For This Cause
FREE DVD if another ordered for $2.00
Parables
When speaking of the promised Kingdom, Jesus often spoke to the multitudes in
symbolic stories, or parables. The disciples questioned him one day, “Why do you speak
unto them in parables?” Jesus’ reply was full of meaning, “That seeing they may see
and not perceive; and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest at any time
they should be converted.” (Matthew 132:10; Mark 4:12)
“Lest at any time they should be converted.” Quite an unexpected reply! Why wouldn’t
Jesus want them to be converted? Wasn’t that the very object of his ministry? From
Jesus’ answer we see he must have had another purpose in mind.
Everyone heard the same message, but only those who were willing to become dedicated
followers – to study and search diligently for the meaning – would be able to understand.
Jesus was first seeking and inviting a special class to share with him in his heavenly
kingdom – the spiritual seed of Abraham!
Our Lord is still seeking and inviting this special class. They would be the
instrumentality to share with him in blessing all the families of the earth. Notice how this
is brought out in Acts 15:14-17.
First there would be the selection of his Church: “God at the first did visit the Gentiles,
to take out of them a people for his name.” But now notice in addition to God selecting
the Church, note the following verses that show what the purpose was of God’s selecting
this Church Class, and what will follow after: “After this, (that is, after first selecting the
Church) I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen
down…that the residue of men might seek after the Lord.”
In the earthly phase of God’s kingdom, all the remainder of men, that is, everyone other
than the Church Class, will be raised from the dead and given an opportunity to know of
God in all his fullness. And so his main purpose now is NOT to convert the whole world.
That will take place in his future kingdom.
Now we see why Jesus spoke in difficult to understand parables. They were not meant to
be understood easily by everyone, only by those willing to dedicate their lives to know
and serve him supremely.
In order to become a member of this heavenly Church Class, we must be willing to give
up completely our own aims, hopes and ambitions. Paul tells us to “set your affections
on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
We must also develop certain qualities of character; to be Christ- like. Jesus said, “Unless
you humble yourselves and become as little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of
heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, 4)
It was in the children that Jesus saw the beauty of humility, trust and the ability to be
taught. How Jesus loved the little children. They eagerly came to listen to his stories.
As we grow older, we tend to become hardened and self-reliant. Children manifest a
humility and trust, which is essential in following Jesus. Trust – a small word – but trust
and faith are so necessary in a Christian’s character.