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Prophecy and Parables
34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable.35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:
"I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world."Matthew 13
this is a key statement , if you study the bible. ie when speaking to the crowd ,then the gospels would only be parables wrote in it. etc there would be nothing about what jesus did, or the cross, or resurrection in the gospels etc
34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable.35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:
"I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world."Matthew 13
this is a key statement , if you study the bible. ie when speaking to the crowd ,then the gospels would only be parables wrote in it. etc there would be nothing about what jesus did, or the cross, or resurrection in the gospels etc
B
If the Spirit of God truly lives within us then we know he inspires but does not control, he guides but dose not compel. The want has to be from us. The Phrase many are called but few are chosen is no idle lie (not that you have said it was), but we do have to choose to be chosen, we do have to pick up our cross daily, we have to forgive to be forgiven. The prodigal (should he have been a real person), I am sure would have had pangs of guilt. He would have wrestled with going home and the reception he would recieve. He could eat the husks he was feeding the pigs with, he probably did, but they did not satisfy. yes this could have been where the Spirit could have led him, but in the end it was his choice.
We also have this choice. My one and only fear about this is what goes around it. To say no one can loose their salvation is not a scriptural phrase, it is what has been surmised through human understanding. The passages I bring up to refute this are throughout scripture.
Those who go along with this hide what they surmise with because they say that 'anything that Jesus said before his resurrection has passed and is no longer relevant to the church age. John146 #11 posted this; which grace777 put a like on so he understood what this means, may be you do to? I felt an uneasiness within my Spirit last night and woke this morning knowing this;
Who can say and with what authority that what Jesus said throughout his life and ministry is now void because it was before His resurrection?
This puts a blanket over everything that these people do not want to hear. it caters for itching ears that only want to hear things so they can feel good. it does not cater for the Spirit to convict of sin and for repentance, "Forgive me as I forgive those who sin against me". For this to be in built into our lives then becomes works for salvation, because they do not want to hear the truth they just want to feel good.
I have seen your posts and do feel that you have some understanding. I do believe nothing in all creation can separate me from Gods love, but what about me?. Why would Jesus Himself talk about putting ones hand to the plough and the consequences of turning away? but if His words do not matter then what is there to talk about just go and feel good about yourself.
I do not know you personally neither do you know me, but I am trying to show love because I do not want anyone to not understand the means by which the enemy enters into the church,
Entering the fold is another thing, if by what I have said makes anyone uncomfortable I am not sorry, these words are not mine they are from scripture, My words make me uncomfortable so I go to Jesus.
I started this op with copy and paste from another thread, look at that one. This thread takes some reading through now because two or three went on a rampage of talking about stuff that this op was not about. This too is an attack from the enemy. It diverts from the subject matter and anyone reading from the start wonders what is going on.
I am not going to be on here long, and it is because I can't do this any more. A discussion forum this is not. A bash your opposition over the head with so much wrong interpretation of scripture until the waters become so muddy you can't see for the mire it is.
Jesus voice does ring clear sometimes, else-wise it is a cacophony of sound like white noise, sent to confuse and misdirect. Do not get caught up in it brother.
There is only one thing that saves, love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and strength, seek the relationship with Jesus that Adam had with God in the garden before the fall, where they talked together, one on one. We do have this, it is not a psychosis. If god has called you then chose to be chosen, nothing else matters except Jesus.
We also have this choice. My one and only fear about this is what goes around it. To say no one can loose their salvation is not a scriptural phrase, it is what has been surmised through human understanding. The passages I bring up to refute this are throughout scripture.
Those who go along with this hide what they surmise with because they say that 'anything that Jesus said before his resurrection has passed and is no longer relevant to the church age. John146 #11 posted this; which grace777 put a like on so he understood what this means, may be you do to? I felt an uneasiness within my Spirit last night and woke this morning knowing this;
Who can say and with what authority that what Jesus said throughout his life and ministry is now void because it was before His resurrection?
This puts a blanket over everything that these people do not want to hear. it caters for itching ears that only want to hear things so they can feel good. it does not cater for the Spirit to convict of sin and for repentance, "Forgive me as I forgive those who sin against me". For this to be in built into our lives then becomes works for salvation, because they do not want to hear the truth they just want to feel good.
I have seen your posts and do feel that you have some understanding. I do believe nothing in all creation can separate me from Gods love, but what about me?. Why would Jesus Himself talk about putting ones hand to the plough and the consequences of turning away? but if His words do not matter then what is there to talk about just go and feel good about yourself.
I do not know you personally neither do you know me, but I am trying to show love because I do not want anyone to not understand the means by which the enemy enters into the church,
Entering the fold is another thing, if by what I have said makes anyone uncomfortable I am not sorry, these words are not mine they are from scripture, My words make me uncomfortable so I go to Jesus.
I started this op with copy and paste from another thread, look at that one. This thread takes some reading through now because two or three went on a rampage of talking about stuff that this op was not about. This too is an attack from the enemy. It diverts from the subject matter and anyone reading from the start wonders what is going on.
I am not going to be on here long, and it is because I can't do this any more. A discussion forum this is not. A bash your opposition over the head with so much wrong interpretation of scripture until the waters become so muddy you can't see for the mire it is.
Jesus voice does ring clear sometimes, else-wise it is a cacophony of sound like white noise, sent to confuse and misdirect. Do not get caught up in it brother.
There is only one thing that saves, love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and strength, seek the relationship with Jesus that Adam had with God in the garden before the fall, where they talked together, one on one. We do have this, it is not a psychosis. If god has called you then chose to be chosen, nothing else matters except Jesus.
B
Just a quick thank you for this Magenta. The replies to your other posts when you answered Jason that I put up were not meant to confront or confuse, I truly meant the questions I asked. I really do hope you re read this through and see that the enemy is doing his best to divert and strangle with posts that detract from the point. G7 did know where to find the parable, he did not need you to write it down. Just think about that for a second, and the 'fact' that he said he did not think about it or was that he didn't give credence to it, I cant remember now. I will be hung for that one LOL.
I will pm you soon to say goodbye. Love you sister.
God bless.
I will pm you soon to say goodbye. Love you sister.
God bless.
B
No it isn't, it is the last sentence you put in your previous post;
and the key question here is, is the servant a servant or just someone who we will call a servant who isn't because he could not possibly be one because to think he was would mean that if the poop hits the fan I really could loose my salvation.
It struck me clearly how old in the church many stalwarts are, real teachers of the bible, or church
culture.
Yet so many express their faith has changed and what they were before was apostate.
Now if you hold a mystical view of Christ, we are born from on high by a simple step of faith,
sealed for eternity with a perfect spirit put within, everything must be wrong.
They spent 20+ years in the wrong view with the wrong relationship in the wrong way.
Or was the Holy Spirit not talking to them before but now has revealed the truth?
I would suggest these believers found some trauma threw their faith out the window
and this is the explanation why, the church age theology which they missed except it isn't
it is an emotional trauma which they still have not resolved and have changed their faith
to find a resolution rather than face their own internal realities.
The problem is with pride, when you feel so impregnable, then it all falls apart, so the
faith must have been wrong not your pride or confidence or way of expressing life and
Christ?
I had a good friend who had a family trauma with his son, lost his faith, got angry and
said he did not mind going to hell, he would not change. He has come back but emotions
and hidden outlooks can come out and shake everything. But to change the faith on
the basis of such trauma is heresy and apostacy. It also makes no sense.
culture.
Yet so many express their faith has changed and what they were before was apostate.
Now if you hold a mystical view of Christ, we are born from on high by a simple step of faith,
sealed for eternity with a perfect spirit put within, everything must be wrong.
They spent 20+ years in the wrong view with the wrong relationship in the wrong way.
Or was the Holy Spirit not talking to them before but now has revealed the truth?
I would suggest these believers found some trauma threw their faith out the window
and this is the explanation why, the church age theology which they missed except it isn't
it is an emotional trauma which they still have not resolved and have changed their faith
to find a resolution rather than face their own internal realities.
The problem is with pride, when you feel so impregnable, then it all falls apart, so the
faith must have been wrong not your pride or confidence or way of expressing life and
Christ?
I had a good friend who had a family trauma with his son, lost his faith, got angry and
said he did not mind going to hell, he would not change. He has come back but emotions
and hidden outlooks can come out and shake everything. But to change the faith on
the basis of such trauma is heresy and apostacy. It also makes no sense.
Not to get boring by EG says I am him 20 years ago.
He wanted to break me, because if he could I would become him now.
What he sees is pride and confidence, that got shattered and so he became HG.
Truth is not defined like this, or Christ. And I am eternally vulnerable and depend
always on Christ and His love. I gave up all I had to follow Him, to walk, to evangelise
to share, to know, to be. I know who I am and where I came from and my failings, each
one, and there are more still to discover.
And you guys support his stand 100%, as if he represents your hurts and passion, so I
assume you also are crushed disappointed souls washed up from the church experience.
And you talk so much about those who also are failed by church culture, it is your heart
that the gospel should not reject ones such as these. So I get it. But this does not
change Christ or sin or His love or the cross or repentance and confession. And hurt
goes so deep you would want to die. I have been there. Lost alone, uncared for, not
knowing why, destitute, empty, with no way out. But I had Christ. I had love. I had
life. And this within a christian community trying to preach the gospel.
But the gospel is individual, within you, each person one at a time. And your walk is
unique, and others need to know you to know your walk. And that is what matters,
above it all. But you need to stay true to your Lord and His word. That is who we are.
He wanted to break me, because if he could I would become him now.
What he sees is pride and confidence, that got shattered and so he became HG.
Truth is not defined like this, or Christ. And I am eternally vulnerable and depend
always on Christ and His love. I gave up all I had to follow Him, to walk, to evangelise
to share, to know, to be. I know who I am and where I came from and my failings, each
one, and there are more still to discover.
And you guys support his stand 100%, as if he represents your hurts and passion, so I
assume you also are crushed disappointed souls washed up from the church experience.
And you talk so much about those who also are failed by church culture, it is your heart
that the gospel should not reject ones such as these. So I get it. But this does not
change Christ or sin or His love or the cross or repentance and confession. And hurt
goes so deep you would want to die. I have been there. Lost alone, uncared for, not
knowing why, destitute, empty, with no way out. But I had Christ. I had love. I had
life. And this within a christian community trying to preach the gospel.
But the gospel is individual, within you, each person one at a time. And your walk is
unique, and others need to know you to know your walk. And that is what matters,
above it all. But you need to stay true to your Lord and His word. That is who we are.
As I already said, the fact that this man is called a "servant" does not necessarily mean that he was saved. Israel (the Jews) are the Lord's witnesses and His servant whom He has chosen, but that does not mean they were all saved (Isaiah 43:10). The man’s destiny also shows that he is a lost man. He is cast into outer darkness, which is a description of hell. Does this passage actually say that this so-called servant was saved and lost his salvation or is that your preconceived belief?
In Matthew 8:12 we read: But the "children/subjects of the kingdom" will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Being "children/subjects of the kingdom" did not mean they were saved. This term refers to those to whom the kingdom rightfully belongs. The natural claim to that kingdom had been given to the JEWS. Matthew 25 is being addressed to JEWS. These were children of the kingdom only in an external sense just as this third servant was a servant to his master only in an external sense.
There are false servants in scripture (2 Corinthians 11:15) just as there are false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13) and false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4) and false disciples in scripture (John 6:66) as well. Does the fact that Judas Iscariot was referred to as a "disciple" (John 12:4) and was given the money box (John 13:29) mean that he was saved? Jesus said that he is a devil! (John 6:70). Jesus also said he is unclean (John 13:10-11). Judas betrayed Jesus and did not continue. Those who are TRULY His disciple continue (John 8:31). In John 6:64 we read that Jesus knows from the beginning who the true BELIEVERS are. There are many people who identify themselves with Christ. Some are true believers and some are make believers.
The third servant was unfaithful because instead of putting the money in the bank he buried the money in the ground, unlike the other two servants who deposited their money with the bankers.
Matthew 25:24 (NASB) "And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 'And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.' 26 "But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27 'Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 'Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' 29 "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Does wicked, lazy, unprofitable servant who is cast into outer darkness sound like "saved" to you? The third servant had been given abilities and the opportunity to believe and bear fruit in accordance, but had chosen to reject it. Faith without works is dead. The man's characterization of the master also demonstrates he had no true knowledge of the master.
I already have. Thank you and God bless.
In Matthew 8:12 we read: But the "children/subjects of the kingdom" will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Being "children/subjects of the kingdom" did not mean they were saved. This term refers to those to whom the kingdom rightfully belongs. The natural claim to that kingdom had been given to the JEWS. Matthew 25 is being addressed to JEWS. These were children of the kingdom only in an external sense just as this third servant was a servant to his master only in an external sense.
There are false servants in scripture (2 Corinthians 11:15) just as there are false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13) and false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4) and false disciples in scripture (John 6:66) as well. Does the fact that Judas Iscariot was referred to as a "disciple" (John 12:4) and was given the money box (John 13:29) mean that he was saved? Jesus said that he is a devil! (John 6:70). Jesus also said he is unclean (John 13:10-11). Judas betrayed Jesus and did not continue. Those who are TRULY His disciple continue (John 8:31). In John 6:64 we read that Jesus knows from the beginning who the true BELIEVERS are. There are many people who identify themselves with Christ. Some are true believers and some are make believers.
The third servant was unfaithful because instead of putting the money in the bank he buried the money in the ground, unlike the other two servants who deposited their money with the bankers.
Matthew 25:24 (NASB) "And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 'And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.' 26 "But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27 'Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 'Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' 29 "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Does wicked, lazy, unprofitable servant who is cast into outer darkness sound like "saved" to you? The third servant had been given abilities and the opportunity to believe and bear fruit in accordance, but had chosen to reject it. Faith without works is dead. The man's characterization of the master also demonstrates he had no true knowledge of the master.
I already have. Thank you and God bless.
B
This is so true. Without Jesus and without giving all and becoming totally vulnerable except for Him, we can not have relationship with Him. Our creator, however we want to portray this, either through humanity or through being knit together in our mothers womb is the one who controls everything, that word is so understated, 'everything'.
Yet this is true, when we try and control even the smallest part we fail. His all for my all, I do wish those words were in scripture in that form. The Spirit of God connects with our spirit and conformation happens. Conviction happens. what we do with these things is up to us. It does not matter which way round they happen because Jesus is in control.
Jesus is life. we commune with Him, I can't think of another way of saying it we commune there is communication we are not left abandoned to find our own way, Jesus leads us. If we do not like it , what then? Do we say "Oh no you are wrong"? Or do we comply and obey. Or do we defend our stance as sentient beings because we know what we know? Who made us to know? He who made the ear will hear. He who made the brain will know. He who made the heart will understand, and where hurt is, he Will know our motives.
Jesus, just Jesus.
Yet this is true, when we try and control even the smallest part we fail. His all for my all, I do wish those words were in scripture in that form. The Spirit of God connects with our spirit and conformation happens. Conviction happens. what we do with these things is up to us. It does not matter which way round they happen because Jesus is in control.
Jesus is life. we commune with Him, I can't think of another way of saying it we commune there is communication we are not left abandoned to find our own way, Jesus leads us. If we do not like it , what then? Do we say "Oh no you are wrong"? Or do we comply and obey. Or do we defend our stance as sentient beings because we know what we know? Who made us to know? He who made the ear will hear. He who made the brain will know. He who made the heart will understand, and where hurt is, he Will know our motives.
Jesus, just Jesus.
B
I understand what you are saying and why, but there is error here.
What is the money he received and from whom did he receive it? The talents we have, have been given by God and what he received, he received from the same master as the other two. All three were servants of the same master this is clear.
Judas was a disciple of Jesus, yes satan entered into him, but all were chosen by Jesus. All of them had different lives and were thrown into the mix with Jesus for three and a half years. It shows me that even zealots can have a place in the kingdom if they remain in Jesus and do not try and make Jesus what they want Him to be.
Your last paragraph still rings out servant, those who will be there on that day weeping and wailing and gnashing their teeth and saying "But Lord Lord" will still be classed as servants will they not? Those who do not believe may still weep and wail, but they will not say "I cast out demons in your name" only those who were convinced they were servants.
Those who reject are not servants, they are dead to Christ and of no consequence. That sounds harsh, but is true. That is one of the reasons Jesus is coming back. To judge this world because of unbelief.
Judas was a disciple of Jesus, yes satan entered into him, but all were chosen by Jesus. All of them had different lives and were thrown into the mix with Jesus for three and a half years. It shows me that even zealots can have a place in the kingdom if they remain in Jesus and do not try and make Jesus what they want Him to be.
Your last paragraph still rings out servant, those who will be there on that day weeping and wailing and gnashing their teeth and saying "But Lord Lord" will still be classed as servants will they not? Those who do not believe may still weep and wail, but they will not say "I cast out demons in your name" only those who were convinced they were servants.
Those who reject are not servants, they are dead to Christ and of no consequence. That sounds harsh, but is true. That is one of the reasons Jesus is coming back. To judge this world because of unbelief.
Yet what did the third servant do with the money in contrast to what the other two servants did? If "servant" simply means saved then ALL of Israel was saved (Isaiah 43:10) because they are the Lord's servant.
Yet in regards to Judas, in John 13:18, Jesus said - I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.' Judas was an unbelieving, unclean devil who betrayed Jesus (John 6:64-71; 13:10-11).
Yet what was the condition of Judas' heart? There is no indication from scripture that he was ever saved.
Yet Jesus says of these many people in Matthew 7:22-23, " I NEVER knew you...depart from Me you who work iniquity." Not saved, but were convinced otherwise.
Unfortunately, there are many unbelievers who are mixed up in various false religions who believe they are saved, but are deceived and are not genuine believers.
Yet in regards to Judas, in John 13:18, Jesus said - I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.' Judas was an unbelieving, unclean devil who betrayed Jesus (John 6:64-71; 13:10-11).
Yet what was the condition of Judas' heart? There is no indication from scripture that he was ever saved.
Yet Jesus says of these many people in Matthew 7:22-23, " I NEVER knew you...depart from Me you who work iniquity." Not saved, but were convinced otherwise.
Unfortunately, there are many unbelievers who are mixed up in various false religions who believe they are saved, but are deceived and are not genuine believers.
Here is one person's take on the parable of the talents. If it conflicts with what we have been taught to believe - it's ok to have different opinions and they are not heresy because someone looks at things differently than what we do.
Perhaps some people have "a part" of the true interpretation and when we bring them all together with a part from each one - we come to the true meaning?
I like this website as it has people asking questions about the teaching at the bottom. I find I learn a lot by reading the comments too.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Once upon a time there was a man who went on a journey and before he left he entrusted three servants with his money. When the man returned, he praised the two servants who had doubled his money, but the third servant, who had done nothing, was thrown outside into the darkness.
The parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30) is used by some to say, “Jesus paid a great price for you. If you don’t work hard to give him a return for his investment, he will toss you into the outer darkness. So get busy for Jesus.”
This resonates with those who see themselves as servants rather than sons of God, but it’s not what the parable is about. In the story, the servants don’t work at all; the money works:
The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. (Matt 25:16-17)
How do you put money to work? You invest it. Some translations say the servants traded the money. Perhaps they became money-lenders, or maybe they financed a business venture. I lived in Hong Kong, so I don’t find this hard to imagine. In Hong Kong you can smell the money working.
The parable of the talents is not about how hard you work for God, but what you will do with the riches he has given to you. In the story Jesus is the man going on a journey. The wealth given to the servants represents his grace, for grace is a gift and not a wage.
Jesus has entrusted you with the riches of his grace – his love, favor, and forgiveness. What will you do with his gifts? Will you invest them or scorn them? Will you put his grace to work? Or will you bury it in the ground?
How do you put grace to work?
In the story, two servants put their master’s wealth to work and both get a good return. The master is delighted:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matt 25:21)
The master promotes the servants and makes them rulers in charge of many things. The Message Bible says he makes them his partners, which is a very apt description of what Jesus does for us:
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Rom 5:17)
God gives you grace so that you will be set free from servitude and reign in life through Jesus. How does it happen? It begins by believing that God loves you and is pleased with you.
When you realize that you are your Father’s dearly-beloved child it will free you from the treadmill of dead works. You won’t exhaust yourself seeking his acceptance and approval because in Christ you already have it! When you know that he has clothed you with his righteousness, you will be free from the law that makes men slaves (Gal 4:24).
How do we make grace work?
By trusting in it from start to finish. As we behold the grace of God revealed in Jesus, we are transformed. We mature into who we already are in Christ, kings and priests who reign over the earth (Rev 1:6, 5:10).
What about the third servant?
In the story the master is unimpressed with the servant who buried the gift:
“You wicked, lazy servant! … You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.” (Matt 25:26-27)
There are different ways to invest money, but the easiest is to put it in the bank and accumulate interest. Yet the third servant didn’t even do this. He couldn’t be bothered. Instead he makes a speech that reveals his contempt for his master’s grace:
“Master, I knew that you are a hard man…” (Matt 25:24a)
A hard man?! His master gave him a bag of gold. For free! This was his golden ticket, a way out of servitude, but he scorned it.
“You are a hard man harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.” (Matt 25:24a)
In other words, “You’re unreasonable Lord. You don’t play by the rules. Who gives bags of gold to servants? You must be nuts. I want nothing to do with your reckless grace and I feel quite justified in not playing your silly games. Besides, you gave me a great deal of money and I didn’t want to be held accountable for it:
“So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground.” (Matt 25:25a)
This actually makes sense to the self-righteous mind. “If I don’t earn it, I don’t want it.”
“See, here is what belongs to you.” (Matt 25:25b)
In other words, “Take back your bag of grace. I don’t need it, I don’t want it, and I will not be in your debt.”
Needless to say, Jesus is not impressed with the third servant. He calls him wicked, lazy, and worthless, and has him thrown into the outer darkness. His reaction to the self-righteous servant echoes his reaction to the foolish virgins in the preceding parable (“I don’t know you”; Matt 25:12), and the goats in the next one (“Depart from me”; Matt 25:41).
Parabolic pictures of faith
In three parables Jesus us gives three pictures of faith and unbelief. Faith is looking forward to the Lord’s return (the parable of the ten virgins), it’s receiving the wealth of his grace (the parable of the talents), and investing it in the lives of those who need it (the parable of the sheep and goats).
These parables should not be read as moral lessons as in, “You’d better keep watch, get busy, and serve or else!” They are stories about Jesus and what people do with him.
In the parable of the talents the faithful servants were faithful because they received the master’s gift, and the lazy servant was unfaithful because he rejected it.
The faithful servants prospered because they allowed room for God’s grace to work in their lives, but the wicked servant missed out because he didn’t trust the master. In the end the third’s gift is taken away and he is sent into the outer darkness, not in punishment, but because he fears the master and has no wish to share in his happiness.
Ultimately, all three servants get what they desire, and so do we. Those who want to receive the riches of God’s grace shall have it and have it in abundance. And those who prefer the solitary path of the self-made man, even though it leads to misery and darkness, shall have that too.
Take the gold!
So what is the takeaway? Take the Master’s bag of gold and spend it, trade it, invest it, do whatever you like with it, but don’t hand it back unopened and unused. Grace, like gold, is meant to be used, not left in the ground.
But unlike gold, God’s grace never runs out. As you draw on his grace to buy freedom, health, deliverance, and wisdom, his grace grows, and “the one who has will be given more, and they will have an abundance” (Matt 25:29).
To see his children growing and prospering in grace makes the Lord happy.
It will make you happy too!
—
In the parable of the talents the faithful servants got similar rewards, but in the parable of the minas (Luke 19) they got different rewards (cities). We’ll look at that parable in the next post. Stay tuned!
https://escapetoreality.org/2015/05/19/parable-of-the-talents-matthew-25/
Perhaps some people have "a part" of the true interpretation and when we bring them all together with a part from each one - we come to the true meaning?
I like this website as it has people asking questions about the teaching at the bottom. I find I learn a lot by reading the comments too.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Once upon a time there was a man who went on a journey and before he left he entrusted three servants with his money. When the man returned, he praised the two servants who had doubled his money, but the third servant, who had done nothing, was thrown outside into the darkness.
The parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30) is used by some to say, “Jesus paid a great price for you. If you don’t work hard to give him a return for his investment, he will toss you into the outer darkness. So get busy for Jesus.”
This resonates with those who see themselves as servants rather than sons of God, but it’s not what the parable is about. In the story, the servants don’t work at all; the money works:
The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. (Matt 25:16-17)
How do you put money to work? You invest it. Some translations say the servants traded the money. Perhaps they became money-lenders, or maybe they financed a business venture. I lived in Hong Kong, so I don’t find this hard to imagine. In Hong Kong you can smell the money working.
The parable of the talents is not about how hard you work for God, but what you will do with the riches he has given to you. In the story Jesus is the man going on a journey. The wealth given to the servants represents his grace, for grace is a gift and not a wage.
Jesus has entrusted you with the riches of his grace – his love, favor, and forgiveness. What will you do with his gifts? Will you invest them or scorn them? Will you put his grace to work? Or will you bury it in the ground?
How do you put grace to work?
In the story, two servants put their master’s wealth to work and both get a good return. The master is delighted:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matt 25:21)
The master promotes the servants and makes them rulers in charge of many things. The Message Bible says he makes them his partners, which is a very apt description of what Jesus does for us:
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Rom 5:17)
God gives you grace so that you will be set free from servitude and reign in life through Jesus. How does it happen? It begins by believing that God loves you and is pleased with you.
When you realize that you are your Father’s dearly-beloved child it will free you from the treadmill of dead works. You won’t exhaust yourself seeking his acceptance and approval because in Christ you already have it! When you know that he has clothed you with his righteousness, you will be free from the law that makes men slaves (Gal 4:24).
How do we make grace work?
By trusting in it from start to finish. As we behold the grace of God revealed in Jesus, we are transformed. We mature into who we already are in Christ, kings and priests who reign over the earth (Rev 1:6, 5:10).
What about the third servant?
In the story the master is unimpressed with the servant who buried the gift:
“You wicked, lazy servant! … You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.” (Matt 25:26-27)
There are different ways to invest money, but the easiest is to put it in the bank and accumulate interest. Yet the third servant didn’t even do this. He couldn’t be bothered. Instead he makes a speech that reveals his contempt for his master’s grace:
“Master, I knew that you are a hard man…” (Matt 25:24a)
A hard man?! His master gave him a bag of gold. For free! This was his golden ticket, a way out of servitude, but he scorned it.
“You are a hard man harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.” (Matt 25:24a)
In other words, “You’re unreasonable Lord. You don’t play by the rules. Who gives bags of gold to servants? You must be nuts. I want nothing to do with your reckless grace and I feel quite justified in not playing your silly games. Besides, you gave me a great deal of money and I didn’t want to be held accountable for it:
“So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground.” (Matt 25:25a)
This actually makes sense to the self-righteous mind. “If I don’t earn it, I don’t want it.”
“See, here is what belongs to you.” (Matt 25:25b)
In other words, “Take back your bag of grace. I don’t need it, I don’t want it, and I will not be in your debt.”
Needless to say, Jesus is not impressed with the third servant. He calls him wicked, lazy, and worthless, and has him thrown into the outer darkness. His reaction to the self-righteous servant echoes his reaction to the foolish virgins in the preceding parable (“I don’t know you”; Matt 25:12), and the goats in the next one (“Depart from me”; Matt 25:41).
Parabolic pictures of faith
In three parables Jesus us gives three pictures of faith and unbelief. Faith is looking forward to the Lord’s return (the parable of the ten virgins), it’s receiving the wealth of his grace (the parable of the talents), and investing it in the lives of those who need it (the parable of the sheep and goats).
These parables should not be read as moral lessons as in, “You’d better keep watch, get busy, and serve or else!” They are stories about Jesus and what people do with him.
In the parable of the talents the faithful servants were faithful because they received the master’s gift, and the lazy servant was unfaithful because he rejected it.
The faithful servants prospered because they allowed room for God’s grace to work in their lives, but the wicked servant missed out because he didn’t trust the master. In the end the third’s gift is taken away and he is sent into the outer darkness, not in punishment, but because he fears the master and has no wish to share in his happiness.
Ultimately, all three servants get what they desire, and so do we. Those who want to receive the riches of God’s grace shall have it and have it in abundance. And those who prefer the solitary path of the self-made man, even though it leads to misery and darkness, shall have that too.
Take the gold!
So what is the takeaway? Take the Master’s bag of gold and spend it, trade it, invest it, do whatever you like with it, but don’t hand it back unopened and unused. Grace, like gold, is meant to be used, not left in the ground.
But unlike gold, God’s grace never runs out. As you draw on his grace to buy freedom, health, deliverance, and wisdom, his grace grows, and “the one who has will be given more, and they will have an abundance” (Matt 25:29).
To see his children growing and prospering in grace makes the Lord happy.
It will make you happy too!
—
In the parable of the talents the faithful servants got similar rewards, but in the parable of the minas (Luke 19) they got different rewards (cities). We’ll look at that parable in the next post. Stay tuned!
https://escapetoreality.org/2015/05/19/parable-of-the-talents-matthew-25/
My heart is a little sad reading this brother. You state that loving Jesus is what saves us. I'm sorry but I cannot agree with this. JESUS is the one who saves, NOT our love for Him. That is a byproduct of Him saving us and loving us first.
Consider this brother. In order to believe you can lose your salvation, that means you have to have had it 1st.
So we're saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, backside in sin, the Holy Spirit leaves us, we repent, then He refills us? Then we try and work so He doesn't leave us again?
Please pray on that. We will miss you if you leave. I for one love you and have nothing but good wishes for you. Peace, Grace, and Love to you, in Jesus sweet Name!
Consider this brother. In order to believe you can lose your salvation, that means you have to have had it 1st.
So we're saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, backside in sin, the Holy Spirit leaves us, we repent, then He refills us? Then we try and work so He doesn't leave us again?
Please pray on that. We will miss you if you leave. I for one love you and have nothing but good wishes for you. Peace, Grace, and Love to you, in Jesus sweet Name!
Here is one person's take on the parable of the Minas in Luke 19 It is similar to the "talents" one. If it conflicts with what we have been taught to believe - it's ok to have different opinions and they are not heresy because someone looks at things differently than what we do.
I like this website as it has people asking questions about the teaching at the bottom. I find I learn a lot by reading the comments too.
Here it is for those that are interested in this parable....
The Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27)
Jesus told two parables about servants entrusted with money; the parable of the talents and the parable of the minas.
In both stories a nobleman goes on a journey (okay, so we know it’s Jesus), and before he leaves he entrusts his servants with his wealth. In both stories the man returns and promotes those who have got a good return on their investment. And in both stories there’s one displeasing servant who does nothing and who subsequently loses what he has been given.
[TABLE]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"][/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] Parable of the Talents[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] Parable of the Minas[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"] Where?[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] Matthew 25[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] Luke 19[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"] How many servants?[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] 3[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] 10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"] Servants given what?[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"]1, 2 and 5 talents[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] 1 mina each[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"] Rewards?[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"]identical[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"]proportional (cities)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
The two stories are similar, but different. The parable of the minas differs in that the faithful servants are rewarded in proportion to their gains. The servant who turned one mina into ten is rewarded with ten cities, while the servant who turned one mina into five gets five cities.
Here’s the punchline to both parables:
To everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. (Luke 19:26, see also Matt 25:29)
What does this mean?
“Jesus is saying there are rewards for our hard work,” says the preacher of works. “Serve the Lord faithfully on earth and he will make you a mayor in heaven.”
Needless to say, this works-centric interpretation does not sit well with grace folk. “Everything comes to us by grace, not works. Jesus is our only reward.”
Yet Jesus spoke about storing up treasure in heaven and the apostle of grace said we would be rewarded for our labor (1 Cor 3:8). So which is it? Grace? Works? Grace plus works?
Heavenly rewards
There is such a thing as a heavenly reward but it’s not money, mansions, nor mayoral offices. It’s people. People are the most valuable things on earth and, unlike gold, you can take them with you.
These parables aren’t about investing in money but people. “He who has will be given more” is a reference to spiritual offspring. It is describing the dividends of love.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – along with persecutions – and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30)
Jesus is saying, “If you freely give what you have freely received (love and grace), it will come back to you, multiplied exponentially.” Live for Jesus and his gospel and your spiritual family will grow and keep growing after you’ve gone.
When you put grace to work (by investing in the lives of others), grace grows.
It produces seed-bearing fruit that later produces fruit of its own. Children have grandchildren and they have great-grandchildren and so on and so on. In this life you may never see the full harvest of your generosity. But one day you will and on that day you will share in your master’s happiness.
What about the cities?
A mina is not a lot of money. The King James translates it as one British pound. Chump change, in other words. So one servant is given a mina but ends up with ten cities:
“Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.” (Luke 19:17)
Ten cities?! This is a stunning reward. It’s totally over the top and out of all proportion to the effort expended. And the amazing thing is the servant hasn’t actually done anything other than put the gift to work.
Jesus is saying, “Some of you are going to be surprised when you see the impact you have had on others. You have no idea many people your life has touched.”
Paul’s offspring
Paul told the Thessalonian Christians that they were his crown and joy:
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? (1 Thess 2:19)
Paul was saying, “You guys are my kids, my spiritual offspring. I’m going to know you and enjoy your company for all eternity.”
Yet the Bible also says that the children of one’s children are a crown to the aged (Proverbs 17:6). So Paul’s crown or reward is not just the Thessalonians he personally led to Christ (20 people? 50?), but everyone they led, and so on all the way down the family tree.
How many people do you think have been blessed by Paul’s message of grace over the centuries?
It must be millions, if not hundreds of millions of people. One day people like you and me will line up to thank Paul for putting his grace-mina to work. And what a long line that will be!
The fertile seed of grace
There were times when Paul was afraid to tell people the good news (Acts 18:9), and he knew what it was like to have friends desert him. When he walked this earth he had no idea just how much impact his ministry would have. I can’t wait to see the look on Paul’s face!
Do you see how the good seed of the gospel bears much fruit and continues bearing fruit even after we’ve gone? Truly, the word of grace is potent and fruitful.
Imagine if Paul had buried what God had given him. Instead of travelling the Mediterranean preaching the gospel he focused on tent-making. There is nothing wrong with tent-making. If you are a tent-maker, be the best tent-maker you can be. Make tents for Jesus.
But if all you do is make tents and never pass along the grace that you have been given, don’t expect to be greeted by a city full of thankful offspring.
Don’t bury the gift. Put God’s grace to work and see the awesome harvest it will bring!
https://escapetoreality.org/2015/05/28/the-parable-of-the-minas-luke-1911-27/
I like this website as it has people asking questions about the teaching at the bottom. I find I learn a lot by reading the comments too.
Here it is for those that are interested in this parable....
The Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27)
Jesus told two parables about servants entrusted with money; the parable of the talents and the parable of the minas.
In both stories a nobleman goes on a journey (okay, so we know it’s Jesus), and before he leaves he entrusts his servants with his wealth. In both stories the man returns and promotes those who have got a good return on their investment. And in both stories there’s one displeasing servant who does nothing and who subsequently loses what he has been given.
[TABLE]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"][/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] Parable of the Talents[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] Parable of the Minas[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"] Where?[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] Matthew 25[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] Luke 19[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"] How many servants?[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] 3[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] 10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"] Servants given what?[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"]1, 2 and 5 talents[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"] 1 mina each[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 200"] Rewards?[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"]identical[/TD]
[TD="width: 200, align: center"]proportional (cities)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
The two stories are similar, but different. The parable of the minas differs in that the faithful servants are rewarded in proportion to their gains. The servant who turned one mina into ten is rewarded with ten cities, while the servant who turned one mina into five gets five cities.
Here’s the punchline to both parables:
To everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. (Luke 19:26, see also Matt 25:29)
What does this mean?
“Jesus is saying there are rewards for our hard work,” says the preacher of works. “Serve the Lord faithfully on earth and he will make you a mayor in heaven.”
Needless to say, this works-centric interpretation does not sit well with grace folk. “Everything comes to us by grace, not works. Jesus is our only reward.”
Yet Jesus spoke about storing up treasure in heaven and the apostle of grace said we would be rewarded for our labor (1 Cor 3:8). So which is it? Grace? Works? Grace plus works?
Heavenly rewards
There is such a thing as a heavenly reward but it’s not money, mansions, nor mayoral offices. It’s people. People are the most valuable things on earth and, unlike gold, you can take them with you.
These parables aren’t about investing in money but people. “He who has will be given more” is a reference to spiritual offspring. It is describing the dividends of love.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – along with persecutions – and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30)
Jesus is saying, “If you freely give what you have freely received (love and grace), it will come back to you, multiplied exponentially.” Live for Jesus and his gospel and your spiritual family will grow and keep growing after you’ve gone.
When you put grace to work (by investing in the lives of others), grace grows.
It produces seed-bearing fruit that later produces fruit of its own. Children have grandchildren and they have great-grandchildren and so on and so on. In this life you may never see the full harvest of your generosity. But one day you will and on that day you will share in your master’s happiness.
What about the cities?
A mina is not a lot of money. The King James translates it as one British pound. Chump change, in other words. So one servant is given a mina but ends up with ten cities:
“Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.” (Luke 19:17)
Ten cities?! This is a stunning reward. It’s totally over the top and out of all proportion to the effort expended. And the amazing thing is the servant hasn’t actually done anything other than put the gift to work.
Jesus is saying, “Some of you are going to be surprised when you see the impact you have had on others. You have no idea many people your life has touched.”
Paul’s offspring
Paul told the Thessalonian Christians that they were his crown and joy:
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? (1 Thess 2:19)
Paul was saying, “You guys are my kids, my spiritual offspring. I’m going to know you and enjoy your company for all eternity.”
Yet the Bible also says that the children of one’s children are a crown to the aged (Proverbs 17:6). So Paul’s crown or reward is not just the Thessalonians he personally led to Christ (20 people? 50?), but everyone they led, and so on all the way down the family tree.
How many people do you think have been blessed by Paul’s message of grace over the centuries?
It must be millions, if not hundreds of millions of people. One day people like you and me will line up to thank Paul for putting his grace-mina to work. And what a long line that will be!
The fertile seed of grace
There were times when Paul was afraid to tell people the good news (Acts 18:9), and he knew what it was like to have friends desert him. When he walked this earth he had no idea just how much impact his ministry would have. I can’t wait to see the look on Paul’s face!
Do you see how the good seed of the gospel bears much fruit and continues bearing fruit even after we’ve gone? Truly, the word of grace is potent and fruitful.
Imagine if Paul had buried what God had given him. Instead of travelling the Mediterranean preaching the gospel he focused on tent-making. There is nothing wrong with tent-making. If you are a tent-maker, be the best tent-maker you can be. Make tents for Jesus.
But if all you do is make tents and never pass along the grace that you have been given, don’t expect to be greeted by a city full of thankful offspring.
Don’t bury the gift. Put God’s grace to work and see the awesome harvest it will bring!
https://escapetoreality.org/2015/05/28/the-parable-of-the-minas-luke-1911-27/
Yes not the moral laws. Heaven and earth will pass away before they are no longer in effect.
They are in respect to cerimoinal laws.The kind of laws used as shadows announcing the gospel up until the time of refomation. They are about the coming of Christ, Jesus. The reformation has come signified by the renting of the veil, the end of temple worship.The walls had no meaning after that. The unconverted outward Jews today are still worshiping the wall that has no spirit life, as a idol.
They are in respect to cerimoinal laws.The kind of laws used as shadows announcing the gospel up until the time of refomation. They are about the coming of Christ, Jesus. The reformation has come signified by the renting of the veil, the end of temple worship.The walls had no meaning after that. The unconverted outward Jews today are still worshiping the wall that has no spirit life, as a idol.
H
Instead of people wanting to understand, they want to teach..
Knowledge puffs up but love is edifying.
I have to watch myself..
We all stand to gain bc no one person knows it all.. even if we know something, another has a different revelation bc God's wisdom is manifold.. when we think we got it, we're blind
Knowledge puffs up but love is edifying.
I have to watch myself..
We all stand to gain bc no one person knows it all.. even if we know something, another has a different revelation bc God's wisdom is manifold.. when we think we got it, we're blind
Amen...it is good to be teachable as we only know in part. Paul says that those that think they know something - don't really know it as they ought to. We see through a glass darkly.
This is why I like to listen to other's teachings at things - especially parables because they are somewhat of a mystery and they seem to have many facets to them.
I believe we are just as dependent on the Holy Spirit to reveal what the scriptures are saying about Christ and the things of God as Mary was dependent on the Holy Spirit to conceive Jesus in her womb.
This is why I like to listen to other's teachings at things - especially parables because they are somewhat of a mystery and they seem to have many facets to them.
I believe we are just as dependent on the Holy Spirit to reveal what the scriptures are saying about Christ and the things of God as Mary was dependent on the Holy Spirit to conceive Jesus in her womb.
It shouldn't surprise me (but always still does) to find Him put a thing before me over and over. So it shouldn't surprise me to see Him doing it once again with this parable of the talents.
I agree it does matter what we do with the faith in His Son He gifts us with. This is a gift through which He saves us. He expects it to grow and expects a return. I don't think He expects that we tie His own hands with it and teach others that even unfaithfulness is now okay or else it isn't a gift.
The goods of the owner of the vineyard remain His goods. We cannot seize them and do away with Him, claiming they are now ours no matter what we do, just as the branch cannot claim to have any gift or life apart from the vine.
It is so strange to me to say we are saved by faith alone and then to turn around and say that even unbelief will not take this gift from us. (It is not phrased this way, but it is in essence what I hear some saying).
I agree it does matter what we do with the faith in His Son He gifts us with. This is a gift through which He saves us. He expects it to grow and expects a return. I don't think He expects that we tie His own hands with it and teach others that even unfaithfulness is now okay or else it isn't a gift.
The goods of the owner of the vineyard remain His goods. We cannot seize them and do away with Him, claiming they are now ours no matter what we do, just as the branch cannot claim to have any gift or life apart from the vine.
It is so strange to me to say we are saved by faith alone and then to turn around and say that even unbelief will not take this gift from us. (It is not phrased this way, but it is in essence what I hear some saying).