1st Century Christianity in the 21st Century.

Matthew 13:24-30 This parable appears only in Matthew, between the parable of the “soils” and the parable of “mustard-seed faith.” Careless readers may find it challenging because Jesus does not immediately explain it, but first presents additional short parables which also illustrate the nature of His kingdom. His explanation (vv. 36-43) comes in response to His disciples’ questions – they were clearly struggling to understand these parables. This is also one of the few “parables of the kingdom” which presents…

Matthew 21:28-32 At the beginning of the crucifixion week, Jesus had entered Jerusalem in the manner of a king (an event often described as the “triumphal entry”). By doing this, He openly acknowledged the legitimacy of His claim to the throne of Judah. He then cleansed the temple (for a second time, cf. John 2:15) by driving out merchants and moneychangers who were doing business in the courtyard. Jesus presented this parable in the temple the next day, to illustrate…

Matthew 25:14-30 Like the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, the parable of the talents stresses being prepared for judgement. The entire discourse of Matthew 24-25 was given in a relatively private setting, as the disciples sat with Jesus on the Mount of Olives, across from the “beautiful” gate of the temple. This parable presents an image of the Lord’s servants working for Him as they await His return. “Talents” were actually measures of weight (about 94 pounds). In…

This parable stands out because it speaks to the idea of “seniority” among the Lord’s servants as a way of illustrating the nature of the heavenly kingdom. The background is Peter’s question about the rewards he and the other apostles could expect, in view of their (perceived) sacrifices (Matthew 19:27). Jesus promises them positions of “prominence” (vs. 28), but tempers their expectations by noting that ALL who sacrifice for the sake of His kingdom should anticipate a rich reward (“an…