The Parable of Jesus (part 11)

 Our last two parables are about sheep and a shepherd.

Luke 15:3-7- And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Leaving the ninety and nine seems a little silly unless that one lost sheep is you! Jesus is saying that He seeks out single sheep because each soul is precious to Him.

II Peter 3:9- The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Luke 15:8-10- Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Notice the joy is not from the angels, but in their presence. It's is God rejoicing over that sinner getting right! He thought so much of humanity that He was willing to be the sacrifice for the sin of the entire world.

Why is Christ telling this parable? Look at the first two verses.

Luke 15:1-2- Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Again, it's our favorite religious leaders complaining about Jesus interacting with those they felt were unworthy. Yes, they were sinners! That's why Jesus came!

Mark 2:17- When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

People are like sheep in the Lord's eyes. They need a shepherd.

John 10:1-6- Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. 

A good shepherd is always around the sheep. He goes out with them, leads them to good pasture, and protects them. He calls them and knows each one in His flock. He understands their needs. He sees their misdirection. He is there for them!

A stranger may sneak in, but it's not to care for the sheep. If there's a stranger in the flock, the sheep would do well for run!

Zechariah 11:15-17- And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

This evil shepherd preys upon the flock. He's only there to make merchandise of the sheep.

Notice that it isn't idle (like lazy) but idol (like a false god). These verses are a warning about the AntiChrist. That strange counterfeit shepherd that claims to be the messiah will bring destruction.

Jesus warned them back when He was on earth that there's a big difference between the Good Shepherd and the fake shepherd.

John 10:7-16- Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Jesus is telling the Jews that there is one Shepherd. One way to heaven. And that way is Him.

John 14:6- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The other sheep which are not of this fold is us Gentile Christians. Even back then we were on His mind. 

John 10:27-29- My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

No matter how much He tried to tell them about what was to come, they just didn't understand.

Mark 14:27- And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

And the same thing is true today. It's not enough that we know about Him. We need a relationship with Him, not just a religion about Him. We need to know Him and He needs to know us!

Matthew 7:22-23- Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Galatians 4:3-7- Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

Revelation 20:15- And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Does He know you? Have you been adopted into His family? Is your name written in the book of  Life?

The Parables of Jesus (part 10)

 In the Old Testament, there were promises to those who kept the law. If they tried their hardest to do right and good, they were rewarded with health and wealth. This is why Job's friends thought that surely he had done something wrong; God didn't punish people who were living the way He told them to live.

This thinking was so prevalent that when Jesus spoke parables about the rich being evil, it blew their minds!

Luke 12:16-21- And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Jesus kept trying to tell them that the rules were fixing to change. God was moving from works to faith. And He tried to lay this out in the next few verses.

Luke 12:22-31- And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Even Christians today who don't study their Bibles get this wrong. God never promised you that you would live a life of ease. If you are living as a true Christian, you will be hated by the world.

John 16:33- These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We are to lay up treasure in heaven! Our lives are to be lived spreading the gospel, walking by faith, and growing in grace by studying the Scriptures. But that doesn't make a nice sermon that brings in tithing people!

I John 2:15- Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The story of Lazarus was one that really messes up people's idea of living right. It even disturbed people in Christ's time. The rich guy went to hell! He had all the tell-tale signs of God's blessings in their eyes, and yet he wasn't right with God. Lazarus went to paradise (Abraham's Bosom) and yet he was sick and poor. It didn't make sense to them. It doesn't make sense to modern Christianity.

We are to cry out to God in faith, and wait on Him to answer. This waiting is not passing time twiddling our thumbs. This waiting is like a server at a restaurant- busy doing what  we know the Lord wants us to do. Jesus wants us to be consistent as well as faithful. He wants us to be determined in every area of our christian life.

Luke 18:1-8-And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Don't give up. Don't faint. Why? Because God doesn't always answer in the time and manner that we think He should. But don't worry, because He is listening and working. You just have to have faith that when the time is right, He will come through.

We don't see the hearts of others. We can't look through the veil of time and see when each little thing will click into place in just the right way to answer multiple prayers. But God can. We just have to persevere with a good attitude. After all, that's what faith is- believing God will do what He said He would do when He knows it's the right time to do it!

The Parables of Jesus (part 9)

When the Jews went into captivity they learned a lot of worldly things, and they began to incorporate those things into their worship services. No longer did they just read and obey Moses, but they incorporated traditions and commentaries from past Rabbis. Christ was always asking them "Have ye never read?" because they were putting more emphasis on the traditions and commentaries than the Scriptures.

These parables were something that were meant to edify and warn, but the Pharisees, and Sadducees, and Scribes were too proud to ever humble themselves. And this is why Jesus was always calling them out.

If they had only submitted themselves to the baptism of John, they would have had no problem acknowledging Jesus as their Messiah. And it was this very thing to which Christ kept bringing them back.

Luke 7:29-30- And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Matthew 21:24-24- And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Jesus goes on to say how you should think of those who cannot pay you back for what you do for them.

Luke 14:12-14- Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

 This was big, because the religious leaders were always mad at Jesus for healing those in need just because they didn't think it was the appropriate day. What better day to get a blessing from God than a day you set aside just for Him? But they didn't see it that way. They saw it as a violation of one of God's rules.

Matthew 5:17-Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

These parables just went over their heads, and not because they were too ignorant, but because they were too proud!

That's the point Jesus made in our next parable.

Luke 18:9-14- And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Jesus said the Pharisee prayed with himself. He was so full of self-righteous boasting that the Lord wasn't even listening!

The "dirty" publican who the Jews hated because they collected taxes for the Romans had enough sense to know that he was a sinner. He had nothing to offer God. And so, humbling himself, he simply admitted this and begged for mercy.

Jesus said that while God ignored the Pharisee, He listened to the publican and extended mercy.

James 4:6-10- But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

James tells us that if we submit to God and cry out for mercy, that God will grant us mercy. But he warns that God isn't going to do that for the proud.

Pride is one of those sneaky sins. You can't look at someone and see the sin of pride. Sometimes we don't even realize when we are full of pride. But God's promise remains true- humble yourself and He will give you mercy.

The Parables of Jesus (part 8)

Our next parable really has us searching the Scriptures! Reading this parable in the other two gospels that it is mentioned doesn't really shed light on the meaning. Only by comparing the words in different Scriptures will we find out the meaning behind it.

Luke 5:36-39- And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

This parable seems odd. But it is in response to something the religious leaders asked Him.

Luke 5:33-35- And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

The scribes and pharisees wanted to know why Jesus' disciples didn't fast. Jesus told them that He was the bridegroom, and they couldn't fast in His presence. He was implying that He was here for a Bride! Isn't it lovely how many hints Jesus dropped during His ministry that people just couldn't understand until later?

Jesus told them that once the Bridegroom was taken from them (killed and resurrected) that they would then start to fast. And then He follows it with our parable about a garment and wine bottles.

He says that an old garment doesn't get a new piece put into it, because the new could make the old worse. You have to change the whole thing.

Psalm 102:25-27- Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

Paul repeats these verses in Hebrews 1:10-12- And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

Jesus is telling them when the disciples start fasting that something has changed, and they can't go back to the old because the two don't agree.

Grape juice changes as it ages. If you put grape juice into an old bottle, as it ferments and gets bubbly it could will cause pressure to build up inside and any weakness in an old bottle will give way and the bottle will burst. 

Again, Jesus is pointing to the need for change, but He knows how hard it is for people to accept change. That's why He says they would desire the old.

The old way of being able to take care of my sins through my works of keeping the law and bringing sacrifices was comfortable for the Jews. But Christ was going to pay the wages of sin. And this was going to change everything!

The Jews wouldn't need a temple anymore because our body would be the temple and we would carry the Holy Ghost with us where ever we went. 
I Corinthians 6:19- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

The Jews wouldn't need a priest anymore because each Christian is a priest able to come before the throne of God and obtain mercy.
Revelation1:5-6- And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 4:16- Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The Jews wouldn't need a sacrifice anymore because Christ paid the eternal price when He died on the cross! From now on the Christian is to offer their lives as living sacrifices in the service of the Lord.
Hebrews 10:12- But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Romans 12:1- I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

No longer would they be responsible for keeping the letter of the law to obtain freedom from hell!
Romans 10:4- For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

But the religious leaders liked the old ways. It gave them a position, and leverage, and respect, and power. They were able to brag about how righteous they were in the flesh. They didn't want things to change!

But God had promised Adam and Eve long ago that He would take care of the curse of sin, and God doesn't break His promises, even if it seems like a long time has passed before He fulfills them.

The Parables of Jesus (part 7)

 Our next parable is found in three of the four gospels.

Matthew 24:32-35- Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

This parable is using something they understand, a fig tree in the spring time, to show them prophecy. He says that the people who were alive at that time would see this prophecy fulfilled.

But what prophecy was Jesus referencing? If we look farther up in the chapter, we get a little clue.

Matthew 24:1-2- And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Jesus was talking about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Matthew 24:3- And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

The disciples asked Jesus to explain what He meant, but they threw in a few more questions that He also answered. And this is what throws people off.

They asked him when shall these things be- the destruction of the Temple- and He answers them in the parable.

However, they also asked Him about the sign of His coming AND the end of the world. These are separate events. The temple was destroyed in 70 AD. But His Second Coming hasn't happened yet, and the end of the world won't be for at least a thousand years after that!

Matthew 24:4-8 tells us the beginning of sorrows, that means that all this is going to happen before the Tribulation. In fact, this has been going on for the last two thousand years!

When Christ answers them in the gospel of Luke, he proves that this is all future for them, but it comes before the Tribulation and the Second Advent. 

Luke 21:9- But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Matthew 24:9-10 tells the disciples what their future would be. They would be hated and persecuted and martyred.

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus gives them more.

Mark 13:9-11 - But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

This is telling them that it's going to be some time before Christ's Second Coming. Notice that He said "the gospel". This is what the apostles and Christians during the time of this writing are preaching.

I Corinthians 15:1-4- Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Luke 21:14-19- Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.

Luke's telling has something very peculiar in it. He says that "not an hair of your head will perish". But almost all of the apostles were martyred for their faith. So, why does He say this? Because this prophecy is two-fold. The disciples will preach and die for Jesus testimony during their lifetimes. But they will also come back and preach during the Great Tribulation, and at that time they will not be harmed.

Revelation 10:11- And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Matthew 24:11-12 gives us the state of humanity during this time.

Matthew 24:11-12- And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Matthew 24:15-22 is Christ going back and answering what will happen during the Great Tribulation, which is before His Second Coming. We understand this now because of the book of Revelation, but the disciples were just as confused as most people who read these passages!

Mark gives a warning to those during this time. He tells them what to watch for and when it happens, to flee! This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

Mark 13:14-20- But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Matthew 24:21- For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

When the AntiChrist goes into the rebuilt temple and sits down on the ark of the covenant proclaiming himself to be god, the people are to flee. And they're still suppose to follow the commandments- pray that your flight be not on the Sabbath. Why? Because they have to keep the Sabbath day!

 Luke gives a general overview of the land of Israel from the destruction of the temple through to the Tribulation.

Luke 21:20-24- And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

The time of the Gentiles, I believe, is over when the rapture happens and the Church is called out. That's when God turns His attention back to the Jewish people.

Mark 13:21-23- And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Matthew 24:13 shows that it's going to be rough to endure through the end. Why? Because the Jews are always looking for a sign, and the AntiChrist is going to be full of them!

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12- And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness will gladly accept this fake messiah because he fits in with them and their wickedness. Those who get into the Scriptures and learn to believe the Bible instead of the "signs" will be persecuted and killed if they are caught!

The reason people get so messed up is that they expect God to be linear, and He's outside of time. He doesn't put everything on a timeline for us to connect the dots in a row. He wants us to study, and sadly many people don't want to put in the effort.

Matthew 24:14 says that the end of the world would be after the gospel of the kingdom has been preached to every nation. This is not the same gospel that was preached by the disciples and Paul! Paul said our gospel which saves us is to believe on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The gospel of the kingdom is something preached during the Millennium.

This is after the Second Advent has happened, when Christ has already wiped out the AntiChrist and His armies and is ruling the world from Jerusalem.

He warns them in Matthew 24:23-28 not to be deceived by people claiming to know when He is coming.

Matthew 24:23-28- Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

When Christ is ready to come again, it's going to be quick. He's not going to come do surveillance for a while and then show Himself. It's going to be like lightening striking- loud, bright, powerful, and fast!

Then He tells them exactly what to observe just before His Second Coming in Matthew 24:29-31.

Luke 21:25-28- And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

When all the crazy stuff in Revelation has come to pass, then start looking up, because He is about to make His entrance!

Mark 13:24-27- But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

And after all these things, He goes back and answers their original query about the destruction of the temple with the parable of the fig tree.

I'm certain the disciples had some pretty interesting looks on their faces. So, Christ continues with a notice and a warning. There are different warnings to different people in the gospels.

Matthew 24:36-41- But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

The world is going to get very wicked, just like in the days of Noah when God destroyed the entire world with a flood. (There's a lesson here!) And, like Enoch, some people are going to be taken out before that wrath falls.

Matthew 24:42-44- Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Luke is warning them to watch their actions and warns that this is something that will effect the entire world!

Luke 21:34-36- And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Mark warns people to watch and not get lazy, because they won't know when Christ will come.

Mark 13:32-37- But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Matthew finishes with what will happen to those who aren't ready.

Matthew 24:45-51- Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Those who watch their actions toward others, are waiting and watching for the Lord's return, and are being faithful to obey the commandments that He has given will be rewarded. But those who follow the world and betray the ones around them will end up with the same punishment as all the others- outer darkness!

The Parables of Jesus (part 6)

 That brings us to our next parable found in Matthew 25.

Matthew 25:14-30- For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

This parable ends much like the wedding guests parable. Someone ends up getting cast into outer darkness.

In this parable, a man delivered talents to his servants and expected them to use them wisely. Those who did received a reward. But that servant that hid his talent and told the man that it was because he was a hard man was answered with the same tone which he accused the man. 

This parable is told a different way in Luke 19: 11-27, but there are some key differences. In Luke, they refer to the kingdom of God, that spiritual kingdom. The man is a nobleman. The servants are ten in number and aren't given talents, but rather a Gentile money called pounds with which they were told to "occupy". Plus, the ending is quite different.

Luke 19:11-27- And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

In this parable, the nobleman expects his servants to gain by trading. The one who hid his pound in a napkin wasn't thrown into outer darkness, but rather lost his reward. The only ones in this parable to face any recompense were the citizens who didn't want the nobleman reigning over them.

Why such a difference? Because one is speaking about Christians who are suppose to be serving Christ during their lifetimes, and the other is speaking about people in the Tribulation who are required to have faith in Jesus and keep the commandments of God. Two different sets of people during different time periods with different requirements.

The Christian has his sins judged at Calvary. When he stands before Jesus at the judgment he will be judged according his works. His salvation and eternal destination is never in question. His reward in the millennial kingdom for his earthly service during his lifetime is what's at stake.

The hard man who is judging the people for their talents is something quite different.

Matthew 25:31-40 - When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Those who show mercy to others during the Tribulation will be granted mercy in the Millenium.

Matthew 15:41-46-Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Those who harden their hearts to the plight of others will be condemned for their actions and will lose their life. Even though they made it through to the end of the Tribulation, they won't get to enjoy the Millenium. They will reap the consequences of their selfish actions.

The Parables of Jesus (Part 5)

 Our next parable is about the kingdom of heaven. Remember, this is referencing the literal, physical kingdoms of the earth.

Matthew 22:1-14 - And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

There is another story (note that the Bible doesn't say this one is a parable) that appears coincides with this one in Matthew 25.

Matther 25:1-13 - Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

In this one, the virgins are waiting for the bridegroom. These women are allowed to attend the wedding because they were watching for his coming. This has been explained to me as a mid-tribulation rapture. These virgins are actively watching for the Lord to come so they can attend the wedding of Jesus Christ to His bride, the Church. They are guests at the wedding.

Luke 14:7-14- And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Let's look at where this verse is quoted from in the Old Testament.

Proverbs 25:6-7- Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

"Come up hither" is what is said to John in Revelation when he is raptured to heaven. This phrase is only used three times in the Bible, and two are specifically referencing someone getting called up to heaven.

This one is saying it's better to be called before the king than to be put lower in the presence off the prince. Almost like it's saying it's better to be called to heaven before God than to be left humbled by the reign of the AntiChrist.

The parable in Matthew 22 talks about a wedding, but this one is different. Those who are originally bidden are not worthy, and they even kill some of the servants that are sent to call them. Sound familiar? One would think these original guests were the nation of Israel. They that slew the prophets because they didn't want to repent of their backslidings.

However, God found the original guests unworthy, and so He destroys them and calls others. You have to notice that these guests are all given wedding garments. These guests have to attend in the proper apparel. That gives us a small clue as to who these guests are.

Zephaniah 1:7-8- Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD'S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel.

The day of the Lord's Sacrifice is the Second Advent. When Christ comes back with the armies of heaven to destroy the AntiChrist and set up His millennial kingdom. 

These guests are the humans who have endured to the end of the Tribulation and survived without taking the Mark of the Beast. The Bible says there will be very few humans left alive in that condition.

During the Tribulation, God will send His servants to witness to the people living in the world. And the AntiChrist will have them killed. So, Jesus will come back and wipe those wicked people out and invite all those who refused to submit to the devil's demands to enter into His kingdom.

But there's a catch. They have to accept Him as their King. There was a guest who didn't put on the proper apparel, and He was cast into outer darkness for this.

That sounds pretty harsh, doesn't it? We don't see what the Lord sees. There was rebellion in that person's heart. And during the Millennium, God won't tolerate rebellion.