The parable of the talents illustrates the individual responsibility of every Christian to serve God. Christian living is much more than saying, “I accept Jesus.” We are to demonstrate our salvation by service through our works. (James 2:17-26). Remember that Jesus, himself, was called a servant. (See Matthew 12:18; Acts 3:13, 26; Acts 4:27, 30.) [...]
Matthew 13:10-11, 15 (NIV), “The disciples came to him and asked, ‘Why do you speak to the people in parables?’ He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them…For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and [...]
The following is a brief interpretation of the parable of the Wise and Foolish (Unwise) Virgins, Matthew 25:1-10. 25:1 “…like 10 virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom” these are pure, holy people – not lovers of sin lamps represent the Word of God – the virgins are illuminated [...]
This parable demonstrates that not only must good seed – the Word of God, the truth – be sown, but chiefly that the attitude of the heart – the ground which receives the seed – must be good. The wayside illustrates hard, compacted earth, that is, a heart that is hard and solid with selfishness [...]
Some of Jesus’ followers were tax collectors and gross sinners. (Luke 15:1) The Pharisees and teachers of the law were disturbed that Jesus welcomed this fallen class and even ate with them. They believed the “sinners” were living outside of a relationship with God. These might even be considered lost beyond recovery. To refute the [...]
Abraham’s bosom represents the Abrahamic covenant. The reference to Abraham’s bosom or chest is found in Luke 16:22 as part of the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The parable starts with the Rich Man clothed in purple and linen living in luxury. The Rich Man represents the nation of Israel. Lazarus represents the [...]
At the time that Jesus made this statement (Luke 18:25) the city of Jerusalem had many gates, all of which were closed at sundown. One small gate, however, was accessible to late-arriving merchants. Because it was so small, it was necessary to unload the camels (remove all riches, and material things from their backs), and [...]
"Give not that which is holy to the dogs, nor throw your pearls to the swine; otherwise the swine will trample them under their feet and the dogs turn and maul you." Matthew 7:6 (Weymouth translation). No one would give real pearls to swine, so what pearls is Jesus talking about? He explains the meaning [...]
In the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins there are ten virgins. Five were wise and Five were foolish. To identify the two classes of virgins, you have to go to the book of Revelation. Revelation 7:4,9,14-15, “…I heard the number…sealed…144,000…and I saw a great multitude which no man could number…These are they which [...]
Jesus answers this very question. Mark 4:10-12, “When Jesus was alone, some of those who had heard him came to him with the twelve disciples and asked him to explain the parables. ‘You have been given the secret of the Kingdom of God,’ Jesus answered. ‘But the others, who are on the outside, hear all [...]
