Friday, July 5, 2013

The Purpose of the Kingdom Parables

Scripture: Matthew 13:11

Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.” 

Insights:  Everything we have looked at this week has been introductory for this series on the Kingdom Parables.  This mysterious interim period Jesus is talking about in this verse is also known sometimes as the church age.  The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:4-6 helps us understand this age a little better when he wrote, “By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”  So, it is to those of us who are in this mediated Kingdom we learned about yesterday who have the capacity to understand the mysteries of these eight parables Jesus told us in this thirteenth chapter of Matthew.  What is the purpose of the Kingdom Parables?  The purpose of the kingdom parables is to teach us as Christ-followers how to live for Him in this fallen world and to help us make certain we are truly a part of His mediated Kingdom.  Beloved, I hope you are excited to grow in the grace and admonish of our Lord as we explore these parables.  They will impact our lives if we will but humble ourselves before the Lord God.  Let the Holy Spirit bring to light the truths of these parables.   As today’s verse tells us we, in Christ, have been granted the privilege of understanding these parables, but to those perishing, the privilege has not been extended.  Take seriously your response to Jesus’ words. 

Questions:
  1. Do you know how to live life during this mysterious interim period before Jesus returns?
  2. Does the Holy Spirit in you bring the Word of God to life in you?
Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking through Your Son these Kingdom Parables.  Open my ears and heart to the truths You desire to teach me over these next several weeks.  Amen.

 

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