can. It may help you be a better employee or employer, spouse, parent, and even a better servant of God in the future.

Going to School

– John Martin

“Dear God, a school day comes again,

With many things for me to do.

Please bless my heart and guide my brain

And make me thoughtful, strong, and true.

My lessons may seem dull to me,

And study hours long and dry,

But if you help me, then I’ll see

How fast those useful hours fly.

O God, go forth with me today,

And help my head and guide my hand,

For You are wise and know the way

To make me learn and understand

Open my heart and eyes to see

How kind is every study hour;

For each one offers gifts to me

Like wisdom, patience, love, and power.

                                                Amen”

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In The News: China’s New Parental Law

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

USA Today reported on December 28, 2012 of a new law in China, saying, “Beijing – visit your parents.  That’s an order.  So says China, whose national legislature on Friday amended its laws on the elderly to require that adult children visit their aging parents ‘often’ – or risk being sued by them.  The amendment does not specify how frequently such visits should occur… The move comes as reports abound of elderly parents being abandoned or ignored by their children… Three decades of market changes have accelerated the breakup of the traditional extended family in China.”

CNN reported on July 2, 2013, “On Tuesday Xinhua reported that a 77-year-old woman from Jiangsu City of Wuxi sued her daughter for neglecting her.  In the first case after the new law came into effect, the local court ruled that her daughter must visit twice a month and provide financial support.”

The rationale for the law is that about 25% of China’s elderly live in poverty (asiahealthcareblog).  It is thought that adult children should be helping their parents.

Regardless of what you think of China’s new law, shouldn’t children care for their parents?  Consider –

Proverbs 23:22, “Do not despise your mother when she is old.”

Matthew 15:5-6, “Whoever says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God’ – Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.”

Ephesians 6:2, “Honor your father and mother.”

1 Timothy 5:4, “If any widow has children or grandchildren, let them show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.”

1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

1 Timothy 5:16, “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.”

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Ceasing Our Work to Fight

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

In Nehemiah 4:17 we read, “They which builded on the wall, and they that bear burdens, with those that laden, everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand-held a weapon.”

I have met some brethren, that are great and zealous fighters of error and defenders of truth.  Men, who get excited and passionate in this endeavor.  Men, who will speak out boldly against “liberalism” and “anti-ism.”  Men, who are ready to share with you, every time  you speak with them, the latest false doctrine that “brother heretic” is now propagating.  Furthermore, as they’re telling you these things, you can almost see the gleam in their eyes.

Yet, some of those same men I’ve met, never have the same zeal and passion about soul-winning.  Rarely do they teach the lost.  They do not conduct personal Bible studies.  They knock no doors.  They send out no Bible correspondence courses.  They may have a computer, but never use it to reach the non-Christian.  They make no phone calls to invite and urge others to attend.  They are inwardly focused.  In fact, so much so, they cannot see the fields that are “white already to harvest” (John 4:35).  They are so consumed with what they are against, it is most difficult to determine what they are actually for.

But, from looking at Nehemiah 4:17, it becomes clear that those of old weren’t so consumed with being warriors that they ceased to be builders.  Neither, should we be, for if we are, the opposition and the devil wins (cf. Nehemiah 4:11).  There are too many that need to hear the truth, for us to spend all our time upon error.

Do we need to expose error?  Yes! (Ephesians 5:11; 2 Timothy 2:17-18, etc.).  Should we spend all our time on it?  Absolutely not!  Consider Jesus.  Did He expose the errors of the religious leaders of His day?  Yes.  But, is that all that He did?  No.  He came to “seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  Isn’t that our mission as well? (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 2:9, 12).  Let us warn brethren; But, let us not spend all our limited time on these “change agents.”

Let us remember that we, as Christians, are to positively stand for The Good News, and not just against the bad.

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