PARABLES OF JESUS
Jesus' illustrations are often called parables. A parable takes a familiar object or situation and gives it a spiritual application. By linking the known with the hidden, it can help us understand spiritual truths. A parable compels listeners to discover the truth for themselves, and it conceals the truth from those too lazy or prejudiced to look for it. In reading Jesus' parables, we must be careful not to read too much into them. Most have only one point and one meaning, so we must be careful not to go beyond what Jesus intended to teach.
I. Teaching Parables
A. About the Kingdom of God
1. The Soils (Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:3-9; Luke 8:5-8)
2. The Thistles (Matthew 13:24-30)
3. The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31,32; Mark 4:30-32;
Luke 13:18,19)
4. The Yeast (Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20,21)
5. The Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
6. The Pearl (Matthew 13:45.46)
7. The Fishing Net (Matthew 13:47-50)
8. The Growing Wheat (Mark 4:26-29)
B. About Service and Obedience
1. The Workers in the Harvest (Matthew 20:1-16)
2. The Loaned Money (Matthew 25:14-30)
3. The Nobleman's Servants (Luke 19:12-27)
4. The Servant's Role (Luke 17:7-10)
C. About Prayer
1. The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-10)
2. The Unjust Judge (Luke 18:2-8)
D. About Neighbors
1. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35)
E. About Humility
1. The Wedding Feast (Luke 14:8-14)
2. The Proud Pharisee and the Corrupt Taxpayer
(Luke 18:10-14)
F. About Wealth
1. The Wealthy Fool (Luke 12:16-21)
2. The Great Feast (Luke 14:16-24)
3. The Dishonest Accountant (Luke 16:1-9)
II. Gospel Parables
A. About God's Love
1. The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7)
2. The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
3. The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
B. About Thankfulness
1. The Forgiven Loans (Luke 7:41-43)
III. Parables of Judgement and the Future
A. About Christ's Return
1. The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
2. The Wise and Faithful Servants (Matthew 24:45-51;
Luke 12:42-48)
3. The Traveling Boss (Mark 13:34-37)
B. About God's Values
1. The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
2. The Wicked Farmers (Matthew 21:33-41; Mark 12:1-9;
Luke 20:9-16)
3. The Unproductive Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9)
4. The Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1-14)
5. The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)
THE SOILS
A farmer was sowing grain in his fields. As he scattered the seed across the ground, some fell beside a path, and the birds came and ate it. And some fell on rocky soil where there was little depth of earth; the plants sprang up quickly enough in the shallow soil, but the hot sun soon scorched them and they withered and died, for they had so little root. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns choked out the tender blades. But some fell on good soil, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as he had planted. If you have ears, listen!
Matthew 13:3-9
footnote: This parable should encourage spiritual "farmers"--those who teach, preach, and lead others. The farmer sowed good seed, but not all responses brought high yield. Some seed did not sprout, and even the plants that grew had varying yields. Don't be discouraged if no one seems to be listening to you as you faithfully teach the Word. Belief cannot be forced to follow a mathematical formula (i.e., a 4:1 ratio to good yield). Rather, it is a miracle of God's Holy Spirit as he uses your words to move others to come to him.
Human ears hear many sounds, but there is a deeper kind of listening that results in spiritual understanding. If you honestly seek God's will, you have spiritual hearing, and these parables will give you new perspectives.
Listen! A farmer decided to sow some grain. As he scattered it across his field, some of it fell on a path, and the birds came and picked it off the hard ground and ate it. Some fell on thin soil with underlying rock. It grew up quickly enough, but soon wilted beneath the hot sun and died because the roots had no nourishment in the shallow soil. Other seeds fell among thorns that shot up and crowded the young plants so that they produced no grain. But some of the seeds fell into good soil and yielded thirty times as much as he had planted--some of it even sixty or a hundred times as much! If you have ears, listen!
Mark 4:3-9
footnote: Seed was planted, or sowed by hand. As the farmer walked across the field, he threw handfuls of seed onto the ground from a large bag slung across his shoulders. The plants did not grow in neat rows as with today's machine planting. No matter how skillful he may have been, no farmer could keep all his seed from falling on the path or among rocks and thorns or from being carried off by the wind. He threw the seed liberally, however, and enough fell on good ground to ensure the harvest.
We hear with our ears, but there is a deeper kind of listening with the mind and heart that is necessary in order to gain spiritual understanding from Jesus' words. Some people in the crowd were looking for evidence to use against Jesus; others truly wanted to learn and grow. Jesus' words were for the honest seekers.
A farmer went out to his field to sow grain. As he scattered the seed on the ground, some of it fell on a footpath and was trampled on; and the birds came and ate it at it lay exposed. Other seed fell on shallow soil with rock beneath. This seed began to grow, but soon withered and died for lack of moisture. Other seed landed in thistle patches, and the young grain stalks were soon choked out. Still other fell on fertile soil; this seed grew and produced a crop of one hundred times as large as he had planted.
Luke 8:5-8
footnote: Why would a farmer allow precious seed to land in the road, in a thorn patch, or among rocks? This is not a picture of an irresponsible farmer scattering seeds at random. The farmer is using the acceptable method of hand-seeding a large field--casting it by handfuls as he walks through the field. His goal is to get as much seed as possible to take root in good soil, but there is inevitable waste as some falls or is blown into less productive places. The fact that some of the seed produced no crop was not the fault of the faithful farmer or of the seed--the results depended on the condition of the soil which the seed fell. It is our responsibility to spread the seed (God's message), but we should not give up when some of our efforts fail. Remember, not every seed falls on good soil.
THE THISTLES
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer sowing good seed in his field; but on night as he slept, his enemy came and sowed thistles among the wheat. When the crop began to crow, the thistles grew too. The farmer's men came and told him, `Sir, the field where you planted that choice seed is full of thistles!' `An enemy had done it,' he exclaimed. `Shall we pull out the thistles?' they asked. `No,' he replied. `You'll hurt the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest, and I will tell the reapers to sort out the thistles and burn them, and put the wheat in the barn.'
Matthew 13:24-30
footnote: The young thistles and the young blades of wheat look the same and can't be distinguished until they are grown and ready for harvest! Thistles (unbelievers) and wheat (believers) must live side by side in this world. God is allowing unbelievers to remain for a while just as a farmer allows thistles to remain in his field to the surrounding wheat isn't uprooted with them. At the harvest however, the thistles will be uprooted and thrown away. God's harvest (Judgement) of all mankind is coming. We are to make ourselves ready by making sure our faith is sincere.
THE MUSTARD SEED
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but becomes the largest
of plants, and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter.
Matthew 13:31,32
footnote: The mustard seed was the smallest seed a farmer used. Jesus used this illustration to show that the Kingdom has small beginnings but will grow and produce great results.
How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story shall I use to illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed! Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, yet it grows to become one of the
largest of plants, with long branches where birds can build their nests and be sheltered.
Mark 4:30-32
footnote: Jesus used this parable to explain that although Christianity had very small beginnings, it would grow into a worldwide community of believes. When you feel alone in your stand for Christ, realize that God is building a worldwide kingdom. He has faithful followers in every part of the world, and your faith, no matter how small, can join that of others to accomplish great things.
"What is the Kingdom like?" he asked. "How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; soon it grows into a tall bush and the birds live among its branches."
Luke 13:18,19
footnote: The general expectation among Jesus' hearers was that the Messiah would come as a great king and leader, freeing the nation from Rome and restoring Israel's former glory. But Jesus said his Kingdom was beginning small and quietly. Like the tiny mustard seed that grows into an enormous bush, the Kingdom of God would eventually push outward until the whole world was changed.
THE YEAST
The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a woman making bread. She takes a measure of flour and mixes in the yeast until it permeates every part of the dough.
Matthew 13:33
footnote: In other Bible passages, yeast is often a symbol of evil or uncleanness. Here it is a positive symbol of growth. Although yeast looks like a minor ingredient, it permeates the whole loaf. While the beginning of the Kingdom was small and nearly invisible, it would soon grow and have a great impact on the world.
It is like yeast kneaded into dough, which works unseen until it has risen high and light.
Luke 13:20,21
footnote: Jesus said his Kingdom was beginning small and quietly. Like the spoonful of yeast that makes the bread dough double, the Kingdom of God would eventually push outward until the whole world was changed.
THE TREASURE
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure a man discovered in a field. In his excitement, he sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field--and get the treasure, too!
Matthew 13:44
footnote: The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, so a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled upon it by accident, but knew its value when he found it.
THE PEARL
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. He discovered a real bargain--a pearl of great value--and sold everything he owned to purchase it!
Matthew 13:45,46
footnote: The merchant was earnestly searching for the choice pearl and, when he found it, sold everything he had to purchase it.
THE FISHING NET
The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by a fisherman--he casts a net into the water and gathers in fish of every kind, valuable and worthless. When the net is full, he drags it up onto the beach and sits down and sorts out the edible ones into crates and throws the others away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world--the angels will come and separate the wicked people from the godly, casting the wicked into the fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:47-50
footnote: The parable of the fishing net has the same meaning as the parable of the weeds. We are to follow God's desires and tell others about his grace and goodness, but we are not to say who is part of the Kingdom of Heaven and who is not. This sorting will be done at the last judgment by those infinitely more qualified than we.
THE GROWING WHEAT
A farmer sowed his field, and went away, and as the days went by, the seeds grew and grew without his help. For the soil made the seed grow. First a leaf-blade pushed through, and later the wheat-heads formed and finally the grain ripened, and then the farmer came at once with his sickle and harvested it.
Mark 4:26-29
footnote: This parable about the Kingdom of God, recorded only by Mark, reveals that spiritual growth is a continual, gradual process that is finally consummated in a harvest of spiritual maturity. We can understand the process of spiritual grow by comparing it to the slow but certain growth of a plant.
THE WORKERS IN THE HARVEST
The owner of an estate went out early one morning to hire workers for his harvest field. He agreed to pay them $20 a day and sent them out to work. A couple of hours later he was passing a hiring hall and saw some men standing around waiting for jobs, so he sent them also into his fields, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. At noon and again around three o'clock in the afternoon he did the same thing. At five o'clock that evening he was in town again and saw some more men standing around and asked them, `Why haven't you been working today?' `Because no one hired us,' they replied. `Then go on out and join the others in my fields,' he told them. That evening he told the paymaster to call the men in and pay them, beginning with the last men first. When the men hired at five o'clock were paid, each received $20. So when the men hired earlier came to get theirs, they assumed they would receive much more. But they, too, were paid $20. They protested, `Those fellows worked only one hour, and yet you've paid them just as much as those of us who worked all day in the scorching heat.' `Friend,' he answered one of them, `I did you no wrong! Didn't you agree to work all day for $20? Take it an go. It is my desire to pay all the same; is it against the law to give away my money if I want to? Should you be angry because I am kind? And so it is that the last shall be first, and the first, last.
Matthew 20:1-16
footnote: Jesus further clarified the membership rules of the Kingdom of Heaven--entrance is by God's grace alone. In this parable, God is the estate owner and the believers are those who work for him. This parable was for those who felt superior because of heritage or favored position, to those who felt superior because they had spent so much time with Christ, and to new believers as reassurance of God's grace.
This parable in not about rewards but about salvation. It is a strong teaching about grace, God's generosity. We shouldn't begrudge those who turn to God in the last moments of life because, in reality, no one deserves eternal life. Many people we don't expect to see in the kingdom may be there. The thief who repented as he was dying (Luke 23:40-43) will be there as well as the person who has believed and served God for many years. Do you resent God's gracious acceptance of the despised, the outcast, and the sinners who have turned to him for forgiveness? Are you ever jealous of what God has given to another person? Instead, focus on God's gracious benefits to you, and be thankful for what you have.
THE LOANED MONEY
The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of man going into another country, who called together his servants and loaned them money to invest for him while he was gone. He gave $5,000 to one, $2,000 to another, and $1,000 to the last--dividing it in proportion to their abilities--and then left of his trip. The man who received the $5,000 began immediately to buy and sell with it and soon earned another $5,000. The man with $2,000 went right to work, too, and earned another $2,000. But the man who received the $1,000 dug a hole in the ground and hid the money for safekeeping. After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to him to account for his money. The man to whom he had entrusted the $5,000 brought him $10,000. His master praised him for good work. `You have been faithful in handling this small amount,' he told him, `so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Begin the joyous tasks I have assigned to you.' Next came the man who had received the $2,000, with the report, `Sir, you gave me $2,000 to use, and I have doubled it.' `Good work,' his master said, `You are a good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over this small amount, so now I will give you much more.' Then the man with the $1,000 came and said, `Sir, I knew you were a hard man, and I was afraid you would rob me of what I earned, so I hid your money in the earth and here it is!' But his master replied, `Wicked man! Lazy slave! Since you knew I would demand your profit, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. Take the money from this man and give it to the man with the $10,000. For the man who uses well what he is given shall be given more, and he shall have abundance. But from the man who is unfaithful, even what little responsibility he has shall be taken from him. And throw the useless servant out into the outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 25:14-30
footnote: Jesus gave this parable clarify what it means to re ready for his return and how to live until he comes. It shows the necessity of using well what God has entrusted to us. The master divided the money up among his servants according to their abilities--no one received more or less money than he could handle. If he failed in his master's assignment, his excuse could not be that he was overwhelmed. Failure could come only from laziness or hatred for the master. Money, as used here, represents any kind of resource we are given. God gives us time, abilities, gifts, and other resources according to our abilities, and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns. We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have, but what we do with what we have.
Jesus is coming back--we know this is true. Does this mean we must drop our jobs in order to serve God? No, it means we are diligently to use our time, talents, and treasures in order to serve God completely in whatever we do. For a few people, this means changing professions. For most of us, it means doing our daily work out of love for God.
This last man was thinking only of himself--playing it safe and protecting himself from his hard taskmaster. He was judged for his self-centeredness. We must not make excuses to avoid what God calls us to do. If God truly is our Master, we must obey willingly. Our time, abilities, and money aren't ours in the first place--we are caretakers, not owners. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished.
This parable describes the consequences of two attitudes to Christ's return. The worker who diligently and usefully prepares for it by investing his time and talent to serve God will be rewarded. The worker who has no heart for the work of the Kingdom will be punished. God rewards faithfulness. Those who bear no fruit for God's Kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as the faithful.
THE NOBLEMAN'S SERVANTS
A nobleman living in a certain province was called away to the distant capital of the empire to be crowned king of his providence,. Before he left he called together ten assistants and gave them each $2,000 to invest while he was gone. But some of his people hated him and sent him their declaration of independence, stating that they had rebelled and would not acknowledge him as their king. Upon his return he called inn the men to whom he had given the money, to find out what they had done with it, and what their profits were. The first man reported a tremendous gain--ten times as much as the original amount! `Fine!' the king exclaimed. `You are a good man. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, and as your reward, you shall be governor of ten cities.' The next man also reported a splendid gain--five times the original amount. `All right!' his master said. `You can be governor over five cities.' But the third man brought back only the money he had started with. `I've kept it safe,' he said, `because I was afraid [you would demand my profits], for you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn't yours and even confiscating the crops that others plant.' `You vile and wicked slave,' the king roared. `Hard, am I? That's exactly how I'll be toward you! If you knew so much about me and how tough I am, then why didn't deposit the money in the bank so that I could at least get some interest on it?' Then turning to the others standing by he ordered, `Take the money away from him and give it to the man who earned the most.' `But sir,' they said, `he has enough already!' `Yes,' the king replied, `but it is always true that those who have, get more, and those who have little, soon lose even that. And now about these enemies of mine who revolted--bring them in and execute them before me.'
Luke 19:12-27
footnote: The people still hoped for a political leader who would set up an earthly kingdom and get rid of Roman domination. Jesus' parable showed that his Kingdom would not take this form right away. First he would go away for a while, and his followers would need to be faithful and productive during his absence. Upon his return, he would inaugurate the powerful Kingdom they were expecting.
This story showed Jesus' followers what they were to do during the time between Jesus' departure and his Second Coming. Because we live in that time, it applies directly to us. We have been given excellent resources to build and enlarge God's Kingdom. Jesus expects us to use these talents so that they multiply and the Kingdom expands. He asks each of us, "What are you doing with what I have given you?" While awaiting the coming of the Kingdom of God's glory, we must do his work.
Why the king so hard on this man who had not increased the money? He punished the man because (1) he didn't share his master's interest in the kingdom; (2) he didn't trust his master's intentions; and (3) his only loyalty was to himself. Like the king in this story, God has given you gifts to use for the benefit of his Kingdom. Do you want the Kingdom to grow? Do you trust God to govern it fairly? Are you as concerned for others' welfare as for your own? If you can answer yes to these questions, you are faithfully using what he has entrusted to you.
The background of this story is civil war. Some of the king's subjects refuse to acknowledge him. As he tries to consolidate his kingdom in absentia, he discovers among his own servants one who seems more influenced by the rebels than by the loyal subjects. Like the kingdom in the story, our world is in a state of civil war. Some people are loyal to God, their king in heaven; while others refuse to acknowledge his Lordship. Even among God's servants, people can be found who act more like enemies than loyal subjects. One day the Lord will return to put an end to the civil war by destroying his enemies and recreating the earth. On which side will you be?
THE SERVANT'S ROLE
When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, he doesn't just sit down and eat, but first prepares his master's meal and serves him his supper before he eats his own. And he is not even thanked, for he is merely doing what he is supposed to do. Just so, if you merely obey me, you should not consider yourselves worthy of praise. For you have simply done your duty!
Luke 17:7-10
footnote: If we have obeyed God, we have only done our duty. This means that God never owes us anything, no matter how good we are. It also means we win no awards for avoiding sin--this too is our duty. Do you sometimes feel you deserve extra credit for serving God? Obedience is our duty, not just an act of charity.
THE FRIEND AT MIDNIGHT
Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You would shout to him, `A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit and I've nothing to give him to eat.' He would call down from his bedroom, `Please don't ask me to get up. The door is locked for the night and we are all in bed. I just can't help you this time.' But I'll tell you this--thought he won't do it as a friend, if you keep knocking long enough he will get up and give you everything you want--just because of your
persistence. And so it is with prayer--keep on asking and you will keep on getting; keep on looking and you will keep on finding;
knock and door will be opened. Everyone who asks, receives; all who seek, find; and the door is opened to everyone who knocks.
Luke 11:5-10
footnote: Persistence in prayer overcomes our insensitiveness, not God's. It does more to change our hearts and minds than his. It helps us understand and express the intensity of our need. It is helpful to pray as if the answer depended on our prayer, but then to trust that the answer depends on God. Persistence in prayer helps us recognize God's work when we see it.
THE UNJUST JUDGE
"There was a city judge," he said, "a very godless man who had great contempt for everyone. A widow of that city came to him frequently to appeal for justice against a man who had harmed her. The judge ignored her for a while, but eventually she got on his nerves. `I fear neither God nor man,' he said to himself, `but this woman bothers me. I'm going to see that she gets justice, for she is wearing me out with her constant coming!" Then the Lord said, "If even an evil judge can be worn down like that, don't you think that God will surely give justice to his people who plead with him day and night? Yes! He will answer them quickly! But the question is: When I, the Messiah, return, how many will I find who have faith [and are praying]?"
Luke 18:2-8
footnote: To repeat our prayers until the answer comes does not mean endless repetition or painfully long prayer sessions. Constant prayer means keep our requests constantly before God as we live for him day by day, always believing he will answer. When we thus live by faith, we are not to give up. God may delay answering, but his delays always have good reasons, and we must not confuse them with neglect. As we persist in prayer we grow in character, faith, and hope.
Widows and orphans were among the most vulnerable of all God's people, and both Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles insisted that they be properly cared for. See for example, Exodus 22:22-24; Isaiah 1:17; 1 Timothy 5:3; James 1:27.
If evil judges respond to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to us. If we have felt his love, we can believe he will hear our cries.
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
A Jew going on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of is clothes and money and beat him up and left him lying half dead beside the road. By chance a Jewish priest came along; and when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Jewish Temple-assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but then went on. But a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw him, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his donkey and walked along beside him till they came to an inn, where he nursed him through the night. The next day he handed the innkeeper two twenty-dollar bills and told him to take care of the man. `If his bill runs higher than that,' he said, I'll pay the difference the next time I am here.'
Luke 10:30-35
footnote: The legal experts treated the wounded man as a topic for discussion; the thieves, as an object to exploit; the priest, as a problem to avoid; and the temple assistant, as an object of curiosity. Only the Samaritan treated him as a person to love.
From this parable we learn three principles about loving our neighbor: (1) lack of love is often easy to justify; (2) our neighbor is anyone of any race or creed or social background who is in need; and (3) love means acting to meet the need. Wherever you live, there are needy people close by. There is no good rationale for refusing to help.
There was deep hatred between Jews and Samaritans. The Jews saw themselves as pure descendants of Abraham, while the Samaritans were a mixed race produced when Jews from the Northern Kingdom intermarried with other peoples after Israel's exile. To this expert in Jewish law, the person least likely to act correctly would be the Samaritan. The expert's attitude betrayed his lack of love, which he had earlier said the law commanded.
This parable pictures the love Jesus has for us. Like the traveler, we have been wounded and left to die, and we can do nothing to save ourselves. But Jesus came along and took us to a place of healing. Our salvation is his doing, not our own.
THE WEDDING FEAST
`If you are invited to a wedding feast, don't always head for the best seat. For if someone more respected than you shows up, the host will bring him over to where you are sitting and say, Let this man sit here instead' And you, embarrassed, will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! Do this instead--start at the foot; and when your host sees you he will come and say, `Friend, we have a better place than this for you!' Thus you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For everyone who tries to honor himself shall be humbled; and he who humbles himself shall be honored. Then he turned to his host. "When you put on a dinner," he said, "don't invite friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors! For they will return the invitation. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who can't repay you."
Luke 14:8-14
footnote: Jesus taught two lessons here. First he spoke to the guests, telling them not to seek places of honor. Service is more important in God's Kingdom than status. Second he told the host not to be exclusive about whom he invites. God opens his Kingdom
to everyone--especially to those who can never repay his invitation.
Jesus advised people not to rush for the best seats at a feast. People today are just as eager to raise their social status, whether by being with the right people, dressing for success, or driving the right car. Wanting a nice car of hoping to be successful in your work is not wrong in itself--it is wrong only when you want these things just to impress others. Whom do you try to impress? Rather than aiming for prestige, look for a place where you can serve. If God wants you to serve on a wider scale, he will invite you to take a higher place.
How can we humble ourselves? Some people try to give the appearance of humility in order to manipulate others. But truly humble people compare themselves only with Christ, realize their own sinfulness, and understand their limitations in ability, moral performance, and knowledge. Humility is not self-degradation; it is realistic affirmation. Truly humble people do not get that way by trying to be humble; they are humble because of their relationship with God.
THE PROUD PHARISEE AND THE CORRUPT TAXPAYER
Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a proud, self-righteous Pharisee, and the other a cheating tax collector. The proud Pharisee `prayed' this prayer: `Thank God, I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don't commit adultery, I go without food twice a week, and I give to God a tenth of everything I earn.' But the corrupt tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed, but beat upon his chest in sorrow, exclaiming, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home forgiven! For the proud shall be humbled, but the humble shall be honored.
Luke 18:10-14
footnote: The people who lived near Jerusalem often went to the Temple to pray. The Temple was the center of their worship (Isaiah 56:7).
The Pharisee did not go to the Temple to pray to God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy. Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God. The tax collector's prayer should be our prayer because we all need God's mercy every day. Don't let pride disqualify you.
THE WEALTHY FOOL
A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing--he couldn't get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, `I know--I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I'll have room enough. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!" But God said to him, `Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?' Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on earth but not in heaven.
Luke 12:16-21
footnote: The man in Jesus's story died before he could begin to use what was stored in his big barns. Planning for retirement--preparing for life before death--is wise, but neglecting life after death is disastrous. If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed.
Why do you save money? To retire? To buy more expensive cars or toys? For security? Jesus challenges us to think beyond goals and to use what we have been given to help others.
THE GREAT FEAST
A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When all was ready, he sent his servant around to notify the guests that it was time for them to arrive. But they all began making excuses. One said he had just brought five pair of oxen and wanted to try them out. Another had just been married and for that reason couldn't come. The servant returned and reported to his master what they had said. His master was angry and told him to go quickly into the streets and alleys of the city and to invite the beggars, crippled, lame, and blind. But even then, there was still room. "Well, then,' said his master, `go out into the country lames and out behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I invited first will get even the smallest of what I had prepared for them.'
Luke 14:16-24
footnote: Jesus' story shows how we often resist God's invitation to his banquet because it's inconvenient. Whether the excuse is business, marriage, wealth, or anything else, can resist or delay responding to God's invitation. Are you making excuses to avoid responding to God's call? Jesus says not to make excuses. The time will come when God will stop inviting us, and it will be too late to get into the banquet.
It was customary to send two invitations to a party--the first to announce it, the second to tell the guests that all was ready. The quests in Jesus' story insulted the host by making excuses when he issued the second invitation. In Israel's history, God's first invitation came from the prophets; the second one from his Son. The religious leaders accepted the first invitation. They believed the prophets, but they insulted God by refusing to believe his Son. Thus, as the master in the story sent his servant into the streets to invite the needy to his banquet, so God sent his Son to the whole world of needy people to tell them God's Kingdom had arrived and was ready for them.
We read Jesus' words against status-seeking and in favor of hard work and even suffering. Let's not lose sight of the purpose of all our humility and self-sacrifice--a joyous banquet with out Lord! God never asks us to suffer for the sake of suffering. He never asks us to give up something good unless he plans to replace it with something even better. He is not calling us to join him in a labor camp but in a feast--the wedding feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9), when God and his beloved church will be joined forever.
THE DISHONEST ACCOUNTANT
A rich man hired an accountant to handle his affairs, but soon a rumor went around that the accountant was thoroughly dishonest. So his employer called him in and said, `What's this hear about your stealing from me? Get your report in order, for you are to be dismissed.' The accountant thought to himself, `Now what? I'm through here, and I haven't the strength to go out and dig ditches, and I'm too proud to beg. I know just the thing! And then I'll have plenty of friends to take care of me when I leave!' So he invited each one who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, `How much do you owe him?' `My dept is 850 gallons of olive oil,' the man replied. `Yes,here is the contract you signed,' the accountant told him. `Tear it up and write another one for half that much!' `And how much do you owe him?' he asked the next man. `A thousand bushels of wheat,' was the reply. `Here,' the accountant said, `take your note and replace it with one for only 800 bushels!' The rich man had to admire the rascal for being so shrewd. And it was true that the citizens of this world are more clever [in dishonesty!] than the godly are. But shall I tell you to act that way, to buy friendship through cheating? Will this ensure your entry into an everlasting home in heaven?
Luke 16:1-9
footnote: People have offered many explanations for this difficult story. Here are some of them: (1) Don't waste the resources you have because they belong to God, not you. (2) Money can be used for good or evil; use yours for good. (3) Money has a lot of power, so use it carefully and thoughtfully. (4) We must use our material good in a way that will help us in the next life (see Luke 12:33,34).
THE LOST SHEEP
If a man has a hundred sheep, and one wanders away and is lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others and go out into the hills to search for the lost one? And if he finds it, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine others safe at home! Just so, it is not my Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:12-14
footnote: Just as a shepherd is concerned enough for one lost sheep to go search the hills for it, so God is concerned about every human being he creates ("He is not willing that any should perish," 2 Peter 3:9). We come in contact with children who need Christ at home, at school, in church, and in our neighborhood. Steer them toward him by your example, your words, and your acts of kindness.
If you had a hundred sheep and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it? And then you would joyfully carry it home on your shoulders. When you arrived you would call together your friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found. Well, in the same way heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who haven't strayed away!
Luke 15:3-7
footnote: It seem foolish for the shepherd to leave the 99 sheep to go search for just one. But God's love for each individual is so great that he seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is "found." Jesus associated with sinners because he was going to the lost sheep--sinners who were considered beyond hope--to bring them the Good News of God's Kingdom.
THE LOST COIN
A woman has ten valuable silver coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and look in every corner of the house and sweep every nook and cranny until she finds it? And then won't she call in her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her? In the same way there is joy in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner repents.
Luke 15:8-10
footnote: Palestinian women received ten silver coins as a wedding gift. These coins held sentimental value like that of a wedding ring, and to lose one was extremely distressing. Just as a woman would rejoice at finding here lost coin or ring, so the angels would rejoice over a repentant sinner. Each individual is precious to God. He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of his children is found and brought into his Kingdom.
We can perhaps understand a God who would forgive sinners who crawl to him for mercy, but a God who searches for sinners and then forgives them must have extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. This is the kind of extraordinary love God has for you. If you feel far from God, don't despair. He is searching for you.
THE LOST SON
A man had two sons. When the younger told his father, `I want my share of your estate now, instead of waiting until you die!' his father agreed to divide his wealth between his son. A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and took a trip to a distant land, and there wasted all his money on parties and prostitutes. About the time his money was gone a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him to feed his pigs. The boy became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the swine looked good to him. And no one gave him anything. When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, `At home even the hired men have food enough and to spare, and here I am, dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired man." So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming, and was filled with loving pity and ran and embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and you, and am not worthy of being called your son--' But his father said to the slaves, `Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put in on him. And a jeweled ring for his finger; and shoes! And kill the calf we have in the fattening pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has returned to life. He was lost and is found.' So the party began. Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working; when he returned home, he heard dance music coming from the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. `Your brother is back,' he was told, `and your father has killed the calf we were fattening and has prepared a great feast to celebrate his coming home again unharmed.' The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, `All these years I've worked hard for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to; and in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after spending your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the finest calf we have on the place.' `Look, dear son,' his father said to him, `you and I are very close, and everything I have is yours. But it is right to celebrate. For he is your brother; and he was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!'
Luke 15:11-32
footnote: The younger son's share of the estate was one third (Deuteronomy 21:17). In most cases he would have received this at his father's death, although fathers sometimes chose to divide up their inheritance early and retire from managing their estates. What is unusual here is that the younger one initiated the division of the estate. This showed disregard for his father's authority as head of the family.
According to Moses' law, pigs were unclean animal (Leviticus 11:2-8); Deuteronomy 14:8). This meant that they could not be eaten or used for sacrifices. And to protect themselves for defilement, Jews would not even touch them. For a Jew to stoop to feeding pigs was a great humiliation and for this young man to eat food the pigs had touched was to be degraded beyond belief. The younger son had truly sunk to the depths.
Some people need to hit bottom in order to come to their senses. The son's attitude was based on a desire to be free to live as he pleased. That is not so different from the desires of most people in our world today. It may take great sorrow and tragedy to cause them to look up to the only One who can help them. Are you trying to live life your way selfishly pushing aside anything that gets in your way? Don't take leave of your senses--
stop and look before you hit bottom and save yourself and your family much grief.
In the story of the shepherd looking for a lost sheep and the woman looking for a lost coin, the seekers actively looked for the coin and the sheep, who could not return my themselves. In this story, the father watched and waited. He was dealing with a human being with a will of his own, but he was ready should his son return. God's love is constant and waiting. He will search for us and give us opportunities to respond, but he does not force us to come to him. Like the father, he waits patiently for us to come to our senses.
The coin was lost through no fault of its own; the sheep was lost because it foolishly wandered away; and the son left out of selfishness. God's great love reaches out and finds sinners no matter why they became lost.
It would be just a difficult to accept the younger brother today as it was in Jesus' day. People who repent after being notorious for their sinful lives are often held in suspicion; churches are sometimes even unwilling to admit them to membership. Instead, we should rejoice like the angels in heaven when an unbeliever repents and turns to God. Like the father, accept repentant sinners wholeheartedly and give them the support and encouragement they need to grow in Christ.
In the story of the prodigal son, there is a contrast between the father's response and the older brother's reaction. The father was forgiving and overjoyed. The brother was unforgiving and bitter. The father forgave because he was joyful, and the son refused to forgive because he was bitter. The difference between bitterness and joy is our capacity to forgive. If you are refusing to forgive people, you are missing a wonderful opportunity of experiencing joy and sharing it with them.
When Jesus told this story, the older brother represented the Pharisees, who were angry and resentful that sinners were being welcomed into God's Kingdom. After all, they thought, we have sacrificed and done so much for God. How easy it is to resent God's gracious forgiveness of others whom we consider far worse sinners than we. But when our self-righteousness gets in the way of rejoicing at God's mercy, we are no better than the Pharisees.
THE FORGIVEN LOANS
A man loaned money to two people--$5,000 to one and $500 to the other. But neither of them could pay him back so he kindly forgave them both, letting them keep the money! Which do you suppose loved him most after that? "I suppose the one who had owed him the most," Simon answered. "Correct," Jesus agreed.
Luke 7:41-43
THE TEN VIRGINS
The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. But only five of them were wise enough to fill their lamps with oil, while the other five were foolish and forgot. So, when the bridegroom was delayed, they lay down to rest until midnight, when they were roused by the shout, `The bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!' All the girls jumped up and trimmed their lamps. Then the five who hadn't any oil begged the others to share with them, for their lamps were going out. But the others replied, `We haven't enough. Go instead to the shops and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were gone, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five returned, they stood outside, calling, `Sir, open the door for us!' But he called back, `Go away! it is too late!' So stay awake and be prepared, for you do not know the date or moment of my return.
Matthew 25:1-13
footnote: Jesus gave this parable to further clarify what it means to be ready for his return and how to live until he comes. In the story of the bridesmaids, we are taught that every person is responsible for his or her own spiritual condition. No parable by itself completely describes our preparation. Instead, each paints one part of the whole picture.
This parable is about a wedding. In Jewish culture, a couple was engaged for a long time before the actual marriage, and the engagement promise was just as binding as the marriage vows. On the wedding day the bridegroom went to the bride's house for the ceremony; then the bride and groom, along with a great parade, returned to the groom's house where a feast took place, often lasting a full week.
These bridesmaids were waiting for the parade, and they hoped to take part in the wedding banquet. But when the groom didn't come when they expected, five of them let their lamps run out of oil. By the time they had purchased extra oil, it was too late to join the feast.
When Jesus returns to take his people to heaven, we must be ready. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Our relationship with God must be our own.
THE WISE AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS
Are you a wise and faithful servant of the Lord? Have I given you the task of managing my household, to feed my children day by day? Blessings on you if I return and find you faithfully doing your work. I will put such faithful ones in charge of everything I own! But if you are evil and say to yourself, `My Lord won't be coming for a while,' and began oppressing your fellow servants, partying and getting drunk, your Lord will arrive unannounced and
unexpected, and severely whip you and send you off to the judgement of the hypocrites; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 24:45-51
footnote: Jesus asks us to spend the waiting time in taking care of his people and his work here on earth, both within the church and outside it. This is the best way to prepare for Christ's return.
Knowing that Christ's return will be sudden should motivate us always to be prepared. We are not to live irresponsibly--(1) sitting and waiting, doing nothing; (2) seeking self-serving pleasure; (3) using his tarrying as an excuse not to do God's work of building his Kingdom; (4) developing a false security based on precise calculations of events; or (5) letting our curiosity about the end times divert us from doing God's work.
"Weeping and gnashing of teeth" is a phrase used to describe despair. God's coming judgement is as certain as Jesus' return to earth.
I'm talking to any faith, sensible man whose master gives him the responsibility of feeding the other servants. If his master returns and finds that he has done a good job, there will be a reward--his master will put him in charge of all he owns. But if the man begins to think, `My Lord won't be back for a long time,' and begins to whip the men and women he is supposed to protect, and to spend his time at drinking parties and in drunkenness--well, his master will return without notice and remove him from his position of trust and assign him to the place of the unfaithful. He will be severely punished, for through he knew his duty he refused to do it. But anyone who is not aware that he is doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.
Luke 12:42-48
footnote: Jesus talks about a reward for those who have been faithful to the Master. While we sometimes experience immediate and material rewards for our obedience to God, this is not always the case. If material rewards came to us for every faithful deed, we would be tempted to boast about our achievements and do good only for what we get. Jesus said that if we look for rewards now, we will lose them later (see Mark 8:36). Our heavenly rewards will be the most accurate reflection of what we have done on earth--and they will be far greater than we could ignore.
Jesus told us how to live until he comes. We must watch for him and work diligently to obey his commands. Such attitudes are especially necessary for leaders. Watchful and faithful leaders will be given increased opportunities and responsibilities. The more resources, talent, and understanding we have, the more responsible we are to use them effectively. We must not hesitate, refuse, or serve grudgingly.
THE TRAVELING BOSS
My coming can be compared with that of a man who went on a trip to another country. He laid out his employees' work for them to do while he was gone, and told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. Keep a sharp lookout! For you do not know when I will come, at evening, at midnight, early dawn or late daybreak. Don't let me find you sleeping. Watch for my return! This is my message to you and to everyone else.
Mark 13:34-37
footnote: Months of planning go into a wedding, the birth of a baby, a career change, a speaking engagement, the purchase of a home. Do we place the same importance on preparing for Christ's return? His return is the most important event in our lives. Its results will last for eternity. You dare not postpone preparing for it because you do not know when it will occur. The only way to prepare is to study God's Word and then determine to live by its instructions each day. Only then will you be ready.
THE TWO SONS
A man with two sons told the older boy, `Son, go out and work on the farm today.' `I won't,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the farmer told the youngest, `You go!' and he said, `Yes, sir, I will.' But he didn't. Which of the two boys was obeying his father? They replied, "The first, of course." Then Jesus explained his meaning: "Surely evil men and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom before you do. For John the Baptist told you to repent and turn to God, and you wouldn't, while very evil men and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to repent, and so you couldn't believe.
Matthew 21:28-32
footnote: The son who said he would obey and then didn't represented the nation of Israel in Jesus' day. They said they wanted to do God's will, but they constantly disobeyed. It is dangerous to pretend to obey God when our hearts are far from him, because God knows the intentions of our hearts. Our actions must match our words.
THE WICKED FARMERS
A certain landowner planted a vineyard with a hedge around it, and built a platform for the watchman, then leased the vineyard to some farmers on a sharecrop basis, and went away to live in another country. At the time of the grape harvest he sent his agents to the farmers to collect his share. But the farmers attacked his men, beat one, killed one and stoned another. Then he sent a larger group of his men to collect for him, but the results were the same. Finally the owner sent his son, thinking they would surely respect him. But when these farmers saw the son coming they said among themselves, `Here comes the heir to this estate; come on, let's kill him and get it for ourselves!' So they dragged him out of the vineyard and killed him. "When the owner returns, what do you think he will do to those farmers?" The Jewish leaders
replied, "He will put the wicked men to a horrible death, and lease the vineyard to others who will pay him promptly.
Matthew 21:33-41
footnote: The main characters in this parable are (1) the landowner--God, (2) the vineyard--Israel, (3) the farmers--the Jewish religious leaders, (4) the landowner's men--the prophets and priests who remained faithful to God and preached to Israel (5) the son--Jesus (Matthew 21:38), and (6) the others--Gentiles. Jesus was exposing the religious leaders' murderous plot (Matthew 21:45).
In trying to reach us with his love, God finally sent his own Son. His perfect life, his words of truth, and his sacrifice of love are meant to cause us to listen and to follow Christ as Lord. When we ignore this gracious act on God's part, we are rejecting God.
A man planted a vineyard and built a wall around it and dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a watchman's tower. Then he leased the farm to tenant farmers and moved to another country. At grape-picking time he sent one of his men to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers beat up the man and sent him back empty-handed. The owner sent another of his men, who received the same treatment, only worse, for his head was seriously injured. The next man he sent was killed; and later, others were either beaten or killed, until there was only one left--his only son. He finally sent him, thinking they would surely give him their full respect. But when the farmers saw him coming they said, `He will own the farm when his father dies. Come on, let's kill him--and then the farm will be ours!' So they caught him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard. "What do you suppose the owner will do when he hears what happened? He will come and kill them all, and lease the vineyard to others.
Mark 12:1-9
footnote: In this parable, the landowner is God; the vineyard is the nation of Israel; the farmers are the Jewish religious leaders; the landowner's men are the prophets and priests who remained faithful to God; the son is Jesus; the others are the Gentiles. By telling this story, Jesus let the religious leaders know he knew exactly what they were thinking, and he exposed their plot to kill him. He pointed out that their sins would not go unpunished.
A man planted a vineyard and rented it out to some farmers, and went away to a distant land to live for several years. When harvest time came, he sent one of his men to the farm to collect his share of the crops. But the tenants meat him up and sent him back empty-handed. Then he sent another, but the same thing happened; he was beaten up and insulted and sent away without collecting. A third man was sent and thee same thing happened. He, too, was wounded and chased away. `What shall I do?' the owner asked himself. `I know! I'll send my cherished son. Surely they will show respect for him.' But when the tenants saw his son, they said, `This is our chance! This fellow will inherit all the land when his father dies. Come on. Let's kill him, and then it will be ours.' So they dragged him out of the vineyard and killed him. What do you thing the owner will do? I'll tell you--he will come and kill them and rent the vineyard to others.
Luke 20:9-16
footnote: The characters in this story are easily identified. Even the religious leaders understood it. The landowner is God; the vineyard is Israel; the tenant farmers are the religious leaders; the landowner's men are the prophets and priests God sent to Israel to denounce their sins; the son is the Messiah, Jesus; and the others are the Gentiles. Jesus' parable indirectly answered the religious leaders' question about his authority; it also showed them that he knew their plan to kill him.
THE UNPRODUCTIVE TREE
A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if he could find any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally he told his gardener to cut it down. `I've waited three years and there hasn't been a single fig!' he said. `Why bother with it any longer? It's taking up space we can use for something else.' `Give it one more chance,' the gardener answered. `Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine; if not, I'll cut it down.'
Luke 13:6-9
footnote: In the Old Testament, a fruitful tree was often used as a symbol of godly living (see, for example, Psalm 1:3 and Jeremiah 17:7,8). Jesus pointed out what would happen to the other kind of tree--the kind that took time and space and still produced nothing for the patient gardener. This was one way he warned his listeners that God would not tolerate their lack of productivity forever. Luke 3:9 records John the Baptist's version of the same message. Have you been enjoying God's special treatment without giving anything in return? If so, respond to the gardener's patient care and start preparing to bear fruit by living for God.
THE MARRIAGE FEAST
"For instance," he said, "it can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding dinner for his son. Many guests were invited, and when the banquet was ready he sent messengers to notify everyone that it was time to come. But all refused! So he sent other servants to tell them, `Everything is ready and the roast is in the oven. Hurry!' But the guests he had invited merely laughed and went on about their business, one to his farm, another to his store; others beat up his messengers and treated them shamefully, even killing some of them. Then the angry king sent out his army and destroyed the murderers and burned their city. And he said to his servants, `The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren't worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.' So the servants did, and brought in all they could find, good and bad alike; and the banquet hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the wedding robe [provided for him]. `Friend,' he asked, `how does it happen that you are here without a wedding robe? And the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, `Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."
Matthew 22:1-14
footnote: In this culture, two invitations were expected when banquets were given. The first asked the guests to attend; the second announced that all was ready. Here the king, God, invited his guest three times--and each time they rejected his invitations. God wants us to join him at his banquet, which will last for eternity. That's why he sends us invitations again and again. Have you accepted his invitation?
THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT
The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him $10,000! He couldn't pay, so the king ordered him sold for the debt, also his wife and children and everything he had. But the man fell down before the king, his face in the dust, and said, `Oh, sir, be patient with me and I will pay it all.' Then the king was filled with pity for him and released him and forgave his debt. But when the man left the king, he went to a man who owed him $2,000 and grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. The man fell down before him and begged him to give him a little time. `Be patient and I will pay it,' he pled. But his creditor wouldn't wait. He had the man arrested and jailed until the debt would be paid in full. Then the man's friends went to the king and told him what had happened. And the king called before him the man he had forgiven and said, You evil-hearted wrench! Here I forgave you all that tremendous debt, just because you asked me to--shouldn't you have mercy on others, just as I had mercy on you?' Then the angry king sent the man to the torture chamber until he had paid every last penny due. So shall my heavenly Father do to you if you refuse to truly forgive your brothers.
Matthew 18:23-35
footnote: In Bible times, serious consequences awaited those who could not repay their debts. A person lending money could seize the borrower who couldn't pay him back and force him or his family to work until the debt was paid. The debtor could also be thrown into prison, or his family could be sold into slavery to help pay off the debt. It was hoped the debtor, while in prison, would sell off his landholdings or that relatives would pay the debt. If not, the debtor could remain in prison for life.
Because God has forgiven all our sins, we should not withhold forgiveness from others. Realizing how completely Christ has forgiven us should produce a free and generous attitude of forgiveness toward others. When we don't forgive others, we are setting ourselves outside and above Christ's law of love.