E-pistle for September 25, 2009
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation September 25, 2009
Why Jesus Taught In Parables
(Matthew 13:1-58)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. This chapter contains eight parables of Jesus:
(1) Sower and soils, vv. 1-9, 18-23.
(2) Tares, vv. 24-30, 36-43.
(3) Mustard seed, vv. 31-32.
(4) Leaven, v. 33.
(5) Hidden treasure, v. 44.
(6) Pearl of great price, vv. 45-46.
(7) Dragnet, vv. 47-50.
(8) Householder, vv. 51-52.
2. Jesus used parables to reveal truth to believers, vv. 10-13, 16-17.
3. Jesus used parables to conceal truth from unbelievers, vv. 14-15,
vv. 34-35.
4. Jesus was rejected in Nazareth: "A prophet is not without honor
except in his own country and in his own house," vv. 53-58.
II. Meditation: on why people cannot understand Jesus' teachings (v. 15)
1. Their hearts have grown dull (hard and unresponsive).
2. Their ears have become increasingly deaf (allowed to stop up).
3. Their eyes THEY have deliberately closed.
4. Their minds lack the necessary faith to understand spiritual things:
see I Corinthians 2:14.
III. Revelation: on who can know the mysteries of heaven?
1. Persons to whom God has revealed Himself, v. 11.
2. Persons who have "mustard seed-sized" faith will be given more
faith . . . bringing spiritual perception and discernment, v. 12.
3. Persons whose eyes and ears have been touched and healed so
they can understand prophetic Scriptures, vv. 14-17.
4. Persons who concentrate on and prioritize the spiritual things of
life, v. 35.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Spend much time in the presence of the Lord, allowing Him to make
my heart tender and responsive.
2. Listen to the Holy Spirit's voice of conviction, direction, insight, and
encouragement.
3. Cultivate and exercise my small faith (Mark 9:24) so that it grows in
understanding of God's word and ways, of His plans and purposes.
4. Focus on the invisible, eternal things of Almighty God.
The Ministry of John the Baptist
(Matthew 14:1-35)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. John the Baptist was beheaded by King Herod, vv. 1-12.
2. Jesus fed the five thousand, vv. 13-21.
3. Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee, and His disciples
worshipped Him as the Son of God, vv. 22-23.
4. Many people of Gennesaret were healed merely by
touching the hem of Jesus' garment, vv. 34-36.
II. Meditation: on John the Baptist and Jesus' commendation of him
1. John was a miracle child, born of elderly parents, and he
was a Spirit-filled Nazarite, Luke 1:7, 15-17.
2. He preached repentance and baptized many persons,
including Jesus; he denounced Herod's adultery and was
beheaded; see Mark 6:14-31.
3. He was not a reed shaken by the wind (more like a sturdy
tree), Matthew 11:7; he did not live in luxury, but as a
strict ascetic, Matthew 11:8.
4. He was a prophet of God, like Elijah, Matthew 11:14; he was
the last and greatest of all the "Old Testament Era" characters,
including even Abraham, Moses, and David, Matthew 11:11.
III. Revelation: on the immoral character of King Herod
1. Herod's adultery and lust for his step-daughter revealed his
weakness . . . and led to his wife's taking revenge on John
the Baptist.
2. Herod feared and protected John after his arrest, knowing he
was a just and holy man . . . Herod "heard him gladly . . . did
many things," Mark 6:20.
3. Herod's pride kept him from reneging on his foolish promise to
give almost anything to watch his step-daughter dance, Mark 6:26.
4. Herod was afraid of John the Baptist, and his conscience bothered
him after he had executed John; when Jesus came, Herod thought
He was John who had been raised from the dead, Matthew 14:2.
(See more details in Mark 6:14-31.)
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Courageously proclaim the truth, in spite of the personal danger.
2. Be a Spirit-filled servant whose lifestyle de-emphasizes material
possessions and physical comfort.
3. Live so that my influence for good will continue long after my death
. . . just as John's memory "haunted" Herod.
4. Work faithfully to hear Jesus' personal commendation of me and of
my service: "Well done, you good and faithful servant."
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: IT GOES ON."
- Robert Frost
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