During this fourth week of our series, we will continue our study of Jesus' parables by discussing the importance of loving one another. I know that might sound wild and crazy to some of you, but let's see what Jesus has to say about this.
Before we begin our study, let's pray together: God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen.
Jesus was once asked which commandment was the greatest of them all. He answered that to honor God was the first commandment and to honor one's neighbor as himself was second. "There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:29-31). His disbeliever replied that to love a neighbor was "more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." To this assertion the Lord responded, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."
Our own human reasoning tells us that "no man is an island to himself," but that phrase is supported by Bible teaching. Paul told the Romans that "none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself" (Romans 14:7). It's impossible for a servant of God to isolate himself and live free from the influence of others.
For example, efforts to isolate the pious in monasteries and abbeys are ill-fated and ill-conceived, creating the impression of wisdom in self-imposed religion (Colossians 2:23), but in clear opposition to the mission of Christians in the world.
Possibly the greatest and most concise doctrine ever spoken concerning others is given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus taught everyone the "golden rule": "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
Even so, this golden rule is taught frequently, and strongly taught to our children, yet largely ignored by adults. If the golden rule was applied universally, there would be no slander, or gossip; no murder, theft, or violence. Oh, yes...think about how much more peaceful many congregations would be if this rule were only observed more often. Amen!
Referring to others, we can categorize them in different ways. Others might include: relatives (parents, children, etc.), classmates, co-workers, neighbors, fellow Christians, and even strangers. Our goal toward every one of them should be their uplifting. "Therefore putting away lying," 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another," (Ephesians 4:25) Paul wrote. He continues, "let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Ephesians 4:30).
Our goal, towards all those who are outside of the body of Christ, should be to influence them regarding the blessings we have found in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). We sing that we are the world's only Bible, sometimes the only reflection of Jehovah that many will ever witness. We should bring forth the fruits of the Spirit of righteousness (Galatians 5:22-25). and leave the works of the flesh to the fleshly. To this end, Jesus uttered the following parables.
In Matthew 5:13; Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 4:21-22; Luke 8:16-17, Christ touches on the subject of Christian influence. That is, our responsibility to walk in the light as He is in the light, and shine grace into the deepest, darkest, dreariest chambers of worldly misery and desperation.
Next, in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20-21, Jesus brings to mind that just a small amount of leaven can leaven a entire lump of dough. Thus, the effect for good is quiet and gradual, but marvelous!
Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7, presents Jesus calling attention to the value of one soul, and how it makes everything else pale in comparison. He would do anything to rescue one cherished soul, and we should hold in equally high regard, the fate's of others, as well.
Lastly, the most widely known of the parables is that of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. Here, Jesus answers the question about who is one's neighbor. Everyone is our neighbor and deserves both, our concern, and Christianity.
Questions:
1. Besides loving God, what must we do to come close to the kingdom of Christ?
2. Why would monasteries and abbeys hinder, or obstruct the cause of Christ?
3. How is the golden rule usually delivered, or recited? What should it eliminate among men?
4. What should our goal be toward all others?
5. Why did Jesus call his disciples the "salt of the the earth?"
6. What is the seasoning value of a Christian who doesn't display the fruits of godliness?
7. To what end should Christians allow others to witness their good works?
8. How can this be reconciled, or settled with the command given in Matthew 6:1-4?
9. What does leaven cause a lump of dough to do? How should a Christian leaven the world around him?
10. When a shepherd leaves 99 sheep in relative safety in order to search for one lost sheep. what does that prove about that specific sheep?
11. What happens when one precious soul is brought home to his Chief Shepherd, Jesus?
12. According to Psalm 23, what can we "sheep" expect in His fold?
13. What question invokes the Parable of the Good Samaritan and others in this study (Galatians 6:10)?
Until next time...
May your week be blessed!
Bibi
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