In today's bible study, we have the opportunity to learn some very powerful truths from the Lord Jesus as He shares numerous parables (stories with a spiritual lesson) and performs a number of unbelievable miracles that only God could perform!
The first parable begins with a story of "The Sower and the Seed". Jesus often spoke in parables, as we found out in the book of Matthew in our studies a last week. But, today, we learn "why."
But, before I get to the why, it's important to note that the parable of the Sower and the Seed is Jesus' way of sharing tabout 4 different types of people in the world. These are the ones who hear God's word whereby the soil represents the type of heart and life that person has in relationship to God's truth. Since Jesus actually breaks down the meaning of this parable to His disciples a few verses later, I won't spend any time on it other than ask a pointed question..."Which type of soil does your life and heart represent?
Is your heart and life reflective of the soil whereby when you hear the word of God being preached you like it, but Satan easily steals away the impact of God''s Word in your life? Is it the rocky soil whereby you never really take the time for God Word to make an impact on your life before it's life-changing truth is snuffed out. Is it the thorny soil whereby the cares of this world are more important than God's Word? Or is your heart ready, willing, and totally receptive to allowing God's Word to change your life?
Unfortunately, His disciples didn't understand the parable, as most people within the crowd didn't either. Jesus told them they had the unique privilege of being a select group of men who could learn the full lesson and meaning of the parables He taught. Listen to what He says to them in verse 11-12, "He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: ‘When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.’” This was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the Old Testament.
And also in verse 34, "In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them."
Jesus needed His disciples to understand. After His death and resurrection, He would be relying on them to spread the Gospel to the world.
Why Parables?
So...why did Jesus speak in parables? These parables were designed to provide just enough information to provide a spiritual truth, but only enough so that spiritually discerning people who fervently wanted the truth would understand. Notice verse 33, "Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand."
So...it begs the questions....why wasn't His message to the world simple and clear? Why would He speak in hard-to-understand parables?
Well, He actually explains why...and it makes sense!
1. First of all, He spoke in parables to fulfill an Old Testament prophecy found in Isaiah 6:9-10. In Isaiah's day, God spoke plainly through the prophet Isaiah and yet the people still wouldn't listen! I know it's hard to believe, but that's what people do today! No matter how plain and simple you make the truth, only those who are truly willing to accept the truth or be hungry for the truth would understand.
2. But most importantly, it was to see "who" would be willing to commit themselves to seeking out the truth. King Solomon wrote about this in Proverbs 8:17, “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me."
Jesus is interested in your heart and in your true desires to know Him. He wants you to diligently seek Him.
The best human example I can give is in the example of how a man, who truly loves a woman, seeks and searches to know her heart, what she likes, what she cares about, what makes her happy and what makes her feel secure. A man who falls in love with a woman works diligently to seek her out.
The same is with Jesus! He is looking for those who really want a relationship with Him, enough to diligently seek Him out.
Jesus Has Mercy On The Demons!
I find this story of the man possessed with demons in Mark 5 is amazing. Notice how the demons reacted when they saw Jesus. Instead of fleeing from Him, they (while possessing the man's body) ran to Him and fell down before Him. In fact, they kept begging Jesus to not torment them or to send them afar off. Demons know that Jesus is God. Jesus created these beings as angels to serve Him. Unfortunately, they followed Satan in his rebellion against God and know they will one day be cast into a lake of fire to burn throughout eternity. Thus, they are frightened of Him.
Keep in mind...demons are former angels of God. They were created by Him. And, they aren't anything like God. They are only a little bit above us as human beings. Like us, they are very limited in strength and power. Yes, they are more powerful than a human being, but Jesus has given His followers authority over them. Therefore, we're not to fear them. They also can only be in one place at a time, like us.
Jesus Walks On Water & Calms the Sea!
As Creator, the elements of this world and the universe are at His beck and call. Can you imagine how amazed the disciples must have been to see Jesus calm the hurricane and the huge swells of sea water?
Listen, there isn't a storm in your life that Jesus can't conquer!
If you're going through a storm - whether it be a financial storm, a marital storm, a relationship storm, or a physical storm...let Jesus walk on the water to you and calm your storm. Call out to Him today! He'll come! He's waiting for your invitation.
No comments:
Post a Comment