Luke 15:1-10 “parable” parabolayn What is a parable, anyway? Perhaps, if you attended a Lutheran grade school, you might remember the definition, “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” OK, that’s nice. What does that mean? Jesus would often illustrate a spiritual point by using everyday items. He spoke to the culture he was in, so he often spoke about farmers and animals that were common. That’s why many of the parables feature seeds and sheep – everyone knew how they acted, because that was just daily life! The thing to remember about parables: Jesus uses them to illustrate a point. See the point, but don’t dig deeper than that. Let me demonstrate: In the verses we’re reading this week, Jesus focuses on the earnest search for what is lost. Jesus wraps up by saying, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) In the same way the woman rejoices over what was lost, in the same way the shepherd rejoices over finding that lost sheep, God rejoices over one lost sinner who is found. That’s the focus. So don’t go digging in and wondering, “Well, what does the woman represent? If the woman is God, then what does that make her neighbors? Does the broom represent something? What about lighting the lamps? Is that supposed to represent something?” Jesus doesn’t tell us anything about anything else representing anything in the story. He knew that everyone listening to him would understand losing a coin; who hasn’t lost something and had to look hard for it? You’ve probably had to do that with car keys! Jesus used an everyday occurrence to illustrate what God does in looking for lost sinners and rejoicing when they’re found! So, with a parable, find out what Jesus says is the point. That’s the point. Don’t go digging around and trying to make every detail some big important revelation. Jesus tells us what he means. In these two parables, he says it clearly: “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” There’s the point. Plain as day. In other parables, Jesus will sometimes show that other details represent deeper realities. If he says that, well, that’s what they represent! But listen to Jesus – let him explain what he means. After all, he knows what he’s talking about! Dig Deeper: • Read some parables, and let Jesus explain what the main point is. Take a look and see when Jesus explains additional details, and practice not pressing deeper when Jesus doesn’t explain further symbolism. Here are some parables to use: Luke 15:1-10 (the ones we’re focusing on this week!) – notice that Jesus makes one point and leaves it at that; Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43 for one where Jesus explains more details; Luke 18:9-14 for another example where Jesus makes one point. • This is good practice to listen to Jesus! Do you listen to what he means, or do you try to dig deeper – which allows you to “discover” meanings that Jesus never intended? Let Jesus explain Jesus. Go back and look at those parables – do you let Jesus explain himself, or do you look for other meanings? • Do you let Jesus speak to you? Do you listen to what he means, or do you make excuses or think that he’s talking to someone else – clearly he doesn’t mean you and your sin? Listen to what Jesus means and apply it to you – yes you! He’s talking to you! And not just when he talks about sin – but when he talks about forgiveness, too!
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 11:07:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015