During this particular study series, we have been discussing the parables of Jesus. He used parables as part of his teaching lessons. These parables contain powerful messages that are just beneath the surface of the story; which in turn motivate us to dig deeper, and learn how to better walk with Christ, Our Lord.
We are now at Week Eleven of our series. During this study, we will discuss how sin, and the condemnation that it brings, separates us from having the kind of relationship that we should enjoy with Our Heavenly Father.
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.
Let's talk about two very closely related ideas: preparation and separation. But here's the deal. If the former is not achieved, then the latter will be assured.
As we begin, keep this thought in mind. It's sin that separates or keeps us from communion with God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Thus, if communion, or fellowship is the connection between God and man, then sin is the short circuit that breaks this connection; and the blood of Jesus is the grace that reconnects us to Him (Ephesians 2:16-17).
The broken circuit of sin is restored exclusively by the grace of God, and our readiness to receive and obey the gospel message. For only by grace through faith are we capable of being reconciled to God, as our transgressions are not pinned on us (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Barring the offering of Jesus and his resurrection, the circuit cannot be reconnected (1 Corinthians 15:17). The short in the circuit simply can't be fixed apart from the grace of God and a working faith (Galatians 5:4).
Without a doubt, death culminates from sin in our lives. You see, death is the ultimate separator. It severs forever the living from their loved ones, which in turn causes terrific anguish. More importantly, physical death disconnects the infinite spirit from the finite body (James 2:26). Yes, our bodies return to dust, but our spirit endures the transformation and must answer for our actions in this life (2 Corinthians 5:10).
God promises to make only one distinction in the day of judgement. He will decide between those justified, and those who are unjustified. And, we all know how that will end. The corrupt will be punished for eternity; and the good rewarded with eternal rest. This is described by the apostle Paul as eternal separation from God in 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
In the following parables, the Lord teaches his followers to be mindful that eternal separation is condemnation. In the parable of the tares, Jesus illustrates a farmer whose enemy sowed weeds throughout his wheat field (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43). He explains the parable himself, pointing out that good and evil must be permitted to grow accordingly in the world; while he will separate them in the end.
In Matthew 13:47-50, the parable of the dragnet, Jesus tells us that as the seeker of good pearls and treasure, similarly the man casting the net into the sea is searching for items of inherent value. Christ compares him to end time events, when divine and final judgement will separate the wheat from the chaff.
Lastly, in Matthew 22:1-14, the parable of the wedding feast, he relates the gospel invitation to a wedding feast, God invites the logical attendees (the Jews), who turn down the request and proceed to murder the messengers. God then sends the same invitation to the less obvious choice (the Gentiles), who then fill the hall to capacity. Even so, one attendee manages to disguise himself as a Christian, although he isn't. This false follower is then tossed outside among those who had declined His invitation (Matthew 22:14).
If you learn one thing from this study, you should understand that the pain of being separated from our loved ones (at death) is nothing compared to the horrible possibility of eternal separation from God. Surely, we should be aware that every time we stumble in sin we are given a tiny taste of what Hell is. And, when it's all said and done, Hell is eternal separation from the God who loved us so much that He came to die for us.
Questions:
1. What is it that first separates a man from his God? What does Isaiah say is an additional result of falling into this state?
2. What does Ephesians 2 argue is the result of Jesus' death for the faithful?
3. What does James call the body without the spirit?
4. Does the Bible really teach that some people will be punished in the day of judgement?
5. What corresponds to the farmer's field ( the world or the church?)
6. Who are the wheat? Who are the tares? Who is the enemy?
7. What will happen at the harvest?
8. What bearing does this passage have on church discipline (cf. question #5 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-10).
9. How does the parable of the dragnet compare to Jesus' message in Matthew 7:21-23?
10. How does Jesus describe the furnace where the wicked will be cast?
11. Who is represented by the king and the son?
12. Who are represented by the likely attendees, invited first? Why?
13. How did they respond?
14. Who corresponds to the second group of guests?
15. What type of Christian is depicted in the man without a wedding garment?
Until next time...
May your week be blessed!
Bibi
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