The parables of Jesus were often spoken in the midst of opposition and controversy. The group that Jesus was most often in conflict with was the Pharisee’s.

The parables of Jesus were often spoken in the midst of opposition and controversy.
The group that Jesus was most often in conflict with was the Pharisee’s.

The group that Jesus was most often in conflict with was the Pharisee’s. He warned His disciples about their deadly influence. (Mt 16:5-6, 12)

(Matthew 16:5-6 NKJV) "Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. {6} Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees."“

(Matthew 16:12 NKJV) - "Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Jesus did not shrink from the confrontation with the Pharisees but always tried to get them to see their hearts.

Jesus did not shrink from the confrontation with the Pharisees but always tried to get them to see their hearts. This kind of love must be the goal of our teaching as well! (2 Tim 2:24-26)

(2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV) "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, {25} in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, {26} and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.“

When you get someone to see their hearts, you have done all you can do. The “ball” now is in their court.

When you get someone to see their hearts, you have done all you can do. The “ball” now is in their court. Jesus’ Parables were powerful in controversy. (Mt 13:10-13)

(Matthew 13:10-13 NKJV) "And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" {11} He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

{12} "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. {13} "Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.“

In many cases they answered the applications of the parables correctly, only to see they had condemned themselves!

In many cases they answered the applications of the parables correctly, only to see they had condemned themselves! Also the parables had the effect of hiding from those who were unwilling to think while revealing to those who would seek out the truth!

Parables Exposing self-righteousness
What is self-righteousness? (Lk 18:9)

(Luke 18:9 NKJV) "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:“

The essence of self-righteousness is a man had stopped looking at God.

The essence of self-righteousness is a man had stopped looking at God. In this state of mind these men could not find the true righteousness of God. (Rom 10:1-2; 4:1-4)

(Romans 10:1-2 NKJV) "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. {2} For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.“

How could a man actually think he could earn salvation?

The Pharisees often associated “righteousness” with their man-made traditions and their party affiliations. (Jn 5:42-44)

(John 5:42-44 NKJV) ""But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. {43} "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. {44} "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?“

Jesus used a Tax collector as an example of righteousness! (Lk 18:10-14)

(Luke 18:10-14 NKJV) ""Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. {11} "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men; extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. {12} 'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'

{13} "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' {14} "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."“

The Pharisee could not imagine any Tax collector as being righteous. Why?

Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with a Tax collector!

Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with a Tax collector! The Pharisee’s did not know how a man is righteous before God.

Jesus contrasted a Pharisee specifically with a Tax collector! The Pharisee’s did not know how a man is righteous before God. Jesus used the parable of the two sons to reveal the kind of religion the Pharisee’s espoused.

The Pharisees were enraged over Jesus cleansing the temple again. (Mt 21:12-13)

(Matthew 21:12-13 NKJV) "Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. {13} And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"“

In a confrontation with Jesus, they showed they feared the people more than they loved God’s truth. (Mt 21:23,25)

(Matthew 21:23 NKJV) "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?"“

(Matthew 21:25 NKJV) ""The baptism of John; where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'“

In response to this He told a parable. (Mt 21:28-32)

(Matthew 21:28-32 NKJV) ""But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' {29} "He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. {30} "Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go.

{31} "Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. {32} "For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.“

The religion of God is more than a “talk religion.”

The religion of God is more than a “talk religion.” Some of the hardest hearts can tell you what the Bible says.

The religion of God is more than a “talk religion.” Some of the hardest hearts can tell you what the Bible says. They sat in the audience while their hearts were not touched thinking: “I am righteousness”.

Sadly people can be so satisfied in their own righteousness that they fail to see what is plain to God. (Mt 23:4)

(Matthew 23:4 NKJV) ""For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.“

Which son are you?

Parables Exposing Hypocrisy
What is a hypocrite? (Lk 11:44-47)

(Luke 11:44-47 NKJV) ""Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them." {45} Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, "Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also."

{46} And He said, "Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. {47} "Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.“

Hupokrites 1) one who answers, an interpreter 2) an actor, stage player 3) a dissembler, pretender, hypocrite.

You are in essence playing a part; your heart is somewhere else. (Mt 15:8)

(Matthew 15:8 NKJV) "'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.”

The parable of the good Samaritan exposed one lawyer.

The parable of the good Samaritan exposed one lawyer. The lawyer wanted to “test” Jesus. Where is his heart? (Lk 10:25)

(Luke 10:25 NKJV) "And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

Jesus in turn tests the lawyer! (Lk 10:28-29)

(Luke 10:28-29 NKJV) "And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live." {29} But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

This is a man who does not want to see! I know of some who think they are spiritual because they raise many questions and then do what they want.

Here is a picture so plain anyone could see. Notice who was the hero! (Jn 8:48, Lk 10:30-35)

(John 8:48 NKJV) "Then the Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?"“

(Luke 10:30-35 NKJV) "Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. {31} "Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

{32} "Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. {33} "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. {34} "So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

{35} "On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.‘”

Now for the question! (Lk 10:36-37)

(Luke 10:36-37 NKJV) ""So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" {37} And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise.”

You had better watch out when you expose one’s heart!

You had better watch out when you expose one’s heart! The parable of the wicked vinedressers was also presented to a hostile group.

This is in the same context as the parable of the two sons.

This is in the same context as the parable of the two sons. How would you answer the Lord? (Mt 21:33-41)

(Matthew 21:33-41 NKJV) ""Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. {34} "Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.

{35} "And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. {36} "Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. {37} "Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' {38} "But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.'

{39} "So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. {40} "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?"" 41 They said to Him, "He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”

They answered correctly. Watch out! (Mt 21:42-45)

(Matthew 21:42-45 NKJV) "Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'? {43} "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.

{44} "And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."

Most people who fail to understand do not have a lack of ability to think.

Most people who fail to understand do not have a lack of ability to think. Did they see Jesus’ point? (Mt 21:45-46)

(Matthew 21:45-46 NKJV) "Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. {46} But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet."

Parables Exposing Blindness
The Pharisee’s were made blind because of their pride. This was seen when Jesus healed a blind man. (Jn 9:35-41)

(John 9:35-41 NKJV) "Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, "Do you believe in the Son of God?" {36} He answered and said, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" {37} And Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you." {38} Then he said, "Lord, I believe!" And he worshiped Him.

{39} And Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind." {40} Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, "Are we blind also?" {41} Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.”

The parables of the lost sheep and the lost boy were spoken in controversy.

Jesus responded to this criticism. (Lk 15:1-2)

(Luke 15:1-2 NKJV) "Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. {2} And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."

In the parable of the lost sheep men rejoiced! The Pharisee’s could not because of their blindness. (Lk 15:3-7)

(Luke 15:3-7 NKJV) "So He spoke this parable to them, saying: {4} "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? {5} "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

{6} "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' {7} "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”

We often focus on the prodigal son and his relationship to the father. This is not the point of the parable. (Lk 15:11-24)

(Luke 15:11-24 NKJV) "Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. {12} "And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. {13} "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.

… {20} "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. {21} "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

{22} "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. {23} 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; {24} 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.“

The point of the parable is the elder son. Who do he represent? (Lk 15:25-32)

(Luke 15:25-32 NKJV) ""Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. {26} "So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. {27} "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'

{28} "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. {29} "So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.

{30} 'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' {31} "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. {32} 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"“

The parable of the great supper also was an answer to the Pharisees.

The parable of the great supper also was an answer to the Pharisees. They were very critical of Jesus. They looked only to find fault. (Lk 14:1-4)

(Luke 14:1-4 NKJV) "Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely. {2} And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. {3} And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"

{4} But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go.“

While Jesus was in their midst there was opportunity. These blind men were to fulfill the parable Jesus now tells. (Lk 14:15-18, 24)

(Luke 14:15-18 NKJV) "Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!" {16} Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, {17} "and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.'

{18} "But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.'“

(Luke 14:24 NKJV) "'For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.'"“

How sad to be so blind as to pursue something only to reject it when it is offered!

What was the end of the Pharisees?

What was the end of the Pharisees? Some were converted to Christ. (Phil 3:5, 8)

(Philippians 3:5-8 NKJV) "circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; {6} concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. {7} But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

{8} Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ“

Most were lost for eternity. (Mt 23:15,33)

(Matthew 23:15 NKJV) ""Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.“

(Matthew 23:33 NKJV) "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?”

Where is your heart? In what do you trust?

Your outward activity and your religious “heritage” is meaningless without a right heart before God.

Your outward activity and your religious “heritage” is meaningless without a right heart before God. Too many are very causal about the things of God. They will miss what God has for them unless they repent!

The parables of Jesus were often spoken in the midst of opposition and controversy. The group that Jesus was most often in conflict with was the Pharisee’s.

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The parables of Jesus were often spoken in the midst of opposition and controversy. The group that Jesus was most often in conflict with was the Pharisee’s.

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Presentation on theme: "The parables of Jesus were often spoken in the midst of opposition and controversy. The group that Jesus was most often in conflict with was the Pharisee’s."— Presentation transcript:

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