ok, once again, don't take my word as gospel for this but i feel that God is telling me something here.

1. i honestly have no idea why this parably was only recorded by luke. maybe it touched luke in a different way than it touched the others, but i have no idea.

2. i think that the father might have symbolised God in this parable and considering there is only 1 god and there is no Mrs God, then maybe there is no need for a mother.

3. for sure, this story has many parallels and i think that it relates to many other stories in the bible as well.

4. i feel that the prodigal son was treated better than when he left. he was treated as royalty and we can see this by the gifts that the fther gives him. shoes for the feet, the ring, and the best robes.

5. the older son didn't get a party, because he already had everything that the father owned. would you want a party every time you see a non-christian come to the Lord? i'm not havinmg a dig at u here but im just showing how this relates to other examples in life.

once again, don't take my word for gospel, but i hope this gives u a better view of things

thanx
scott
^ TOP

I think I've got a thorough understanding of your interpretation of this parable, thank you.

If this parable is teaching us God's principle for paying ministry expenses, why didn't Paul use it? (1 Cor.9:12-15)? He refused the 'right of support' as an example to the flock. If he wanted to be an example of your view wouldn't he insist on support and how to get it from rich unbelievers?

Where are the unbelievers--why is Paul only talking to BELIEVERS of his 'right to support' (which he did not use)? (1 Cor. 9:1-2)

Why does Paul praise the POOR Macedonians for their generosity when they gave "beyond their ability...entirely on their own..." and encourage the Corinthians to do the same? (2 Cor. 8:2,3,7,8)

Why is "according to your means" and "according to what one has, not according to what he does not have" worthy of praise? (2 Cor. 8:11,12)

Why is Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians completely opposite from your interpretation of the parable of the unjust steward? (1 Thess. 4:11,12 and 2 Thess. 3:6-12 esp. vs. 9)

Why did Jesus and the disciples allow Judas to hold the money bag even though they knew he was stealing from it? (For time's sake I can't reference it right now). What does that say about the import that Jesus put on money and the ministry? What or who was his faith in?

Is there an example or supportive teaching in scripture that supports or confirms your interpretation? What should we do with teachings and examples that seem to be contrary to your view?







^ TOP

The web linke to Ched Meyer's article does not work. Error 404... web page not found!

^ TOP

I added them several days ago. Please email if anybody finds anymore pictures. Also anybody email if something is (C), I am running 4 websites and don't have the time to check everything. I really need some moderators and other help on the websites.

Thanks
^ TOP

The non prodigal son is the one who attends church every week. does all that is to be done to be a "good" son- obedient hardworking. yet he does not see how BIG his Father is- how his Father is capable of loving them both equally as much. He does not see how everything that God has belongs to him. Everything that he "worked" for is his to own. He is even petty about a fattened calf! To me, he has obeyed without really Knowing the character of his own father. My take on him. ;)
^ TOP

This parable came to me while at work, for me it was a revelation. I am a very insecure person..and though I have faith in God..have had little or no faith in my ability to spread Gods word..or be assertive and confident in Christ.
(But I think that is changing in me now)..that parable to me means that the Lord has given us each a measure of faith..and to use that faith to win souls for Christ. But in order to do that we must be able to take a risk in our personal and social lifes. What each of the servants did was invest for their master the talents given to them in good faith..not knowing rather or not there would be an increase they still had faith in the ten talents given to them by Him..they took took a risk and succeeded..
where as the other servant, he played it safe,,yes he still had what his master had given him..but because he chose not to have faith in the master, the talents given to him or in the masters choice of giving the talents to him to increase..he buried them, not taking a risk which resulted in no increase to be returned to the master.
Sometimes as Christians we do that..we are comfortable in the pews and hanging around other christians..praying for each other..talking to each other about the goodness of God..and that is good, because we need to fellowship, however, God has given us each a measure of faith, the word, and His Holy Spirit..to spread the good news..to reach out and take a risk, make a investment in someone other then those we are comfortable with.
I did something out to character to day..I prayed for a man at the grocery store..I dont know if investing a prayer in this man will increase what he needs in his life..but I took a risk..the rest up to the Lord.


In Christ Jesus:
Partricia
^ TOP

Bob:
Was Dr.Scofield a Freemason at any time?
Your answer will be greatly appreciated.
George
^ TOP

Interesting and varied comments thus far. I have given this parable some thought. I do not agree with the reverse parable conclusion. Jesus spoke to his audience in a way that they would understand. Servants or managers were entrusted to carry out the business of their master. Each of the servants were chosen to manage the talents according to their abilities. God does not entrust great authority and responsibility to a new believer.
^ TOP

(Selective Grace or Selective Disgrace)
The Parable is the greatness in what can be from what is little. The least is best, and sometimes in life the greater is less. We seldom look to what is and what we are in his will and not ours. Many say I am a good Christian, and many say I am a great person and know I am saved. I do not believe in "Skateboard Salvation" Yes we are saved by Grace through Faith, but let those who do not live by any standard read the book of James. James speaks of works in saying: "Faith with out Works is Dead"It is better to have done ,than to say I have done much and yet have done nothing. We miss the boat in our Marketing of Religion like it is a part of a cereal isle, get the numbers up and tell them what they need to hear, not hard & firm or they may go elsewhere! The word can grow as the Mustard seed, and the message is "Let it grow" and the height is limitless" The Parable is The word of God in all our lives,"Listen with our eyes".
^ TOP

can you tell me where I can find this quote about
the mustard seed in the Bible? The one about how even
the tiniest faith can grow? thank you.

^ TOP

Can anybody offer anything in way of how we plant this mustard seed? If we are going by faith and there is no evidence to support that it really got planted, then it seems to me that it would be imperative that we know exactly how to do it. Wouldn't it? If were judged according to the fruit that we produce by the planting of this seed, then wouldn't everything START with that knowledge? Is that not a valid question? Am I missing something? Does anybody know?
^ TOP

I am doing the parable of the mustard seed for a baptism class and need a picture of a mustard tree.
^ TOP

This is such a neat parable, and probably the most easily understood. prod·i·gal adj. Rashly or wastefully extravagant: prodigal expenditures on unneeded weaponry; a prodigal life. Giving or given in abundance; lavish or profuse: prodigal praise. n. One who is given to wasteful luxury or extravagance.

This son knew the comfort and security He would have if he would abide with his father, but the thought of his own money and freedom was alluring. He asked for what he thought he deserved, and the Father let him have it. Instead of the glamorous life he thought he would have, after the initial fun he ended up having to work with pigs just to barely survive. To a Jew, this was the ultimate disgrace, for pigs are considered the uncleanest of animals. But then look at what happens when he returns to his father, humbled, no longer feeling he had the right to be given anything, and with the intent of working for him. He is not driven away because of his previous actions and behavior....the father knew and was so overjoyed at his return he didn't even wait for his son to get all the way back...he ran out and met him! Not only did he meet him with joy, he gave him the best of what he had. The best clothes, the best food, and celebrated his return. Our Father is always there for us. He will not deny us if we come to Him, and He will not shame us for our past actions when we do. Like in the story, He knows we're coming, and is prepared and isn't thinking of our past, just rejoicing for our future. Chrys _________________ Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth.


^ TOP

Pharisee Sadducees you do not see the phrases in the Old Testament. I am assuming they originated during the inter testamen period. Are they in the lost books
^ TOP

I agree with you about putting more into it than what is there. I too wonder what the oil is and that you can go and buy it. As for being ready look up for HE is coming. When you see the shadow, know that things are near. Paul said Feast days are a shadow of things to come. Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the horn for TEN days and then at the LAST TRUMP well, you know the rest of the story.
^ TOP

The intent of the parable is to contrast the seemingly insignificant life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the disciples, and the kingdom of God in its present order of the "now and not yet". It speaks to the fact of the kingdom of God in the hearts of believers; that will one day be manifested as great. This is a parable of encouragement to continue and live in the hope of the Glory of God to come. The world looks at the good message and news of the Kingdom, and at the messengers, as un-important in comparison to academic degrees, world philosopies, material riches, politcal power, and whatever else secular man values.
It is a comment related to the prior parable in Mark about the man who sowed seeds and did not know how they grew, addressing the miraculous work on God. The branches and birds reflect the truth of God's government and rule reaching the nations of the world. Birds here refer to the habitation of peoples, as it is referred to in the book of Daniel. Some point out the birds as a negative aspect taking the symblolsim from the book of revelations. But seen in its context the parable refers to God's kingdom and blessing to all peoples who trust in Jesus.
^ TOP

Well this present kingdom(till JESUS returns and included his reign). The church started off small and now it is big(just like the mustard seed) and there are other religions considered as CHRISTIANDOM which are not and it is up to CHRIST in the end to get rid of the tares among the wheat. These kingdom of heaven parables are not the goody goody thing that everyone thinks they are. You have two groups in this section of Matthew: the multitude(Those with no ears to hear and no eyes to see) and the diciples (who represent GOD's people).The multitude will never understand these parables and JESUS explains them to the diciples how to interpet them in Matt. chapter 13,the parable of the sower. You see the Kingdom (this present day) there are Non believers and satans people (Tares in the wheat) masked by all other christian organization,they are the birds perched in the large mustard tree(the fowl that take the seed in the Sower parable).When Christ comes in his second coming he is going to change all that with his glorious rule in the millineum. You notice the LEAVEN was HID,what is there to hide,our salvation or GOD's great gift to the world I THINK NOT.



^ TOP

parable of the Ten virigins, is just that get the MESSAGE.Sometimes, we as christians try to follow the letter of the law and not the holy spirit.I believe is about the anti-christ,the raputure, israel, belivers.This parable can be use for all, depending on where he or she is at the time....It is message to me and others Get right!!Get Ready!!To Go Home!! No man knows the day or hour the son of man coming....When is the end of time when is the rapture. My question is when is my personal end of time. my death we, me may die before the rapture, before end of time come...

Many times we behave pharisee and sadicucess. we do enough to get by, to pass not get thrown out, just little oil in my cup, just pay my tithes and church require offering or minium or matching 10%......

We say or works, and deed speak for us,i dont need to do more have extra oil, annoited life, we like the parable rich young rulers, ive keept all the commandemts since my Youth....I ve been doing good practical all my life we so proudly and pitously boost running down our list of things accomplishment we have done... Are we , me and you ready when Jesus comes with this unexpected request Sell everything and follow me...Jesus u asking for to much, ive done all require, like 5 foolish virgins we say we half lamp of oil, there is more i am to do, 5 wise were ready they were physical and spirtual faithful virgins, not only were the virgins physcially in there body where some one could see, but they were spirtual and had the annoting to prove it, power through testiomony expreience, trial test tribuliation pass the test, the 5 foolish were keeping themselves

pure....in church, in temple, praying long prayers, quoting,studying history that was good, but they miss Jesus the one they were preparing for the groom their future, the mansion their paradise because they had no extra oil, couldnt borrow it, it must be earn oil is made through press,they had to go through hard pressure exprenice to recive this annoiting oil......
.Oh my brothers, sisters and lil children, boys and girls , teenager , my Soul cries out To God our lord, our husbandman, prepare us the bride of Christ to be right, to be without wrinkle or spot, and
Study to show ourself approve and with all our Wisdom get an Understand so we can Stand with You at our Personal Appoint Judgment day and Hear You say Well done my Good and Faithful Servant .............


^ TOP

All these comments are fascinating but my thoughts have been trending another way lately. The Prodigal received forgiveness and grace - his initial thought was that if he confessed his sin he would get something to eat.

But the Father forgives and blesses him before he can get the words out - the robe covers his guilt, dirt and shame, the shoes show he is no longer a slave (slaves were not allowed shoes to keep them from running off), and the ring was the authority of the family name given to him.

The older son sought to gain grace and approval (and a goat to cook) through hard work. I think many of us as Christians begin to question why our (material) prayers aren't answered and two of the answers we come up with are that we aren't doing enough "good stuff" (older son) or that we are sinners (prodigal son).

The Father's reply fascinates me [paraphrase] "Son (child) you are always with me and all mine is thine." In other words, as a child of the Father everything the father had was available to the older son in the same fashion as forgiveness was available to the prodigal -- without doing anything, without "deserving" it. "Here it is; it's yours. Partake of all that I have," says the Father.

I'm beginning to work on an article that I'm tentatively calling "the Spirituality of Abundance". While I fully realize that, in this life, we are not to be controlled by money, is it wrong to participate in the Father's abundance? Not according to the Father's own words.

Neither the Prodigal's sin nor the older son's hard work and obedience seemed to matter to the Father when it came to participating in the Father's abundance.

Think this through in steps: 1) in John's letters it says "see how God has lavished his love on us that we should be called Children of God. Beloved, NOW we are Children of God." 2) In Psalms it says "the earth is the Lord's and ALL it contains" and 3) the Father said to BOTH his sons (one in actions and the other in words) "All that is mine is thine". The conclusion is that the riches of the earth are my Father's and therefore MINE.

So why did the older son seem unable to participate in this abundance? Look at his complaints -- "you never once GAVE me an animal so I could have a party with my friends" -- but how did the Father give abundance to the Prodigal?

He commanded his servants "Quick! Bring . . ." -- Hebrews says that angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit the kingdom. I believe the older son did not participate because he kept waiting for someone to give him something. I think all he had to do was reach out and take what he wanted; the Father seemed to assume that was how things worked!

How much are we missing in life because we do not take hold of the abundance of God our Father -- not because we get a prize for being a repentant sinner nor because we have worked hard and feel we've earned something -- but simply as Children of a kind, gracious and loving (and wealthy!) Father?
^ TOP

This is my parable. All my life I have coasted on the opportunities God gave me, rather than striving to use them to increase his kingdom. I called it humility or being satisfied with small things, when deep down it was fear and laziness.

This parable reached deep in me and challenged me. It spoke the words my father always asked me: Why didn't you do your best? What are you afraid of?

Now I am in law school. For the first time in my life I am laying it all on the line and doing my best, not caring whether I'm first in the class or last. Doing my best for God with with talent he gave me. It is scary to do your best, because then you have no excuses if you don't succeed, no ifs or buts to comfort your pride.

What would the servant had felt if he had gambled and lost the talent, seeing the other two with their riches?

I don't know, but this is what he would have heard:
"Well done, my good and faithful servant."
^ TOP

As a pastor of a church for college age people and older people that think more in the postmodern context , we find ourselves hearing a lot about the church being relevant. Some think that relevance is not necessary, but I think that is because most people associate relevance with being hip to the culture. While is it true that culture is important and that understanding the culture of the people you are talking to is important, I think this parable shown what true relevance is. True relevance is love, the type of love that Jesus showed, it did not matter to Jesus or the Samaritan for that matter, who the person was that they showed love to. This is not a call for tolerance this is a show of love for and from the unlovable. We as the body of Christ will be relevant when we love, and I mean truly love people, weather they are mature folk, kids, punkers, goths, or just people that we don’t like. Love is the transcendent. Love in spite of will open a persons heart and allow the Holy Spirit to heal them both physically , emotionally and spiritually.
^ TOP

Thanks for the insight, I was looking for insight on the web about this parable that I am teaching on Sunday morning. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.

I can see how a church getting larger can get out of control, regarding the birds of the air making their nest in it.

May the Lord help us "small or large" to keep the birds out.

God Bless.
^ TOP

Well, I have been searching olso for a picture of the mustard tree, but I havent found it yet. I will appreciate if you have one in you data bank and chare it with us.

Rodrigo
^ TOP

Hello,
Thanks for all the comments. It's been very interesting reading the inputs. I've always felt for the older son because he had stayed with the father all the time and yet he felt that there was no reward for him. His father seemed to "prefer" the younger son who had squandered all his inheritance in loose living. I think I am guilty of this as well.

My concept of God's character is one who keeps accounts - that if I am good and do good deeds, He will love me more. But actually, God is not like that. He loves us whether we do anything good or bad. That's just how he is. God is LOVE. When Jesus died on the cross for us, He died while we were still sinners, even though we rejected Him, He chose to die for us.

I am so glad and grateful that my heavenly Father is always so loving and so good. His love for me is never dependent on my performance (preach to 1000 people or don't even bother to go to church). I am reminded that I must not be like the older son. I need to be set free from self-righteousness (just like the Pharisees). To recognise that I am just a sinner who needs Jesus so badly. There is nothing I can ever do to earn His love for me. Praise God ! ! !
^ TOP

do us a favor and get some manners please. these people are here to discuss the bible, not write your hw for you.

god bless
^ TOP

I see the Father's blessing the Obedient son even though he had a less than perfect, loving attitude. The father said, "All that I have is yours."

I would like to see more emphasis on the Obedient, Respectful son.

Otherwise, the parable is an excellent lesson on the differance between Relationship and Fellowship with the Father.
^ TOP

Dear Kevin, Count it all joy, when we suffer for the Lord's Sake. God also says, revenge not yourselves, for God will Revenge! We are living in evil days, many profess His Name, but their hearts are far from Him. This battle belongs to God, but He also said, have not fellowship with the works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Onething you said that has me concerned, your judgment of 50 million dollars, in which you said, caused you to sin habitually.
Now ask yourself, has anyone suffered from the hands of man, more then our Lord?
Where would you and I be, had He required such a Judgment for you and for me?
Test the spirit, if it has caused you to sin habitually, then know, it is not of God!
Wait on the Lord, Knowing, He is true to His Word. Vengeanace is Mine saith The Lord!
^ TOP

My take is first thing I have read the tree by the rivers take and I must say I disagree. Jesus never has need for anything. He is the almighty, omnipowerful God. He wants something he has it.
Anyway, My take is that Jesus had come to the barren fig tree and used it to symbolize the man. The man as a christian had not beared fruit for three years and I think God is trying to tell us that if our christian tree doesn't bear fruit then it is more useful to be cut down. As christians we have a spiritual fig tree and It is our job to make it bear fruit. And that comes through studying the Bible,praying, and believing and working for the Lord. If we do not do these things and our tree's do not bear fruit than we are useless as christians. That's my take. Love ya Jim
^ TOP

Webmaster, I found the link for the "Parable of Servants" to lead me afar to the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. Without a page for Matt. 24:45-51, I include it with this Parable of the Ten Virgins.

The preceding Parable of the Two Servants is critical to the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which begins with the word "Then" (Matt. 25:1). Therefore, the fulfillment of the Parable of the Ten Virgins will shorly follow that of the preceding Parable of the Two Servants (Matt. 24:45-51). Well, when will that be? Who are the servants in charge, and who is their master?

For centuries churches have taught that Jesus Christ is the Master of His parable, but this understanding is collapsing before our very eyes in today's end times. He has prophesied that the end of the age, when He would rapture us home to heaven, would come once the gospel of salvation through Him got spread throughout the whole inhabitable earth for a testimony to all peoples (Matt. 24:14). My problem with the traditional church teaching is as follows: what if the evil servant in charge should prevent world evangelism so that Christ should never return? Well, in that case, Jesus Christ obviously was not the master of His parable. Hebrew and Aramaic grammar can shed light on this.

In English, we usually speak of classes of things in the plural unless we use collective nouns. The same was true of Greek, yet Hebrew and Aramaic were exceptions. In those two tongues, there is a "general (use of the) masculine singular" as we see in Psalm 1, in which a righteous (man) in Hebrew represents righteous people ("am) in general. In the Parable of the Two Servants (Matt. 24:45-51), the general masculine singular "master," "wise and faithful servant," and "evil servant" have been retained upon translation to Greek and English rather than receiving grammatrically correct plural translations to preserve the meaning of the text. The verb "dichotome^sei" (will cut asunder) could merely mean "will categorize" if the evil servant were presented naturally in the plural in Matt. 24:51. By leaving the general masculine singular forms intact upon translation to Greek, Saint Matthew makes it completely clear to us that, yes, the master(s) will most certainly cut the evil servant(s) to pieces. Now that we understand the general masculine singular, I examine the plural meanings of the master and each servant in charge.

If the master be not Jesus, he must have entrusted the servants in charge of his wealth or at least now hold the position to return and judge them. Only the people, or successors threof, who entrusted the servants in charge of the goods of God's people and responsible to nourish them can then be this master. Furthermore, when this master returns, he must recognize faithful service and entrust the good servant with all his goods: who is so incredibly generous today? Furthermore, he must conceal his intentions to return to the evil servant unawares, do so in good times, cut him to pieces, understand how the evil servant was hypocritical and assign him his portion of the hypocrites, cast him out knowing the weeping and gnashing of teeth to result, and beat or flog the evil servant according to the servant's conscience (Luke's account). The text to condemn the evil servant is Matt. 7:7 to refute the spiritual claims of every pastor who browbeat his needy while he lived it up. By putting his needy down when they made requests, the evil servant has caused them to sin habitually (worth a curse, Matt. 18:5-7) by putting aside Jesus' commands not to worry but to ask, seek, and knock. In light of the general use of the Hebrew or Aramaic masculine singular forms, the master, if not Jesus, over servants, represent the following situations...

Board of elders (master) over pastor, treasurer, Sunday school teacher;
State legislature or accreditation board (master) over psychiatrists, corrections officers, physicians, psychiatric gatekeepers, etc.;
HR Department (master) over hospital billing staff, nurses, etc.;
College of cardinals (master) over Roman Catholic bishops (servants);
Head of the United Methodist Church (master) over itinerant ministers;

and so on. Still, this judgement cannot happen yet because these masters still have today's laws to fear, laws against aggravated assault and battery. Remember, in order to return as master, each of these gatherings in power must be able to amputate the evil servants, so literal a word in the Greek as to make Matthew retain the general masculine singular of Hebrew in Greek translation to preserve its meaning of cutting into pieces, of absolute amputations, perhaps just one, perhaps several amputations. Furthermore, from Luke's account they must have the power and will to beat the crying evil servants already kicked out severely according to the content of the conscience of each. How the various masters will gain their rights to impose these corporal punishments, judgements of Scripture, I leave to the Lord Almighty. (Lord's Prayer)

Next, after all this has happened, the Parable of the Virgins will be fulfilled as the church worship industry dies and loses its buildings. The five wise virgins with extra oil represent believers, such as churchgoers, with salvation and sufficient obedience to Jesus to be received into house churches. In contrast, the five foolish virgins represent lukewarm so-called or backslidden Christians who believe or go to church for social reasons and are unwilling to desist from sin in order to stay welcome at a house church. When the Kingdom of Heaven moves out of the dedicated church buildings and into house churches to meet in mundane places, will the social churchgoers indeed feel locked out! And thus our "extra oil" represents sanctification beyond the oil in the lamps, justification. Lastly, the wedding banquet will occur then in the house churches if not after the Rapture in heaven.

Finally, the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30) will be fulfilled as masters call their rank-and-file stewards to account. Each steward, each of us in charge of wealth of our own, however little, has been entrusted to make a profit according to our abilities. The good stewards or servants (not necessarily in charge of people) will have profits to show their masters, their rich friends of Luke 16 if not Jesus Christ in heaven. The lazy servants have failed to do what was right: to trade with their wealth and make profits. Perhaps the load of seventy-six pounds avordupois of silver was too heavy for the lazy to carry; soldiers who drop their seventy-pound rucksacks are those most likely to get killed because others have to carry their packs for them. Perhaps his experience is with funerals and burials rather than in trading; perhaps he does not trust in his master's return, thinking instead, "He won't ever come back. When he dies, I won't trust his heirs; they won't know what I have hidden to free myself." In the worst case, however, the lazy servants say they never had money to invest. In that case, I, Kevin Douglas Rosenberg, prophet of Luke 16, or some ally of mine, shall be their master if the faithful servants answer to their rich friends then instead of to Jesus Christ after the Rapture.

I will tell the hard-lot lazy servants that they had Luke 16:1-13 in their bibles; how come they contented themselves with financially limited congregations despising Jesus' commands to generosity as they hewed to their Budgets? Very few of them indeed in Christ can say they never had the chance to read this passage, only that no one led them to it. I will be far less sympathetic toward those lazy servants who did not have such a problem as incarceration yet still ignored Jesus' clear command to make friends with the rich people of the world so that people might welcome us into everlasting dwellings if we lost our homes and so that our congregations might be granted the wealth for our ministries. And the profitable servants will be commended by their grantors while the lazy servants get stripped of their little wealth and possessions and cast out into the outer darkness of homelessness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Yes, the lazy servants content to serve God by themselves with what they have will lose it all, and that will be given to the best stewards.

By obeying Luke 16, we may know the rich people of the world, and they may let us in on their investment advice. In contrast, the proud among us who avoid the rich will make dumb investments such as gambling. Therefore, faithfulness even in the unrighteous mammon of Luke 16:1-13 is even more important than investment advice for hard-earned money.

I wish you all the best of luck in these end times as we get our houses in order for these awesome events.

Yours in Christ,

+++ Kevin D. Rosenberg

(reply here; e-mail is exclusive of junk mail)



^ TOP

Father God in the name of Jesus I pray please deliver me from this deep depression that I am fallen into. God I pray please bring people around myself, Kevin, Kim, Christy, Betty, Dean, Delbert, Wanda, and all other family members that are under the Blood of Jesus. God I pray please put the love of Jesus in the hearts of my family members. God I pray please lead, guide and direct me by your spirit. God I pray please bind up fear, doubt, unbelief, lying spirits, pain, confusion, witchcraft spirits and all other demonic spirits that are attacking me. God I pray please send the right person to my sister Dean. God I pray please bring my sister Betty someone that will love her and get her out of that situation that she is in. God I pray go ahead of me next week and please keep the devil and his demons off of my back. God I pray please strengthen my faith and help me through these terrible times that I am going through. God I pray please clear the way for the person you are sending to get me out of bondage and that will love me and take care of me. God please give me your blessed assurance that help is on the way. God I ask all of these things in the Holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen
^ TOP

The talents were to The Apostles and To those (all of us who know the word) of different ranks in life whether it be Preacher or Minister or Church member, to share Christ with all.Not to hide him in our pocket. Even if we are small or great, we all will be judged according our deeds.
Rev. 21 :12
^ TOP

(19) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

He hears the Gospel but never believes!

**************************************

(20-21) But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

This person believes in part but has not received the Holy Spirit!
The person can't read his Bible because he doesn't understand it.
He also confesses I am saved but is not truly Born Again!
It says that because of the Word of God by and by he is offended.
When somebody tells this person what the Bible says they are offended because what they hear in Church doesn't match what the Bible says!
They usually end up making comments like this:
Jesus didn't die on the cross and tell us all we had to do wuz believe in him and we were in Heaven. That would be too simple. A lot of people believe in him. It's that you have to confess that Jesus is your savior and that he died on the cross so that we could go heaven. We have to pray to him and ask him into our hearts.
John 3:16 destroyed by Theology! This person was a 16 year old baptist! Simple it is!!!!!!!!!!!!

**************************************

(22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

This person believes in part but has not received the Holy Spirit neither!
The person can't read/understand his Bible because he doesn't understand it.
This person cares for sin and money more then God!
He also confesses I am saved but is not truly Born Again!

**************************************

(23) But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

This person believes and has received the Holy Spirit!
The believe has been turned into a fact!
This can tell you when he believed and when he received the Holy Spirit!
The person can read his Bible and understand it.
He also confesses I am saved and is truly Born Again!

^ TOP

I was struck that the father did not run after the son to bring him home. He let him go and I think that was another powerful part of this incredible story. You see so many parents in this day not allowing their adult children leave to make mistakes. For example, I can think of several families dealing with adult children involved in activities such as drug abuse and lack of drive to earn a living. In many of these families, parents enable their children because of fear of what would happen if the child was made to leave the family nest. I think the father may represent tough love - his son left and had to deal with the consequences of his actions. But when the son was as low as he could get - then he went home with the repentant spirit and the father forgave him. Now the son is back home and in the right spirit. I think we parents can learn alot about parenting from this parable. Am I reading something into this parable that really doesn't exist?
^ TOP

What happened to Barabas, after the death of Christ? Did he change his life? Any information is helpful.
^ TOP

The leder brother represents us as well. The prodigal was the wasteful son the elder brother was the stingy son.
^ TOP

I have recently womdered more about the 2nd and 3rd 'plants'. Many times I see people who have a sincere faith but have allowed the cares and wories to push them down. It is the same with those who face persecution. How wonderful that we have a Father of Mercy who sees the heart of the weariest and most discouraged of His children, and will call them home.

But at the same time, I wonder at the 4th 'plant'. Many feel secure that this about them...but where is their 30 and 60 and 100-fold harvest. Those who do not actively share their faith and live the life of Christ before ALL must take note.

God Bless.
^ TOP

Please, people! Keep the Gospel simple.

We are not exactly sure what is meant botanically by the mustard which somehow grows into a tree-sized plant. If you study botany, you find that the mustards are the Family Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae, cross-bearers!), a very large family of plants, including many of our common vegtables, but hardly any tree-size species. We should also remember that names in the Bible are frequently hard to match with modern usages. All this is fun to work on, but quite inconsequential for the meaning of the message.

It is very clear from a plain reading that Jesus is using the mustard seed as an illustration of something very small which grows into something sizeable and impressive, which can in turn support other life. The birds just happen to nest in trees, and one might wonder if they also have a significance as a sign of spirit, but once again that is just speculation. Certainly there is no connection here with Satan or evil in either mustard seeds or birds. All this talk about the parable's predicting something about the bad behavior of the church is also totally ridiculous.

I will repeat, the message is simple: it is that something small, and easy to overlook, will grow and flourish. That is the Kingdom.

Why did Jesus bother to say this? Think simple! It is because he was correcting a misconception that the Kingdom would come with dramatic, big events; or from high places. Many people today somehow expect that such things must come with claps of thunder and earthquakes. That is NOT the picture that Jesus is giving in his teaching in this parable; and this parable accords very well with other things he says.

The more I think of these matters, the more my admiration grows for the Gospel: not that I am to sit in judgment, but in that my soul responds as before something of beauty. And here part of the beauty inheres in simplicity and clarity.

My fellow Christians, there are many things we will not understand, and which we yet must reverence; but let us not also miss the chance to see what Jesus made very clear for us.
^ TOP

A point to consider. The older son was not good. He had a hard heart. He was instead, much like the Pharisees, self-righteous and proud of his performance rather than being true to his Father's love. He demonstrates no grace or mercy, but rather ridicules his Father for his rejoicing at the return of his brother. In effect, he curses his brother and his Father. This story really should be entitiled the parable of the prodigal Father. The Father expresses recklessly extrtavagant love for his sons just as our heavenly Father does for those who accept His Son as savior and LORD.
^ TOP

I realize that your E-mail is not a serious one , and I do not know your real name, but I am praying that The Lord Jesus Christ will bless your life with his Holy Spirit in many ways. Consider your reply and know that you are not mocking me and other people , but you are mocking the Lord.

God bless you in every way.

Chris Godwin....servent of Christ
^ TOP

WE AS CHRISTIAN'S NEED TO WELCOME SINNER'S!! OUR TESTIMONY COULD EITHER PLANT THE SEED FOR THEM OR BRING THEM INTO GOD'S PRESENCE AND THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
IT IS HARD SOMETIMES AS A CHRISTIAN TO IDENITIFY WITH SINNERS BECAUSE WE HAVE JESUS LIVING WITHIN US TEACHING US THE RIGHT WAYS. JUST REMEMBER THAT EVEN AS A CHRISTIAN YOU ARE STILL A SINNER BUT WITH BENEFIT & ETERNAL LIFE.
APPLICATION TO MY LIFE:
IDENITIFY THAT DESPITE A SINNER'S TROUBLES & ATTITUDE THEY TO ARE JUST AS ELIGIBLE FOR HEAVEN AS I WAS. IT WASN'T UNTIL JESUS CAME TO LIVE IN ME DID I CHANGE MY WAYS.
GO AFTER SINNER'S TEACH THEM, GUIDE THEM, & LOVE THEM. SHOW THEM JESUS IN YOU.
THANK YOU FOR READING! I HELP IT CAN BE A HELP AND A BLESSING AS IT HAS BEEN TO ME.
^ TOP

This may not be a popular interpretation, but from the parable itself it is hard to conclude too much more than this being about God and His activity in growing the 'seed.' It is tempting to allegorize this (i.e. say that JC is the farmer), and it is tempting to say its about our 'producing fruit' or 'miracles.' Although scripture talks about this, this particular parable does not. The point...and I think this is very good news...is that God does the growing. He is the one able to do the unthinkable; grow His word in the midst of a sinful world. For this I am thankful, and don't take this as a license to be lazy, but an invitation to be faithful to the great grower.
^ TOP

The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed,
which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Which indeed is the least of all seeds:
but when it is grown,
it is the greatest among herbs,
and becometh a tree,
so that the birds of the air come
and lodge in the branches thereof.

heaven = mustard seed.
mustard seed = a tiny tiny seed.
mustard seed = a herb.
least of all seeds = a tiny tiny seed.
But when a mustard seeds grows it becomes the greatest among herbs.

The Kingdom of heaven started with a few Jews getting in to the
marriage, then the rest rejected him and killed the prophets, so he
sent his son and they killed him also, So he sent his servants
which are us Christians to go into the streets & invite everybody
who would come into his Kingdom for the wedding.

The growth of the tree doesn't represent a monstrosity!

^ TOP

To condense it all into a nutshell, if you're doing it for show, if you're doing it to impress people, it doesn't count in God's sight. What you do in secret, for God, in accord with God's Word, is what pleases God. And I believe this is what true humility is all about.

The Pharisees did what they did with the primary motive of impressing those around them, but their hearts were far from God. They substituted their own traditions for the Word of God, laying heavy burdens on others but not offering any help themselves. They prayed long prayers on street corners to impress others of how pious they were, but foreclosed on widow's houses. They had people to blow trumpets before them when they put their money into the treasury so everyone could see how generous they were. But they only gave of their surplus. Jesus' most scathing rebukes were reserved for these hypocrites, accordingly. And this also is why he told them harlots and tax collectors would go into the kingdom ahead of them, because they would see their sorry condition and repent, while the hypocritical pharisees would only justify themselves and look down on others.

The parable of the Pharisee and the publican I think most graphically illustrates this differencel
^ TOP

The fig tree without fruit represents our fruitless life. The leaves represent the word of God. You see we can have a lot of word in us but not produce fruit. The word of God in us has to be watered, birth in our spirit and then preached to the people. When the Lord told the man that he was going to cut the tree down and the man told the Lord no give me a year I will dig it up and fertilize it this reminded me of how Jesus interceeds on our behalf. Even Moses interceeded for the people of Israel when they were worshipping the golden calf. Even though this was a tree the man loved that tree and he knew that if he was given the chance to dig up the ground and fertilize it there would be fruit the following year. This is the same love the Lord has for us he always gives us a second chanc
^ TOP

I don't know which subject you are speaking of, since I was the last one before your comment, let me share the Scripture in God's Word, concerning continued sin in the life of a believer! First, Jesus said unto sinner that came unto Him and were forgiven their sins, sin no more less a worse thing come upon you! The Judgment of God!
(Hebrews-10-26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth (Christ) there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
(27) But CERTAIN fearful looking for of Judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries.
Satan has always been the liar and murderer that deceived mankind, from the beginning, to take of the tree of knowledge, knowing good and evil!! (Genesis-3-4-5) (2-17) But God said, The day you eat thereof, knowing good and evil, you shall die!
(Romans-6-16) Know you not to whom you yeild yourselves servants to obey, his servant you are to whom you obey: whether of sin unto death (continued sin) or of obedience unto Righteousness! We cannot obey God, and the Devil! God never changes, (Genesis-2-17) that wages of sin is death, neither does Satan! (Genesis-3-4-5) you shall not surely die!
(11Thess-2-3-12! That all might be Damned who believed not the Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness!
Also note, (1John-3-7) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is Righteous!
(8) He that COMMITS SIN is of the Devil, for the devil sinned from the beginning, For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might DESTROY (not justify) the works of the Devil!
^ TOP

WOULD APPRICIATE A GOOD CLEAR PHOTO OF THE THE MUSTARD SEED.THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.
^ TOP

Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?
^ TOP

If you believe on the Father (God) Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Sprit you will be saved. Jesus Christ sits on the right hand of the Father making intercession for the saints. Romans 10:9 If u believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus was raised from the dead you shall be saved.
^ TOP

You have to know the context of the parable, Which is likening the kingdom of heaven to that of a mustard seed that becomes a tree. Read on but keep an open mind. And when reading the Word of God, you eat the meat and spit the bones out. But always ask for the leading of the Spirit.
In the third parable, the nature and function of a mustard plant, an herb, was changed into a tree.
- Explain why this abnormal development indicates a change of nature
and function of the kingdom, how and when this change took place,
and the result of the change.
The church, which is the embodiment of the kingdom, should be
like an herb that produces food.
However, its nature and function were changed, so that it became
a "tree," a lodging place for birds.
(This is against the law of God's creation, that is that every plant
must be after its kind-Gen. 1:11-12).
Genesis 1:11-12 11 And God said, Let the earth sprout grass,
herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees
bearing fruit according to their kind with their seed in them upon
the earth; and it was so. 12 And the
earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed according to their
kind, and trees bearing fruit with their
seed in them according to their kind; and God saw that it was
good.
This change happened in the first part of the fourth century, when
Constantine the Great mixed the
church with the world. He brought thousands of false believers into
Christianity, making it Christendom, no longer the church. Hence,
this third parable corresponds with the third of the seven
churches in Rev. 2 and 3, the church in Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17
Fnt 121).
Revelation 2:12-17 12 And to the messenger of the church in
Pergamos write: These things says He
who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know where you dwell,
where Satan's throne is; and you hold
fast My name and have not denied My faith, even in the days of
Antipas, My witness, My faithful one,
who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a
few things against you that you have
some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to
put a stumbling block before the
sons of Israel, to eat idol sacrifices and to commit fornication. 15
In the same way you also have
some who hold in like manner the teaching of the Nicolatians. 16
Repent therefore; but if not, I am
coming to you quickly, and I will make war with them with the
sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who
overcomes, to him I will give of the
hidden manna, and to him I will give white stone, and upon the
stone a new name written, which no on
knows except him who receives it.

121 The Greek word means marriage (implying union) and fortified
tower. As a sign, the church in
Pergamos prefigures the church that entered into a marriage union
with the world and became a high
fortified tower, equivalent to the great tree prophesied by the Lord
in the parable of the mustard seed
(Matt. 1331-32). When Satan failed to destroy the church through
the persecution of the Roman Empire
in the first three centuries, he changed his strategy. He sought
instead to corrupt her through
Constantine's welcoming of Christianity as the state religion in the
first part of the fourth century.
Through Constantine's encouragement and political influence,
multitudes of unbelievers were baptized
into the "church," and the "church" became monstrously great.
Since the church as a chaste bride is
espoused to Christ, her union with the world is considered spiritual
fornication in the eyes of God.
The mustard is an annual herb, whereas the tree is a perennial
plant. The church, according to its
heavenly and spiritual nature, should be like the mustard,
sojourning on the earth. But with its nature
changed, the church became deeply rooted and settled as a tree in
the earth, flourishing with its
enterprises as the branches in which many evil persons and things
are lodged. This resulted in the
formation of the outward organization of the outward appearance
of the kingdom of the heavens.

^ TOP

Did anyone find a picture of a full grown mustard tree? I also need this for my Sunday School class next week. Any ideas? Thank you, cjm
^ TOP