parables – La Vista Church of Christ https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:01:04 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-LaVistaBanner-Copy-1-32x32.png parables – La Vista Church of Christ https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms 32 32 157465916 Today’s Application of Parables https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/todays-application-of-parables/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:01:04 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92765

by Olly Harmon
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 1, March 1993

The other day, I took a good look at my surroundings and the house I have been left with, which had not been touched for over three years. Oh, yes, I had painted the outside and whacked off things that got in my way in the process, but I had not taken care of the outside as it used to be cared for by the lady of the house. I decided that I had to do something, even though I did not have the talent she had, nor the "green thumb."

I first took care of the barren places, where the flowers that had been put out three years ago had withered away and been cast out for lack of care and replacement. It took time to stir up the dirt, add some planting mixture, and plant and tend some new flowers.

After about three or four hours of toil and perspiration, I stood back and was amazed at the transformation. My mind immediately thought of the charge that God gave to Adam and Eve to "tend the garden" (Genesis 2:15); and I now understand a little better God’s order to "dress and keep it."

Then I noticed the shrubbery and plants around the house, and the "wildness" that had seemed to take hold of some of them, intertwining among each other to where you couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began. I decided that it was time for me to take care of the "tares" in my yard, for the parable of the Lord concerning the tares in the field came to my mind as I gazed at the house and the tangles of shrubbery and grasses in the plant beds.

Once again, the lesson and meaning of the parable became clearer to me in Matthew 13:24ff. Like the man in the parable with his wheat, I too had been asleep for the past three years, and my "enemy" surely had put the tares amongst the shrubs and plants. Why, some of the "grass" was over 18 inches long, and there was stuff in the maze of weeds and grass and plants that had died out a long time ago. So, once again, after three hours of cutting, pulling out, weeding, and some more perspiration, I stood back and looked at the result of my labors. It was rewarding to say the least, and I could see why my grandson Jeffrey told his Nana, "you’ve got to do something ’cause there is the momma squirrel and daddy squirrel, but you can’t see the baby squirrel." It and the turtle among the flowers had been gobbled up by the wildness of the "tares" within the garden.

It is easier to understand how everyday things are used to spread His gospel among the people. They could relate to everyday things that they dealt with regularly in their lives. They knew wheat fields, tares, weeding, planting, and taking care of the things of this life. His lessons were all the more forceful when taught in the relationship of known factors.

I shuddered to think about the shape our lives and our souls would be in if left unattended for three years. We need to heed the admonition of Hebrews 10:24-25 concerning assembling and, daily, renew ourselves with the study of the Word of God, so that we can discern right from wrong and truth from error.

The apostle Paul knew that better than anyone else (except the Lord, of course). He told Timothy to "study to approve thyself ... not being ashamed ... rightly dividing the Word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15). Once we neglect daily studying and reading, that old enemy tends to creep in like the tares and choke out that knowledge of God and we become slipshod in our attendance and devotion to our first love, the love of God. Like the apostle Paul, we need to buffet our bodies daily and keep them under subjection, lest we, too, become a castaway and be rejected of the Lord on that final day of judgment.

What is an "unprofitable servant?" Well, if you have had the misfortune to pick weeds and cut shrubs, and reseed and׳ replant where once flourished lovely, neat, trim, and pretty flowers and shrubs, you get a better insight into the term unprofitable. Especially so when you get scratched, damp with sweat, your clothes dirty from "grubbing in the dirt," and irritable from your own stupidity in letting things get into such a state. That’s "unprofitable!" a waste of time, effort, and money, all of which could have been profitably spent in the study of Scriptures, preparing a lesson, or visiting with someone.

We need to understand more fully the Lord’s teaching in John 8: we cannot adulterate our lives but must constantly purge out error and be free from sin. Since we know He is the "light of the world," we must walk "in Him" and not in darkness (John 8:12). If we do not purge out that which is disrupting our following Jesus, we will (as He says) "die in our sins" (John 8:23-24). John 8:26 tells us that God is true and that Jesus speaks the truth that He has heard from God, as He teaches and instructs. Therefore, let us resolve to continue to purify ourselves and be more like the Master, cleansed and sanctified, free of the cares and tares of this world.

Remember the apostle Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 11:1, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Again in Romans 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

May God continue to sustain us in our walk through life unto the heavenly home.

]]> 92765 Why Jesus Taught in Parables https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/why-jesus-taught-in-parables/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:21:53 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92542

by Roger D. Campbell

No one ever taught as Jesus did (John 7:46)! When He taught people, He often employed parables. By doing so, He fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 78:2; 49:4). Jesus was neither the first nor last person in history to teach via parables, but He used them in an unparalleled, masterful way. Depending on how one classifies the stories told by Jesus, the New Testament records some thirty to forty of His parables. They truly were an important aspect of His teaching. God wants us to be blessed by them.

The main Greek word from which we get our English word “parable” is parabole, which means: “a placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition, as of ships in battle...metaphorically a comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude” [Thayer, word #385].

A parable was a story, an earthly story. But it was different from a common story in that, within the parable or story, there was a spiritual meaning. In His parables, the Christ took a well-known or common occurrence, or at least one which could have happened, and placed beside it a spiritual meaning. It is clear, then, that parables were a symbolic language. But why?

Why did the Master teach in parables? We are not the first to wonder about that. His disciples once asked Him, “Why speakest thou unto them in parables” (Matthew 13:10)?

At times, Jesus used parables to answer questions. For instance, one man who tried to justify himself asked the Christ, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). In response to that inquiry, Jesus told him a story that we call the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Jesus used that story to open the man’s eyes to the need to love and show compassion to all people.

Jesus spoke in parables to reveal the truth and make it plain to those who really sought to find and follow it. As part of Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ question about why He taught in parables, He told them, “But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them]” (Matthew 13:16-17). We recall that Jesus taught that one who hungers and thirsts for righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6). Jesus plainly set forth the value of God’s kingdom in the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44-46).

It is also true that Jesus used parables to conceal the truth from the hard-hearted or those who would abuse it. When Isaiah proclaimed God’s word, he faced people with a prejudiced/dishonest heart. The same thing happened with the Christ when He taught: “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matthew 13:14-15). God wants all to be saved (I Timothy 2:4), and because of His marvelous love, Jesus came to save the sinful world (Luke 19:10). Yet many people do not have a love for the truth (II Thessalonians 2:10-12). Remember that some loved the Christ, but others hated Him and His message. Thus, because of their rebellious spirit, what some possessed would be taken away from them (Matthew 7:6; 13:12).

Furthermore, Jesus used parables to help His listeners remember the lessons taught. If they could remember the story, they ought to be able to remember the truth it taught. Who could forget the Parable of the Lost or Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)? And, who could forget the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)? Stories that painted such a vivid picture could be recalled more easily.

Another practical reason for our Lord’s use of parables was this: He spoke parables to cause His listeners to understand and admit a truth or principle before they realized how it applied to them. Parables caused people to admit the truth first, and then they had to consider what it had to do with them personally. The prophet Nathan used such an approach in telling a story to help King David see his guilt in his dealings with Bathsheba (II Samuel 12:1-6). One clear case in Jesus’ teaching is the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Matthew 21:33-46). After hearing this story, the Jewish leaders correctly stated what should be done with the people in that story who had done wrong. After their admission of that truth (which actually pointed to their own punishment), they had an “Oh, no” moment: “...When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them” (Matthew 21:45).

Jesus’ parables were amazing. Rather than fear them, let us see their great value in helping us understand God's will for mankind. Those who study them with an open mind and desire to learn the truth will be blessed immensely.

]]> 92542 Did I incorrectly teach the parable of the yeast? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/did-i-incorrectly-teach-the-parable-of-the-yeast/ Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:26:59 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=91194

Question:

Good day, brother Jeffrey.

I led a study during our Mid-Week Service about the Parable of the Yeast. I made a disclaimer in my lesson that even though the majority of the usage of the word "yeast" in the Bible carries a negative connotation but the way Jesus used it in Matthew 13:33 leaned on the positive side (pointing out that it is a follow-up idea after the parable of the mustard seed).

The lesson I presented was very simple. I pointed out that just like the yeast, even though it's small, almost invincible, yet it changes or transforms everything it touches. The kingdom of God (church) is the same. It might look small in the eyes of the world, but its influence is unstoppable.

The challenge I left to the listeners is to make a personal change (we are a new creation in Christ, so there must be a change inside out). Make an impact in our community (being a light and salt whenever we are) and keep the kingdom growing (the great commission).

Now, in our Facebook livestream, a brother made a comment that I should "take into consideration that leaven is used in a bad or negative sense because the intention of the yeast is hidden in the flour. Since it is mixed with only a little leaven, it affects all. The whole context of chapter 13 is Jesus telling those who are followers to beware. I'm just sharing my understanding, but there is no evil with the yeast."

I also made a response when I read his comment (since we recognize and greet those who are present in the livestream), repeating my disclaimer that Jesus presented the leaven or yeast in the positive sense. I explained that Jesus used the yeast to explain what the kingdom of God is like, just like the earlier parable (mustard seed).

Later that night, I received a message from that same brother in Christ. He sent me a document of his presentation to explain why he thinks otherwise. In it, he said, "In Matthew 13, Jesus is clearly connecting through a series of parables, the emphasis to beware to 'give no importance to his seedling or sowing' and to keep hold on, growing, the implanted 'pure seed' in our hearts, unmixed or ignored." He goes on to say,

"Take a look at the emphasis of Jesus in every parable. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said to take care that the pure word is not snatched or given little importance or application. Jesus emphasizes to them not to let it happen, to give no importance or ignore his pure seed word. All the seed scattered was pure, but it did not receive or grow to the three kinds of heart, except the good soil. Why these three kinds of hearts? Because of the influence of the world and other false teachings. But the one who hears, receives, takes it to heart, and lives, will be blessed. In the Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24), Jesus is saying to take care of other seeds, not the pure teaching of Jesus, due to false teachings by false teachers and other influences today. He differentiates between the good seed sown by the sower and the enemies who sowed evil seed. But Jesus said, "Let’s wait till the Judgment, or let them grow together." The good seed-crop will be harvested, but the evil seed, “tares or other plants," let it remain and be burned. It seems Satan is trying to confuse, to sow bad seed in each person's heart, using the evil or bad seed. Now, to the Parable of the Leaven, the question is whether the leaven or yeast was used or symbolized good and purity in the kingdom? No! Yeast or leaven does not embody or symbolize purity, but rather mixes the pure flour or grains. and has the power to destroy or exert a negative influence. Besides, the parable does not suggest that the woman is making bread; rather, the woman was not careful or thoughtful in hiding the huge amount of flour, which might be considered negligent or unintentional, when combining it with the yeast or leaven. In this parable, you might understand that the use of yeast or leaven is “destroying’ or damaging the whole.

It made me worried since I might have probably taught the wrong things, but looking back at the lesson I presented, I don't see the error. However, if I did, I am willing to stand before the congregation to apologize for the incorrect teaching I provided during our Mid-Week service.

Answer:

The person makes two major mistakes. First, in his desire to prove his point, he ignores what Jesus said that the parables were about.

  • The Parable of the Sower is about "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom" (Matthew 13:19).
  • The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field" (Matthew 13:24).
  • The Parable of the Mustard Seed: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed" (Matthew 13:31).
  • The Parable of Leaven: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven" (Matthew 13:33).
  • The Parable of the Hidden Treasure: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field" (Matthew 13:44).
  • The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price: "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls" (Matthew 13:45).
  • The Parable of the Dragnet: "The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea" (Matthew 13:47).

While the gospel does need to be presented in its pure form, that is not what these parables are about. Each is telling another aspect of what the kingdom (Christ's church) is like.

His second mistake is to assume that the use of yeast as an illustration of how sin spreads implies evil connotations in every usage. Again, in the Parable of Leaven, Jesus states that the kingdom is like leaven. The kingdom is not evil.

The parable of the leaven in bread continues the theme of the growth of Christ’s kingdom, introduced by the parable of the mustard seed. In the making of sourdough bread, a small amount of yeast-laden dough is mixed in with a fresh batch. Very quickly, the yeast multiplies, and the entire batch is now filled with yeast.

The theme is much like that of the mustard seed, but here the focus is upon the hidden nature of the spreading of the kingdom. The result is obvious, but the actual spreading of the kingdom is not easily tracked. The growth of yeast changes the nature of the medium in which it grows, much as Christians and the church impact the nature of society around them by their influence.

Just because someone disagrees with something you taught in class, it doesn't automatically mean you taught something wrong. Consider the person's points, but stick to the truth. In this case, the person made several mistakes that led to a complete misunderstanding of the parables.

]]> 91194 The Parable of the Sower: A Reminder to Soul-Winners https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/the-parable-of-the-sower-a-reminder-to-soul-winners/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:53:30 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=89522

by Kris Groda

Although Jesus called it “the parable of the sower,” we view the parable in light of the explanation that Jesus provided (Matthew 13:18-23). The thrust seems to be about the different types of ground, which represent the differences in people; nevertheless, the seed-sower scattered seed on good soil and by the wayside. Many folks prejudge those who would seem to be “wayside” types and decide that they aren’t good candidates or prospects for teaching the Gospel.

As hard as the church may try, some converts will fall away, not because of what we do or fail to do, but because they fail to understand the Word of the kingdom, “then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart” (Matthew 13:19). This person received the seed (the Word) in the sense that they were willing to hear. But there is no indication this “wayside” individual ever converted. Some just don’t “get it,” and what’s worse, usually it’s a willful ignorance.

Then there are those who hear “the word and immediately receive it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately he stumbles” (Matthew 13:20-21). The Bible study went great; this person “got it.” They could see the difference between the simple truth of God’s Word versus the plethora of man-made dogmas. This person made the good confession and put the Lord on in baptism. It was a great day, and it seemed they were going to do great things in the kingdom of God. They eagerly shared what they learned with their family, and suddenly, we no longer see that “stony ground” person. They weren’t mean about it; they just quietly dropped out and stopped returning phone calls.

The church tries so hard to compete with those who turn new Christians away from the truth. Sometimes we wish we could, like Paul, call for the hand of the Lord to strike all the Elymases in the world with blindness, just to show how serious God is about causing people to turn from the truth (Acts 13:7-11).

Then some received seed among the thorns. This person hears the Word, but “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). Becoming unfruitful doesn’t necessarily mean that they stop attending the worship services. We can become enthralled with and overcome by interest in secular things. Sometimes, family gets the best of us when we cater to their lax views of faithfulness. Yet, we remember the lesson Jesus gave about having and maintaining a proper, ordered love (Luke 14:26). God comes first!

“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23). The admonition is to be the “good-ground” type. However, it seems that if we are going to “understand” the Word, we must also be aware that we can become discouraged and disappointed by those who fall away. A Christian who wins souls (Proverbs 11:30) must be prepared emotionally for those who fall away. They’ll break your heart every time and never realize the time that is invested in money, talents, works that edify, prayers, and lack of sleep—all on their behalf. At the end of the day, we still have to make a choice: Will we continue to win souls or grow discouraged and quit?

]]> 89522 Two Different Trees https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/two-different-trees/ Sun, 25 May 2025 19:55:34 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=87227

by Terry Wane Benton

The Bible is basically the history of man and his relationship to two different trees.

The tree in the midst of the Garden of Eden was death dressed up in appeal to the flesh, but the tree in the garden on which Jesus died was ugly, only appealing to the heart and spirit for life, and it was life dressed up as an ugly death.

The first tree dressed death in beautiful appeal, but the second tree corrects the damage, giving life with the promise of eternal life. The second tree shows the ugliness of man’s hatred and the beauty of God’s love.

God forbade eating from the first tree but invites us to eat from the second tree. The first tree opens our eyes to sin and the need for hiding and cover-up, while the second tree opens our eyes to spiritual life and reconciliation to God, covering our sins (shame) and clearing our consciences.

The first tree brought a curse and the loss of paradise. The second tree brought the greatest blessings and the way back to paradise.

By participating in sin, we have eaten of the forbidden fruit. But have you eaten from the second tree? The remedy and restoration to God come only by eating from the second tree! Satan wants you to eat from the forbidden tree, but does not want you to eat from the healing tree. But are you going to keep listening to him? The second tree gets you back to God and paradise! God’s word is marvelous, isn’t it?

]]> 87227 1>99 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/199-2/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:00:42 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=86010

by Clay Gentry

In Luke 15:3, Jesus poses a simple question that pierces through the layers of our comfort and complacency: “What man among you…?” Even though it’s the opener to the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus isn’t asking about animals; he’s focusing on people. He’s challenging us to examine our hearts. Are we content with the ninety-nine, those already here, already “safe”? Or are we motivated by a relentless, God-given desire to seek the one who is lost? This morning, we will explore the Parable of the Lost Sheep, not as a quaint story but as a mirror reflecting our own approach to the lost. So, let’s begin by asking ourselves: Do we honestly understand that in God’s eyes, 1>99?

  1. Pharisaical Evangelism:
    1. They “traveled across sea and land” to make a single Gentile proselyte. - Matthew 23:15; cf. Act 2:10; 6:5: 13:43
    2. But ignored the Jewish tax collectors and sinners in their own land. - Luke7:36-39
    3. Their focus was on building their kingdom, not God's kingdom. - Galatians 6:12-13
    4. Ultimately, they shut the door to heaven in the face of sinners. - Matthew 23:13
  2. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7):
    1. Told to defend Jesus’ eating with “tax collectors and sinners.” - Luke 15:1-2; cf. Matthew 18:10-14
    2. The Challenge: Value people more than animals, “What man among you…” - cf. Luke 13:10-17
    3. The Loss: A shepherd has lost one sheep from a flock of hundred. Why bother? - Luke 15:4a
      1. Surely, he could absorb the loss with such a large flock. - Luke 15:8, 11
      2. And there was nothing special about this one sheep. - cf. Gospel of Thomas 107: “The kingdom is like a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. One of them, the largest, went astray. He left the ninety-nine and looked for that one until he found it. When he had gone to such trouble, he said to the sheep, ‘I care for you more than the ninety-nine.’”
      3. But the shepherd’s love, not the sheep’s merit, gave it value. - John 3:16-17
    4. The Search: Leaving the ninety-nine, he searches “until he finds” the one lost sheep. Luke 15:4b, cf. Luke 15:8
    5. The Recovery: “He laid it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” - Luke 15:5
    6. The Joy: The shepherd called his neighbors to rejoice with him, “I have found…” - Luke 15:6
    7. The Application: “Just so, there will be more joy in heaven…” - Luke 15:7
      1. In context: Heaven rejoices more for one sinner who repents than for ninety-nine Pharisees who believe they need no repentance. - cf. Luke 5:32
      2.  For us: Heaven rejoices more over one sinner than over ninety-nine righteous people in the church.
  3. 1>99 Evangelism…
    1. It isn’t being content with the comfort of ninety-nine but seeking the one that is lost. - II Timothy 2:1-4
    2. It sees the value of each person because each person has a soul. -  Genesis 1:26-27
    3. It is compelled by love to seek the lost until they are found. - II Corinthians 5:14-15

Imagine, amidst the rugged terrain of the vast hillside, where the shadows of the approaching sunset lengthen, a lone shepherd desperately searches for one lost sheep. This is a glimpse into the depths of Jesus’ love. We can either stand with the Pharisees, whose hearts were indifferent to the lost sinner, or with the Good Shepherd, whose heart is fueled by a love that knows no limits. The lost are all around us—in our families, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. They are the broken, the hurting, and the forgotten. They are the ones Jesus came to save, and He is calling us right now to join Him in His mission. Pray for the lost. Seek the lost. Share the Gospel with the lost. Celebrate with the lost when they are found! The time for complacency has passed. The time for action is now. Because in God’s economy, 1>99.

]]> 86010 What Kind of Soil Are You? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/what-kind-of-soil-are-you/ Sun, 03 Mar 2024 21:56:35 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=66879

by Doy Moyer

Mark 4 presents what we call the parable of the sower. What has recently struck me is how the entire chapter stays with the same essential point concerning the power of God's word. Here are a few thoughts:

  1. The parable's point is not whether we are sowing the seed as much as asking ourselves what kind of soil we are. I see this emphasized when Jesus says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Are we hearing as we should and bearing the fruit of being the good soil?
  2. The emphasis on proper hearing continues as Jesus quotes from Isaiah 6:9-10. Next, Jesus explains the parable. We really need to emphasize our own hearing in light of this.
  3. Though the figure changes to that of a light and basket (Mark 4:21-25), the point is essentially the same. "For to the one who has, more will be given ..." is parallel to those "who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold" (Mark 4:20).
  4. The growing seed also emphasizes the idea of bearing fruit and growing upon hearing the word of God (Mark 4:30-32).
  5. The sower, in this context, is Jesus. Notice what this says: "With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it" (Mark 4:33). The seed is the word, and Jesus was speaking the word as they could hear it (i.e., what kind of soil are they?).
  6. Next, Jesus calms a storm with the power of His word. There is an interesting potential contrast here. As strong as nature is, it listens to the word of God. Only people will stubbornly refuse to hear. The storms obey. Do we?

What kind of soil are you?

]]> 66879 The Parable of the Vineyard Workers https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/the-parable-of-the-vineyard-workers/ Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:47:37 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=16377

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 in life, all will receive the same reward from God, we are told.

            B.        Yet, to apply this particular parable to Judgment and the life thereafter does not match certain facts in the parable.

            C.        Before we begin to look at the details in this parable, I wish to point out a few things.

                        1.         It is possible to stretch a parable too far.

                        2.         Some people give meaning to the smallest detail in a parable, often to the point of making points that are never addressed by the overall parable.

II.        First, let us consider what led to the giving of the parable.

            A.        In Matthew 19:16-26, a young ruler desired salvation. He wanted to go beyond merely keeping the commandments.

                        1.         Jesus told him that his one weakness was in his possessions. He told the young man to give all that he had to the poor and invited him to follow Jesus.

                        2.         The young ruler was unable to do so. His possessions were great and he could not let go of them.

            B.        Jesus commented about how hard it was for the rich to be saved.

                        1.         Generally we see the rich having an easy life. Money opens doors and the rich often gain whatever they desire.

                        2.         Disciples were puzzled that if the rich could not be saved, then who could obtain salvation.

            C.        Peter pointed out that they had left everything to follow Jesus - Matthew 19:27

                        1.         Jesus pointed out that in the regeneration - Matthew 19:28-30

                                    a.         He would sit on throne

                                    b.         The apostles would also sit on thrones, judging Israel

                                    c.         Those who leave all would receive more in this life and will later inherit eternal life

                                    d.         The first would be last and the last first.

                        2.         When is the regeneration?

                                    a.         It is true that when judgment comes, this world will be replaced with a new heaven and earth - Revelation 21:1

                                    b.         Yet, this isn’t the only renewal mentioned in the Bible

                                                (1)       The church is an organization to renew people to God

                                                (2)       Romans 6:4 - To walk in newness of life

                                                (3)       Baptism is called the washing of regeneration - Titus 3:5

                                                (4)       The word regeneration literally means spiritual rebirth.

                                    c.         When does Christ reign?

                                                (1)       Now - I Corinthians 15:23-26

                                                (2)       Christ reigns until death is abolished, then the kingdom is returned to the Father. In other words, the judgment is the end of the Son’s reign.

                                    d.         When do we receive blessings?

                                                (1)       The verse says in this life.

                                                (2)       Recall Ephesians 1:3 - This is something that has (past tense) been done.

                                    e.         When are the first last and the last first?

                                                (1)       This was instructions concerning the church

                                                (2)       Jesus later told the Jews that sinners would enter the kingdom before they would because of their willingness to obey God - Matthew 21:28-32

                                                (3)       The greatest among them must learn to serve - Luke 22:24-30

                                                            (a)       Notice that in the kingdom, the apostles would be granted to sit at Christ’s table, sit on thrones, and to judge Israel.

                                                            (b)       They would gain this through service.

                                                (4)       This is important because this same phrase both introduces and concludes the parable of the vineyard workers.

III.       Taking note of the details

            A.        Frequently this parable is seen as

                        1.         Jesus is the owner

                        2.         Christians are the laborers

                        3.         The vineyard is life in the service of God

                        4.         And the wage is the reward at the end of life.

            B.        Difficulty 1: If the denarius is our heavenly reward, then we have God giving out salvation as a payment - Matthew 20:8

                        1.         Yet, the Scriptures usually refer to the heaven as a free gift. The only earning man does is earning death by his sins - Romans 6:23

            C.        Difficulty 2: When the wage is offered, the workers are not pleased. They envy the ones who work less - Matthew 20:11-12

                        1.         Yet, grumbling and envy are sins that should no longer exist in heaven - Revelation 21:3-4, 8, 27

                        2.         James 5:9 warns us not to complain against our fellow brethren

            D.        Difficulty 3: The complainers are sent away - Matthew 20:14

                        1.         Yet, at the end of life, we are to join the Lord always - I Thessalonians 4:16-17

                        2.         It does not make sense for a reward of eternal life to be given and then those receiving it are sent away.

IV.      What the parable teaches

            A.        The workers are the people chosen by God

                        1.         Some were chosen early on. These are the Jews – God’s chosen people - Deuteronomy 7:6

                        2.         Yet these people were not faithful to God - Jeremiah 4:22

                        3.         The Lord promised to take compassion on other people and called them - Hosea 2:23

                        4.         Jesus said he had other sheep who would answer his call - John 10:16

                        5.         All Christians today are God’s chosen people. They are selected from among the nations - I Peter 2:9

            B.        It is true that the Jews had suffered much in their service to God, though much of the agony was of their own making.

                        1.         They had a long history of being the people of God.

                        2.         Yet, all through their history, they looked forward to the promise of salvation. They had not yet received that promise.

                        3.         The law they lived under could not save them - Galatians 3:21-22

            C.        The gift then is the promise of eternal life - John 10:25-28

            D.        The promise is given equally

                        1.         It goes to the Jews and the Greeks - Romans 1:16

                        2.         There is no distinction between the Jews or the Greeks - Romans 10:12-13

                        3.         A renewal in which there is no distinction - Colossians 3:10-13

                                    a.         There is that idea of a regeneration or a renewal once again.

                                    b.         All Christians have been chosen by God and there is no distinction among them.

            E.        All are offered the same hope - Ephesians 4:4

                        1.         One cannot be “more saved” than another.

            F.        In essence, the denarius is entrance into the kingdom of God and the hope of salvation.

                        1.         The Jews were jealous of the acceptance of the Gentiles - Romans 10:19

                        2.         They were broken off to allow the Gentiles in - Romans 11:11–12, 17-23

V.        Just because we are called does not imply there is no work expected of us.

            A.        We must labor for our master

            B.        A laborer is paid at the end of the day. If we quit before the end, there is no payment - Hebrews 6:10-15

            C.        The knowledge that salvation is there, waiting for the faithful servant should give us the endurance to remain faithful - Hebrews 6:19

            D.        Will you answer the call? Will you join brethren the world over in serving God?

]]> 16377 What did the prodigal son’s father do? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/what-did-the-prodigal-sons-father-do/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 22:24:26 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=61610

Question:

I am curious about the parable of the "prodigal son", probably one of the best-known of all parables. Nothing is said about what the father does or does not do after his son leaves and goes to a far country. He seems very comfortable with giving his son his inheritance.  As many instances as we have today and have always had of children "drifting away", one would think that this would be the perfect parable to teach parents what they can do when their children drift away from the church. I am not questioning God and His inspired word but just curious as to what the father did rather than just wait on his son to return. I am certain he prayed and agonized over his son's departure but we do not see that.

Answer:

It is often pointed out that you don't extend a parable beyond its intended purpose. Thus, you can't use the parable about the lost coin to discuss the need to keep your home well-swept. The parable of the prodigal son is about the Pharisee's disdain for those they labeled sinners. See The Point of the Prodigal Son and The Elder Brother of the Prodigal Son.

In the parable the father clearly represents God. As such, he acts as God does. God doesn't pray to Himself for the restoration of His children. God has given us free-wills to make our own choices -- including bad ones. God advises against bad decisions, but if we are determined to leave, God doesn't stop us or force us to change our minds. Instead, God allows us to suffer the consequences of our choices to discipline us (Hebrews 12:5-14). The father in this story doesn't rescue his son. He allows him to squander his living and destroy his life. It was not until the son chose to humble himself and return that the father joyfully welcomed him back (Isaiah 66:2). While the prodigal son was gone, he was as good as dead to the father. When he returned, it was as if he had been resurrected.

But all of that was the setup for the point of the parable -- the elder brother's refusal to receive his lost brother back with joy. Unlike the younger brother, the father scolds the older brother. Why? Because the older brother was off-track but he hadn't left the father. We don't see the father offering to make things up with the older brother. He doesn't offer him a party. The point being pressed is that the older brother needed to change his attitude.

While this parable is not about how to be a good father, we can note a few things:

  • Different children need different treatment.
  • You can't save a person from himself. He has to change.
  • Sometimes the best solution when a child is determined to live a life of sin is to let the child go and consider him as basically dead, which is probably the hardest thing a parent can do.

Question:

When you say, "Consider them dead" what exactly are you saying? If considered dead does that mean giving up on trying to restore?

Answer:

I'm referring to what the father in the parable said: "For this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found" (Luke 15:24).

You don't give up hope that a child will change, but the child has to change. He cannot be coerced into changing. You can set the terms for accepting him back, but you can't brow-beat a person into changing. Oh, he might tell you what you want to hear simply to get rid of you, but he will not have changed his mind.

Throughout the Bible, God warns people about sin. He warns them about the danger they are in. He gives people multiple opportunities to change. However, He never forces people. They have to make up their own mind.

An erring child is lost to the godly father. He can warn him of the danger. He can leave the door open for the child to return. What is a mistake is to support the child in his sins or to give the impression that it doesn't matter if he continues to sin.

As I said, it is the hardest part of parenting. Perhaps it gives a glimpse of the anguish we cause God with our sins.

Question:

Thank you very much! The secret is convincing your child in a tactful manner that they are wrong without upsetting them and driving them further away. I suppose if the corrective advice came from a "neutral" party, a friend, it might be more effective.
You have a great website. I use it often and have told many friends about the site.
I've been in the church since I was 15. I am now 80 and cannot remember ever hearing a lesson that addresses "strayed children" and how it should be approached by a brokenhearted parent who is desperate for their child's restoration. It's always been an issue and seems to be a growing problem.
Thank you again and God bless you and your work for the Lord.

Answer:

I agree that you don't purposely drive someone away, but there are people who will not accept the truth and will become upset hearing the truth. The Pharisees are a case in point.

I strive to tell people what is true in a clear way. I might upset some, but it is important to tell them what they need to hear.

]]> 61610 The Parable of the Unjust Steward https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/the-parable-of-the-unjust-steward/ Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:24:42 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=7634

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 parables that deal with true values

            A.        It starts in Luke 15:1-2 when the Pharisees try to besmirch Jesus’ reputation by associating him with tax collectors and sinful people.

            B.        The Parable of the Lost Sheep - Luke 15:3-7

                        1.         Tells us that every soul is valuable to God and is worth great effort to save.

            C.        The Parable of the Lost Coin - Luke 15:8-10

                        1.         Tells us that we will put forth effort if we think something is valuable enough.

                        2.         If people will put that much effort into retrieving a coin, what about a soul?

            D.        The Parable of the Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-32

                        1.         Further shows that God wants us back even when we do Him wrong.

                        2.         God is able to forget all past wrongs when we return to Him.

                        3.         However, the Pharisees are too self-centered — caught up in their own righteousness — to see the value of another person.

            E.        The Parable of the Unjust Steward - Luke 16:1-13

                        1.         Pinpoints the source of the Pharisee’s problem.

                        2.         They knew the parable was about them - Luke 16:14

III.       Analysis of the parable

            A.        This is not the only time Jesus uses an unrighteous person to illustrate a righteous principle. See Luke 18:1-8 — The Parable of the Unrighteous Judge

            B.        The lord is our Lord and God.

            C.        Each of us are stewards of God’s creation and His blessings to us

                        1.         Gen 1:28 - Man has dominion over the creation

                        2.         Luke 12:42-48 - We are given stewardship of our own life to do as we see fit, but we must give account of our handling God who gives us our life.

                        3.         I Pet 4:10 - God also gives us different abilities which He expects us to use wisely and faithfully.

                        4.         I Cor 4:1-2 - As Christians we are also given charge of the spreading of the Gospel.

            D.        However, none of us have been truly faithful in managing the things God has given us.

                        1.         We have all wasted time that could have been profitably used.

                        2.         We all have bypassed opportunities that could have brought great profit to our Master.

                        3.         We have misused our talents for things our Lord is not interested in.

                        4.         In short, we have all sinned - Rom. 3:23

                        5.         Like the man in the parable, we each are unjust stewards.

            E.        The unjust steward doesn’t want to work for a living — he is too lazy. Do we not often look for the easy way out. The way that requires the least effort?

            F.        The unjust steward refuses to beg — he is too prideful. Do we not often think of things as being beneath our dignity?

            G.        The unjust steward is warned he is about to lose his job and brilliantly provides for himself by making use of his lord’s resources. The lord doesn’t praise his unrighteous actions, but admires his brilliant planning.

                        1.         We too have been warned that this life is short. It will not last forever. Soon we must stand before our Lord and give an account of the things which we have done. - Heb. 9:27; Rom. 14:12

                        2.         But here the parallel breaks down. As Jesus said, the ungodly of this world know how to get the most from worldly things; but the so-called godly don’t know how to get the most from spiritual things. - Luke 16:8

IV.      Jesus draws a number of applications from this parable for His audience.

            A.        If we are to be praised by God in the judgment, we need to start using all the resources that we have been loaned by God to our best advantage.

                        1.         Not in providing for ourselves in this world. It is temporary. We won’t be around long to enjoy it.

                        2.         The only lasting treasure is heavenly - Matt 6:19-21

                        3.         What benefits God is to our benefit in the long run. If we use God’s gifts to us to provide for ourselves in the here-after, then we are not wasting our Lord’s resources; but we are doing God’s will.

            B.        Jesus encourages us to make “friends” with money - Luke 16:9

                        1.         Not friends of this world, but spiritual friends.

                        2.         We need to use the things of this physical realm to do the will of Christ - I Tim. 6:17-19

                        3.         Our friendship with Christ is a lasting relationship, if we will do His will - John 15:14

            C.        God is watching how we make use of the little things that we call our existence and our life to see if we are faithful enough to handle heaven. - Luke 16:10-12

                        1.         We use this principle in business. You don’t put a young man, fresh from college in charge of your company. You start him out on small jobs. If he can handle it, you move him up.

                        2.         People tend to behave the same whether with little or much. A person who is willing to steal a little will steal all the more with much.

                        3.         This life is a test for promotion to the next - Matt 25:29

                        4.         If we can’t make profitable use of our borrowed lives from God, why should we be given eternal life?

V.        However, the true problem with the Pharisees is that they were too caught up in the current life.

            A.        They lost the perspective. They put priority on the things of this world.

            B.        You cannot serve the world and God. They both demand everything you can give. How many have jobs that when you give extra, want that and more besides?

            C.        Something has to give. You have to chose who you will serve.

            D.        What will you do with the life God has given you?

]]> 7634