576. The parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13, likens sharing the Gospel to a farmer scattering seed. Seed sown on the path is eaten by birds-which the Lord explains is similar to what occurs when a hearer doesn't understand the message. Satan snatches it away, so that it cannot have an impact on the hearer's life. Seed scattered on rocky soil sprouts, but it dies because it cannot set it's roots-this is likened to someone who initially believes the Gospel but falls away from the faith due to persecution. Some seeds grow but are choked out by thorns-a depiction of the person whose belief is undermined by worldly concerns. But the good seed that grows is like the individual who hears the Gospel, understands it, and chooses to follow Christ.
577. The parable of the weeds also tells the story of a farmer sowing seeds, but an enemy sows weeds among the wheat. When it sprouts, a servant asks the farmer if he should pull them up. The farmer replies, "No, because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest" (Matt. 13:29). Jesus explains that He is the good seed, the weeds are the sons of evil, spread by the enemy satan, and the field is the world. The harvest represents the end of time, when God will bring His people into His house, but send those who reject Him to judgment.
578. The parable of the new wine in old wineskins, found in Matthew 9:16-17, describes the new life Jesus brings. This new life cannot be confined by old forms-or by hardened hearts. Jesus' meaning was clear: to embrace the special gift He brought, a person had to be born again, to become a new form, because the old one burst and be ruined by the message of Jesus.
579. The parable of the wise and wicked servants discusses what faithful servants (believers) should be doing while their Master (Jesus) is away. A wise servant who is left in charge of the other servants will make sure they are being taken care of and doing their work. The foolish servant will assume he can do as he likes since the Master will be staying away a long time. He will beat the other laborers and become drunk. Yet the Master will return unexpectedly and find out who has acted wisely and who has acted foolishly. The foolish servant will be cast into a dreadful place for not honoring the Master while he is away.
580. The parable of the sheep and the goats is a picture of what will happen when Christ returns. Sheep symbolizes believers; goats symbolizes unbelievers. The sheep will be parted from the goats with a final destination of Heaven. The goats will be sent to hell, the place of eternal punishment.
581. The parable of the growing seed is only found in one of the Gospels of the New Testament-Mark. The parable describes how the Kingdom of God is like a seed that is scattered into the ground and eventually sprouts and grows and produces grain. It does this with no help or direction. The seed's power to grow itself is likened to the power of the Gospel message: It has its own mysterious power.
582. The parable of the watchful porter is a reminder that no one knows the exact return of Christ. Believers are to be ready, to stand at attention like an attentive porter would at the door of a building, to not let down their guard as they wait for Christ's return.
583. The parable of the two debtors likens debtors to sinners. In this very short parable from Luke, there are two debtors. One owes a small amount of money to a lender, the other ten times the amount of the first debtor. If the lender forgives both of them, Jesus asks, who will be more thankful? The obvious answer is the debtor with the larger amount of debt. The same concept holds true for sinners. Whether large or small, Christ forgives, but those with more to be forgiven will be more thankful. This parable was told after Jesus' feet were anointed by a former prostitute. The Pharisee sitting at the table was convinced Jesus wouldn't let such a sinner touch Him if He only knew her past. Jesus' parable speaks directly to the heart issue.
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