Parables of Jesus

Skip Heitzig

A full one-third of Jesus' recorded teachings is in storytelling form. He loved to teach in parables—earthly stories with heavenly meanings. As we consider several of Jesus' parables in this series, we will be captivated by the master storyteller and gain a deeper understanding of important spiritual truths.

*Compiled from Pastor Skip's Expound messages of the Gospels.


 

Table of Contents

# SCRIPTURE: MESSAGE:
1 Mark 4 Mark 4
2 Luke 14:15-15:32 Luke 14:15-15:32
3 Matthew 24:31-25:46 Matthew 24:31-25:46
4 Luke 12:22-13:9 Luke 12:22-13:9
5 Matthew 13:18-52 Matthew 13:18-52
6 John 10:1-24 John 10:1-24
7 Matthew 21:33-22:22 Matthew 21:33-22:22
8 Luke 10 Luke 10

 


 

SERIES: Parables of Jesus
MESSAGE: Mark 4
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: Mark 4
URL: http://SkipHeitzig.com/4299

MESSAGE SUMMARY
"To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God" (Mark 4:11). One of the ways that Jesus taught was through parables. On many occasions, Jesus shared a story of something familiar—farming or shepherding, for instance—in order to reveal truths that were previously unknown. These were stories with a message. Jesus wanted to teach the people spiritual things; He did it by showing them physical things. The power of a good, well-told story drives the truth home so that it can be applied in the life of the hearer.

STUDY GUIDE
Mark 4
PREVIEW: In Mark 4, Jesus spends the day teaching the multitudes and His disciples, then at evening He tests His disciples.

Parable of the Soils - Read Mark 4:1-20


1. The word parable comes from parabole in Greek. The Greek word para means alongside, while ballo means to cast or to throw. Thus, the word parable means to cast alongside. Parabolic teaching places a story alongside a truth or a principle. Where was Jesus and who was listening to Him when He began teaching in parables (vv. 1-2)?


2. In Jewish culture, rabbis would stand when they preached; when teaching or explaining, they would sit. When Jesus got into the boat, He sat. As Jesus sat in the boat and began to teach, He started with the word listen. Why is it extremely important to listen to Jesus’ teaching? (See Romans 10:17, Matthew 7:24-27, and Hebrews 2:1-3.)


3. The sower went out to sow seed (v. 3). Carefully identify the four different places where Jesus said the sower’s seed fell (vv. 4-8).


4. Carefully identify what becomes of the seed in each of the four different places it fell (vv. 4-8).

5. Based on the description of the place that yielded a crop (v. 8), what can you infer about the other three places?

6. In Mark 4:9, Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" What did He mean? How can you be sure that you're hearing?


7. Once the multitude was gone, those around Jesus with the twelve asked Him about the parable (v. 10). What did they ask Him? (See Matthew 13:10 and Luke 8:9.)


8. Jesus responded to the disciples’ question by stating that it was given to them to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. The word mystery means secret or hidden truth. The Greek word musterion, or mystery, refers to a truth previously hidden but now revealed. Name some of the mysteries that were made known to Christ's disciples. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 1 Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 3:3-6, 5:32, and 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 and 15:51.)


9. As Jesus began to explain the Parable of the Sower He asked, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” (v. 13). In effect, He said that understanding this parable is the key to understanding all the parables. Jesus explained what the pictures in the parable represent. What did Jesus say each of these pictures represents: sower, seed, soil, wayside, birds, stony places, sun, thorny ground, thorns, good soil, and fruit? (See also Matthew 13:18-23 and Luke 8:4–15.)


Parable of the Lamp - Read Mark 4:21-25


10. Jesus asked two rhetorical questions: “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?” What did Jesus say the light of this lamp would do (v. 22)? (See also Ecclesiastes 12:14, Matthew 10:26-27, Luke 12:3, and 1 Corinthians 4:5.)



11. What do you think the light of the lamp refers to in Jesus’ Parable of the Lamp? (See Psalm 43:3, 119:105, Proverbs 6:23, John 3:19, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14, Ephesians 5:8-13, and 2 Peter 1:19.)




12. Jesus said, “Take heed what you hear” (v. 24). That might be translated, “be very careful what you are hearing,” (AMP) or “be very careful how you listen.” How should those who hear carefully listen (v. 24)?




13. What did Jesus say will be given to those who hear (v. 24)? What is the reward for those who take heed to what they hear (v. 25)? (See also Proverbs 8:17, Jeremiah 29:13-14, Matthew 5:6, and Proverbs 2:1-6.)


Parable of the Growing Seed - Read Mark 4:26-29


14. Jesus explained what the seed represents in the Parable of the Sower: It is the Word of God (v. 14 and Luke 8:11). In this parable, the sower had already sowed the seed. What did he do next (v. 27)?



15. What activity was taking place in the soil while the sower was doing what he was doing, yet he himself did not know how that was happening (v. 26)? (See also John 17:17, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Peter 3:18, Psalm 19:7, John 8:32, 15:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, James 1:21, 1 Peter 1:22-23, and Ephesians 3:20.)



16. The seed is the Word of God (v. 14 and Luke 8:14). The soil is the heart of man (Luke 8:12). What should we sow into our hearts? (See Hosea 10:12 and Proverbs 11:18.)



17. What is the result of sowing this into our hearts? (See Proverbs 15:9, John 14:23, Matthew 5:6, Psalm 17:15, and Romans 12:2.)




Parable of the Mustard Seed - Read Mark 4:30-34


18. Jesus gives us a picture (v. 30) of what the kingdom of God can be likened to. What is that picture (vv. 31-32)?



19. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus gave us the key to knowing all parables (v. 13). What do the birds of the air refer to (v. 15)?



20. Birds are a biblical symbol of evil and these birds of the air lodge themselves in the branches of the mustard seed tree, which represents the kingdom of God. Because of this, how should we be careful, taking heed (v.24) to what we hear? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22 and Acts 17:11.)



21. Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables (v. 1) and without a parable He did not speak to them (v. 34). Why did Jesus speak only in parables to the multitudes? (See Isaiah 6:9-10 and Matthew 13:13.)



22. When the multitudes were not around Jesus, what did he do for His disciples that He did not do for the multitude (v. 34)? Why did He do this? (See Mark 4:11, Matthew 5:6, Luke 24:44-45, and Psalm 1:1-4.)


The Sea is Stilled - Read Mark 4:35-41


23. Jesus and His disciples spent the day in the boat off the shore (v. 1) as Jesus taught the multitudes. When evening came, what did He tell His disciples they should do (v. 35)?


24. The disciples departed in multiple boats (v. 36) for the other side of the Sea of Galilee. While they were crossing the sea at night, a great windstorm arose (v. 37). What was Jesus doing? What was the disciples’ concern? What did they do about their concern (v. 38)?



25. What did Jesus do when the disciples woke Him (v. 39)?



26. The word for rebuke in verse 39 is the same as the word in Mark 1:25. Literally it means ordered. Jesus ordered the wind and the waves, “Peace, be still!” or “Be muzzled and remain so!” Why do you think He rebuked the wind? (See Mark 1:25 and Ephesians 2:2.)



27. Jesus rebuked the wind and then He rebuked His disciples. Why did He rebuke the disciples (v. 40)?


28. Jesus’ disciples feared exceedingly at His response to the great windstorm. Why did they fear exceedingly (v. 41)?



29. After teaching comes testing. The disciples spent the day listening to Jesus teach and then they encountered a great windstorm while Jesus was with them in the boat. What can you learn from what the disciples did in the midst of their storm? What you might do when a great storm arises in your life (v. 38)? (See also Matthew 8:25.)


DETAILED NOTES

  1. Introduction
    1. A good story and a good story teller
      1. Some books are not written well and it's difficult to get through them
      2. Some authors have a gift of conveying information in an interesting manner
      3. Skip took a class in radium physics (boring) but the instructor used stories to convey unknown truths
    2. Jesus told stories to convey truth
      1. Parables, from the Greek word parabole; to cast along side of
      2. Used 48 times in the New Testament
      3. It's more than a story
      4. Cast something that is known along something that is unknown
      5. Jesus spoke often in parables; the ancient Rabbis also taught 1/3 of the time in parables
    3. The power of a story
      1. King David sinned but went on with his life
      2. Nathan the prophet told him a story (see 2 Samuel 12:1-14)
      3. The parable laid bare David's sin; he was convicted
  2. Jesus teaches
    1. By the Sea of Galilee
    2. The multitude listened/watch as Jesus taught from a boat
    3. It had been a strenuous and emotional day for Jesus
      1. His own family came and tried to take Him away
      2. Attacked by the scribes who said He was in league with Beelzebub
      3. Explained that His family was those who heard and did the will of God
      4. Multitudes pressed in until Jesus was in a boat teaching
    4. The Lord knew something about the crowd
      1. Not everyone was listening in the same way
      2. Some were hard-hearted
      3. They didn't really enter in so the truth penetrated
    5. Jesus tells a story of a man scattering seed
      1. Some of the seed would fall among weeds where it would be choked out
      2. Some of the seed would fall onto shallow ground and the roots would not go deep
      3. Some of the seed would fall onto tilled and ready soil
    6. Jesus says "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (v. 9)
      1. "If you're listening, and you can figure out what I'm saying, take it to heart"
      2. "If you are tuned into the spiritual message, great"
      3. Later, when Jesus was alone with the disciples and others, they asked Him what the stories meant
      4. Jesus pulls out of Isaiah 6 to explain to them (v. 12) (see Isaiah 6:9-10)
      5. These parables served two purposes
        1. Revealed truth
          1. It depended on who you were and what kind of heart you had in listening
          2. For those who already had a spiritual understanding, these stories generated a deeper curiosity for spiritual things
          3. The parables were like windows and mirrors
        2. Concealed truth
          1. Those resistant to the truth did not get it
          2. They were never stirred by the message
          3. They didn't get any depth
        3. The same sun that melts the snow, hardens the clay
        4. Listening to truth can be dangerous if it doesn't go deeper than entertainment; it could be serving to put a callous over your heart
    7. This parable is the key with three main elements
      1. The seed, the sower, the soil
      2. The seed is the truth of God
        1. There's great potential for life in the gospel
        2. Throw the seed into someone's heart, it can produce life
        3. Peter is listening to this and goes on to write the book of Peter
          1. "Having been born again not of corruptible seed" (1 Peter 1:23)
          2. He remembered the explanation that Jesus gave
      3. The sower, in its original context, probably refers to Jesus Christ
        1. He's the one giving out the gospel truth
        2. He's going to commission His disciples
        3. The sower is the person who dispenses the gospel
        4. Skip is the sower and you are the soil
        5. You are sowers also
        6. The person who speaks the Word of God needs to be careful to sow just the gospel; "Don't sow mixed seed" (see Leviticus 19:19)
      4. The soil is the heart
        1. If it is ready and is fertile, it can produce
        2. If it is left alone, nothing will grow, or weeds will grow
        3. Jeremiah the prophet said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)
        4. King Solomon advised, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23)
        5. The wayside, the pathway
          1. This is the calloused heart
          2. Soil beat down
          3. The seed is prevented from penetrating the soil
        6. Birds
          1. Come and take the seed
          2. This is the person who is not open to spiritual truth
          3. If there is no openness to receive, the truth will just bounce right off
          4. Stiff-necked people
          5. Do you know people like that?
            1. Don't give up on people them
            2. John Booth, the jock at Skip's high school got saved
            3. Eric, the Mormon, came to faith in Christ
            4. Tony, the guy Skip met in Israel, became a born again
            5. God's Word is the hammer that breaks the rocks in pieces (see Jeremiah 23:29)
        7. The stony ground; rocky soil is the shallow heart
          1. In Israel there are rocks everywhere
          2. Seed will grow quickly
          3. The roots don't go deep
          4. When the sun comes out, it doesn't last
          5. The Mount of Olives is all rock; sheds light on what Jesus said about the rocks crying out (see Luke 19:37-40)
          6. This is the emotional hearer
            1. They are excited about anything
            2. There is no depth to their faith
        8. The seed sown among thorns
          1. The weed's roots compete with the roots of the good seed
          2. There are believers who never really make a break with the world
          3. They chase riches
          4. They chase other things
          5. They are struggling between two worlds
          6. Jesus said that He wished us to be cold or hot, not lukewarm (see Revelation 3:14-15)
          7. Farmer with a beat up tree because it lives on the edge of the property
          8. Young girl with a divided heart
      5. Seed sown on good ground that bears fruit
        1. They are receptive and open
        2. Love Psalm 1; a tree planted by the water yielding fruit
        3. 3,000, 6,000, 10,000 percent return on investment
        4. Invest your life into spiritual things
          1. Eternal rewards
          2. Joy temporally
          3. Joy spiritually
      6. Discover something sad in this parable
        1. 25% there is no growth at all; complete rejection
        2. 50% the growth is minimal and only temporary
        3. Only 25% is real, spiritual growth
        4. This is one of the reasons many pastors leave the ministry
        5. You have to live for the 25%
          1. This will give you the joy to keep going forward
          2. John said, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 1:4)
    8. A lamp
      1. A shallow dish made out of clay
      2. A lampstand was a little shelf to set the oil lamp on
      3. The gospel was never intended to be kept secret
      4. Our responsibility is to communicate the light of the gospel to the world
      5. Skip preached at a church in California; made altar calls
        1. Unbelievers, come hear the truth
        2. Nominal believers, get serious, deep, and real
    9. If you hear spiritual truth and apply that truth, more truth will be given to you
      1. This is why some people are bored with Bible study; they never apply the truth to their lives
      2. Ask God to use that truth to transform the way you
        1. Do business
        2. Love your wife
        3. Love your husband
        4. Speak to the world
      3. God won't reveal anything to you unless you put into practice what He has already revealed to you
      4. After the gospel is presented, the Word of God works in the individual heart
        1. You don't know what is going on in someone's heart
        2. All of a sudden you may see a leaf pop out and then a full head of grain
        3. God harvests a new believer
        4. When we share, we don't know what effect it's going to have
        5. It will be cool when you get to heaven and folks that you shared with are there—you may be very surprised at who is there
    10. Kingdom of God likened to the mustard seed
      1. Smallest seed in that region at that time
      2. Can grow up to 15 feet tall
      3. The branches are firm enough to withstand birds
      4. Some think this is a parable of the church
      5. Jesus doesn't explain this parable
      6. We look to other parables to find meaning
        1. Birds represent power, Satan
        2. Tree represents world power
        3. It's going to grow so big that it's prone even to have evil lurking within its branches
      7. Our definition of Christianity is different than the world's
        1. The world says a Christian is anyone who falls under anything that fits with church—anything—it's all Christian to them
        2. Christianity is not the same thing as Christendom
        3. The tree of Christendom is full of all sorts of things
        4. World Council of Churches
    11. "Let's cross over to the other side" (v. 35)
      1. It's important to listen to the Lord carefully
      2. They are going to cross over
      3. They are not going down
      4. The storm comes up; Jesus calms the storm
        1. They were afraid during the storm
        2. They were more afraid after the calm
        3. Jesus controlled the wind and the water
  3. Closing
    1. We go through storms in life
    2. Watch your attitude
    3. Trials cause the roots to go down deep
    4. We listen to the truth
    5. We're open to the truth
    6. We ask God to help us apply the truth
    7. When the trials come
      1. Bless Him
      2. Thank Him
      3. Lean hard on Him
      4. Be amazed
      5. Be fearful
      6. God allowed this; "Whom the Lord loves He chastens" (Hebrews 12:6)
      7. He knows how to give it to you in measured response so that the result is fruit
      8. Take heart (see Hebrews 10:35-39)


Greek terms: παραβολή; parabole, a parable, comparison
Cross references: Leviticus 19:19, 2 Samuel 12:1-14, Psalm 1, Proverbs 4:23, Isaiah 6:9-10, Jeremiah 17:9, Jeremiah 23:29, Luke 19:37-40, Hebrews 10:35-39, Hebrews 12:6, 1 Peter 1:23, 3 John 1:4, Revelation 3:14-15

Topic: Parable

Keywords: seed, sow, sower, soil, heart, Jesus, devil, bird, trial, heart, hear, truth

 


 

SERIES: Parables of Jesus
MESSAGE: Luke 14:15-15:32
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:15-15:32
URL: http://SkipHeitzig.com/4300

MESSAGE SUMMARY
Jesus was a master storyteller, and He shared stories that shed light on some important truths. In this study, we examine five different parables of Jesus about things that had been lost. We learn what our highest priority should be, what it really means to be a disciple, and what the Lord is all about—rescuing those who were once lost and redeeming them for His glory.

STUDY GUIDE
Luke 14

Instruction on the Sabbath—Read Luke 14:1-6

1. The Sabbath was a day of commanded rest; therefore, Sabbath meals were prepared the day before. On this particular Sabbath, where did Jesus go to eat and who specifically was in attendance at this meal (see vv. 1-3)?


2. What was the response of the lawyers and Pharisees to Jesus’ question (see v. 4)?


3. Why did Jesus’ question illicit such a response from the lawyers and Pharisees?


4. In response to the lawyers and Pharisees’ silence, what did Jesus do (see v. 4)?


5. Because of the lawyers and Pharisees’ response, Jesus shared a real-life scenario to help them see the answer to His question. What was that scenario (see v. 5)?


6. Was it lawful to perform the actions in Jesus’ scenario? (See Exodus 23:5; Deuteronomy 22:4; Luke 13:15.)


7. What is the answer to Jesus’ question? In your own words, answer the question “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” (See Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27-28.)


8. What was the final response of the lawyers and Pharisees to Jesus’ questions and scenario (see v. 6)? (See also Psalm 63:11; Romans 3:19.)


Parable of the Ambitious Guest—Read Luke 14:7-14

9. While at the Sabbath feast in the ruler of the Pharisee’s house, Jesus noted what some of the attendees were doing. What were they doing (see v. 7)? Why were they doing this? (See also Matthew 23:6; Mark 12:38-39; Luke 11:43; 20:46.)


10. What did Jesus teach a person to not do when invited to a wedding feast (see v. 8)? Why should a person not do this (see vv. 8-9)?


11. What did Jesus teach a person to do when invited to a wedding feast (see v. 10)? Why should a person do this (see v. 10)?


12. The parable of the ambitious guest contains a very simple life principle; this principle applies to seating arrangements at wedding feasts and to all of life’s choices. What is that principle (see v. 11)?


13. The word exalt means to raise in rank, character, or status or to elevate, glorify, praise, or honor. What does God do to those who exalt themselves (see v. 11)? (See also Proverbs 29:23; Matthew 23:12; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5.)


14. To humble means to make lower in status, prestige, or esteem. As an adjective, it means lacking all signs of pride, aggressiveness, or self-assertiveness. What does God do for those who humble themselves (see v. 11)? (See also Job 22:29; Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 29:23; Matthew 23:12; Luke 18:14; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5.)


15. In the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees, Jesus first addressed the lawyers and Pharisees (see vv. 3-6), then those who were invited to the feast (see vv. 7-11), then the one who invited Him to the feast (see vv. 12-14). What did Jesus tell the one who invited Him not to do (see v. 12)? Why?


16. What did Jesus tell the one who invited Him to do (see vv. 13-14)? Why?


17. Jesus turned the attention of the one who invited Him and all who were listening to the eternal perspective of receiving rewards for their works—being repaid at the resurrection of the just (see v. 14). Why should this be a motivating factor when we give a feast and in all we do? (See Matthew 6:19–21; 10:42; Mark 9:41; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10.)

Parable of the Great Supper—Read Luke 14:15-24

18. One of those who sat with Jesus at the table was stirred up by what Jesus was teaching and shouted out. What did he shout out (see v. 15)? Was this person correct? (See Revelation 19:9.)


19. Having been rejected by the Jews, Jesus continued telling parables to the religious leaders to make it clear that they had rejected God’s Messiah (see Matthew 21:45) and that God was going to invite the Gentiles into salvation. Who was giving this great supper (see v. 16)? Who was invited (see v. 17)? (See also Matthew 22:14.) Who alerted those invited that the supper was ready (see v. 17)? Who do each of these people represent?


20. When a feast was planned, the invitations were sent out in advance so that the invitees could respond and the host could adequately plan for the expected number of guests. In Jesus' parable, all those who had accepted the invitation were informed that the supper was ready (see v. 17). What did those who had previously accepted the invitation do when they heard this (see v. 18)?



21. The guests who had previously accepted the invitation each responded to the man’s servant with their own excuse for not attending the great supper. What was the first excuse (see v. 18)? Why is this a very poor excuse?



22. What was the second excuse (see v. 19)? Why is this a very poor excuse?


23. What was the third excuse (see v. 20)? Why is this a very poor excuse?


24. When the servant reported the invitees' responses to his master, how did the master respond (see v. 21)?


25. Once the master was aware that his invited guests refused to attend his great supper, whom did he instruct his servant to invite (see v. 21)? Who do these people represent? (See Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:47; Acts 13:47; Romans 11:11; Ephesians 3:8.)


26. The servant completed his task, yet there was still room for more people (see v. 22). Who else was the servant instructed to find and invite to the great supper (see v. 23)? Who do these people represent? (See Matthew 22:10; 1 Corinthians 6:11.)


27. Jesus ended the parable of the great supper by stating that none who were invited would taste “my supper” (v. 24), as a direct reference to the marriage supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19:9). Those who were invited and accepted the invitation were the religious leaders of the nation of Israel. Why would they not taste His supper? (See John 1:11; Matthew 21:43; 22:8; Acts 13:46.)



28. Jesus came into the world as God's servant (see Acts 3:26) to invite all to the feast in His Father's kingdom (see John 3:17). In the parable of the great supper, Jesus spoke of heaven, salvation, and eternity—matters of the greatest possible significance. Yet people said, "Sorry, I just don’t have time," and made excuses for not prioritizing the kingdom of God. How can you be sure you prioritize the calling and invitation you have received from God? (See Matthew 6:19-21, 33; Colossians 3:1-3.)


Christ Teaches on Discipleship—Read Luke 2:25-35

29. In the parable of the great supper, Jesus emphasized that attendance at the supper is an utmost priority, though not everyone who is invited to His supper will attend. With that premise, Jesus began to emphasize the importance and cost of being a true disciple. What was the first point Jesus made about being a true disciple (see v. 26)?


30. Was Jesus instructing His disciples to literally hate their family members? (See Leviticus 19:18; James 2:8.)


31. What was Jesus instructing His disciples to do by “hating” their family members? (See Matthew 10:37.)


32. What was the second point Jesus made about the cost of being a true disciple (see v. 27)? What does this mean? (See Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20.)


33. Using two illustrations, Jesus then taught that true discipleship must include planning and sacrifice. The first illustration was of a person building a tower (see vv. 28–30). Before building a tower, what must a person do (see v. 28)? What must a true disciple do?


34. What would be the result if a disciple did not do this (see vv. 29-30)?


35. The second illustration was of a king going to war (see vv. 31–32). Before a king goes to war against another king, what must he first do (see v. 31)?


36. Jesus acutely emphasized the cost of becoming His true disciple. What is that cost (see v. 33)?


37. There is a difference between being a Christian and being a true disciple. Disciple means disciplined one—one who is committed to the cause of the kingdom. Thus, Jesus was effectively saying, “You can’t be My disciple if other affections have priority in your life.” What is the true cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ and following Him? (See Matthew 19:21; Luke 5:11; Philippians 3:7-8.)


38. Following Christ has serious eternal consequences and a great cost in this life. We ought to start every day with an eternal perspective. Offer yourself up as a living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1), and imagine yourself at the bema seat judgment, appearing before Christ. What will the followers of Christ be judged for? (See Job 34:11; Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12; Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 2:2-11; 1 Corinthians 3:8, 13; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10.)


39. In Jesus' time, salt was a valuable commodity and was often used to pay soldiers. The word salary is from the Middle English word salaire, from the Latin word salarium, which is a payment made in salt (sal) or for salt and which comes from salarius, meaning pertaining to salt. In the absence of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve meat and is still used to season and flavor food. What happens if salt loses its saltiness (see vv. 34-35)?


40. What was Jesus using salt to refer to? (See Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:50.)

41. Jesus concluded His teaching on true discipleship by saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (v. 35). What happens to a Christian who hears what Jesus says but doesn’t do what He says? (See Matthew 7:26-27; Galatians 6:3, 7; James 1:22; 2:20.)


42. Do you consider yourself a true disciple of Christ? We too have been invited to eat at His great supper, but we must not make excuses. We must count the cost, because following Him will cost us everything. Are you honestly living your life for His kingdom and righteousness?

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Luke 15

Parable of the Lost Sheep—Read Luke 15:1-7

1. Who was drawing near to Jesus? Why (see v. 1)?



2. How did the Pharisees and scribes respond in regard to those who drew near to Jesus (see v. 2)?



3. In that culture, eating with a person indicated acceptance and recognition. But Jesus was not only eating with these people. What else was He doing, according to the Pharisees and scribes (see v. 2)?



4. Jesus told a parable of a man with 100 sheep. What happened to one of the man’s sheep? What did the man do about that sheep (see v. 4)?



5. The parable of the lost sheep is a story that contrasts the love of God with the exclusiveness of the Pharisees. What did the shepherd do when he found his lost sheep (see vv. 5-6)?



6. God’s response at the one sinner’s repentance is in stark contrast to the Pharisees’ and scribes’ attitude toward tax collectors and sinners. What happens in heaven when one sinner repents (see v. 7)?


7. Jesus’ statement about the ninety-nine just persons was probably irony used to illustrate to the Pharisees and scribes their heart’s attitude. What did the ninety-nine just persons believe they did not need (see v. 7)?



Parable of the Lost Coin—Read Luke 15:8-10

8. Jesus continued to teach in parables when He told a story of a woman who had ten valuable silver coins (drachmas). What did the woman do when she lost one of her valuable coins (see v. 8)?


9. What did the woman do when she found her coin (see v. 9)?



10. How is what the woman did (see v. 9) similar to what the shepherd who found his lost sheep did (see v. 6)?



11. What happens among the angels when one sinner repents (see v. 10)?


Parable of the Lost Son—Read Luke 15:11-32

12. Jesus continued His parables that contrasted God's attitude with that of the scribes and Pharisees. A certain man had two sons (see v. 11). What did the younger son say to his father (see v. 12)?




13. What did the father do in response to his younger son’s request (see v. 12)?




14. What percent of the father’s livelihood would the younger son have received? (See Deuteronomy 21:17.)




15. What did the younger son do with his portion of his father’s livelihood (see v. 13)?




16. What happened after the younger son had spent all of his inheritance (see v. 14)?



17. At that point, what did the son decide to do (see v. 15)?



18. Because of his wasteful living, the younger son found himself feeding swine. What was his attitude about what he was feeding the swine (see v. 16)?



19. When he realized his desperate condition, the younger son came to himself. What did he say (see v. 17)?



20. What did the younger son decide to do about his situation (see vv. 18-19)?



21. The younger son decided to do the right thing—and actually did it (see v. 20). What did the father do when he saw his younger son
returning (see v. 20)?



22. The son said, “I have sinned” to his father (see v. 21). In Scripture, who else said, “I have sinned”? (See Exodus 9:27; Numbers 22:34; Joshua 7:20; 1 Samuel 15:24; 2 Samuel 12:13; Job 7:20; Matthew 27:4.)




23. What did the son say that indicated a sincere and repentant heart (see v. 21)?




24. The son was genuinely repentant as his father embraced him and kissed him (see vv. 20-21). A robe, ring, sandals, and feast are all signs of position and acceptance (see vv. 22-23). What do these items indicate about the father’s attitude toward his younger son?




25. What was the father’s perspective of his younger son while he was gone to a far country? What was his perspective of him when he had returned (see v. 24)?




26. In the parable of the lost son, the younger son represents the sinners and tax collectors, while the older son represents the religious leaders of the nation of Israel. What was the older brother doing when the younger brother returned (see v. 25)? What was he unwilling to do when he learned his brother had returned (see v. 28)?




27. The forgiving love of the father symbolizes the divine mercy of God; the older brother’s resentment represents the Pharisees’ and scribes’ attitude toward tax collectors and sinners. The father pleaded with the older brother to come in and rejoice at the return of the son who was once dead and lost and was now alive and found. What was the older son’s perspective of himself (see v. 29)? What did he imply about his father?




28. What was his perspective of his younger brother (see v. 30)?




29. What was the father’s perspective of his older son (see v. 31)?




30. What perspective did the father want his older son to understand—the very same perspective that Jesus wanted the Pharisees and scribes to understand (see v. 32)?


DETAILED NOTES

  1. Introduction
    1. Jesus went to a supper hosted by a Pharisee on the Sabbath
      1. A very tense meal
      2. A man had dropsy, or edema, and the Pharisees knew Jesus was compassionate and would heal him
    2. Chapter 14 might be called "Our Lord's Table Talk"
    3. Verse 15: the one making the statement assumed he would be in the kingdom of God
      1. He was not expecting the answer Jesus gave
      2. We go from tense to intense in this chapter
    4. Jesus was a master storyteller
      1. A parable is a story that is cast alongside a very important truth
      2. The truth is made more meaningful and plain by the story or parable
      3. The theme of these parables is lostness: a lost opportunity, priority, sheep, coin, and son
    5. John Newton's song "Amazing Grace"
  2. Luke 14:15-35
    1. Parable of the lost opportunity, or lame excuses
      1. "An excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie" —Billy Sunday
      2. An illustration of those who offer excuses not to have a spiritual life
      3. "Nature abhors a vacuum" —Aristotle
      4. Both nature and grace abhor a vacuum
      5. In those days, the invitation process was two-fold
        1. You were notified in advance
        2. Then you were told that the feast was ready
      6. The invited guests were the covenant people, the Jewish nation
        1. Prophets announced the coming of the Messiah
        2. Then John the Baptist came and said, "Supper's ready"; John 1:29; Matthew 3:2
      7. The maimed, lame, and blind were the tax collectors and sinners
      8. Those in the highway and hedges were the Gentiles
      9. Verse 23 has been abused throughout Christian history
        1. Augustine used it to justify persecution of non-Christian groups
        2. Used to justify the Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades
        3. Compel is not to compel by force of arms, but by force of argument or persuasive speech
    2. Parable of the lost priority
      1. Jesus became very popular
        1. He took on corporate religion
        2. But not everyone who followed Him as part of the multitude was faithful to Him as a disciple
      2. Thinning out the crowd
        1. Jesus would rather have somebody who's faithful to Him than somebody who's fascinated with Him
        2. John 2:23-25
      3. Middle Eastern language was very vivid
        1. The idea is that you should so love God that love for anyone or anything else, by comparison, is like hatred
        2. "The parting with my wife and poor children hath oft been to me in this place as the pulling the flesh from my bones...because I should have often brought to my mind the many hardships, miseries, and wants that my poor family was like to meet with" —John Bunyan
      4. "The entrance fee into the kingdom is free; but the annual subscription is everything" —Henry Drummond, paraphrased
      5. You're saved by grace through faith, but it will cost you everything
      6. Not losing your salvation, but losing your saltiness
        1. Salt was used to:
          1. Preserve from corruption
          2. Add taste
          3. Stop the spread of disease
        2. Don't lose your edge as a believer
  3. Luke 15:1-32
    1. Three parties
      1. The crowd—attracted to Jesus
      2. The clergyman—complaining against Jesus
      3. The Christ
      4. The compassion of Jesus
        1. Matthew 9:36
        2. Jesus saw people differently
          1. We see people like this as an inconvenience
          2. Jesus saw them as an opportunity
      5. The condition of the crowd
        1. This is why Jesus came
        2. He wants the very people no one else wants
      6. The callousness of the religious
    2. The next three parables tell the same truth
      1. Increasingly amplified
      2. They answer the complaint of the clergymen
    3. Parable of the lost sheep
      1. The religious had a term for people who did not keep the Law as strictly as they did: the people of the land
        1. They had nothing to do with them
        2. The Pharisees had a saying: "There is joy in heaven when one sinner is obliterated"
      2. Sheep were and are commonplace in that part of the world
        1. Sheep require shepherds and are renown for lacking mental acumen
        2. But this isn't the parable of the dumb sheep; it's the parable of the wonderful shepherd
      3. You are God's business, and His business is rescuing and loving people
        1. "Joy is the serious business of heaven" —C.S. Lewis
        2. When we see God doing His business, it's our business to rejoice over just one
        3. The friends of God should rejoice over one sinner that repents; therefore, the Pharisees were not God's friends
    4. Parable of the lost coin
      1. In those days, a woman wore a special headdress for her wedding: a silver chain with ten silver coins
      2. To lose a coin was like losing a wedding ring
      3. It's valuable because of the relationship it depicts
    5. Parable of the lost son or the prodigal son
      1. People have called this parable the greatest short story in all of human literature
      2. That which is lost in these three parables becomes progressively more valuable
      3. This is really the parable of the perfect or wonderful father
      4. Two boys in a family
        1. The oldest would get two-thirds of the inheritance; the youngest would get one-third
        2. But they didn't get any inheritance until the father died
        3. The youngest son essentially said, "I wish you were dead"
      5. The sheep wandered away, and the coin was lost or victimized by somebody else, but a son has a will
      6. Lowest strata of society: pig farmer; pigs are unkosher
      7. It can take a long time for a person to come to themselves
      8. Verses 18-19: repentance and confession
      9. Best robe = place of honor
        1. Ring = symbol of authority
        2. Fatted calf = reserved for a great feast or sacrifices
        3. Jesus loved to eat
      10. The older brother
        1. He was ungrateful with his papa
          1. Disrespectful toward his dad
          2. So often we are ungrateful for what we don't have rather than grateful for what we do have
        2. He was unhappy with his place; he had an attitude problem
      11. It's possible to be laboring in the Father's fields and not close to the Father's heart; Revelation 2:2-4
      12. Philippians 4:11
        1. Contentment is learned
        2. Discontentment is also learned, and it is contagious
      13. Jesus was making a distinction between the visible and invisible sinner
        1. The visible or obvious sinner is the younger brother
        2. The invisible sinner is the religious person who looks down their nose at the grace of God
  4. Closing
    1. Isaiah 53:6
      1. What was prophesied by Isaiah was portrayed here by Luke
      2. Isaiah predicted how lost things would be found; Isaiah 53:7
    2. The only way we can be found and redeemed is by the Shepherd becoming a sheep and losing His life in sacrifice to restore humanity back to Himself
    3. That's what we celebrate in the Lord's Supper
    4. D.L. Moody
      1. Human beings sometimes have to lose a lot before they say, "I give up"
      2. It's at that point God can rescue them

Figures referenced: John Newton, Billy Sunday, Aristotle, Augustine, John Bunyan, Henry Drummond, C.S. Lewis, D.L. Moody

Cross references:Isaiah 53:6-7; Matthew 3:2; 9:36; Luke 14:15-15:32; John 1:29; 2:23-25; Philippians 4:11; Revelation 2:2-4


Topic: Grace

Keywords: storyteller, stories, story, parables, lost, found, grace, priorities, religion, Pharisees, sin, sinners, heaven, repentance, sheep, coin, lost son, prodigal son, parable of the prodigal son, contentment

 


 

SERIES: Parables of Jesus
MESSAGE: Matthew 24:31-25:46
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:31-25:46
URL: http://SkipHeitzig.com/4301

MESSAGE SUMMARY
In this section of the Olivet Discourse, we consider Jesus' Warning Parables. As we examine the text, let's remember that while the church escapes judgment, many are left to suffer the Great Tribulation. We must be righteous, be ready, and be responsible.

STUDY GUIDE
Matthew 24:27-51

"Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:44, NKJV).

PREVIEW: In Matthew 24:27-51, Jesus talks about His second coming and admonishes those alive at that time to be watchful and to be faithful servants.

Matthew 24:27-51 Outline:
The Second Coming - Read Matthew 24:27-31
Parable of the Fig Tree - Read Matthew 24:32-35
Illustration of the Days of Noah - Read Matthew 24:36-44
Illustration of the Two Servants - Read Matthew 24:45-51

The Second Coming - Read Matthew 24:27-31

1. Jesus says His second coming will be as lightning coming from the east and flashing to the west (v. 27). What other heavenly object is seen when Jesus comes again (v. 30)? (See also Mark 13:26.) What do you think that heavenly object might be a picture of and who will see it? (See Hebrews 12:1, Revelation 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Zechariah 14:5, and Jude 1:14.)


2. What are the signs in the heavens that immediately follow the tribulation (v. 29)? (See also Isaiah 13:10 and Joel 2:31, 3:15-16.)



3. Jesus said all the tribes of the earth will mourn. Why do you think they will mourn when they see Jesus coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory?


4. Who does Jesus send out when He returns? What is their mission? How are they announced to all mankind (v. 31)?



5. Who are the elect Jesus refers to (v. 31)? (See also Matthew 24:22, Isaiah 43:6, and Zechariah 14:5.)



Parable of the Fig Tree - Read Matthew 24:32-35

6. Jesus uses a fig tree as an illustration of how a person can know that summer is near. What indications does the fig tree give to indicate the nearness of summer (v. 32)?


7. What do you think the fig tree represents? (See also Matthew 21:18-20 and Luke 13:6-9.)



8. Jesus said that when we see the fig tree putting forth leaves, we should know that the tribulation and His return are near (v. 33). What actions should we take, considering that we see the fig tree putting forth leaves in our day? (See Matthew 28:19-20 and 2 Peter 3:9.)


9. Jesus said heaven and earth will pass away (v. 35). When will heaven and earth pass away? (See Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, 2 Peter 3:7,13, and Revelation 21:1.)

10. Since the heavens and earth will pass away, how should we live? (See 2 Peter 3:10-13.)



Illustration of the Days of Noah - Read Matthew 24:36-44

11. Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour, not the angels, but only His Father. What day is He referring to? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Peter 3:10.)


12. Jesus explains what life on earth will be like at the time of the coming of the Son of Man. What will life be like (vv. 37-39)?



13. What are some things that people are doing when the Son of Man comes (vv. 40-42)?



14. What admonition does Jesus give for those living in the days like the Days of Noah (v. 42)? (See also Matthew 25:13, Luke 21:36, and 1 Thessalonians 5:6.)



15. When is the Son of Man coming (vv. 43-44)? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Peter 3:10.)


Illustration of the Two Servants - Read Matthew 24:45-51

16. Jesus uses an illustration of two servants to drive home the point that those awaiting His return ought to be watchful and diligently work until His return. What is the answer to the question Jesus asks, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant?” (v. 45-46)?



17. What will the master in the parable do to the faithful and wise servant (v. 47)? (See also Matthew 25:23.)




18. What does the evil servant say in his heart (v. 48)? What is the evil servant doing when the master returns (v. 49)? What is the evil servant not doing when the master returns (v. 50)?



19. What becomes of the evil servant who wasn’t watching for his master’s return (vv. 50-51)?



20. Jesus’ return is eminent and will be like a thief in the night. Are you watchful? Are you diligent? Are you about your Master’s business? Explain how you are faithfully serving Him.

DETAILED NOTES

  1. Introduction
    1. Shofar
      1. Rams horn; ancient trumpet
      2. King's appointed
      3. Gather people together; often for war
      4. Announce Great festivals
    2. Olivet Discourse
      1. Jesus' teaching about His second coming
      2. Mount of Olives
      3. Matthew 24-25
    3. Context
      1. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:29-31)
      2. End of the tribulation period
      3. Who are the elect?
        1. Christians
        2. Sometimes Jews
        3. Sometimes all believers
        4. All believers of all times
        5. Ushering in the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ
      4. Tribulation: Bad now; worse time then—unparalleled  time of tribulation
    4. Three series of Judgments
      1. Seven Seals (Revelation 6)
        1. Unparalleled war
        2. Human slaughter
        3. Worldwide famine
        4. Worldwide inflation
        5. People will want mountains to fall on them
      2. Seven Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8)
        1. Hail and fire from sky
        2. Rivers and springs polluted and poisoned
        3. Grass of the earth burned up
        4. Bottomless Pit opened (Revelation 9)
        5. Hoards of demons cover the earth (Revelation 12)
      3. Seven Bowl Judgments (Revelation 16)
        1. Malignant sores
        2. Water sources again poisoned
        3. Sun Scorches people
        4. Hail from heaven (125 lb. stones)
    5. Armageddon
      1. International conflict
      2. Coalition gathers to fight against God
    6. Millennial Kingdom set up
  2. Parable of the Fig Tree
    1. Heaven and earth will pass away
    2. Identity of the fig tree
      1. Israel
        1. Modern nation established in 1948
        2. Too obscure for the disciples
      2. Race of Jews
        1. γενεὰ; genea - generation
        2. Jewish people until the end times
      3. Straightforward
        1. You can tell what's coming by what you see now
        2. "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees." (Luke 21:29)
        3. List of indicators
        4. After the Winter of Tribulation will be a Springtime of Blessing
    3. That Day
      1. Day of the Lord
        1. Not a 24-hour period
        2. Unfolding events of the ultimate, final judgment
        3. God intervenes in human history
      2. Daniels 70th week
        1. Seven-year period
        2. Begins with the rapture of the church
        3. No one knows when
          1. In 1988, Edgar Whisenant (NASA engineer, prophecy buff), author of 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988
          2. Only the Father knows
    4. Days of Noah (see Genesis 6)
      1. Increase in population (see Genesis 6:1)
        1. World population now seven billion
        2. By 2050: 21-22 billion
        3. ½ - ¾ of all population in history are alive now
      2. Increase in wickedness (see Genesis 6:2)
      3. Increase in violence (see Genesis 6:5)
      4. Unheeded preaching
        1. Noah preached 120 years
        2. Floods came
        3. Built ark in inland Iraq; like building in Gallup, NM
    5. One taken, one left
      1. Taken in judgment
      2. When judgment comes it's too late
      3. Could be rapture in light of v. 33 (Noah lifted up from earth during flood)
      4. When God judges, He knows the different between the righteous and the wicked (see 2 Peter 2:4-9)
    6. Timeline
      1. Rapture
      2. Day of the Lord
      3. Mid Tribulation: Abomination of Desolation
      4. Armageddon
    7. Bible's revelation about the world's consummation should inspire godly motivation.
      1. We know this is coming
      2. The world doubts and dismisses
      3. "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)
      4. We see what they don't: like an Eagle
        1. Eight times as many visual cells per cubic cm than humans
        2. From 600 ft. can spot a dime-sized object through 6" of grass
        3. From five miles, can see a 3" fish jumping
      5. We should be ready, involved, passionate
  3. Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant
    1. Get Saved
      1. Trust in the finished work of Jesus
        1. He shed His blood for our sin
        2. Receive by faith as Lord and Saviro
      2. Compel others to come to Christ
      3. Never know when your time is up!
      4. Eternity is real
    2. Get Busy
      1. "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)
      2. Don't be content with where you are
        1. What else can I learn?
        2. How else can the Lord work in me?
      3. Make disciples
        1. Not only converts
        2. Disciple them
    3. Get Active
      1. Involve yourself with others in ministry
      2. Don't be self-absorbed—serve others
  4. Parable of the Ten Virgins
    1. Setting
      1. Engagement
        1. Young children
        2. Fathers made the agreement
        3. Children had not contact
        4. Love is a commitment not a feeling
      2. Betrothal
        1. One year before marriage
        2. Vows spoken
        3. No physical contact
        4. Couldn't separate without legal divorce
        5. If man died, she was considered a widow who is a virgin
        6. Man demonstrated he could provide for the wife
      3. Wedding Feast
        1. Involved the whole community
        2. Lasted one week
        3. Groom and his party went to the brides home
        4. She should be ready
        5. Parade through longest route to the groom's home
        6. Receive best wishes: מזל טוב; Mazal tov; good luck
        7. At grooms home
          1. Weeklong feast
          2. No consummation
          3. Celebration
        8. End of week: Groomsman took grooms and brides hands and brought them together
        9. Marriage consummated
    2. Torches lit
      1. Long stick with wire mesh
      2. Olive oil soaked cloth stuffed inside
      3. Flasks of oil to renew the flame
    3. Μωρός; móros - stupid, foolish (moron)
    4. Φρόνιμος; phronimos - intelligent, mentally attentive
    5. Midnight
      1. Most asleep
      2. Jesus wasn't coming right away as the disciples expected
      3. Coming at an unlikely hour
    6. Lesson
      1. Be righteous
      2. Be ready
      3. Be responsible
    7. Ten Important in Judaism
      1. 10 men to start a synagogue
        1. Why Lydia and ladies meeting my the river: no synagogue
        2. Living water
      2. 10 people to have Passover
      3. 10 in the wedding
    8. Foolish
      1. Knew something was coming: unprepared
      2. Had garment and torch: looked ready
      3. No oil: unprepared
      4. Like those who profess Christ, but don't live like it
      5. Just because you go to church, doesn't mean you are saved
      6. In parable, half are saved, half are not
      7. A significant number profess to follow but in truth do not
    9. Comparison of Syriac and Latin Vulgate
      1. "Came with his bride"
      2. Follows prophetic model
        1. Rapture
        2. Church in heaven
        3. Marriage Supper of the Lamb
        4. Jesus comes back with the church at the Second coming
    10. Lessons
      1. Some things can't wait for the last minute
        1. Don't wait
        2. Foolish to wait for the test to be passed before preparing
      2. Certain things can't be borrowed
        1. Oil
        2. Can't borrow another's relationship with the Lord
  5. Parable of the Talents
    1. Talent: measure of weight
      1. Gold or silver
      2. Could be worth up to 20 year's wages
    2. Foolish servant's assessment was incongruent with his behavior (more incentive not to be lazy and slothful
    3. Talents: Opportunity to invest time, talent and treasure for the sake of God's Kingdom
      1. Are you using what God entrusted to you to expand His Kingdom?
      2. God rewards according to faithfulness
    4. Get Saved, Get Busy, Get Active
      1. Uniquely gifted  by God
      2. Everyone must be faithful
      3. Every part plays a unique role
    5. Unprofitable: poser believer who proves he has no saving faith
  6. Parable of the Sheep and Goats
    1. Lifted out of context
      1. Falsely demonstrate salvation comes by works
      2. Falsely demonstrate maintain salvation through works
      3. Keith Green believed and promoted; legalism
    2. Most commentators agree the text about the Second Coming, but disagree on the nature of the judgment
    3. Not the Great White Throne Judgment
      1. After Millennium
      2. Only unbelievers
      3. Lake of Fire: Second Death
    4. Amillennialists and Post-Millennialists agree end time judgment for all people
      1. No mention of resurrection
      2. Subjects seem to be those alive at the Second Coming
    5. Judgment of nations at the end of the Tribulation
      1. Judged on their treatment of "the brethren"
      2. Jewish people
      3. Paul: "my brethren"
      4. Ethnically Jewish people
      5. During the tribulation may Jews come to Christ and are sealed
      6. Wave of anti-Semitism (See Revelation 12)
      7. Many Gentile nations persecute Israel
      8. Some bless Israel
    6. God never prepared hell for people
      1. Most will go there: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it." (Matthew 7:13)
      2. Made to be a place of torment for Satan and demons
      3. God gives us volition
      4. One who refuses to follow Christ and refuses God's will for life
      5. If they choose to follow the devil, God allows them to follow the devil to his final destination: hell
    7. Near death experiences
      1. We don't hear the whole story
      2. Beyond Death's Door, by Dr. Maurice Rawlings: "I’m thoroughly convinced that there is life after death — and that there are at least as many going to hell as to heaven…the turning point in my own concepts occurred when a patient experienced cardiac arrest and dropped dead right in my office. Of course, that alone didn't change my thinking, but the fact that this 48 year old …was screaming, 'I'm in hell! Keep me out of hell!' each time he responded to resuscitation efforts did cause me some concern…About 50% of the revived persons told of having gone to a place of great darkness, filled w/ grotesque moaning and writhing bodies crying out to be rescued from this place w/ overwhelming feeling of eerie and nightmarish terror,"  Why these not reported? "’cuz are people too embarrassed to admit them and doctors are too embarrassed to make inquiries into such matters. But nobody can afford ignore these reports…I'm convinced there’s a hell and that we must conduct selves in such way as to avoid being sent there at all costs"
      3. Get Saved, Get Busy, Get Active

Hebrew terms: מזל טוב; Mazal tov
Greek terms: γενεὰ; genea - generation; Μωρός; móros - stupid, foolish; Φρόνιμος; phronimos - intelligent, mentally attentive
Publications referenced: 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988, by Edgar Whisenant;  Beyond Death's Door, by Dr. Maurice Rawlings
Cross references: Genesis 6; Matthew 7:13; Luke 21:29; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Peter 2:4-9; 2 Peter 3:18; Revelation 6; Revelation 8; Revelation 9; Revelation 12; Revelation 1

Topic: Second Coming

Keywords: Olivet discourse, second coming, rapture, judgment, end times, warning parables

 


 

SERIES: Parables of Jesus
MESSAGE: Luke 12:22-13:9
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:22-13:9
URL: http://SkipHeitzig.com/4302

MESSAGE SUMMARY
As Jesus began His private ministry to His disciples, He explained what the attitude of His followers should be. In this study, we are reminded that we can rest in God's care because of our new relationship with Him, even when we're tempted to worry. We are also challenged to let our faith become action by living differently than the world and working to bring others into God's kingdom while we still can.

STUDY GUIDE
Luke 12

Christ Warns About Hypocrisy—Read Luke 12:1-12

1. Who was present when Jesus gave warnings and encouragement (see v. 1)? To whom were His instructions directed?


2. Expositional constancy is a phrase used to convey that the use of symbolism and idioms in Scripture is consistent. Leaven is used in Scripture as an expositional constant picture of sin. In His first warning, Jesus told His disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. What was the leaven of the Pharisees (see v. 1)? (See also Matthew 23:27.) Explain why the leaven of the Pharisees is something we need to beware of.


3. Leaven is an ingredient used to bake bread. Describe how leaven works. How would you equate the working of physical leaven with the leaven of the Pharisees? (See 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9.)


4. The leaven of the Pharisees is usually a hidden issue, concealed within a person. What did Jesus say would be done with the invisible leaven in a person’s life (see vv. 2-3)? (See also Luke 8:17; 1 Corinthians 4:5.)


5. If you struggle with hypocrisy, what must you know? (See 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:2; 94:11; Luke 8:17.) What must you do? (See 1 John 1:8-10; Luke 13:3; Proverbs 28:13.)


6. Jesus then instructed His disciples to not fear. Who were they to not fear (see v. 4)? Who do you think Jesus was referring to?


7. Who did Jesus say they should fear (see v. 5)? Why? (See also Psalm 76:7; Psalm 90:11; 119:120; Hebrews 10:31; Revelation 20:11-15.)


8. Jesus used illustrations of seemingly insignificant sparrows and the seemingly irrelevant number of hairs on a person’s head to instruct His disciples. What was His point about the sparrows? What did it mean to His disciples (see v. 6)? What was His point about the number of hairs? What did that mean to His disciples (see v. 7)?


9. In Luke 12:8, the word confess is the Greek word homologeó. It means to say the same thing, more specifically, to say the same thing as God says. What did Jesus say is to be confessed? (See Philippians 2:11.) To whom is it to be confessed (see v. 8)? (See also Romans 1:16.)


10. What did Jesus say would be done for those who confess Him (see v. 8)? (See also Romans 10:9-10.)

11. What did Jesus say would be done to those who deny Him (see v. 9)?

12. How do we confess Jesus before men? (See Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10; 14:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:11.)


13. What may happen to a person who speaks a word against the Son of Man (see v. 10)? How can that happen? (See 1 John 1:8-10.)


14. What will happen to a person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit (see v. 10)? (See also Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-29; 1 John 5:16.)


15. What did Jesus tell His disciples not to worry about if they were brought before the magistrates and authorities (see vv. 11-12)? Why?


16. Luke 12:11-12 is often used to teach that you do not need to be prepared to give a defense of what you believe because the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say. Is that true? (See 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15.)


Parable of the Rich Fool—Read Luke 12:13-21

17. As Jesus taught, He was interrupted by someone from the crowd. What did this person want Jesus to do (see v. 13)?


18. Did Jesus oblige the request (see v. 14)?


19. What did Jesus’ warning reveal about that person's heart (see v. 15)?


20. Jesus warned about covetousness (see v. 15). What is covetousness? Why is it dangerous to Jesus’ followers? (See also Proverbs 23:4-5; 28:20; John 6:27; 1 Timothy 6:8-10.)


21. Jesus addressed the heart issue of that person by teaching the parable of the rich fool. What was the rich man’s situation? What did he think to himself (see vv. 16-19)?


22. What was God’s perspective of the rich man’s thinking (see v. 20)? How did God refer to the rich man? Why? (See also 1 Timothy 6:17-19.)


23. Jesus equated the rich fool with those who lay up treasure for themselves and are not rich toward God (see v. 21). How can a person be rich toward God? (See also Matthew 6:19-21; 10:42; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10.)


Seek the Kingdom of God—Read Luke 12:22-34

24. What did Jesus say His disciples should not worry about (see vv. 22-23)? Why? (See also Matthew 6:32.)


25. What do ravens not do, and yet what does God do for them (see v. 24)? (See also Job 38:41; Psalm 147:9.)


26. What did Jesus want His disciples to know about themselves in light of what God does for the ravens (see v. 24)? (See also Luke 12:7.)


27. Jesus taught His disciples that worrying cannot add a cubit (approximately eighteen inches) to their stature (their height) (see v. 25). If they could not add height to their stature, should they worry about it (v. 26)? Should we worry or be anxious about things like our height? What should we be concerned with? (See also Philippians 4:6-8.)


28. What else did Jesus instruct His disciples not to worry or be anxious about (see vv. 27-29)?


29. What did Jesus give His disciples as a solution to worry and anxiety (see v. 31)? Do you worry? Or do you implement the solution Jesus provided?


30. If we as disciples of Jesus focus on temporal things of this life, we will be worried and anxious. What is the Father’s good pleasure to give us (see v. 32)? Because of what He desires to give us, what should we do (see v. 33)?


31. How can we determine where our focus, our affections, and our hearts are (see v. 34)? (See also Colossians 3:1-2.)



Parable of the Expectant Steward—Read Luke 12:35-40

32. Jesus instructed His disciples to be expectant stewards. What were the expectant stewards doing as they awaited their master’s return (see vv. 35-36)?


33. When the master returned and found his servants waiting for him, what did he do for those servants who were faithful and expectantly awaiting his arrival (v. 37)?


34. In this parable, Jesus made it clear that the servants are to watch for their master’s return because the master might return during any watch of the night (see v. 38). The purpose of the parable was to teach the disciples to be watchful. What are Christ’s disciples to be watching for (see v. 40)?


35. How many times will Christ return before He establishes His kingdom? (See Matthew 24:27-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 19:11-16.)



36. Using the illustration of a thief coming to rob a house, Jesus warned and encouraged His disciples to be watchful (see v. 39). The master of the house was not aware that the thief was coming. If he had been, he would have been watchful and waiting for the thief. The master of the house is a picture of a disciple of Christ; the house is a picture of his life. Who is the thief a picture of? What is the thief’s intent? (See John 10:10.)



Parable of the Faithful Steward —Read Luke 12:41-48

37. Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” (v. 41). What is the answer? (See Mark 13:37.)



38. Jesus answered Peter’s question with a question (see v. 42). What question did Jesus ask? What is the answer to His question (see vv. 35-36, 43)? (See also Matthew 24:45-46; 25:21; 1 Corinthians 4:2.)



39. What is the promised reward of a faithful and wise steward (see v. 44)? (See also Matthew 24:47; 25:21; Luke 19:17-19; 22:29; Revelation 3:21.)



40. What was promised to the unfaithful steward who was not earnestly watching for his master’s return and believed his master had delayed his coming (see vv. 45-46)?



41. What was promised to the servant who knew his master’s will and did not prepare himself or do the master’s will (see v. 47)? Why was this promised? (See John 9:41; 15:22; 1 Corinthians 4:2; James 4:17.)



42. What is required of a steward of Christ to whom much is given (entrusted) (see v. 48)? (See also 1 Corinthians 4:2.)



43. What should you be consciously aware of that will help you be found a faithful steward of Jesus Christ? (See 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11; Colossians 3:1-4.)


Christ Warns of the Costs of Discipleship—Read Luke 12:49-53

44. Jesus said that He “came to send fire on the earth” (v. 49). What is the fire a picture of (expositional constancy)? (See 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 2 Peter 3:7; Revelation 20:14-15.)



45. Before Jesus could bring the fire He came to send, He had to be baptized (see v. 50). What is the baptism He referred to a picture of? (See Matthew 20:18, 22-23; Mark 10:38; John 12:27; 19:30.)



46. Although Jesus is the Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6), He didn’t come to bring peace on earth in His first advent. Instead, what did He come to bring (see v. 51)? (See also Luke 20:17-18; John 7:43; 9:16; 10:19;1 Peter 2:8; Acts 14:4.)



47. What type of division can we expect because of Christ and His teachings (vv. 52-53)?



Christ Warns of Not Discerning the Times—Read Luke 12:54-59

48. Jesus spoke to the multitude of people who had gathered together to listen to Him. So many people had gathered that they were trampling one another (see v. 1). He told them they were keen on predicting the weather based upon signs in the skies. What were those signs? What did the signs predict (see vv. 54-55)?




49. Although the multitudes could rightly predict the weather by signs in the skies, what could they not discern (see vv. 56-57)? (See also Luke 19:41–44.)




50. Jesus used the illustration of a court of law to drive home the point that people need to be right with God. The magistrate was a picture of God as judge who can throw them into prison. What should the person hearing this make every effort to do with their adversary (see vv. 58-59)?

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Luke 13

Christ Teaches on Repentance—Read Luke 13:1-9

1. As Jesus taught His disciples, some of those present told Him about Pilate killing some Galileans (see v. 1). What was offensive about this act?


2. In ancient times, it was assumed that calamity would come upon the extremely wicked (see John 9:1-2; Job 4:7; 22:5). Jesus asked a question to get those who brought up Pilate’s wickedness to think about the cause of suffering and death. What question did Jesus ask (see v. 2)? What did He want them to consider?



3. Jesus immediately answered His own question (see v. 3). By doing so, Jesus implied bad things can happen to any person. Just because calamity befell those Pilate killed did not mean they were worse sinners than other. In fact, they may have been righteous (as indicated by the fact that they were offering sacrifices to God). Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people (trick question)? (See Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-18, 23; 1 John 1:8.)



4. The Tower of Siloam was built inside the southeast section of Jerusalem’s wall. Jesus mentioned an incident in which it fell on and killed eighteen people. Jesus used this accident to get the people to think about the reason those people died. What did Jesus want them to consider (see v. 4)? (See also Deuteronomy 32:29; Ecclesiastes 7:2; Hebrews 9:27.)



5. Jesus wanted the people to understand that death comes to all and calamity comes to some, even to the righteous. Because of this, what point did Jesus drive home twice in this short teaching (see vv. 3, 5)?



6. Death does indeed come to all, and only repentance can prepare people to enter their eternal destiny. What must you do to ensure you have eternal life? (See Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10.)



7. It does not matter how you die but rather how you live. Since, we will all die, how then shall we live? (See 1 Corinthians 1:7-8; 1 Peter 1:15; 2 Peter 3:10-13; 1 Timothy 6:18.)



8. In Scripture, a tree often represents a man or a nation (see Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8; Matthew 7:15-20). What do you think a vineyard is a picture of? (See Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:7.)



9. Figs were valued in Israel for their fruit, so fig trees would be planted wherever they would grow. A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard (see v. 6). Who do you think this man was? (See Exodus 15:17; Psalm 44:2; 80:8; Isaiah 5:2; Jeremiah 2:21; Matthew 21:19.)


10. What did the man seek from his fig tree (see v. 6)? What does that which the man sought represent? (See Matthew 7:20; John 15:2; Galatians 5:22.)


11. The man had a keeper for his vineyard. A keeper of a vineyard is also known as a vinedresser. Who does the keeper of the vineyard represent? (See John 15:1-2.)


12. The man did not find what he was seeking from his fig tree. Therefore, what did he instruct the keeper of the vineyard to do (see v. 7)?


13. How long had the man sought fruit from the fig tree (see v. 7)? Approximately how long was Jesus’ ministry to His own? (See Matthew 15:24; John 1:11.)


14. What did the vinedresser recommend to the man (see vv. 8-9)?



15. What does Jesus look for and expect from His own? (See Matthew 7:19-20; John 15:2-8; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10.)


16. What will happen if Jesus doesn’t find good fruit on His trees (see v. 9)? (See Matthew 7:19; 21:19; 25:24-30; Luke 3:9; John 15:2, 6; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.)


17. How do Christ’s followers bear good fruit? (See Matthew 5:16; John 15:1-10.)


Christ Heals the Crippled Woman—Read Luke 13:10-17

18. Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath (see v. 10) as was His custom. In what condition was one of the women in attendance (see v. 11)?


19. What was the root cause of the woman’s condition (see vv. 11, 16)?


20. What four things did Jesus do to or for the woman (see vv. 12-13)?


21. After Jesus did these things, what happened to the woman (see v. 13)?


22. How was the woman’s response (see v. 13) an appropriate response to God? (See Luke 2:20; 5:25–26; 7:16; 17:15; 18:43; 23:47.)


23. Despite the miraculous healing of the woman, what was the ruler of the synagogue’s attitude and response (see v. 14)? How did his response demonstrate his priorities?


24. Jesus answered the ruler of the synagogue harshly, calling him a hypocrite. Hupokrites is a Greek word that means mask-wearer. Hupokrites were actors in the Greek theater who wore masks that were exaggerated, with huge smiles and frowns, so that even people in the back row could see the emotion being portrayed. We get the phrase two-faced from this same idea. How is the ruler of the synagogue’s response hypocritical in Jesus’ estimation (see vv. 15-16)?


25. What effect did Jesus’ response have on His adversaries? How did the multitudes react (see v. 17)?


26. On the Sabbath, Jesus loosed a woman who had been bound physically by a satanic spirit of infirmity. But because of their rules and regulations regarding the Sabbath, the religious leaders remained bound in false piety and hypocrisy. How can we ensure we are not bound by religious traditions and regulations? (See Psalm 19:13; 119:133; Romans 6:12; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23.)


Parable of the Mustard Seed—Read Luke 13:18-19

27. Jesus gave a picture of what the kingdom of God is like. What is that picture (see v. 19)?



28. Who sowed the mustard seed? Where was it sown (see v. 19)?



29. What became of the mustard seed (see v. 19)?



30. In the parable of the sower, Jesus gave us the key to knowing all parables (see Mark 4:13). Who specifically do the birds of the air represent? (See Matthew 13:19; Mark 4:15.)



31. Birds are a biblical symbol of evil. These birds of the air lodge in the branches of the mustard seed tree, which represents the kingdom of God. Because of this, how should we be careful, taking heed to what we hear? (See Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22.)


Parable of the Leaven—Read Luke 13:20-21

32. Jesus presented another picture of what the kingdom of God is like (see v. 20). What was it (see v. 21)?



33. In Hebrew life, leaven played an important part not only in bread making, but also in the Law, rituals, and religious teachings. What became of the three measures of meal that the woman took and hid leaven in (see v. 21)?



34. In the Bible, leaven is often linked to evil. Read 1 Corinthians 5:6 and Galatians 5:9. What does a little bit of leaven do?



35. In both the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven, Jesus clearly taught that something undesirable would exist in the kingdom of God. Like yeast and flocking birds, evil would exist and be pervasive. How can we guard against the evil influence of the wicked one, Satan? (See Ephesians 4:27; 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8.)



The Way into the Kingdom—Read Luke 13:22-30

36. On Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem (see Luke 9:51), He taught in the cities and villages (see v. 22). Someone asked Him a very important question, and the answer is one we must understand. What was the question (see v. 23)?


37. What was Jesus’ answer (see v. 24)? (See also Matthew 7:13-14, 21; 20:16.)



38. Jesus exhorted the person to “strive to enter through the narrow gate” (v. 24). What gate was Jesus referring to? (See John 10:7-10.)



39. Jesus gave an illustration to clarify His answer. The illustration was the story of a Master of a house giving a feast—symbolic of the kingdom of God. What two things did the Master of the house do that caused the people to cry out to Him (see v. 25)?


40. Presently, what position is Jesus in—a position from which He must at some point rise? (See Psalm 110:1; Mark 16:19; Luke 22:69; 1 Peter 3:22.)



41. How did the Master of the house respond to the people’s two cries (see vv. 25, 27)?


42. The people claimed to know the Master of the house, but He denied knowing them (see vv. 25, 27). What had the people done and not done that resulted in the Master of the house not knowing them? (See Psalm 6:8; Matthew 7:23; 25:12, 41; Luke 6:46; Titus 1:16.)


43. The phrase the weeping and gnashing of teeth expresses extreme disappointment and loss because of unbelief and unfaithfulness. When will the unsaved experience weeping and gnashing of teeth (see v. 27)? (See also Matthew 7:23; 24:51; 25:41; Revelation 20:15.)



44. Who was at the Master’s feast (see v. 28)? (See also Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:5-9, 11; Hebrews 10:38.)



45. What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last” (v. 30)? (See also Luke 13:24-30; 1 Corinthians 1:27.)



Christ Mourns Over Jerusalem—Read Luke 13:31-35

46. Though, the Pharisees were Jesus’ adversaries, they warned Him that Herod wanted to kill Him (see v. 31). Do you think they were doing this to help Him or to hinder Him?




47. How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees’ warning (see v. 32)?





48. What was Jesus referring to when He said, “And the third day I shall be perfected” (v. 32)? (See Luke 24:46; Acts 10:40; 1 Corinthians 15:4; Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 7:28.)




49. When Jesus said, “Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following” (v. 33), He was not saying that He would arrive in Jerusalem in three days. His point was that He had a mission in mind and that He would continue on the schedule He had set for Himself. What was Jesus’ mission in Jerusalem (see v. 33)? (See also John 3:17; 1 John 2:2.)


50. Luke records Jesus’ rejection of the nation represented by Jerusalem. What did Jesus liken Himself to (see v. 34)?




51. Because the nation was not willing to receive Jesus as their Messiah (see v. 34), what would be the result (see v. 35)?




52. What house was Jesus referring to that would be left desolate? (See Psalm 92:13; 122:1; 135:2.) When did this happen?




53. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’” (v. 35). When will that occur? (See Zechariah 12; 14; Psalm 118.)


DETAILED NOTES

  1. Introduction
    1. Can you remember what you were worried about exactly one year ago today? Most of us don't really remember
    2. Jesus made a very powerful argument in this chapter
      1. We were made for eternity; we are immortal
      2. No bird was created in the image of God, and yet your Father has managed to take care of all of them
  2. Luke 12:22-34
    1. The very things Jesus said not to worry about are the things that occupy so much of our attention
    2. You are a human being; you are made in the image of God
      1. Birds are not
      2. You are of much more value than a bird
    3. Elizabeth Cheney, "Overheard in an Orchard"
    4. Of all the creatures on earth that ought not to worry, it's the children of God
    5. Worry is the Greek word merimnaó, from two words:
      1. Merizó, meaning to cut or divide
      2. Nous, meaning the mind
      3. Literally means the dividing of the mind
    6. Our word worry comes from the Old Germanic word wurgen, which means to rip or tear
    7. A day of worrying will leave you far more tired than a good hard day at work
    8. Jesus said don't worry
      1. Because of who you are
        1. You are a child of God
        2. You have a relationship with the living God; your Creator is now your Father
      2. Because of what worrying does
        1. A cubit is eighteen inches
        2. Worrying does absolutely nothing; it produces nothing but bad health
        3. 40 percent of the things we worry about never happen
        4. 30 percent of the things happened in our past, and we can't change them
        5. 12 percent are things people have criticized us about
        6. 10 percent is about our own health
        7. 8 percent are legitimate things to worry about
      3. Because of who you're not
        1. You're not part of this world; you're not an unbeliever
        2. You've gone from creation to relation, from person to child of God
    9. The cure for worrying: verse 31
      1. Instead of worrying about your kingdom, start working for His kingdom
      2. Instead of sweating your condition, start being a servant of the King of Kings
      3. Too often we reverse this: we seek first our comfort and our kingdom and expect the kingdom of God to be thrown in
    10. "Blessed is he who is too busy to worry during the daytime, and thus too tired to worry at night"
    11. Life becomes an adventure when you do this
    12. Verse 32
      1. He knows your weakness; Isaiah 53:6
      2. We have a strong and caring Shepherd
    13. Verses 33-34: Jesus spoke more about this in Luke 16 and 19
      1. He didn't say, "Sell all that you have"
      2. If you're having a problem with your stuff, get rid of some of your stuff and help out someone
      3. Jesus spoke more about money than anybody else in Scripture
      4. The Lord wants us to give to His kingdom and His work so that our hearts will be in the work
      5. When you put your money somewhere, your heart will follow
  3. Luke 12:35-59
    1. We should be ready for Jesus to show up and establish His kingdom
      1. It's a frequent commandment in the New Testament
      2. When Jesus said this, He was on His first coming
      3. He was preparing His disciples for the day He would leave and then come again
      4. Matthew 24
        1. List of signs that will occur prior to His coming, primarily during the tribulation period
        2. Verse 8: these are birth pains, more frequent and intense
        3. These signs ought to get our attention to make us live in the moment
        4. Matthew 24:44; Luke 12:40
      5. Be working and be watching
    2. Verse 37: one of the most remarkable passages in Scripture
      1. There's coming a day when Jesus will serve you
      2. John 13:3-8
      3. Not the Last Supper, but the Lamb's supper, the great supper
    3. The night was divided into watches: second or third watch is the wee hours of the night and early morning
    4. How can you be ready?
      1. By watching—have an attitude of watchfulness
      2. By working: read the Scriptures—the promises and prophecies
    5. The Bible promises that Jesus will come back and establish His kingdom; how do you get ready?
      1. Get saved
        1. If you were to die tonight, are you absolutely sure you would be in heaven?
        2. You can have the security of the believer, confidence
      2. Get busy; quit worrying about your comfort and start working for His kingdom
      3. Get active
        1. With other believers
        2. Exercise your gift
    6. Rewards in heaven and punishment in hell won't all be the same
      1. You're going to heaven if you know Christ
      2. But you have a capacity to have a position in heaven that not everybody will have
      3. There are rewards; the judgment seat of Christ; 2 John 1:8
      4. The greater the privilege, the greater the responsibility
        1. The more you know, the more you're responsible for
        2. James 3:1
    7. Between the first and second coming, there will be lots of catastrophes, problems, issues, judgments
    8. Jesus knew His mission
      1. The baptism was His death
      2. Matthew 20:22; Mark 10:38-39
    9. Jesus was not all about bringing peace on earth
      1. He will bring peace on earth, but that's His second coming, not His first
      2. The fact that Jesus stepped into history and said the things He said in and of itself will divide people
      3. When you introduce authentic Christianity into a family, you're going to divide that family; an authentic follower of Christ is markedly different
    10. Khamsin and sirocco: hot, dry winds in Israel that dry everything up
    11. "This time" (v. 56) is Jesus' time, foretold by the prophets
      1. He held them accountable
      2. Even magi from the East could discern the signs; Matthew 2:1-2
      3. They also had the authenticating signs of His miraculous ministry
    12. The metaphor in verses 57-59 is a court of law; these are legal terms
      1. If you don't settle the matter before you get to court, the judge might pass a sentence on you and put you in prison
      2. Do everything you can before you face the judge to get right with the legal system
      3. In the same way, make sure you do everything you can to get right with God and repent before that judgment day comes
  4. Luke 13:1-9
    1. First event: Jewish worshipers from Galilee were killed on Pilate's orders while they were worshiping in the temple
    2. Second event: the tower of Siloam was either by the pool of Siloam or right across from Jerusalem in the village of Siloam
    3. Jesus here didn't deal with the issue "Why would a God of love allow this?"
      1. He cut to something even more important than that: there is something far worse than natural death
      2. That is spiritual death, eternal death
    4. 70 AD: Jerusalem will be destroyed
    5. Verses 1-5 tell us a couple things
      1. No one, not even a good person, is exempt from trouble in this world
      2. Everyone needs a life change
      3. Bishop Richard Loring: we live three times
        1. Phase 1: nine months in the womb
        2. Phase 2: life
        3. Most people fail to prepare for phase 3, the eternal period of life
    6. What's a fig tree doing in a vineyard?
      1. It was not uncommon
      2. Old Testament metaphor of every man sitting under his vine and fig tree
    7. This is a picture of Jesus talking about His Father looking for fruit on His farm, Israel
      1. Isaiah 5:1-5; the crowd probably picked up on this
      2. Jesus' public ministry was three and a half years, adequate time to find fruit in the nation of Israel
      3. God expected fruit, the Messiah came, but the little more time that was given saw no fruit

Figures referenced: Elizabeth Cheney, Bishop Richard Loring

Greek/foreign words: merimnaó, merizó, nous, wurgen, khamsin, sirocco

Cross references: Isaiah 5:1-5; 53:6; Matthew 2:1-2; 20:22; 24; Mark 10:38-39; Luke 12:22-13:9; 16; 19; John 13:3-8; James 3:1; 2 John 1:8


Topic: Jesus' Ministry

Keywords: worry, relationship, kingdom of God, money, watch, second coming, tribulation, Lamb's supper, work, responsibility, judgment, death, repentance

 


 

SERIES: Parables of Jesus
MESSAGE: Matthew 13:18-52
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13:18-52
URL: http://SkipHeitzig.com/4303

MESSAGE SUMMARY
Jesus often used parables to explain spiritual truth to His followers. In Matthew 13, His seven kingdom parables are recorded--word pictures which explain the beginning, opposition, expansion, and culmination of His kingdom. Let's consider His teachings and apply these lessons, so that we may be fellow workers with Him in spreading the good news.

DETAILED NOTES

  1. Introduction
    1. Pictures
      1. Worth 1000 words
      2. Cameras capture the moment
    2. Parables
      1. Jesus' time: no cameras
      2. Word pictures; storytelling
      3. Rabbis used analogies and parables to teach spiritual truth
      4. Matthew 13 records seven parables about
        1. Beginning of kingdom
        2. Expansion of the kingdom
        3. Opposition to the kingdom
        4. Subjects of the kingdom
        5. Culmination of the kingdom
      5. Estimate: 1/3 of Jesus' teachings are parables
      6. παραβολὴν; parabolēn-parable; to place or cast alongside
      7. Spiritual, abstract truth alongside the natural, commonly understood
  2. Explanation of the parable of the sower
    1. Wayside
      1. Where the sower walks, hardened
      2. Seed cannot penetrate
      3. Indifferent: refuse to consider, ponder, understand
    2. Stony places
      1. Shallow-hearted person
        1. Receives the Word
        2. No root system
        3. Sunshine good for plants, but heat could kill it
        4. Emotional, can't stand the heat
          1. Ridicule
          2. Persecution
          3. Tribulation
      2. Truths about Christian living
        1. Awesome experience
          1. Peace of mind and heart
          2. Hope of heaven
        2. Not easy
          1. Difficulties in lives of believers
          2. Need a root system
      3. Popular book: Your Best Life Now, by Joel Osteen
        1. Unbelievers
          1. Best life now
          2. Eternal torment is coming
        2. Believers
          1. Not even close
          2. "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him"           (1 Corinthians 2:9)
          3. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us"           (Romans 8:18)
      4. Fall away during tribulation
    3. Among the thorns
      1. Once fruitful, but got busy
      2. Too busy for God is too busy
      3. Cares of this world
        1. Worries particular to our own lives
        2. A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work
        3. Live simply, keep priorities, stay on target
      4. Deceitfulness of riches
        1. Make promises they cannot keep
        2. Complicate things
        3. Crowd the altar of one's life
    4. Good ground
    5. Expansion of the kingdom
      1. Comes by people sharing truth
      2. Not all receive it
        1. Reject truth
        2. Emotional, shallow response
        3. Some bear fruit
    6. Insight: what it is like to invest spiritually in another
      1. Sow truth into the hearts of others
      2. You never know when or how the seed germinates
  3. Parable of the tares
    1. Change in focus
      1. Opposition to the kingdom
      2. From seed to what it produces
        1. Wheat: genuine believer
        2. Tares: false believers
    2. Tares and wheat
      1. Ζιζάνια; zizania - weeds
        1. Bearded darnel
        2. Looks identical to wheat
        3. Ancient times crops sabotaged by sowing in fields to crowd out wheat
        4. Once head forms, the difference is unmistakable
      2. Cannot tell them apart until mature
    3. Christian movements: forcibly evict tares from wheat; forcibly convert to faith
      1. Constantine
        1. Called first Christian emperor
        2. Punished and killed those who disagreed
      2. Crusaders
        1. Expunged the Holy Land of "infidels": Muslims and Jews
        2. In the name of Christ
      3. Spanish Inquisition
  4. Parable of the mustard seed
    1. Smallest seed
      1. Jesus not comparing to all other seeds
      2. Small seed of the herb garden
    2. Khardal mustard
      1. Mustard seed typically grows into bush
      2. This variety grows 12-15 feet high
    3. Popular, typical interpretation
      1. Gospel started small and grew
        1. Jesus
        2. The twelve
        3. 120 in the upper room
        4. Sown on Pentecost
        5. Permeated the Roman Empire
        6. Spread around the world
      2. Humanity able to lodge in its branches
    4. Problem: Jesus doesn't offer explanation
      1. Find what Jesus already explained
      2. Make an accurate interpretation
    5. Birds: wicked
      1. Parable of the sower: represent Satan
      2. "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!" (Revelation 18:2)
    6. Tree: world power (see Daniel 4; Ezekiel 17)
    7. Church becomes a worldwide power
      1. Wonderful things happen
      2. Large enough to possess lots of belief systems and false leaders
    8. Outward growth
  5. Parable of leaven
    1. Inward growth
    2. Leaven
      1. In Jewish homes, piece of fermented dough reserved
      2. Hidden in new dough to permeate
    3. Popular, typical interpretation
      1. Growth of the gospel
      2. Slowly permeates society
      3. Dominion theology
      4. True: Church started slowly and will one day culminate in a millennial reign
    4. Leaven a symbol of evil
      1. Purged from Jewish homes at Passover
      2. Sacrifices offered without leaven
      3. Putrifying
      4. "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees" (Matthew 16:6; Matthew 16:11)
      5. "Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matthew 16:12)
      6. "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod" (Mark 8:15)
      7. "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?" (1 Corinthians 5:6): immorality
      8. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump" (Galatians 5:9): legalism
    5. Not all growth is good growth
    6. Difference between genuine Christianity and Christendom: world doesn't know the difference
  6. Explanation of the parable of the wheat and tares
    1. Initial sower of truth: Jesus Christ
    2. Field is the world
    3. Satan opposes the work of Christ: sows counterfeit seed
      1. False growth
      2. False doctrine
    4. In the end it will all be sorted out
      1. Now not the day of judgment
      2. Day of Evangelism
        1. We need to sow the seed
        2. "If God would have painted a yellow stripe on the backs of the elect I would go around lifting shirts. But since He didn’t I must preach 'whosoever will' and when ‘whosoever’ believes I know he is one of the elect." – Charles Spurgeon
  7. Parables of treasure and pearl
    1. Two parables teach the same truths
      1. Value
      2. Delight of the purchaser
    2. Typical, popular interpretation
      1. Jesus is the treasure and pearl
      2. Sinner is the one who seeks
      3. Worth giving up everything to acquire salvation
    3. Problems
      1. Field is the world; we cannot buy that
      2. In previous parable, Jesus is the Man
    4. Interpretation: what we know
      1. Jesus is not hidden: best known figure in history
      2. Sinners don't seek God
        1. "There is none who seeks after God" (Romans 3:11)
        2. "All we like sheep have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6)
      3. Salvation can't be purchased
        1. Free gift
        2. Not earned
      4. If you could purchase salvation, what would you sell? "All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6)
    5. Picture of Jesus seeking men and redeeming the world
      1. Parable of the lost sheep (See Matthew 18:12-14)
      2. "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10)
    6. Pearls
      1. Not valuable to Jews at the time
        1. No mention in the Old Testament
        2. Same class as coral
      2. Formation
        1. Product of an organism formed by irritant
        2. Dirt irritates the oyster
        3. Nacre covers the sand, layer by layer
      3. Represent Gentiles: dirt covered in righteousness of Christ
  8.  Parable of the dragnet
    1. Fishing: familiar imagery for disciples
    2. Types of fishing
      1. Line and hook: one fish at a time
      2. Personal net
      3. Dragnet
        1. Team of two boats
        2. Flats at the top and gets every fish
        3. Fish are later sorted
    3. Parable of coming judgment
      1. Jesus speaks more than any other figure of judgment and hell
      2. 147,000 people die daily and face God
  9. Understanding the kingdom parables
    1. Head of household is responsible for the family
    2. When we understand, we are responsible

Greek terms: παραβολὴν; parabolēn-parable; to place or cast alongside
Publications referenced: Your Best Life Now, by Joel Osteen
Figures referenced: Charles Spurgeon
Cross references: Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 64:6; Ezekiel 17; Daniel 4; Matthew 16:6; Matthew 16:11; Matthew 16:12; Matthew 18:12-14; Mark 8:15; Luke 19:10; Romans 3:11; Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9; Revelation 18:2

Topic: Parables

Keywords: parable, parables, kingdom living, sower

 


 

SERIES: Parables of Jesus
MESSAGE: John 10:1-24
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: John 10:1-24
URL: http://SkipHeitzig.com/4304

MESSAGE SUMMARY
Sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd and follow him because they trust him. Scripture refers to humans as sheep and calls Jesus our Good Shepherd. As we study John 10:1-24, we learn that Jesus gave His life for His sheep, and He desires to lead us to an abundant life in Him.

 


 

SERIES: Parables of Jesus
MESSAGE: Matthew 21:33-22:22
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 21:33-22:22
URL: http://SkipHeitzig.com/4305

MESSAGE SUMMARY
Jesus taught with complete authority, denouncing the misconceptions of the religious leaders of the day. With skill and precision, Jesus uses parables and their own words to silence their challenges and expose their motives. Let's consider His words, heed His warnings, and remember that He alone is righteous and worthy of praise.

STUDY GUIDE
Matthew 22
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21 (NKJV)
PREVIEW: In Matthew 22, Jesus silences the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadduccees as they try to entangle Him in His words.

Matthew 22 Outline:
Parable of the Marriage Feast - Read Matthew 22:1-14
Conflict with Pharisees and Herodians - Read Matthew 22:15-22
Conflict with Sadducees - Read Matthew 22:23-33
The Greatest Commandment - Read Matthew 22:24-10
The Son of David - Read Matthew 22:41-46

Parable of the Marriage Feast - Read Matthew 22:1-14

1. Having been rejected by the Jews, Jesus continues telling parables to the religious leaders to make it clear to them that they have rejected God’s Messiah (see Matthew 21:45) and God is going to invite the Gentiles into salvation. Who arranges this wedding? Whose wedding is it? Who is invited? Who does the inviting? Who do these represent?




2. What did the invited guests do to the king’s servants (vv. 3, 5-6)? (See also Matthew 5:12, 23:34-35, and Acts 7:52.)




3. What did the king do to those who rejected His invitation (v. 7)? (See also Daniel 9:26.)




4. To whom does the king then send his servants to invite (v. 9)? (See also Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:47, Acts 13:47, Romans 11:11, and Ephesians 3:8.)




5. Who do the servants find and invite to the wedding (v. 10)? What words describe those found? Who do they represent? (See also 1 Corinthians 6:11.)




6. What did the king see when he entered the wedding hall (v. 11)? What does he say to him (v. 11)? Who does this person represent? (See Isaiah 61:10, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 3:21-22, 2 Corinthians 5:3, and Revelation 3:4-5, 18.)




7. What does the king do to the person who isn’t clothed in a wedding garment (v. 12-13)?




8. What is meant by “For many are called, but few are chosen” (v. 14)? (See also Matthew 7:13-14, 28:19, and Luke 13:23-24.)




Conflict with Pharisees and Herodians - Read Matthew 22:15-22

9. What was the Pharisees' intention in sending their disciples with the Herodians to ask Jesus about paying taxes (v. 15)? Who were the Herodians?




10. How were the Pharisees hoping their question (v.17) would entangle Jesus in His talk?




11. Why did the Pharisees and Herodians marvel at Jesus’ answer (v. 22)?




12. How can we practice Jesus’ exhortation to “render to God the things that are God’s”? (See 1 Corinthians 3:23, 6:19-20, 12:27, Matthew 11:29, Acts 9:6, Hebrews 12:9, and James 4:7-10.)




Conflict with Sadducees - Read Matthew 22:23-33

13. The Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, present Jesus with a preposterous scenario of seven brothers marrying the same woman. They ask whose wife she would be in the resurrection, since they all had her as a wife in this life. Jesus said they were mistaken. Why were they mistaken according to Jesus (v. 29)?


14. What two things did the Sadducees lack an understanding of (vv. 29-30)?



15. What did Jesus say concerning the resurrection of the dead that caused the multitudes to be astonished (v. 33)?



The Greatest Commandment - Read Matthew 22:24-10

16. The Pharisees had 613 commandments in the Old Testament and were hoping to stir up a controversy, so they gathered together to test Jesus again. This time they send a lawyer (an expert in the law) who asks Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” What is Jesus’ response (v. 37)? (See also Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 10:12, and 30:6.)



17. Instead of just giving the first and great commandment as an answer to the Pharisees’ test, Jesus adds the second most important commandment. What is it and why did He add this to His answer? (See Leviticus 19:18 and 1 John 4:20)


The Son of David - Read Matthew 22:41-46

18. Jesus now turns the table and presents a test question to the Pharisees. What is the question He asks them (v. 42)? Is it a difficult question for them to answer?



19. Jesus asks the Pharisees a follow up question that stumps them. (v. 44). Why couldn’t they answer this question?




20. What was the end result of Jesus’ test question to the Pharisees (v. 46)?

DETAILED NOTES

  1. Introduction
    1. Poor preaching makes you sleepy
    2. When Jesus spoke, He had God's authority
    3. He spoke in principles and parables
      1. Popular in that time, favorite of the rabbis
      2. It was a speaking and listening culture
      3. Today we are a visual culture
    4. When someone started a story, people would press in
      1. Tell the story
      2. Ask a question
    5. Greek word: παραβολή; parabole - with or alongside of/to cast
  2. Two vineyard parables
    1. Son said no, then later went; another son yes, but never went
    2. Landowner planted vineyard, leased it, sent his son
      1. Common picture story—the crowd was tracking with Jesus
      2. What will be done to the vinedressers?
      3. This was common story, the house of Israel is God's vineyard
        1. They are probably already thinking  of Isaiah 5:1-7
        2. Rocks symbolic of the Canaanites
        3. Play on words—good grapes versus wild grapes
        4. Vinedressers: rulers of Israel
        5. Servants: prophets
        6. Son: Jesus Christ
        7. Hedge: Law of Moses
        8. God wants fruit
        9. Kill everyone God sends (see Luke 13:34)
      4. Their answer: destroy wicked men/give vineyard to others
        1. Israel as a nation would be set aside
        2. Good news given to Gentiles—church born
        3. Fruit would come
    3. Cornerstone (see Psalms 118)
      1. Rejected son in the parable
      2. Nation rejected the chief cornerstone
      3. Buildings were built out of stone
      4. Cornerstone was the most important/perfect
      5. Placement was key
      6. Peter told who the cornerstone was (see Acts 4:5-12)
      7. Israel hardened/blinded
      8. Jesus was rejected by the nation, so God rejected the nation (see Hebrews 11:25)
        1. Not permanent (see Romans 11)
        2. 144,000 Jews receive Jesus during tribulation
      9. Whoever falls on this stone
        1. Stone is on the ground (Jesus' first coming)
        2. People run into
        3. They are broken
      10. Stone will fall and grind to powder (Jesus' second coming)
        1. His enemies & enemies of Israel
        2. Story, King of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar) has a dream (see Daniel 2)
          1. Daniel interprets the dream
          2. A stone comes from heaven, kills all the kingdoms of the earth, sets up a new kingdom
          3. A common/familiar picture for them
        3. Fall on the stone and be broken or the rock will grind you to powder
        4. Leaders believe that He is talking about them
  3. Parable of the wedding feast—king arranges marriage for his son
    1. Seven-day feast
    2. Two-fold invitation
      1. In advance—servants personally invite people
      2. Then the call, "Dinner is served"
    3. God's pattern, "To the Jew first, and also to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16)
    4. Resist the Holy Spirit, Just like their father's Steven said (see Acts 7:51-58)
    5. Burned up their city
      1. Josephus wrote about what happened
      2. Jesus foretold it
    6. Not dressed right
      1. King provided clothes
      2. One thought he didn't need the King's clothes
        1. Better to over-dress than under-dress
        2. Snub against the King
        3. This tells of someone who trusts in his own righteousness (see Isaiah 64:6, Romans 10:3, and Matthew 5:3)
    7. Many are called, not many believe
      1. Chosen/elect
      2. Call of God or freewill (see John 15:16)
      3. Prevenient grace
      4. God draws us (see John 6:44)
        1. Example: flew yesterday from California
        2. Light is a contradiction
      5. Plot to kill Jesus
        1. Herodians—Roman backed dynasty
        2. They butter Him up—sandwich approach
        3. Pay taxes to Caesar?
        4. Denarius
        5. Whose face?
  4. Conclusion
    1. God has the right to collect worship—render to God the things that are God's
    2. "the mind cannot retain what the seat cannot endure"

Hebrew terms: בְּאֻשִׁים; beushim, wild grapes
Greek terms: παραβολή; parabole, (a) a comparison, (b) a parable, often of those uttered by our Lord, (c) a proverb, an adage;
Figures referenced: Josephus
Cross references: Psalms 118, Isaiah 5:1-7, Daniel 2, Luke 13:34, Acts 4:5-12, Romans 1:16, 11, Hebrews 11:25

 


 

SERIES: Parables of Jesus
MESSAGE: Luke 10
SPEAKER: Skip Heitzig
SCRIPTURE: Luke 10
URL: http://SkipHeitzig.com/4306

MESSAGE SUMMARY
The service we give to the Lord is important, but it's equally important to sit before Him in adoration. In Luke 10, we read that Jesus sent out a group of His followers to share His message of peace, told the parable of the good Samaritan, and encountered sisters Mary and Martha. As we study these stories, we are reminded to keep our focus on Christ.

STUDY GUIDE
Luke 10

Mission of the Seventy—Read Luke 10:1-16

1. Jesus appointed more apostles (see v. 1). How many did He appoint? Where did He send them?



2. Jesus sent out these additional apostles two by two. Why do you think He did that? (See Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; John 8:17.)



3. Before Jesus sent out these additional apostles, He said, “The harvest truly is great” (Luke 10:2). What harvest was He referring to? (See 1 Corinthians 3:9.)



4. Jesus instructed the apostles to pray to the Lord of the harvest. What specifically were they to pray to the Lord of the harvest for (see v. 2)? What was the answer to this prayer (see v. 3)? (See also Matthew 28:19-20.)



5. Jesus sent the seventy out as lambs among wolves (see v. 3). What might a lamb experience among wolves?



6. In commissioning these seventy, what did Jesus tell them not to take or do (see v. 4)? Why do you think He told them that?



7. When the apostles entered a house, what were they to say first (see v. 5)? Why do you think they would say this (see v. 6)? (See also 1 Samuel 25:6; Matthew 10:12-13.)



8. If the apostles were received into a house, they were to remain there (see v. 7). Why do you think Jesus instructed them to do this?



9. Jesus told the apostles, “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (v. 7). What labor would the apostles perform during their stay in the cities Jesus was sending them to (see v. 9)?



10. The apostles were not to carry a knapsack loaded with supplies like food (see v. 4). What were they to eat (see vv. 7-8)?



11. What were the primary mission and message of the apostles (see v. 9)? Why was it critical for the residents of the cities to receive their message (see vv. 10-11)? (See also Revelation 12:10.)



12. What were the apostles to do if the residents of the cities did not receive their message (see vv. 10-11)? What did this action represent? (See Luke 9:5; Acts 13:51; 18:6.)



13. Jesus said it would be more tolerable for Sodom in the day of judgment than for the city that didn't receive His apostles and their message (see v. 12). Why? (See Matthew 10:40; John 13:20.)



14. Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities; Chorazin and Bethsaida were cities near Galilee. Most of Jesus’ mighty works were done in these cities (see v. 13). Why is it important to recognize and acknowledge the mighty works of God in your life? (See Luke 12:48; Philippians 3:16.)



15. Jesus used the word woe when addressing the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida (see v. 13). What does that word mean?



16. It is evident that Chorazin and Bethsaida did not repent and believe in Jesus despite the mighty works done in their midst (see v. 13). Jesus said it would be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for these cities (see v. 14). What judgment was Jesus referring to? (See Revelation 20:11-15.)



17. Capernaum was considered Jesus’ hometown during His years of ministry (see Matthew 4:13). Because of His extended presence in Capernaum, it was “exalted to heaven” (Matthew 11:23). Jesus compared this city to Sodom, which was judged with fire (see Genesis 19:24-28). Why did Jesus judge Capernaum so harshly? Who else does Jesus judge in the same manner? (See Matthew 10:15.)



18. Just as Jesus visited Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum and did mighty works, He visits our lives and does mighty works and speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and His apostles. Why is it important to carefully listen, heed what He says, and repent when necessary (see v. 16)?



Return of the Seventy—Read Luke 10:17-24


19. After some time, the seventy apostles returned. What was their attitude and report (see v. 17)?



20. The apostles were astonished that even the demons were subject to them in Jesus' name (see v. 17). Why were the demons subject to them (see v. 19)? (See also Luke 9:1.)



21. Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (v. 18). When did that happen? (See Isaiah 14:12-14; Revelation 9:1; 12:8-9.)



22. In the Bible, serpents, scorpions, flies, locusts, frogs, goats, and other creatures are often used to represent demonic spirits. What did Jesus give the apostles? What did He promise them (see v. 19)?



23. How might you and I overcome and trample the demonic forces of evil present in our lives? (See John 16:33; Romans 8:33-39; 12:1-2, 21; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:13-18; 1 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:13-14; 4:4; 5:5.)



24. Although the apostles rejoiced at the spiritual success they had in their mission, what eternal perspective did Jesus communicate to them (see v. 20)?



25. Jesus told the apostles that their names were written in heaven (see v. 20). What specifically was Jesus referring to? (See Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Daniel 12:1; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 13:8; 20:15; 21:27.)



26. Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and thanked the Father (see v. 21). What did He thank the Father for? (See also 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.)



27. Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “All things have been delivered to Me by my Father” (v. 22). What things was He referring to? (See Matthew 28:18; John 3:35; 5:27; 17:2.)



28. Jesus told His disciples that no one knows who the Son and the Father are except who? How can one know (see v. 22)? (See also 1 Corinthians 13:12; John 1:12-13; 6:44; 14:9.)



29. Jesus turned to His disciples and privately told them that their eyes were blessed. How were their eyes blessed (see vv. 23-24)?




30. Jesus said that many prophets and kings had desired to see and hear what the disciples saw and heard (see v. 24). Why did the prophets and kings desire to see and hear those things? (See 1 Peter 1:10-12.)




31. The prophets and kings desired to see what the disciples got to see. Can we be blessed like the disciples were? (See Luke 11:28; John 13:17; Revelation 22:14.)



How to Inherit Eternal Life—Read Luke 10:25-28

32. A lawyer was a person who was an expert in the Old Testament Law. What did the lawyer ask Jesus (see v. 25)? Why?



33. Jesus turned the lawyer’s questions back to him and asked him how he interpreted the Old Testament Law (see v. 26). How did the lawyer answer (see v. 27)? (See also Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-5.)




34. The lawyer gave an outstanding answer by quoting Scripture, and Jesus told him that he answered rightly. What else did Jesus tell the lawyer was required in order to inherit eternal life (see v. 28)? (See also Leviticus 18:5; Matthew 19:17; Romans 10:5.)



Parable of the Good Samaritan—Read Luke 10:29-37


35. The lawyer tried to justify and defend himself against the implications of Jesus’ words. He tried to move the focus off himself and the responsibility to keep God’s commands by asking, “And who is my neighbor?” (v. 29). What can happen to a person who knows what God’s Word says they need to do—but doesn't do it? (See Romans 2:13; James 1:22.)



36. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho is a twenty-mile road referred to as “the bloody way.” In the parable Jesus told the lawyer, what happened to the man walking on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho (see v. 30)?



37. A priest, likely coming down from serving in the temple at Jerusalem, saw the man. What did the priest do when he saw the man (see v. 31)?



38. All priests are Levites, but not all Levites are priests. Only the sons of Aaron were allowed to be priests. The other Levites were assigned to serve in the tabernacle to assist the priests. This Levite was also likely coming home from serving at the temple. What did the Levite do when he saw the man (see v. 32)?



39. The Jews and Samaritans did not favor one another because of their differences in religious beliefs (see John 4:9, 20). The Samaritan also saw the man. How did the Samaritan’s response to the man differ from that of the priest and the Levite (see v. 33)?



40. What did the Samaritan do in stark contrast to the actions of the priest and Levite (see vv. 34-35)?




41. After the parable, Jesus asked the lawyer who was the neighbor to the Samaritan. What was his answer (see v. 37)?



42. In Jesus’ answers to both of the lawyer’s questions, what was required (see vv. 28, 37)?



43. How can we be like the Good Samaritan? (See Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:8.)




44. After the parable of the good Samaritan, the question was no longer "Who is my neighbor?" but "What kind of neighbor am I?" Who is your neighbor biblically? Who in your life might be in a situation like the man who fell among thieves? How can you be like the Good Samaritan to them?



Mary and Martha Are Contrasted—Read Luke 10:38-42


45. Jesus and His disciples went to a certain village in which a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. In what village was Martha’s house located? Who lived with her? (See John 11:1; 12:1-2.)



46. Martha had a sister named Mary. How did Luke characterize Mary (see v. 39)?



47. How did Luke characterize Martha (see v. 40)?



48. Because of her distraction, Martha approached Jesus and asked Him a question. What did Martha’s question imply about Jesus (see v. 40)?



49. Martha approached Jesus and commanded Him to act on her behalf. What did Martha command Jesus to do for her (see v. 40)?



50. Often when God uses a person’s name twice in a single statement, it is because He wants to get their attention, get them to see something about themselves or their situation, and teach them something crucial. What did Jesus want Martha to see about herself (see v. 41)?



51. Like Martha, we can be worried and troubled about many things. What are some solutions offered by 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 and Philippians 4:6?




52. Jesus’s loving response to Martha was to let her know that one thing was needed. What was that one thing (see v. 42)?



53. How might you make time in your life to do this one needed thing?




DETAILED NOTES

  1. Introduction
    1. Luke 9:51 to chapter 19 is the travelogue of Jesus on His way to Jerusalem
      1. Luke 9:51 is a turning point in the gospel of Luke
      2. Up to this point, Jesus' ministry was in Galilee, and Luke focused on the works of Jesus
      3. Now, Luke focused on the words of Jesus
      4. From the miracles Jesus performed to the messages Jesus spoke
    2. Luke 1-3: the advent of Jesus Christ
      1. Luke 4 onward: the activities of Jesus Christ
      2. Now, because He was on His way to the cross, we see the antagonism toward Jesus Christ
    3. We turn from the revelation of Jesus Christ to the rejection of Jesus Christ, culminating at the cross
  2. Luke 10:1-24
    1. At the beginning of Luke 9, Jesus sent out His twelve men
    2. Verse 1: Luke is the only one who gave us this information
    3. Why did Jesus send the seventy out?
      1. We see the number seventy throughout the Bible
        1. Exodus 18; 24:9
        2. These seventy elders became known as the Sanhedrin in New Testament times
        3. Genesis 10: seventy names into seventy nations
      2. The twelve corresponded to the twelve tribes of Israel
        1. Matthew 10:5-6
        2. They were on a mission to the Jews only
        3. This represents the gospel going to the Jews first
      3. The seventy represents the gospel going out to the Gentiles also (see Romans 1:16)
      4. Luke drew this correspondence so we might see the foreshadowed form of the universality of the gospel message
    4. Verses 2-3: pray to the One who sends out the workers; it's His work
      1. Laborers, not supervisors or foremen; anyone who is willing
      2. Pray, then go your way
      3. The Lord may answer your prayer in an unforeseen way: He'll send you
    5. Lambs among wolves
      1. This is a graphic illustration of what believers face in the world
      2. Matthew 10:16
      3. Be gentle but not gullible
      4. There is a sweet reasonableness or appropriateness that we are to interface with unbelievers
      5. Matthew 22:15-22
    6. Jesus was saying, "Travel light and trust God on this journey"
      1. This was for short-term missions only
      2. Luke 22:35-36: this was for longer-term
    7. Verses 5-6
      1. Deuteronomy 20:10-12
      2. When you share the gospel, you offer peace to people
      3. When people reject it, you need to warn them of the consequences
      4. Isaiah 48:22
    8. Three cities in Jesus' day compared to three ancient cities
      1. Tyre, Sidon, Sodom
      2. Capernaum, Chorazin, Bethsaida
      3. More miracles and teachings of Jesus happened in Capernaum than any other place recorded in Scripture; Luke 12:48
      4. There is no record in the Bible that Jesus did anything in Chorazin, though it's implied
        1. There is a lot about Jesus' life and ministry that we don't know about
        2. John 21:25
      5. The sin of Chorazin, Capernaum, and Bethsaida was not that they were against Jesus; it was that they ignored Jesus
    9. Verse 16
      1. J.C. Ryle said this is one of the greatest verses of Scripture that exalts those in ministry
      2. When a king sends out an ambassador, to reject that ambassador is to reject that king
      3. 1 John 2:23
    10. Verse 18: the seventy were excited about the battles they won; Jesus was stepping back and saying, "Let me tell you about the whole war"
    11. Why would God ever create the Devil?
      1. He didn't; He created a beautiful spiritual being that fell from heaven and then became our adversary
      2. Ezekiel 28
        1. See verses 14-15 especially
        2. Satan went from the anointed cherub who covers to the anointed cherub who covets
      3. Isaiah 14
        1. See verses 12-13 especially
        2. Satan said, "I will" five times in this chapter
        3. Up until that point, there was one perfect will in the universe
    12. Verse 20: there's a greater level of joy than even serving the Lord—the joy of salvation
    13. God revealed His mysteries to babes, to those who are humble in spiritual sophistication; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27
    14. Verse 22
      1. John 14:1
      2. All roads lead to the judgment of God
      3. There is only one way, one name that saves you, and that is Jesus
  3. Luke 10:25-42
    1. This lawyer was an expert in the laws of Moses, a religious scribe
    2. Verse 25
      1. Good question
      2. Bad motivation: he wanted to test Jesus
      3. Wrong presupposition: "What do I need to do to earn favor?"
    3. In dealing with a guy all about Old Testament law, Jesus used the language he was used to—like Paul in Athens (see Acts 17:22-31)
    4. This was a hypothetical (see v. 28); have you ever met someone who did all of this?
      1. The law says, "Do this and you will live"
      2. Grace says, "Live and you will do this"
      3. This was meant to make the man honest, then humble; that's what the law is intended to do
      4. Romans 3:20
      5. The law was never meant to cleanse you; it was meant to convict you
    5. Luke was the only gospel writer who recorded the story of the good Samaritan
      1. Jesus made the most hated person among the Jews in that day the hero of the story
      2. The lawyer wouldn't even say, "The Samaritan" (see v. 37)
      3. Jesus was saying, "Find somebody who has a need and help that person; that's your neighbor"
    6. Why were Samaritans so hated?
      1. BC 722: the Assyrians conquered the northern part of Israel and took them captive
      2. The Assyrians dumped other conquered Gentiles into the northern part of Israel
      3. The Jews left in the land intermarried with Gentiles: a mix of bloodlines and worship systems
      4. When they came back to rebuild the temple under Nehemiah, some of the Samaritans wanted to help but were refused
      5. BC 330: the Samaritans built their own temple on Mount Gerizim almost identical to the one in Jerusalem
      6. John 4:4: Jesus needed to meet that woman and extend grace and love to her
    7. Verse 38: this was the town of Bethany
    8. Have you had someone to your house for dinner who is important to you? They were having God over for dinner!
    9. Martha was a woman of action; Mary was a woman of adoration
      1. Both characteristics are important in balance
      2. But if you had to choose one, sitting is better than standing
      3. If you sit now at Jesus' feet, you'll be able to stand tomorrow during the trials you face; if you fail to sit, you'll fall
    10. To say a name twice was to invite a person closer, to speak to them intimately
      1. Genesis 22:10-12
      2. Exodus 3:4-5
      3. 2 Samuel 18:33; 19:4
      4. Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34
    11. Work without worship produces worry; action without adoration produces aggravation
    12. Isaiah 40:31
    13. Are you encumbered in the kitchen, or are you encountering Jesus Christ?
      1. You can be working for the Lord and at the same time taking time to be before Him
      2. Church at Ephesus; Revelation 2:2, 4-5
    14. Your horizontal life—your relationships with people—is messed up because the vertical axis is off
    15. Begin each day sitting so that you can stand the rest of the time

Figures referenced: J.C. Ryle

Cross references: Genesis 10; 22:10-12; Exodus 3:4-5; 18; 24:9; Deuteronomy 20:10-12; 2 Samuel 18:33; 19:4; Isaiah 14; 40:31; 48:22; Ezekiel 28; Matthew 10:5-6, 16; 22:15-22; 23:37; Luke 9-10; 12:48; 13:34; 22:35-36; John 4:4; 14:1; 21:25; Acts 17:22-31; Romans 1:16; 3:20; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27; 1 John 2:23; Revelation 2:2, 4-5


Topic: Jesus' Ministry

Keywords: Jesus' ministry, disciples, Israel, Jews, Gentiles, gospel, unbelievers, missions, ministry, the Devil, Satan, the Law, grace, parable of the good Samaritan, Mary and Martha, work, worship


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