I was surprised to learn that the word translated “shrewd” in the parable of the steward is the same Greek word rendered “wise” in the parables of the Bridesmaids and of the Builders.
The wise man who built his house upon a rock could also be called shrewd for his long-range planning. And the bridesmaids who brought extra oil and wicks for their lamps could be called shrewd for their preparation.
In Luke 18:1-14, Jesus tells the parables of the persistent widow and the pharisee and the tax collector.
In verse 1, we’re told that “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
So we should always pray and not give up!
In verse 9, we read “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable.”
So we shouldn’t be confident in our own righteousness and look down on everyone else.
Yep. Pray, don’t give up, and be humble.
In Luke 8:4-15, Jesus tells and interprets the parable of the sower. Pastor David Votaw affectionately calls the sower the “Crazy Farmer” since it’s not normal to spread seed anywhere and everywhere.
According to Jesus, “The seed is the word of God.”
Have you ever reached into your pocket and found cash you weren’t expecting?
The most I ever found was a $20 bill in a winter coat. It had been in there since the previous winter. I was so excited!
Jesus teaches, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (v. 10).
I’m a big fan of the daily Bible discussion Discover the Word.
For the last several weeks, Haddon and Alice and Mart have been discussing the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
One thing that they observed is that Christians love the first part of the story, where the younger son returns to the love of the father.
But many people, particularly the devout, have a hard time reflecting upon the older son’s sins.
This contemporary discomfort with Jesus’ story is closely related to His strong condemnation of self-righteous religious leaders of the day.
