Matthew 13: 45 - 46 Continued 2nd Post - The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price.
In both of these parables, the Pearl and the Treasure Buried in the Field, had the same thing in common. Two people entered a place found something they recognized as very valuable, did whatever they could to obtain it, then once they owned it would never part with it. But what is it?? Jesus started each parable with the kingdom of heaven is like...; gaining entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven is that valuable. It is the same today as it was at the time of Jesus, everyone who comes in contact with the Gospel has to make a decision. Do you want to have eternal life, or not. As these parables attest, there is a price to be paid in order to gain eternal life. These parables say that cost is high; some people don't want to pay the price. What is the price?? Total commitment, God wants you 100%. This is the problem people have these days, because the world seems too good to stay away from. We try to bargain with God, in order to gain eternal life with the least amount of cost. This is not what these parables are teaching. Look at the response of both finders in these parables. Both are very happy with their purchase and neither one would part with their purchase for anything. Is your commitment to God this strong?? That is the goal.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
554th Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price - Matthew 13: 45 - 46 Con't. - 1st Post.
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price - Matthew 13: 45 - 46 1st Post.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Jesus said these words about 1.1/2 - 2 years into His earthly ministry. This parable and the "Treasure in the field" are both about the same thing. The Jews living in Israel, would identify with the buried treasure parable more because it was widely practiced in Israel. The pearl merchant would be more like a traveler of the known world at the time. Jesus says that this merchant was searching for, seeking for beautiful pearls. Jesus gives the impression of this merchant, as very knowledgeable concerning values of all sorts of pearls. It was this familiarity with pearls that made him recognize a pearl that would demand a great price to own it. The merchant, like the person who buys the field, understands that it is imperative for him to own this pearl. The merchant gladly sells all he has in order to buy this one pearl; once he had it he would never sell it. You have to understand, that Jews had a problem with worshiping the Most High God exclusively. This was the primary reason the Jews had been displaced out of Israel over the course of their existence. This disconnect was a very large problem at the time of Jesus as well. Continued next post.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Jesus said these words about 1.1/2 - 2 years into His earthly ministry. This parable and the "Treasure in the field" are both about the same thing. The Jews living in Israel, would identify with the buried treasure parable more because it was widely practiced in Israel. The pearl merchant would be more like a traveler of the known world at the time. Jesus says that this merchant was searching for, seeking for beautiful pearls. Jesus gives the impression of this merchant, as very knowledgeable concerning values of all sorts of pearls. It was this familiarity with pearls that made him recognize a pearl that would demand a great price to own it. The merchant, like the person who buys the field, understands that it is imperative for him to own this pearl. The merchant gladly sells all he has in order to buy this one pearl; once he had it he would never sell it. You have to understand, that Jews had a problem with worshiping the Most High God exclusively. This was the primary reason the Jews had been displaced out of Israel over the course of their existence. This disconnect was a very large problem at the time of Jesus as well. Continued next post.
553rd Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - The Parable of the Treasure in a Field Con't. - Matthew 13: 44 Con't. - 2nd Post.
Parable of the Treasure in a field continued 2nd post - Matthew 13:44.
Why did Jesus decide to tell this parable at this time in His ministry? Jesus at this time seemed to have two distinctive groups that were following Him. The Jews that knew the Torah, and listened to His Words, because they knew He spoke the truth; or they were trying to find fault with His Teachings. The other group was made up of people who knew they needed a Savior, and heard in His Words, the way to the Savior. This second group was made up of Jews and Gentiles. What did this parable have to do with Jesus Ministry? Remember Jesus was explaining what the kingdom of heaven was like. The land or field where the treasure was hidden represents Israel. The treasure represents God's Word. This contains, the way to get to heaven. The Jews were given this treasure by Moses on Mount Sinai, and over the years between Moses and the coming of Christ, the Jews, by studying and worshiping God according to their own understanding had lost the true meaning of the Word of God; represented by the treasure being buried and forgotten. People listening to Jesus and becoming aware of the correct meaning of the Word of God, represents the person who finds the treasure, and then hides it again so he can leave the field and buy the field. Once you know the truth, you will part with everything else in order to obtain the truth. Will you put God in the position of number one in your life?? Only you can answer that question.
Why did Jesus decide to tell this parable at this time in His ministry? Jesus at this time seemed to have two distinctive groups that were following Him. The Jews that knew the Torah, and listened to His Words, because they knew He spoke the truth; or they were trying to find fault with His Teachings. The other group was made up of people who knew they needed a Savior, and heard in His Words, the way to the Savior. This second group was made up of Jews and Gentiles. What did this parable have to do with Jesus Ministry? Remember Jesus was explaining what the kingdom of heaven was like. The land or field where the treasure was hidden represents Israel. The treasure represents God's Word. This contains, the way to get to heaven. The Jews were given this treasure by Moses on Mount Sinai, and over the years between Moses and the coming of Christ, the Jews, by studying and worshiping God according to their own understanding had lost the true meaning of the Word of God; represented by the treasure being buried and forgotten. People listening to Jesus and becoming aware of the correct meaning of the Word of God, represents the person who finds the treasure, and then hides it again so he can leave the field and buy the field. Once you know the truth, you will part with everything else in order to obtain the truth. Will you put God in the position of number one in your life?? Only you can answer that question.
Monday, August 20, 2012
552 Jesus Said In Parables Conerning Value of Membership in the Kingdom - The Parable of the Treasure in the Field - Matthew 13: 44- 1st Post.
Matthew 13:44 The Parable of the Treasure in the field. 1st post.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1,1/2 - 2 years into His earthly ministry. It was common practice in Israel, for people to bury their treasure in their field before their land was under siege by their enemies. You have to remember that this was before the time of banks, and the people had to keep their valuables in their houses. If the enemy of the people happened to kill the family who buried the treasure, it could lie hidden for quite some time before it would be discovered. If this was the case, the person who owns the field would be the owner of the treasure. This explains why the person in the parable who finds the treasure, hides it again to keep it safe until he could buy the land on which the treasure is buried. The parable goes on to say that the man had to sell all he has in order to buy the land containing the treasure. This shows the great value of the hidden treasure. Why would Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven to this treasure hidden in the field? The kingdom of heaven has the capability of changing not only a man's past but also his future. This means that obtaining the kingdom of heaven would change where he would spend eternity. This makes this treasure valuable indeed. How much would you part with in order to obtain the kingdom of heaven?? If you know the Bible, you would do exactly the same thing as the man in the parable. Spending eternity with God is the most important thing for believer's. Do you believe?? Or do you need more information, before making a commitment.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1,1/2 - 2 years into His earthly ministry. It was common practice in Israel, for people to bury their treasure in their field before their land was under siege by their enemies. You have to remember that this was before the time of banks, and the people had to keep their valuables in their houses. If the enemy of the people happened to kill the family who buried the treasure, it could lie hidden for quite some time before it would be discovered. If this was the case, the person who owns the field would be the owner of the treasure. This explains why the person in the parable who finds the treasure, hides it again to keep it safe until he could buy the land on which the treasure is buried. The parable goes on to say that the man had to sell all he has in order to buy the land containing the treasure. This shows the great value of the hidden treasure. Why would Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven to this treasure hidden in the field? The kingdom of heaven has the capability of changing not only a man's past but also his future. This means that obtaining the kingdom of heaven would change where he would spend eternity. This makes this treasure valuable indeed. How much would you part with in order to obtain the kingdom of heaven?? If you know the Bible, you would do exactly the same thing as the man in the parable. Spending eternity with God is the most important thing for believer's. Do you believe?? Or do you need more information, before making a commitment.
Friday, August 10, 2012
551 Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - The Parale of Pharisee and the Tax Collector Con't. Luke 18: 10 - 14 Con't. 3rd.Post
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Continued 3rd Post Luke 18: 10 - 14.
The Pharisees looked on the common folk differently by politics as well. The Pharisees were better connected politically, and looked down on others less fortunate as below them. The Pharisees considered Tax Collectors to be traders, because they were employed by Rome. To make matters worse, the Romans did not pay them to collect the tax. The collectors had to charge the people more than the tax due and keep the difference for their pay. This added to the hatred the Jews had for tax collectors, they looked on them as robbers and cheats. All of this added to their arrogance as shown by the Pharisees' prayer and the manner in which he prayed. The common people connected with Jesus' message, because He talked about forgiveness and reconciliation. The common people knew they were sinners, and needed a Savior. The Pharisees, believed they did not sin and therefore had no need of a Savior. Look at the way the tax collector entered the Temple, he would not raise his head, and beat his breast saying "God be merciful to me a sinner!"
Notice it was not the gifts or lack of them given to God, that was important to God. What is important to God is the condition of your heart, and your knowledge that without God's help we all would be in hell. What is the condition of your heart? There is still time to make a change.
The Pharisees looked on the common folk differently by politics as well. The Pharisees were better connected politically, and looked down on others less fortunate as below them. The Pharisees considered Tax Collectors to be traders, because they were employed by Rome. To make matters worse, the Romans did not pay them to collect the tax. The collectors had to charge the people more than the tax due and keep the difference for their pay. This added to the hatred the Jews had for tax collectors, they looked on them as robbers and cheats. All of this added to their arrogance as shown by the Pharisees' prayer and the manner in which he prayed. The common people connected with Jesus' message, because He talked about forgiveness and reconciliation. The common people knew they were sinners, and needed a Savior. The Pharisees, believed they did not sin and therefore had no need of a Savior. Look at the way the tax collector entered the Temple, he would not raise his head, and beat his breast saying "God be merciful to me a sinner!"
Notice it was not the gifts or lack of them given to God, that was important to God. What is important to God is the condition of your heart, and your knowledge that without God's help we all would be in hell. What is the condition of your heart? There is still time to make a change.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
550th Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Con't. - Luke 18: 10 - 14 Con't. - 2nd Post.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Luke 18: 10 - 14 Continued 2nd Post.
Another difference between the Pharisees and the common people is in regards to how they viewed the Scriptures. The Pharisees felt that since they studied God's Law, and taught others how to live by it, they were above the Law, and did not sin. According to the Scriptures (God's Word), all men are sinful because of the sin Adam brought into the world, and the wages of that sin is death. This is proved in the fact that all men will die, unless they are part of the last generation spoken of in the Scriptures (God's Word) that won't see death. This helps to explain the disconnect between the Pharisees and God. Jesus was calling the people to come closer to God. The Pharisees were bogged down with the traditions given in Leviticus that told them to do these and when. The problem is the people forgot why they were doing the traditions, and did them according to their own understanding. This same thing can happen to us in our Christian Churches even today. The answer is not throwing out all the traditions, but teaching the reasons God wants us to do them. By doing what was done in the past, you connect with other generations of believer's. This way you remember the past and won't make the same mistakes in the future. I have run out of space again and will continue next post.
Another difference between the Pharisees and the common people is in regards to how they viewed the Scriptures. The Pharisees felt that since they studied God's Law, and taught others how to live by it, they were above the Law, and did not sin. According to the Scriptures (God's Word), all men are sinful because of the sin Adam brought into the world, and the wages of that sin is death. This is proved in the fact that all men will die, unless they are part of the last generation spoken of in the Scriptures (God's Word) that won't see death. This helps to explain the disconnect between the Pharisees and God. Jesus was calling the people to come closer to God. The Pharisees were bogged down with the traditions given in Leviticus that told them to do these and when. The problem is the people forgot why they were doing the traditions, and did them according to their own understanding. This same thing can happen to us in our Christian Churches even today. The answer is not throwing out all the traditions, but teaching the reasons God wants us to do them. By doing what was done in the past, you connect with other generations of believer's. This way you remember the past and won't make the same mistakes in the future. I have run out of space again and will continue next post.
549th Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - Parable The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - 1st Post.
Luke 18:10 - 14, The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, 1st post.
Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess." And the tax-collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
This parable was spoken by Jesus shortly after He raised Lazarus from the dead, and while He was hiding from the Religious Leaders in Trans-Jordan. This would make the time about two weeks before He was to be crucified. Jesus picked the characters in His story for several reasons. If you have been following this blog or any length of time, you should be able to guess some of the reasons. First, Jesus had two types of followers, Pharisees and the common people. These two groups saw themselves and God differently. This is what this parable is trying to show. The Pharisee in the parable, seems very arrogant, over things he had almost no control over. He thanked God for placing him in a good family, in a political and religious position. Then he thanks God for making him (in his eyes) better than other men. Then he tells God all the good things he does as if this will help get him into heaven. Jesus contrasts this person with a common believer. Look how this man comes before the Throne of Grace. He can not even lift his head to look up toward God. He knows he needs a Savior. He knows that without God's help, he will go to hell. This is very important, we all need to understand that none of us can reach heaven on our own, we all need Jesus' help. I will stop here and continue next post.
Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess." And the tax-collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
This parable was spoken by Jesus shortly after He raised Lazarus from the dead, and while He was hiding from the Religious Leaders in Trans-Jordan. This would make the time about two weeks before He was to be crucified. Jesus picked the characters in His story for several reasons. If you have been following this blog or any length of time, you should be able to guess some of the reasons. First, Jesus had two types of followers, Pharisees and the common people. These two groups saw themselves and God differently. This is what this parable is trying to show. The Pharisee in the parable, seems very arrogant, over things he had almost no control over. He thanked God for placing him in a good family, in a political and religious position. Then he thanks God for making him (in his eyes) better than other men. Then he tells God all the good things he does as if this will help get him into heaven. Jesus contrasts this person with a common believer. Look how this man comes before the Throne of Grace. He can not even lift his head to look up toward God. He knows he needs a Savior. He knows that without God's help, he will go to hell. This is very important, we all need to understand that none of us can reach heaven on our own, we all need Jesus' help. I will stop here and continue next post.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
548th Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - Parable of the Good Samaritan Con't - 9th Post Luke 10: 30 - 37.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan Continued - 9th Post - Luke 10: 30 - 31.
What does this parable teach us today? The answer is plenty, don't think you can learn anything from this parable? Take the Samaritan, in the story and substitute it with a homeless person, or the victim for that matter. Would you act more like the priest and Levite in the story, or would you still be the Samaritan? How far would you go in offering help? Would you put this person in your car? These examples are written from an American perspective, because that is where I happen to live. If you live somewhere else and are reading this, make your own substitutions, you know what God is telling you through these words. What if you are the innkeeper and these people come to you? Would you show them the door, or would you have the same compassion, the innkeeper had in Jesus' parable? The Parable of the Good Samaritan is very relative to us today, and the message is still as strong as it was then. In God's Eyes, all men are our neighbor, and we need to treat them with respect and dignity.
What does this parable teach us today? The answer is plenty, don't think you can learn anything from this parable? Take the Samaritan, in the story and substitute it with a homeless person, or the victim for that matter. Would you act more like the priest and Levite in the story, or would you still be the Samaritan? How far would you go in offering help? Would you put this person in your car? These examples are written from an American perspective, because that is where I happen to live. If you live somewhere else and are reading this, make your own substitutions, you know what God is telling you through these words. What if you are the innkeeper and these people come to you? Would you show them the door, or would you have the same compassion, the innkeeper had in Jesus' parable? The Parable of the Good Samaritan is very relative to us today, and the message is still as strong as it was then. In God's Eyes, all men are our neighbor, and we need to treat them with respect and dignity.
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