Lesson Note On The Parable of Jesus: J S 2
Jss2
Week 2
Topic: TYPES OF PARABLES.
TEXT: Luke 16:19-31
Lesson Note On The Parable of Jesus: J S 2 Jesus often used parables, which are simple stories used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. One of the most famous parables attributed to Jesus is the Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke 10:25-37. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a man who is robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the side of the road. Several people pass by him, including a priest and a Levitt, but they ignore him and continue on their way.
However, a Samaritan (a person from a despised ethnic group) comes along, and despite the cultural and religious differences between them, he stops to help the injured man. The Samaritan tends to his wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care.
The moral of the story is that one should love their neighbor as themselves, and that your neighbor is anyone in need, regardless of their background or status.
Jesus often used parables like this to challenge societal norms and teach important lessons about compassion, mercy, and the kingdom of God.
Types of parables.
- The lost sheep.
- The lost coin.
- The prodigal son.
Parable of the Kingdom
The “Parable of the Kingdom” refers to a collection of parables Jesus used to describe the nature and characteristics of the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven. These parables highlight various aspects of the kingdom and how it functions in the lives of believers. Some of these parables include:
- The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19): In this parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, which is one of the smallest seeds but grows into a large tree where birds can perch. This parable illustrates the humble beginnings of the kingdom and its eventual expansive growth.
- The Yeast (Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21): Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to yeast that a woman mixes into a large amount of flour until it is all leavened. This parable emphasizes the pervasive and transformative nature of the kingdom, even in seemingly small or hidden ways.
- The Treasure Hidden in the Field and The Pearl of Great Value (Matthew 13:44-46): These two parables illustrate the great value of the kingdom of heaven. In one, a man finds a treasure hidden in a field and sells all he has to buy the field. In the other, a merchant finds a valuable pearl and sells all he has to buy it. These parables emphasize the incomparable worth of the kingdom.
- The Net (Matthew 13:47-50): Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a net that catches all kinds of fish. This parable highlights the inclusive nature of the kingdom, gathering people from all walks of life, but also emphasizes the future separation between the righteous and the wicked.
PARABLE OF LAZARUS AND THE RICH MAN
There was once a rich man who dressed in fine clothes and feasted lavishly every day. At his gate lay a beggar named Lazarus, covered in sores and longing to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table.
Both men died, and Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s side in heaven. The rich man, however, found himself in torment in Hades.
From his place of suffering, the rich man looked up and saw Abraham far off, with Lazarus by his side. He cried out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in this fire!”
But Abraham replied, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. Now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides, a great chasm has been set in place between us and you, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.”
The rich man pleaded, “Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.”
But Abraham said to him, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.”
The rich man persisted, “No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.”
Abraham replied, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”
This parable, found in Luke 16:19-31, illustrates the stark contrast between the earthly wealth of the rich man and the suffering of Lazarus, as well as the consequences of one’s choices in life regarding compassion and care for others. It emphasizes the importance of repentance and heeding the teachings of the Scriptures.
These parables, among others, offer insights into the nature, growth, value, and inclusivity of the kingdom of God. They encourage believers to seek and prioritize the kingdom in their lives and to understand its significance in their relationship with God.
