PARABLES OF JUDGMENT & THE FUTURE (6)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) The parables of Jesus are found in the three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). They are short stories that teach a moral or spiritual lesson by analogy or similarity. They are often stories based on the agricultural life that was intimately familiar to His original first century audience. Some aspect of an unfamiliar concept, such as the kingdom of God, was compared to something from everyday life that could easily be understood.
b) It is the lesson of a parable that is important to us. The story is not important in itself; it may or may not be literally true.
c) Jesus was the master of teaching in parables. His parables often have an unexpected twist or surprise ending that catches the reader's attention. They are also cleverly designed to draw listeners into new ways of thinking, new attitudes and new ways of acting.
III. Parables of Judgment & the Future
B. About God's Values
1. The Unproductive Fig Tree
a) Luke 13:6-9
i) 6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:6-9 NKJV)
b) Other Gospel references
i) Matthew: None
ii) Mark: None
The End ...
0. Introductiona) The parables of Jesus are found in the three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). They are short stories that teach a moral or spiritual lesson by analogy or similarity. They are often stories based on the agricultural life that was intimately familiar to His original first century audience. Some aspect of an unfamiliar concept, such as the kingdom of God, was compared to something from everyday life that could easily be understood.
b) It is the lesson of a parable that is important to us. The story is not important in itself; it may or may not be literally true.
c) Jesus was the master of teaching in parables. His parables often have an unexpected twist or surprise ending that catches the reader's attention. They are also cleverly designed to draw listeners into new ways of thinking, new attitudes and new ways of acting.
III. Parables of Judgment & the Future
B. About God's Values
1. The Unproductive Fig Tree
a) Luke 13:6-9
i) 6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:6-9 NKJV)
b) Other Gospel references
i) Matthew: None
ii) Mark: None
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