Most of Jesus' parables have one central point. Thus, do not resort to fanciful interpretations or exegesis that find 'spiritual truth' in every minute detail of the parable. The central point of the parable of the Good Samaritan is that a hated Samaritan proved to be a neighbour to be the wounded man. He showed the traveler the mercy and compassion denied to him by the Levite, representatives of the established religion. The one central point of this parable is that we should also extend compassion to others even those who are not of our own nationality, race or religion. - Luke 10:25-37 -

In finding the central meaning of a parable we needs to discover the meaning the parable had in time of Jesus. We need to relate the parable to Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom of God and to His miracles. This means that parables are more than simple folk stories; they are expressions of Jesus' view of God, man, salvation and the new age which dawned in His ministry. A good example of this approach are the parables dealing with the four 'lost' things, the lost sheep, the lost coin and the two lost sons. - Luke 15:3-32 -

The historical context is found in Luke 15:1-2; Jesus had table fellowship with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees and the scribes of Jesus' day saw such action as disgusting because in their view it transgressed God's holiness. If Jesus truly were a righteous man they reasoned then, He would not associate with such people; He would keep Himself and separate from sinners. In response to their murmuring Jesus told them these parables.

God rejoices more, He said, over the repentance of one sinner than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. - Luke 15:7 - That's, than over the religious professionals who congratulate themselves over their own self achieved 'goodness' [compare the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector - Luke 18:9-14 -] Likewise, the prodigal son - Luke 15:11-24 - represents the tax collectors and sinners; the older son represents the scribes and Pharisees. - Luke 15:25-32 -

A major theme in Jesus' parables is the demand of following Him in authentic discipleship. In the parable Jesus showed clearly that the time for decision is now. Jesus demanded that His followers be prepared to give up all and are call to a radical decision to follow Him regardless of the cost.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it. - Matt. 13:44-46 -

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -