“Prophecy in the Parables” Presented During The Arkansas Winter Family Retreat December 28 th & 29 th, 2005 by Steven J. Ellis The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Key to Interpreting Prophecy? The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
1 Peter 1: 10 -11 Of this salvation [“deliverance” in an eschatological sense based upon the context] the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ Who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
Two Key Components Ø “Sufferings of Christ” – Redemptive Ø “The Glories that Would Follow” – Messianic & Eschatological The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
How Did the Jew View the Future? The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
Outline of History from the Vantage Point of Hebrew Scriptures Eternity Past Abraham (c. 2200 B. C. ) Age of Gentiles Creation of Man (date unknown) Messiah Delivers Israel Age of Israel Tribulation (Daniel’s 70 th Week) Eternity Future Messianic Kingdom Genesis 3: 15; Psalm 22; Isaiah 52: 1353: 1 -12 Final Judgment The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
What is the “Kingdom? ” The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
What is the “Kingdom? ” Ø It is NOT simply a reference to the hearts of believers Ø It is NOT simply a reference to the general sovereignty of God over the universe The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
Examples of Interpretive Error Ø Nineteenth century liberal theologians Albrecht Ritschl and Adolf von Harnack – the kingdom of God is not something to be established in the future, but is now present in the form of the brotherhood of man. Ø Johannes Weiss – Jesus expected the kingdom to come in the immediate future and that Jesus’ ethical commands were interim rules (rules applicable to the period between His two advents) in anticipation of the imminent kingdom and not rules of conduct for all time. Ø Albert Schweitzer – built on Weiss’ view with the exception that Schweitzer believed that Jesus was so discouraged that the kingdom did not come that He died in despair and disillusionment. The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
Importance of Proper Identification of the Kingdom “The error of identifying the Kingdom with the Church, followed by the logical attempt of certain ecclesiastical organizations to exercise during the present age a regal authority which belongs to the true Church in a future Kindom, has been the source of untold evil and disaster. Such authority and power could never be safely committed to sinful men, even though redeemed and members of the body of Christ. To this lamentable fact we have the clear witness of nineteen centuries of church history. The Church must be perfected in order to reign with Christ over the nations in the coming Kingdom (Rom. 8: 17 -23). ” 1 Alva J. Mc. Clain, The Greatness of the Kingdom – An Inductive Study of the Kingdom of God (Winona Lake, Indiana: BMH Books, 1959), 324. 1 The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
What is the “Kingdom? ” This “Kingdom” is the spiritually regenerate nation of Israel from which the Messiah (Christ) will rule and reign over the earth for 1000 years after His 2 nd Advent. The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
To Whom Were the Parables Directed? The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
To Whom Were the Parables Directed? Ø To the Jews – the children of promise who constituted the nation of Israel Ø “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt 15: 24). The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
What is the “Mysteries of the Kingdom? ” The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
What is the “Mysteries of the Kingdom? ” Ø Does not mean that a Jew of Jesus’ day did not have the same Hebrew Scriptures that Jesus had Ø Does not mean that God had withheld Truth from the Jews Ø “Mystery” – The Jews did not have a correct understanding of the spiritual life required by God in order for a Jew to enter the Kingdom Ø Should not be confused with the Church as a “mystery” (Ephesians 5: 32) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
What is the “Mysteries of the Kingdom? ” Ø The “mysteries of the Kingdom” is the spiritual insight into the interpretation of then existing body of prophetic Hebrew Scripture Ø “Mysteries” – an insight that was missing in all the teaching provided by Israel’s leadership (Matt 13: 10 -17) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The “Mystery” Parables The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The First Two “Mystery” Parables Provide the basis for interpreting the remaining “mystery” parables – should be harmony (Mk 4: 13) Ø Ø Lesson of the first two parables – there will be a period of preaching of the Kingdom during which good and evil will grow up together Ø The dual presence of believers and unbelievers will be rectified at the 2 nd Advent of Jesus The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13: 3 -9, 18 -23) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13: 3 -9, 18 -23) Keys to Interpretation Ø The “Gospel of the Kingdom” – “the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 10: 7) Ø To be preached during the Age of Israel – past and future (Matt 10: 6 cf. 24: 14) Ø Focus – productivity in the life of a Jew Ø Productivity was evidence of a repentant heart ready to receive and enter the Kingdom The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13: 3 -9, 18 -23) Keys to Interpretation Ø “Sower” – Jesus (or any communicator of the Gospel of the Kingdom) Ø “Seed” – the Gospel of the Kingdom Ø “Ground” upon which the seed fell – those who heard The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Sower Keys to Interpretation Ø “Wayside hearer” – heard the Gospel of the Kingdom, but did not accept it (Matt 13: 19) Ø “Stoney place” – heard the Kingdom message, immediately received it, but wilts under adversity and pressure (Matt 13: 2021) Ø Thorny ground that choked out the initial growth – those who heard the Kingdom message, but who allowed the cares of the world to keep them from being spiritually productive (Matt 13: 22) Ø “Good ground” – those who accept the Kingdom message and bear varying degrees of spiritual fruit (Matt 13: 23) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Sower Keys to Interpretation Ø Point of the Parable: The preaching of the Kingdom Gospel will not result in the conversion of the entire nation of Israel. Ø Only some will accept the Kingdom message and become spiritually productive. Ø Secondary application to the present Age The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Wheat & Tares (Matthew 13: 24 -30, 36 -43) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Wheat & Tares (Matthew 13: 24 -30, 36 -43) Keys to Interpretation Ø The “man who sowed good seed” – Jesus (13: 24 cf. 13: 37) Ø The “field” – the world (13: 38) Ø The “good seeds” – the sons of the Kingdom (13: 38) Ø The “tares” – the children of Satan (13: 38) Ø The “enemy” – Satan (13: 39) Ø The “harvest” – the judgment associated with Messiah’s Coming at the end of the Age (13: 39) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Wheat & Tares (Matthew 13: 24 -30, 36 -43) Keys to Interpretation Ø The “reapers” – the angels who come with Christ at His 2 nd Advent (13: 39 cf. 24: 31) Ø The “tares” are gathered by the angels and burned (13: 4041) Ø The “tares” are cast into the “furnace of fire” where there is “wailing and gnashing of teeth” (13: 42) Ø This judgment is called the “baptism of fire” elsewhere (see Matt 3: 11) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Wheat & Tares (Matthew 13: 24 -30, 36 -43) Keys to Interpretation Ø Distinction between the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Wheat and Tares – sowing of the Gospel vs. sowing of people Ø Distinction between the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Wheat and Tares – differing levels of production vs. production not an issue for salvation Ø To have “good seed” to produce the “wheat” requires that “wheat seed” was sown (see the Parable of the Sower) Ø The “good seed” falls upon receptive soil (the hearts of men ready for the Gospel of the Kingdom) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Wheat & Tares (Matthew 13: 24 -30, 36 -43) Keys to Interpretation Ø Production of fruit is NOT the criteria by which a person enters the millennium or is cast into hell Ø The wheat is taken into the Kingdom because it is wheat, not because it has produced wheat fruit Ø The tares are cast into hell because they are tares, not because they did not produce wheat fruit The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13: 31, 32) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13: 31, 32) Keys to Interpretation Ø The Kingdom of Heaven is compared to a grain of mustard seed Ø The “grain of mustard seed” – the Gospel of the Kingdom Ø The man who sowed in his field – the sower is Jesus Christ (or anyone who spreads the Gospel of the Kingdom) as in the Parable of the Sower Ø “Birds” – represent the prosperity of the Kingdom (a tree large enough to support birds was prosperous and healthy – see Psa 104: 12; Ezek 17: 23; 31: 6; Dan 4: 12, 21) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13: 31, 32) Keys to Interpretation Ø Abnormal growth of the mustard seed into a tree – the Gospel of the Kingdom which is preached (sowed) during the Tribulation grows into a great tree (the Kingdom) Ø Point of the Parable – Even though the Messianic, Millennial Kingdom has insignificant beginnings in the small seed of the Gospel of the Kingdom, it grows to great proportions Ø There is rapid expansion of the Kingdom after the events of the Tribulation and 2 nd Advent of Jesus Ø All who enter it and dwell in it will experience blessing The Church of the Servant King associated with it Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13: 33 -35) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13: 33 -35) Keys to Interpretation Ø Dough – not mentioned – is Israel Ø Leaven – the Gospel of the Kingdom acted upon by the Holy Spirit Ø The principle of the parable – a little leaven has a dramatic effect upon the whole of the dough with which it interacts The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13: 33 -35) Keys to Interpretation Ø Point of the Parable – the kingdom grows disproportionately in relation to its insignificant beginnings. Ø Point of Comparison – the Parable of the Mustard Seed addresses the extent of the Kingdom’s growth; the Parable of the Leaven addresses the source or impetus for its growth Ø Leaven does not always represent evil (Lev 7: 13; 23: 15 -18) Ø The context – Jesus’ clarification of the nature of the Kingdom The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13: 44) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13: 44) Keys to Interpretation Ø The hidden treasure – Israel as a small nation among the nations of the world (Ex 19: 5; Psa 135: 4) Ø The “field” – the people or nations of the world (among whom true Israel was dispersed) Ø The “man” making the purchase – Jesus Ø The Cross was where Jesus sold all that He had (1 st – He gave up His presence in heaven and 2 nd His earthly, physical life) Ø Jesus paid the price for the entire field in order to obtain the The Church of the Servant King treasure (Israel) Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13: 45, 46) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13: 45, 46) Keys to Interpretation Ø The point – same as the Parable of the Hidden Treasure – the Messianic Kingdom is of extreme value to our Lord Ø The “merchant” – Jesus Ø The “pearl of great price” – believers who enter the Messianic Kingdom Ø To “sell all that he had” and purchase the pearl – Jesus’ death on the Cross The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Dragnet (Matthew 13: 47 -50) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Dragnet (Matthew 13: 47 -50) Keys to Interpretation Ø Point of Contrast – the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares focuses upon the coexistence of believing and unbelieving Jews during the Tribulation Ø The Parable of the Dragnet focuses upon the situation that will exist when the judgment associated with the 2 nd Advent The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Dragnet (Matthew 13: 47 -50) Keys to Interpretation Ø The dragnet cast into the sea – the judgment associated with the 2 nd Advent Ø The some of every kind – believing and unbelieving Jews and Gentiles Ø The good gathered into vessels – Tribulation believers who enter the Kingdom Ø The bad thrown away – unbelievers who are cast into hell to await the GWTJ Ø Angels attend Christ at His 2 nd Advent to assist Him in executing judgment (Matt 25: 31) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Dragnet (Matthew 13: 47 -50) Keys to Interpretation Ø The end of the age (v. 49) is the end of the Age of Israel Ø Things new and old (v. 52) refers to truth concerning the kingdom in the “Old” Hebrew Scriptures which was given fresh insight by Jesus in these parables The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
Other Prophetic Parables The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
Parables on Readiness for the Coming of the Son of Man Ø The Parable of the Faithful Servants (Luke 12: 35 -38) Ø The Parable of the Thief (Luke 12: 19 -40) Ø The Parable of the Watchful Owner and the Wise Steward (Luke 12: 42 -48 cf. Matt 24: 45 -51) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
Parables on Readiness for the Coming of the Son of Man Keys to Interpretation Ø The first two parables illustrate the importance of constancy of faith in the life of the Jew who is anticipating the Kingdom Ø Constancy of faith to the Jew of Jesus’ day meant to live as if entrance into the kingdom was “near at hand” Ø Being blessed equated to entrance into the Kingdom The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Faithful Servants (Luke 12: 35 -38) Keys to Interpretation Ø The girded waist and the burning lamps are illustrations of readiness Ø A lamp was used at night for illumination Ø The second watch – 9 p. m. to midnight Ø The third watch – midnight to 3 a. m. The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Thief (Luke 12: 39 -40) Keys to Interpretation Ø The purpose of the parable – to emphasize the necessity for the servants to be ready Ø The servants – Jewish believers who anticipate the Kingdom and who are representatives of the master of the house The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of Watchful Owner and the Wise Steward (Luke 12: 42 -48; Matthew 24: 42 -51) Keys to Interpretation Ø Contrasts the faithful and wise steward with the unfaithful and unwise steward Ø The purpose – to stress the need for faithfulness on the part of those who witness the signs of the Kingdom Ø Luke’s account ends differently than Matthew’s account The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Postponed Kingdom (a. k. a. The Parable of the Minas) (Luke 19: 11 -28; Matthew 25: 14 -30) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Postponed Kingdom (a. k. a. The Parable of the Minas) (Luke 19: 11 -28; Matthew 25: 14 -30) Keys to Interpretation Ø The phrase “do business till I come” (v. 13) – Jesus’ return would not be immediate Ø The return would only be after “a certain nobleman” (Jesus) went away to a far country (heaven) to receive a kingdom (v. 12) Ø The Kingdom would not be received until after a delay for a period Ø The period of delay – the time between His ascension and 2 nd Advent The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Postponed Kingdom (a. k. a. The Parable of the Minas) (Luke 19: 11 -28; Matthew 25: 14 -30) Keys to Interpretation Ø The principle that Jesus taught in verses 15 -27 – reward in the Kingdom is related to one’s service in life Ø The “mina” or “talent” represents the spiritual heritage and responsibility of the Jew (cf. Rom 9: 3 -5; 11: 11 -36) in the last days of the Age of Israel The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (a. k. a. The Parable of the Vineyard) (Matthew 21: 33 -46; Mark 12: 1 -12; Luke 20: 9 -19) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (a. k. a. The Parable of the Vineyard) (Matthew 21: 33 -46; Mark 12: 1 -12; Luke 20: 9 -19) Keys to Interpretation Ø The “vineyard” - the nation of Israel had been carefully prepared by God to be His fruitful vineyard (Isa 5: 1 -7) & become the hub of God’s Kingdom on earth Ø The “hedge” and the “tower” – figures representing God’s protection over Israel Ø The “vinedressers” to whom the vineyard had been leased – the religious leaders of Israel ØThe “fruits of the vineyard” – repentance manifested in the behavior of the Jews The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (a. k. a. The Parable of the Vineyard) (Matthew 21: 33 -46; Mark 12: 1 -12; Luke 20: 9 -19) Keys to Interpretation Ø The “servants” – prophets and God’s messengers sent in advance of His Son Ø The “Son” of the landowner – Jesus Ø The coming of the Owner of the vineyard – God the Father execution of judgment, specifically in context, through the 2 nd Advent of His Son Ø The “nation” bearing the fruits of the Kingdom – the future generation of Jews who respond in faith and accept the Son The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22: 1 -14 cf. Luke 14: 15 -24) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22: 1 -14 cf. Luke 14: 15 -24) Keys to Interpretation Ø The “king” (v. 2, 7, 11 & 13) – God the Father Ø The “son” (v. 2) – Jesus Ø The “marriage” (v. 2) – the uniting of all believers on earth under the rule of the Messiah in association with the events surrounding the 2 nd Advent of Jesus Ø The “servants” (v. 3, 4) – the prophets and Jesus’ disciples who proclaimed the Messiah’s arrival, but who were rejected by the religious people of Jesus’ day (Matt 21: 33 ff) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22: 1 -14 cf. Luke 14: 15 -24) Keys to Interpretation Ø The “armies” (v. 7) – angels that will attend Jesus’ 2 nd Advent and defeat His foes (Matt 24: 31; Rev 19: 14) Ø The “murderers” (v. 7) – unbelievers, specifically unbelievers of the Tribulation, who persecute believers, even to death (Rev 20: 4) Ø The “wedding garment” (v. 11) – the righteousness of God possessed by every believer as a result of trusting in Christ The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22: 1 -14 cf. Luke 14: 15 -24) Keys to Interpretation Ø The man without the wedding garment (v. 11) – the unbeliever within the Age of Israel (specifically the Tribulation) who is discovered during the period that the goats and sheep are being identified (Matt 25: 32) Ø The “outer darkness” (v. 13) – the abode of all unbelievers awaiting the GWTJ (Rev 20: 11 -15) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25: 1 -13) The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25: 1 -13) Keys to Interpretation Ø The marriage customs of our Lord’s day must be considered Ø The “bridegroom” – Jesus at His Coming to establish the Kingdom Ø The “wise” virgins represent those Jews who will be prepared for the Lord’s delay Ø The “foolish” virgins represent those Jews who will not be prepared for the Lord’s delay The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25: 1 -13) Keys to Interpretation Ø Preparation is an outward representation of inward faith (or lack thereof) in the Gospel of the Kingdom Ø The foolish Jew prior to the 2 nd Advent will assume things will continue as they always have been Ø The wise virgins were not selfish – they just want to be faithful to the bridegroom The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
The Church of the Servant King Pastor-Teacher: Steve Ellis
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