Why Study Jesus’ References to the Old Testament

Scripture, during Jesus’ time, was comprised of what we now call the Old Testament. It seems too many folks today think the Old Testament books are no longer relevant. Most of the people that do study the Old Testament focus on primarily on just two issues - the verses that point to the first coming of Jesus as the Messiah or the second coming of Jesus. I am not saying that these endeavors are not worthy studies; but, many folks are failing to see the very important role that the Old Testament plays, at least should play, in our daily relationship with God. The books we call the Old Testament contain a lot of information about God that is not in the New Testament. The “covenant” may have changed; but, God did not.

There are many reasons for studying Jesus’ references to the Old Testament. One of the most pertinent is that it shows us how important Jesus considered the Scriptures (He referenced them quite a bit). His references let us know what He considered so important that He reminded people of it - reminded them of what was said before He came. How well do you know the Lord Jesus? Do you know Him well enough to know that during His lifetime He used the writings of the Old Testament and the influence of the Holy Spirit to guide His life? Do you follow His example?

When we study Jesus’ references to the Old Testament we also see the importance of knowing the Old Testament as well as possible so as to be able to counter Satan’s attempt to twist Scripture against us - just as Satan tried with Jesus. We may never have, in this life, knowledge exceeding Satan’s; but, we have something far greater. We have the same help Jesus had - just in a different manner. We have God’s grace. Because there is so much misunderstanding of what that means we will define it again - Merriam-Webster's Dictionary: grace \'grăs\ [n] 1: unmerited divine assistance. Just as God aided Jesus through the Holy Spirit so too God aids us. The difference is Jesus deserved the help - we don’t (See Note¹). We have God’s divine assistance through the Holy Spirit to ensure, if we listen, that we are guided by truth.

Another reason for studying Jesus’ references to the Old Testament is that it may give us a clue as to which books He considered the most important, relevant, or valid. This doesn’t mean we should disregard any book He didn’t reference - John makes it clear we don’t have a record of everything Jesus said and did (John 21:25).

To my knowledge, there are two very clear references Jesus made directly to the Scriptures that we do not have an exact verbatim version in the currently accepted Old Testament books - nor to my knowledge are they found in any apocryphal book (I am far from perfect so if anyone has contrary information please let me know). A less direct reference is also found in Luke 24:25/26. The two direct references are found in:

John 7:38 - The one believing into Me, as the Scripture said, Out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.

Luke 24:46 - and said to them, So it is written, and so the Christ must suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day and that He was buried, and that He was raised the third day, according to the Scriptures.

          Knowing that Jesus made a reference to a writing we do not have is disappointing; but, it is not a cause for alarm. We have an ample amount of writing in our present Old Testament to know God’s expectations of us as our omnipotent Creator. We have the Gospel of Jesus to allow us to know what God’s will is for us as our merciful and loving Father. Jesus Himself said that we have the Comforter (Holy Spirit) to guide us in all truth. By listening to the Holy Spirit and studying the Gospel of Jesus, including His references to the Old Testament, we can draw ever closer to being the loving and obedient children God wants us to be.

          Jesus made it quite clear that He was here for one reason and one reason alone - to do the will of His Father - to do the will of God. Hence, His frequent references to the Old Testament make perfect sense because the Old Testament is filled with information God provides us to know what His will is. The Old Testament is far more than a history book of the forming of the Jewish people. Studying Jesus’ references allows anyone and everyone to concentrate and fine tune their studies of this holy collection of writings so that they can get the most benefit out them.

You don’t need to be a biblical scholar to understand what God is trying to tell you. If you study the Gospel of Jesus, and include the portions of the Old Testament that He references, and try sincerely to apply what you learn to your relationship with God and your life, you will find God’s path for you. Do this and pray sincerely for the guidance of the Holy Spirit because you will suffer in this world for being a true follower of Jesus; but, you will gain an eternal, loving, relationship with God - and there is no greater achievement known for man.

In the next article I will delve into what I hope are some helpful tips on getting the most out of your studies of Jesus’ references to the Old Testament.

 

In Brotherly Love,

Wayne

 

Note¹:        That is why and how we are saved by grace - not by God forgiving all our sins; but, by God giving us undeserved help in obeying. So what does it mean that Jesus died for our sins? He died for those sins we commit as unbelievers - they are washed away by the blood of the Lamb. This is one part of God’s grace - His unmerited assistance - to us to help become His children. We, when we become believers, are made spotless even though we don’t deserve it. We are, however, accountable for sins we commit after that. That is why Jesus said we will be forgiven as we forgive. God, in His infinite love and mercy, knew we would still need help so He gives us even more grace - unmerited divine assistance - the guidance of the Holy Spirit - to help us obey - through love of God and not just obligation. To God belongs all glory!

Studying the Commands of Jesus

           John 15:14 - Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

As much as I dread doing so, I must make a very clear statement right at the start - to properly study the Commands of Jesus you need to flush the words of Paul from your mind. Paul was either a purposeful deceiver or greatly deceived himself (See Note¹). Christ said to be as a child. Try, as best you can, to study His commands without any preconceived notions regarding the validity of the Law.

          Once you have a clear mind, I recommend that you next sort through His commands according to who Jesus is speaking to. People sometimes get confused because they forget to do this important step. The following gives an easily understood example. Jesus said in one place that the world cannot hate you:

John 7:7 - The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

          In another place He said the world hates you:

John 15:19 - If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

          Both statements are true because He is addressing two different groups of people. The first group is a group of unbelievers: John 7:5 - For neither did his brethren believe in him. The Second is a group of believers that Jesus says, within the same verse, that He has chosen.

          In addition to identifying the group being spoken to, you will need to identify if the words are directed toward specific believers - if it is meant for that group only or for all believers. For example:

                    But as they were going to report to His disciples, behold, Jesus also met them, saying,                           Hail! And coming near, they seized His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them,                    Do not fear. Go tell your brothers that they may go into Galilee, and there they will see             Me.   (Matthew 28:9-10)

          It is clear that this verse does not apply to us today - we cannot go to Galilee and expect to see Jesus.

          Now that we know to search for those commandments meant even for believers today we need to learn how to recognize what His commandments are. Some are very obvious. For example:

John 15:12 - This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.

          Other commands may not be so direct; yet, that they are commands are obvious. For example:

                    Take heed to yourselves. And if your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he                           repents, forgive him. And if seven times of the day he sins against you, and seven times                    of the day turns to you saying, I repent, you shall forgive him.       (Luke 17:3-4)

          Jesus often prefaced such commands with phrases such as “take heed” or included the term “lest”. These types of phrases make it clear He is conveying something that we need to pay attention to and remember to do (He used these phrases over 4 dozen times).

                    Jesus said very clearly what the most important commandments are:

                    And Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with                           all your soul, and with all your mind." This is the first and great commandment. And                          the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." On these two                                    commandments all the Law and the Prophets hang.         (Matthew 22:37-40) (See Note²)

          Practically every command Jesus gave us is a refinement of the Ten Commandments or a command, which if followed, leads to a person’s actions being in compliance with the spirit of the Law. We see Jesus saying very clearly that doing the will of God is paramount.

Matthew 7:21 - Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 12:50 - For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

          Note that only those who do the will of God are part of God’s family. Jesus goes on to say:

John 15:10 - If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

John 10:30 - I and my Father are one.

          This is not the place to delve into the concept of the trinity; but, it is very clear that at a minimum, Jesus considered Him and God to be of the same mind and opinion. Disobeying either amounts to disobeying both. This means that, taking all that Jesus said to us, the inclusion of the Ten Commandments is an obvious part of Jesus’ commands to us. Jesus was concerned with both the letter and the spirit of the Law; but, he abhorred the traditions the Pharisees had added to God’s Law.

An important thing to remember is that Jesus considered keeping the commandments so basic that we should consider it routine. We do so without reward - it is our duty (Luke 17:9/10). As basic as this is, Jesus also said that few will do it (Matthew 7:13/14). Will you?

 

In Brotherly Love,

Wayne

 

Note¹: I have covered some of this subject already in previous articles; but, here is even more food for thought concerning Paul’s false doctrine. The first segment is Law specific, the second regards Paul personally.

1)   Paul, in his usual manner in proclaiming “faith/grace” over the Law, said (in Romans 1:17): For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. This is a misquote of Habakkuk 2:4: Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Notice that Paul, as he often does, misquotes Scripture yet again. Here is the vital omission - Paul says “by faith” instead of “by his faith”. He not only misquotes the verse he disguises and misuses the verses true meaning. To get more detailed, the Old Testament word translated as faith is 'ĕmûnâh, which Strong defines as: literally firmness; figuratively security; moral fidelity: - faith (-ful, -ly, -ness,). The BDB defines it as: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness. This word “'ĕmûnâh”, in the KJV, is only translated once as “faith”, it is usually translated as faithfulness. The YLT translates the portion in Habakkuk we are covering as: “and the righteous by his stedfastness liveth”.

Are you getting the picture yet? The Scripture Paul misquoted is saying that the just man, by his faithfulness, shall live. Faithfulness to the Law brings life. Consider further that the Old Testament word translated, in the KJV, as “just” is “tsaddı̂yq”, which both Strong and the BDB define as: just, lawful, righteous. So, the just/lawful man shall live, by his faithfulness. He is steadfast in the Law.

2)   Paul’s “ministry” predates the Book of Revelation; yet, only one of the “churches” Paul dealt with are recognized by John (Revelation 1:4) or Jesus (Revelation 1:11). Jesus had John address only the Seven Churches of Asia - “. . . unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea”. Notice that only one of the “churches” that Paul was involved with is even mentioned by Jesus - Ephesus; and, note what Jesus said to them, “how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. Now, note also, that Paul himself said he was rejected by all the churches of Asia (2 Timothy 1:15). Could it be clearer? Jesus Himself does not recognize, as His, the work of Paul. Note that Jesus had no words for any church outside of Asia or for the other Asian “churches” Paul dealt with - i.e. for the Galatians or Colossians. The ONLY church Jesus recognized that Paul was involved with was the one that rejected Paul - Ephesus; and, Jesus complimented them for it!

 

Note^2:   This is another example of Jesus referencing the Old Testament. Here He references Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.

 

 

 

 

 

Why Study the Commands of Jesus?

This may seem like a silly question; but, it is surprising to me how little many “Christians” bother to study Jesus’ commands. Many folks follow the false doctrine of Paul and believe that the Old Testament Law doesn’t apply to them - we will address that issue in a bit (also in Note¹); but, even if you think the Old Testament Law is done away with, that would not, cannot, and does not, have anything to do with the need to obey the commands of Jesus in the New Testament.

          How anyone thinks they could lead a “Christ-like” life without listening to Christ is beyond me. How can you live a “Christ-like” or “Christ-centered” life if you ignore what Christ told (and showed) you? Are you living for Jesus or Paul? Who died for you - Jesus or Paul? Both said to follow me. Jesus said this many times - here is one instance that is undeniable by anyone desiring to be saved by Him:

Luke 9:23 - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Paul never said to follow Jesus! Paul was so arrogant he said to follow him - Philippians 3:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7. The Gospel clearly says you cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13)! Who do you follow?

Jesus also specifically warned us not to follow anyone that claimed to see Him after His last departure to Heaven.

Matthew 24:23 - Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

Luke 17:23 - And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

Who do we know that claimed to have seen Jesus after His last departure to Heaven? Paul does so in 1 Corinthians 9:1! Who do you follow?

If you want to be a follower of Christ - which is what you must be to be saved - you better start following what Jesus the Christ said and not what anyone else says - not Paul, or the pope, or Joseph Smith! That is why you need to study the commands of Jesus. His words will never be replaced by someone else’s words - they will never “pass away”.

Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Jesus said many things in various ways and there have been numerous lists made over time that cite His commands. These lists may vary according to many variables - i.e. a direct command, a declarative statement, the intended listener, etc. Many of His commands overlap the various categories and so may be omitted from one list but not another. An example is the command to follow Him. We have such a command to “an intended listener” in Matthew 4:19. Here Jesus was directly addressing Peter and Andrew. Hence that command was directly for them. Note, however, that we too are commanded to follow Him as shown earlier in Luke 9:23.

This disparity in lists made by men is another reason why you should study His commands for yourself. As in all matters, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This subject cannot be ignored if you are to be saved. Jesus was very clear:

John 14:15 - If ye love me, keep my commandments.

While the subject of this article is not the false doctrines of Paul or the fallacy of “once saved, always saved”, I do feel this is an apt place to point something out to those that stubbornly adhere to such. Consider the following Bible passage:

Jude 1:5 - I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

          Most everyone that studies or knows about the Bible is familiar with the concept that many things in the Old Testament where “types” for things to come. Please, read the preceding passage again with that thought in mind. Here, in the Old Testament is an example of those who God saved; but, when they did not obey Him, they were destroyed.

When you accept Jesus as your Lord you are washed in the blood of the Lamb - you are made clean, whole, and spotless; but, you MUST obey thereafter. You cannot crucify Him twice! The sins you commit after you are “saved” are NOT washed away By His sacrifice. Those sins are judged or forgiven, as Jesus said, by how you judge and forgive. You must, as Jesus says, endure to the end.  

Knowing that you will be judged by these sins it is imperative that you know what is expected of you. Contrary to what Paul says, Jesus said:

Luke 16:17 - And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

          This is an important point - the Law is still in effect. Still need more proof? Jesus said:

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew 5:17-20)

          This passage presents several important points. First, note that your righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. The Pharisees considered their traditions more important than the Law. Paul was a Pharisee. Second, note that Jesus said the Law will in no way pass “till ALL be fulfilled”. Dispensationalists that try to say we are in a different dispensation (followers of Paul) confuse this with Matthew 24:34 and Mark 13:30 where Jesus says: Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Please note He does not specify ALL things - only these things. His death and resurrection did not fulfill ALL - he must still return! He was not referring to the Law passing with His death and resurrection and He certainly wasn’t referring to the passing of His New Testament commands.

          Now, consider that Jesus also said:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

(Matthew 22:37-40)

          I hope you see that to Jesus the Law isn’t about being “legalistic”. It is about love. I sincerely hope it should be obvious by now that it is imperative to study Jesus’ commands; and, that the salvation of your very soul is at stake.

In Brotherly Love,

Wayne

Note¹:

For the Paulists that want to claim “grace” freed them from being “under the Law”, I ask a few simple questions. Jesus said the Law is about love. Do you not see the illogical position you hold of saying God’s grace freed you from loving Him? Do you find it offensive to be told to love God if you want Him to save you as one of His children?

Paul was a Pharisee and they had a whole plethora of “laws” they had added to the Law of God. No one was ever accountable to God for those man-made traditions. Jesus railed against the Pharisees for burdening people with their laws and passing them off as God’s Law (i.e. Matthew 23:13-29). You are not under the laws of the Pharisees - no one ever was; but, you are, according to Jesus, accountable for keeping the Law of God!

 

 

The Parables Jesus Explained

(The Sower, or The Four Soils)

          We left off last time, in the article “The Parabolic Approach”, with the Parable of the Tares. It is one of the parables that we have a recorded explanation from Jesus of what a particular parable meant. We will pick up here with another parable Jesus explained for us - the Parable of the Sower.

          The Parable of the Sower is often considered very important to understand because Jesus, in essence, asked how His disciples would be able to understand the other parables he was going to say if they couldn’t understand this one (Mark 4:13). His explanation for the Parable of the Sower, as with the Parable of the Tares, shows us how to understand Him. It shows us that we do not need to search for some deeper hidden meaning. Look at His words with the faith and simplicity of a child; and, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will find His Truth.

          Versions of this parable are given in all three synoptic gospels - Matthew 13:3/9, Mark 4:3/9, and Luke 8:5/8. The explanation Jesus gave is also recorded in all three synoptic gospels - Matthew 13:18/23, Mark 4:14/20, and Luke 8:11/15. We will focus primarily on the parable as recorded in Matthew; because, it is in Matthew 13:18 that Jesus Himself, when asked to explain it, specifically said, “Then hear the parable of the sower”.

The Parable of the Sower

(Matthew 13:3-9)

And He spoke to them many things in parables, saying: Behold, the sower went out to sow. And in his sowing, some fell by the roadside, and the birds came and ate them. And other fell on the stony places where they did not have much earth, and it immediately sprang up because it had no deepness of earth. And the sun rising, it was scorched; and because of having no root, it was dried up. And other fell on the thorn-bushes, and the thorn-bushes grew up and choked them. And other fell on the good ground and yielded fruit; indeed, one a hundredfold, and one sixty, and one thirty. The one having ears to hear, let him hear.

The explanation Jesus gave for the Parable of the Sower

(Matthew 13:18-23)

Then hear the parable of the sower: Everyone hearing the Word of the kingdom, and not understanding, then the evil one comes and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is that sown by the roadside. And that sown on the stony places is this: the one hearing the Word, and immediately receiving it with joy, but has no root in himself, but is temporary, and tribulation, or persecution occurring because of the Word, he is at once offended. And that sown into the thorn bushes is this: the one hearing the Word, and the anxiety of this age, and the deceit of riches, choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. But that sown on the good ground is this: the one hearing the Word, and understanding it, who indeed bears and yields fruit, one truly a hundredfold, and one sixty, and one thirty.

This parable is also sometimes called the Parable of the Four Soils. I consider that a more apt name because the main focus is not the sower but the type of soil. I consider this parable of extreme importance for that very reason. It gives four types of “soil” that the sower sows in. Please take note that only one of those soils - by the roadside - is a full blown non-believer. Into this category would fall Atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., - the Truth of the Word has never even dawned on them. Please take further note that only one of those soils - good ground - is a true saved believer. That leaves two soils - stony and thorny - that are comprised of people that may consider themselves “Christian” but won’t be saved. They will be the ones that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 7:21/22:

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but the ones who do the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many works of power? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; "depart from Me, those working lawlessness!" Note¹

Jesus’ explanation needs no help from me; but, we are told to learn line upon line, precept upon precept. To explain why I say that two types of soil are “Christians” who won’t be saved, I will dig deeper. For example, the word “offended” had a different meaning then than it usually does now - i.e. Matthew 26:31/33. We see that “offended” indicates a person who deserts or abandons. There are a lot of folks who were “baptized” at a young age and may very well have been, as Jesus says, filled with joy at that time. However, many of these people never went further in their relationship with God or Jesus. Maybe it wasn’t a popular thing to be a “Bible Thumper” in school, or college, or at the workplace; so, they drifted away. Many, if asked, will still call themselves “Christians”; but, you would never know it unless you asked. They do not live their lives as followers of Jesus. They do not “do the will of my Father”. They are stony ground.

Next we come to the thorny ground. These folks can present an even more “Christian-like” appearance; but, as Jesus says, they are so wrapped up in this world that they choke the Word and make it unfruitful. Jesus doesn’t say that they are choked - He says that they choke the Word. They squeeze the life out of the Word - so much so that it bears no fruit in their lives. They do not live their lives as followers of Jesus. They do not “do the will of my Father”. They are thorny ground.

The parable is easy to understand; but, there are a lot of people who misunderstand because they fail to do as we are told to do:

Isaiah 28:10 - For precept must be on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little.

Both the stony and thorny ground has failed to do this. The stony ground has forgotten what Jesus said in Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8. They no longer confess Him before men. The stony and the thorny ground have forgotten what Jesus said in Matthew 3:10, 7:19, and Luke 3:9, and John 15:2, 15:8, and etc. The unfruitful will perish, burn, die!

What ground does Jesus call good? Ground that is fruitful! Only fruitful ground is saved! Here the version in Luke (8:15) adds the word “patience”, which is defined by Thayer as: steadfastness, constancy, endurance; and by Strong as: endurance, constancy. It is ground that continues to produce fruit - not ground that used to.

To this we must add more - line upon line, precept upon precept. Remember the thorny ground choking the Word so that it is unfruitful. If the word you are following comes anywhere except from the Old Testament or from Jesus then you are choking the life out of the Word. The writings of Paul are not a part of the Word that Jesus referred to (See Note²). If you are not following the commands Jesus gave then you are choking the Word. Jesus said, “If God were your Father, you would love Me” (John 8:42). He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). If you are not keeping His Words - keeping His commandments - then you are choking the Word! You are thorny ground.

          Learning what a parable means is useless unless you apply that meaning to your life. If you do not apply it, you are choking the life giving properties out of the Word.

In Brotherly Love,

Wayne

Note¹ - For those that are interested, this is one of the times that Jesus is referring to the Old Testament - specifically Psalms 6:8: Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

Note² - Paul very seldom referred to Jesus either - Paul’s gospel is not Jesus’ Gospel

 

The Parabolic Approach

The parables of Jesus are found primarily in the synoptic gospels (See Note¹). Parables, by their nature, typically, have one central truth at heart. Parables are one of the oldest and simplest forms of instruction – even the Old Testament uses them. I won’t delve into the debate over whether a saying is a parable or a proverb – the debate is not relevant to learning The Gospel of Jesus Christ. In general, “Occam’s Razor” applies here – the answer that requires the fewest assumptions is most likely the correct answer. Remember Jesus said to be as children. Do children try to pick apart what is said and try to find hidden meanings?

People have historically wondered why Jesus taught some things via parables. I can think of several good reasons that could be posited for this methodology. First, it was a common teaching method already known to be in use among the folks He was talking to; so, it would have been natural to employ such a teaching style – much as a PowerPoint presentation would be natural to use with a “computer literate” group today. Second, as Jesus explained (i.e. Matthew 13:13/14), it served to fulfill prophecy – some folks were just so stubborn or hard-headed that they acted as if they were blind or deaf to His words. Third, some folks were already trying to trip Him up, to twist His words, or use His words to make accusations against Him (i.e. Matthew 12:10). Parables make doing any of that more difficult for an antagonist.

People have differing opinions as to another possible purpose of using parables. Many say it was to hide the true meaning, other to reveal hidden truths. This subject could warrant a separate study; but, for ease of understanding here, I posit that it served both purposes and that it was intended to do so. For the indifferent or the antagonistic it would continue to hide the true meaning. For the sincere seeker of the knowledge Jesus was trying to share it could reveal the truth. I hold this belief for several reasons – based on Jesus’ own words. First, He repeatedly specified, “those that have ears, let them hear”. This tells me that if you are listening for the knowledge He is offering you can learn it; but, if you are listening for any other reason you will learn nothing. Matthew 13:15 shows that “seeing” and “hearing” should lead to “understanding with the heart”. Second, Jesus, in fulfilling prophecy in His use of parables, was revealing things that had been kept secret but were not anymore (Matthew 13:35). Third, Jesus showed that He expected those who wanted to follow Him to understand Him – Mark 4:13. Note that in Matthew 13:23 Jesus specifically connects hearing the word with understanding – if the seed/word is received by “good ground”. (See Note²)

This doesn’t mean you are not “good ground” just because you don’t have a full understanding the first time you read something in Scripture – even the original disciples often needed help and time to grasp the full meaning. When Jesus said these things the disciples had Jesus there to help explain things to them. They would later receive the Holy Spirit - as Jesus said (John 16:13) - to guide them in all truth. We too have access to this same help today - the Holy Spirit.

Nothing, not even studying the Bible, can ever replace the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your ability to understand Jesus’ Gospel or with your relationship with God. The New Testament did not exist in Jesus’ time; further, few people could read the Scriptures (Old Testament). What Jesus did tell us, and He knew we would have the New Testament today, was “pray always” (Luke 21:36, See also Luke 18:1).

We don’t know how many of the parables Jesus explained to His disciples. We do know that some of the explanations Jesus gave were recorded so that we can study them today. One is the parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24/30) which Jesus explained later in Matthew 13:37/43. Another is the parable of the sower (also called the parable of the four soils). It is also one of the few parables to appear in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew 13:3/9, Mark 4:3/9, and Luke 8:5/8). The explanation Jesus gave is also recorded in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew 13:18/23, Mark 4:14/20, and Luke 8:11/15).

Because we have Jesus’ own explanation for some of the parables it seems prudent to continue a study of His words by focusing on those parables in particular. Most studies I’ve seen begin with the parable of the sower; but, here we will begin with the parable of the tares.

The Parable of the Tares*

(Matthew 13:24-30)

          He put before them another parable, saying: The kingdom of Heaven is compared to a man sowing good seed in his fields. But while the men were sleeping, one hostile to him came and sowed darnel in the midst of the wheat, and went away. And when the blade sprouted and produced fruit, then the darnel also appeared. And coming near, the slaves of the housemaster said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then from where does it have the darnel? And he said to them, a man, an enemy did this. And the slaves said to him, do you desire, then, that going out we should gather them? But he said, No, lest gathering the darnel you should uproot the wheat with them. Allow both to grow together until the harvest. And in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, first gather the darnel, and bind them into bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my granary.

*Tares Defined: Thayer - a kind of darnel, resembling wheat except the grains are black; Strong - darnel or false grain: - tares.

 

The explanation Jesus gave for the Parable of the Tares

(Matthew 13:36-43)

Then sending away the crowds, Jesus came into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the darnel of the field. And answering, He said to them, The One sowing the good seed is the Son of Man. And the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the darnel are the sons of the evil one. And the hostile one who sowed them is the Devil, and the harvest is the end of the age, and the angels are the reapers. Then as the darnel is gathered and is consumed in the fire, so it will be in the completion of this age. The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all the offenses, and those who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth. Then the righteous will shine out like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The one having ears to hear, let him hear.

          Jesus’ explanation needs no help from me. I will, however, end here by pointing out one unrelated thing that impacts what many currently believe. Note that Jesus clearly says that the darnel – the tares – will be gathered first – not the wheat. His words counter those that believe the saved will be “raptured” first.

 

Thanks for joining me on The Path to Light

In Brotherly Love,

Wayne

 

Note¹: John may have parables; but, John does not specifically say the word parable. In John 10:6 the KJV uses the term parable incorrectly. The word the KJV translates here as parable - “paroimia” is translated as proverb elsewhere in the KJV (even in John) and in the DRB translation (and as allegory, similitude, etc in other translations - i.e. LITV, YLT, etc.). The word “parabolē” is the word used for parable.

Note²: Jesus said the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11). It is important to remember that the “seed/word” is not the New Testament – it did not exist. The “seed/word” is only what they, the hearers, had access to as the word of God – the Old Testament and the words (Gospel) of Jesus. To repeat, the “seed/word” is not the New Testament, it is not the words of Paul, or the Pope, or Joseph Smith. The “seed/word” is the Old Testament and the Words of Jesus!

Studying the Words of Jesus

As I continue this series of articles on the words of Jesus I would like to point out something that has always puzzled and intrigued me about the way many others “know” Jesus. Simply put, consider this, my dilemma, both for yourself and those you know. Why is it that so many know and talk about why Jesus died; but, seldom if ever, about why He lived? He lived knowing He was to suffer a horrible death for us; but, He did more than die for us - he lived for us. You may know why He died for you. Do you know Him well enough to know why He lived for you?

To begin focus on the words of Jesus I feel it may help prevent some potential future contention (from non-believers or “bible scholars”) by pointing out that we draw our knowledge of His words and His teachings primarily from the synoptic gospels. Though commonly referred to as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke that is not what they actually are or claim to be. They are the Gospel “according” to Matthew, Mark, and Luke – hence it is not relevant if they were actually written by them, or by a scribe taking dictation, or a student of theirs. All that is relevant is that they were inspired to be written by God. The Gospel is the Good News of and from Jesus Christ!

Our focus isn’t to just read the words of Jesus or to just study His teaching. Our goal is to learn what He was trying to teach us and learn it well enough that we carry His Words in our heart and live them. To do this I break down his teaching into a few sub categories to hopefully simplify the process. I break down His words and teaching into three types. These are His: 1) Old Testament references, 2) commands, and 3) parables.

Of Jesus’ teaching, a rough estimate is that approximately one third is discussing, referencing or citing Scripture (Old Testament) that He considered important or relevant to His Gospel. His concern for Scripture should be a strong indicator to us that the Old Testament is still a highly relevant source of information concerning Gods plan for us and our lives.

Of His teaching, about one third is in the form of commands. All deserve study and reflection though many of His commands seem self-explanatory. Many people are familiar with the primary two given – love God and love your neighbor. To fully understand these commands you must first understand His meaning of love. Many folks are also familiar with a few other commands – i.e. repent and love your enemy. Some of His commands certainly deserve more study than is typically given them – some have become “pet” sayings often edited and taken out of context – i.e. judge not. Depending on how His teaching is viewed it has been asserted that He gave anywhere from as few as 50 commands to as many as 125. One reason for this wide disparity may be due to whether or not the commands listed are “new” or representative of reassertions of commands from the Scriptures.

Roughly, the remaining one third of His teaching is in the form of parables. As with the commands there are varying opinions as to the number of them – depending upon what is called a parable. The numbers range anywhere from as low as 32 to over 60. The study aids given in Note¹ average about 32. See Note3 for list of 46 possible parables in an extimated chronological order. In the order they are believed to have been given, they begin in subject from not putting new cloth on an old garment to ending with the separating of the sheep from the goats. Chronological order should not be taken as an indicator of importance for us today; because, we should always remember that Jesus was in the process of not only proclaiming the Gospel but also training disciples to become His 12 Apostles. We have two advantages of looking at His teachings today; 1) though we are to be witnesses for Christ we are His disciples and not one His 12 Apostles, and 2) we can view His teaching as a completed whole rather than as a work in progress (we are the work in progress now).

His Old Testament references are easy enough to find and study on their own; but, to fully grasp why he chose those particular references we often need a better understanding of what He was trying to accomplish by citing them. One way we can learn this is by studying what His commands are. As an analogy: if I give a reference to a young child that a certain book says paper burns at 451 degrees Fahrenheit and matches burn hotter than that, it may not mean much to them. A young child may not reason out a third fact not specifically mentioned – that a match will ignite paper. But, if I first command them, “don’t play with matches”, and then give them the reference, they may grasp the purpose and meaning of my command more fully – and grasp the third fact quicker.

Some may say that it is a matter of simple reasoning  and that people should be able to figure out the third fact without being told – to which we must consider that not all of us have the same reasoning abilities. In point of fact, many will read certain references and come up with a third “fact” for a command that others do not see. Hence, we have many different “takes” on what the Bible says. I would suggest that we do as Jesus commanded us and be as children. We should listen to His commands whether we understand the reasoning or not; and, we should not use our reasoning to give commands to others that He does not give!

The parables of Jesus offer yet another tool to better understand His teaching. Many of these parables are cause for an even more determined and dedicated approach to study. There are a few study aids available on my website. As in all things concerning the study of God and His will for us, we should approach in humility and prayer. No writing of any man can replace the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Even so, we have in writing, for a couple of the parables of Jesus, His own explanation of their meaning. One of these is commonly called the Parable of the Sower and the other is commonly the called the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.

Because we have Jesus’ own explanation for these two parables I will continue in the next article by focusing on His parables.

In Brotherly Love,

Wayne