Each block,
Each story,
Each parable is like a building block in understanding Jesus’ Kingdom and the spiritual world.
What is the parable sequence?
http://swapmeetdave.com/Bible/Parables/ and https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/misc/parables.cfm
1- The two debtors Luke 7:40-43 (KJ2000) ” 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have something to say unto you. And he said, Teacher, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor who had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, You have rightly judged.”
2 – The strong man armed- Matt 12:29 (KJ2000) ” 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. ”
3 – The unclean spirit – Matt 12:43-45 (KJ2000) ” 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he said, I will return into my house from where I came out; and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”
4- The sower – Matt 13:3-9 (KJ2000) ” 3 And he spoke many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and immediately they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But others fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
5- The tares and wheat – Matt 13:24-30 (KJ2000) ” 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man who sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the plant was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? from where then has it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy has done this. The servants said unto him, Will you then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while you gather up the tares, you root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
6- The mustard seed – Matt 13:31-32 (KJ2000) ” 31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.”
*** 7- The seed growing secretly – Mark 4:26-29 (KJ2000) ” 26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knows not how. 28 For the earth brings forth fruit of itself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”
8- The leaven -Matt 13:33 (KJ2000) ” 33 Another parable spoke he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. ”
9- The hid treasure – Matt 13:44 (KJ2000) ” 44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; which when a man has found, he hides, and for joy thereof goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. ”
10- The pearl of great price – Matt 13:45-46 (KJ2000) ” 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking fine pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”
11- The draw net -Matt 13:47-50 (KJ2000) ” 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
12 – The unmerciful servant -Matt 18:21-35 (KJ2000) ” 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus said unto him, I say not unto you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun the reckoning, one was brought unto him, who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But since he had nothing to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him a hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me what you owe. 29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt, because you desired me: 33 Should not you also have had compassion on your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you? 34 And his lord was angry, and delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.”
13 -The good Samaritan- Luke 10:29-37 (KJ2000) ” 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the next day when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the innkeeper, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever you spend more, when I come again, I will repay you. 36 Which now of these three, think you, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do you likewise.”
14 – The friend at midnight- Luke 11:5-8 (KJ2000) ” 5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give you. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give to him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needs.”
15 -The rich fool – Luke 12:16-21 (KJ2000) ” 16 And he spoke a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room to store my crops? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, You fool, this night your soul shall be required of you: then whose shall those things be, which you have prepared? 21 So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
16 – The barren fig tree – Luke 13:6-9 (KJ2000) ” 6 He spoke also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the vinedresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbers it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and fertilize it: 9 And if it bears fruit, well: and if not, then after that you shall cut it down.
17 -The great supper- Luke 14:15-24 (KJ2000) ” 15 And when one of them that sat at table with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. 16 Then said he unto him, A certain man gave a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it: I pray you have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them: I pray you have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the Master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor, and the maimed, and the lame, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as you have commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men who were bidden shall taste of my supper.”
18 -The lost sheep- Luke 15:3-7 (KJ2000) ” 3 And he spoke this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, who need no repentance.”
19 – The lost piece of money – Luke 15:8-10 (KJ2000) ” 8 Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she loses one piece, does not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.”
20 – The prodigal son – Luke 15:11-32 (KJ2000) ” 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days later the younger son gathered everything together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent everything, there arose a great famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you, 19 And am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of your hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: 23 And bring here the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, your brother has come; and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore his father came out, and entreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years have I served you, neither transgressed I at any time your commandment: and yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this your son came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you have killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry, and be glad: for this your brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”
21 – The good shepherd- John 10:1-18 (KJ2000) ” 1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. 4 And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 6 This parable spoke Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spoke unto them. 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. 13 The hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 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. 17 Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”
22 – The unjust steward – Luke 16:1-8 (KJ2000) ” 1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. 2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of you? give an account of your stewardship; for you may be no longer steward. 3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord takes away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. 4 I have decided what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. 5 So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owe you unto my lord? 6 And he said, A hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take your bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And how much owe you? And he said, A hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take your bill, and write fourscore. 8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”
23 -The rich man and Lazarus- Luke 16:19-31 (KJ2000) ” 19 There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and seeing Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they who would pass from here to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from there. 27 Then he said, I pray you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brothers; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham said unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”
24 -The profitable servants- Luke 17:7-10 (KJ2000) ” 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to eat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready that I may eat, and gird yourself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward you shall eat and drink? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”
25 – The importunate widow- Luke 18:1-8 (KJ2000) ” 1 And he spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary. 4 And he would not for awhile: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she wearies me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night unto him, though he bears long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall he find faith on the earth?”
* 26 – The Pharisees and publicans-Luke 18:9-14 (KJ2000) ” 9 And he spoke this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the tax collector, 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. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.”
27 – The laborers in the vineyard – Matt 20:1-16 (KJ2000) ” 1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 And said unto them; Go you also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and said unto them, Why stand you here all the day idle? 7 They said unto him, Because no man has hired us. He said unto them, Go you also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall you receive. 8 So when evening came, the lord of the vineyard said unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the owner of the house, 12 Saying, These last have worked but one hour, and you have made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden and heat of the day. 13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do you no wrong: did not you agree with me for a penny? 14 Take what is yours, and go your way: I will give unto this last, even as unto you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is your eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many are called, but few chosen.”
28 – The pounds-Luke 19:11-27 (KJ2000) ” 11 And as they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered to them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 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. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, your pound has gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well done, good servant: because you have been faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, your pound has gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is your pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared you, because you are a severe man: you take up what you laid not down, and reap what you did not sow. 22 And he said unto him, Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I laid not down, and reaping what I did not sow: 23 Why then gave not you my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required my own with interest? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that has ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he has ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto everyone who has shall be given; and from him that has not, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 27 But those my enemies, who would not that I should reign over them, bring here, and slay them before me.”
29 – The two sons – Matt 21:28-32 (KJ2000) ” 28 But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father? They said unto him, The first. Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not: but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him: and you, when you had seen it, repented not afterward, that you might believe him.”
30 -The wicked husbandmen – Matt 21:33-44 (KJ2000) ” 33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, who planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into a far country: 34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, that they might receive the fruits of it. 35 And the tenants took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will respect my son. 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize his inheritance. 39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard comes, what will he do unto those tenants? 41 They said unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other tenants, who shall render him the fruits in their seasons. 42 Jesus said unto them, Did you never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same has become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? 43 Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”
31 -The marriage of the king’s son- Matt 22:1-14 (KJ2000) ” 1 And Jesus answered and spoke unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, who made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them who are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and treated them shamefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was angry: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then said he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they who were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go you therefore into the highways, and as many as you shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he said unto him, Friend, how came you in here not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 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. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
32 -The ten virgins- Matt 25:1-13 (KJ2000) ” 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom comes; go out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go you rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 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. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man comes.”
33 – The talents – Matt 25:14-30 (KJ2000) ” 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his own ability; and immediately took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made five other talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained another two. 18 But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, Lord, you delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord. 24 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not spread: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth: lo, there you have what is yours. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not spread: 27 You ought therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received my own with interest. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him who has ten talents. 29 For unto everyone that has shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that which he has. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Meditation or thoughts and prayers about each parable:
1 In order to love Jesus a lot. I must be forgiven a lot. I must repent a lot. Initial repentance and continued repentance night and day is necessary.
2 Casting evil out. Be righteous by His strength. Jesus binds all evil and unleashes freedom from sin and indebtedness to His righteous grace.
3 Fill self with the love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Make this temple occupied with holy righteousness and perfect love.
4 What are spiritual ears? Ears that hear the love of God. What is wisdom but understanding ever plumbing the depths never finding the end but always going deeper. While this root grows the fruit and limbs also grow. Sacrificing itself for the one it loves.
5 Should I try to fight lies so hard that I kill the ones I love? Do I even know who the tares are and who is the wheat? I am not that arrogant to presume I know someone’s inner heart. God takes care of the harvest in the end. I only hope that I become wheat by that time. His love is just.
6 His kingdom is subtle. The smallest things I delight in very much and so does He. That is one thing He loves about me. I am a small thing. His kingdom becomes the biggest tree of all. These small acts of kindness change the whole world bit by patient bit until finally one day Eden is restored.
7 prayer: ‘I can know You are eternally in relationship with Your Three in One self. And yet I do not know the tiniest bit of You. You are infinitely unknowable and infinitely knowing.. You are a good farmer. You have miraculously grown Your righteousness in me. You continue to grow me and this world I see. ‘The world brings forth fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain of the ear.’ These are seeds for the next generation. One seed becomes hundreds more.
8 The influence of God’s kingdom on Earth is like leaven. It permeates throughout and causes the whole thing to rise.
9 I give up all to attain His kingdom.
10 I sell all I have to gain His goodness. I exchange my humanity for His divinity. I offer material for spiritual. It is not like buying it. It is valuing it above what I see and touch physically.
11 At the end of the world there will be a separation of the wicked from the just. How integrated is justice with righteousness. It is not only punishment but correct alignment of all with His righteousness.
12 It is impossible for me to ask God for forgiveness when I am unwilling to forgive. It is not that He can’t do it but He won’t. It is not fair. It is not just. It is not how It was created to work. I am always begging God for mercy and yet how often do I give freely His mercy to those around me.’Father conform me to Your grace and mercy. Let me be the one to offer these to people.’
13 Who is my neighbor? Anyone in need. I must be the good neighbor just like I am a good friend and a good son. It requires my willingness and my action which participates with the divine will.
14 Don’t give up. I see two perspectives. That friend is rude coming so late at night. And I am glad that I have a friend. The importunity and not giving up allows my friend to change their perspective from inconvenience to thankfulness.
15 I often struggle with saving money. This parable is indicating that I shouldn’t even be concerned about money but rather spiritual and heavenly things. Am I trusting God for provision? And am I being a good steward? The thing is I don’t steward on my own. I must rely on His guidance every step of the way because I don’t know when I will die but He does know.
16 This parable bothers me because I never find out if the fig tree makes it or not. And so it is with those we fertilize and nurture. Sometimes I never see them again and can only hope that the gospel took root in them.
17 Jesus Christ is inviting me right now. It would be a shame not to accept His invitation. It is urgent and if I refuse He will not wait forever.
18 Rejoice when someone repents and accepts the good news that Jesus is our savior.
19 Search diligently and rejoice when found.
20 How happy is the Father to receive me back that He runs and embraces me. I must be careful not to run away from Him physically or in my mind like the good son did?
21 The sheep know His voice. ‘Thank you Father for speaking to Your servants.’
22 How does Jesus commend an unjust act? Because it is wiser.
23 Don’t think the rich man was innocent. He saw Lazarus every day. Notice too the rich man does not have a name but the poor Lazarus does. It relates to having much means having to be much more responsible.The rich man did not say, “I never saw Lazarus.” He was honest and knew he did wrong by ignoring him.
24 God never serves me. I serve Him. I am thankful to Him. I do not think He should thank me. These are all good and true attitudes. ‘Father, protect me from thinking anyone should thank me. We all should thank you more often. Thank You.’
25 Never tire of praying. Never give up. Father will always pick me up. I am far less of a good parent then He and even I would not let my child stay fallen.
26 Father does not want me to feel bad about myself. When I am away from Him I should feel bad. Both publican and pharisee were sinning. ‘Father, help me not regard myself higher than anyone else. I don’t know their life stories. I don’t know their hearts. You do.’
27 It is logically fair that those who worked less time are paid the same amount if the owner decides to do so. But oh how my ego rails. ‘Father help me not feel sorry for myself but only to be sorry to you and those I hurt. And thank you for paying me at all. I deserve none of it.’
28 This is much like the talent parable but a little more severe. God expects me to grow. He expects me to take the seeds He gives and grow them into mature plants that produce more seeds.If I don’t produce fruit I am subject to judgment. Which simply means I must take care of less fortunate people and look out for what people need and let God provide for them through me.
29 I like how He starts with ‘what do you think?’Again Jesus is advocating a thing that seems wrong like lying. But He brings out a great point. It doesn’t matter what I say all day long as long as I do what is right.
30 I used to think how could anyone do such a mean and evil thing. Now I just know every time I speak mean to people, every time I act selfishly, every time I ignore, I am acting just as evilly.
31 I remember a warning in Hebrews also. I think it was in Hebrews that said some Jewish people got left out of the kingdom and they were closer to the central root than you. If I am grafted in I should not take for granted that I can’t also be replaced should I start acting selfishly. Also the wedding of the King’s son is a beautiful ceremony that I long to participate in. Jesus’ wedding to His church on the final days. What a magnificent feast that will be.
32 At first I want to say, ‘yeah, I’m prepared.’ But then I realize I could be so much more prepared. Am I a really good example of what Jesus is like or a poor representation? Am I taking my walk seriously or just hoping I have enough oil. Perhaps I need more. I definitely need more.
33 This is a repeat of the pounds so repetition means importance. Also being last it is kind of like the last thing Jesus says which also stresses the importance of it. To use what He gives. It is not so much that I am talented at being patient. In fact someone who is impatient by birth might be more prone to showing Jesus’ patience then someone born patient. God is the one working through me and multiplying things. His love is simple and strong. It isn’t always about doing the most heroic things although it can be. it is about doing simple things with much love. His love. He gave it. I am responsible to make the most of it.
There are also more parables as seen at …46 parables: http://swapmeetdave.com/Bible/Parables/List-In-Order.pdf
I recommend reading these 33 parables and doing a short meditation on each.I recommend this to myself in the future. There is much I don’t understand yet and I know this because I see needs in others which I refuse to let God provide for through me. ‘Father I am sorry for this selfishness. Please keep growing a stronger heart in me.’
Scott's Blog 