Epaggelia

The Mustard Seed, Leaven, Treasure & Pearl Merchant, Matthew 13:31-35 & 44-50

The Kingdom of Heaven on earth has many virtues, be careful to value them with faith in the points Jesus makes concerning the reign of God in Christians. His Kingdom belongs to people who suffer for righteousness sake, Mat. 5:10. Unless a person has righteousness that exceeds the righteousness of Pharisees, we can not enter the Kingdom, Mt. 5:20. It is possible that the Kingdom can contain evil people, which God’s angels will purge out, Mt. 13:41. The Kingdom can be taken from a person and given to a different person, Matthew 21:43. The Kingdom of God is spiritual in a physical world, Luke 17:20-21. Please read Romans 14:17 !

The Mustard Seed may be small, but it grows into a plant that is larger than you would expect. God’s reign starts small but grows larger than you can imagine.

The Leaven is indeed small, but it affects the whole of any loaf it lives in. God’s reign is alive and well, though unseen, His power is active!

The Hidden Treasure is so valuable that it can motivate a person to make great sacrifices to buy the whole of the field the treasure is hidden in, he is purchasing the field, not the treasure because God’s reign is still His.

The Merchant sacrificed everything he had, in order to purchase the one single solitary pearl of great price. The reign of God in Jesus motivated him to give all his self, time & effort to gain each and every single individual that was priceless to him. That is why he died on a cross to save you and me.

Jesus made statements about the Kingdom which help us understand the nature of the reign of God. His dominion is not physical, it is spiritual power over the hearts of men & women who…

…want to grow like a mustard seed.

…want to affect the world, wherein we live like leaven.

…want to submit to His power, not our own, like the hidden treasure we guard in our hearts, 1st Peter 1:4-5, Jude v1 & Proverbs 4:23.

…want to follow Jesus because of the price he paid for us & others.

The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37

This is the most popular, well-known parable in the Bible in our society today, yet most people miss the point; No one is acceptable to God if they do not love God by showing compassion to their fellowman, Mt. 25:31-46. More Christians will miss heaven because of their selfishness rather than their false-doctrine! God ordained & blessed the priesthood, but condemned them for their hypocrisy, we must make sure that Christ’s priesthood (the church) makes compassionate sacrifices a priority!

This parable is prefaced and concluded with two questions:

1. How do you understand what is written in the law? For a Christian today, we must ask ourselves: How do you live the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2-5
2. Which of the three people in the parable do you think was a neighbor of the man who fell into the hands of robbers? 

Name 7 things the Samaritan had:

1. __________________________

2. __________________________

3. __________________________

4. __________________________

5. __________________________

6. __________________________

7. __________________________

Why does God inextricably link love for him with love for our fellow-man?

What is pure religion? (James 1:27)

The Strong Man’s House

Mark 3:20-30 & Matthew 12:43-45

In Mark 2:5, Jesus had ‘forgiven sins’, and in Mark 3:5-6, Jesus healed on the sabbath day, engendering such hatred from the Pharisees that they were already working with the Herodians to find a way to assassinate Jesus. Now public masses were crowding Jesus for teaching and miracles, but his critics were even found amongst his ‘own people’, see Matthew 12:46-50. 

Who do you think Mark is referring to “his own people”? (see Mat. 12:46-50)

According to Mt. 12:43-45, how would our generation keep demonic interests, activity and temptations away from our house/body?

Who accused Jesus of having an evil spirit to cast out demons? _______________

What kind of kingdom do you think Jesus referred to in Mk. 3:24?

How did Jesus teach against the false accusation of his demon possession? 

Luke 11:17-21

If formally educated people in the Law of Moses can see a genuine miracle, why could they not have taken the view from Acts 5:39, “We do not want to be found fighting against God”?

How did they blaspheme against the Holy Spirit?

What did Jesus say about forgiving any other type of sin?

Can people today commit a sin that can never be forgiven? (Hebrews 6:4-6)

 Light & Bushel / Sheep & Goats,  Luke 8:16-18 / Matthew 25:31-46

“I was a stranger, and you didn’t welcome me”

Jesus used both of these parables to teach on the nature and principle of God’s judgment.

If a person hid a lit lamp, what would he lose_________________________________ .

What role does light play in 1st John 2:8-10

Whoever __________ their brother  & sister ___________ in the light…

Jesus believed that people will know whose disciples we are by what? ____________  for 

___________________________, John 13:34-35. 

If a person didn’t feed the hungry and/or didn’t encourage the incarcerated, what would he lose?

Why did the people who fed the hungry, answer the King’s questions with ignorance of having helped him? Because what they did in charity was not done to “score points” with God, but done out of love for the hungry. There are two big difference between sheep & goats

Sheep have better hearing than goats, they can tell the difference between their shepherd & someone different. John 10:4

Sheep eat  Grass, and goats will eat GarbageSee John 3:19

Christ’s Kingdom is prepared for ____________________________________, Mt. 25:34

Hell is prepared for the _______________ and his ____________________ . Mt. 25:41

Since Jesus refers to himself as a “King” in this judgment scene, how is that a problem for religious people that believe his kingdom is to come in the future after judgment?

How can you prove He is King of your life, right now?

Luke 14:1-11

To help appreciate the setting of this parable, note that most Jewish and eastern dinner tables were “U” shaped and low to the ground, with guests reclining, not sitting upright as westerners. An honored guest would be seated in the center, with those of less honor on both sides. The painting of “The Lord’s Supper” by L. daVinci (1495-98) is a figment of western imagination. But the certainty of Jesus coming to dinner amongst critics that wanted to lay a trap was real. Jesus deliberately healed on the Sabbath to confront criticism from the Pharisees. He was going to expose them, not vice-versa.

It may seem surprising that Proverbs 25:6-7 actually teaches the wisdom of this parable centuries before Jesus must make it clear to educated Jews. Even though Jesus had his most stinging rebukes and big disputes with the Pharisees, he still fellowshipped them! He loved them and showed them godliness in his instruction. If we want to be like Jesus, we must never shun hypocrites, but rather help them grow. The main reason most Christians leave the church is because hypocrites make them angry or depressed, but Christ would stay & insist on helping them grow in the grace & knowledge of his Father. Only after repeated rejection, would he “wipe the dust off his feet”, and/or make damning rebukes to their faces, but never behind their backs. 

What do you think is the main point of this parable? 

The following scriptures emphasize the importance of humility: Matthew 23:12, Luke 18:14, Philippians 2:3-4, James 4:10, 1st Peter 5:5-6 & John 13:1–17

There are three facts of life that should keep us in a humble frame of mind:

1. Our physical and/or bodily weaknesses
2. Our mental limitations
3. Our moral or ethical failures

Jesus practiced what he preached about humility and had to exemplify God’s servanthood even to the extent of going to the cross, read Luke 22:24-27. Matthew 23:6 states that Pharisees loved “chief seats”. What are some things in our modern western lifestyle that parallel a desire for so-called “chief seats”?

Is it possible that a person can become proud of their own humility?

When Jesus came into the world, he slept in a feeding trough, and when he died he willingly laid himself down on a cross, neither at his birth nor at his death could he find a more lowly place. The contrast of his life with our lives is to our shame.

New Wine with Old Wineskins or New Patch with Old Clothes

Matthew 9:16–17, Mark 2:21–22, Luke 5:36–38

The Pharisees were the people of the Law who did a lot of good things outwardly, but many were prideful & had very hardened hearts. The Pharisees were threatened by the popularity of Jesus and His ways that seemed to them to be against the law, even though we know that Jesus lived a perfect life and fulfilled the law, abolishing the old law on the cross, 1st Pet. 2:22, 2nd Cor. 5:21, Heb. 4:15.

People asked Jesus why the Pharisees were fasting but not the disciples of Jesus. Then Jesus answered them, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast” Mark 2:20. Matthew uses the word “mourn”, Mt. 9:15.

Jesus was telling the people that He was in their midst, the Savior of the world was standing in front of them, so their religious act of fasting was not as valuable as being with Him. Is this not a great message for us today? Jesus is inviting us into a relationship with Him, so why do we often worry about our religious practices more than simply being in a relationship with Christ? We have everything in Him, and our works will flow out of our gratitude and love for Him. Being a Christian does not mean that we are going to do everything right, sometimes we do sin (1st Jn. 1:10) In reality Jesus Christ gave us the new covenant in his blood, as the Logos (living word) He is our new wine. We can celebrate today that He gave His blood as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, He tore the veil. He removed our sins from the East to the West, He gives us grace upon grace. If we try to box the grace of the gospel into our legalized religious package, it will burst forth because grace cannot be hidden. Jesus breaks through all sin, all legalism, all old wineskins. Because of Jesus, He is freeing us from the same stumbling block of Pharisaic fake-christians today. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. 

Before the parable is told, what do you think the purpose of fasting was for the disciples in their question?

What do you think should be good reasons for fasting today?

The Sower (Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, and Luke 8:5-15)

The gospel writers spend more time & effort recording this parable, than any other, it’s importance can not be over estimated, an emphasis is put on the way his listeners are hearing it Mt. 13:9, Mk. 4:3 7 9, Lk. 8:8. What are the four different kinds of soil representing?

1. __________

2. __________

3. __________

4. __________

What does the seed represent?

What are three responsibilities of the sower?

1. ________________________

2. ________________________

3. _________________________

Make a list of things you believe hardens human hearts. Does God harden a person’s heart before a person themselves harden their own heart?

1. ___________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________

How does the good hearer receive the seed? See Matthew 13:23

How does the good hearer, bear fruit? See Luke 8:15

How much of what we do as a Christian is based on genuine understanding instead of superficial knowledge?

Parables Teaching on The Spirit’s Purpose: Luke 11:9-13, Matthew 12:44-45 & Mat. 25:1-14

The hardness of hearts, was mentioned in the most popular parable of the gospels, and we know God has been active historically in hardening hearts of rebellious people. So do we consider the human heart as something God could condition?

Do we see The Spirit of Christ affecting the condition of the Christian’s heart in view of His fruit? See the Parable of the Seed in Mark 4:26-29, and compare it to John 3:8.

Luke 11:9-13,  Fathers & Their Children = The Spirit is the Best Gift God Gives !!!

Matthew 12:44-45 & Luke 11:24-28, Seven Unclean Spirits = Be Filled With God’s Spirit !!!

Matthew 25:1-13, Ten Virgins = Don’t Run Out of Oil !!!

What does the oil represent? See the following passages:

1st Samuel 16:13

Priests, Kings & Prophets were anointed with oil with the purpose of sanctification for the work and presence of God in their lives.

Isaiah 61:1-3

The prophetic promise of salvation and healing for lost Israel is in Isaiah 61 & 62, which can not be made without the use of oil in it’s language.

Acts 10:38, Jesus is anointed with the Spirit and with power!

1st John 2:20-27 & 5:6-8 Christians are taught the Spirit, Anointing, Water, Truth & Blood are all pointing to the same purpose. Sanctification of our spirit in salvation. Can you run out of this?

According to Titus 3:4-6, what does the Holy Spirit do? 

What is the promise God is making in Acts 2:38-39?

Parables Teaching on The Kingdom: The Darnel (weeds) ~ Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43,

 The Cast-Trawl Net ~ Mt. 13:47-50, & Sheep & Goats ~ Mt. 25:31-46.

The idea of good and bad co-existing in the same field, or same net or same pasture creates a problem for many people, but for Jesus it was a reality that can help Christians learn to let Him be the King and/or Judge. On this fact, refer to Luke 19:12-27 for the Nobleman who worked with 10 servants in business, the servants were not all good. Notice that the servants are not the citizens! The citizens that sent the delegation in the beginning of the parable, are described as enemies at the end of the parable. It is the nobleman turning into the LORD that does the judging.

Who exactly are the good seed in the field of the parable of the ‘weeds’?

Who are the bad seed in the same field?

Who performs the judgment in the field?

How does Jesus define the Kingdom in Matthew 16:18-19?

In the parable of the “Cast-Trawl Net”, fish are either one of two things? 

What exactly is the net?

Do these 2 parables make the kingdom sound like the church?

Should we apply Matthew 7:1 in the church or in the world or both?

How should we apply John 7:24?

After the Kingdom/Church was established in Acts 2-10, how did the disciples preach judgment in Acts 17:30-31 ?

Paul teaches Christians in Rome that “ ________ of us will give an account of himself to God, therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer…” (Rom. 14:12-13)

Why was the brother in 2nd Corinthians 2:1-11, disfellowshipped?

The Parable of Budding Fig Tree ~ Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, and Luke 21:29-33

Fig trees have a prominent role in the life, work and teaching of Jesus. Luke also records the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Lk. 13:6-9 along with this parable of the “Budding” Fig Tree. Also notable is that both Matthew & Mark record the cursing of the fig tree during the last week Jesus had before he sacrificed himself, Matthew 21:18-22 & Mark 11:12-25. 

Why do you believe Luke says the Budding Fig Tree parable can be applied to all trees? (Lk. 21:29)

Luke points out that the coming of the Kingdom is imminent, (Lk. 21:31) while Matthew & Mark says it points to “all these things”. Name at least two other “things” that are connected to the coming of the Kingdom?

1. ____________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________

Compare the way the Kingdom is spoken of in Matthew 24:14 & Luke 17:20-21, then describe the contrast.

The fig tree that buds is bringing what very soon? ___________

According to Mark 9:1, the Kingdom will come with power. What kind of power was displayed on Pentecost in Acts 2, and who displayed the power?

Read Galatians 5:22-25, and ask yourself; Is there any kind of power mentioned in this passage? Yes or No?

When Jesus cursed the fig tree in Matthew 21:18-22 & Mark 11:12-25, why did he kill it?

The Parable of The Faithful Servant, Matthew 24:42–51, Mark 13:34–37 & Luke 12:35–48

Can You Identify The Characters?

There is a Master/Householder.

There is a Servant/porter/manager.

There are many Servants.

There is a Thief.

This parable is recorded by each author a little differently, but it’s essentially the same story. Luke gives more details than Matthew & Mark. Many English versions use the word “slave” instead of “servant” because the word in Greek is Doulos, best translated, “bondservant” (ASV) it indicates one who willingly sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force. Also, many slaves in the Roman world became slaves through Rome’s subjugation of conquered nations, kidnapping, or by being born into slave households. Luke uses Doulos as a slave who was regarded with some degree of affection, possibly a personal servant.

“Prepared & Dressed for Service”: What do you think the proper dress represents?

Burning Oil Lamps: What does the oil represent? 

See the following passages: 

Matthew 25:1-13 & 1st Samuel 16:13 & Isaiah 61:1-3

Priests, Kings & Prophets were anointed with oil for the purpose of The Holy Spirit’s sanctification in the work and presence of God. The prophetic promise of salvation and healing for lost Israel is in Isaiah 61 & 62, which can not be made without the use of oil in it’s language.

Serviceable Table Waiters: Why are the servant-waiters waiting on tables?

Serviceable Watchmen/Guards: The Master representing the “Son of Man” being Christ wants his house protected for what purpose?

Does Jesus answer Peter’s question in Luke 12:41 with clarity?

Grammatically three gospels (Mt. Mk. & Lk.) give over a third of their content to the Parables of Jesus, so why do you think John & the rest of the N.T., contain no parables and only one allegory? See John 16:25 & Galatians 4:24-31.

Two parables in the Old Testament are truly parables, but why is one more popular than the other?

Isaiah 5:1-7

2nd Samuel 12:1-7

In what way does Luke 4:22-24 contain a parable, and yet, is not a parable?

When we try to interpret a Parable of Jesus, what is the first and most important thing to do?

Which parable do you believe is the most popular parable in the world today?

Why do you believe Jesus most often spoke in parables? See Matthew 13:10-17

Here is a list of some parables that appear in multiple gospels & are almost verbatim repeats. The Sower: Found in Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, and Luke 8:5-15. This parable is particularly significant because it’s one of the few Jesus explained himself, and the explanation is also included in all three synoptic Gospels.

The Mustard Seed: Appears in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19. 

New Wine into Old Wineskins: Found in Matthew 9:16–17, Mark 2:21–22, and Luke 5:36–38.

The Lamp Under a Bushel: Shared in Matthew 5:14-16, Mark 4:21-22, and Luke 8:16-18.

The Budding Fig Tree: Located in Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, and Luke 21:29-33.

The Wicked Tenants: Appears in Matthew 21:33–41, Mark 12:1–9, and Luke 20:9–16.

The Faithful Servant: Recorded in Matthew 24:42–51, Mark 13:34–37, and Luke 12:35–48. 

The Talents, Told in Matthew 25:14-30 & Luke 18:11-27.

Here is a list of parables that are unique and not repeated by other gospel writers:

BY MATTHEW:     The Tares, 13:12-30 Sheep & Goats, 25:31-46

Hidden Treasure, 13:44

Precious Pearl, 13:45-46

Dragnet, 13:47-50

Householder, 13:51-53

Unmerciful Servant, 18:23-35

Workers in the Vineyard, 20:1-16

Two Sons, 21:28-32

Marriage of the King’s Son & The Wedding Garment, 22:1-14

10 Virgins, 25:1-13

BY MARK:       Seed Growing, 4:26-29 Porter on Watch, 13:34-37

BY LUKE: Two Debtors, 7:36-50 Dishonest Steward 16:1-9

Good Samaritan, 10:25-27 Master & Servants, 16:1-9

Friend at Midnight, 11:5-10 Persistent Widow, 18:1-8

Rich Fool, 12:16-21 Pharisee & Tax Collector, 18:9-14

Watchful Servants, 12:35-38

Barren Fig Tree, 13:6-9

Chief Seats, 14:7-11

Feast for the Poor, 14:12-14

Great Supper, 14:16-24

Tower, 14:28-30

King, 14:31-33

Lost Coin, 15:8-10

Prodigal Son, 15:11-32

The Beginning of David’s Reign (2nd Sam. 2:1-11 & 5:1-5)

In what city did David reign 7 ½ years?

Where was David when he received the news that both Saul & Jonathan were dead? See 2nd Sam. 1:1.

Who was Saul & Israel’s army fighting when Jonathan was killed?

Who took the body of Saul from public shame to be buried with dignity? 

When David moved to Judean territory to reign, who were his wives?

Who anointed David a second time?

Who anointed David a third time?

Who was Saul’s army commander that propped up the house of Saul?

What is the name of Saul’s son who reigned for 2 years in the northern part of Israel?

How old was David when he began his reign in Hebron?

About how many times in the gospels is Jesus anointed?

(Mt. 26:2, Mk. 14:1, Lk. 7:37-50, Jn. 12:1)

About how old was Jesus when he was crucified, buried, raised & ascended? See Luke 3:23.

In what sense could it be said that David was a good “politician”, and yet he is described as the “Shepherd King”?

Before Jesus wore the crown of thorns and was crucified as “King of the Jews”, he proclaimed he was what kind of a Shepherd? 

David, Bathsheba & Nathan (2nd Sam. 11:1-17 & 12:1-15)

Some theologians speculate that Nathan the prophet originated from one of the groups or schools of prophets which Samuel led when he was Judge over Israel, mentioned in 1st Sam. 10:5 & 19:20. Nathan served in the succession of Solomon to the throne of David. What did Nathan prophesy that would be elaborated on throughout the Bible? See 2nd Samuel 7:12-17.

________________________________________________________________

See 1st Chron. 17:13-14, Isa. 9:6-7, Psa. 89:3-4 & 132:10-12, Luke 1:32 & Acts 2:29-30

What was David doing while his army Commander Joab and his people were besieging Rabbah?

What action did David take to try and cover up his sin with Bathsheba?

Who delivered the verdict on David’s sin?

David confessed he stated he sinned against The Lord, But 4 people in this event were sinned against, who are they? 

1. _______________________  2. ____________  3. __________  4. __________

What was the biggest difference between David’s rule before knowing Bathsheba to his rule after his adultery? See 2nd Sam. 13:10-15

What was the result for David’s reign from his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah? See 2nd Sam. 16:21-22

What is needed in Church leadership, that we can learn from David’s sin during his reign?

Who is the only King mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11?

From 2nd Sam. 11:1, What do you believe Church Leadership could learn?

See 2nd Timothy 2:1-4

Solomon ~ 1st Kings 1:22-40

In order to understand the significance of the Kingship of David’s throne and dynasty, we need to see Christ’s understanding of the Kingdom in Matthew 21:9-15. See also Luke 1:32. How Jesus receives the title “Son of David” is very alarming!

What did David promise Bathsheba about the Kingship?

What claim did David’s son Adonijah have to succeed David as King?

What did Adonijah do in preparation for his ascending to the throne?

Where did David instruct Nathan to take Solomon to anoint him King?

Who anointed Solomon?

What was the symbolic importance of Solomon riding on David’s mule?

Why would the ascension of Adonijah to the throne have been a death sentence for Bathsheba & Solomon?

In Colossians 1:1-13, The “Kingdom of His dear Son” is what “Saints and faithful 

brethren” have been translated into from what? The power of __________________

In Colossians 1:1-13, how many times is Jesus referred to as “Christ”?

What is the Kingdom called in Ephesians 5:5 ?

Solomon’s Strength & Sin – 1st Kings 3:1-15 &11:1-13 & 11:42-43

What did Solomon’s first treaty with Egypt involve?

Solomon ________ the Lord but he sacrificed at the high places, 3:3

Where did the Lord first appear to Solomon?

What do you think was the best purpose in Solomon’s prayer?

What do you think was the most important request in Solomon’s prayer?

How did the Lord feel about Solomon’s prayer?

What was the underlying reason for Solomon marrying so many wives?

What was God’s reaction to Solomon turning his heart away from him and toward his wives?

What was Solomon’s physical achievement?

What was Solomon’s spiritual achievement?

What does God typically do with great physical achievements? See Luke 1:52-53 & Luke 16:15

Do the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:23 apply to Solomon?

What was the only reason Solomon’s son Rehoboam would have any kind of reign at all?

Since idolatry is essentially people making gods of their own choosing, what signs do we have today in Christ’s Kingdom/Church of this being true?