the parables of jesus were often spoken in the midst of opposition n the group that jesus was most...

The parables of Jesus were often spoken in the midst The parables of Jesus were often spoken in the midst of oppositionof opposition

The group that Jesus was most often in The group that Jesus was most often in conflict with was the Pharisee’s.conflict with was the Pharisee’s.


The group that Jesus was most often in The group that Jesus was most often in conflict with was the Pharisee’s.conflict with was the Pharisee’s.

He warned His disciples about their deadly He warned His disciples about their deadly influence. influence. (Mt 16:5-6, 12)(Mt 16:5-6, 12)


(Matthew 16:5-6 NKJV)(Matthew 16:5-6 NKJV) "Now when His "Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.had forgotten to take bread. {6} {6} Then Jesus Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”


(Matthew 16:12 NKJV)(Matthew 16:12 NKJV) "Then they "Then they understood that He did not tell understood that He did not tell them them to to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”


Jesus did not shrink from the confrontation Jesus did not shrink from the confrontation with the Pharisees but always tried to get with the Pharisees but always tried to get them to see their hearts.them to see their hearts.


Jesus did not shrink from the confrontation Jesus did not shrink from the confrontation with the Pharisees but always tried to get with the Pharisees but always tried to get them to see their hearts.them to see their hearts.

This kind of love must be the goal of our This kind of love must be the goal of our teaching as well! teaching as well! (2 Tim 2:24-26)(2 Tim 2:24-26)


(2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV)(2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV) "And a servant of "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,able to teach, patient, {25} {25} in humility in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,they may know the truth, {26} {26} and and that that they they may come to their senses may come to their senses and escape and escape the snare the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him of the devil, having been taken captive by him to to do do his will.”his will.”


When you get someone to see their hearts, When you get someone to see their hearts, you have done all you can do. The “ball” you have done all you can do. The “ball” now is in their court.now is in their court.


When you get someone to see their hearts, When you get someone to see their hearts, you have done all you can do. The “ball” you have done all you can do. The “ball” now is in their court.now is in their court.

Jesus’ Parables were powerful in Jesus’ Parables were powerful in controversy. controversy. (Mt 13:10-13)(Mt 13:10-13)


(Matthew 13:10-13 NKJV) "And the disciples (Matthew 13:10-13 NKJV) "And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"them in parables?" {11} {11} He answered and said to He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.them it has not been given. {12} {12} "For whoever "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.he has will be taken away from him.


{13} {13} "Therefore I speak to them in "Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”do they understand.”


In many cases they answered the In many cases they answered the applications of the parables correctly, applications of the parables correctly, only to see they had condemned only to see they had condemned themselves!themselves!


In many cases they answered the In many cases they answered the applications of the parables correctly, applications of the parables correctly, only to see they had condemned only to see they had condemned themselves!themselves!

Also the parables had the effect of hiding Also the parables had the effect of hiding from those who were unwilling to think from those who were unwilling to think while revealing to those who would seek while revealing to those who would seek out the truth!out the truth!

Parables Exposing Self-righteousnessParables Exposing Self-righteousness

What is self-righteousness? What is self-righteousness? (Lk 18:9)(Lk 18:9)


(Luke 18:9 NKJV)(Luke 18:9 NKJV) "Also He spoke this "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised that they were righteous, and despised others:“others:“


The essence of self-righteousness is a man The essence of self-righteousness is a man had stopped looking at God.had stopped looking at God.


In this state of mind these men could not In this state of mind these men could not find the true righteousness of God. find the true righteousness of God. (Rom 10:1-2; 4:1-4)(Rom 10:1-2; 4:1-4)


(Romans 10:1-2 NKJV)(Romans 10:1-2 NKJV) "Brethren, my "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.that they may be saved. {2} {2} For I bear them For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”not according to knowledge.”


(Romans 4:1-4 NKJV)(Romans 4:1-4 NKJV) "What then shall we say "What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?the flesh? {2} {2} For if Abraham was justified by For if Abraham was justified by works, he has works, he has something something to boast about, but not to boast about, but not before God.before God. {3} {3} For what does the Scripture say? For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."him for righteousness." {4} {4} Now to him who Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.”debt.”


How could a man actually think he could How could a man actually think he could earn salvation?earn salvation?


How could a man actually think he could How could a man actually think he could earn salvation?earn salvation?

The Pharisees often associated The Pharisees often associated “righteousness” with their man-made “righteousness” with their man-made traditions and their party affiliations. traditions and their party affiliations. (Jn 5:42-44)(Jn 5:42-44)


(John 5:42-44 NKJV)(John 5:42-44 NKJV) "But I know you, "But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.that you do not have the love of God in you. {43} {43} "I have come in My Father's name, and "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.his own name, him you will receive. {44} {44} "How can you believe, who receive honor "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that that comes comes from the only God?”from the only God?”


Jesus used a Tax collector as an example of Jesus used a Tax collector as an example of righteousness! righteousness! (Lk 18:10-14)(Lk 18:10-14)


(Luke 18:10-14 NKJV)(Luke 18:10-14 NKJV) "Two men went "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.the other a tax collector. {11} {11} "The Pharisee "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men; thank You that I am not like other men; extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.this tax collector. {12} {12} 'I fast twice a week; I 'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'give tithes of all that I possess.'


{13} {13} "And the tax collector, standing afar "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise off, would not so much as raise his his eyes to eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'merciful to me a sinner!' {14} {14} "I tell you, "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified this man went down to his house justified rather rather than the other; for everyone who than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."humbles himself will be exalted."


The Pharisee could not imagine any Tax The Pharisee could not imagine any Tax collector as being righteous. Why?collector as being righteous. Why?



Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with a Tax collector! a Tax collector!



Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with a Tax collector! a Tax collector!

The Pharisee’s did not know how a man is The Pharisee’s did not know how a man is righteous before God.righteous before God.



Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with a Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with a Tax collector! Tax collector!

The Pharisee’s did not know how a man is The Pharisee’s did not know how a man is righteous before God.righteous before God.

Jesus used the parable of the two sons to reveal Jesus used the parable of the two sons to reveal the kind of religion the Pharisee’s espoused.the kind of religion the Pharisee’s espoused.


The Pharisees were enraged over Jesus The Pharisees were enraged over Jesus cleansing the temple again. cleansing the temple again. (Mt 21:12-13)(Mt 21:12-13)


(Matthew 21:12-13 NKJV)(Matthew 21:12-13 NKJV) "Then Jesus "Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.and the seats of those who sold doves. {13} {13} And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"have made it a 'den of thieves.'"


In a confrontation with Jesus, they showed In a confrontation with Jesus, they showed they feared the people more than they loved they feared the people more than they loved God’s truth. God’s truth. (Mt 21:23, 25)(Mt 21:23, 25)


(Matthew 21:23 NKJV)(Matthew 21:23 NKJV) "Now when He "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?"who gave You this authority?"


(Matthew 21:25 NKJV)(Matthew 21:25 NKJV) "The baptism of "The baptism of John; where was it from? From heaven or John; where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?”you not believe him?”


In response to this He told a parable. In response to this He told a parable. (Mt 21:28-32)(Mt 21:28-32)


(Matthew 21:28-32 NKJV)(Matthew 21:28-32 NKJV) ""But what do ""But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.'my vineyard.' {29} {29} "He answered and said, 'I "He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went.went. {30} {30} "Then he came to the second and "Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, go, sir,' but he did not go.sir,' but he did not go.


{31} {31} "Which of the two did the will of "Which of the two did the will of his his father?" father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. {32} {32} "For John came to you in the way of "For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw you saw it, it, you did not afterward relent and you did not afterward relent and believe him.”believe him.”


The religion of God is more than a “talk The religion of God is more than a “talk religion.”religion.”



Some of the hardest hearts can tell you what Some of the hardest hearts can tell you what the Bible says.the Bible says.



Some of the hardest hearts can tell you what Some of the hardest hearts can tell you what the Bible says.the Bible says.

They sat in the audience while their hearts They sat in the audience while their hearts were not touched thinking: “I am were not touched thinking: “I am righteousness.”righteousness.”


Sadly people can be so satisfied in their Sadly people can be so satisfied in their own righteousness that they fail to see what own righteousness that they fail to see what is plain to God. is plain to God. (Mt 23:4)(Mt 23:4)


(Matthew 23:4 NKJV)(Matthew 23:4 NKJV) ""For they bind ""For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them them on men's shoulders; but they on men's shoulders; but they themselves themselves will not move them with one of their will not move them with one of their fingers.”fingers.”


(Matthew 23:4 NKJV)(Matthew 23:4 NKJV) ""For they bind ""For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them them on men's shoulders; but they on men's shoulders; but they themselves themselves will not move them with one of their will not move them with one of their fingers.“fingers.“

Which son are you?Which son are you?

Parables Exposing HypocrisyParables Exposing Hypocrisy

What is a hypocrite? What is a hypocrite? (Lk 11:44-47)(Lk 11:44-47)


(Luke 11:44-47 NKJV)(Luke 11:44-47 NKJV) "Woe to you, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over men who walk over them them are not aware are not aware of of them." {45} them." {45} Then one of the lawyers Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, "Teacher, by answered and said to Him, "Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also."saying these things You reproach us also."


{46} {46} And He said, "Woe to you also, lawyers! For And He said, "Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.your fingers. {47} {47} "Woe to you! For you build the "Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.“them.“


HupokritesHupokrites 1) one who answers, an 1) one who answers, an interpreter 2) an actor, stage player 3) a interpreter 2) an actor, stage player 3) a dissembler, pretender, hypocrite.dissembler, pretender, hypocrite.


You are in essence playing a part; your You are in essence playing a part; your heart is somewhere else. heart is somewhere else. (Mt 15:8)(Mt 15:8)


(Matthew 15:8 NKJV)(Matthew 15:8 NKJV) "'These people "'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with honor Me with their their lips, But their heart is lips, But their heart is far from Me.“far from Me.“


The parable of the good Samaritan exposed The parable of the good Samaritan exposed one lawyer.one lawyer.


The parable of the good Samaritan exposed The parable of the good Samaritan exposed one lawyer.one lawyer.

The lawyer wanted to “test” Jesus. Where is The lawyer wanted to “test” Jesus. Where is his heart? his heart? (Lk 10:25)(Lk 10:25)


(Luke 10:25 NKJV)(Luke 10:25 NKJV) "And behold, a "And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"eternal life?"


Jesus in turn tests the lawyer! Jesus in turn tests the lawyer! (Lk 10:28-29)(Lk 10:28-29)


(Luke 10:28-29 NKJV)(Luke 10:28-29 NKJV) "And He said to "And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live."and you will live." {29} {29} But he, wanting to But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"“my neighbor?"“


This is a question of a man who does not This is a question of a man who does not want to see! I know of some who think they want to see! I know of some who think they are spiritual because they raise many are spiritual because they raise many questions and then do what they want.questions and then do what they want.


This is a question of a man who does not This is a question of a man who does not want to see! I know of some who think they want to see! I know of some who think they are spiritual because they raise many are spiritual because they raise many questions and then do what they want.questions and then do what they want.

Here is a picture so plain anyone could see. Here is a picture so plain anyone could see. Notice who was the hero! Notice who was the hero! (Jn 8:48, Lk 10:30-35)(Jn 8:48, Lk 10:30-35)


(John 8:48 NKJV)(John 8:48 NKJV) "Then the Jews "Then the Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?"demon?"


(Luke 10:30-35 NKJV)(Luke 10:30-35 NKJV) "Then Jesus "Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain answered and said: "A certain man man went down went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded wounded him, him, and departed, leaving and departed, leaving him him half half dead.dead. {31} {31} "Now by chance a certain priest "Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.he passed by on the other side.


{32} {32} "Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at "Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.the other side. {33} {33} "But a certain Samaritan, "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.when he saw him, he had compassion. {34} {34} "So he went to "So he went to him him and bandaged his wounds, and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.care of him.


{35} {35} "On the next day, when he departed, "On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave he took out two denarii, gave them them to the to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'come again, I will repay you.'


Now for the question! Now for the question! (Lk 10:36-37)(Lk 10:36-37)


(Luke 10:36-37 NKJV)(Luke 10:36-37 NKJV) "So which of "So which of these three do you think was neighbor to these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?"him who fell among the thieves?" {37} {37} And And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."likewise."


You had better watch out when you expose You had better watch out when you expose one’s heart!one’s heart!


The parable of the wicked vinedressers was The parable of the wicked vinedressers was also presented to a hostile group.also presented to a hostile group.



This is in the same context as the parable of This is in the same context as the parable of the two sons.the two sons.



This is in the same context as the parable of This is in the same context as the parable of the two sons.the two sons.

How would you answer the Lord? How would you answer the Lord? (Mt 21:33-40)(Mt 21:33-40)


(Matthew 21:33-40 NKJV)(Matthew 21:33-40 NKJV) ""Hear another ""Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.vinedressers and went into a far country. {34} {34} "Now "Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. {35} {35} "And the vinedressers took his servants, beat "And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.one, killed one, and stoned another.


{36} {36} "Again he sent other servants, more than the "Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.first, and they did likewise to them. {37} {37} "Then last "Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will of all he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'respect my son.' {38} {38} "But when the vinedressers "But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.'inheritance.' {39} {39} "So they took him and cast "So they took him and cast him him out of the vineyard and killed out of the vineyard and killed him. {40} him. {40} "Therefore, "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?"do to those vinedressers?"


They answered correctly. Watch out! They answered correctly. Watch out! (Mt 21:42-45)(Mt 21:42-45)


(Matthew 21:42-45 NKJV)(Matthew 21:42-45 NKJV) "Jesus said to "Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, And it is marvelous in our Lord's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'?eyes'? {43} {43} "Therefore I say to you, the "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.


{44} {44} "And whoever falls on this stone will "And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."grind him to powder." {45} {45} Now when the Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.”speaking of them.”


Most people who fail to understand do not Most people who fail to understand do not have a lack of ability to think.have a lack of ability to think.


Most people who fail to understand do not Most people who fail to understand do not have a lack of ability to think.have a lack of ability to think.

Did they see Jesus’ point? Did they see Jesus’ point? (Mt 21:45-46)(Mt 21:45-46)


(Matthew 21:45-46 NKJV)(Matthew 21:45-46 NKJV) "Now when "Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.speaking of them. {46} {46} But when they But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet."prophet."

Parables Exposing BlindnessParables Exposing Blindness

The Pharisee’s were made blind because of The Pharisee’s were made blind because of their pride. This was seen when Jesus their pride. This was seen when Jesus healed a blind man. healed a blind man. (Jn 9:35-41)(Jn 9:35-41)


(John 9:35-41 NKJV)(John 9:35-41 NKJV) "Jesus heard that they "Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, "Do you believe in the Son of He said to him, "Do you believe in the Son of God?"God?" {36} {36} He answered and said, "Who is He answered and said, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?"He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" {37} {37} And Jesus said to him, "You have both seen And Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you."Him and it is He who is talking with you." {38} {38} Then he said, "Lord, I believe!" And he Then he said, "Lord, I believe!" And he worshiped Him.worshiped Him.


{39} {39} And Jesus said, "For judgment I have And Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made may see, and that those who see may be made blind."blind." {40} {40} Then Then some some of the Pharisees who of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, "Are we blind also?"Him, "Are we blind also?" {41} {41} Jesus said to Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.”sin remains.”


The parables of the lost sheep and the lost The parables of the lost sheep and the lost boy were spoken in controversy.boy were spoken in controversy.


The parables of the lost sheep and the lost The parables of the lost sheep and the lost boy were spoken in controversy.boy were spoken in controversy.

Jesus responded to this criticism. Jesus responded to this criticism. (Lk 15:1-2)(Lk 15:1-2)


(Luke 15:1-2 NKJV)(Luke 15:1-2 NKJV) "Then all the tax "Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.to hear Him. {2} {2} And the Pharisees and And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."“receives sinners and eats with them."“


In the parable of the lost sheep men In the parable of the lost sheep men rejoiced! The Pharisee’s could not because rejoiced! The Pharisee’s could not because of their blindness. of their blindness. (Lk 15:3-7)(Lk 15:3-7)


(Luke 15:3-7 NKJV)(Luke 15:3-7 NKJV) "So He spoke this "So He spoke this parable to them, saying:parable to them, saying: {4} {4} "What man of "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?is lost until he finds it? {5} {5} "And when he "And when he has found has found it, it, he lays he lays it it on his shoulders, on his shoulders, rejoicing.rejoicing.


{6} {6} "And when he comes home, he calls "And when he comes home, he calls together together his his friends and neighbors, saying to friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'sheep which was lost!' {7} {7} "I say to you that "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”repentance.”


We often focus on the prodigal son and his We often focus on the prodigal son and his relationship to the father. relationship to the father.


This is not the point of the parable. This is not the point of the parable. (Lk 15:11-24)(Lk 15:11-24)


(Luke 15:11-24 NKJV)(Luke 15:11-24 NKJV) "Then He said: "A certain "Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.man had two sons. {12} {12} "And the younger of them "And the younger of them said to said to his his father, 'Father, give me the portion of father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls goods that falls to me.' to me.' So he divided to them So he divided to them his his livelihood.livelihood. {13} {13} "And not many days after, the "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.prodigal living. {14} {14} "But when he had spent all, "But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.began to be in want.


{15} {15} "Then he went and joined himself to a citizen "Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.feed swine. {16} {16} "And he would gladly have filled "And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him one gave him anything. {17} anything. {17} "But when he came to "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!perish with hunger! {18} {18} 'I will arise and go to my 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,against heaven and before you,


{19} {19} "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."'Make me like one of your hired servants."' {20} {20} "And "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. {21} {21} "And "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'be called your son.' {22} {22} "But the father said to his "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it it on him, and on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on put a ring on his hand and sandals on his his feet.feet.


{23} {23} 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, it, and let us eat and be merry;and let us eat and be merry; {24} {24} 'for this 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.”merry.”


The point of the parable is the elder son. The point of the parable is the elder son. Who do he represent? Who do he represent? (Lk 15:25-32)(Lk 15:25-32)


(Luke 15:25-32 NKJV)(Luke 15:25-32 NKJV) ""Now his older son was ""Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.house, he heard music and dancing. {26} {26} "So he "So he called one of the servants and asked what these called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.things meant. {27} {27} "And he said to him, 'Your "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'calf.' {28} {28} "But he was angry and would not go in. "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.


{29} {29} "So he answered and said to "So he answered and said to his his father, 'Lo, father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.make merry with my friends. {30} {30} 'But as soon as 'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'for him.' {31} {31} "And he said to him, 'Son, you are "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.always with me, and all that I have is yours.


{32} {32} 'It was right that we should make 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"found.'"


The parable of the great supper also was an The parable of the great supper also was an answer to the Pharisees.answer to the Pharisees.


The parable of the great supper also was an The parable of the great supper also was an answer to the Pharisees.answer to the Pharisees.

They were very critical of Jesus. They They were very critical of Jesus. They looked only to find fault. looked only to find fault. (Lk 14:1-4)(Lk 14:1-4)


(Luke 14:1-4 NKJV)(Luke 14:1-4 NKJV) "Now it happened, as He "Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely.watched Him closely. {2} {2} And behold, there was a And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy.certain man before Him who had dropsy. {3} {3} And And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"Sabbath?" {4} {4} But they kept silent. And He took But they kept silent. And He took him him and healed him, and let him go.and healed him, and let him go.


While Jesus was in their midst there was While Jesus was in their midst there was opportunity. These blind men were to fulfill opportunity. These blind men were to fulfill the parable Jesus now tells. the parable Jesus now tells. (Lk 14:15-18, 24)(Lk 14:15-18, 24)


(Luke 14:15-18 NKJV)(Luke 14:15-18 NKJV) "Now when one of "Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, "Blessed these things, he said to Him, "Blessed is is he he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!"who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!" {16} {16} Then He said to him, "A certain man Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many,gave a great supper and invited many, {17} {17} "and sent his servant at supper time to say to "and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.'are now ready.'


{18} {18} "But they all with one "But they all with one accord accord began to began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.'see it. I ask you to have me excused.'


(Luke 14:24 NKJV)(Luke 14:24 NKJV) "'For I say to you that "'For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.'"taste my supper.'"


How sad to be so blind as to pursue How sad to be so blind as to pursue something only to reject it when it is something only to reject it when it is offered!offered!

Parables Confronting the PhariseesParables Confronting the Pharisees

What was the end of the Pharisees?What was the end of the Pharisees?


What was the end of the Pharisees?What was the end of the Pharisees? Some were converted to Christ. Some were converted to Christ.

(Phil 3:5, 8)(Phil 3:5, 8)


(Philippians 3:5-8 NKJV)(Philippians 3:5-8 NKJV) "circumcised the "circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of of the tribe the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;concerning the law, a Pharisee; {6} {6} concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.law, blameless. {7} {7} But what things were gain But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.


{8} {8} Yet indeed I also count all things loss Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ”them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ”


Most were lost for eternity. Most were lost for eternity. (Mt 23:15, 33)(Mt 23:15, 33)


(Matthew 23:15 NKJV)(Matthew 23:15 NKJV) ""Woe to you, ""Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”much a son of hell as yourselves.”


(Matthew 23:33 NKJV)(Matthew 23:33 NKJV) ""Serpents, brood ""Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?”condemnation of hell?”


Where is your heart? In what do you trust?Where is your heart? In what do you trust?


Your outward activity and your religious Your outward activity and your religious “heritage” is meaningless without a right “heritage” is meaningless without a right heart before God.heart before God.


Your outward activity and your religious Your outward activity and your religious “heritage” is meaningless without a right “heritage” is meaningless without a right heart before God.heart before God.

Too many are very causal about the things Too many are very causal about the things of God. They will miss what God has for of God. They will miss what God has for them unless they repent!them unless they repent!

the parables of jesus were often spoken in the midst of opposition n the group that jesus was most...

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