P3 Where to find Jesus parables

Matthew 13:1-3a That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. 3 And He spoke many things to them in parables....".

Introduction and Review:

Yesterday we considered another dozen places in the Gospels to find Jesus' parables. This blogger felt it necessary that since we have been looking at Jesus' parables, to actually give scripture references for the reader whose curiosity might be piqued. For today's post and the next couple of days this blogger will be drawing from the resource produced by Holman publishers entitled: "Bible Atlas with Charts and Reconstructions". The reason for this choice is because of its thoroughness and fairly recent date of publication.1 What follows below is a continued listing of a dozen more Jesus' parables, with scripture references, as taken from the just mentioned resource. In all there are 52 parables of Jesus.  it is hoped that perhaps the reader will look at one of the below parables to see what Jesus is teaching. 

1. The persistent friend. Luke 11:5-8

2. The good shepherd. John 10:1-16

3. The narrow, or locked door. Luke 13:24

4. The two ways. Matt 7:13-14

5. The guests. Luke 14:7-11

6. The marriage supper. Matt 22:2-9; Luke 14:16-24

7. The wedding clothes. Matt 22:10-14

8. The tower. Luke 14:28-30

9. The king going to war. Luke 14:31-32

10. The lost sheep. Matt 18:12-13; Lk 15:4-7

11. The lost coin. Luke 15:8-9

12. The prodigal son. Luke 15:11-32

More tomorrow......

Endnotes:

1. Paul H. Wright. "Holman Quicksource: Bible Atlas with Charts and Reconstructions". 2005. Holman Publishers. Pages 322-325.

P2 Where to find Jesus' parables

Matthew 13:1-3a That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. 3 And He spoke many things to them in parables....".

Introduction and Review:

Yesterday we considered the first dozen places in the Gospels to find Jesus' parables. This blogger felt it necessary that since we have been looking at Jesus' parables, to actually give scripture references for the reader whose curiosity might be piqued. For today's post and the next couple of days this blogger will be drawing from the resource produced by Holman publishers entitled: "Bible Atlas with Charts and Reconstructions". The reason for this choice is because of its thoroughness and fairly recent date of publication.1 What follows below is a continued listing of a dozen more Jesus' parables, with scripture references, as taken from the just mentioned resource. In all there are 52 parables of Jesus.

1. The lamp. Matt 5:15; Mark 4:21; Lk 8:16, 11:33

2. The dragnet. Matt. 13:47-48

3. The hidden treasure. Matt. 13:44

4. The pearl of great value. Matt 13:45-46

5. The householder. Matt 13:52

6. The marriage. Matt. 9:15; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35

7. The patched garment. Matt 9:16; Mark 2:21; Lk 5:36

8. The wine bottles. Matt 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-38

9. The harvest. Matt 9:37; Luke 10:2

10. The opponent. Matt 5:25-26; Luke 12:58-59

11. The insolvent debtors. Matt 18:23-25

12. The good Samartian. Luke 10:30-37

More tomorrow......

Endnotes:

1. Paul H. Wright. "Holman Quicksource: Bible Atlas with Charts and Reconstructions". 2005. Holman Publishers. Pages 322-325.

P1 Where to find Jesus' parables

Matthew 13:1-3a That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. 3 And He spoke many things to them in parables....".

Introduction and Review:

Over the past couple of days we have looked at defining what a parable is with yesterday's post featuring some ways in which we can begin understanding Jesus' parables.  This blogger felt it necessary to give scripture references for the reader whose curiosity might be piqued, since we are talking about Jesus' parables . Many different Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, and handbooks can be consulted by the reader in wanting to know where each of the parables are found.  For today's post and the next couple of days this blogger will be drawing from the resource produced by Holman publishers entitled: "Bible Atlas with Charts and Reconstructions". The reason for this choice is because of its thoroughness and fairly recent date of publication.1 What follows below is a listing of Jesus' parables, with scripture references, as taken from the aforementioned resource. I would encourage the reader to look at least one of these parables, since Jesus taught on so many subjects that are applicable to today.

1. The speck and the log. Matt 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-42

2. The two houses.  Matt. 7:24-27; Lk 6:47-49

3. Children in the marketplace. Matt. 11:16-19; Lk 7:32-34

4. The two debtors. Lk 7:41-43

5. The unclean spirit. Mt 12:43-45; Lk 11:24-26

6. The rich fool. Lk 12:16-21

7. The barren fig tree. Lk 13:6-9

8. The sower. Matt. 13:3-8; Mk 4:3-8; lk 8:5-8

9. The tares. Matt 13:24-30

10. The seed. Mark 4:26-29

11. The grain of mustard seed. Matt. 13:31-32; Mark 4:31-32; Lk 13:19

12. The leaven. Matt. 13:33; Lk 13:21

More tomorrow......

Endnotes:

1. Paul H. Wright. "Holman Quicksource: Bible Atlas with Charts and Reconstructions". 2005. Holman Publishers. Pages 322-325.

Keys to interpreting Jesus' parables

Matthew 13:1-3a "That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. 3 And He spoke many things to them in parables....".

Introduction and Review
In yesterday's post we introduced the reader to the concept of parables in the Bible and concluded with focusing upon Jesus' parables in particular. We noted that in Jesus' parables, spiritual truths are "parabled" or "thrown alongside of" common everyday situations, people or scenarios.  In preaching situations for example, preachers will often employ illustrations for their listeners to grasp and picture whatever is being communicated.  Up to 1/3 of Jesus' teaching ministry involved the use of parables.  In today's post we intend to understand some ways in which we can properly understand the parables of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

1. To begin, late Bible scholar Bernard Ramm gave a set of principles for interpreting Jesus' parables that I think can prove helpful, as summed up below: 1

a. The perspective principle informs us that to adequately interpret the parables we need to understand them in relationship to the Person and work of Christ and the kingdom of God.

b. The cultural principle  tells us that when reading the parables, we need to see them in the context of the culture in which they were told.  

c. The exegetical principle (exegesis means = leading out the meaning for people's understanding) refers to identifying that one central truth, seeing how Jesus Himself interpreted the parable, looking for intepretive clues within the parable itself and comparing the parable to other similar ones.

d. The doctrinal principle simply refers to how parables can be used to illustrate doctrine, illumine Christian experience and teach doctrinal lessons.



2. Bible Scholar Roy B. Zuck gives a set of guidelines that readers can use when reading anyone of Jesus' parables:2



a. Note the story's natural meaning. That is to say, noting what the passage is saying in its normal, grammatical sense without reading things into the passage.



b. Determine the Problem, Question or Situation that prompted the parable. This has to do with why Jesus told the parables he told.  What situation or people led to the particular story, parable or narrative given by Jesus?



c. Ascertain the Main Truth being illustrated by the parable. Zuck notes that parables function oftentimes like sermons in revolving around one key idea or point.  There may very well be subpoints or details brought out for color and emphasis, but overall there is one anchoring thought. 



d. Validate the Main Truth of the Parable with Direct Teaching of Scripture. This takes into account the oft used adage that "scripture interprets scripture". Whatever topic or truth that is being empahsized by the parable, bringing in other passages of scripture that speak on that subject can yield richer and mor emeaningful intepretation and application. 



e. Note the Actual or Intended Response of the Hearers. How Jesus' hearers responded ought to give the reader or the preacher a hint as to whether or not they are on the right track.


Conclusion:
It is hoped that these last couple of posts have aided the reader in wanting to read and study more upon Jesus' parables.  In the future this blogger intends upon engaging in a study of Jesus' parables.  May these blogposts serve the wider Christian world to the promotion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Endnotes:

1. Bernard Ramm. Protestant Biblical Intepretation. Pages 276-287. 

2. Roy B. Zuck. Nasic Bible Interpretation. Pages 211-218

What is a parable?

Matthew 13:1-3b "That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 And large crowds gathered to Him, soHe got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. 3 And He spoke many things to them in parables....". 

Introduction:

Whenever we survey the 3 1/2 year ministry of Jesus Christ, we discover the following patterns that marked what he did:

1. Sermons

2. 1 on 1 conversations

3. Miracles

4. Various teaching and episodes of brief exhortation

5. Predictive prophecies

6. Object lessons

7. Parables

It is that last category that will be the focus of today's post as we consider the subject of parables. According to many Bible teachers, Jesus' parables comprised roughly 1/3 of His overall teaching and preaching ministry. In Matthew 13 we see what is perhaps one of his most well-known parables, the "parable of the soils". Certainly exploring Jesus' parables is a worthwhile study that can enable people to better understand who Jesus is, His aims and for preachers - how to communicate God's truth in fresh ways. But before going any further, the question must be asked: "what is a parable"?

Defining and identifying parables 

The word "parable" itself comes from a combination of two Greek words "para" (meaning alongside, as in "parallel") and "ballo" (to cast or throw).  Thus in a parable I am "throwing alongside" an ordinary object, situation or story a corresponding spiritual truth. That meaning at least covers the essence of parables in the New Testament, particularly as they relate to Jesus' teaching.  The reader must note though that parables make there appearance throughout the Old Testament centuries before Jesus came on the scene.  In the quote below, we see just how much detail and variety existed in the Old Testament concept of "parable".

The Old Testament is where we first find parables or parabolic type teachings 

Herbert Lockyer, the prolific commentator and Bible teacher of years past, writes concerning the meaning of parables in the Bible:

In the Old Testament the Hebrew word for 'parable' is Mashal, meaning a proverb, similitude, parable. In a wide range of use this word 'covers' several forms of picturesque and suggestive speech - all those forms in which ideas are presented in the robes of imagery. As its applications are thus varied, it is variously translated in our English version. The root idea of 'Mashal' is 'to be like,' and often refers to 'the sentences constructed in parableism' so characteristic of Hebrew poetry. The word is never used in the naroow technical sense of its counterpart in the New Testament."1

According to Lockyer, many of the poetic books would fall under this broader definition of "parable". Books like Proverbs, which contain short little witty sayings would be prime examples. Many of the Prophets used parables when communicating to their hard-hearted audiences.  In the Matthew 13 passage from whence our opening text derives, Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 in His explanation of why He Himself chooses to use parables in His teachings. 

Bible scholar Roy B. Zuck writes about how parabolic sayings or stories were used in the Old Testament, with some example verses:

"Some parables also occur in the Old Testament. It is used of short sayings: 'Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Samuel 10:12) "From evil doers to evil deeds" (24:13). In these sayings the question or statement in the form of a popular proverb points to the likeness between the statement and the reality. The maxims or wise sayings in the Book of proverbs compare those observations with realities in daily life (Prov. 1:1,6; 10:1; 25:1). Zuck further explains how much variety exists in the Old Testament usage of parabolic teaching: "oracles (Numbers 24:20-23), taunts (Isaiah 14:4), bywords in which a person is seen as undesirable to others (Job 17:6; 30:9; Psalm 44:14), and of lengthy discources (Job 27:1; 29:1). Zuck then notes an additional category: "dark sayings or riddles, as in Psalms 49:4 and 78:2."2

The New Testament is where we see parables being used more specifically and strategically by Jesus 

Whenever we come to the New Testament, we discover that as many times as we read of parabolic type teachings in the Old Testament, Jesus is the One who is seen speaking the majority of parables in the Bible. Roy Zuck notes: "Most of the parables were told by Jesus....Matthew and Luke record most of the parables.  Matthew has 18, with 11 of them unique to him.  Luke has 22, with 7 of them in common with Matthew, and 15 others unique to Luke. Mark has only 5, with only 2 of them unique to his Gospel and both of them are short (Mark 4:26-29; 13:34-37).3 Most Bible commentaries and dictionaries place the number of parables told by Jesus in a range between 50-70 (since some parables are parts of larger ones, which is why the actual count differs between interpreters). 






With the Old and New Testaments briefly surveyed in identifying some key places and general definitions of parables, let us now finish up today's post noting the key traits of a parable, and how to interpret them.

Characteristics of Jesus' parables 

In understanding some of the key characteristics of Jesus' parables, various scholars and key texts on Bible interpretation (hermeneutics) aid us in noting some of major marks:

1. Jesus will oftentimes tell his parables in a three-part form (a master and two contrasting sub-ordinates, as in the parable of the father, the prodigal son and his older brother in Luke 15); a two-part from featuring two contrasting figures (the Pharisee and Tax-collector in Luke 19:9-14) and two-part parables giving way to one key point (as in the tower-builder and warring king in Luke 14:28-33).4

2. Roy B. Zuck categorizes the kinds of parables told by Jesus: seed parables, nature parables, servant parables, father parables, king parables, money, harvest, women, social, comp[assion, rejoicing, feast, refusal and kingdom parables.5

We could go on but it is very clear that in any study of parables in general, and Jesus' parables in particular, much insight in the Christian life, the scriptures and Jesus' Himself can be gained.

More tomorrow........

Endnotes:

1. Herbert Lockyer. All the Parables of the Bible. Page 10

2. Roy B. Zuck. Basic Bible Interpretation. Page 196

3. Roy B. Zuck. Basic Bible Interpretation. Page 197

4. William Klein, Craig Blomberg & Robert Hubbard. Introduction to Bible Interpretation. Page 338. In their book the authors use the technical terms of what I summarized above as referring to triadic pattern (3-part); dyadic (2-part) and monadic (1-part) structures in parables.

5. Roy B. Zuck. Basic Bible Interpretation. Page 208

The relevance of Christ's 2nd coming to you

Revelation 22:20-21 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Introduction:

Over the past couple of days we have been focusing our attention on the second coming or advent of Jesus Christ and comparing it to the rapture of the church. Such studies are important in clarifying what the Bible teaches. However if we're not careful we can make the study of Bible prophecy (eschatology) to be only about charts and graphs. Studying the Bible's teaching on endtimes is so much more! In focusing on such future events as the Lord's second coming (or advent), I discover the Biblical truth of His return that gives direction for the Christian faith and that warns sinners to believe and repent to escape God's coming wrath. Today's post aims to sketch out three relevant reasons why the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ is important to you:

1. Purpose to life.

To know that Jesus Christ is returning at the end of history to set up His Kingdom reveals that history has a purpose.  History as we know it has been determined by five major events: Creation, The Incarnation, The Cross, Pentecost and the Resurrection.  Two major events have yet to occur that will signal the ending of history: the rapture and Christ's second coming. What does all of this mean? History and life has a direction, a purpose.  Life is not and endless circle but a line with a beginning (creation) middle (incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection & pentecost) and end (rapture & second coming). Acts 17:31 states - "because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He hasappointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

2. Hope. 
The second coming of Jesus Christ is the source of hope in both its related but distinct doctrine of the rapture and the fact that Christ's second coming plays such a huge role in scripture.  Titus 2:13 reminds us - "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus."
Is it worth living for and serving the Lord? Do the dissapointments of life and opposition of the enemy determine the horizon of faith? Certainly not! The horizon of the faith life is the fact that Christ has risen and coming again! At the end of what is perhaps the most important chapter in the Bible on the subject of Christ's resurrection and second coming, we read in 1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
The second coming of Jesus Christ gives us purpose for living, hope for tomorrow and finally the tone of preparation in our evangelism.


3. Preparation.
The tone of preparation reverberates like a might echo through the cavernous truth of Christ's second coming in the scriptures.  This idea of "being prepared" or "being alert" supplies the chief evangelistic component to our Christian faith.  Note Matthew 24:44 "For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Also too, Hebrews 2:3 "how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard." 

Though the above reasons are only a thumbnail sketch, the hope is that the reader has seen the practical, relevant meaning of the truth of Christ's second coming to the 21st century Christian.  I close with the familiar, one worded prayer at the end of 1 Corinthians 16:22 "maranatha" ("Come Lord"! or "the Lord cometh!").

P2 - Comparing and contrasting the Rapture & 2nd advent of Jesus Christ

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord."

Revelation 19:11 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war."

Introduction & review
Yesterday we had listed out the following similarities between the rapture and 2nd advent of Jesus Christ:

Similarities between rapture & 2nd Advent 

1. Both have the Lord l appearing in clouds. 1 Thess 4:17 vs Matthew 24:30; Luke 21:27; Rev 11:19, 14:14 


2. Both have Righteous people will be raised from the dead. 1 Thess 4:16-17 vs Rev 20:4 


3. Both are described in the language as Jesus “coming”. John 14:3, 1 Thess 4:13 vs Matt 24:42; Lk 21:27 


4. Both have an uncertainty as to when they will begin. 1 Cor 15:52, 2 Thess 2:1-3 vs Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32 


5. Both will affect the entire world. 2 Thess 2:7 vs 2 Thess 2:8 


6. Both mark the end of things, the rapture will conclude the church age and 2nd advent will mark the end of the tribulation.

We noted how such similarities show that both events do have a few common points, especially in the arena of Christ raising the righteous (part 1 being the church at the rapture and part 2 having to do with the Jews at His second advent. However the rapture and the second advent or coming of Jesus have obvious differences which will be the main focus of today's post.  Noting such differences enables the careful Bible student to better grasp the Bible's overall teaching of where to place the rapture in relationship to the Second coming. As in the comparisons above, we will retain the same color-coded approach in what will now be the differences between the rapture and 2nd advent:

Differences between rapture & 2nd Advent 
1. The rapture is right before the tribulation (Thessalonians 4:13-16 & 5:1) whereas the 2nd advent occurs at the end of the tribulation. (Revelation 19:11-21)

2. The rapture is taught in 1/2 dozen passages, in the New Testament. The 2nd advent is taught in hundreds of passages, Old and New Testaments.

3. The rapture deals exclusively with the church (1 Thess 4:16-17), the 2nd advent impacts everyone else and entails Christ's restoring and raising Israel (Daniel 12:1; Matt 24:30; Luke 21:28)

4. The rapture is aimed at comforting the church (1 Thess 4:18), whereas the main theme of the 2nd advent is Christ returning in judgment. (Revelation 19:11)

5. Christ appears in the clouds but does not come down to the earth in the rapture (1 Thess 4:13-16); whereas He comes all the way down to earth in His 2nd advent. (Revelation 19:11-21)

6. There is no major war being fought when the rapture occurs, whereas in the 2nd advent, the purpose will be for Christ to war against and defeat His enemies.  

As can be seen, the above differences make holding to a post-tribulational position to be very difficult if not impossible. Mid-tribulationalist would assert all of the differences except #1 and #6.  Pre-tribulationalists would assert all six.  

Granted in many ways, such an issue as the timing of the rapture may not be as central or weighty for the Christian faith as the Deity of Christ, the inerrancy of scripture and the virgin birth. Certainly there can be allowances in this particular issue, with the author knowing many wonderful believers and respecting many wonderful Bible teachers who differ on this point.  

Nonetheless it is important for Christians to know where they stand on any doctrinal issue. This blogger personally feels that the pre-tribulational position, though not being the "perfect" doctrinal position (for only the scriptures are inerrant), is nevertheless the most consistent in the handling of the Biblical material that bears on the rapture and Jesus' second advent. 

If for anything else, the above comparisons and contrasts will serve to invite the reader to search the scriptures for themselves and to get better acquainted with that the Bible does have to teach about what God has ordained for the future, as well as the here and now.