Tag Archives: parables

The Prodigal Son

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Luke 15:11-32

Why did Jesus tell this parable? I think it was to soften the hearts of the Pharisees. Jesus often used parables to challenge their thinking, to convict them of their own sin and to emphasize their need of a Savior.

They would never admit to being the prodigal in this story. They were “obedient” servants. After all, didn’t they pray impressive prayers, give generously, and study and teach the Scripture? Weren’t they revered by the masses because of their obedience? Didn’t they look down on the prodigals from their lofty position of religious leadership?

Jesus wanted them to know they were receiving their reward in real time, like the prodigal son had. But, like the son, they would one day stand before the Father bankrupt, destitute, and undeserving of the Father’s forgiveness. Then what?

In the parable, Jesus made it plain that repentance came before reconciliation. The son’s repentance opened the door to his father’s home, and the celebration of a loving father for the return of his lost son.

It would take repentance for the Pharisees to receive the same kind of welcome from their Heavenly Father. The same is true for all of us.

The Parable of the Sower

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Mark 4:1-32

I’ve started doing a study using the book entitled The Parables of Jesus (Douglas Sean O’Donnell; Crossway Pub; Wheaton, IL 2023). And I am doing something I don’t often do… I’m actually filling in the answers to the questions the author throws out there. So far, the questions have challenged me to stop and really consider what Jesus is teaching under the surface. I think I’m going to like it, and I pray God will grow me as I look at some of Jesus’ parables through this study, with an open mind and teachable spirit. And I pray for discernment as I read the opinions of the author.

I think it’s an example of the brilliance of God and His beautiful plan for Jesus’ life on earth, that Jesus taught using parables. He spoke truth boldly, yet on the surface the parables seemed like good, if not confusing stories. Underneath there was and is a life-changing message that can be understood at just the right time.

If the people during Jesus’ lifetime on earth would have believed too soon that He was the Messiah they were waiting for, they would probably have prevented Him from going to the cross. Jesus’ teaching would all make sense after the cross, but until then He veiled the truth with word pictures that had most of them scratching their heads.

As I have considered the Parable of the Sower, I realize that in the past I have spent a lot of time considering the seeds and soil. But these last few days I’ve realized I might have been missing the point. As a believer, the seed has already taken root in the good soil of my repentant heart. Now, according to this parable, it’s my turn to sow.

The study guide challenged me to look at the Parable of the Mustard Seed in light of the sower. I went ahead and looked at all the verses in this section, the Parable of the Lamp, and the scatterer of seed. This whole section is about sharing God’s Word consistently, boldly, visibly, and without worrying about something over which I have no control – how it is received, or what kind of “soil” it’s landing on.

I may think that, well I’m not a preacher or gifted teacher so this doesn’t apply to me. WRONG! If you are a Christian, you are to be a sower.

Your’s might be the mustard seed, that takes the shape of an encouraging Scripture said to a hurting friend, or a personal testimony over coffee, or reading Bible stories to you kids. Your friendship might open the door for the chance to share the Gospel with just one person whose heart is ready to receive the seed you sow. Jesus is talking about A mustard seed in verse 31. ONE mustard seed that takes root and grows into a solid Christian who is used by God to minister to others.

Isaiah 55:11 assures us that God’s Word doesn’t come back void. Sow it. Let God handle the rest.