The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

 

Luke 16:19-31

 

Grant O Lord, that as Your Son Jesus Christ prayed for His enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive Your forgiveness. To that end, Lord Jesus, bless Thy Word that we may trust in Thee. Amen.[1]

Jesus continues to explain to us what it means to be merciful. He shows us the gracious, generous heart of the Father who is kindhearted. Full of compassion.

As we hear the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the words of the Magnificat; the song of Mary, come to mind, “He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has sat down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away.” (Luke 1:46-55)   

Paul warns us concerning wealth. “Not to be haughty, nor to set our hopes on the uncertainty of riches,” but “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17–18). Covetous desire for what God has not given is idolatry and “a root of all kinds of evils.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Contentment belongs to faith. By which the Christian has “great gain” in godliness. (1 Timothy 6:6). Neither poverty nor riches are virtues! Your best life now is an American religion.

A certain rich man dressed in purple, living splendidly in fine linen feasts lavishly every day. At his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus. A meager beggar. Covered with sores. Lazarus finds himself at the rich man's gate.   Lazarus only desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table.

The rich man's neglect of Lazarus signals his failure to "make friends for himself when the day of changed circumstances comes and worldly wealth shall fail.” That critical day. When circumstances change awaits us all. Lazarus is carried away to Abraham’s side. The rich man too is buried.

The Rich man now begs for what he did not give; mercy, care, relief from suffering.  He cried "Kyrie Eleison! Lord, have mercy!" but did NOT receive it. He still thinks Lazarus is there to serve him!

Note the contrast. Lazarus is given a name. Which literally means, "He (whom) God helps."  The rich man is simply plopped into the ground.

‘Our whole Christian life should be forgiving debts: money, sins, whatever.  Some debts are small. Others huge! Some debts we treat as only a trifle. Hardly a drop in the bucket. So insignificant we scarcely and barely take notice.   Others leave scares, which last a lifetime.

There is only one way forward. The debts of our enemies must be treated as the debts of the poor. Our enemies will not have enough to pay us. If these debts cannot be paid (and they can’t), then they can only be forgiven. And here we come to the verse from Proverbs: “He who gives to the poor makes a debtor of God.” The Scriptures add: “And He will pay him.”(Proverbs 19:17)’.

Lazarus. Forsaken. Ignored. Forgotten. Reminds us of that One man, that certain One who, “was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; Surely he has borne our grief’s and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5

The point of the parable is to warn the self-centered. And point to the Scriptures as the only resource for planning ahead. Worldly wealth failed, showing the need for a better, more lasting basis of hope. Our only hope is in Christ. Who went to the cruel and bloody cross. And then rose again from the dead.

The written word of God. The law and the prophets. Are all we have. God's Word is now available. It calls us to faith. It will not fail.  It is Christ's testimony to the judgment and salvation that He will work for you.  His Word abides when all fails. It is eternal. His promise of salvation creates saving faith. His Word reveals His plan for eternity.

Illustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (The Book of Books in Pictures). Copyright © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use.

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[1]Collect for Friday of Lent 2,   http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

 

Luke 16:1-15

The Lord Is Rich in His Grace and Mercy

“For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). Though we try to justify ourselves “before men,” God knows our sinful hearts and calls us to repentance (Luke 16:15). Though we are “not strong enough to dig” and are “ashamed to beg” (Luke 16:3), He justifies us by His grace and welcomes us into His “eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). More shrewd than even “the sons of this world” (Luke 16:8), He requires His stewards of the Gospel to bestow forgiveness freely.

Our Gospel reading for this morning is a continuation of Jesus’ teaching of the Father's mercy.  Jesus is teaching the disciples. But the Pharisees are listening. And so are you. 

“The Pharisees who were lovers of money also ridiculed Him.” Jesus responds, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men but God knows your heart. What is highest among men is detestable, an abomination in the sight of God.”(vs.15)

What was it that drew the ire of the Pharisees? The fact that Jesus is showing how the Lord is rich in grace and mercy. The parables of Jesus always tell us something about Himself. And about the Kingdom. When you hear one of Jesus’ parables, He is always telling you something you should know about His love. His grace. His mercy. His kindness. His character. And, when Jesus teaches a parable there is always a surprise. Something you did not expect!

A manager is brought up on charges that he has wasted his Master’s possessions.  He’s forced to turn over the books and face an audit. He’s told, “You can no longer be my manger.” Did you notice the surprise?  The manager is accused. Not good. He’s told, “You can no longer be my manager.” Even worse! However he isn’t fired. He keeps his job!

Here is the first surprise! Mercy is unjust. The manager is busted for his wastefulness. He is told, “You can no longer be my manager.”  The Master expects obedience. He is just.

But he does not throw his manager into prison. This does not make sense in man’s economy. It makes perfect sense in God’s.  

What wealth can you use to bribe God? –Stolen wealth.  That which belongs to another. That is not yours. That which you cannot buy or earn. That is all a part of God’s economy.

The innocent dies for guilty – that injustice is the foundation of the Kingdom. It is the shocking character of grace. – The Master gives the Kingdom away. The Father forsakes the Son. To have you. He accepts payment from the Son. As compensation for your sin.  More than you stole. He adds to your account. He adds a credit. And you end up with more than you attempted to steal.

Jesus shows us the character of the Master. – Who does not fire the steward. And the steward banks on the character and the generosity of the Master. There are no Masters in this world like that. He goes too far. A Master we can never imagine. He is pleased with the steward. Because what the steward has done is give the Master’s things away. For free. This is the parable of the Merciful Master who gives away the Kingdom. For free –        

Who can receive you into eternal dwellings? Only God. Thus, Jesus concludes with this thought. - You cannot serve God and money. The steward teaches us a valuable lesson.  Money must never to be seen an end in itself. It is only a means to an end.

Employment does not last forever. Retirement does not last forever.  No matter the level of security anyone has amassed; all of us, sooner, or later, will end up in a plot of earth. Given eternity. How can any thing of a material nature have any lasting consequence?

So where do you place your trust? Trust not in princes. They are but mortal. Trust not in yourself. You will fail. Trust not in anything. Except the mercy of God. Who loves you. More than you could ever imagine. Who is content to give you His Kingdom. At the price of His own Son. Deserving has nothing to do with it. It all depends on the Father’s character. His good will. His clemency. His mercy. His grace.

The parable of the Rich Fool

 

[1]

 

“A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15

Let Your continual mercy, O Lord, cleans and defend Your Church; because it cannot continue in safety without Your help protect and govern it always by Your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.[2]

We need to have a balance in life. We need to learn how to handle our possessions. So that our possessions will not handle us. Jesus is not condemning possessing stuff. There is no virtue in being poor, needy or devoid of material things. It is a matter of keeping perspective. Do we possess our possessions? Or do our possessions posses us? Are you a slave to material goods?

It is not a question of being rich or having fabulous homes, expensive jewelry, and having a high income. It is not only the super rich who can become obsessed with possessions. Even those of modest means can become enslaved to their possessions – no matter how many or how few they may be. To be possessed by your possessions means.

1. You are greedy for possessions. “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” V.15  

There are two commandments focused on coveting; our longing for more.  Not in the abundance of your possessions does your life exist. Remember, riches attract greed!

 Can you handle success? Can you handle wealth? Most people who strike it rich winning the lottery are broke within a few years.  It wasn’t the money per se. It was their priorities. It was their attitude toward their great abundance.

Your life does not consist in the abundance of your of possessions. Living in a consumed, consumer society that shouts at us. Every day, “you need more of this! You won’t be happy without that! You need to look this way! And have these things! In order to be accepted. Respected. And valued by others.” I’m reminded of a student who went to school with Lydia her senior year of high school…Who brought along with her 100 pairs of shoes. And complained. That hadn’t a thing to wear! Really!  Yet the things of this world are passing away. Only that which is of Christ, will last forever.

Can you remember what you received for Christmas when you were seven? Or four? Or twelve? So why do you think your children will be scared for life if they don’t have the latest selling item this year? Remember back to that day. At the time, what you received might have been the most wonderful thing in the world. But now, looking back and reflecting.  You realized that what was truly important was having the people who mattered most in your life with you.

2. To be possessed by your possessions means you never get enough possessions. “He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.” V.17

In just a few weeks it will be here once again, college move-in day. It’s amazing how much “stuff” an 18-year old can cram into a dorm room!  What always amazed me when we would move our children and their “stuff” back to campus were those students who would arrive in a huge honking SUV pulling a U-hall, which is bigger than the dorm room itself! And to top it off. – That student.  Has a roommate. Who had come with all of their stuff as well.

You can never be satisfied if you always want more. You receive an e-mail from a Mr. Abukakar. He claims to be the personal friend to the son of the late king of Nigeria. He writes that you were recommended to him as an honest and reliable person. To whom he can entrust a sum of money.

$20 million dollars. Need to be wired out of the country immediately. For your help, he will give you 20% of the total. He is confident you would not keep all of the money. He asks you to send him your address, fax and phone number, and your bank count number. He assures you of privacy. He hopes to hear from you immediately. Why do so many fall for such a scam? We are all tempted by greed.  

One author put it this way. “If you look carefully you will see that there is one thing and only one thing that cause unhappiness. The name of that thing is Attachment. What is an attachment? Ann emotional state of clinging caused by the belief that without some particular thing or some person you cannot be happy…Here is a mistake that most people make in their relationships with others. They try to build a steady nesting place in the ever-moving stream of life.”[3]

To be possessed by your possessions means you trust your possessions to give the good life. “And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years, Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’” V.19

Greed seeks worldly things. This must not be equated with true living. We stumble when material possessions become a substitute for the proper object of a person’s search and worship - with is God. – Greed breeds idolatry.

Jesus addressed the man on his own pragmatic terms. He is dealing not with matters of the kingdom. Or of life beyond death. But with the question of the disposition of his possessions. What will happen to all my stuff? This underscores the fact that in the end he will have to “leave it all.” Then it will be someone else’s problem. Walk into any antique shop. It is filled with other people’s stuff.

You will never see a U-haul following a hearse. Solomon reminds us of this reality in the book of Ecclesiastes. “I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 2:18-19

Since you can’t take it with you. Since things will not bring lasting happiness. We trust in that one thing needful. The only thing that can cause true contentment and joy. This is found in the person of Jesus Christ who said, “I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly.” –John 10:10  

Contentment.  Peace. Happiness. Is not found in the amount and the value of possessions but in Christ. “Trust not in princes. – They are but mortal.”

The man in our parable found contentment in his belongings and wealth.  Your treasure is in Christ. The world says, “Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” As a follower of Christ you can proclaim, “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we live!”  Look to Jesus. Where He may be found. There and there alone will you find lasting peace and joy.

Under Jesus’ protection. And by His gifts. You can experience the best life can offer. Jesus can give a whole new meaning to living. Because He provides full satisfaction. And perfect guidance.  He is your sufficiency. With Him. There is both contentment and peace.

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Words – 1,275
Passive Sentences –7%
Readability – 82.5%
Reading Level -4.0

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[1] Luther’s Seal © Higher Things
[2] Collect for Pentecost 10, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3] Anthony de Mello “The Way to Love”

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

[1]

Jesus Is Our Good Samaritan

Lord Jesus Christ, in Your deep compassion You rescue us from whatever may hurt us. Teach us to love You above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Two questions. Stand as bookends for us today. The first. Is asked by an expert in the Law. The second. Is asked by Jesus. Jesus responds in both instances with a mandate. “This do.”

The one proficient in the Law asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Oh yes, he was skillful in the Law of God. He interpreted it correctly. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”   To which Jesus replies, ““You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

Now it is Jesus’ turn to ask a question. “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” And the response, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

The righteous requirements of the Law - still remain a mandate. Jesus did not come to eliminate the law but to fulfill it. 

Says the Savior, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”   -Matthew 5:17-20 - “Do all this and you will live.”

The popular phrase "Be a Good Samaritan" is meant to motivate you to help someone you do not want to bother with. It sounds clever. But, more times than not, it is a burden. Most times, you help the person you do not always desire or want to. [2]

Their lack of appreciation and demands for more can be defeating and exhausting. It can leave you feeling you were right after all. That you should not have even tried. More than exhausting. It leads many to give up.  Sadly, in this American culture, most are motivated to serve only to impress the people they really cannot stand!

So it is with any motivation from the Law. It reveals our sin. “But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” The path into hell is always paved with good intentions. The Old Adam in us is still trying self-justification.

Jesus, though. Did not come teaching lessons like the Good Samaritan to inspire you on how to live a better life but to reveal that we simply can't. But once you realize that.

Your Savior then desires to show your repentant heart what He has done to free you and forgive you.

Jesus truly helped all. Only He was the "Good Samaritan." As the Son of God. He was the only one who could be. His greatest act of love proves it to be the case. Jesus offered His life in exchange for yours. He took all your sins as His own. He paid their full price on His cross.

In exchange. He gives you everything.  The forgiveness of sins. And eternal life. He then gives you opportunities to help and serve your neighbor in love.

The Christian life is not mere theory. It is faith always active in love toward the neighbor. God does not need your good works. Your neighbor, however, always will. Thus, the Savior gives you opportunities to love and serve your neighbor. As Jesus says in our Gospel today – “To show mercy!”  Not motivated for some righteous reward. Rather. He gives you a servant’s heart. And places opportunities before you. To be salt and light in this world.

Dr. King put it best when he said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”[3]

“Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” It is, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.

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[1] Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
[2] Pr. Timothy Daub, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Heckla, SD
[3] – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 'The Drum Major Instinct' delivered at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, February 4, 1968

Parable of Two Debtors

 

Luke 7:36 -50

[1]

Jesus, the Friend of Sinners

A prayer for deliverance from sin: We implore You, O Lord, in Your kindness to show us Your great mercy that we may be set free from our sins and rescued from the punishments that we rightfully deserve; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[2]

Jesus’ enemies accused Him of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners. Yes, He was. And Yes! He is! – “Simon! Look at this woman…” says Jesus. “I came into your house water upon my feet you did not give. By her tears, she washed my feet. With her hair, she wiped them. A kiss you did not give. Upon my entry, she did not stop kissing them.” 

Jesus is the honored guest and Simon didn't have the common decency to treat him as such. Why? Simon cannot even give insincere hospitality. He did not recognize Jesus as the Christ. Simon was scandalized! That Jesus would allow this. But Jesus teaches that forgiveness is for sinners. Not for the self-righteous. This woman. Sorry for her sin. Was forgiven by Jesus. When we repent of our sins—which are many—we, too, are forgiven.  Glory be to Jesus. He is a friend of sinners. Like you!

1. The debt is great – These two debtors. Both had the obligation to pay. The liability what huge. One owed 500 denarii - a price of a house.  The other owed 50 –The price of a car. But not having it to pay the money-lender offers grace. Jesus asks the question. Concerning to the two debtors. “Now which of them, Simon, will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.”

The sinner must constantly confess, “I am a sinner.” The alcoholic, must constantly confess his condition daily until Jesus returns. And declares it no more.  That’s precisely the point Jesus makes. The debt of sin we could never repay. The weight is too much for us to bear.

The burden is too heavy. The guilt is overwhelming. So He cancels the debt. He stops it. He revokes. Rescinds. And repeals the debt. And declares it to be no more. 

 The burden and guilt of sin is great. In mercy, your Father has forgiven your sin and He remembers them no more…

2.  In mercy, your heavenly Father canceled the debt. – Jesus doesn't talk about faith He delivers faith. Jesus tells the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” We can literally say, “Your Jesus has saved you. Go in peace.”  Faith always looks to its object.

NOTE: When using the word "faith" follow up with, "what God in Christ has given you."   We do not place faith in our faith. We trust in Christ and Him alone. 

Jesus’ words always do what they say. When He says, “your sins are forgiven,” they are!  What a relief. What a blessing. To know that your sin, though they are many, have been removed. As far as the east is from the west. And He remembers your sin no more! What a blessing. To know that Christ Jesus has paid for every single transgression. What a joy to know that we do not have to carry about the weight of sin.

What a pleasure it is to carry our burdens and our cares to the throne room of grace and know that every stain of sin has been wiped clean.  What we were unable to accomplish the Father has made possible by the death and resurrection of His own dear Son Jesus Christ. In Him, all sin is purchased and forgiven period!

Our sin, as great as they are, have been forgiven. How do you respond to all this?

3. What is your reaction to all this? Not like the other guests. Who began to say among themselves,

“Who is this who even forgives sins?” Those sitting at the house were insulted. That Jesus would forgive sins.  This should not surprise us. When Jesus healed and forgave the paralyzed man. “At once the Scribes and Pharisees began to say to themselves ‘Who is this fellow who says things like this that are insulting to God? Is there anyone but God who can forgive sins?” [Luke 5:21]

Do you see what they infer?  Only God can forgive sins. Here is Jesus. Absolving and pardoning this woman. They will have none of it! They reject Jesus’ claim to pardon, cleans and release people from the guilt of their sin.

The same question these guests wrestled with at the table now becomes yours. Who is this Jesus? Who even forgives sins?  Do you believe that Jesus can forgive sin? Do you believe that Jesus can absolve you? Of your guilt?  Will you exchange your fault for His pardon?  Or, will you deny His invitation?  Read and react. Reflect and respond. This is the challenge presented to you this week.

 

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[1] Woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden [The Book of Books in Pictures]) ©WELS.

[2] Collect for deliverance from sin, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

The Parable of the Talents

 

Matthew 25:14-30

In the parable concerning the talents the question for us to consider is this - what have you done with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Did you use it or did you abuse it? Did you let your light shine or did that light go out?

According to the parable, the Lord’s return is long delayed (v. 19). The servants are asked to give an account of their investment. Two servants doubled the investment and the third preserved what he was given.

The third servant was condemned for not making the most of his talent. It was taken from him and given to the other two.

Jesus has ascended and His return has been delayed. When He comes, He will ask for an accounting whether we have worked for Him while He was absent or whether we have cared only for our security. When Christ returns He will ask each of us “What have you done with the Gospel entrusted to you?” Let us pray…

“Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, always keeping in mind the end of all things and the day of judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of life here and may live with you forever in the world to come.”

To one servant He gave five talents, meaning a sum of money, to a second two, and to a third one. Why is life like that? I don't know. We are all equal in the eyes of God. We are all guaranteed equal rights under the Constitution. In an election our votes are all equal. But when it comes to our abilities, we are as different as different can be. God simply did not make us all the same. In the Lord’s economy equality is predicated upon difference not sameness.

There are some people who can handle five talents; there are some who can handle only one. There are some persons who have great intellectual capabilities, and some who do not.

There are some who have the ability to project and articulate their thoughts, and there are some who cannot.

There are some who have physical prowess and attractive looks, and there are some who do not. The important thing to remember is that each servant was given something. No one was left idle.

Some claim that they have no gift, that they have no talent. As a result, they fail to use and develop what little God may have given them in terms of possessions, natural gifts, and faith. People, we need to be challenged to use all the gifts to the fullest for the glory of God. This parable asks each of us to answer the question: “What have you done with the gospel of Jesus Christ?”

1. Some hide it for fear of losing it —I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you. v. 25.

Accomplishing a little is better than accomplishing nothing at all. The reason why the master was so angry at the servant who buried his talent was because he did nothing. The only real failure in life is in giving up. God's grace is endless therefore we never need to give up. When you give up, you close the door on God changing you.

Transition: Use it or lose it.

2. Invest it — Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. v. 27.

The servant who was given five talents was called good and faithful because he went at once to put his talents to work—do the same. Whatever it is that you need to accomplish in your life, there is something you can do TODAY to get started. It's not our job to worry about what we don't have; it's our job to make the most of what we do have.

Transition: Faithfulness always leads to a promotion.

3. Multiply it — The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' vv. 22-23.

You'll be given opportunities according to your ability. Not everyone gets the same opportunity, because not everyone is capable of handling the same amount of responsibility. Whether you're faithful with a little or a lot, God is equally pleased. Being responsible always leads to more responsibility.

God gives each a gift according to each one’s ability to use it. In the last analysis, however, we are all equal in being accountable for whatever gift we have. A person's calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be out- going, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself?

Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield. Christ has entrusted you to the work of His kingdom. Why? Because He believes in you.

Points to ponder…

Matthew 25:14

The apostles are listening privately. We're listening in. We can extrapolate who these servants are but doing...he hands over his goods.

Matthew 25:15

To one he gave five talents to another two to another one each according his own power/might/ability...then he went away. 

This is not equal. He gives them what they can handle. No little no less. Equality is predicated on difference not sameness.

A talent = the tribute one nation owes another.  We're talking trillions here...

Matthew 25:22

“The one with two also  came. "Master!  You entrusted me with two ...see I Have  gained two more!"

Notice this is a confession of the lord's grace and mercy. Remember, these were slaves. And we too have been purchased. Not with gold or silver, but with Jesus’ holy precious blood and His innocent suffering and death.

Matthew 25:24

‘Knowing you are a harsh man harvesting where you have not sown.”

Says, Luther "you get the God you believe..." He hated the Lord's generosity so he hid the talent digging a hole for fear of what the Master would do. He didn't want the LORD’s mercy .

 

 

 

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

 Matthew 25:1-11

[1]

Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son to lead home His bride, the Church, that with all the company of the redeemed we may finally enter into His eternal wedding feast; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[2]

The Gospel Prepares Us for Our Heavenly Bridegroom’s Coming In order for the “lamps” of our lives to burn brightly with such love, we must be filled with the “oil” of forgiveness through faith in our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:1–4). Therefore, as we await His coming, wisdom directs us “to the dealers” (Matthew 25:9), that is, to the ministers of His Gospel. Thus we wait upon the Lord, and we “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Waking or sleeping, we are prepared to meet Him when He comes “with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God,” and “we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

There's a story that comes from the sinking of the Titanic. A frightened woman found her place in a lifeboat that was about to be lowered into the raging North Atlantic.

She suddenly thought of something she needed, so she asked permission to return to her stateroom before they cast off. She was granted three minutes or they would leave without her.

She ran across the deck that was already slanted at a dangerous angle. She raced through the gambling room with all the money that had rolled to one side, ankle deep.

She came to her stateroom and quickly pushed aside her diamond rings and expensive bracelets and necklaces as she reached to the shelf above her bed and grabbed three small oranges. She quickly found her way back to the lifeboat and got in.

Now, that seems incredible - because thirty minutes earlier she would not have chosen a crate of oranges over the smallest diamond. But death had boarded the Titanic. One blast of its awful breath had transformed all values. Instantly - priceless things had become worthless. Worthless things had become priceless. And in that moment she preferred three small oranges to a crate of diamonds.

There are events in life, which have the power to transform the way we look at the world. Jesus' parable about the ten young women with their lamps offers one of these types of events, for the parable is about the Second Coming of Christ. But Jesus doesn't come right out and say this. Rather, he lets the story describe it for Him. The woman on the sinking Titanic understood, in the light of her current circumstances, that she must make preparations for living on a lifeboat.

Diamonds would not do, only the precious resources of an orange were good enough. Likewise, in this world, where Christ may return at any moment, the parable warns, we must be ready.

Outline: “To be wise like the wise women” —

1. Be prepared for Jesus’ coming — v. 4. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.

Only Matthew gives the parable of the wise and foolish maidens. It concerns the return of Christ. His coming is delayed. During the delay, foolish people go to sleep and run out of oil for their lamps. At midnight, when least expected, the Bridegroom comes. [Christ] The unprepared have the door shut in front of them. The parable teaches us to be constantly alert and prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

2. Refuse to share your spiritual resources — vv. 8-9. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.

Christians are familiar with the three Wise Men, but how many know about the five Wise Women? According to the parable half of us are foolish when it comes to the end of days. Our foolishness is expressed in claiming to know the day and hour of Jesus’ return, in withdrawing from the world to await the return of Christ, and in ignoring the possibility of Jesus’ Second Coming in our time. In the parable we have a model for wise men and women.

“Go ... and buy for yourselves” (v. 9). On the surface this response seems heartless. The foolish five are in a crisis; there is an emergency. Shouldn’t the other five be considerate and compassionate enough to share what they have?

It is an urgent matter because it is a matter of eternal life or death. There is sternness in the parable: When the foolish girls finally get to the wedding feast, the “door was shut” (v.10), and when they appealed for entry, the bridegroom unbelievably says, “I do not know you” (v. 12).

All of this happens by virtue of the nature of being prepared spiritually. No one can get to heaven on the oil of another’s faith. Without faith in Christ, the door of salvation is closed. Faith in Christ is the key to open the door which leads to eternal life... It sounds cruel but the fact is that people without faith are unknown to God, for to know is to be personally related to God.

Timing is everything. The word is based on two Greek words for "time." One refers to regular, every day, business as usual - time—what we might call chronological time. [Chronos] χρονίζοντος

On the other hand, the other type of time [Kairos,] καιρός means "special" time, as in "God's time." According to business as usual--the bridegroom is delayed. The ten virgins fall asleep.

The five foolish girls represent the "wisdom of this world”—“the live-by-what-you- can-see- wisdom" that God has turned upside down. The five wise virgins represent the "wisdom of faith," the wisdom of trusting in Christ's complete redemption of the world.

As a sign of how the five foolish virgins live by the ways of this world, they wind up going to the marketplace to try to buy some more oil. While they were participating in the established market system--the status quo of the world--the bridegroom interrupted chronological business-as-usual time by breaking in and making His dramatic arrival.

Faith is not about believing correct thoughts. Faith is about trusting in Jesus. Which, in turn, means living in the new reality He teaches—not in the status quo, business-as-usual- living of this world, but rather, living in "the way" of Jesus, in anticipation of the Father's kingdom, by affirming the absolute equality and dignity Christ has given to all people who come to Him by faith, confessing and repenting of their sins and then trusting in the merits of Jesus’ sacrifice for them on the cruel and bloody cross of Calvary - and hanging in there - even when it appears that God is far away, or that the Bridegroom has been delayed.

3. Enter the feast of the kingdom — v. 10. But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

"But at midnight a cry happened!" It's a bit awkward in English, but the word Jesus uses here γέγονεν [gegonen] literally means "it came into existence," in other words, "it happened." The word is often used to underline the significance of the event. In the middle of the night of chronological time, there is-"a cry"--and "behold! The Bridegroom showed up!" It happened!

Matthew tells us that the day of opportunity, the chance for repentance, the season for faith in Christ, is over for those who are not ready to meet the Lord when He comes. For the five foolish virgins the door to the wedding feast was shut, locked, and bolted. There was no way they could gain entrance. The Bridegroom even went so far as to declare, "I don't know you" (Vs 12). Once the Bridegroom has showed up, once Christ has returned, it is too late to try to get ready for His coming. You must be ready before He returns.

Points to Ponder

"Our wicks are being extinguished! V. 7

The mindful answered there absolutely will not be enough. The oil is the means to receive the bridegroom. The oil sellers are not open and you cannot buy it. There is nothing left to tell you. Jesus gave up all of His and faced the outer darkness. That is why the Christian's judgment day is Good Friday.  V. 9

As they were going to buy the bridegroom came and the door was slammed shut. You do not need to hear this. Your name has been tattooed into Him. The unprepared are those who know they are not the prepared. V. 10

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[1] The Ten Virgins © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for Proper 27 Series A, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

THE PARABLE OF THE WEDDING FEAST/BANQUET

 

Matthew 22:1-14

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’  And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

 

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment.  And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”[1]

 

This parable, along with the parables of the two sons and the wicked tenants, should be understood against the background of the final events in Christ’s ministry; Jesus is relating Israel’s shameful treatment of the prophets God sent to call them to repentance. Christ’s hearers were well aware that kings dispatched armies to destroy opponents and to set fire to their cities.

The emphasis in Verses 9-10 is on the mercy God extends to all sinners. Yet each guest must have the proper clothes (Vv. 11-140. The king himself provided the necessary garment. To refuse to wear it is to show contempt for the host. The person who insulted the king, refusing to sit at the banquet on the king’s terms, represents the self-righteous person who rejects the righteousness God offers through Jesus Christ.

Anyone who thinks he does not need the garment of righteousness Jesus secured for him must suffer the consequences.

The point of the parable is that although everyone is welcome at God’s wedding feast, one can be a guest there only on God’s terms. We must therefore take seriously God’s offer of grace. The problem is that we sometimes make God’s gracious offer an excuse for sinning. God invitees all sinners and provides them with the needed garments of salvation.

1.     God invites.

A.    He doesn’t command people to come.

B.     Yet many refuse the invitation.

2.     God invites all.

A.    He sends His messengers out again.

B.     God show no partiality or prejudice. When the respectable people refuse, He invites the lowly and the despise.

3.     God invites on His own terms.

A.    He provides for each guest the needed wedding garment.

B.     While letting Christ’s righteousness cover our sins, we must be on guard lest we continue to love and practice sin.

The LORD Himself has prepared a wedding dinner. What joy to hear “all things are ready!” to hear Him invite you to receive from Him the beautiful garment of Christ’s righteousness.

 

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[1] The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.