“From Adulation to Betrayal ~ Timeline of 35 Parables” Introduction
Introduction
Why did Jesus speak to the people in parables? You may be surprised at His answer ~ I was. The answer may not be what you have thought it to be and it may not be what you have been told before. It is true that a commonly held definition of Biblical parables has been: “An earthly story having a heavenly meaning.” But the idea that Jesus used earthly metaphors to enable His listeners to understand what He was getting at ~ well, that is not what He said! The twelve disciples asked the same “why?” question and we can read about it in Matthew’s account of the life of Jesus. Let’s go to Matthew chapter 13 which, by the way, contains the record of seven parables and begins with The Parable of the Sower.
Verse ten reads, “The disciples came to Him and asked, ‘Why do you speak to the people in parables?’” Jesus responds to their puzzled minds by quoting from Isaiah 6:9 & 10. You can read this dialogue also in Mark 4:11 and in Luke 8:9. Here is Mark’s account:
“The secret of the Kingdom of God has been to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ “.
I ask myself, were the parables a type of “audience filter” employed by our Lord? The backdrop for this exchange was while Jesus was sitting in a boat teaching from the boat because the crowds were so large that they filled the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. We will learn as we go along in this study that the crowds followed Him for different reasons and not all motives were noble. Jesus addresses this fact minutes later when he delivers The Parable of the Weeds. But I will save that for a later chapter.
Finally, in making this point, let us look at Matthew 13:34 & 35:
“Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.’ ”
Jesus’ use of parables fulfilled the ancient prophetic prediction of Asaph drawn from Psalm 78:2.
Timeline Sections
The public ministry of Jesus spanned a period of approximately 3 1/2 years. From Adulation to Betrayal ~ Timeline of 35 Parables is divided into five sections corresponding to five distinct time portions of His public ministry and I have listed the number of prominent parables declared by Jesus during each division:
1) First Year ~ Inauguration – no parables
2) Second Year ~ Popularity – twelve parables
3) Third Year ~ Opposition – four parables
4) The Final Months ~ Unfolding Strategy - eleven parables
5) The Final week ~ Omega Point - eight parables
Luke’s account of the life of Jesus records the largest number of parables ~ twenty-one in all. Matthew records sixteen and Mark selects only four. John’s Gospel account includes only two ~ The Parable of the Good Shepherd and The Parable of the True Vine. A handful of the parables are recorded in two or more of the Gospel accounts.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John had their own ethnic, educational, geographical, and vocational backgrounds. Matthew and John were among the twelve disciples and eye witnesses of the life of Jesus. Each writer had a particular target audience they writing to. Each was captivated by a perception of the Teacher that influenced their writings. Those impressions were articulated through their choice of words and descriptions of events. Each found “their voice.” Rather than disturbing my trust in the inerrancy of the scriptures, these four distinctive, but unified, approaches fascinate me. As I study personal background details about Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John I grasp more of their intentions in disseminating the Savior’s message.
Generally, a “brief and amazing” chapter has been dedicated to each of the thirty-five parables. There are two exceptions: 1) the volley of four single-verse parables declared in Matthew 13:31-45; 2) the trilogy of “the lost…” parables in Luke 15:8-32. In my opinion, each parable has a primary theme, and many have a secondary theme also. As the writer, I employ and enjoy author’s privilege in determining what these emphases are. As the reader, you may be nudged to take me to task about one or more of my editorial choices. In those instances, of course, I would love to hear your point of view.
You may want to discuss some others points as well, such as, why I have chosen to quote from the New International Version of the scriptures, why there are no footnotes except two, what my criteria was in designating one passage as a parable and another as “not”, and my decision to include accurate details of the betrayal, arrest, kangaroo court scenes, and killing of Jesus. Some facts may prove to be incinerating. I have thought long and hard about just how to treat this aspect of the final months and days of Jesus’ life. Contact me if you have a problem with it.
For those who are new to reading references to scripture verses, which I pray are many, here is the code:
Matthew 24:12-14 reads as follows ~ Matthew chapter twenty-four verses twelve through fourteen
How did I describe myself in my Preface? A “counter”? Sounds like I am not the only one among us. Take a look at this excerpt from Matthew chapter 16. The setting was this: Jesus and the Twelve disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee and whoever was in charge of bringing the food for the outing “forgot to take bread.” Jesus made a comment, a discussion arose among them, and then Jesus responded with this question and summary statement regarding two recent miraculous “food events”:
“Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls (of leftovers) you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?” Matthew 16:9-10 (italics mine)
Do you, my reader, remember? The answers are “twelve basketfuls” and “seven basketfuls”.
Now, shall we move forward to experience “From Adulation to Betrayal ~ Timeline of 35 Parables?” If so, may you be enriched by the Master’s wisdom and instruction!
“From Adulation to Betrayal ~ Timeline of 35 Parables” Preface
January 21, 2010
Preface
I suppose you could say that my research for “From Adulation to Betrayal ~ Timeline of 35 Parables” began because I am a “counter.” I count the number of Canadian Geese in V-shaped formation as I walk along the Hudson River near our home in upstate New York. I count the petals on the corolla of a flower and not just those of clovers. Often I will count or estimate the number of people in an audience or those included in a social outing. Minutes ago I counted seven deer in the snow-glazed meadow adjoining our property. Am I an obsessive counter? Absolutely not! I draw the line at counting the stars although I admire them almost every night throughout each season as I stand on our back deck. I let the Astronomers frustrate their brains and do the estimated counting.
In the fall of 1995 as I was studying the recorded life of Jesus Christ my curiosity was stirred by the frequency of His parable usage. So, I began counting. I was familiar with the often-cited parables, such as The Sower and the Seed, The Prodigal Son, and perhaps the most well-known, The Good Samaritan. However, I was fascinated by the extent that Jesus utilized this ancient cultural form of communication. In fact, two-thirds of His teaching was presented to His listeners through either figures of speech, similitudes, or clearly designated parables.
The first question that begs to be asked is, “Why did Jesus make the decision to reach His listeners through parables?” Certainly, as the master orator an entire range of techniques were at His command. Second, “What was the first parable and to whom did He address it?” Third, “When did He begin using parables…from the start of His public ministry, in the middle, or toward the end?” As I have been led along through my research the answers to these and many other pertinent queries were uncovered somewhat like opening a treasure chest filled with indescribable riches. I have found layer upon layer of insights into The Master’s wisdom, strategy, and His passion.
Why write about the parables? And why now? I can answer both of those questions from a personal point of view. In the summer of 2009 as I was preparing teachings for my second trip to India and Nagaland, I sought the Lord’s inspiration. My speaking schedule included sessions with Youth With A Mission Discipleship Training School students (YWAM DTS) in Bangalore, India and Nagaland Bible College students in Mokokchung, Nagaland. The Spirit of the Lord spoke clearly to me and said, “Teach on the Parables.” Without hesitation I unearthed my research from 1995 and got ready to teach.
In both settings I received numerous comments regarding the teaching. However, without any dispute, the most frequent comment was that, “I have never heard anything like this before.” Every teacher likes to think that he or she is teaching something new and worthy to be learned by his or her students. I am no different. You see, the Holy Spirit led me to present the timeless themes of the parables of Jesus in chronological order and with the corresponding backdrop of audience, location, and plotting on the timeline graph of His public ministry. Learning these aspects was powerful for me as well! I felt as if I were traveling with my listeners back in time to Galilee and Judea, to the “Lake”, Capernaum, and Jerusalem ~ feeling the emotions of excitement as the crowds swelled, perplexity among the disciples when they did not understand His actions, and the growing sense of danger as the religious leaders closed in on killing the prophet from Nazareth.
After my third and last session teaching at the Nagaland Bible College, an extraordinary thing happened. One of the teaching staff, a pastor’s wife named Ester, came to me with some measure of trepidation, I must say, and asked me, “Have you ever thought about writing your teaching as a book?” Within two minutes, the Academic Dean of the College, Sir Imcha Jamir, quietly confided to me, “I have never heard anything like this. Have you thought about putting your teaching in book form?” Immediately, Sentila, the college administrator, and her husband, Moa, who both knew I was working on a personal memoir chimed in, “Yes, we think this would be good as a training book for Bible College students.” When I asked Sentila & Moa which writing project should I work on first, they looked at me, I looked at them, and we joyfully chorused together, “The book on the parables!” And so it was spoken …confirmed by the mouth of two and three witnesses.
What do I hope to communicate to you as I write about His parables? I hope to transport you back in time and enable you sense the atmosphere in the land of Israel two thousand years ago. I hope to convey His immeasurable compassion for the multitudes that followed Him. And, to make you feel the roller-coaster of emotions that His disciples faced. I believe knowing our Savior Jesus Christ is a lifelong endeavor. Primarily, we get to know Him in two ways ~ by His Spirit abiding in us and by absorbing His Word. The parables are the majority of His Word spoken to real people in real settings then and now.
It does not matter what your culture or your gender or your age is. His parables are for every culture, both genders, and every age group ~ whether you are male or female, whether you are six, sixteen, twenty-six, or sixty-six! I pray that you will experience a deepening awe of Jesus Christ and His unprecedented wisdom presented in the timing of His Parables. The truths embedded in “From Adulation to Betrayal ~ Timeline of 35 Parables” explain the principles of the Kingdom of God ~ tangible, eternal principles that promise and deliver freedom to the human soul and spirit regardless of nationality, age, or culture.
I will leave you, the reader, with one last question, “What was the last parable which Jesus spoke and what were the last three words of that parable?” Would you say that the answers are significant?
Sarah Anne Smith
“Our Pastor ~ On Loan to Africa”
Between sessions at the annual Seminar
Hello, everyone in Morning Star Fellowship and beyond ~ James has been in Sakila, Tanzania for two weeks now. His computer time has been either in International Evangelism Centre’s busy office (IEC) or in Arusha town where “the clock is running.” Consequently, James has asked me to construct an update from his emails and our phone conversations.
The annual Seminar took place from Sunday, June 20 – June 27. Thousands of believers and Bible School graduates from the surrounding nations of Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi took buses, cars, and just plain walked to gather in Jesus’ Name for prayer, singing, and preaching of the Word of God. For most of those in attendance the Seminar is the highlight of their year. In the twenty-seven years since teh Bible School’s inception, the number of churches begun by IEC trained pastors has well topped the fourteen hundred mark. Although not all pastors and church leaders were able to travel to the conference, all churches were represented by the twenty-two regional leaders.
This is a good place to declare IEC’s banner scripture for the year 2010: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 BTW, this happens to be the same scripture that Tiala Ao & family pray for their work in Mokokchung, Nagaland.
Eliudi Issangya and his son, Godwin Selembo, discussing request
The thousands who come to the Seminar spend the week in Sakila sleeping everywhere and anywhere. And, listen to this, Eliudi and staff feed everyone three times a day. I think the Lord’s miracle of the loaves and fishes happens there in Sakila on a daily basis! This is just not talk but action in trusting God to do the impossible.
James knows that the people come hungry for anointed preaching of God’s Word ~ the kind of preaching that will impart renewal of purpose and vision to “forcefully advance the Kingdom of God”. They know and James knows that MBELE! ~ moving forward ~ will probably demand perseverance despite challenges such as no food, no water, and no money. Encouraging these Christian kingdom-builders is a serious responsibility and James seriously asks the Lord for HIS guidance as he ministers to his beloved African brethren. I ask too.
Leaving Seminar Hall
With great interest I asked James this morning, “What did you preach at the Seminar?” Some of you will be very interested in hearing that James chose the Parable of the Good Shepherd as recorded in John chapter ten. For his listeners, James applied Jesus’ teaching in four ways: 1) He protects us; 2) He leads us; 3) He feeds us; 4) He laid His life down for us. As a church we have prayed for the Lord’s blessing upon James and his times of preaching. Well, the Lord has answered our prayers! He deserves the glory and thanks.
Many tribes are represented at Seminar.
On Tuesday, June 29th James wrote, “We spent most of the afternoon with Helen’s family up in her village. Both of her parents are alive and there is quite an extended family. Her village is much more primitive than Sakila and very beautiful on the slopes of Mt. Meru.” On the previous day James wrote, “My Swahili is getting better each day; I can even do greetings in Meru (Eliudi & Mama Helen’s tribe) which makes me a big hit with Eliudi’s mom and the older ladies.”
Matthew and fallen tree limb
Before I end this update, one “life at home” story needs to be told to illustrate the Lord’s care for me as my Good Shepherd while James is so far away on another continent. On Thursday, June 24th, our youngest son, Matt, stopped by our home after work to visit and check in on me. Minutes after Matt’s arrival a sudden and violent storm brought a torrent of rain and strong winds upon our property. The fury ended just before we said our goodbye and as Matt headed out the back deck door. Seconds later I heard Matt yell, “Mom, come here!” A thirty foot tree limb had been knocked down and was completely blocking the top of our driveway. If you click on this image you will see the enlarged version. Because of the size and weight I could not have moved it by myself. But ~ my Lord’s care was there for me through the timing of Matt’s visit. I praised God for His all-knowing and all-loving care for me that day and today and everyday that James will be gone.
People ask me. “How do I do it?” ~ that is, allow James to travel to Africa. First, I know the Lord has comissioned him to go to Africa. Second, I know the gift that he is to Africa ~ a gift from the Lord to them ~ a gift from Morning Star to them ~ and a gift from me and our family to them. How could I ever say “no”.
In His grace,
Sarah
“Sending Off Our Pastor Again”
The countdown until James’ departure for Africa on June 16, 2010 has come and gone. Earlier today, Wednesday, June 23rd, James called me using his Motorola phone with a SIM card. He is adjusted to the environment in SakilaVillage, Tanzania. I was relieved to hear that! I am sure all of you in the Smith Family and at Morning Star are glad to hear it as well.
Since his arrival, there has not been electricity in the village, or more accurately, the supply has been intermittent. James does not forsee having electricity to power his lap top or the Internet until next week. In light of that I will post these “send-off” pictures in the meantime.
When I spoke to Bishop Eliudi Issangya this morning he was exhuberant when declaring that, “James had arrived safe and sound. ” Eliudi will host James during the visit without the help of his wife, Mama Helen, who died on February 2, 2010. She will be missed greatly.
About to say good-bye again ~
On a personal note, I am writing a daily journal this time around of James’ trip to Africa. We’ve never taken the time to count the exact number of trips he’s made. The estimate of twenty-one or so has served to make the point that he has gone there a lot. On “Day 3″, which was last Friday, I pulled out James’ old U.S. Passport and attempted to count the Tanzanian, South African, Mozambique-ian (heh-heh), and Kenyan visas stamped on the pages. I wasn’t able to do it which was daunting for me since I love to count things. hahaha… Anyway, he’s been using his new passport since the trips in 2003 so I would only have half the number anyway.
Paul trying to pack James into the back of the Subaru.
Here’s a shout-out of “thanks” to Paul Grimsland who drove James to JFK on June 16th and there’s a good possibility that he will be making the trip down to JFK again when James returns. Don’t tell Paul I said that though. Paul is punctual and reliable and a good friend who’s heart burns for doing what he can to provide educational opportunities for impoverished youth through H4C child sponsorship programs. I can tell you that Paul loves these kids! By way of making that point, read some of his MBELE! blogs posted earlier in the year on www.Mbele.org (You will find the archive box on the right side of the web page.) Another tremendous brother in the Lord, Vinnie Smith, has driven James to and from airports many times over the years. Wow, personal drivers sure make the difference in getting started from home and getting back to home.
Pencils for Africa from Radnor High School
This backpack in the picture above holds a lot of pencils, more than one thousand, and a lot of caring by the students of Radnor High School which is located west of Philadelphia in the great state of Pennsylvania. I plan on writing a blog titled, ”The Journey of the Pencils”, to tell the fascinating story once James sends me a picture of the recipients in Africa. However, this will be the first “thank you” to all those PA residents who assumed a role in this effort to demonstrate concern for the children in an African village school.
When we spoke earlier today James asked me to thank all of you within Morning Star Christian Fellowship for your love, prayer & financial support and for reinforcing his ministry time in Africa. Eliudi sends his deepest thanks as well.
Sarah
Fully Committed………
2 Chron 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith,
Last Saturday morning while talking with Sarah, my wife, she quoted the above verse, 2 Chron. 16:9. This verse stayed with me as I sat down at my computer and was reading the Word (yes, I read the Bible on my computer.) When I found the verse and read it in it’s context my mind immediately went to another verse…. also above, 1 Peter 5:8.
I think that these two verses are a simple yet clear picture of the two spiritual forces that are looking to impact our daily lives. The Lord is intently looking for those who are looking to Him. What is He seeking to do….to strengthen their heart. What is “your enemy” doing? He is prowling (that’s his nature…sneaky) in search of someone to devour.
So what responsibility or choice do I have in this matter? Our choice should be to be fully committed to the Lord, and to resist and stand firm in the faith all attempts of the Evil One to affect our lives.
James R. Smith