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If you are a Christian, you are not the person you were yesterday or several years ago. Why? Because you are growing in Christ. The more you learn about Christ, the more you will grow. Very similar to the parable of the mustard seed describing the mustard seed that starts out as the smallest seed but as it is nurtured, it will grow to be the largest tree. As Jesus said, this is like the kingdom of heaven. 

With Christ we are stronger

The larger you grow in Christ, the deeper your roots will grow which can withstand any storm that the evil one can throw at you. Jesus speaks of this when He talks about where you grow in the Parable of the Sower. Plant your roots deep through Him and you will be the one that grows in Christ, producing many times what was sown. 

What happens to a tree if it is denied its basic needs? It begins to wither and gets diseased and the roots begin to fail. Understand this, your basic needs are from God. You need to feed yourself with the love of God most high and the knowledge he brings so that we can keep strong and remain filled with strength, and with that strength, our soul will remain strong and our roots deep. 

True Love

Let your heart leap for joy as you understand the knowledge that is beyond your true understanding. The Lord will never leave you or forsake you and will always uphold you with his right hand. He loves you so much that He gave His only Son for you. Exalt him. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. For the spirit that God gave you will not falter and he has given you strength and you will not grow weary.

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Have you ever thought about what it means to love your neighbor as yourself, as it was described by Jesus? This same concept has been echoed throughout the New Testament. But what does that really mean?

 

This was so important that its meaning goes back all the way to the Old Testament in Leviticus 19:18 which reads: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

 

Does it mean that you should go over to the person who lives next door to you and tell them that you love them? Well, not quite. What about, if I borrow a tool from my neighbor, I should always return it? Even though that is a good practice, I don’t think that is what Jesus had in mind. 

 

Fortunate for us, Jesus was asked that very question in the Book of Luke in the New Testament. His answer comes in the form of a parable and is called the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25. So, just as a point, Samaritan’s during the time of Jesus were not well-liked people. 

 

The Parable goes something like this:

 

A man was walking down a street in a part of town that was watched by thieves. He was attacked by people who wanted to rob him. They beat him, took anything of value, and left him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road and saw the man who had been beaten. He moved to walk on the other side of the street, passing him. This happened again by another person. But then, a random stranger, the good Samaritan, came across the man and took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, doing all that he could to stabilize the man. He then put him in his car and drove him to a motel and took care of him. The next day, he went down and paid for another two days of motel room for the man. He asked the inn keeper to check in on him and give him anything he needs and that he would reimburse him for any expense he had. 

 

Then Jesus asked, “which of these three men were a neighbor to the injured man?”

 

Jesus made it clear that the idea of “doing to others as you would have them do to you” was very apparent in this parable, which we know as the Golden Rule.  

 

Jesus goes as far as to issue a new command to His followers. In John 13:34 Jesus says “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Now, we know that Jesus said this to His disciples but we know that it has a broader application to us all.

 

So, we now know that we are supposed to love our neighbor. But what about our enemies? In Matthew 5:43 it states, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” Jesus helps us understand that love may be hard sometimes but should be unconditional. 

 

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Where do you think God is with you more in your life? During the good times when you feel like you don’t have a care or during the bad times when you have hit rock bottom?

 

It really depends on where you have invited God to be in your life? Do you only call on God when you are in trouble or struggling in a bad way? Believe it or not, this is the majority of people. This includes those that usually don’t have any relationship with God at all and only call on God to help because they feel they have no other place to turn.

 

It is important to understand, Christian or not, God wants to have a relationship with you. A relationship is not just during the bad times. He wants you to be His people and He wants to be your God.

 

But how can you ensure your relationship is full with God, during the good and the bad? Well, first it is important to understand that God is good. He is not going to single you out and make bad things happen to you but He does want to be there for you during those struggles. We should always understand that it is not always demons we’re fighting. Most of the time it is just consequences of our bad choices and decisions. God understands. Remember, sometimes God allows what he hates to accomplish what He loves. God loves you. If you are a parent, yes, it is that kind of love. Strong, unwavering, pure sacrifice. Just as Jesus said, “who would give their child a stone if they ask for a loaf of bread or a snake if they asked for a fish to eat.” 

 

The first step is to talk with God. Since He is always with you, that makes it pretty easy. It does not have to be a big formal elaborately thought-out prayer. Just a simple thank you. Second, recognize God’s works that are happening all around you. Look at the wonderful things and give credit where credit is due. Thank God for the good that you see and pray for those that persecute you. Jesus said it best in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

 

You have to make the first move. God is truly great and does great things for His people. If you put God first in your thinking, all things are possible. Will you still have bad days? For sure, but when you put God first, and place your complete trust in God, you have met all three… Asked, Seeked, and Knocked. Ask for help and guidance in your struggle; 

 

Seek God’s wisdom to help you see the purpose for your struggle; because when you knock on God’s door, He will always be there to open it for you and help. 

 

Complete trust in God does not mean that you do nothing. It means that you ask yourself, “How would God want me to handle this?” If you program your thinking to ask that question first, you have opened the door. Seek God’s council on your problems but praise God for your victories, even the small ones.

 

If you do thi

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Matthew 13:24-30 & the explanation in Matthew 13:37-43

This parable, while it is such a simple parable, tells us so much. It seems to be a continuation of the Parable of the Sower, and follows the path of the seed thrown on the good soil, which grows well because it is able to form deep roots. Jesus is implying that, even though you have placed your seed on good soil, and you are growing in your faith, there is no length that the evil one will not go to hurt your faith in God by planting evil all around you.

While doing the research on this parable, I was so excited to find so many references in other parts of the scripture that either point back to this parable or this parable seemed directly connect to. My next podcast will be a part 2 of this one and will explore many different connections, especially with the book of Revelation. Be sure to check back often for that or scribe to this podcast for notifications.

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Matthew 13: 3-9 NIV 

The parable of the Sower gives us great detail on how the Word of God is taken into our lives. It is used to shape and guide us through our daily quest to understand how to interact with Him better. This is one of the few parables that Jesus Himself explains to His disciples in detail. While all of the parables carry strong guidance and deep messages, this is one that resonates because it has a direct message on how important it is to truly understand the Word of God. In fact, this is one of the main reasons we are going through these parables. To help put some additional light on them for some that might be struggling.

 

Come and listen to understand this parable better.

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Luke 15: 11-32 NIV

 

Jesus tells us a story about a father with two sons. Both had grown up in a Godly home but one had become restless and was tempted by worldly things. The first son asks his father for his inheritance early so he can go indulge his worldly desires, and in doing so, turns his back on God. We can call this son the lost son. The other son remains with his father and continues to work and stays faithful to God. We can call this son the faithful son.

 

No one likes to be wrong so when the lost son spends all of his inheritance and begins to feel the pressure of being broke and a famine that has hit the land, he began to think of home. Everything worldly that he desired, turned its back on him and he found himself in a low position, working to survive, but his pride prevented him from admitting he had sinned against his father and the Heavens.

 

Finally, hunger got the better of him and he decided to go home and work for his father because he was sure that even his servants had plenty. At that moment, a transition came upon him. His pride was gone and he was no longer the lost son, but a humble son to his father. He returned in a state of not feeling worthy to be called his son.

 

His father recognized the change and saw that his son had humbly returned and he was filled with joy. His son was no longer lost to the world. He had been saved and it was time to celebrate.

 

His faithful son returning from the fields, grew angry that his brother was getting so much attention after being so bad. His father explains to him that it is right to celebrate. He tells the faithful son that everything that he owns belongs to him but his lost son has been found and is alive again.

 

Jesus sets this parable up by saying in Matthew 9:12 NIV that “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” knowing that He is about to tell this story. He also talks in Luke 15:3-7 about the 100 sheep and one being lost. He leaves the 99 to find it, and when he does, he rejoices for it is right to celebrate when one is lost and then they are found.

 

The lost sheep’s and the lost son’s return is celebrated because they are both very precious to their keepers. Many of us are in the same state. We have turned away from God. Separation from the father or the shepherd does not make you lost forever. They are both waiting or actively seeking you to return. They want you back so bad, it does not matter what you have done or where you have gone. Return repentant and humble and you will be welcomed with open arms.

 

In the case of the lost son… You can never out-sin God the Father’s forgiveness. God will never stop waiting on your return because He is very patient. And when you do return, there is a celebration in Heaven beyond imagination. Unlike the faithful son’s rebuke that you have returned, Christians everywhere will celebrate with you.

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Parable of the Lamp - 

 

Matthew 5: 14-16 NIV 

 

What is the purpose for having a light? The most obvious reason is to get you out of the dark. As we read this parable, we understand that light has a reason for existing and should not be denied its purpose which is to replace darkness. 

 

In the parable, Jesus uses the example of a lamp. It is brought into a dark place so that it can shine. If the light is placed under something, the light will be diminished and would defeat the reason for having it. It should be placed so that it can be seen and used by everyone.

 

Now, lets draw some connections between the light and Jesus. Jesus Christ is the light that will illuminate your path. He came into the world to be the light in your darkness. His purpose was not meant to be hidden. He provides light when you need it most. You should guard the light and ensure it does not waver in your heart. For Jesus is the only true light in the darkness that is everything not of God. He tries to tell His disciples that they are also the light that He has given them, and that they should go shine that light to the world to glorify God the Father.

 

Now that we have defined the light in the parable, there is another conclusion that we can draw from it. Just as you should not hide the light, you should find others to give it to and ensure it is not hindered in any way from shining. 

 

The best part of the light is that when you share it with others, they will take on some of the light for themselves. Using the Christian teachings, this light can spread and can grow. 

 

Then they should guide others to the light of the kingdom through the word of God; the truth will be revealed to the whole world.

 

The key idea of the parable is that "Light is to be revealed, not concealed." If you have the opportunity to show God’s light, you should do it. 

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Parable of the Speck and the Plank - 

 

Matthew 7: 3-5 NIV

 

Being trained as a carpenter, it only makes sense for Jesus to use these two terms in His parable. The speck is referring to a speck of sawdust and the plank is referring to the entire piece of wood that you might use to start a project.

 

In this parable, Jesus shows us that if you can’t avoid doing something you feel is wrong, you should not tell someone else that they should not be doing it. This is a classic example of something a hypocrite might do. To be a hypocrite requires you to pass judgement on someone else.

 

Look carefully in the mirror and make a self-examination before examining someone else. Don’t be ignorant of your own fault. There is another non-biblical quote that also helps with this understanding. If you live in a glass house, you should not throw rocks at others.

 

If you believe you have found a flaw in someone, you should not judge them. You will get what you give and in the same measure from the one that is the only one qualified to judge. Jesus gives us this example many times in the Gospels. One of the most prominent is the case in the book of John 8: 3-11. He challenges the ones that want to stone a woman for prostitution and tells them “Let any one of you that is without sin cast the first stone at her.” In the end, they all leave and she is forgiven, and told to leave her life of sin.

 

In the time of Jesus, being judged by the Laws of Moses was the primary way of dispensing justice to the people. The laws were very specific and often times, very strict. There were also many that would result in death.

 

Jesus wants you to help others through difficult times, but you should do it without judgement knowing that we are all flawed. Be a counselor, not a judge. 

 

We can apply this to today’s thinking. The parable shows that if you work to help someone and are blinded by your own faults, you will not be successful in providing help to those around you that might have the same flaw. Work on your inner being and fix your faults, then you can help others through theirs. 

 

Helping someone with compassion and understanding is the humble way that Jesus explains is the best choice for counseling someone in need. Remove your plank by fixing your flaws, then you can help others without judgement.

 

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Parables of Jesus Series - Parable of the Two Sons - 

 

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32 

 

When we look at this parable, the primary point that Jesus was trying to make is about what we believe we should do but don’t vs what we actually do.

 

Let’s paint the personas of two different groups of people. These are easy to categorize. You have the good people and the bad people. 

 

The good people believe their goodness comes from their own entitlement from something they have been told in their life or from their title that they have been given which sets them above others. They also go through life with a closed mind to anything that might take away from their perceived stature. 

 

The bad people have never really given much thought to doing things that are for others and have been treated badly most of their lives. They have had to take the more difficult path in the road and harbor a level of resentment for the world and people around them. Most have been given no entitlement to speak of.

 

When Jesus is referring to the two sons in the parable, in one interpretation, we can say that one son was in the group of good people. The second son was from the bad people. And lastly, the father is God.

 

In the time of Jesus, He was speaking of the Sanhedrin and the Priests of the Temple. These are the good people. Jesus spoke to everyone that would listen, including the Priests, and hoped that they would understand and act on what he was telling them so they also could receive the salvation from God. They heard but did not do.

 

In contrast, the bad people were considered the open sinners of the time such as the prostitutes, tax collectors, and any of the other people who were not considered spiritually clean based on the times. These people, when they heard the messages of Jesus, realized that the way they were living life was bad, and repented, and asked for forgiveness of the way they led their lives, and they were saved. They lived and were not obedient of God, but then they changed their thinking and did what Jesus had told them. 

 

The good people knew what they should do, but did not do it. The bad made the choice not to follow the ways of God but then decided to do so. Which will enter the Kingdom of Heaven first? The ones that did God’s will. It takes more than to be good to enter the Kingdom.

 

We can apply this to today’s thinking. If you feel you are not worthy of the gift that Christ is giving you, you have already qualified to receive it. Jesus came to help the sinners, not the ones that consider themselves saints. We are all flawed, but to recognize that, is what Jesus wants from us. If you count yourself among to the good, you might already be in danger. 

 

Always understand that we all have room to grow in Christ, which is a choice. All it takes to make a good person a saved person is an open mind and a heart that repents.

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Why Jesus spoke in Parables

 

A parable is a message usually in the form of a story. But, why did Jesus teach using only Parables?

 

There is a primary verse that is in the Old Testament that talks about why parables would be used by the Messiah as He spoke. We hear about Isaiah’s commission from God. God is frustrated with the people of Judah and He chooses Isaiah to go and deliver a message to them.

 

Isaiah 6:9-10 NIV

 

This message from God, delivered by Isaiah, is considered a stern rebuke to the people who have grown further from God’s obedience. This is referenced as a lack of using the God given abilities to know and appreciate God because the people have turned away. This message to the people also tells us that, even though God was talking to the people, they were not listening.

 

During the earthly life of Jesus, He makes reference to the same problem that was faced in the life of Isaiah about 700 years earlier. The people had closed their hearts and minds to God and instead of understanding, they only went through the required motions so they would get credit for doing them. Early on, God said, do something so they did it. Later on, they still did it but forgot why. Many had also believed that they had learned all they were going to, which made them higher in stature than everyone else, and in their mind, they presumed to know God’s will without asking. Anyone that tried to tell them anything about what they were doing wrong about their understanding, was rebuked aggressively and in some cases called blasphemy. Kind of a self-reinforced delusion that they always knew what God wanted because of their knowledge and experience vs understanding God’s will.

 

It was the goal of Jesus to reach the people that He knew would understand when he spoke, even if He talked in parables. The ones that got it were truly listening. The ones that didn’t, just dismissed it. 

 

Matthew 13:13-15 NIV 

 

Even though Jesus spoke in parables to the people, He makes the time to explain His parables to His Disciples since they have been given the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven.

 

The lesson here is that if you want to understand the teachings of Jesus, you must not close your mind and heart to learning. For, just as every question has an answer, usually every answer results in a question. Also, in the case of the parables of Jesus, many of them have more than one meaning. The more you learn, the more you understand that there is still so much to learn. Keep your mind open, heart fixed on God, and use the Bible as the source for your answers, Old and New Testament. 

 

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