Posts Tagged ‘parables’
The Parable of the Unjust Steward
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Parable-of-the-Unjust-Steward.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Luke 16:1-13 A. Many find this parable confusing because of the praise of the lord in verse 8. B. How is it that an unfaithful steward, about to be relieved of his position, gains praise from his employer when he ends his career stealing more from him? II. This parable follows three other…
Read MoreReading Matthew 25 as a Unit
by Matthew W. Bassford The wise and the foolish virgin by Jan Adam Kruseman, 1848 Through the years, God has managed to hammer a few insights about the Bible into my thick head. One of them is that in the gospels, the order of stories matters. It’s common for the Evangelist to arrange material so…
Read MoreIs the mustard seed the smallest of all seeds?
Question: I have a Bible question, sir. In Matthew 13:31-32 and in Mark 4:30-32, does Jesus say that the mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds? I have read that the orchid seed is the smallest seed. I’m a little confused. Can you please tell me what Jesus meant when he said that the…
Read MoreThe Parable of the Prodigal Son
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Parable-of-the-Prodigal-Son.mp3 by Wayne Fancher I. The Prodigal Son Leaving Was His Fault Alone Luke 15:20-21 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to…
Read MoreIs the Parable of the Prodigal Son solely about God’s grace?
Question: Could you please speak on the parable of the prodigal son? I had a family member who has been in Christ’s church her whole life saying that repentance has nothing to do with this parable. She focuses solely on the father’s loving compassion as being the whole point of the parable, and while I…
Read MoreI am just amazed at how beautiful and clear you made Luke 16:9
Question: I just had to send you an email. I was reading Luke 16. Part of it made no sense to me. I searched, looking for an answer. I came across your site. I am just amazed at how beautiful and clear you made Luke 16:9. All I can say is Thank You and God bless you. Hope…
Read MoreCould you explain Jotham’s parable of the trees?
Question: Would you please give your understanding of the story of the trees in Judges 9:7-15? Thank you. Answer: “Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and cried out. And he said to them: “Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen…
Read MoreI really enjoyed your material on the Parable of the Unjust Steward
Question: In preparing for a home study, I was looking for a further explanation of the parable about the unjust steward found in Luke 16. Really enjoyed reading your material on this. Answer: I’m glad you found the material useful.
Read MoreThe Parable of the Vineyard Workers
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ParableOfTheVineyardWorkers.mp3 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ParableOfTheVineyardWorkers.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 20:1-16 I. When speaking of the nature of our heavenly reward, the parable of the vineyard workers is often cited to prove that each will receive a similar heavenly reward. A. Whether a Christian has lived a long life serving the Lord, or only found the Lord late…
Read MoreIs the oil to be bought in Matthew 25:1-13 the truth mentioned in Proverbs 23:23?
Question: Do Matthew 25:1-13 and Proverbs 23:23 correlate? Is the oil we are supposed to buy truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding? Answer: When dealing with parables, you need to be careful to use the imagery in the parable consistent with the point being made. It is possible to stretch a parable beyond its intended meaning.…
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