'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

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

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

[Jesus] got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. —John 13:4-5 Jesus the Servant-Leader When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples He did it in humility and servanthood, in order to show love, and pave the way for the most important commandment: 'love one another' (John 13:34). True leaders serve in

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 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