The Parables of Jesus

Last night at X-alt we looked at various parables that Jesus told, and what they communicate to us about:

a) his kingdom, and…

b) God’s character

We looked at the following parables about his kingdom – A story about planting seed; weeds and wheat; mustard seed and yeast; treasure and a pearl; a fishing net. The groups found the following from these about God’s kingdom…

• God wants us in his kingdom
• we have to follow his ways
• there’s a separation of good and bad
• like treasure you have to search for it
• man will do anything and give up anything to get there
• God allows both good and bad to grow – he cares about both
• faith is needed to get in
• the kingdom is just and fair
• God can grow anything into good
• there are blessings and provision in his kingdom
• God is interested in the small things, can make them into big things
• response to the kingdom requires our action
• different people react in different ways – not all will enter the kingdom
• we’re in a battle with the devil who is trying to take the good of the kingdom of God away

We also looked at the following parables about God’s character – Two people who owed money; a lost sheep; a lost coin; a lost son; a doctor for the sick; a persistent widow. From these we discovered…

• God is just and fair
• we don’t need to pester God
• God takes the initiative and teaches us from life situations
• he is gracious not condemning
• he is forgiving, knows how we think and feel, and is accepting
• he is welcoming, generous, compassionate, forgiving, never gives up on us, sees beyond someone’s deeds to who they have potential to be, offers freedom to choose
• identifies needs and meets them
• loves outcasts
• looks at the heart not just actions
• his priority is those who are not saved over those who are
• he wants to meet people’s needs
• he is joyful, caring, loving, determined, actively searches and is expressive
• he is forgiving, accepting, and celebrates when you come to him
• God cares about everyone
• He wants to know people personally
• He loves the lost

God also uses things that happen to us in our lives as parables – normal things that teach us something about his character and his kingdom. You may want to reply to this post with some examples of these.