Is it true that when the small mustard seed is planted should grow into a large garden plant instead of a tree....?
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I have not overlooked the last verse of the Parable of the Unjust Steward, that is, Luke 16 : 13. On the contrary, I have explained on the Unjust Steward site that most churches today are trying to serve both God and mammon. They have overlooked this verse by ignoring its context.

Our Lord Jesus Christ never expected His people to live completely providently. His way was that we would give freely to one another (Matt. 5 : 42 ), blow off our concerns (Matt. 6 : 24 ff ), continue to ask, seek, and knock (Matt. 7 : 7 ), and He likened whoever heard or read Him and would do so to a man who built his house upon the rock rather than to the man whose house built on sand fell with a great crash (the Parable of the Wise / Foolish Builders). On that page I have posted my stand that the things to be obeyed to be like the wise builder consist entirely of the Sermon on the Mount, yet it slipped my mind to include whatever may be needed to follow Jesus' teachings from it. In contrast, our Modern English speaking culture clearly ignores the Sermon on the Mount even at the pulpit. Americans today scarcely give to the needy who come to ask from them. Next, I show that it is this stinginess which shows that someone is serving Mammon in preference to God.

By condemning the servant of two masters as inadequate and refusing to acknowledge service of God as valid from those serving Mammon (wealth), Jesus Christ makes clear to us that any excuses of ours for withholding our wealth will anger Him (Luke 16 : 13 ). We should not rely upon prudent earnings of our own, but, rather, have the security of the favour of rich folk to lean on because they are more prudent than followers of Christ (Luke 16 : 8 ). Jesus went on in verse 13 to explain the two outcomes of trying to serve both God and Mammon:

"Either he [the servant] will love the one and hate the other," as happens when an unbelieving man cannot understand his wife's faith in Jesus Christ and thus makes ungodly choices, "or he will cleave to the one and despise the other." This latter result happens at churches all across the English-speaking world every time church staff hews to its Budget to withhold money from one who asks while at other times in the week professing strong faith in Jesus Christ.

I conclude that we cannot serve God on a budget. Still, if we have not yet obeyed Luke 16 : 9 - 12 and thus have not even met any rich friends of the members of our congregations, the predictable result of such genereosity is a totally unfair exploitation of our wealth by the needy until we have practically nothing, whereupon we shall be called by Christ to ask, seek, and knock despite the many martyrdoms of such persons among the churches run by evil servants today (Matt. 24 : 45 - 51 ).

I will never forgive the evil servants in charge of so many contemporary churches, the evil staff who are swift to get angry and to call the police and to complain about a presumed mental illness. If I must share heaven with them, they will be absolutely chastened first as I have requested -- or left behind to be martyred when I am raptured into heaven, or fast for forty days and pray together on their knees, and if any one of them have turned ten men or boys over to psychiatry, he or she has no chance whatsoever for heaven without amputations anyway. For example, evil servant Bill Meier in charge of Twin City Bible Church in Urbana, Illinois, known to defend sophisticated English manners in preference to Jesus, already stands with "a who...le WEE...k of RE...PEA...TI...NG 'terribly sorry beyond [b]wyrds for what I did to Kevin' " demanded of him by telephone as of May 2001, before his lawyers notified me of their threats. Where shall I post the messages to doom the evil servants? I need help to find the most visited Christian forum to doom the evil servant so that world evangelism might be accomplished for Jesus' sake under truer leadership.

Yours in Christ,

+++Kevin Douglas Rosenberg

a martyr for asking, seeking, and knocking (
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you cant ask the internet a question you got from mr. mcgowan.. geez man
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The good samaritan is a very good parable that is really known throught-out both the christian society and the jewish because of the relationship in that parable if the Gentile and the Jew.
When the priest and the levite passed by both should have helped but did not then the samaritan passed by although he was not expected to help he did the unthinkable he helped the jew who looked down on the samaritans because of their mixed breed.
Despite this the samaritan cared after the man took him to an inn and left enough money there for him to stay a little while longer until he was better.
This shows one of the greatest forms of love for your neighbor in the bible
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No theology here, just a thought. Seems as though the younger son had a hole in his stomach, but the older son (the non prodigal) had a hole in his heart. Didn't seem to have much of a relationship with either his father or his brother. Didn't join in the celebration; referred to the prodigal, when talking to his father as "YOUR son". Appears that his actions were out of duty, not love, when we hear him say: "All these years I've worked for you, and you never had a celebration for ME!" (Paraphrase). Jealous? Angry? What for? His father told him, "You are always with me, and everything I have is yours." I believe Jesus told this parable because the hearers could find themselves in either category: outwardly rebellious, or inwardly resentful. The father reached out to both, but only the prodigal could receive, perhaps because he was repentent.
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What significance did the ring have? Why did his father put a ring on his finger? How does that relate to the church?
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I was recently asked if this parable referred to lost people or backslidden christians. I think both. This, to me, is a story of God's unconditional love. I will not get into as to whether or not we lose our salvation. I believe that the point is we are allowed to make our own decisions and that if we are willing to repent, God will accept our return with great love and understanding. We will never be perfect in this life and will always be guilty of sin.
Thank for letting share my opinion.

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It may be important to note that the younger son does not ask for his inheritance but for his share of the property. His inheritance would bring with it cultural and societial responsibility. He only wanted to cash in and then cash out to go and party. He did not want the responsibility in the community.
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Are you the same George Banagis that scetched "Athena"?

I have been looking for more from you for ages now. I clipped your drawing out of a magazine in 1990 when I was station @ Fort Bragg as a parachute rigger. Being a woman paratrooper, I could relate to Athena. Please send me a website or other where I can find more of your work.

And Thank You, for Athena.

Paula Wargo
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The Jungian view would be to see these two sons as parts of ourselves. The Shadow side would be the son we deny (hide). The Father represents Individuation, or Wholeness.
Many haggle over which brother should receive the most praise. If we consider that the risk-taking adventurer and the dutiful cautious law abider are just two slices to investigate within ourselves, we may deepen our understanding of how God can love both when we are centered in Him (or home). The older son "projects" his shadow on the younger instead of owning it. This is like the pharisee who prayed (regarding the sinner( "I thank you God that I am not like him".) Or like the woman about to be stoned by those who probably fantasized about what she did, but never dared act it out. Shadow issues come out when we get critical and judgemental.
Regardless of which brother moves us or yanks our chain, the Father symbolizes the wholeness (in Christ) that can come when we don't split-off (judge) and we come home to forgiveness (reconciation) and a wholeness that gives us peace. I am a Christian as well as a Jungian psychotherapist (pastoral).



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I think the parable has many applications, but try this. In every instance where the Good Samaritan is referred to, replace that person with Jesus. For instance - He came to where he was. Did God come to us when we were unable to go to him (inability to ascend by the law of Moses)?

When we are stricken. does He bind our wounds, pouring in His substance and anointing us (oil & wine)? Did He commend us to the Father before he departed (the host at the inn)? Does God provide a way of escape nobody thought about (Red Sea parting...he sat him on his beast) like he does the beast in this story or does the beast represent how we should behave as Jesus did,... you know the human need. Did He leave two things (two pence) behind for us...the Word and theHoly Spirit? When He comes again, will He repay? Now for the stricken man...is this you or is this the lost. I hope you know Christ.

Hope this blesses all.

Doug
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to people
is love your neighbour really right?
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THIS PARABLE (PRODIGAL SON) IS NOT ABOUT POSESSIONS AND INHERITANCE BUT ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD AND THE RETURN TO HIS LOVE BY ONE WHO WENT HIS OWN WAY. THIS IS ALL ABOUT GODS GREAT LOVE AND THE ENORMOUS VALUE OF HIS SALVATION. GODS HEART FOR HIS CHILDREN. EVEN WHEN HIS CHILDREN TAKES WHAT GOD HAS FREELY GIVEN HIM, AND BLOWS IT TO A POINT WHERE HE LEARNS THAT EVEN THE SMALLEST OF GODS CRUMBS ARE BETTER THAN ANYTHING THE WORLD CAN OFFER. THAT THE WORLD'S OFFERINGS ARE AN ILLUSION INTENDED TO APPEAL TO OUR OWN SELF AND INDEPENDENCE APART FROM GOD. THAT ALL THIS WORLD AND ITS RULER (SATAN) OFFER, IS A LIE AND WILL RUN OUT ONLY TO GET US TO WORK ENSLAVED WITH THE PIGS. FOR WE LEARN THE SMALLEST OF GODS CRUMBS ARE AS BIG AS HE HIMSELF FOR HIS ENORMOUS LOVE FOR US WHO ARE HIS CHILDREN WILL HOLD NOTHING BACK FROM US. THE OLDER BROTHER CAN LEARN MUCH FROM THE YOUNGER BROTHERS CHOICES AND BAD DECISIONS. THAT GOD IS SO GOOD THAT EVEN HE, THE OLDER BROTHER, SHOULD REJOICE WITH HIS BROTHER IN THEIR FATHERS ENORMOUS LOVE. THIS IS ALL ABOUT OUR WONDDERFUL AND GREAT LOVE NOT ABOUT POSSESSIONS AND INHERITANCEE OF THINGS.
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I have traveled the Country and always heard the same interpretation of the Mustard Seed and never say one mention above (unless I just missed it). There are many times people feel down but if they can maintain their faith, even if it feels so small, small as a mustard seed, God will always be there to grow that faith into the largest of seed baring plants. If you want to debate herbs, plants and trees, go nuts (no pun intended). The importance of the parable is that God is there-Always. Keep the faith, even when it seems unbearable, He will grow your faith to the largest.
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I know the parable, but I know Jesus went to Samaria. Why couldn't the Samaritan have heard and perhaps accepted Jesus? Yes, I realize that non Christians show love. I teach primary children. The concept is to show love even when it is not convenient. When we know Jesus, He enables us to do this if we listen to Him.
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Can we be a good samaritan in this era...? can we humble ourselves and help others despite of everything; being a stranger or an enemy? how can we be like the good samaritan when we ourselves don't know how to love and to be humble in every actions we did...
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May I suggest http://www.familyradio.com There is a free booklet available there about the Wheat and Tares. May I also suggest "The End of the Church Age" also!
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In Mark 11:23-24 Jesus said:

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

I have already submitted that the very thing that we are cultivating in Mark Chapter four is faith or belief. If the same word or idea found in Mark 11:24 is “believe”, then couldn’t we overlay the teaching template or matrix-so to speak-of Mark chapter four’s teaching, over this scripture, to gain some enlightenment into what’s being said?

If you do a translation comparison amongst many translations you will find that in some translations they use the expression “believe you receive it” (present tense). Others use the expression “believe you HAVE received it” (past tense). So which one is it? And might it be explained by the idea of farming or sowing and reaping? (Parable of the sower, Mustard seed etc.)

This has bothered me for a long time because I couldn’t rectify there being any similarities between the two. And something so important as the scripture by Jesus instructing us as to how to get our prayers answered; must be clearly understood. Doesn’t it?

Consider if you will that this might be what’s going on here. Notice in verse 24 the expression “when you pray”.

Might a farmer when planting his field (at that very point in time in which the seeds hit the soil) be doing the natural equivalent of the spiritual idea of “believing”-present tense? Could Jesus be saying that we are planting something when we “believe” it- present tense? Might we be doing the actual planting of the seed of Gods word, when we say in prayer “I believe it”, “ I receive it by believing it”, “now”?

Now, back to the “when you pray”. Might this expression be a TIME STAMP? Which endorses our petition, locking it in at a certain time and place? And if this scripture has within it this “time stamp”, and the flow of time is heading into the future, can you see how that the time stamp now falls in the PAST after we’ve prayed? (It now becomes past tense.) With every second after we’ve prayed-BELIEVING, for us to keep the time stamp valid and the continuity of this scripture valid, then we would have to change our confession to past tense. Or the time stamp is nullified and our seed ruined or kept from growing. (The scripture ceases to be applied).

Isn’t this what farmer’s do?

What if you noticed every three days a farmer out in his field RE-planting his crop? Would he ever come to a harvest? I submit NO. A farmer has to get the planting of his crop behind him for the year and then he can expect the seed to grow. And yet our NOT CHANGING our confession from I “believe” present tense, to “I have believed” past tense, is the very thing that our hearts hear as a mixed message (The word is being sown in our hearts). Not to mention violating of the conditions of the scripture.

We have to “believe” (confess out loud before God, in the secret place of our prayer closet-NOT before men. “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed you might SAY… Verse 23, whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain…) that God grants us what we pray for “when we pray”, then change our mind set allowing the time stamp to lock that prayer in time thus drifting into the past tense. To pray again in the present tense resets the time stamp and we start the growing cycle over, forfeiting the time that we spent waiting for the growing cycle to be completed. We could do that forever never receiving a thing. Does that sound like anybody that you know? Me too! (We won’t say whom.)

When farmers come in from the field HAVING planted their seed for the year, they probably say, “I’m glad that’s done”. They crack open a cold one knowing that the reaction between the ground and Gods unique creation, the seed, will shortly go to work causing a crop to begin to grow. How does he know? It’s been written in nature from the beginning of time. Seeds just grow. They’re miraculous. The thing that causes them to grow is the fact that he’s a descendant of his forefather seed, the one that God spoke to in Genesis commanding them to GROW. If you understand this alone, you will see how farmers are cultivating Gods word without even knowing it (their literal miracles-LITERAL).

The apostle Paul said in Corinthians that the seed has to die first before it will grow. And there is no life in it at the time it’s planted. Where does the life come from? Apart from Gods word-I don’t know. But they grow.

If you remember anything that I have written remember this: We receive from God in the present tense, NOW. We received Gods word by believing it (learn to use that word in prayer, your head my not understand it but your heart does) present tense-NOW.

But for this scripture to remain applied, and to not violate the time stamp that we applied at the time of prayer, we then must allow it to slip into the past tense and KEEP it there. Any pulling it out of the past tense (“I HAVE receivED it”, “when I believED it”, “when I prayed”) cancels out the scripture. Your violating the “when you pray” time stamp that we endorse our prayers with.

According to scriptures all of Gods promises are written in the past tense, indicating that he’s already provided whatsoever things we ask-BELEIVEING. We engage our faith for them when we “believe” them (accept, plant, hide, bury, keep secret).

If done properly, with the course of time (the growing cycle needs to be completed, patience is required) our heavenly father will reward us openly for the things we planted in prayer when we believed.

Believe, plant, and reap, may your joy be full!


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Could you please state succinctly and in your own words what this “SECRET’ is?

I understand that Jesus was telling a great secret. One that apparently, nobody much cares about. But I accept that he was revealing something incredible. So then WHAT IS IT?

What is the jest of all of these parables? Can you articulate it in your own words? I am convinced that Gods idea of a secret is incredibly greater then our idea of a secret. What secret could qualify as something so wonderful?

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Dear James,

You write as if the world is a zero-sum-game, that for one to have more, another must have less. Not true.

One does not have to exploit others to gain. Every invention increasing productivity shows the possibility of win/win. Even in planting and harvesting crops, more may be produced than is invested. And money is merely "stored value". Wealth can be created.

If there were Boy Scouts in that day, it might have been phrased as "Do Your Best."
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On the topic of the younger son hating his father. It is not said that he hates his father, and I don't believe that he does... but in asking for his inheritance... it is like wishing his father were dead. That had to hurt the father. Yet the father took him back unconditionally.

As for the older son, that has also been on my heart a lot. You see my sister ran away from home. When she returned I was glad and celebrated, but at the same time it was frustrating. Where was my reward for being the good daughter?? The father's response to the older's sons complaints is, "Everything I have is yours". God gives us everything! He gave us His Son and eternal life. At the same time, the father's plea to the older son to join in the celebration, is how God us to celebrate when others grow in relationship with him.
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The parable of the wheat and tares continues with the same subject matter introduced in the previous parable, the parable of the sower. Christ gave these first four parables" out of the house", and down by the seaside.[Matt.13:1].
The parable of the wheat and tares centers around those bearing fruit from the previous parable in order to reveal the method of Saten's attack against them. In this respect, this parable moves a step beyond that revealed at the end of the parable of the Sower. This parable continues with the same thought but then reveals a concentrated attack against those individuals bearing fruit. It reveals the exact method which Satan uses as he goes about seeking to stop that which is occurring.
Satan seeks to prevent fruit-bearing through a number of means revealed in the first three parts of the parable of the sower. And throughout the dispensation, he has been successful in his confrontation with the vast majority of Christians. He has succeeded in preventing most from bearing fruit.
But the preceding has not been true of all Christians. Many have been victorious over Satan's methods and schemes. They have overcome the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. And, as a result, they have brought forth and continue to bring forth fruit. And it is these Christians, the ones bearing fruit, that Satan is seen directing his attack against in the parable of the wheat and tares, seeking to stop that which is occurring.
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A mustard seed should stay an herb,if it becomes as a tree it is not good for seasoning.It has become something it shouldn't be and the birds perch in it looking for an easy meal.
Mustard seed = The Church,GOD's children Birds = satan and his croneies,false teachers
To GOD be the glory.

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Hello,

My Name is Jill Arrington. God gave me a vision for my company logo that includes the mustard tree. I am really interested in seeing what that looks like.

Thanks,

Jill Arrington


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I sympathize with the brother who seems jealous. I think that the prodigal was rewarded for his misbehavior/sins. Are we to assume that the prodigal lived a good, productive, bourgeois life, til he died?
I assume that it is true that President Bush made several mistakes in his days of "riotous living" and another by invading Iraq. I think that he, too, has been rewarded for his mistakes.
I think that wealthy families, not ones who are just rich, have ways to train their young, to trust in and manage money. Certainly more than the poor, who "plan for Saturday night" instead of for "four generations," as Gloria Steinem says the wealthy do. I assume also that these wealthy trainees have a margin for error much greater than the poor do and that once they are trained, they have great desire and ability to "save for a rainy day" (like old age). On the other hand, the poor are likely to blow any surplus money on instant gratification and lottery tickets. The poor know from experience that this might be the only chance for them and their children to have a blast and that if they try to save the money, a child's sickness or some other emergency will suck it up.
Consider this in relation to the plan, to privatize SS,whether that plan was originated by the Bushoviks,the Big Boys, or the Big Boys' Little Boy, the Smiley Face of Corporate America, a.k.a. "W."

Jim Bridges, 252-338-8177
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I am discussing the passage on the Mustard seed this Wednesday and would appreciate a picture of the Mustard tree by the 5.1.2005. Tq. God Bless.
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Hey, Rick......I don't know you personally, but I saw you were from home town, I thought I would say hello. I go to Spanish River and have lived in Boca 32 years now. How 'bout you?
There are quite a few interesting comments on this web-site. I think it's neat how people break stuff down and look for meanings. Like, "what do the sandals represent?"
I've been the prodigal son recently. got really off track. wheh! I mean really off track. It's so wonderful to be able to come to God with a broken and contrite heart and accept His forgiveness. What a pleasure being back in fellowship. Let me hear from you.
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15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."

16Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'

18"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'

19"Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'

20"Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'

21"The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'

22" 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'

23"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.' "

What would it be like in our day form? What is the catholic belief evident in my parable? And what dose it mean?

If anyone can please help me on this, please email me at:

grace.colquhoun@stclaresc.act.edu.au

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Understanding the Prodigal Son parable requires understanding why Jesus told the parable in the first place. He was speaking to a very mixed crowd. In Luke 15:1-2 there are at least 4 groups, sinners, tax collectors, Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus tells this series of three parables to drive home a simple point: God loves the lost and His heart's desire is to find all those separated from Him. Each parable gives a little different spin on His point.
In the third parable, Jesus gives two parts to the parable. In the first part, the younger son is the object of the parable. In the second half, the elder brother is the focus. Each of these parts speaks to the two classes of people to which Jesus was speaking i.e. the sinners and the Pharisees. The first would speak to those who had been separated from God (were prodigal in their relationship with God). The second half would be directed toward the Pharisees and Scribes (those who hadn't departed from God physically).
As I study this parable, it becomes apparent to me that neither son understood the father. The younger son thought that doing righteous things makes you worthy of the father's love. Wrong!
The older brother thought the same thing. Instead, the father was not focusing upon the behaviors of either son. He wanted to have a relationship of love with both brothers. He demonstrates this when he doesn't listen to the smooth lines the younger brother has rehearsed. He also says it to the older brother when he says, " Child, (a different term in the Greek than the word for son, "hwion") you are always with me, and all my things are yours. But it was necessary to kill the fatted calf and celebrate because your brother was dead and is now alive, he was lost and now he is found.
The father's heart desired whole relationships with both his sons. Neither understood. Could it be that in our attempt to be worthy of God's love, we miss what God is really trying to say to us: that we have a priceless value to Him, clearly demonstrated upon the cross.
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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. ;)
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I need a picture of the mustard tree for Bible Study on mustard seed faith.
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Abraham’s bosom was once a compartment of hell. But it never was a place of torment. It was housed in the lower parts of the earth. Old time prophets and men of God went there to await the coming redeemer. These are the ones in the New Testament where it says “he lead captivity captive” and lead them to heaven from there-Jesus. These are the ones who came out of the grave after the death of Jesus and were seen in the streets of Jerusalem. Jesus snatched the keys of death away from Satan and released them as soon as he had paid the full price for sin. They are now with Jesus in heaven.
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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.
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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?
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To Robert Corbitt, THAT explanation is to me the correct one. I read some of the answers, but yours fits the bill. Thank you.
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well, tradgically I feel as I was prior to today, a modern-day Pharisee I'm awful ashamed, I used religion to justify being bitter at others...reading Jonah helped...
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You said I should read you last posting, well I did and it's more of the same nonsense! I will tell you, Instead of knocking, (11Corin-13-5) You need to examine yourself, and be sure whether Christ Jesus is in you, except you be Reprobate! You will find no one, who loves My Lord Jesus Christ, more then I do, I have been homeless, I have gone without my daily needs, I am disabled, I have been cold, hungry and without proper clothing, but no matter what state I have been in, or may be in, He has given me Riches according to His Glory!
(Ephesians-3-16) He has granted me, to be strengthened with might, by His Spirit in my inner soul, that I am comfortable, no matter what condition I find myself in!
My only concern is for this lost deceived world, that He gave His Life for, that the world might receive the knowledge of Him, that they might be saved! If you don't love the Lost, enough to give your life that they might be saved, you need to find another way to make the almighty dollar!
That's the very problem with today's religious leaders, their first love is like your, their own self gain, the Riches of the World, the almighty dollar!
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1. The fig tree may have been recalcitrant.
2. OR, although the environment (temperature and moisture content of
the soil, and sunlight), may have been supportive of the early show of
leaves, perhaps the roots of the fig tree were not yet deep enough to
glean the rich nutrients needed for the fruit to develope.
3. Either way the fig tree was out of line with its own nature.
4. Much more to this. But it is really quite simple when you consider
God's universe.
5. Jesus did the right thing in stopping that tree in its tracks.
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James J suggests this parable has "the master" (God) asking for immoral earnings from his servants. Even the suggestion to put the money in the bank and get interest would have been against the Torah law against usury.

The more you think about this parable as it would have sounded to the people of the time, the more strange it seems.

I think the chances of us getting at what Jesus actually mean, if he ever said it, are slim.

Still, like many parables it can be made to fit in with what ever current thinking is, and thereby demonstrate that that current thinking is based on "Biblical principles". Or am I being cynical?
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Like the other parables of Jesus, this one is about fruit-bearing, and the un-fruitful are thrown into hell. Those who hear the TRUE word of God, they are cleansed by it by doing it. Christ abides in the TRUE hearers and doers. Luke 6:47 - Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them..." John 8:47 - He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 1 Corinthians 4:15 - For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." The branch cannot bear fruit by itself. 1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" Philippians 3:9 - And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" 3 John 1:11 - Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." Who can do good, but the true ones on the vine? Even TRUE faith is not from flesh and blood, but from God. John 3:27 - John answered and said, A man can receive NOTHING, except it be given him from heaven." 1 Corinthians 12:9 - To another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;" Not one man can TRULY say that Jesus Christ is the son of God nor can any man truly tell people,(so-called preachers, ministers, or pastors) Matthew 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." Also, to put an end to false teachers that say if you believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and saviour, you'll be saved, NO MAN can come to Jesus unless God Himself decides that he would. Acts 16:31 - And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." But then, those people heared the TRUE word of God, and the words of JESUS CHRIST, John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 - Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." Then again, same gospel, 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.(God revealed it to them, and had faith in him, that faith is not from their own heart, but from God) 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve(God approved those 12, not the other disciples, because if He did give it to them to come to Jesus, they would of stayed, like the true disciples), and one of you is a devil?" Now all you people that read this, the false christians will not believe this, but the true christians will. John 15:20 - Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." These sayings are in the bible, those who just ignored them in the bible will ignore my words(no, not truly mine) also. Those who believe these things, or knew them already, please, please contact me, at dallascourchene @ hotmail.com (NOTE: there are no spaces in the address.) Also to the so-called born-again christians, what did God call you to do? Live a normal life? I don't think so. People who are truly called are CALLED to do something for the LORD, not just worship Him. Acts 16:10 - And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." Romans 1:1 - Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 1 Corinthians 7:20 - Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." Ephesians 4:1 - I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called," 2 Timothy 1:9 - Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," 1 Peter 2:21 - For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"
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This is what I understand about the Mustard Seed.
The mustard seed is given and planted in us and the kingdom of God is upon us (the Holy Spirit). We are the body of Christ preach good news to the poor (sow unbeliever). The seed will only grow with the WORD of God (knowledge and wisdom thru Holy Spirit).

The seed is the Holy Spirit obviously is the greatest so brings salvation to the people where they will find peace and joy in Christ Lord Jesus.


John 15:5
5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
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This has nothing to do with whether the samaritan was a christian it has to do with simply showing who is your neighbor and how you are to act to your neighbor. Not all the nonsense you are talking about.
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hi, i am doing a project in my theology class where i have to read the parale of the to virgins and explain to the class what i learned on it. I will actually be teaching the class!! You commentary will helped me understand what this parable meant. Thankyou George!
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cornell
I dont have the scriptures.. but the way i understand it is ...
There is repentance and blasphemy of the holy spirit.. i am not to clear on it either.. but here is what i do know

When we sin, if we confess our sins and turn God will forgive us.
Sin could be murder, murders,stealing, hate lust, lying, gossiping

Blasphemy as i understand it, not quite sure is when a person totally reject God , they have been given over to reprobate mind, they have
completly sold out and have no desire to come back home to God the Father

God knows the diffenence and he is not confuse when someone has completely rejected and refuse his Love, Him, His Son, His Spirit, His ways...

a story, testimony i love in the bible, is saul that perscuted, killed christians, one day on the road to Damascus was stop in his tracks
turn around repent of his evil ways was forgiven and greatly use by the same God, the same Jesus he tried to kill, and destroy his name and his people.....What a great testimony....God loves it when we turn, he is not a tricky God is not trying to trick us, sometimes the enemy tries to trick us into thinking i have gone to far God will never accept me now, look how i reject him,look at all those time he spoke to me, warn me and i walked away, rejected him and would not listen, will he listen to me now.... this is want the prodigal son parable son 's essence of the message is he will accept you, love you, bless you, if you come back home, return, repent confess, Lord, Father God i have sin against you
i have rejected you,i have(you fill in the blanks)
i want to come back home
i believe in You Father God, I believe in Your Son Jesus that he died for my sins, and that he arose on third day, and now i am made free by
The Blood of Jesus, and i ask for you The Holy Spirit to come into my heart and live inside of me,
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Hi as you can see my name is Judy and for a project i was wondering if you can tell me what the scientific name for angels are. Please reply ASAP(as soon as posible) Thank you so much for helping me

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Dear brothers

Can you send to me a good large commentary about the parables of Jesus. Especially the parable of the ten virgings.


Thanks a lot.


Sami
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Robert , I say this out of Love for a Brother in hopes that you will see the truth that the Lord Jesus Christ has given us.
We must believe with our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him from the dead in order to be saved. There is a differance between judging and knowing the simple truth that our Lord gives us. Romans 10:9 . I hope that I only misunderstood what you were saying .
The only way to the Father is through the Son , Jesus Christ Our Lord. Matthew 11:27.
God Bless you much .You are in my prayers.
Your Brother ,
chris
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I first believed this was a great parble but now I don't. After much research I feel it lacks morale. What is it telling us stay at home and be a good person and GOd will love you less! I get the samemessage from th lost sheep?
ANy one want to debate this to the end?
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The leder brother represents us as well. The prodigal was the wasteful son the elder brother was the stingy son.
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Sir,

If you would like a picture of an aged mustard tree, I can email the jpg to you.

Regards,
Deborah
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