Why was Jesus critical of the Pharisees?
Question:
Why was Jesus critical of the Pharisees? Provide some examples.
Answer:
Jesus’ relentless and oft times harsh (yet fair and truthful) critique of the Pharisees is most concisely understood by reading Luke 11:37-54. This is a dinner invitation “gone bad” for the Pharisee who invited Jesus to partake in a meal together. Prompted by the catalytic act “that Jesus did not first wash before the meal” (Luke 11:38), Jesus begins His rebuking of the Pharisees in a six-point thesis. Interestingly, we also see how Jesus doesn’t tailor His speech in private as He proclaims this same fundamental message in a public setting in Matthew 23. But perhaps we can begin by looking at the preamble and the “six woes” to understand from Jesus Himself why He was so critical of this group of seemingly pious people.
(Luke 11:39-41) Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
This is the most common condemnation that Jesus lays upon the Pharisees – hypocrisy. This hypocrisy is rooted in a more nuanced issue as the Pharisees were more concerned with outward appearances. Jesus calls it “foolish” not simply because of the…
Why did Jesus use parables? What are the principles used to interpret parables? Choose a parable and illustrate its meaning.
Question:
Why did Jesus use parables? What are the principles used to interpret parables? Choose a parable and illustrate its meaning.
Answer:
Jesus’ use of parables (or allegorical stories) was an effective way for him to share deep truths in 2 seemingly contradictory ways. Firstly, so that His teachings could be easily understood and remembered. I have found in my profession in Marketing that the most effective presentations are always ones that have a “story” to tell. It can be explicit as one shares an anecdote or it can be in how a presentation/pitch is created to illustrate a business case or value proposition. A good “story” is crafted most effectively when one understands the audience’s mindset, vernacular, and tendencies and then uses this combined knowledge to present a simple and relevant picture to the audience. Jesus does this when He uses parables that took into account His audiences mindset (Jewish), vernacular (Hebrew, Aramaic, agricultural societies often), and tendencies (knowledge of the Scriptures and political sensitivities). Secondly, Jesus used the parable format to sometimes conceal the message (based on His choice timing) due to the hardness of people’s hearts (Matthew 13:10-17), and their potential quick reaction to His message.
When Jesus told His parables, He sometimes made them clear to everyone (Matthew 13:34-35), but at other times, He left a veil of understanding only to be revealed later (Mark 4:10-12). Or Jesus would even tell the parables in such a way that…
The Truth: Absolute and Unchanging. Infinite and Incarnate.
Key verse(s)/quote(s):
“What was truth to Abraham is truth to us; what was truth to Paul is truth to us; what was truth to the martyrs is truth to us; what is truth to us will be truth to all generations of the world in all lands, and will be truth for ever. This fact, too, is a just foundation for universal praise…” - Albert Barnes
“The truth of the matter is that all truth is absolute — there are no relative truths. If something really is true, then it really is true everywhere and for everyone.” - Norman Geisler
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6
Key takeaway(s):
- The nature of truth is absolute.
- The nature of truth requires a decision.
- We must apply the truth by: Living it, Defending it Without Fear, and Proclaiming it.
Overview:
Among the plethora of topics discussed on this site, Truth remains at the core of all that TiS stands for. The declaration of an absolute, unchanging, infinite and incarnate Truth is what TiS’ sole mission is founded upon (click here for details). Without an accurate and objective understanding of Truth as a philosophical concept, it is impossible to realize the need to seek Truth and understand that it demands exclusivity. For instance, if one were to…
From shadow to substance: Jesus in the Old Testament
Key verse(s)/quote(s):
“The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed and the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed” - Anonymous
“The One who hung the earth in space, is Himself hung; the One who fixed the heavens in place is Himself firmly fixed to the tree… Through Whom the Father made the things which exist from the beginning of time.” - Melito (bishop of Sardis, died c. 180)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
Key takeaway(s):
- Christ is from everlasting to everlasting as clearly seen in the Old Testament and New Testament
- All fullness of Deity lives in bodily form in Christ (Colossians 2:9)
- All may honour the Son just as they honour the Father (John 5:23)
- This should give you confidence to contend for the faith that you have that is once and for all entrusted to you (Jude 3)
Overview:
This post is part 3 of a 3-part series of messages I had the pleasure of sharing at our 2010 church summer conference. The 2 additional components of this series overview the prophetic significance of both The Tabernacle (click here to read) and The Jewish Feasts (click here to read).
In the beginning was… Jesus. So often we find that the deity…
Desperate Faith - Don’t be afraid, just believe.
Key verse(s)/quote(s):
“Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” - Mark 5:36
Key takeaway(s):
- How often do we come to Jesus with a “desperate faith”?
- Jesus is always concerned and can do all and does not care for the logic of others
- Jesus responds with peace, freedom, and presence
Overview:
In this business world, where I spend much of my time (at least while I am employed 
), is a world that doesn’t show appreciation for “desperation”. In fact, I don’t recall a time I have heard that word used in a positive context.
Dictionary.com defines “desperate” as the below. I have italicized all the negative words or examples included in the definition.
- reckless or dangerous because of despair or urgency: a desperate killer.
- having an urgent need, desire, etc.: desperate for attention.
- leaving little or no hope; very serious or dangerous: a desperate illness.
- extremely bad; intolerable or shocking: clothes in desperate taste.
- extreme or excessive.
- making a final, ultimate effort; giving all: a desperate attempt to save a life.
- actuated by a feeling of hopelessness.
- having no hope; giving in to despair.
Did you notice 7 of the 8 definitions have a negative denotation or connotation? Which one didn’t? … That’s right point number 6. I like that one – “giving all” stands out to me and ironically the example given is to “save a life”… How nicely set up 
So often we come to…
