The Parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus

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The Rich Man and Lazarus

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

  "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.

Why study this parable It behooves us to know the poor and the needy among us And to help them while we prosper. There will come a judgment, and it will be too late then to change our fate. We learn from this parable How God views our relationships. What our fate will be and why. Our salvation is right there for the taking. Do you see Jesus anywhere in this parable?

19 There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.

Q.1 In describing this man, What does Jesus emphasize?

Q.2 Aside from being rich, what else is mentioned?

Q.3 How one dresses, and how one eats. Is that important?

Eze 16:49  "'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.

20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

Q.1 What is the discerning feature of the description of Lazarus?

Q.2 Can we imagine how he must have suffered?

Q.3 Being a poor beggar, Have we any idea how he lived

1Sa 2:8  He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. "For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; on them he has set the world.

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22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried;

Q.1 What immediately stands out in this verse?

Q.2 Why do you think Jesus made this distinction?

Q.3 What is the obvious difference?

          Psa 91:11  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all   

             your ways;

Psa 91:12  they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.'

Q.1 What mental picture do you get from vs. 23?

Q.2 And what is your thought about vs. 24?

Q.3 What is the obvious difference?

Psa 9:17  The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God.

Jas 3:6  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

25 But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.

Q.1 What is the distinction that Abraham is making?

Q.2 What is even more ominous evil that the rich man faces?

Jas 2:13  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'

Q.1 What is the great chasm between them?

Q.2 Have we a notion about the Grand Canyon?

Q.3 What is meant by those who would pass from here to you

     may not be able?                  

Rev 22:11  Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy."

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27 And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'

Q.1 Why did he not ask to go himself and tell his brothers?

Q.2 Warn them how, by words, by reason, by example ?

Q.3 Why is this not possible?

Psa 49:12  People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.

Psa 49:13  This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.

29 But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'

Q.1 “They have Moses and the prophets”. Meaning?

Q.2 “let them hear them” what is implied here?

2Ti 3:15  and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 3:16  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

2Ti 3:17  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

31 He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.

Q.1 Is this a commentary on our world today?

Q.2 Should we re consider our more stringent laws regarding God?

Q.3 There are those who don’t believe to this day, who are they?

2Co 4:3  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

2Co 4:4  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Closing Prayer

"Lord Jesus, you are my joy and my treasure. Make me rich in the things of heaven and give me a generous heart  that I may freely share with others the eternity in Gods Heaven that is promised to all who will call on Your name. Help us to  follow you bearing our yoke in this world, as an example to others. And May we cause you great joy as we share with others, your love as we have seen it in Jesus, in whose name we do pray.  AMEN

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 Meditation: What sustains you when trials and affliction come your way and how do you treat others in their affliction? In this story Jesus paints a dramatic scene of contrasts – riches and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion and exclusion. We also see an abrupt and dramatic reversal of fortune. Lazarus was not only poor, but sick and unable to lift himself. He was laid at the gates of the rich man’s house. The dogs which licked his sores probably also stole the little bread he got for himself. Dogs in the ancient world symbolized contempt. Enduring the torment of these savage dogs only added to the poor man’s miseries and sufferings. The rich man treated the beggar with contempt and indifference, until he found his fortunes reversed at the end of his life! In God's economy, those who hold on possessively to what they have, lose it all in the end, while those who share generously receive back many times more than they gave way. The name Lazarus means God is my help. Despite a life of misfortune and suffering, Lazarus did not lose hope in God. His eyes were set on a treasure stored up for him in heaven. The rich man, however, could not see beyond his material wealth and possessions. He not only had every thing he needed, he selfishly spent all he had on himself. He was too absorbed in what he possessed to notice the needs of those around him. He lost sight of God and  the treasure of heaven because he was preoccupied with seeking happiness in material things. He served wealth rather than God. In the end the rich man became a beggar! Do you know the joy and freedom of possessing God as your true and lasting treasure? Those who put their hope and security in heaven will not be disappointed (see Hebrews 6:19)?

Questions?

1.      What perception do you draw from the description of the rich man?

Does he “Have it made”? Does it seem to you that some people are that way?

2.      Conversely there is Lazarus, describe his misery, what was it like?

Are there places where you might find people like Lazarus?

3.      Lazarus died and was in Abraham’s bosom, what does that Imply?

Do you feel it means he is in Heaven? Is there more than one Heaven- see 2^nd Cor. 12:2

4.      The rich man died and descended to Hades, what does that imply?

      Isn’t it obvious that he was sent to hell ?

5.      If you have a choice of final destinations, which would you choose?

Is it possible some would choose other than Heaven?

6.      The rich man was in agony, why was that?

It should be obvious, do you believe it? Do you know anyone that doesn’t

7.      The rich man, in hell saw Lazarus, and asked Abraham for a favor, send Lazarus to me. For what? Do you suppose he thought he could get relief?

8.      Abraham’s response was what?

Is what Abraham said an indication that it is not possible?

9.      The rich man made a second request, about his 5 brothers, what was that?

      And what was the answer given him?

10 The last statement is very descriptive can you explain?

      Was there salvation from sin in the time of Moses?

10.  So there you have it, what is the end result?

It is as if there is no way out , do you agree?

11.  There is the reference of one being raised from the dead what’s that about?

Luke 16:31,  Is that a reference to the return of Jesus?

The Parable of The Budding Fig Tree

Parables, of Jesus, The Budding Fig Tree                                                       Pg.1

Scripture: Luke 21:29-33 (Matthew 24:32 f.; Mark 13:28 f.)

29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Why study this parable? This is one of  the “end time” parables of the Olivet discourse. It is a world wide mystery which all civilizations have pondered since the coming of Jesus Christ. When will it all end? Jesus tells us what we want to know, in general terms but no details. He also states that though it all will end, his words will not pass away. What words? We will make these discoveries in this study. Psalm 102:25, “Of old thou didst lay the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They will perish, but thou dost endure; they will all wear out like a garment. Thou changes them like raiment, and they pass away; but thou art the same, and thy years have no end.”

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29"Look at the fig tree, and all the trees;

 Fig trees produce two crops of fruit each year, the first harvest often contains poor-quality fruit inedible for human consumption. But the signs are there

1. The first blooming represents what? The introduction of Gods word into the heart of man.         

 Pro 1:7  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

 An alternate interpretation is that the fig tree represents the nation of Israel being politically reestablished in their land once again. The first budding represents their falling away

Additionally, it is a sign of the coming destruction, both are reasonable to expect. In the redeemed sinner, rescued from this destruction, the word of God lives on. And though everything else is passed away, God’s word shall not pass away. It is resident in the redeemed who have eternal life.

2. The second blooming represents what?

That is when it produces good fruit for consumption.  It is the culmination of God’s work. That is when God’s work will be displayed for all to see, and his glory will be revealed to all. 

The kingdom of God is very near at hand.                                                                                                                                               

30 as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.

This description serves to tell us that God is at work, and still in control. Just as we know the seasons change. So the fate of Jerusalem will change, the Work of God will be glorious

1.                  Of what benefit is this knowledge to us?

2.                  We already know God is still in control do we not?

3.                  So what are we being told?

4.                  Not just the fig tree, but all trees bloom before the leaves grow to maturity. Just as this is known because it is part of God’s plan, we are ,called to be aware of the signs of the end time.

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31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Jesus is further speaking of the signs which were previously described in the parable of the

vultures and the corpse, from this same Olivet discourse. But here he is speaking of Gods good work, that of our salvation as well as the destruction of all that is evil.

 Joel 2:22  Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              What were some of the ominous signs?

a, There will be signs in the religious world - mass deception, claims of deity by false messiahs, false prophets, persecution of genuine believers, betrayal and hatred. b, There will be signs in the medical world – pestilences, diseases, ,and incurable diseases. c. the physical world, earthquakes in divers places. d, There will be signs in the political/military world - nations rising against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, wars and rumors of wars. e, The destruction of the Jewish nation, Was near (Luk_21:32): It was sure; the sentence was irreversible; f. False prophets begin to proliferate, All that seems right will be deemed wrong, and all that seems wrong will be deemed right.

1.                  What are the anticipated glories?   a. The end of______?  b. The beginning of_______? c. The culmination of___________?

32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place.

When we see a nation (The Jewish nation) filling up the measure of their iniquity, we may conclude that their ruin is nigh. Yet this race and family of Abraham shall not be rooted out; it shall survive as a nation, and be found as prophesied, when we see the ruin of persecuting powers hastening on, we may  infer that the kingdom of God is close at hand. When the opposition given to it is removed it shall gain ground. As we may presume the change of the seasons, so may we expect something uncommon when God is working his plan. Then stand still and see his salvation.

1. Of what generation is Jesus speaking?

2. To whom will It be a terror and a destruction?3. . “Take heed to yourselves”. This is the watch word of command given to all Christ's disciples:  that you be not overpowered by temptations, nor betrayed by your own corruptions.” What does this mean to us today?

 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

As the time draws near when the Kingdom of God shall be fully established upon the earth, and the King shall return in glory, the days will be characterized by increasing apostasy, disturbances in the earth and in the heavens, and intense hatred of those who proclaim the Gospel. The age will culminate in a period of terrible fear upon man, and then shall Christ appear.

1.            Does any of this sound familiar?

2.          Do you consider that we should start paying attention to what Jesus is saying here

3.          The age of the Earth is 4.54 ± 0.05 billion years.

4.          How does this relate to our faith?

                                                                                                                                                    

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Questions: 
1. “Signs From a Fig Tree” is one of only six parables repeated in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. What does this tell us?

2. In Verse 24:33 and 34, what does “all these things” refer to?

3. What are some current examples of false prophets deceiving people?

4. In Verse 24:33, what does “it” in the phrase “it is near” refer to? (Luke 21:31)

5. In Verse 24:34, what does “this generation” refer to? Do you feel as though you are in the generation that Jesus speaks about?

6. Who knows when the end times will come? (24:36)

7. What does it mean for you to “keep watch” (24:42) or “be ready” (24:44)?

8. How can you have a sense of expectation about the imminent return of Christ?

10. What are we told in the parable about the end times?

“All these things” refers to everything Christ just talked about: wars, famines earthquakes (24:4-8), persecution of Christians (9-10), false prophets (11), the abomination that causes desolation (15), false Christ (24), the need to flee because of the Great Tribulation (16-28), and the stellar events (sun darkened, no light from the moon) of verses 29-31. All those things will signal the nearness of Christ’s return, The new leaves on the fig tree are analogous to the signs preceding the second coming. The phrase “this generation” clearly refers to the generation that is alive at the time those signs are fulfilled. Jesus was saying, “The generation that sees the signs of the second coming will not pass away until I return.”

      1Jn 4:17  By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the Day of Judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. ."

      2Pe 1:10  Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 2Pe 1:11  and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior JesusChris

Of what significance is this scripture to the Christian today?

Meditation: The fig tree was a common and important source of food for the Jews. It bore fruit twice a year, in the autumn and in the early spring. The prophet Joel mentions its fruit bearing as a sign of favor from the Lord (Joel 2:22). The Talmud said that the first fruit came the day after Passover. The Jews believed that when the Messiah came he would usher in the kingdom of God at Passover time. Some believe that Israel will be recast as Gods chosen and it will be one of the signs when this happens. This parable foretells the joy of God's kingdom -- the joy of new life and the promise of a new age of peace and blessing.  The signs of spring are evident for all who can see. Just so are the signs of God's kingdom.  The "budding" of God's kingdom begins first in the hearts of those who are receptive to God's word. Those who trust in God's word will bear the fruits of his kingdom.  And what are the fruits of that kingdom?  "The kingdom of God ..is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). 

 Closing prayer

Lord God,  may your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Open our eyes that we may see your glory.  Open our minds that we may understand and obey your word. And open the door of our hearts that we may welcome you in as our King and Savior. As to the end of our days, we stand upon the promise of our salvation by claiming Jesus Christ Your Son as our savior. In Jesus name we pray ____AMEN

The Birds of The Air& the Lilies of the Field

The Birds of The Air& the Lilies of the Field                                                                               Pg.1

Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34
 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon. 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more  value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O  men of little  faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
Why study this parable? Anxiety in today’s world. We are a nation of people who strive always for more and better whatever it is. What does God want us to know about our disordered world? This parable is a good example of the world as it should be. Putting God first is a must.
Jos 24:16  Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!
1Jn_4:17  By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.
 Jesus did not worry, He did pray a lot, and  meditate, and he was tempted. Just as we are. But he was never of two minds. His was but a single purpose, and that to accomplish the will of God in his life, death, and resurrection. To provide a way of salvation for all of mankind. This all started in the garden of Eden, where God had to shed the blood of an animal to serve as a covering for the sin of the first human beings.

Meditation:  The root word for "anxiety" literally means "being of two minds".  An anxious person is often "tossed to and fro" and paralyzed by indecision. Fear of some bad outcome usually cripples those afflicted with anxiety.  It's also the case with someone who wants to submit to God but also live according to the world's standards of success and fulfillment.  Who is the master in charge of your life?  Our "master" is that which governs our thought-life, shapes our ideals, controls the desires of the heart and the values we choose to live by.  We can be ruled by many different things -- the love of money or possessions, the power of position, the desire for wealth and prestige, the driving force of unruly passions and addictions. Ultimately the choice boils down to two: God and "mammon".  What is mammon?  "Mammon" equates to "material wealth or possessions" or whatever tends to "control our appetites and desires".  There is one Master alone who has the power to set us free from the slavery of sin and fear.  That Master is the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus uses the illustration of nature — the birds and the flowers — to show how God provides for them in the natural order of his creation. How much more can we, as his children, rely upon God's providential care? God is utterly reliable. The best antidote for anxiety is frequent meditation upon God’s goodness, power and sufficiency. When the saint can confidently realize “The Lord is My Shepherd,” he must draw the conclusion, “I shall not want.





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                                                              Verse by Verse Study_________________________________
1. The future falls under the cognizance of” Know that the LORD is God” Do you, agree?
Closing Prayer
24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon.
Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. A man cannot be in perfect indifference between two objects which are incompatible: He is inclined to despise and hate whatever he does not love supremely, when the necessity of a choice presents itself. Just as at a fork in the road, one is forced to choose
1.                  What did Jesus mean, serve?   We serve those whom we love, Is loyalty a one way emotion              
2.                  What is the mammon of our day and time? Money of course, but is it the things it can get for us?

 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? There are eight reasons to shed our anxiety The first is, the experience of greater benefits already received.
1,  Life, health, peace of mind,  contentment, a vocation, A value to our life. What else?
2.  What are the 7 desires of every heart.? to be heard, to be affirmed, to be blessed, to be secure,                              to be touched, chosen, and included.  Be careful of what you desire, you may get it.
3.                  what about the seven faults of every heart? Fear, prejudice, apathy, resentment, despair, jealousy, and greed
4.                   Psa 37:4  Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
      Psa 37:5  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. What are these two Psalms telling us

26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more  value than they? The second reason why we should not be anxious is the example of the animals,
1.                  Do you feel God has provided for the animals adequately? Food, shelter, habitat, skills.
2.                   Are we not the greatest of all God’s creations? We have been given dominion over the whole of his creation, does that tell us what God thinks?
3.                  Are we then to rely upon providence and never use the very powers and faculties with which God has endowed us?

 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? The third reason we should not be aqnxious  is the time and effort we spend worrying can even shorten our life.
1. What can our uneasiness do but render us still more unworthy of the Divine care?
1.                  If anxiety could add to our life span, would we worship it?  God gives us life eternal why not worship God?
2.                  Shouldn’t we depend as fully upon God for the preservation of his gifts as for the gifts themselves?

28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; The fourth reason against such inquietudes is the example of the herbs and flowers of the field.
1.                  Are not their  nourishment, exquisite flavors, and beautiful hues from God himself.
2.                  Does not God adorn us with our blessings, of all types, our personal industry, intelligence, the ability to reason? Are we not his best work, How will he then not care for our welfare?
                                                                                                                               


                                                                                                                                                             Pg.3
                       
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
1.                  Would it be possible to capture or exceed the Majesty and greatness of his creation?
2.                  Yet do we not try to glorify ourselves?

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O  men of little  faith?
1.                  Are there better things than our own Glory?
2.                  What purpose was served by the building of the pyramids?
                                                                                                                                                     
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear? The fifth reason against solicitude about the future is - that to concern ourselves about these wants anxiously, as if there was no such thing as the providence of God; Is to deny God
1.                  We should then include in our anxiety, whether or not the day will dawn, or will the sky fall?
2.                  If God can do these wonders in creation, can he not allow us to live in his world without worry ?

'32 For the Pagans seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them
The sixth reason against this anxiety about the future is - because God, our heavenly Father, is infinite in wisdom, and knows all our wants.
1.                  Are we like the pagans of that day?
2.                   Do we seek all these things today?
3.                  What is of grave concern to you today?

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. The seventh reason against these worldly cares and fears is - because the business of our salvation ought to engross us entirely
1.                  Do you find life is simpler when one does that?
2.                  Have you ever experienced the opposite?
3.                  Do we keep a list of worries? Which is the greatest?

 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day. The eighth and last reason, against this preposterous conduct, is - that anxiety and worry is not only useless in itself, but renders us miserable and unhealthy.
2. It is he who made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Do we really trust in him?
4.                   Are there times when we are given no other choice?






                                                                                                                                                Pg.4

In the Lord's Prayer we are reminded that God is our provider when we pray: Give us this day our daily bread.  What is bread, but the very staple of life and symbol of all that we need to live and grow.  Anxiety is neither helpful nor necessary. It robs us of faith and confidence in God's help and it saps our energy for doing good. Jesus admonishes his followers to put away anxiety and preoccupation with material things and instead to seek first the things of God — his kingdom and righteousness.  Anxiety robs the heart of trust in the mercy and goodness of God and in his loving care for us.  God knows our needs even before we ask and he gives generously to those who trust in him.

Questions
1.What are the Christians main concerns? Do they match our daily anxieties?
2.How does one give in to anxiety and worry? How does one bear the worries of day to day living?
3.Why can we not serve two masters? lots of people have two jobs, why? What is there about “Keeping up with the Joneses” that is destructive? Did Jesus concern himself with dress or position? Why ?
4.Is it normal to be concerned for our welfare? How then can we not be worried or anxious?
5.What is there about our security that is cause for concern?
6.How does our daily news affect our security? Are you concerned for your safety?
7.Are you fashion conscious? Do you want to be clothes conscious?
8.What is God trying to tell us in this parable?
9.Can one properly serve God while having all these daily anxieties?
10.Jesus did not have a job, wealth, a wife, or children, How does one reconcile that difference in our lifestyle?
 11. Bipolar disorder, Depression with psychotic or catatonic features, Panic disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder, Mental retardation, delirium, dementia, amnesia, or any cognitive disorders, Borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder,
12. There are so many anxieties that we now have special names for them, Why is that?



"Lord, free us from needless worries and help us to put our trust in you.  Make our first concern your kingdom and your righteousness.  Help us to live each day with trust and gratitude for your providential care” lead us in paths of righteousness and help us to lead lives that are worthy of your calling  In Jesus holy name AMEN.

The Parable of The Birds of The Air& the Lilies of the Field

The Birds of The Air& the Lilies of the Field                                                                   Pg.1


Scripture:  Matthew 13:24-30
  Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' 28 He said to them, `An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, `Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, `No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be  burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.

Why study this parable? We know that Satan exists and is busy hunting souls to steal away. We are just not aware of how he may do that other than with deception. God knows the state of our relationships and he does not desire that we seek to destroy those whom Satan has corrupted,. There is no need to risk the souls that are prospering in his word, to remove the evil that exists. He will have the accounting of it at the Day of Judgment. We just need to know. Rom 12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Meditation: The image Jesus uses here is a common everyday example of planting, harvesting, and sorting the good fruit from the bad. Weeds can spoil and even kill a good harvest if they are not separated and destroyed at the proper time. Uprooting them too early, though, can destroy the good plants in the process. Just as nature teaches us patience, so God's patience also teaches us to guard the word he has planted in our hearts and to beware of the destructive force of sin and evil which can destroy it. God's word brings life, but Satan seeks to destroy the good seed which has been planted in the hearts of those who have heard God's word. God's judgment is not hasty, but it does come. And in the end, God will reward each according to what they have sown and reaped in this life. In that day God will separate the evil from the good. Deu 32:35  It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them." This parable represents the present and future state of the gospel church; Christ's care of it, the devil's enmity against it, the mixture there is in it of good and bad in this world, and the separation between them in the other world.
Martin Luther preached a sermon on the parable in which he affirmed that only God can separate false from true believers and noted that killing heretics or unbelievers ends any opportunity for their salvation

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Verse by Verse study+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Matt. 13:24 The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field;
 It is the desire of God that all his creation be subject to man’s use and enjoyment. God gave man a perfect world. Compare this to ones own life. We started with perfect innocence, what happened?

1.                  “A man”. Who is this man   _This man is Jesus who started it all.
2.                  His field” Is representative of what?_Jesus’ field is all the world. And in particular, the Church.
3.                  And what is the good seed?  All the people of his Kingdom, those who set about to do his will.
4.                  When the seed is sown, remember how it is done, scattered, and plowed into the soil. Why?




                                                                                                                                                         Pg.2
   Jesus explains the Parable to his disciples                                                                 Pg.4                  
25 but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away.
God’s investment in good grain is his people. We are able to make our own choices. Some are poor   choices which allow  the tares to flourish. False professors, nominal Christians, men of degenerate principles and practices. The desire of man to enjoy his own world, without the bother of God.

1.                  And while “men were sleeping” means what?_ While taking thought of ourselves and not of God.
2.                  Who is the Enemy of God?__Satan, who exhibited to Jesus in the wilderness, what he wanted.
3.                  And what would we consider the seeds of evil? The teachings of Satan, manifested in mankind
4.                  What of the wheat, is it harmed? The word of God is infallible, but it may be diverted in the mind
5.                  How desperate is Satan to destroy God’s work? He knows Gods wrath, & how it is done
6.                  And where did he go, when he went away?         Where do you suppose he goes?
.
26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the tares appeared also.
Discernible both by their unfruitfulness in their lives and conversations, and by their bad principles, which they endeavor to spread, to the hurt of the churches and hurtful to the good seed, both by temptation and persecution: they are weeds in the garden, have the same rain, and sunshine, and soil, with the good plants, but are good for nothing:

1.Wherever goodness is, does evil present itself ?_Yes, as it did with Adam And Eve, the need to know
and as it did to Jesus in the wilderness.
2.Does it do harm to the good seed_It does no damage to the word of God, only to the hearers of it.
3. What then is God’s instruction?_Leave it alone, as do not even consider it, avoid it any way possible.
4.                  How are we to know what to do?_Study the word of God, meditate on it, recite it, dwell in it. Then do as it says

 27 And the servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it tares?' Christ is the "householder"; the house of which he is master is the church, called the household of God, the household of faith, By "the servants" that came to him, are meant, the ministers of the Gospel, the servants of Christ came to him, and spread the case before him in prayer;  said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? The rise of errors, the breaking out of scandals, and the growth of profaneness, are matter of great grief to all the servants of Christ; especially to his faithful ministers, who are directed to complain of it to him whose the field is. It is sad to see such tares, such weeds, in the garden of the Lord; to see the good soil wasted, the good seed choked, and such a reflection cast on the name and honor of Christ

1.                  Who are the servants? Does that include any one of us?  Any who are Disciples of Christ,   Who else?
2.                  Have you ever questioned God’s work?  Very likely on a regular basis. Why?
3.                  What has happened?  Satan has been given the opportunity to distribute his evil throughout. Why?
4.                  When is he given opportunity?  When we make poor choices in life decisions.   When we are hasty in our treatment of others.   When we allow the progression of immorality.
5.                   What else?  Look at the entertainment industry, It is rife with immorality and promiscuity




                                                                                                                                   Pg.3                          
28 He said to them, `An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, `Then do you want us to go and gather them?  The ministers of Christ, that are faithful and diligent, do wonder how to respond, but shall not be judged for it and should not be reproached by men, for the mixtures of bad with good, hypocrites with the sincere, in the field of the church. It must needs be that such offences will come; and they shall not be laid to our charge, if we do our duty, though it have not the desired success.

1.  Who is “an enemy”_ Ever since he became a wicked spirit himself he has made it his sworn duty to promote wickedness, and has made it his business, aiming therein to counterwork Christ.
2.                  Again, to whom is the Son of Man speaking?_ To all Christian believers, God’s servants
3.                  And we responded with a question?  What do you want us to do? What do we normally do?
4.                  Isn’t it the Christian’s job  to try to make the world a better place? If we see it breaking down, fix it.
5.                  So when something or someone is 'troublesome'  Don’t we tend to seek a resolution?_________
6.                  And what does the householder say? Rom 12:19  Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.
29 But he said, `No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.
 It is not possible to distinguish between tares and wheat, that we may be mistaken; and therefore such    is the wisdom and grace of Christ, that he will rather permit the tares, than any way endanger the wheat. It is certain, scandalous offenders are to be censured, and we are to withdraw from them. Those who are openly evil are not to be admitted to special ordinances. Yet it is possible there may be a discipline, either so mistaken in its rules, or so overcorrect  in the application of them, as may prove vexing to many that are truly Godly.

1.                  Must we then tolerate evil?_Indeed not! But we are to seek God’s will, not ours, in all that we do,
2.                  Did God tolerate it in Noah’s day?_ Yes he did, But there were consequences, and finally Noah did as God willed. Then God acted, as only he can. He eliminated all of it.
3.                  How is it that we might damage the good? Good and evil exist together but as oil and water do not blend together, so must evil not be allowed to contaminate the good.  What can one do?
4.                  Any vengeful act is contrary to what God says is his job. Define the difference between vigilance and vengeance?

 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be  burned, but gather the wheat into my bar n.
God is, has always been, and will forever be the Great I Am. Evil exists. Because God’s created perfect beings failed and evil began, It will not always be, God will be in charge with His Son Jesus and the angels will bind evil and destroy it. The Good will be gathered into God’s barn. Deu 32:35  It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.
1.    Let evil and good both grow together. How will we know which is which? Who does know?
2.    And who will be the reapers? God’s Angels will execute his commands at the Day Of Judgment
3.    Gather the tares first.  What does that tell us?
4.    Would you call this a good time to be first? Who is it that will not be first?
5.    Bind them in bundles, what does that imply? There is no escaping God’s Judgement.
6.    What does it mean to be bound? There is the cessation of ones right to be free to choose.
       The sentence is set, time has expired, it is too late now.
Mat 13:37  He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.
Mat 13:38  The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,
Mat 13:39  and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels.
Mat 13:40  Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age.
Mat 13:41  The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,
Mat 13:42  and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 13:43  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
But a day is coming when God will still be and evil will be gone forever. God will have the final word, and when he does, the evil in our midst and the evil within us will be gone forever.

Questions:

1.Who is “the man” Jesus is speaking of? Is it Jesus the first to sow the seeds of the kingdom of God? Since He is now at the right hand of God, Who does the sowing in our time?
2. Would the seed have been the first man and woman Adam and Eve? And while God was away the serpent sowed the bad seed?
3. Is this  an instructive principle being illustrated in a simple analogy for the disciples, Or is it relative to what God has placed in the world, His word?
4. God has put into the world the perfect seed, will it flourish? Are there good friends who help? Or are there enemies who try to confuse and destroy what God has done?
5.“While men were sleeping”, what does that imply? God does not rest, or does he? What is happening? Even as God was with Adam, the serpent crept into the garden, Why? What is there in Gods world that so attracts evil to work at destroying it?
6. We have a society which says we have the freedom of religion,  does that include freedom of non religion?
7. Satan is the enemy, has he sown his evil in this world? Does it come up among us even as we work in God’s kingdom? What does the sower say to his servants? Let them grow, why?
8. Is the matter of Paul in the various letters to the churches, an example of the seed being spread?
9. How do we get the weeds out? We are not murderers, Do we have power over the tares in our world? If they are removed, what chance do they have of being ministered to? Or are they to be removed in other ways?
10. What does Jesus say about that?  What did Jesus do with Paul, the persecutor of Christians  ?

"Lord, may your word take deep root in our hearts, that we may bear good fruit for your glory. May we hunger for your righteousness now so we may look forward to the Day of Judgment with joy rather than with dread." Happy in the knowledge that at harvest time through Your Son Jesus we are righteous in your sight. In the name of Jesus we pray, AMEN