The only perfect response in each of the three parables in Luke 15 is God's response. He seeks to save the ignorant and helpless. He seeks to find an carelessly lost inheritance. He affirms the right of man to choose. He rejoices in the results of shepherd, the woman and the return of his son.

Neither the younger or older son respond perfectly to the situations they are confronted by. Only when the youngest son's life style drops below that of the father's servants does he decide to return home.

His repentance was perfect, though.

The older son is obedient and hard working. In fact he is working at earning and preserving his inheritance. Nothing in his life would have taught him to respond as the father did. Only a father can understand the joy of a child returned to him. The oldest son should have joined in the celebration but could not. His obediance was without fault.

Today our churches don't have the excuse of not knowing the true nature of God. Today we have the presence of the Holy Spirt, and still many believers cannot rejoice at the salvation of repentant sinners. They too have led lives of hard work and obedience.

We seek a simple straight-forward understanding of things; even in God. We seek to hold a complete understanding of God in three short stories; It isn't meant to be. Use these stories to understand God's love and his desire for a relationship with each one of us.

Thesis topic: The evolution of the meaning of the prodigal son; How context can change the classic understanding of this story. Or how different cultures relate to this story;
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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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Please send me a picture of a mustard tree/plant. I need it for church. Thanks, HEIDI
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The leaven in the parable of the kingdom of God (referring specifically to the reference in Matthew 13:33) is anything BUT a negative usage.
To propose that the leaven here represents corrupt doctrine or heresy infiltrating Christendom to bring about the end of the age can be little more than depressing extrapolation to fit the current dispensationalist paradigm.
The direct and clear meaning of this passage is at it reads:
The kingdom of God will continue to grow and increase until the earth is filled with it, as the abundance of scripture (old an new testaments) testify.
Presented together with the parable of the mustard seed (as Christ did), the parable shows a clear hope and view of the potency and tenacity of the gospel, able to withstand and grow in all conditions, and also to make the recipient of the gospel much greater than its' original sum (the person with Christ is exponentially more than one without).


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In my church there was an example of this. Almost perfect.

A certain man came to my church one day. He had been there before as a child, some 30 or 40 years ago. His memories of the place were good in a life that was falling apart. He had lost his family a few years ago to divorce. Just a year or so earlier, he lost his job, his income, and then his home. He had been living on the street since then. He came to us in December, and it was unseasonably cold. Cold enough that I was worried he'd freeze to death. A couple from the church heard his story and saw that he was truly in need. They drove him to the nearest YMCA, and got him a room there for the year, paying for it all. They're in the process of finding him a job, too, where the husband of the couple works.
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The rich man and Lazarus is a prophetic parable. It comes before and after parables from Jesus. It is actually one of the most astonishing prophesies Jesus spoke. In a nutshell, the rich man, Israel, and the Lazarus, gentiles. It is prophesy of the role reversal that will be played out in the coming mellenia. The jews will not have the place of honor and blessings they once had and to the gentiles it will be given. The death in the parable is symbolizing the death and resurection of Christ. The 5 brothers are further evidence. The scriptures record for us the sons of Jacob through Leah were six, thus Judah had five brethren, all full-blood brothers. Those who would have heard Jesus 2,000 years ago would have understood as they lay great store in their ancestry. This rich man then was Judah the southern kingdom of the Jews. I could go on and on but, with this in mind now, read and study the parable again and see what God is showing you.
This parable is RICH with prophetic knowledge and understanding, and to take this incredible and powerful scripture and use it as some proof text for eternal torment in hell is small minded and missing the point all together.
Think people! God asks us to come and "reason" with Him.
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hi i am also looking for a picture of the mustard seed tree, i was wondering if you ever found one. If so would you please send it to me or tell me where you found it. If not would you still please reply. Thank You and God Bless You!!
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Hitch (and others): Bighouse has pegged the kingdom parables of Matt. ch. 13.
Consider that Jesus explained two of them (vs 18-23, 37-43). If the focus would have changed wouldn't our Lord have said so. Especially since the disciples understood the other parables without explaination (v 51).
Leavened bread was prescibed for peace offerings in Lev. 7:13. All other instances of peace offerings is represented by animal sacrifice and/or the fat thereof. As for Lev 7:13; "Leaven, commonly used at social feasts, was permitted in the thank offering because this was the spontaneous expression of devotion from lives that were not entirely rid of sin and evil in every case(v 13). It taught that everything eaten is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. (1Tim. 4:4-5; 1Cor. 10:23, 30) and that food which enters the stomach does not defile a man (Mt. 15:11)." --Dake commentary on Lev. 7:13
As for the 'foul fowls', certainly the dove denotes the Holy Spirit, but here again if we keep the train of thought being taught by the Lord in Matt. 13, these particular birds must be evil.
As for Strongs ref. 3772; it could mean --- the sky, right?
Consider this. The kingdom parables are taught as a warning to the Church. Dovetail this with the letters to the churches in Rev. and the endtime teaching on false teachers and doctrine. The church will be and has been infultrated by false doctine. Now reread the kingdom parables and consider what the Lord is warning. "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." v.9.

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Incredible comments so far -- wonderful things to think about.

If I may, I would just like to point to something that I haven't seen addressed yet and wonder what it might lead to. In Luke 15 there are the three parables, Johnny Groda did a great job of highlighting that the parables were spoken to a mixed group. What I wanted to point to was something that is consistent with the first two, yet different in the third parable. In the first two, of this chapter, the focus of the message is on the subject of losing something and going to great lengths, even risks, to gain it back. The shepherd loses a sheep and leaves his flock to find it. The woman loses a silver coin and sets the others aside and goes through the whole house to find it. Something is lost and then searched for by the one who lost it.

The third, however, has nothing, or no one, searched for when lost. The prodigal son is lost but no 'shepherd' nor 'woman' searches for the son.

In all three, when what was lost was found again there was great celebration. In the first two, what was lost was more obvious, and they were searched for and found by the ones who lost them. In the third, however, what was truly lost? Who truly searched and found it? If all three are reflecting the same point, or issue, then in the third parable we should wonder to find that what was lost was searched for and found by the one who lost it.

Who, then, lost, searched and found?
What, then, was truly lost and then found again?


Peace

KB-
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Is the prodigal the father or the son. ?

Look back to definitions...given or giving in abundance. Prodigious means very generous. Could the prodigal be the father? Over abundance of grace and forgiveness when not deserved!?

He always knew where the son was but he could not go and get him.

He used the other brother to go and get him.

Lots to ponder when looked at that way.

I know I am a year late on that thought. How did your research turn out?

May God continue to bless!
SBC
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If you are going to give advice, give the Word of God!
(James-1-5) If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all that ask of Him in faith!
(1Corin-2-13) Not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual!
(John-16-13-15) The Spirit of Truth to guide you to all Truths, and show you things to come!
(1John-2-27) For the anointing we receive of Him, abide in us, and we need not that 'any man' teach us, but the same anointing teaches us of all things and is Truth and is no lie, and even as It has taught us, we shall abide in Him
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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.
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I would like a copy of the good shepard sermon

Thank You
sharan Jones
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In reply to several previous emails, especially Rozilne: My book, If the Prodigal Were a Daughter, was released in January and contains four modernized parables. I also review the first century historical/social context and the parable's relevancy to the twenty-first century. The requirement of a parable is to see ourselves. In the prodigal story, most of us have been the prodigal (disrespectful of the father, seeking independence, finding ourselves stuck in a pig pen); we often act like the elder brother (selfish, self-serving, judgmental, refusing to go inside the house for the party because "he" or "she" is inside. Once we ourselves as we really are, we are to become the Father (loving, forgiving, merciful, welcoming, rejoicing). It is human nature for teenagers to break free from parental controls, as it is to obey out of obligation or requirement. But God wants us to grow up, to mature in the very image of the father, the reflection of God.
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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
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"Why were the first paid last, and the last first?

The pay God's servants receive is enternal life, and is characterized by the penny. Therefore, those who are granted the assurance of a never ending life first, are those who were hired last, and according to the parable, it was the company called at the eleventh hour. They are those who are marked or sealed by the man with the writer's inkhorn of Ezekiel 9, or as John calls him, the angle with the seal of God: and he sealed, or marked, 144,000. Rev. 7:1-8. This glorious company are the first who are granted the assurance of never tasting death. Thus they are paid first, but those who were called early in the morning (Ancient Israel) are to receive their reward, enternal life when they are resurrected. "So the last shall be first, and the first, last."

Why was he calling those questioning him evil? Was he calling them evil?

They that murmured represent that part of the Jewish nation who were unworthy, and the phrase, "Friend, I do thee no wrong... Take that thine is, and go thy way," denotes the rejection of the nation.

Note that those who were hired last were paid first, and the first, last. As all were equally regarded, the ones hired first murmured, though they were paid in full. Their disdainful act denotes that the Jewish nation was unworthy of their hire, and the Goodman said to them, "Take that thine is, and go ty way." As Ancient Israel is represented by the first called, so shall they be the last paid.
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I WAS TOLD THAT A MUSTARD PLANT IS ONE OF THE FEW PLANTS THAT WON'T CROSS POLLENATE WITH ANYTHING ELSE. IT THAT TRUE?
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I am looking for information that is at once Biblical and biological and reconciling the seed and the tree or large shrub.
Thank you.
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teachers - profits

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i love the prodigal son parable. to me, the brother is all of us...jealous, miserable, our own obstacle to enjoying the things before us. he was so resentful of his brother's forgivenss that he could not enjoy the party. he, like us, was given all god things by his father. but he lost the appreciation for those things because all he could see is that his brother got the recognition and celebration. he forgot about his time wiht the father, being fed and cared for and clothed.
aren't we like that when someone repents? we say " good" but maybe we feel that they don;t really deserve God's mercy. that makes us like hte brother.
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Denny,

You have come VERY close to the kingdom of God. Your interpretation lacks only a very small observation.

I used to read this parable and identify the characters as most do:

I am the widow
God is the unjust judge (what a characterization!)

Try this one on for size and see if it doesn't fit a little better:

I am the widow AND the unjust judge. After the parable Jesus tells us that God answers our prayers "speedily" (KJV) or "quickly" (NIV). That would eliminate God as the unjust judge character who got tired of this woman banging on him day and night.

God answers every prayer quickly and speedily but because of the condition of our hearts a lot of times, we are unwilling to receive the graces (gifts) that He has provided. Many times we cannot bring ourselves to the place where we actually believe in His goodness we limit our lives to whatever we ourselves can achieve.

The unjust judge is our own hearts. We do not receive anything from God except it be by faith. (For we are saved by grace through faith). If my heart cannot bring itself to the belief that God wants to bless me then I cannot receive what I cannot believe.

God answers all pray quickly. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ" (2 Cor. 1:20). If we are in Christ then all promises to us are "Yes". Please be cautioned, however, persecution is as much a promise from God as "whatever you wish" (John 15:7).

The heart must be persuaded. "Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness". As the apostle Paul points out, this was no casual mental ascent to the existence of God; it was a belief in what God promised. And that is what counted as righteousness.

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, he was able also to perform." (Rom. 4:20-21)

Abraham had to fully persuade his heart (the unjust judge) that God's promise was "Yes". And about 25-years later, Isaac was born. Sometimes, the persuasion process takes a little while but it's not God we are persuading, it's our own unjust and unbelieving hearts.

Or so it seems to me.

Rob
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HARVESTING

The harvesting is nothing more than concentrating the yeast cells by
passing the fermented liquid through large centrifugal pumps called
separators. This process is similar to spinning clothes dry in a washing
machine. The result is off-white liquid called cream yeast. Further
processing is dependent on the type of yeast desired.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

In all the yeast processes, utmost care is taken to produce a product of
the highest possible quality and purity. Samples are routinely checked by
the laboratory and frequent cleaning and sterilization of the equipment
are conducted to assure the proper standards are met.



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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?
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Shaloom Guys (again, I'n not a jew),

The traditions spoken of the pharisees are actually the book of Talmud, which is their interpretation of what the Torah actually means, and how to comply them.

In example, the Talmud says that the meaning of not working during the sabbath are, to name one, not walking more than ### number of paces. Lifting things are considered working, but holding a baby is not. However the baby must not carry anything more than the usual baby clothing, in example a lamp. So lifting and holding a baby is not working, but if the baby holds a lamp you are breaking the Torah, so they say. (That's why israelis nowadays have moslem servants ha ha ha). One famous talmud tradition is washing of hands before eating.

The Talmud is not considered THE WORD OF GOD by Lord Jesus, rather HE called it a human tradition.

Sugeng Wiguno

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Yes, the symbolic name of the younger son is Ephrahim. The older's name is Judah.

Selah,
Donimus
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The sandals represent that the prodigal son was taken back not as a servant or slave but as a son. That goes along with the ring. The servants and slaves did not wear sandals!
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And new hidden door to blessing iIwill open today in Christ and many treasure may the Lord give to me and joy that go an and win the lost to him and teach them of the bibles wisdom and holiness in righteousness and joy,thanks and bless and pray,keijo sweden
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Luke 13:18-19 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
Ezekiel 17:22-23 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent: In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.
Remember the song "he is the vine and we are the branches"? Luke, Matthew, and Ezekiel can all be paralleled. Luke and Matthew are descriptive, and Ezekiel gives even more detail on what it is talking about, which is God's fulfillment of his promise for a Messiah (the highest branch that is taken and planted in Israel), and in the shadow of his wings (ok, branches, lol) all of the nations will take refuge and dwell in his presence. (shadow) Chrys

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after careful and thoughtful study of the old testament prophets I can`t help believing that the ram with two horns that daniel see`s in his vision is symbolic of the ram being america who does seem to do as it pleases in regards to the world today and the horns being the symbology of the twin towers I really believe the end times are being played out in the world today as described by the prophets who recieved their wisdom from god as a gift. I just feel so helpless in regards to what is going on but I also believe nothing happens in this world without god willing it.
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Jews believed that since they were God's chosen people, the first ones in being called; the gentiles(non-Jews) converted to God through the techings of Christ will not received the same reward. What Jesus was saying was that salvation was for all. No matter when you believed or how. What is important is who ha chsosen you. His character is just. He has prepared blessings for all who come to him.
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I had a dream on June 21, 2003 and was shown an awesome sight. A swarm of Tornadoes descending from the sky that look like giant elephant trunks.

People will not know where to hide. So I am telling you now in advance. All that will listen, listen. You will want to find an underground place of shelter such as the below ground floor of a university or mall or parking garage that is windowless. Flying glass spells trouble. Start looking now where you will go. Watch for the signs, you will have time to go to your designated place of shelter. But to wait to look for the appropriate place of shelter at that time will be futile. You must do so now as an act of faith. And in that day, if anyone tells you, "Come with us! There is
a strong building over there". Don't go with them! Do not try and help anyone either or you will be confused and forget your hiding place.

I believe it will be as in the Parable of the 10 Virgins.
Let us pray earnestly to our God for the shed blood of the thousands of Iraqi people. Perhaps He will turn away His anger and leave us a blessing instead.

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This statement is wrong, sorry. I retract it.
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It seems by the way Jesus told the story, that one need not be a christian to inherit eternal life. Jesus was asked this question and after the parable answered " Go and do likewise". Now the good samaritan was not a christian, but a product of mixed interbreeding between jews from the Northern Kingdom and other people after Israel's exile. They were considered heretics. Yet, it was what was in the samaritans heart that was the focal point of the parable. To say that only christians ( only people who accept Jesus as their Lord and savior and accept that he died on the cross for their sins) are going to be saved, is in a way like, judging other people. And as you well know, Jesus clearly states "judge not, least you yourself be judged.
Amen and God bless everyone.
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I hope your study of the good Samaritan brings forth amazing fruit in your life. I think it is time for all of us to realize that time is running out and we should spend ourselves, as the good Samaritan demonstrated, seeking out and caring for the lost. We can truly be ambassadors from heaven if we're willing to take Christ to a lost and perverted world. Jesus is the only answer. May God bless you and anoint you to proclaim his Word with boldness to all who will listen. My prayer is that He will give you such a love for souls that you will spend time in prayer and fasting believing for a harvest of souls. God Bless.............in His service, Bro. Pat
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Dear Brother,

Greetings in the nameof Jesus Christ.

I am preparing a message on Christ the Good shepherd and would like to have some good messages of the same and hope you can help me. Waiting to hear from you very soon.

Your friend,
Cheryan
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Psalm 78 1-8, God commands all generations to teach the testimony of Jacob.

Did Jesus keep this commandment? We, who believe Jesus was the Son of God, knows he was perfect. Therefore, we know he kept the commandment of His Father.


Why has the Church not made the connection that when Jesus taught the Parable of the lost son, he was keeping God's commandment to teach the testimony of Jacob.

To truly understand the depth of the Parable of the lost son, we need to understand, in depth, the testimony of Jacob.

The parable of the lost son is not simply a "neat" story showing us God's saving Grace and unconditional love.

The testimony of Jacob is the key to us understanding what a true relationship with God, Jehovah Jireh, is all about. The Church has not yet made this connection, because they do not understand the testimony of Jacob. If they don't understand it, they definitely aren't teaching it and are not keeping God's commandment of Psalm 78.


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And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

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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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Ya know it amazes me that so many different people looking at the same parable come up with so many different ideas and interpretations of it. Who on earth is right? Obviously only God knows. But wouldn’t it be wiser to just let the context, and others that are talking about the same thing interpret the parable?

The parable of the Mustard seed is merely the parable of the sower modified to use upon ourselves. One account says that the kingdom of God is as if a man should cast seed in HIS garden. Well the parable of the sower already has conveyed that the soil is the heart of a man. It also teaches that the seed is the word of God. The fowls of the air are spirits that seek to keep the word from growing in our hearts. What’s being said here is that we are privileged to be able to invert this principle upon ourselves by planting Gods word in our own hearts. Upon doing so we sleep on it. Have you ever been told by a parent that if you have a problem, sleeping upon it will help you see it differently in the morning? Well this is the idea. We sleep upon it night after night and the seed springs up automatically. Notice the word automatically. This is the actual word in the Greek that was translated “for the earth brings forth fruit of HERSELF”-AUTOMATICALLY. Automatic means, “done without conscious thought or volition (decision of the will). In other words, our jobs are to bury to word of God in our hearts, and our hearts automatically brings it forth to fruition, without our having to think about it. The principle entails knowing how to plant the seed and then being patient-the hardest thing.

Why a Mustard seed? I looked up mustard in an encyclopedia. The first sentence of the first line said, “mustard is an easy crop to grow”.

Now notice the COMPARISON, “whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God and with what comparison shall we compare it?” The comparison is this: The mustard seed is so small that the fowls can literally eat it. But if it’s planted and allowed to grow, it becomes so big that the only thing that the fowls can do against that tree, is to lodge in its branches. Do you think that birds bother a tree? It’s probably not bothered by humans! It’s too big and strong. It’s like there not even there.

When we plant the Word in our hearts, the seed is very small and insignificant, it’s at this time the Satan represented as fowls of the air come looming in around us. To the small size of that seed the birds seem like 747 airplanes. The spirits of darkness are TEMPORARILY stronger than us. “Then cometh the devil to take out the word that is sown in the heart”. He uses affliction and persecution in the beginning phases. Then after the seed has sunk roots and has become stronger, he employs different tactics, he attempts to CHOKE the word, with “the cares of this world the deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things”. But if the seed is allowed to grow, with time the tree will become a 747 to the birds. In other words their non-existent as far as their influence goes.

What we are really doing is cultivating faith. Faith is the result of the word living and abiding in us. And it brings forth fruit. It manifests!

Now, the big question is how do we plant the seed?

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god is telling us as christians to leave out of the church go to the homeless ,the projects your friends and invite them to your church so they can hear and recieve the word of god !
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There is nothing we *alone* can do to be saved. The fruit is from the Spirit in us, not actions we make alone. See Gal 5:22-26;

(KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The Spirit will produce the fruit according to the Father's Will...don't let people tell you what that should be. Live (abide) in the Spirit of the Lord and He in you! Our salvation is found in the Savior, not in how many tracks we hand out. :-)

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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.


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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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I think there are a lot of misconceptions about the parable of the widow and the unjust judge. A lot of people think that Jesus is saying that we should pray repetitiously over any one thing. Is that really what is being said in light of the fact the Jesus said, "pray not vain repititions like the heathens do"? When he says, "men ought always to pray and not faint", is he saying to pray continuously? Or might he be saying "every single time you pray, don't faint or stand upon that one prayer until your answered? I submit that that's what this is saying. But she came over and over again someone will say. No, it said, "she came unto him saying". She barely got in the door and wasn't even done walking when she demanded justice. Someone will also say but he said that he will avenge her lest by her CONTINUAL coming she weary him. She was coming day and night". No, lest means, because IF SHE CONTINUES to come, she'll drive him nuts. She only came once, but by the determination in her words she impressed upon him, "she means business". So where does faith fit in to all of this? Didn't Jesus say, "if you had faith as a grain of mustard seed you would say unto this sycamine tree be thou plucked up by the root and be cast into the sea and it would obey you? Notice the aspect of patience, HE WOULD NOT FOR A WHILE but afterward he said, "though I fear not God nor regard man, I will avenge her lest by her continual coming she weary me. She planted a seed in his heart by her boldness, words and address. That seed grew within his heart and consumed him. But only "after a while". She didn't come again because in her heart it was a done deal. "And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry unto him day and night?” I believe that Jesus is saying that instead of crying day and night, if we would just have the faith to approach God boldly, as a covenant partner, and regard it a done deal, we would qualify as one of those who are avenged speedily. Will he find this kind of faith on earth when he comes? You decide.
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In Matthew it talkes of a mustard seed that produces a tree that birds cand go into. What kind of mustard seed produces a tree this large? I am real interested in finding more information on this seed.
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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
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Hi

My name is Brooke Wren and I was wondering if you
Could send me out some information about Tropical or
Exotic Fruits plus some information about that particular
Fruit. If you could that would be Fantastic but if you can not
Please e-mail me and tell me.


Thank You,

For listening

Brooke Wren

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I'm kind of late coming in to this thread, so I don't expect a response but am I reading this right... God gives the one talent to the man with TEN talents.... where is he mentioned? The talents given out are 5, 2 and 1.
If you go to Luke 19 you get the 10 pounds (not talents), 5 pounds and 2 pounds parable... so is this a mixed metaphor, an error in transcription, or am I the only one seeing this? My search (KJV) shows only the one occurrance of "ten talents". Any ideas?
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This forum concerns the interpretation of Luke 16:1-13. Some scholars see an allegory of the love of Jesus in it; however, I see an eye-opener and direct commands from our Lord instead. That I do not discuss salvation (John 3:16ff, Romans etc.) here does not imply any lack of that teaching from me. I simply believe that the parables on which I have commented do not much concern salvation and justification or that others will easily expound those aspects while I delve through the commands and the predictions of Jesus Christ, lest we be deceived.

Regarding my posting and the kingdom of heaven, if your entire congregation dare ignore or refuse Luke 16:1-13 (KJV/Greek), unless it already consist of the rich, it will run out of money to give away liberally as Jesus Christ taught to do (Matt. 5:42 ) and start to despise Jesus' command to give freely and hew instead to its Budgets, the service of Mammon, just as Jesus warned (Luke 16:13 ). If we cannot afford to give freely for fear of what would happen to us without our wealth or our homes, how could we possible minister in any way true to Jesus? Then, problems with money and needs will load us down with habitual sins.

As for the very people whom I "want to use" winding up in Hell, if one came to me seeking relief from sin or some other lead to need for the gospel of salvation, I would indeed try to win them. I would not mince words about damnation to keep his favour; the command from Jesus is to make friends with the rich rather than to keep them. Still, I will not place irrelevant postings about salvation on this page devoted to a parable. This site is not the right place to win the lost; it concerns believers.

If all our congregations had done their hobnobbing already, there would be far more ready assistance for our needy and for more funds for world evangelism than we see under the evil servants in charge and under Modern English social expectations passed off as "God's will". There would be ample means for God's ends! Would I be glad!

Yours in Christ,

+++Kevin D. Rosenberg


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in no way does it say the kingdom of heaven is derived from the works of satan matt 13:31 it is another parable with no connection to matt 13:24
This is the tares by Robert Corbitt on Tuesday, May 13 2003"The mustard seed is seen growing after an adnormal fashion, showing Satans success in stopping Christains from bearing through causing an unnatural devoloping so abdormally that it eventually became a tree; and this tree is seen to be of such a nature that" the birds of the air", indivduals doing the work of Saten, found a lodging place in its branches[v.32;cf.vv.4, 19.]". NOW Robert Corbitt you shall understand read matt 13:14,15
go claim your healing but tell no one.
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