'But what do you think?' —Matthew 21:28a Short and to the Point This short parable of 'two sons' (Matthew 21:28) is introduced with a question: 'But what do you think?' It is an engaing question, stimulating, or perhaps provoking, thinking. Being a thoughtful person is important in life if we want to understand life and how to best live it. Many people just follow the masses and do what everyone else does. Jesus encouraged thinking. He challenged norms and pointed people back

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:7 Titles of Parables The parables in Scripture have no titles. Most Bibles use titles for parables, added by the translators/editors as overheads. In the case of 'the parable of the sower' (P1), Jesus used these words when He gave the interpretation (Matthew 13:18). He also spoke of 'the parable from the gift tr

A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more? —Luke 7:41-42 The Context of the Parable This parable is among the shortest. The context in which it was given serves as a comparison to real life. A religious man had invited the famous Rabbi from Galilee to visit him and dine with him (Luke 7:36). They reclined at the table (v 37), which mean

The kingdom of heaven may be compared to... —Matthew 13:24 Jesus and the Kingdom Jesus came to announce the kingdom of God (Matthew 4:17). Preaching the kingdom was His priority and purpose (Luke 4:43). The kingdom of God is the domain of the King of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth. It is the sphere where His will is done. His kingdom comes when His will is done (Matthew 6:9-10). The kingdom is demonstrated where He manifests His power (Matthew 4:23; 12:28). Jes

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him to knocks, it will be opened. —Luke 11:9-10 Prayer Parables There are two powerful parables on prayer; both emphasise persistence in prayer despite adverse circumstances. As noted in the Introduction to the Parables, these brilliant stories convey one main point. These two prayer parables encourag

Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to Him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." —Matthew 18:21-22 7 or 490 times? The question of forgiveness is highly relevant to human existence, because we cannot live without it. Life simply doesn't work without forgiveness. We all need forgiveness and we all need to forgive. We need forgiveness because we do

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. —Luke 14:11 Humility in Life Two striking parables deal with pride and humility. They touch on real-life circumstances: in public social events (Luke 14:7-10) and in public prayer (Luke 18:10-14). For some such occasions were opportunities to 'put their best foot forward,' to 'dress to impress,' or, simply put: to 'show off.' Today people 'show off' with fancy clothes, expensive cars and l

And He [Jesus] was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching... —Mark 4:2 Introduction to the Parable The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4; Matthew 13; Luke 8) is arguably the best parable to start a study of the biblical parables, for it is straight forward and Jesus Himself gave the interpretation of its meaning. Further, if we don't understand this parable, Jesus asked, how can we understand all others? (see Mark 4:13). This parable is, ther

When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable. —Luke 8:4 What is a Parable? The biblical parables are brilliant, witty and creative stories that communicate a message. They draw a comparison and illustrate a point. They are the work of an artist—a literary artist. Parables strike at the heart of a matter in our lives and provide us with an opportunity to consider, change and grow. Understanding t

Rejoicing in hope, patient [persevering] in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. —Romans 12:12 To pray, to love, to forgive—that's the way to have a happy soul and walk into a bright future. When life is though, we need a strategy to handle all challenges and the strength to do it. To pray, to love, and to forgive is such a strategy. Recently I was in conversation with a friend who has many burdens to carry in daily life and I shared the struggles and difficulties i

Question Why should we love our Enemies? You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven... —Matthew 5:34-45a Context Jesus' words of loving one's enemies are part of His long discourse in Matthew 5—7. These are theological elaborations and practical reflections on the Word of God by Jesus, some of which in the

Question Is God's Love Unconditional? The LORD appeared of old [from afar] to me, saying, "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." —Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV Context To understand God's love for His people and all of humanity, we need to search the Scriptures. How has God related to His covenant people, Israel, and how has God demonstrated His love to the whole world in Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour of the world? Answer Go

Question Why is love the greatest commandment? Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law. —Romans 13:8-10 NASB Context

Question What are the 'weightier provisions of the law'? Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.​​ —Matthew 23:23 Context Matthew 23 is one of the toughest speeches Jesus ever gave. His stern rebukes towards some of the religious leaders of His time remind us of t

Question Why is the fear of the LORD the beginning of knowledge and wisdom? The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.​ —Proverbs 9:10 Context The biblical Book of Proverbs is about God's wisdom and how to acquire knowledge for life based on God's Word or Law (Torah). The beginning of knowledge (1:7) and wisdom (9:10; cf., Psalm 111:10) is the fear of the LORD. Indeed, the fear of the LORD is the instruction in wisdom

Question Why was Jesus so merciful to repenting sinners yet so tough on the religious people? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?​ —Micah 6:8 Context Jesus was known as a 'friend of sinners' due to His association with sinners and His merciful attitude in forgiving them when they repented before God. The term was, at the time, a form of slander, not a compliment. He

Question What is greatness in the Kingdom of God? Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:4 Context It's a well-known story. Jesus was asked by His disciples, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' (Matthew 18:1). To answer the question, Jesus used a small child to illustrated that greatness in the kingdom of God is of a different nature than greatness according to the world's standards, just as He emphas

Question Why did Jesus say to seek first the Kingdom of God? But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. —Matthew 6:33 Context Jesus said, 'But seek first His [God's] kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you' (Matthew 6:33). This statement came at the end of a discourse on having a right attitude towards money and trusting God for His provision so that a worry-free life becomes possible (Matthew

Question What does it mean to be heavenly-minded? Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ​ —Colossians 3:1-2 Context Paul wrote to the Colossians to 'keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God,' and to 'set your mind on the things above' (Colossians 3:1, 2). What did the apostle

Question What are 'the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' and why was it given to some and not to others? Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. —Matthew 13:11 Context Jesus often spoke in parables, especially about the kingdom of God/heaven (e.g., Matthew 13; Mark 4; see P1; P2). His disciples asked Him why He spoke to 'them,' i.e., the crowds (v 2), in parables (v 10), to which He responded that i