Message Notes

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL 21 June 2020

Title: The Parables of the Lord Jesus

GOALS OF OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL

1. To understand the Scriptures

2. To learn more about God

3. To find genuine faith

4. To deepen our faith

THE CHALLENGE TO UNDERSTAND THE PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM

1. The Parables contain deep truths
2. They are vital for comprehension about the kingdom of heaven
3. But there are Challenges that we must take note of!

A QUESTION RAISED BY THE DISCIPLES

“Why do You speak to them in parables?” Matthew 13:10

THE ANSWER TO THIS IMPORTANT QUESTION

Matthew 13:11-17

1. To the Disciples of Jesus

a) Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.                                                                           Matthew 13:11a

b) For whoever has, to him more will be given.                    Matthew 13:12a

c)  And he will have abundance.                                               Matthew 13:12b

d) But blessed are your eyes for they see.                               Matthew 13:16a

e) And your ears for they hear.                                                 Matthew 13:16b

f) The prophets and the righteous people of old                   Matthew 13:17a

i) They desired to see what you see, and did not see it        Matthew 13:17b

ii) And to hear what you hear, and did not hear it                Matthew 13:17c

2. To the Multitudes (Matthew 13:2)

a) To them it has not been given                                              Matthew 13:11b

b) Therefore, I speak to them in parables                              Matthew 13:13a

c) Because seeing they do not see                                            Matthew 13:13b

d) And hearing they do not hear                                             Matthew 13:13c

e) Nor do they understand                                                       Matthew 13:13d

3. The prophecy of Isaiah

“And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says,

a) Hearing you will hear and shall not understand            Matthew 13:14b

b) And seeing you will see and not perceive                        Matthew 13:14c

c) For the hearts of this people have grown dull                Matthew 13:15a

d) Their ears are hard of hearing                                           Matthew 13:15b

e) And their eyes they have closed                                         Matthew 13:15c

4. The punitive aspect

a) Lest they should see with their eyes
And hear with their ears.                                                                   Matthew 13:15d

b) Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn.      Matthew 13:15e

c) So that I should heal them                                                            Matthew 13:15f

THE APPLICATION I

1. Is this only a reference to the original Disciples?
   No!

   Thank God!

2. It is not the term “Disciples” that bring the blessings

3. How then do blessings come about?

4. Vital Truths to comprehend and to apply

a) Being responsible in hearing

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”                              Matthew 13:9

“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”                           Mark 4:23

b) IF: The wisdom of Proverbs                                               Proverbs 2:1-4

i) IF you receive my words

ii) And treasure my commands within you

iii) So that you incline your ear to wisdom

iv) And apply your heart to understanding

v) Yes, IF you cry out for discernment

vi) And lift up your voice for understanding

vii) IF you seek her as silver

viii) And search for her as for hidden treasures         Proverbs 2:1-4

c) THEN: The response from the Lord

i) You will understand the fear of the LORD

ii) And find the knowledge of God                                Proverbs 2:5

THE APPLICATION II

1. The Multitude

2. Characteristics:

a) General and vague interest

b) Following from afar

c) Following for self-interest

3. Dangers highlighted:
   

a) Heart
Dull-hearted                                                                            Matthew 13:15

b) Ears
Hard of hearing                                                                      Matthew 13:15

c) Eyes
They have closed                                                                   Matthew 13:15

4. Results

a) No understanding                                                            Matthew 13:14

b) No perception                                                                   Matthew 13:14

c) No turning to God                                                            Matthew 13:15

d) No healing                                                                         Matthew 13:15