The Parables of Jesus - Part 4 [Notes]

Jesus was a master storyteller, and He constantly used short stories or parables to communicate spiritual truths to the crowds that gathered to hear Him. When Jesus' disciples asked why He spoke in parables so often, His answer was profound. He said that the same stories that served to open the eyes of the spiritually hungry would have the effect of blinding the eyes of those who refused to believe. By telling parables, the secrets of the kingdom would be revealed to Jesus' disciples, but they would be hidden from His opponents.

Join us this week as we dive into some of Jesus's most memorable stories through our new summer series, "The Parables of Jesus."

Today's Takeaway // Be ready.

After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.”
– Acts 1:9-11(HCSB)

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
–1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (HCSB)

Listen! I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in. the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
– 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (HCSB)

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take olive oil with them. But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’ “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ “The sensible ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.’ “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. “Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’ “But he replied,‘ I assure you: I do not know you!’ “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.
– Matthew 25:1-13 (HCSB)

And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
– Matthew 24:3b (HCSB)

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take olive oil with them. But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps.
– Matthew 25:1-4 (HCSB)

But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, “Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.”
– Matthew 25:8 (HCSB)

Be ready.

Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’”
– Mathew 25:5 (HCSB)

Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. But know this: If the homeowner had known what time the thief was coming, he would have stayed alert and not let his house be broken into. This is why you also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
– Matthew 24:42-44 (HCSB)

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)

“Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ “The sensible ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.’
– Matthew 25:7-8 (HCSB)

“When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. “Later the rest of the virgins also came and said ‘Master, master, open up for us!’ “But he replied, ‘I assure you: I do not know you!’ “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.
– Matthew 25:10-13 (HCSB)

But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God.
– 2 Peter 3:10-12a (HCSB)

So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know this as well: Everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.
– 1 John 2:28-29 (HCSB)

...but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.
– Philippians 3:20-21 (HCSB)

1. The Bible talks about the return of Christ. Do you think pastors or priests these days tend to avoid talking about this subject? If so, why might that be the case?
2. Read Matthew 25:1-13. What do you think is the main point Jesus is making with this parable?
3. Read Matthew 24:42-44,2 Peter 3:3-9, and1 John 2:28-29. Based on these and other verses you may know, what can we do to make sure we are ready for the return of Christ?
4. Read Philippians 3:20-21. Some have said of Christians that they are too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good. How can we hold in balance the fact that we are citizens of heaven, as well as citizens of this earth?
5. How might you apply today’s lesson to your life?

Rattle! // Same God // O Praise the Name (Anástasis)

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