Parable of the Wheat and Tares Continued Jesus Explains the Parable - Matthew 13: 37 - 43; Luke 13: 28, Second Post.
He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
This was spoken by Jesus, soon after He told this parable to the people. This explanation was given to his disciples only later, after they asked Jesus to explain this parable. The explanation mentioned above, is what this parable means. It is interesting that Jesus used the phrases "end of the age"; and "end of this age". At first glance it may look like Jesus is talking about more than one age here. This is not the case. Jesus was talking about the same age, but two different perspectives of the same time. When Jesus was walking the earth, He was telling the people about this kingdom of God. When Jesus went back to Heaven, and left this task of teaching the kingdom of God to his people to continue, this is the same message, that Jesus taught, but to a new audience. Continued next post.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
602nd Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - Parables About the End of the Age Con't. - Parable of The Wheat and the Tares Con't. Matthew 13: 24 - 30 - 1st Post.
Parable About the Wheat and the Tares Matthew 13: 24 - 30 Continued 1st Post.
The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, "Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?" He said to them, "An enemy has done this." The servants said to him, "Do you want us then to go and gather up them up?" "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 - 2 years into His earthly Ministry. Jesus explains this parable in the next part of this section on the End of the Age. I will comment on this though. The kingdom of heaven in this parable is the world, or groups of Christians, that made the decision to follow Christ.
The believer's are the wheat, the tares are the unbeliever's, that mix with the believer's. At first, you can not tell the bad from the good, but as both mature, it is easier to see. Sometimes the unbeliever's will create more of a disturbance when they are found out and tried to get rid of, and the disturbance created may cause some of the wheat to be taken also. Notice the tares are harvested first. I will have more to say on this after we look at Jesus' explanation of the "Wheat and Tares".
The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, "Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?" He said to them, "An enemy has done this." The servants said to him, "Do you want us then to go and gather up them up?" "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 - 2 years into His earthly Ministry. Jesus explains this parable in the next part of this section on the End of the Age. I will comment on this though. The kingdom of heaven in this parable is the world, or groups of Christians, that made the decision to follow Christ.
The believer's are the wheat, the tares are the unbeliever's, that mix with the believer's. At first, you can not tell the bad from the good, but as both mature, it is easier to see. Sometimes the unbeliever's will create more of a disturbance when they are found out and tried to get rid of, and the disturbance created may cause some of the wheat to be taken also. Notice the tares are harvested first. I will have more to say on this after we look at Jesus' explanation of the "Wheat and Tares".
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
601st Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - Parables About the End of the Age - New Section - My Comments.
Parables About End of the Age - New Section - My Comments.
Jesus spoke a lot about the End of the Age. What did Jesus mean by this term? This has been the discussion since Jesus spoke these words. The End of the time of the Gentiles? The End of the World? The End of Roman Occupation? The End of the World? All of these statements have one time or another been used to explain what Jesus meant by the end of the Age. I believe that Jesus talked about all of these at different times in His Ministry. The problem is, we try to lump everything Jesus said concerning these into only one category. We will be looking into these parables and try to explain which category they fall into. I believe that Jesus said a lot about the end of the World, and a lot of it was through parables. I believe that the Apostles misunderstood what Jesus was telling them. If you look at the parables that teach about End Times, the landowner goes on a long journey and is away for a long time. The Apostles did not take this into consideration before they started talking about the rapid return of Christ. I have been trying to point out words of Jesus that cause this idea into question. Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, Matthew Chapter 5, that He did not come to do away with but to fulfill, every prophecy will be fulfilled. If Jesus comes early, how do these outstanding prophecies become fulfilled?? God Can Not Lie!!! The problem is that we will not know how it will end until after it happens. If being right on this issue, will it keep you in or out of Heaven?? The answer is no, so what does it matter. It doesn't. This study has been about Jesus Words, and explaining their meaning. This is all I have tried to do here.
Jesus spoke a lot about the End of the Age. What did Jesus mean by this term? This has been the discussion since Jesus spoke these words. The End of the time of the Gentiles? The End of the World? The End of Roman Occupation? The End of the World? All of these statements have one time or another been used to explain what Jesus meant by the end of the Age. I believe that Jesus talked about all of these at different times in His Ministry. The problem is, we try to lump everything Jesus said concerning these into only one category. We will be looking into these parables and try to explain which category they fall into. I believe that Jesus said a lot about the end of the World, and a lot of it was through parables. I believe that the Apostles misunderstood what Jesus was telling them. If you look at the parables that teach about End Times, the landowner goes on a long journey and is away for a long time. The Apostles did not take this into consideration before they started talking about the rapid return of Christ. I have been trying to point out words of Jesus that cause this idea into question. Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, Matthew Chapter 5, that He did not come to do away with but to fulfill, every prophecy will be fulfilled. If Jesus comes early, how do these outstanding prophecies become fulfilled?? God Can Not Lie!!! The problem is that we will not know how it will end until after it happens. If being right on this issue, will it keep you in or out of Heaven?? The answer is no, so what does it matter. It doesn't. This study has been about Jesus Words, and explaining their meaning. This is all I have tried to do here.
600th Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - Parables About Last Being First Con't. - Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus Con't. Luke 16: 19 - 31 Con't. - 4th Post.
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Continued Luke 16: 19 - 31.
We left the last post talking about death. There have been a lot of false teachings about the dead throughout Christian history. According to God's Word, if you die without knowing God or Christ, you are doomed. This is hard for many people to hear, but this is what this parable is trying to point out. The end of the Parable, the rich man demands that Father Abraham send some one back from the dead to talk to his brothers lest they suffer the same fate as he. Abraham is very strong in his resolve, when he says "They have Moses and the Prophets." "Even if someone comes back from the dead they will not listen." Case in point, Jesus Christ Himself! History says He rose from the dead, how many people today, doubt it happened?? Jesus had to rise!! If He died for the sins of the world, it was our sins that killed Him. The wages of sin is death, we are told. The difference between Jesus' sacrifice and animal sacrifices is that Jesus only had to die once to get rid of sin. Animal sacrifices only covered the sin and pointed to Jesus sacrifice to come. Jesus would have to be the spotless Lamb of God in order to rise. The fact death could not hold Jesus, proves His "SINLESS" quality. Jesus paid the price restored fallen man back into favor with God. This has happened. Saying that it never happened or didn't restore man completely is to cheapen God's Gift. Christ died for all men, all you have to do claim it is to believe it!! DO YOU??
We left the last post talking about death. There have been a lot of false teachings about the dead throughout Christian history. According to God's Word, if you die without knowing God or Christ, you are doomed. This is hard for many people to hear, but this is what this parable is trying to point out. The end of the Parable, the rich man demands that Father Abraham send some one back from the dead to talk to his brothers lest they suffer the same fate as he. Abraham is very strong in his resolve, when he says "They have Moses and the Prophets." "Even if someone comes back from the dead they will not listen." Case in point, Jesus Christ Himself! History says He rose from the dead, how many people today, doubt it happened?? Jesus had to rise!! If He died for the sins of the world, it was our sins that killed Him. The wages of sin is death, we are told. The difference between Jesus' sacrifice and animal sacrifices is that Jesus only had to die once to get rid of sin. Animal sacrifices only covered the sin and pointed to Jesus sacrifice to come. Jesus would have to be the spotless Lamb of God in order to rise. The fact death could not hold Jesus, proves His "SINLESS" quality. Jesus paid the price restored fallen man back into favor with God. This has happened. Saying that it never happened or didn't restore man completely is to cheapen God's Gift. Christ died for all men, all you have to do claim it is to believe it!! DO YOU??
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
599th Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - Parables of First will be Last Con't. - Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Con't. 3rd post - Luke 16: 19 - 33.
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Continued 3rd Post Luke 16: 19 - 33.
Jesus told this parable to explain what the place of the dead was like, and to tell the people that there was more to serving God, than just attending Temple to sacrifice for sins committed and going to Synagogue. The Jews had forgotten that God wanted a personal relationship with them. That was the lesson God was trying to teach them with the Tabernacle. God made the people of Israel aware of taking care of the widows, orphans and strangers, as part of His Law. It was this, and other things God required of them, that made the Jews different from their neighbors in other lands. Clearly, the rich man forgot this when it came to Lazarus. It was the lack of care shown to Lazarus that helped put the rich man into torment. This parable gives the living an insight into the place of the dead. In the parable, Jesus told of two sides, one had the righteous, and the other the wicked. It is interesting that the good and bad, could communicate with one another there. They just could not reach each other. Remember that Jesus told this parable toward the end of His earthly ministry. Jesus explains this place of the dead, but yet Jesus Himself does not go there when He dies a short time later. We know this, from the account of what Jesus said from the cross. One of the thieves that was being crucified with Him, asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus turned to this man, and said "Today, you will be with Me in Paradise." When we look at Sheol (Hades), Jesus talked about, Father Abraham, seems to be the one in charge there. If this place was Heaven, God would be in charge not Abraham. It is interesting to look at the word Hades in Greek, if you do a word study Hades in the Old Testament says it is the place of the dead; but if you look at the meaning of Hades in the New Testament it means only hell, the place of the wicked. I have run out of room again continued next post.
Jesus told this parable to explain what the place of the dead was like, and to tell the people that there was more to serving God, than just attending Temple to sacrifice for sins committed and going to Synagogue. The Jews had forgotten that God wanted a personal relationship with them. That was the lesson God was trying to teach them with the Tabernacle. God made the people of Israel aware of taking care of the widows, orphans and strangers, as part of His Law. It was this, and other things God required of them, that made the Jews different from their neighbors in other lands. Clearly, the rich man forgot this when it came to Lazarus. It was the lack of care shown to Lazarus that helped put the rich man into torment. This parable gives the living an insight into the place of the dead. In the parable, Jesus told of two sides, one had the righteous, and the other the wicked. It is interesting that the good and bad, could communicate with one another there. They just could not reach each other. Remember that Jesus told this parable toward the end of His earthly ministry. Jesus explains this place of the dead, but yet Jesus Himself does not go there when He dies a short time later. We know this, from the account of what Jesus said from the cross. One of the thieves that was being crucified with Him, asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus turned to this man, and said "Today, you will be with Me in Paradise." When we look at Sheol (Hades), Jesus talked about, Father Abraham, seems to be the one in charge there. If this place was Heaven, God would be in charge not Abraham. It is interesting to look at the word Hades in Greek, if you do a word study Hades in the Old Testament says it is the place of the dead; but if you look at the meaning of Hades in the New Testament it means only hell, the place of the wicked. I have run out of room again continued next post.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
598th Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - Parables Concerning First to be Last Con't. - Parables About the Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16: 19 - 31, 2nd Post.
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16: 19 - 31 Continued Second Post.
In this parable we have two people, the rich man and Lazarus. Jesus tells us that the rich man had the best of life and Lazarus the worst. Why did the rich man find himself in torment in Sheol (Hades)? On the surface this parable seems to say that if you are rich, you will end up here. Is this what this parable really says, I don't think so. Jesus gives us more information in this story. We learn that the rich man was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. This means he had way more than what he needed to live on and lived very comfortably. To this scene Jesus adds Lazarus, who was laid at the gate of the rich man. This means Lazarus could not even get around by himself, but had to count on others to move him. Jesus did not say for how long Lazarus stayed at the gate of the house of the rich man. Lazarus laid there waiting to eat just the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. We are not told how successful Lazarus was at getting the crumbs or how often he got fed. Jesus then tells us that dogs came and licked the sores on Lazarus. Dogs usually do not have a good meaning when the word is used. Jesus did not say if these dogs were wild or part of the rich man's household. The fact that dogs were the ones that recognized Lazarus' situation and tried by licking his sores to relieve Lazarus' suffering is quite interesting. This gives us a clue that the rich man did not treat Lazarus as well as he could have. I believe this is why the rich man found himself in torment in Sheol (Hades). You need to remember that this parable is still part of the teaching Jesus started in Chapter 13 of Luke, "Repent or Perish". What happens to us after we die has been the subject of conversation from the time the first person died until now. Here we have an opportunity to see what Jesus had to say on the subject. In this parable, Jesus describes Sheol (Hades), of the Old Testament. Sheol means the place of the dead. Continued next post.
In this parable we have two people, the rich man and Lazarus. Jesus tells us that the rich man had the best of life and Lazarus the worst. Why did the rich man find himself in torment in Sheol (Hades)? On the surface this parable seems to say that if you are rich, you will end up here. Is this what this parable really says, I don't think so. Jesus gives us more information in this story. We learn that the rich man was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. This means he had way more than what he needed to live on and lived very comfortably. To this scene Jesus adds Lazarus, who was laid at the gate of the rich man. This means Lazarus could not even get around by himself, but had to count on others to move him. Jesus did not say for how long Lazarus stayed at the gate of the house of the rich man. Lazarus laid there waiting to eat just the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. We are not told how successful Lazarus was at getting the crumbs or how often he got fed. Jesus then tells us that dogs came and licked the sores on Lazarus. Dogs usually do not have a good meaning when the word is used. Jesus did not say if these dogs were wild or part of the rich man's household. The fact that dogs were the ones that recognized Lazarus' situation and tried by licking his sores to relieve Lazarus' suffering is quite interesting. This gives us a clue that the rich man did not treat Lazarus as well as he could have. I believe this is why the rich man found himself in torment in Sheol (Hades). You need to remember that this parable is still part of the teaching Jesus started in Chapter 13 of Luke, "Repent or Perish". What happens to us after we die has been the subject of conversation from the time the first person died until now. Here we have an opportunity to see what Jesus had to say on the subject. In this parable, Jesus describes Sheol (Hades), of the Old Testament. Sheol means the place of the dead. Continued next post.
597th Post Jesus Said Concerning Parables Con't. - Parables About First Being Last Con't. - Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus - Luke 16: 19 - 31 - 1st Post.
Parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus -Luke 16: 19 - 31, First Post.
There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." But Abraham said, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those pass from there pass to us." Then he said, "I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment." Abraham said to him, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." And he said, "No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent." But he said to him, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither wil they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
This was spoken by Jesus as part of His message starting in Luke Chapter 13 about "Repent or Perish." This is toward the last year of His earthly Ministry. Will continue next post.
There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." But Abraham said, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those pass from there pass to us." Then he said, "I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment." Abraham said to him, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." And he said, "No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent." But he said to him, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither wil they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
This was spoken by Jesus as part of His message starting in Luke Chapter 13 about "Repent or Perish." This is toward the last year of His earthly Ministry. Will continue next post.
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