The Good Samaritan. When an expert in the Law said the way to inherit eternal life is to obey the two greatest commandments, Jesus replied that he had answered correctly (Luke 10:25-28). But the man wanted to justify himself so he asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus told the Parable of theContinue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 9”
Author Archives: Marvin Bryant
Parables of the Kingdom 8
Unmerciful Servant. For a while there was a major emphasis in both society and church on not judging others. More recently, that emphasis seems to have diminished greatly. Today we hear accusations left and right. There is a pervasive judging of most anyone about any number of things. This judging is in contrast to oneContinue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 8”
Parables of the Kingdom 7
Minas and Talents. The parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27) and the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) are similar and also different. One of the differences is the amount of money entrusted to the servants. The word for “talent” in Matthew’s parable does indeed refer to money (see v. 27), not skills or abilities.Continue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 7”
Parables of the Kingdom 6
Treasure and Pearl. The parables of the treasure in a field and the pearl of great value are unique to Matthew (13:44-46). Their meaning is clear enough. The kingdom of God is of unparalleled worth. As a result, everything must be sacrificed to obtain it. In ancient times people often hid money or other valuablesContinue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 6”
Parables of the Kingdom 5
Weeds. Are you troubled by what’s going on in the world? Have you ever struggled with your faith due to bad things that have happened to you or your loved ones? If so, you’ll want to note the message of the Parable of the Weeds. This is another agricultural parable, and it is also sometimesContinue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 5”
Parables of the Kingdom 4
Leaven. What is the right relationship between the kingdom of God and the world? We don’t often say this, and when we do it is not popular, but there are only two kingdoms. There is the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. If we ask someone which kingdom they belong to, they mayContinue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 4”
Parables of the Kingdom 3
The Mustard Seed. I have to confess that I often get discouraged about the health of the church. Though there are indeed many fine congregations and some are doing very well, it seems that the church as a whole often gets off track. Problems abound, and sometimes it seems there is very little difference betweenContinue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 3”
Parables of the Kingdom 2
Seed Growing Secretly. The parable of the Growing Seed or the Seed Growing Secretly has an important lesson to teach us. Mark alone records this wonderful story (Mark 4:26-29). In it, Jesus specifically says what seems to be true of all the parables, namely, “This is what the kingdom of God is like.” God’s reignContinue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 2”
Parables of the Kingdom 1
Sower and Soils. In the Scriptures, God had said he was going to intervene and bring about better times and had referred to setting up a kingdom. The Jews had read those words and were looking forward to their fulfillment. In the first century they were expecting God’s kingdom to come (Mark 15:43; Luke 17:20;Continue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 1”
How to Change the World Like Jesus 7
His Sacrificial Death and Resurrection. I certainly will not be exhausting every aspect of the death and resurrection of Jesus in this post. Instead I hope to call attention to two ways it profoundly changes the world. First, Jesus’ death and resurrection show him to be the Messiah—the anointed deliverer God had promised to send.Continue reading “How to Change the World Like Jesus 7”
