Parables of Jesus – Building the Correct Foundation
Today, we are going to start a month with the Parables of Jesus.
Now we may know all the parables of Jesus already. Well… even my Lower Primary children knows quite a number of them. But the Parables of Jesus are not meant to be just entertaining stories. Neither are they meant to be just thought provoking stories where we can perhaps draw a lesson or two from.
So why did Jesus speak in Parables?
I am not going to a long discourse as to why for Jesus Himself gave the answer when His disciples asked Him in Matt 13:10-17. Read it and see for yourself.
But I will just simply summarise and say this:
Jesus knew that the truth is not everyone’s cup of tea. Some have neither interest nor regard to the deep things of God. But there are those who have a genuine hunger for God. The parables become an effective and memorable way for Jesus to implant truths into the lives of people.
Parables contain great volumes of truth in very few words—and His parables, rich in imagery, are not easily forgotten.
Simply put – parables are a blessing to those with willing ears. But to those with dull hearts and ears that are slow to hear, parables become an instrument of both judgment and mercy.
May our ears be open to hearing this month!
Bible Passage: Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49
We start of this month with a familiar parable – the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builder.
Both Matthew and Luke gave an account of this parable and as I was jogging (ok… I was brisk walking) along the beach last night, I am reminded of the setting of this parable.
On What Foundation Do We Build?
The Sea of Galilee. A setting where Jesus often preached.
One interesting fact about this ‘sea’ was that the sand around the lake tends to be rock hard during the hot summer months. And it would be strong enough for a house to be built upon it. But the wise builder would dig down, as far as ten feet below the surface sand to the bedrock, knowing that this was the only way to erect a foundation that is able to withstand the winter flooring.
The listener’s of the parable would have readily understood the parable’s surface meaning. But were they willing to reject the seemingly secure but shallow, shifting sands of their religious leaders? Would they abandon their comfort zone in following their religious leaders and truly dig deep to the core of the truth and be secure in it?
One of the dangers very evident today, even within our church, is the cult of the personality. There is a very clear and present danger in putting our trust and faith in the teachings of men and not that of Jesus. On the surface, these teachings may seem safe and secure … and even sounds as if they come from God.
But if we do not dig deeper ourselves right down to the Chief Cornerstone and build the foundation upon it, when the storms and winds come, we may find that what we thought was real and true will be swept away with the mud and waters.
Paul puts it very aptly in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15….
9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
We must take heed on how we build. What is the foundation of our belief? Is it man’s teachings? Or is it the Words of our Lord Jesus? We must be very sure now… otherwise when tested, we would be found wanting and even burned!
On Whose Authority Do We Follow?
Jesus asked a very pertinent question: “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? ” (Lk 6:46)
Any disciple who respects Jesus is obligated to do what He says. Otherwise, how could His disciples call Him Lord?
The picture painted in Luke is quite similar to what is described in Ezekiel 13:10-16. Nobody could dispute the foolishness of building a house without a foundation. But some approach life with just this very approach.
Our loyalty as disciples comes down to responding to Jesus in terms of what we do or say.
Simply calling Jesus “Lord” holds little weight unless we live in obedience to Him as Lord. If we obey Him, we will be able to stand up to the harsh realities of life in a fallen world. By contrast, if we ignore His teaching, we are setting up ourselves for tragic loss. As sad as it would be to lose our homes in a flood, it would be infinitely sadder if our lives were swept away because we have failed to live God’s way.
What is God’s way?
I am sure you know.
But sometimes we forget. Because we do not read and study for ourselves. We do not pray for the Holy Spirit to guide.
We simply just listen to man.
Our judgments and discernment are based on emotions and relationships.
The Lord is forgotten in the midst of us trying to justify our stand.
On whose authority do you follow?
I know I want to follow the Lord Jesus … always.
And for me to do that… I need to study the Bible, really pray and open my ears to the Lord.
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” ~ Matt 10:43c
Join me this month?