First Baptist Church » parables

The Shrewd Manager

Wade — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:10:28 +0000

The word shrewd has a negative connotation in our culture. However, Jesus chastises his disciples for not being shrewd. We are to be wise, future-oriented, preparing ahead as did the dishonest manager in today’s story. Luke 16:1-13

Discipleship

Wade — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:33:34 +0000

Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem, turns to those would be followers and offers them a challenge. He warns them of the cost of following him. While we find this statement hard in Western culture, Jesus demand no less than total commitment. Luke 14:25-35

A Friend at Midnight

Wade — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:56:39 +0000

Can you imagine what it must have been like to watch Jesus pray? In our text this morning, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. Following the Lord’s prayer, he tells them a story that describes the posture of prayer. Luke 11:1-13

Where are the Good Samaritans?

Wade — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:01:47 +0000

Doug explores one of the most familiar of all parables, the story of the good Samaritan. Are we passing by on the other side of the road? Luke 10:25-37

One Talent Man

Wade — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:57:44 +0000

Jesus tells a story about a wealthy landowner who leaves his servants in charge of his wealth while he is on a journey. He gives each a different amount. When he returns he finds that 2 of the servants have doubled his money. However, one of the servants was afraid. His fear paralyzed him. You may find the master’s response surprising. Matthew 25:14-30

investment

Wade — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:44:31 +0000

We went out of town this weekend and asked a friend to feed our fish. I didn’t think twice about it while I was away. No big deal, right?

But what if I had a couple of million dollars that I needed someone to guard while on a three year expedition. I would make sure that I chose a qualified caretaker. I would want experience, attention, and qualified results.

This week, our parable consists of a wealthy landowner and three servants. He leaves each a different sum of money and takes off. When he returns, he finds that two of the servants have doubled their money. The third servant, however, was paralyzed with fear. He buried the money, presenting it back to the master. No gain. No loss.

How will the master respond? Will he appreciate the fact that the money was not lost? Will he congratulate the man on preserving his wealth? The master’s response may catch you by surprise. He is extremely hard on the guy. He boots him out, calling out his laziness and incompetence.

What does this parable teach us about the Kingdom? How are we to understand what has been left in our care? Is God more concerned with maintenance or risk-taking investment? Join us on Sunday as we explore this parable together.

forgive

Wade — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:14:35 +0000

Does the word ‘forgive’ make you cringe? If you have been hurt, neglected, abused it is not an easy word.

Jesus’ disciples were beginning to understand that forgiveness was a necessity. They heard Jesus talk about it on more than one occasion. But how was it going to work with Jesus? The religious leaders said that you should forgive three times, but you did not have to on the fourth.

So Peter asks the question,

“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21 NIV)

That seemed reasonable. It was double plus one of what the religious leaders proposed. What do you think Jesus?

Jesus did not work in a religious manner. He was not about lists, rules, regulations and limits. While his followers wanted to formulate his teaching, his response pointed them to a story.

Join us on Sunday as we study a parable about forgiveness. Maybe you have a friend that needs to hear this story, invite them to come with you.