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Archive for the ‘Parables’ Category

Heaven is Like…Yeast

Posted in Evangelism, God's Kingdom, Parables, tagged , on July 30, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. – Jesus (Matthew 13:33)

Parables are like grapes, small contained packages bursting with flavor when you bite. They usually have one main point so Jesus sometimes told them in bunches.

Here Jesus tells his audience the Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast. Yeast is symbolical throughout the Bible of several things, some good and some bad, but here Jesus points to one thing it is noted for — its ability to permeate.

God’s Kingdom is infectious. This may be one reason Jesus leaves most of his people within their society. Put a believer, who really loves Jesus, inside a company or a family and the Kingdom eventually touches everyone. They may not all accept Christ but they won’t be the same — either he/she has to change or they do.

— fritz@langgang.com

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Heaven is Like … a Mustard Seed

Posted in God's Kingdom, Growth, Heaven, Parables, tagged on July 28, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Mustard

 

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. –Matthew 13:31-32

Jesus told parables to both illuminate and obfuscate at the same time — enlightening to those willing to listen, confusing to those without time or inclination to care.

Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of small beginnings. God isn’t interested in starting big but in continuous growth. It may not seem like much at first, but that’s ok. Start with a little understanding, a little step of faith, a little consistent time of praying, a little Bible reading — and do it faithfully. Soon it will grow and provide shade not only for yourself but others, too.

— fritz@langgang.com
See also: Learning to Pray – June 25, 2011

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Ready or Not

Posted in Christ, Kingdom of Heaven, Parables, tagged on May 27, 2011| Leave a Comment »

[Jesus] went on to tell them a parable … “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return … ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

“But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ “He was made king, however, and returned home.

Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
…‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ …“‘Well done, … take charge of ten cities.’
… ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ …‘You take charge of five cities.’
… ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth…‘Take his mina away…
‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.

But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’” – Luke 19:11-26

Jesus, like all preachers, reused sermon illustrations. But though there is a hint of previous sermons (the lesson of the servants and talents) there is a different ending and overall message.

This version was spoken as Jesus was facing the cross and in the story the future king faces opposition – some don’t want his rule and even some of his own think him cruel. But in the end he rules anyway, commanding those who opposed him to be judged at his feet.

Jesus point is that he shall return whether he is wanted or not, whether he is believed or not, whether we are ready or not – his rule shall ultimately happen and when he comes he will judge the lazy, the fearful, and those who resisted – but bless those who acted in faith.

Better to greet him as a friend than as an enemy!

– fritz@langgang.com

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