The Parable of The Vine and The Branches

                                                                                                                                  Pg.1
Opening Prayer:                              
Father God as we come to this the last of our studies of the parables of Jesus we ask that you guide our thoughts and words that we may speak nothing here tonight which is contrary to your will, and that each of us will learn that which you have purposed for our understanding from this study tonight. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we ask that you share our blessing with them, and bring them back into our midst when next we meet. And now bless this the study of the words of Jesus to our understanding. In Jesus name we pray Amen.

  The Parable of The Vine And The Branches

This discourse takes place just after Jesus and his disciples have had their last supper, and after Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples. Then after Judas had been identified as his betrayer, and had left the group, Jesus is addressing only his disciples in the last things. Jesus begins to speak comforting words to them about his leaving, and then returning. He has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, to help them continue their mission, and who will remain with them and within them. He will teach them everything and make them remember everything Jesus taught. This promise of the Holy Spirit then is followed by our scripture.
When we started this study of the parables of Jesus, we started with The parable of the Householder, one who has been prepared for almost any circumstance that may occur, wisdom from experience, and knowledge acquired throughout life’s learning and preparation for both new things which we are to encounter, and the old things with which we find some comfort.
In that study, I am reminded of my Grandmother, a woman of infinite resources, and a wealth of experience. There was no circumstance that could come upon us as a family that she was not prepared to meet, and to lead us through. To her there were no surprises, she had been through it all, including the depression, and she had the resource and determination to see her family through anything that could happen. And she was in full control at all times.
Now we come to this the last parable which Jesus will speak, and by now, having studied all the parables Jesus Spoke, and having learned that every word which proceeds from the mouth of Jesus is a learning experience We find ourselves as disciples, learning these last things about Jesus and our relationship with him. In this study, I picture sitting in the presence of Jesus clinging to every word, as if each word were a living experience to be savored, a moment in time set aside just so I might learn these last things that Jesus is teaching.

                                           Scripture reading
Joh 15:1  "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5  "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8  This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.


                                                                                                                                       Pg.2

This parable is a perfect allegorical comparison of  Jesus as the vine, God as the vinedresser, and we as the branches bearing the fruit that the vinedresser expects to harvest. In these verses we learn that those branches bearing no fruit are to be cut off, and those bearing fruit will be pruned to bear more fruit. And further we learn that we cannot do this on our own, but we must remain in perfect harmony with Jesus, the vine. And should that not be the case, we will become useless, wither and be thrown into the fire and burned.

Verse 1, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
Jesus begins his discourse identifying himself as the "true vine" and his Father as the caring gardener. The word "true" has important links with the scriptures. Israel is called the "true vine" Jeremiah 2: 21 But Jesus is in fact emphasizing that he is the reality of which the Vine of Israel is but a type, and it must remain in him to be useful and produce fruit . In light of this it is worth reflecting on Isaiah 5: 1 — 7, and Ezekiel 15: 1 — 8  God expects more from his vineyard than sticks, dry leaves and wood which is of no value except to be burned.

Q.1 Why is Jesus calling himself the true vine, what distinction is he making?
Q.2 Do we have such false representation in the church today?

Verse 2, He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
The vine is constantly watched by the caring gardener who cuts away branches which do not bear fruit. He does this for the sake of those that do bear fruit, to strengthen them and help them to be more fruitful. Jesus is stating in no uncertain terms, the displeasure of the Father towards faithless followers. The church is filled with disciples who work for a season and then quit. God will not continue to watch over those, but will continue to work with those who remain in his service, even helping them improve their own work to be more fruitful.

Q.1 What meaning is conveyed to us by the cutting off of the branches bearing no fruit?
Q.2 In Jesus’ day he was sorely disappointed with the Jews, Does this parable reflect that feeling?    Q.3 Would this parable have any comparisons for our nation ?

Verse 3, You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
In Verse 3. This brief statement, "You have already been trimmed and cleaned up through the power of my word". What word?  All that Jesus has taught about Israel's history and prophetic insight and through his teaching in parables, has taken root in them. They have welcomed his word, which has become part of them. This is in reference to those disciples who remain steadfast even through hard times. Remember, one of the disciples did not remain in him, and became his betrayer.
Q.1 How does this verse have any meaning for us today?
Q.2 What comparison is expressed with this verse?





                                                                                                                                                               Pg.3
Verse 4, Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
The branch can receive no nourishment from the vine unless there is intimate and unencumbered contact between them. The supreme condition of fruitfulness, is abiding in Jesus; as the branches draw nourishment from the vine, so believers must derive their strength, wisdom, holiness and power from their Lord.

Q.1 How is this to be best accomplished?
Q.2 What is there that could interrupt this closeness?

Verse 5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Again he says, "I am the vine", but adds the reassuring phrase "you are the branches". The early Church, looking back realized that the presence of a traitor was not allowed to weaken the rest. At a certain moment he was removed so that the other branches could grow even stronger. So the "true vine" is sending out new branches. You are those branches Jesus says. This is a very special moment to ponder. But what is the fruit Jesus is talking about? The fruit of the beatitudes: humility, true sorrow, meekness, striving for purity of heart, enduring persecution and injustice for his sake.
Q.1 What is meant by the phrase “apart from me you can do nothing”?
Q.2 How does that apply to our living in the world day by day?

Verse 6, If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
And now another warning: abide or depart!  Jesus is saying this to show how strongly his Father disapproves of branches which soak up the living sap and grow fat on it without giving fruit in return. There is absolutely no place for them!

Q.1 Where in our day to day experience does this apply?
Q.2 Where in our faith life does this apply?

Verses 7, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. Vs.8, This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
"Ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." Why should Christ's words abiding in us be the ground of this particular promise? Evidently for this reason: the more the words of Christ abide in us by our receiving them in implicit faith, and appropriating them, the more the mind of Christ will be in us; for the words of Christ convey the mind of Christ, and the more we have of the mind of Christ the more we shall fall in with the will and purposes of God: and so our desires will be expressed in prayer to God for what He is most disposed to grant. The words of Christ abiding within us will inspire us to pray for what He wills, and what He wills His Father approves, and will bring about.

Q.1 What is meant by this vs. 7?
Q.1 Where in our faith life does this apply?


Scripture readings:
Jeremiah 2:21  I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?

Isaiah 5:1-5  I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. 2  He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. 3  "Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. 4  What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? 5  Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. 6  I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it.

Ezekiel 15:1-8  The word of the LORD came to me: 2  "Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest? 3  Is wood ever taken from it to make anything useful? Do they make pegs from it to hang things on? 4  And after it is thrown on the fire as fuel and the fire burns both ends and chars the middle, is it then useful for anything? 5  If it was not useful for anything when it was whole, how much less can it be made into something useful when the fire has burned it and it is charred? 6  "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: As I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people living in Jerusalem. 7  I will set my face against them. Although they have come out of the fire, the fire will yet consume them. And when I set my face against them, you will know that I am the LORD. 8  I will make the land desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares the Sovereign LORD."
                                        Meditation:
How truly rich in meaning is this image chosen by Jesus to help us understand who he is and how we are totally dependent upon Him for life eternal and fruitfulness of that life. We have heard this Gospel many times, and we are again and again taught its central truth, that life comes to us only through Christ who is the vine. He is the vine and we are his branches. How marvelous all this is we only gradually come to appreciate by much reflection and prayer.
It is clear to faith that Jesus is the supernaturally fertile vine planted by the Father in this world. Faith teaches us that we are the recreated branches who have been grafted onto Him by workers in the vineyard of the Father, the Apostles of Jesus and their successors. In the great vineyards of this world, the skilled vine tenders are often descendents of generations of skilled workers, and this pattern holds true in the Father’s vineyard as well. Skills and tools (the sacraments) are handed down. Our vinedressers too graft branches onto the one great vine who is Christ, the source of their life, and these workers assure that it gets the care that helps these new branches to take root in the vine and grow and flourish.
What modern genetic discovery confirms in terms of the parable is that the great fruit produced from the grafting of Jesus onto the root of Israel is from the vine which is Jesus Himself. He is the great vine that has been introduced by the Father into His vineyard of humanity; He is the true source of a wine that Israel could never produce, the richest of wines because it brings eternal life and joy to the heart of men.
But the next grafting is what involves us, the branch that is grafted on to the vine of Jesus who was planted in the root of Israel. The Father, indeed the Trinity, produced the first grafting, while the Apostles are privileged to graft us onto Christ. But we ourselves do not produce the genetic richness of the vine as the vine did to the root plant. All the richness of life and fruitfulness comes to us through the vine. And yet, and this is extremely important, we actually do produce the fruit, but a fruit whose richness is ultimately produced from the vine and its life flowing through us. We are the branches who produce the fruit.
And another aspect of this truth is that not all branches produce the same quantity or quality of fruit. That’s true in the natural vineyards as well. But here again the abundance really depends not on ourselves alone, but on the Father, the Master vine grower Himself who knows just what each branch needs to flourish. Jesus tells us this at the beginning of this Gospel passage:  my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. God actually “prunes” us, and this pruning is inevitably painful for the branch.
And here again the modern science of winemaking is enlightening. For modern winemaking teaches us that just the proper degree of “stress” has to be produced in the vines and branches to bring out the best wine and greatest abundance. Too much stress, and the branch withers; just enough stress tolerated, and the branch explodes in fruitfulness. This too confirms a spiritual truth; that nothing truly spiritually great is ever produced in this fallen world without passing the stress test of the Cross.
How loving then is the true vine Master toward His vine and His (Christ’s) branches; and how richly this divine parable can enlighten us regarding both the true source of eternal life and the role of the Cross in enriching our lives. The next time you are suffering anything, meditate on this rich parable and trust that great stress, when transformed by God, can be a source of a richer life and richer fruit. If we just allow the Vine Master to do his work, this stress will pass and will produce much fruit for us and for the world around us. He knows what we are made of, each of us individually. He knows and He cares and He will never allows any of us to be stressed beyond the power of his grace to heal us and he will help us to produce an abundant fruit, thirty, sixty and a hundred fold. Jesus promised this, and His promises never fail.
Closing Prayer:
Dear God of our salvation, we offer our thanks for your allowing us these few minutes of study in your word, and we ask that you help us to manifest these words of Jesus into the fruit of our branches, that we may glorify You Oh God and Your Son our Lord Jesus in all that we do and say. Be with those of our acquaintance who are suffering illness and infirmity____________-
We ask that you grant your strength and comfort to those mentioned and for those who care for them, give them your blessing and Your healing touch. We pray in the name of Jesus Ame

The Parable of The Sulking Children

                                                                                                                                       Pg.1
                     The Parable of The Sulking Children
Opening Prayer:
Father God, We come here tonight to study the choices we have as Christians. The things of God are of great and urgent concern, and every one that has ears to hear is concerned to hear this. Eternal life for the Christian is at stake, and we are allowed to choose whether or not to accept the music of our salvation that Jesus is bringing to our ear.. Our prayer tonight is that You will remove all doubt, fear, and complacency from out thoughts and allow us to revel in the joy that Jesus brings to the Christian. Now we ask your blessing on those of our group who cannot be here tonight, and pray that they will return to worship with us when next we meet.  Guide us now as we study the words of Your Son Our Lord Jesus, Amen

                                       Scripture Reading
Jesus had been speaking to crowds in the towns and villages throughout the Galilee area and it was at this time also that John was in prison.
Mat 11:7  As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8  If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9  Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10  This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11  Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Mat 11:12  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13  For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14  And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15  Whoever has ears, let them hear. 16  "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17  "'We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' 18  For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19  The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds."  20  Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
Why study this parable? This parable is a description of those whose hearts are closed to the gospel. In Jesus’ day he was speaking to the Jews, The children that imitated the pipers, represent Christ and his disciples, and the children that acted the part of the mourners, signify John the Baptist, and his disciples, and the children that would not join with, nor make any answer to the one, or the other, represent the Scribes and Pharisees, and those who were not pleased with neither the gospel call of Christ, nor the call to repentance from John.
Q.1 To those who opposed his call, how did Jesus respond? How should we respond?                 Q.2 Will all those who hear the call be inclined to listen? What inclines the worlds ear?    Q.3  Jesus speaks of the children of his day, who represent one or another groups who give the call, or who refuse the call of salvation through Jesus Christ. How does that apply to our world today?
                                      Why is there Violence?                                                      Pg2
Mat 11:12  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13  For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14  And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15  Whoever has ears, let them hear.
This reads as if there were violence brought onto the Kingdom of Heaven. We know that is true when we see the life of Jesus unfold in the Bible. He that will take, or get possession of the kingdom of righteousness, peace, and spiritual joy, must be in earnest: Satan will oppose him with every step he takes; and if a one be not absolutely determined to give up their sins and evil companions, and have their soul saved at any expense, will surely perish everlastingly. This requires a violent earnestness.                                                            
Q.1 What do these verses bring to this parable? The threat of violence? Or the Promise of salvation? or is it that both are raised in this parable?
Q.2 Considering how the world we live in today seems to be turning from God at every opportunity, What can the Christian do to improve this situation?
Q.3 John The Baptist is referred to as the Elijah of that day, and we know that Elijah was a prophet of God foretelling the fate of Ahab and Jezebel. What does that bring to mind?
FYI… Ahab’s death was predicted by the prophets Elijah  (1 Kings 21:19; 22:28). Jezebel’s gruesome death was also predicted by Elijah (1 Kings 21:23). True to the prophecy, Ahab was killed in a battle with Syria. Later, Jezebel was thrown from a tower, “and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her” (2 Kings 9:33). Then, “when they went to bury her, they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands” (2 Kings 9:35). Just as Elijah had said, the dogs ate Jezebel.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Q.4 Should we consider that Jesus was speaking of John, as one who prophesied the destruction of God’s adversaries? If not, then what do you think Jesus meant by his comments in these verses?                                          
                                               Which Generation?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   16  "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17  "'We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'
John was a great and good man, But surely he was different in appearance and manner in his day. But the generation in which his lot was cast was as barren and unprofitable as could be, and unworthy of him. This is a relatively easy comparison to every generation from that day to this, there are those who will not respond to the Gospel call no matter the music being played. The worlds distractions are prevailing in any generation, fads, trends, music genre, hobbies, work, play, and any other conceivable distraction one might imagine can and will be an attraction to some. And although hearing the call of salvation all the while, and even knowing the consequence, they do not respond.  It seems that the here and now are all that matters.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                  Pg.3
Q.1 What were some of the issues of the generation to which Jesus is speaking ?                                                                                                                                         Q.2  Why does it seem that some of the same or even worse issues are still with us?                                            Q.4 In Jesus’ parable, he is speaking of The Gospel Call.  Jesus was speaking about the Jews of that day, and the Scribes and Pharisees as well. Do we have such issues as that today? Do we have more or less resistance in our present age, to the gospel call?
                                              Wisdoms Choices
18  For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19  The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds."
Jesus' message of the kingdom of God is a proclamation of good news and of great joy for those who will listen; but it is also a warning for those who refuse.  Why did the message of John the Baptist and the message of Jesus meet with resistance and deaf ears?  It was out of jealously and spiritual blindness that the scribes and Pharisees attributed John the Baptist's austerities to the devil and they attributed Jesus' table fellowship as evidence for messianic pretense. They succeeded in frustrating God's plan for their lives because they had closed their hearts to the message of  John the Baptist and now to Jesus. Like the generation of Jesus' time, our age is marked by indifference and contempt, especially in regards to the things of heaven.  Indifference dulls our ears to God's voice and to the good news of the gospel.   Only the humble of heart can find joy in God's grace and favor.
Q.1 This parable teaches us that everyone does not receive the messages of John and Jesus in the same way, Why is that so?                                                                                                 Q.2 How can the Gospel be better shared?
Closing Prayer
"Lord, open our ears to hear the good news of your kingdom and set our hearts free to love and serve you joyfully. Let nothing keep us from following you wholeheartedly as we live day by day in this fallen world. Help us to remain as salt and light that we might in our own small way bring others to see the light of your salvation. Lead us away from those things in this life that serve as a distraction from the Gospel message, and lead us toward those things that point us to the Gospel message, and enable us so that we may be a better image representing the Christian way of life. Be with those of our acquaintance now who need your healing touch________. Bless those mentioned here and those who remain  in our hearts that they may feel your strength and comfort, to help them through their time of trial and distress.





                                                                                                                                                    Pg4
"Meditation:
In each of Jesus’ parables there is a message, and most of the time it is easily discernable but also in each parable there are other messages not quite so obvious. This parable of the sulking Children is one of those parables with several messages.  
First there is the admonition to the people that they are not responding either to John’s message nor the message that Jesus is bringing. Why is that? This is (typical conduct of a distracted people). What are they looking for? What music do they want to hear?
Second, There are three groups of Children in this parable and there is implied that one group is unconcerned about their salvation, And wants nothing from either of the other two groups.  It is apparent that nothing suits them. What is it that will bring them around? But Salvation is being offered through Jesus Christ.   Is there a special someone, (a pied piper perhaps) that can attract their attention?
Third, There is the notion  that they are a people who are just not interested unless there is something sensational connected to it. The songs, happy or sad, appealing or foreboding yet still they are unmoved. What will it take to move them? They seem unmoved by the Gospel message, so how can they be reached?
Fourth, They are not moved to believe because they have been blinded by the notion that there is more to life than what they are experiencing, and Jesus isn’t delivering. He is not a mighty warrior king, a super star. Nor is he able to destroy their enemies. What can we do to make them understand that eternal life is in the balance?
Doesn’t all of this remind you of something that is quite familiar to us today? If it doesn’t then you are not living in the world where I live. This is Satan’s playground, the distracted children are listening for anything to charm them and Satan has the flute.                                        
The children in Jesus' parable react with disappointment because they cannot induce anyone to join in their musical medley.  They complain that if they play their music at weddings, no one will dance or sing; and if they play at funerals, it is the same.  This refrain echoes the words of Ecclesiastes 3:4 -- there is a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. But unlike the author of the book of Ecclesiastes, we Christians center our hope in Heavenly realms, not on earthly things which offer nothing more than a temporary dalliance.
Jesus' message of the kingdom of God is a proclamation of good news and of great joy for those who will listen; but it is also a warning for those who refuse.  Why did the message of John the Baptist and the message of Jesus meet with resistance and deaf ears?  It was out of jealously and spiritual blindness that the scribes and Pharisees attributed John the Baptist's austerities to the devil and they attributed Jesus' table fellowship as evidence for messianic pretense. They did not care to hear that they were sinners needing forgiveness. They were too proud to even believe that they had faults. They succeeded in frustrating God's plan for their lives because they had closed their hearts to the message of  John the Baptist and now to Jesus.
            Meditation cont.                                                                                                  Pg.5
What can make us spiritually dull and slow to hear God's voice?  Like the generation of Jesus' time, our age is marked by indifference and contempt, especially in regards to the things of heaven.  Indifference dulls our ears to God's voice and to the good news of the gospel.   Only the humble of heart can find joy in God's grace and favor.
Questions:
1. Do you know the joy of the gospel? That should be an easily answered question, is it? If your answer is affirmative, can you sell it to others?
2. Why do you believe? What is there in your life that brought you to Christ?
3. Do you consider yourself a faithful disciple, if so can you explain it to others?
4. Have you ever witnessed to or shepherded anyone? Your children perhaps?
5. How do we as Christians and Disciples of Christ make this a better more receptive age? Is there room for improvement?
6. What is there that offers the distractions that can draw one away from worship of God? What can we do about it?
7. The signs of the times point to a decline in the number of Christians in the world today, do you agree? Is this matter something that should concern the Christian, as it did Jesus?
8. What do you think is the cause of the decline in the number of Christians in the world today? Where do we need to focus?
9. What do you think that Jesus would ask of us? Has he already asked?
10. Who are the pipers today? Who are the mourners today?
There are many steps we can take to participate: praising, forgiving, affirming, trusting, risking, witnessing, serving, loving, even becoming an example for others.  The parable tells us that it is time to begin.  Don’t sit and sulk as if there is nothing to go for, join in, fill your dance card, take a chance, do not miss this opportunity.
Do not allow the wiles of Satan to interfere with what you already know, There is no fulfilling life without Jesus in it, so let nothing said, nor any detractors keep you from your enjoyment of it. It is a joy filled life, even with the cares of this world that seem to bring us low from time to time, and even when there seems to be no justice in the circumstances that life sometimes brings to our door. These things will pass, as will our time on this earth.
 But this one thing is certain, There is a day of reckoning coming, and the wise person will stand who has chosen to follow Jesus and his promises. Let there be no doubt, God is in control and there is no alternative salvation.

The Parable of The Unmerciful Servant

                                                                                                                                               Pg.1

The Parable of The Unmerciful Servant                      
Opening Prayer
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, show us where we fail, and be our guide in this study. Impart to us those things you would have us learn from your word tonight.  We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of our group who cannot be with us tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. In Jesus Name we pray Amen                                    

Jesus was speaking to the crowds and to his disciples not only about forgiving one another but about Christian character, both in and out of the church. Jesus’ is in the midst of his discourse on discipline in the church, in which He lays down the rules for restoring a sinning brother, when Peter poses his question.

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-19:1…..21 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.23 "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; 25 and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' 29 So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; 33 and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' 34 And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
Jesus uses this question by Peter as another teaching moment, a time to bring to our attention the proper Christian response to the matter of forgiveness. We often try to reason out the answers to many of life’s questions by ourselves. Peter’s question suggests that he feels that forgiving someone seven times is adequate indeed, since The Jewish rabbis at the time taught that forgiving someone more than three times was unnecessary. That does seem to be more than adequate, and probably would still be excessive in our day and time, in the matter of forgiving someone who has sinned against another. But to the Christian that is just not how it should be.

Q.1 It was a common practice of that day that people were to be forgiven at least three times, then Peter suggests forgiveness should be offered seven times. So what do you think?
Q.2 Jesus tells peter we should forgive 490 times, what does he mean by that?                            

                                                                                                                                          Pg.2
                                      Seventy times Seven ?

22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.23 "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; 25 and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

We read Jesus’ answer of seventy times seven, and we think it has a significance that perhaps we are missing. What is being overlooked?
Jesus then speaks a parable about a king who forgave an immense sum for one of his servants, citing that as a comparison to the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a natural occurrence by God for anyone who through his Son, our Lord Jesus will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, and because of Jesus, God has forgiven all, and the Kingdom of Heaven is ours.
  We  must understand that our debt in sin amounts to more than we could ever be forgiven. It is a debt which is beyond all measure. But only by the grace of God to ransom our debt of sin, did God give up his only begotten Son. If God has forgiven each of us our debt, which is very great, we, too must forgive others of the debt they owe us.

Q.1 What position is taken about forgiveness, from the worlds point of view?
Q.2 Forgive us our sins as we forgive……….?
Q.3 This concept is brought to us in the Lords Prayer, Why did Jesus give us that prayer?
Q.4 If God has forgiven us who are indebted so much, what are we to do about that?                    Q.5 Does one have to ask for forgiveness before it is given?                                                    

                                            Do we have a choice?

28 But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' 29 So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt.

Jesus teaches that one must forgive in order to be forgiven. If we do not forgive our fellow man we cannot expect God to forgive us.( James2:13).   Mercy is truly a gift and it is offered in such a way that justice is not negated.  Mercy follows justice and perfects it.  If we want mercy shown to us we must be ready to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Q.1 How does one condition themselves to forgive?
Q.2 How can you forgive someone who has caused you harm and has not asked to be forgiven?
Q.3 Does forgiving such a thing also include forgetting the matter as well?
Q.4 What does God say about forgiveness for his people? 




                                                                                                                                                     Pg.3
                                                   How did that work out?

31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; 33 and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' 34 And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus is presenting a new principle that is similar to the basis of the forgiveness command for believers found in Ephesians 4:32, Jesus is teaching His disciples that because God has forgiven us, we are to forgive each other. Therefore, because we have received much grace, (Romans 5:8), we are commanded to give that same grace to others. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the first servant's debt was forgiven, and he was not required to repay until his unforgiving nature was discovered. In contrast, our sin debt was paid in full by Christ and is the only basis for God's forgiveness. We cannot repay our debt to God or earn our salvation. It is a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

There are three things in this parable that offer insights as to how forgiveness works:
           
 1. It is the Man Jesus, who was tempted in every way,  who  has redeemed our souls with the payment of his own life.  That payment has removed the debt from us and our sin then is of no offense to God, and he will not remember it.
                                                                                                                                                2. One should choose not to aggravate our neighbor’s wronging us, lest it become a contentious affliction, and then must be brought, as an offense, before God for an accounting. Then God’s Judgment will prevail, and our payment will be an impossible debt which we cannot redeem.
                                                         
3. How justly will those be condemned, who, having been forgiven much, yet are not willing to forgive much in return, Having a forgiving attitude is a requirement  if one expects to be forgiven.
Jesus says this Parable is comparable to the Kingdom of Heaven wherein God is an all powerful king who rules justly, and He will settle all accounts with his servants. Even those debts that seemingly cannot be repaid. He offers free and complete forgiveness. And Should we present such a hardness of heart as to be an unforgiving merciless servant, It simply means that we have considered our debtors as less forgivable than we, and in the eyes of God, all who accept his forgiveness, must apply the same standard to their debtors.
The servants relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to the settlement as that is where forgiveness begins. It is through the relationship with Jesus that we learn, as the disciples did, how to conduct our lives so as to arrive in heaven before God, blameless, with Jesus as our Intercessor, the Redeemer of our debt.                                                                                                  Q.1 In what way does God’s forgiveness differ from the worlds forgiveness?                                    Q.2 How is it possible to go through life forgiving all who wrong us?


                                                                                                                                                   Pg.4


Scripture readings

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

     Heb 8:10-12  This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11  No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12  For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more
     Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind to one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Rom 5:8,  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Eph 2:8-9, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9  not by works, so that no one can boast.

Closing Prayer
Lord, you have been kind and forgiving towards us even though we are born sinners. May we be merciful as you are merciful, and free our souls from condemnation by being a forgiving Christian, free from all bitterness and resentment. May we be truly forgiving from the heart for all who have caused us injury or grief. Cleanse our hearts and put a right spirit within us. Now we ask that You be with those of our acquaintance who are suffering ill health and difficult times ___________We pray that you will offer those mentioned in our prayer, and those who we silently hold in our heart your strength and healing comfort. Be with us now as we leave to go our separate ways, and keep us safe from harm. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen















                                                                                                                                                        Pg.5
Meditation
Of course, the king of the parable is God. The ten thousand talent debt illustrates our debt of sin we owe him. We can never repay it. It is so enormous that it took the death of the Son of God to square the account (Romans 3:21-26). His great mercy was and is manifested in the forgiveness of our own enormous debt of sin (Titus 3:3-7). The Father Himself took the incredibly huge loss by giving His only Son to die on the cross so our debt to Him might be forgiven.

The one hundred denarii debt pictures the sins others have committed against us. They are significant but are as nothing compared to our debt to God. Forgiveness manifests compassion and mercy.  If we appreciate as we should how much the Lord has forgiven us, How much He sacrificed so He could forgive us, we will be longsuffering and forgiving toward those who wrong us. Asking for and receiving forgiveness from God obligates us to forgive our fellow servants. We cannot live under grace with God while we live under law with others.

Citizens of the kingdom of heaven are and must be merciful. Thus we must forgive those who sin against us in the same manner God forgives our sins against Him. God does not overlook our sins but calls us to repentance. We should not overlook a brother’s sins against us, for they are also sins against God and separate him from God. We should in love rebuke him, and if he repents forgive him.

If my Lord could pray, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" for those who crucified Him, if Stephen could cry, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60) for those who stoned him, I think I can forgive those who sin against me. If God has forgiven my unpayable debt, I can forgiven my brother’s much smaller bill. “With our Father we want mercy but with others we want justice. We can’t have it both ways.

The Parable of The Rich Fool rev

 In doing my research for this study I found a couple of interesting points about the matter of covetousness.
I found that there is an abundance of resources and information on the subject of this parable, and on the matter of hoarding, possessions, greed, false security, and covetousness. I asked myself this question. This is not an overly interesting subject (greed and covetousness) so why is there so much information available? Then the answer came to me almost immediately. It is because we know so much about the subject matter. We are taught it from birth, throughout our growing to maturity, and throughout school and college. Then in the secular world it is a primary focus. Get a good education, a good job which pays well, invest wisely make a lot of money, plan for your retirement, buy a home, a nice car or two or three, then another (retirement home) and then enjoy what you have acquired. Living large and victoriously, buy a motor home, travel in luxury and leisure. Some of the perks of doing so well. Then when the time is right, at the peak of your wealth, retire and you're set for life. Take a couple of cruises a year, and enjoy the good life until you pass. Then leave it to the kids. We are experts at it. there are complete industries built around it, The banking and financial industry, and the retirement and travel industry cannot function unless it's there. There are more than just those two but you get the point. We did not invent it, but we have perfected it. That is why there is so much information available about it. We exemplify it. We are a nation of Rich Fools. (self included) I want it all!                                                                                                                                                 Pg.1                                
                                              Opening Prayer
Father God, again we gather to study the teachings of Your Son our Lord Jesus. We pray that you will open our hearts and minds to your word, and help us to garner from this study those things that you would have us learn. We pray a blessing for those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we miss them and pray for their well being. Bless us now as we enter into this study. Amen
                                                     The Rich Fool
Scripture:  Luke 12:13-21;
13 One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me." 14 But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?" 15 And he said to them, "Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 16 And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; 17 and he thought to himself, `What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18 And he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' 20 But God said to him, `Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

                                   What do we really want to hear
13 One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me."
14 But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?" 15 And he said to them, "Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."                                          
Jesus has been speaking to the crowds when suddenly a man from the crowd asks Jesus to settle a dispute about an inheritance. Jesus refuses the request and instead replies with a question. Who made me a judge over you? Jesus had been preaching and teaching and his followers were deeply involved with learning, and here comes this man with an off the wall question. Has this man been preoccupied with business the whole time Jesus had been speaking? What has he been thinking? Probably how to get more than his share of the inheritance. In any case he wasn’t listening to Jesus’ teaching, He was concerned with self.
Then Jesus uses this mans request to  make another teaching moment with a parable about covetousness. Jesus did not want to presume to be a judge over this man, nor to rule either way in the matter. Jesus gets directly to the heart of the matter: Covetousness! Jesus warns this person, and all within earshot, that our lives are not to be about gathering wealth. Life is so much more than the “abundance of possessions.”  Are we aware of that?
Sometimes it does not seem that we are.

Q.1 We start this parable with a civil matter. Why did this man make such a request of Jesus?
Q.2 By what matter of reason do you feel that Jesus refused his request? Vs.14
Q.3 How do you suppose this man felt after Jesus spoke this parable?
Q.4 What is it that makes our minds wander off subject when the preacher is speaking?
Q.5 What meaning is conveyed to you by Jesus’ words in verse 15?




                                                                                                                                     Pg.2
                                        What do we really want to do
16 And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; 17 and he thought to himself, `What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18 And he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
What is the point of Jesus' story about a wealthy landowner and why does God call him a fool?   Jesus does not fault him for his industriousness, so what is he criticizing him for? His anxiety over his crops or his ego-centric selfishness.  His life was consumed with his possessions and his only interests were in himself. Here the rich man’s words to himself express his decision to continue on his present course of accumulating more resources without sharing them. His expectation is that his comfortable life, lived without thought of the suffering of others, will continue, only better organized, with a more secure future. His death was the final loss of his soul!  In this parable Jesus gives a lesson on using material possessions.  He gives a warning to beware of all covetousness.  Jesus restates the commandment, do not covet, but he also states that a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.  Posessions have a special connection to the heart. The thing we set our heart on is our highest priority, our treasure. The study of this parable will give us an overview of certain aspects of our world today.

Q.1 Jesus’ parable is a description of someone who has an abundance of harvest, more than he can use in a season so what would you do in this case?
Q.2 The man put some thought into it and decided to build a bigger barn and store the abundance for future use. What is it that makes that a bad plan?
Q.3 As a farmer, do we not want to do this type of thing? It is after all what Joseph did when he was put in charge of all Egypt by Pharaoh. Joseph stored all the excess grain of the seven years of plenty, holding it for a certain famine. What was the difference in what Joseph did with the country’s excess grain, than what this farmer did with his extra?
Q.4 What would have been the “right thing to do: for this farmer?
Q.5 When we have excess as a country, what happens? As a city, what happens? Did you hear about the 20,000 dollars in the Millington police headquarters, in safe keeping?
Q.6 That is not what happened in the farmers case, but what is similar about it?

                                   What will it take
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.''
When it comes to the things of this world more of them means less concern for the disposition of our soul. It behooves one to care for the spiritual things one possesses. Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
The things of this world do not make salvation a reality. With things, salvation is as a mirage, something one thinks is there but it is not. Coveting material possessions is the instinct of the natural man, It means we rest our worth in what we possess, not in who we are.

Q.1 Why is it that those who seem to have it all, will always want more?
Q.2 Wealth and possessions seem to give us the feeling of comfort and security. Why is that?


                                                                                                                                     Pg.3
                                         Who are we?
20 But God said to him, `Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Every parable has realistic features that draw us in, thinking it is just another innocent little story. The realistic portion of this parable is that a rich man in Jesus’ day would hoard his wealth while the poor around him were malnourished. This points to the social reality all around him, (and in our world today). The strange, unrealistic aspect here  is that God speaks to him directly. God informs him of the futility of the priorities he has chosen in life and on the exact timing of his demise. God does not make a practice of speaking to his children directly, but when he does, it is a momentous occasion. It is something very important to him which he wants us to know.  Does it make a difference in our priorities for living out the future days of our lives?
The parable... shows the pointlessness of greed. Possessions, even an abundance of possessions, cannot give us security; they can only give us an illusion of security. And that illusion can distract us from the true source of our security, God’s care for us. The folly of the rich farmer lay not in his having full barns, but in his believing that his full barns were all he needed.
We are children of God and as such we are to covet the things of God. Kindness and love, humility, and grace, trust and worthiness, righteousness and morality, goodness and charity. Those things which emanate from God, The Bible, Jesus our Savior, and our faith, not those things which emanate from the worlds attractions. Things such as greed, lust, jealousy, covetousness, immorality, envy and hate. The worlds things are unto death, Gods things are unto eternal life.  It is a promise of God.


Q.1 What Is there about hoarding that is so destructive in this parable?
Q.2 How is it that covetousness is so destructive in our present world?
Q.3 Why is it that the  good life is so destructive for this rich man?
Q.4 The Bible speaks to us about using our talents, and our resources in prudent ways.
       And on the face of it, this man has done that, So Why does God call this man a fool?


Closing prayer, "Lord, free us all from covetousness and from attachments to our possessions.  May we wholly and honestly desire Your Son Jesus as our priority, our treasure and portion.  Help us to make good use of the material blessings you give us that we may use them generously for your glory and for the good of others. Now we offer our prayer for those of our friends and loved ones who need your healing touch.______________ We pray that your tender loving mercies will give healing, comfort and peace to those we have named, and others of our acquaintance who need your healing touch. " Bless us now as we go our separate ways, in Jesus name we pray Amen.




                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                         Pg4
                                                                             Meditation
Understand!
1. Why do you think Jesus refused to judge the dispute between two brothers about their inheritance? What does the parable indicate about how God judges people like these brothers?
2. Jesus said, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). According to his parable, in what should our life consist?
3. The Old Testament describes a fool as one who lives as though God does not exist (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). In what ways did the rich man forget about God or act like he did not exist?
4. In concrete terms, what do you think it means to “store up treasures” for ourselves (Luke 12:21)? To be “rich toward God”?
5. According to Jesus’ words in Luke 12:22-34, which immediately follow this parable, we should trust in our heavenly Father to meet our material needs. How does his teaching build on the message of the parable?
Grow!
1. What forms of greed do you recognize in your life? Desire to acquire things for their own sake? Selfish attachment to your possessions? Hoarding? How can you guard against such attitudes and practices?
2. If you find yourself at times basing your security on material goods, income, or achievements, why do you think this is the case? What would help you trust less in worldly things and more in God?
3. In what ways does a preoccupation with satisfying our material needs keep us from serving God and his people? What might help you increase your focus on the values of God’s kingdom and on eternal life?
4. Make a list of the qualities you think are necessary to be a good and prudent steward of God’s gifts. Which of those qualities would you like to grow in?
5. What have you learned about God and what is important to him from this parable? About yourself and what is important to you?
Reflect!
1. Still yourself and quietly meditate a while on the inevitability of your death. In this light, are there any ways that you should change how you relate to status, possessions, and material goods?
2. Reflect on the following passages to deepen your insight into the parable you have just studied:
[Job] said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)

All day long the wicked covet,  but the righteous give and do not hold back. (Proverbs 21:26)
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). (Colossians 3:2-5)

There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Act!
Simplify your life! Are you “storing up” things unnecessarily? Take some time this week to begin to sort through your clothing, household goods, and other possessions. Donate what you don’t need or aren’t making use of to a charitable organization so that others will be able to benefit from these items.

The Parable of The Rich Fool

                                                                                                                                                  Pg.1                                
                                                              Opening Prayer
Father God, again we gather to study the teachings of Your Son our Lord Jesus. We pray that you will open our hearts and minds to your word, and help us to garner from this study those things that you would have us learn. We pray a blessing for those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we miss them and pray for their well being. Bless us now as we enter into this study. Amen

In doing my research for this study I found a couple of interesting points about the matter of covetousness.
I found that there is an abundance of resources and information on the subject of this parable, and on the matter of hoarding, possessions, greed, false security, and covetousness. I asked myself this question. This is not an overly interesting subject (greed and covetousness) so why is there so much information available? Then the answer came to me almost immediately. It is because we know so much about the subject matter. We are taught it from birth, throughout our growing to maturity, and throughout school and college. Then in the secular world it is a primary focus. Get a good education, a good job which pays well, invest wisely make a lot of money, plan for your retirement, buy a home, a nice car or two or three, then another (retirement home) and then enjoy what you have acquired. Living large and victoriously, buy a motor home, travel in luxury and leisure. Some of the perks of doing so well. Then when the time is right, at the peak of your wealth, retire and you're set for life. Take a couple of cruises a year, and enjoy the good life until you pass. Then leave it to the kids. We are experts at it. there are complete industries built around it, The banking and financial industry, and the retirement and travel industry cannot function unless it's there. There are more than just those two but you get the point. We did not invent it, but we have perfected it. That is why there is so much information available about it. We exemplify it. We are a nation of Rich Fools. (self included) I want it all!
                                                      The Parable of The Rich Fool
Scripture:  Luke 12:13-21;
13 One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me." 14 But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?" 15 And he said to them, "Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 16 And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; 17 and he thought to himself, `What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18 And he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' 20 But God said to him, `Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

                                   What do we really want to hear
13 One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me."
14 But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?" 15 And he said to them, "Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."                                          
Jesus has been speaking to the crowds when suddenly a man from the crowd asks Jesus to settle a dispute about an inheritance. Jesus refuses the request and instead replies with a question. Who made me a judge over you? Jesus had been preaching and teaching and his followers were deeply involved with learning, and here comes this man with an off the wall question. Has this man been preoccupied with business the whole time Jesus had been speaking?
Then Jesus uses this mans request to  make another teaching moment with a parable about covetousness. Jesus did not want to presume to be a judge over this man, nor to rule either way in the matter. Jesus gets directly to the heart of the matter: Covetousness! Jesus warns this person, and all within earshot, that our lives are not to be about gathering wealth. Life is so much more than the “abundance of possessions.”

Q.1 We start this parable with a man wanting a ruling on a civil matter. Why did this man make such a request of Jesus? Vs 13
Q.2 By what matter of reason do you feel that Jesus refused his request? Vs.14
Q.3 How do you suppose this man felt after Jesus spoke this parable?
Q.4 Are there times when sitting in church listening to the preacher, your mind wanders?
      Why does that happen?
Q.5 How do you feel about God’s word as a tool to be used to settle civil disputes?
Q.6 Jesus said, “A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."                                          
       What meaning is conveyed to you by that phrase?


                                                                                                                                     Pg.2
                                        What do we really want to do
16 And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; 17 and he thought to himself, `What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18 And he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
What is the point of Jesus' story about a wealthy landowner and why does God call him a fool?   Jesus does not fault him for his industriousness, but for his ego-centric selfishness.  His life was consumed with his possessions and his only interests were in himself. Here the rich man’s words to himself express his decision to continue on his present course of accumulating more resources without sharing them. His expectation is that his comfortable life, lived without thought of the suffering of others, will continue, only better organized, with a more secure future. His death was the final loss of his soul!  In this parable Jesus gives a lesson on using material possessions.  He gives a warning to beware of all covetousness.  Jesus restates the commandment, do not covet, but he also states that a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.  Posessions have a special connection to the heart. The thing we set our heart on is our highest treasure. The study of this parable will give us an overview of certain aspects of our world today.

Q.1 Jesus’ parable is a description of someone who has an abundance of harvest, more than he can use in a season so what would you do in this case?
Q.2 The man put some thought into it and decided to build a bigger barn and store the abundance for future use. What is it that makes that a bad plan?
Q.3 As a farmer, do we not want to do this type of thing? It is after all what Joseph did when he was put in charge of all Egypt by Pharaoh. Joseph stored all the excess grain of the seven years of plenty, holding it for a certain famine. What was the difference in what Joseph did with the country’s excess grain, than what this farmer did with his extra?
Q.4 What would have been the “right thing to do: for this farmer?
Q.5 When we have excess as a country, what happens? As a city, what happens? Did you hear about the 20,000 dollars in the Millington police headquarters, in safe keeping?
Q.6 That is not what happened in the farmers case, but what is similar about it?

                                   What will it take
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.''
So it is with mankind today, we seek to have more and more,  and build bigger and better stuff, we anticipate and hoard, we spend and go into debt. When it comes to the things of this world more of them means less concern for the disposition of our soul. It behooves one to care for the spiritual things one possesses. Ones faith, righteousness, humility, spiritual gifts, and ones salvation over and above ones material possessions.
The things of this world do not make salvation a reality. With things, salvation is as a mirage, something one thinks is there but it is not. Coveting material possessions is the instinct of the natural man, It means we rest our worth in what we possess, not in who we are.

Q.1 Why is it that those who seem to have it all, will always want more?
Q.2 Wealth and possessions seem to give us the feeling of comfort and security. Why is that?


                                                                                                                                     Pg.3
                                         Who are we?
20 But God said to him, `Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Every parable has realistic features that draw us in, thinking it is just another innocent little story. The realistic portion of this parable is that a rich man in Jesus’ day would hoard his wealth while the poor around him were malnourished. This points to the social reality all around him, (and in our world today). Every parable has at least one unrealistic feature, something that would not happen in the daily course of life. The strange, unrealistic aspect here  is that God speaks to him directly. God informs him of the futility of the priorities he has chosen in life and on the exact timing of his demise. While none of us gets the timing memo, we have the futility information. Does it make a difference in our priorities for living out the future days of our lives?
The parable... shows the pointlessness of greed. Possessions, even an abundance of possessions, cannot give us security; they can only give us an illusion of security. And that illusion can distract us from the true source of our security, God’s care for us. The folly of the rich farmer lay not in his having full barns, but in his believing that his full barns were all he needed.
We are children of God and as such we are to covet the things of God. Kindness and love, humility, and grace, trust and worthiness, righteousness and morality, goodness and charity. Those things which emanate from God, The Bible, Jesus our Savior, and our faith, not those things which emanate from the worlds attractions. Things such as greed, lust, jealousy, covetousness, immorality, envy and hate. The worlds things are unto death, Gods things are unto eternal life.  It is a promise of God.


Q.1 What Is there about hoarding that is so destructive in this parable?
Q.2 How is it that covetousness is so destructive in our present world?
Q.3 Why is it that the  good life is so destructive for this rich man?
Q.4 The Bible speaks to us about using our talents, and our resources in prudent ways.
       And on the face of it, this man has done that, So Why does God call this man a fool?


Closing prayer, "Lord, free us all from covetousness and from attachments to our possessions.  May we wholly and honestly desire Your Son Jesus as our priority, our treasure and portion.  Help us to make good use of the material blessings you give us that we may use them generously for your glory and for the good of others. Now we offer our prayer for those of our friends and loved ones who need your healing touch.______________ We pray that your tender loving mercies will give healing, comfort and peace to those we have named, and others of our acquaintance who need your healing touch. " Bless us now as we go our separate ways, in Jesus name we pray Amen.




                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                         Pg4
                                                                             Meditation
Understand!
1. Why do you think Jesus refused to judge the dispute between two brothers about their inheritance? What does the parable indicate about how God judges people like these brothers?
2. Jesus said, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). According to his parable, in what should our life consist?
3. The Old Testament describes a fool as one who lives as though God does not exist (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). In what ways did the rich man forget about God or act like he did not exist?
4. In concrete terms, what do you think it means to “store up treasures” for ourselves (Luke 12:21)? To be “rich toward God”?
5. According to Jesus’ words in Luke 12:22-34, which immediately follow this parable, we should trust in our heavenly Father to meet our material needs. How does his teaching build on the message of the parable?
Grow!
1. What forms of greed do you recognize in your life? Desire to acquire things for their own sake? Selfish attachment to your possessions? Hoarding? How can you guard against such attitudes and practices?
2. If you find yourself at times basing your security on material goods, income, or achievements, why do you think this is the case? What would help you trust less in worldly things and more in God?
3. In what ways does a preoccupation with satisfying our material needs keep us from serving God and his people? What might help you increase your focus on the values of God’s kingdom and on eternal life?
4. Make a list of the qualities you think are necessary to be a good and prudent steward of God’s gifts. Which of those qualities would you like to grow in?
5. What have you learned about God and what is important to him from this parable? About yourself and what is important to you?
Reflect!
1. Still yourself and quietly meditate a while on the inevitability of your death. In this light, are there any ways that you should change how you relate to status, possessions, and material goods?
2. Reflect on the following passages to deepen your insight into the parable you have just studied:
[Job] said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)

All day long the wicked covet,  but the righteous give and do not hold back. (Proverbs 21:26)
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). (Colossians 3:2-5)

There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Act!
Simplify your life! Are you “storing up” things unnecessarily? Take some time this week to begin to sort through your clothing, household goods, and other possessions. Donate what you don’t need or aren’t making use of to a charitable organization so that others will be able to benefit from these items.

The Parable of The Seat of Honor

                                                                                                                                                           Pg.1
                                                The Parable of the seat of Honor                            
Opening Prayer
Father God, again we gather to study the teachings of Your Son our Lord Jesus. We pray that you will open our hearts and minds to your word, and help us to garner from this study these things that you would have us learn. We pray a blessing for those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we miss them and pray for their well being. Bless us now as we enter into this study. Amen

                                                        The scripture reading
Luk 14:7  Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8  "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9  and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10  But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." 12  He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid.13  But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,  14  and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." 15  When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!"
        In these verses we see the historical development of the plan of salvation. (1) Prophetic announcement represented by the first invitation. (2) Second The assumption that one is chosen over another, when all are equally called. (3) Then as Christ explains, the extension of the invitation to the hitherto uninvited lesser guests, the Gentiles.
       Humility is a grace within the reach of every true Christian. Not everyone has the resources, time or opportunities for working directly for Christ. We don’t all have gifts of speech and knowledge for preaching and teaching. But everyone can demonstrate his commitment to Christ by his humility. What gifts we have surely must include humility.

Q.1 What reason is given as to why Jesus spoke this parable?
Q,2 What does Jesus mean by saying we should not exalt ourselves?
Q.3 How is that done in our world today
Q.4 What in your opinion makes humility different from our other gifts of the Spirit?

                                   How is one tempted?
Luke 14:7  Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,8"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9  and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.




                                                                                                                                             Pg.2


Jesus has noticed one obvious trait that seems to go along with the self righteous Pharisees who are driven more by their social status and the details of the law than by their grace and humility. They were each one seeking the place of honor. This was simply responding to a need that all of us have for recognition and the feeling of self worth. Those are natural instincts, and are just two of the several Spiritual Gifts that God gives to us
But there are drawbacks to allowing these instincts to direct our lives, our daily routines, our social behavior, even our worship. Jesus considered these guests to be among those who were seeking recognition, more for self gratification and the selfish desire to appear important among their peers. Our world is filled with many who are like that, and Jesus saw that in these Pharisees. This parable tells us that we are to be humble in our place among our peers.

Q.1 Why is humility so important to a Christian? Can we not be self motivators, self made, proud and successful, and still enter our salvation?
Q.2 How is it that we can come to the end of our days, thinking that we can be anything other than who we really are? Are there those who think otherwise?
Q.3 What, if any, of your actions today relate to how you wish to be remembered?
Q.4 What is the thing that drives one to want success, fame and fortune?
Q.5 During Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan in 3 ways, What were those temptations? Read Matthew 4:3-10
Q.6 And for what purpose did Satan offer these temptations to Jesus?

                                         The proper attitude                                  
       10. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

      It is quite useless to attempt to be humble with one of our peer group unless in our heart we are really humble with God. So if you are humble, and allow that you speak charitably to all those within your sphere of influence, there is the chance that you will attain a place of greater influence by having a Christian influence with your humility
Sympathy is power, but there is no sympathy where there is self. Self must step back and give way to a more humble and sympathetic view. There are times in our day to day living where we take issue with certain things or events, where our actions prove to be abrasive rather than diffusive, Where discretion would have been better served had we remained silent, and humbled ourselves. Everyone has experienced such times, we should learn from our mistakes and let humility guide our actions, words, and deeds

Q.1 What are the instances in your day to day living that sometimes try your humility?
Q.2 What is there about being humble that does not sit well with some people?
Q.3 Are there times in your life, when you are more humble? when might that be?




                                                                                                                                                        Pg.3
                                                   
                                                          Be Charitable
12 He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid.13  But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,  14  and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

Jesus is telling us that we are not to be so exclusive as to overlook some who might be more appreciative of such things, The question is one not at all of social fellowship, but one of graciousness  and of the objects to which our charity should be devoted. When you would lavish time and resources, says Christ, let the lavishing be not for your own personal gratification, but for the blessing of others.
But the admonition of the text reaches beyond social gatherings, it applies generally to the habit of laying out freely, profusely, and graciously, in order to comfort, profit, or draw attention to ourselves, and exhorts us instead to confine such laying out to generous and benevolent projects—to the work of giving pleasure, of rendering service, of communicating good, which is the very principle and Spirit of Him who, when He poured out His soul unto death, did it to bring us to God.

Q.1 What should be a Christians approach to social gatherings?
Q.2 What are some of the worthy causes that we can support as a social group?
Q.3 Do you feel that some of our social events compare to what Jesus is telling his host?

                                      Who is entitled?
15 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God”.

We do not know how Jesus felt about this man, he did not say about him one way or the other. We can presume him to be a Pharisee, or just another guest, and either way his words are true, and it is to be desired that we are blessed enough to “eat bread in the Kingdom of God”.
If this man was truthful and humble then surely he will be thought to be included in his statement, and would be invited to “eat bread in the Kingdom of God”.
If however this man was presuming that because of his birth or that he was Jewish, or a Pharisee, and deserved to be one who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God. It then could be said of him that he was making a presumption that he was entitled, and felt that he deserved it by his birthright or because of his social status, or his rank as a Pharisee. Jesus answers him with another parable, about wedding guests who were not included.

Q.1 What are some suppositions one might make about being Christian?
Q.2 What are some circumstances where ones worthiness might come into question?
Q.3 What does humility mean to you in reference to this study.
Q.4 What does the word “entitlement” mean to you?
Q.5 Jesus words were spoken to those at the feast for their benefit. What are his words to us from this parable?

                                   

                                                                                                                                                      Pg.4
Scripture Verses
Matthew 4:3-10  The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4  Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 5  Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.
Mat 4:6  "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 7  Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 8  Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9  "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10  Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

                                                               Meditation
Who wants to be last?  Isn't it only natural to desire respect and esteem from others?  Jesus' parable of the guests invited to the marriage feast probes our motives for seeking honor and position.  Self-promotion is most often achieved at the expense of others!  Jesus' parable reinforces the teaching of Proverbs: Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great; for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of the prince (Prov. 25:6-7).  
What is true humility and why should we make it a characteristic mark of our life and action?  True humility is not feeling bad about yourself, or having a low opinion of yourself, or thinking of yourself as inferior to others. True humility frees us from preoccupation with ourselves, whereas a low self-opinion tends to focus our attention on ourselves.  Humility is truth in self-understanding and truth in action. Viewing ourselves truthfully, with sober judgment. It means seeing ourselves the way God sees us (Psalm 139:1- 4). A humble person makes a realistic assessment of himself without illusion or pretense to be something they are not.  One regards oneself neither smaller nor larger than they truly are. True humility frees us to be ourselves and to avoid despair and pride.  A humble person does not have to wear a mask or put on a facade in order to look good to others who do not know who they really are.  They are not swayed by accidentals, such as fame, reputation, success, or failure.
Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues because it enables us to see and judge correctly. Humility leads to knowledge, honesty, realism, strength, and dedication to give ourselves to something greater than ourselves.  Humility frees us to love and serve others selflessly, for their sake, rather than our own.  Paul the Apostles, gives us the  greatest example and model of humility is the person of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, ...who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross (Phil. 2:7-8).   The Lord gives grace to those who seek him humbly.  Do you want to be a servant as Jesus served?

Closing prayer, "Lord Jesus, you became a servant for our sake to set us free from selfishness, fear, and conceit.  Help us to be humble as you are humble and to love freely and graciously all whom you call to serve. Be with those of our friends and loved ones who need your healing touch.______________ We pray that your tender loving mercies will give healing, comfort and peace to those we have named, and others of our acquaintance who need your healing touch. " Bless us now as we go our separate ways, in Jesus name we pray Amen.