October 06, 2019 AM
Dr. Michael Catt - 1924
#1 in series
Speaking in Parables
RELIGION VS. CHRISTIANITY
Matthew 13:34, 35; Mark 4:34; Luke 7:40-50
OVERVIEW
When I was in college, a professor told me that a parable is a “heavenly truth wrapped in earthly language.” The word parable refers to a Greek word which means a symbol, type, figure, or illustration. These stories from the lips of our Savior were a mystery to many, but the Lord had a purpose for speaking in parables. Parables have been depicted in art and stained glass, and their truths have been communicated for thousands of years across all cultures because they are easy to identify with. We will look closely at these familiar stories and discover eternal truths that will impact our daily living. Listen as the Savior is speaking and seek to understand the heavenly truths wrapped inside.
For further study, this series is available online at sherwoodbaptist.net/messages.
Jesus often spoke in parables. Parables can take various forms. The parables we will look at in this series are all from Luke's Gospel.
A parable can be:
- A picture
- A story
- An analogy from daily life
- An allegory at times
Why did Jesus use parables?
1) To __ (Matthew 13:34, 35; Psalm 78:1-4)
2) To __ (Isaiah 6:9, 10; Mark 4:34; Luke 8:10)
I. THE STORY OF SIMON
It's hard to discern Simon's motive in asking Jesus to dinner. This young preacher from Galilee was drawing great crowds. Maybe Simon didn't like what he was seeing, so he wanted to get a closer look and question Jesus about His teachings. Whatever the motive, Jesus wasn't popular with the Scribes and Pharisees. He broke their petty laws, and in His sermons He called them hypocrites. They said He was a friend of sinners and controlled by demons.
When a guest went into a Jewish home, three things always happened: 1) They were kissed on the cheek; 2) Water was poured on their feet; 3) A drop of some sweet smelling spice was placed on their head. None of this was done for Jesus (Luke 7:44, 45). This was an insult, and Jesus used it as a teaching moment.
II. THE SINNER
In those days, guests didn't sit in chairs. They reclined at the table, leaning on one arm and eating with the other. Their feet were tucked under their legs.
The Talmud says that a woman could be divorced for unbinding her hair in the presence of men. Such an act by this woman was unthinkable.
III. THE STORY OF FORGIVENESS
What now?
1) Forgiveness is __.
2) Forgiveness has to be __.
“Like Simon we can spend our days living by our own standards, supported by those who have the same convictions, and assuming that we’re living perfectly satisfactory lives.” – Stuart Briscoe
3) Forgiveness results in __.