Drew Boswell

a place for us to share ideas, talk about life, and learn together.

Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables? Matthew 13:10-15

parablesMatthew 13:10-15

“Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15  For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’”

The setting of this conversation between Jesus and his disciples seems to be as a huddle while the crowds stand waiting to see what else Jesus may say or do. The disciples are picking up from the reactions from the crowd that they do not understand what Jesus is saying. So they ask the question, to the side, “Jesus, why are you speaking to them in parables?” As if to say, “Jesus wouldn’t it be better to speak to them directly, without the stories?”

Jesus responds to the disciples question by making a statement that balances divine sovereignty with human responsibility.[1] The first comment is definitively predestinarian in nature, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” The disciples were chosen by Jesus, and therefore given the secret of the kingdom of heaven; which is how He [Jesus] was completing prophecy and was the promised Messiah who would save the world from its’ sin.

The disciples were allowed in on the secret of who Jesus was and what His plan was, even if they didn’t fully understand it or know it fully at this point. The crowds were not allowed in on this secret. Therefore, Jesus’ teaching of the gospel and the kingdom of heaven were not irresistible in nature, the people had a personal choice to make.[2]

That which is given or taken away in verse 12 is insight or understanding of the gospel. By telling the crowd the secrets of the kingdom of heaven as a parable those sinners who want redemption and salvation from God may have it, but the religious self-righteous and prideful will never see themselves as the character in the stories Jesus tells and therefore never see the connection between Jesus and them being saved from their sin. The self-righteous think they are without sin and therefore don’t need saving.

Jesus then says, “because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” He chose to teach in parables because the crowds were hard hearted in their response to His previous teachings. Tasker says in his commentary on this passage, “Men can and do reject it. Indeed, it can be accepted only by those whose hearts have been made ready to receive it, just as seed can produce a crop only when it is sown in ground prepared for its fertilization.”[3]

Think of Jesus’ teachings as truth that moves toward the person. Our eyes, ears, and hearts act filters, and if it makes it through the filter then it affects our perception and understanding of ourselves and of God. But we have control over these various filters. We can choose what our hearts pursue and even love.

We can choose to look but not see what is right there in front of us. We can listen but only hear what we want to hear or read in our own thoughts and perceptions into Jesus’ teachings. The truth can be right in front of us, but because we are not willing to perceive it, or change our lives to be shaped by it, we can voluntarily ignore it. So those who are open to Jesus’ teachings and are willing to change their lives based upon them will understand “the kingdom of heaven” further. But if you have had some understanding of the gospel, but choose not to change, even that perception that you had will soon disappear.

In passages such as these it would be easy to become enthralled in a discussion of Arminianism, Calvinism, predestination, election, etc. and completely miss the point.[4] If you have been given grace enough to understand that you are a sinner then run to the cross. In Jesus’ teachings we find salvation and a life of freedom and forgiveness. If He has shown you an area of your life that needs work, forgiveness, or action, then allow Him to lead you in doing it.

In verse 15 it says, “For this people’s heart has grown dull,” It is a progression taken with multiple decisions to step away from God and toward rebellion. Increased understanding of God comes from obedience and chasing after Him in steps – a dull heart is produced from being disobedient, self-righteous, and walking away from His grace.

James 2:14-17 “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (ESV)”

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[1] Craig L. Blomberg. The New American Commentary; Matthew; vol. 22 ( Nashville, Tennessee; Broadman Press) 215.

[2] RVG Tasker. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Matthew (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Inter-Varisty Press), 137 & Ibid.

[3] Ibid. 137.

[4] Even if one tends toward Calvinism, we still have Jesus presenting to all while knowing that most would not receive His message.

*** For further information on Calvinism and it’s current role in the Southern Baptist Convention see  E. Ray Clendenen. The Southern Baptist Dialogue; Calvinism (Nashville. Tennessee; B&H Publishing Group) 2008.

Why Would Jesus Not Want Others to Tell What He Had Done? Protecting Your Identity and Calling

defineWe see throughout the gospels that at certain points Jesus was very guarded in letting others know who He was. For centuries the promised Messiah was anticipated. Also along with this anticipation were also traditions and false understandings of what He would do and what He would be like that crept up over the centuries. Some thought the Messiah would be a military ruler and overthrow the Roman Empire. Others though he would act a king. Jesus was working against hundreds of years of false expectations and ideas of what the Messiah would be like.

Matthew 8:29 “And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.”

Matthew 12:15,16 “Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known.”

Mark 1:34; see also verses 24,25 “That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.”

Mark 3:11,12 “And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.”

Mark 5:42,43 “Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.”

Luke 4:41 “Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.”

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Even Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends said “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you,” when Jesus was explaining how He would have to die on a cross. And Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16, ESV) He would not let the disciples dictate his mission, instead he would direct the mission through them. They just didn’t get it by Matthew 16 – but they eventually would understand.

Along the way people had preconceived expectations and understandings of how Jesus was to be “the Messiah,” what he was to do, to not do, and how He would “save mankind from their sins.”

It seems that it is important to Jesus for him to define what it means to be the Messiah and for Him to define His own mission (as it came from His Father). As He would go about ministry (healing, teaching, raising the dead, etc.) there would be times when His actions would be misinterpreted or used against His mission, so he forbid people from telling others. He would define things himself.

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Identifying Your Mission

There is only one Jesus (Savior, Messiah, Emmanuel, etc.) who lived a sinless life in order to lay it down on a Roman cross for the salvation of mankind. His mission was unique, but Jesus has also given His followers a mission to make Him known to the nations (Matthew 28). In that Great Commission to all believers there is also a unique mission in how you will carry it out.

We all have different life experiences, talents, skills, spiritual gifts, etc. that God uses in seeing others led to Him. When the gospels were written by the apostles, God used their life knowledge and skills and weaved them into their writings (Luke as a doctor with medical references, Matthew as a tax collector with money references, etc.) God will take you as you are and use you to His glory.

But just as Jesus guarded his identity and mission we have to do so as well. The leader must not allow others to dictate how they lead, or what they do in their leadership capacity – let the Lord give you a vision and direction and lead with that orientation. If you are in a traditional leadership position (pastor, associate pastor, youth pastor, children’s pastor, worship pastor, etc.) there will be set expectations. You were hired as a pastor to perform certain tasks that are needed within the church; I am not talking about going against these things.

But with every position and every organization there are expectations that creep in, that really have nothing to do with your mission and what you are doing for the church. Jesus guarded against these things because they would have taken Him away from His calling. Watch out for anything that will pull you away from your calling. Don’t allow others to dictate who you are and what you do.

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How Do I Keep This From Happening?

We do not have the authority of Jesus to “tell no one about him” or to command others to do anything. But we follow His example of being aware of encroachments to our leadership and take tactful and thoughtful actions against it. Consider the following:

1. A Written Job Description – When it is in writing it becomes much harder for others to dictate what your job should be and how you should do it. When it is not is writing anything goes and you will constantly find yourself fighting the slow encroachment of additional “duties” and responsibilities that were not part of the original picture when you were hired.

2. Regular Evaluations – I know, this doesn’t sound like fun, but when you and those who have the proper authority to evaluate you sit down and talk (regularly) it leads to a peaceful relationship because everyone is on the same page with regard to expectations and responsibilities. If this relationship functions as it should there should be no surprises and you should know exactly how you stand in relationship with the church and your ministry.

3. A Defined Mission Statement – If your church functions as silos (as many traditional churches do) then each ministry may even have their own separate mission statement. But if you define yours then it will direct the course of where the mission should go. If everyone who is apart of your ministry has his or her own understanding of where the ministry is (or should be) going then conflict is inevitable.

4. Regular Communication – If you are like most churches you wonder if anyone actually reads the material (bulletin, newsletter, blog, etc.) that you put out – but some do. By communicating what you are doing, where you plan to go, and how they can help, you are well on your way to keeping the expectation encroachment at bay. As a leader stay in front of the battle with communication and direction, so others will not dictate where you go.

Fear Factor, John 12:9-11

pharisees1Fear makes us do some pretty incredible things. While fishing in a bay in Florida I was asked to jump overboard to push the boat off of a sandbar. I asked how deep the water was according to the depth gauge. The captain told me about four feet. However, when I jumped into the water I sunk far above my head and continued to sink for several seconds. I never touched the bottom before swimming to surface. I was so scared at the shock I grabbed to side of the boat and literally jumped out of the water into the boat. Later in the day I tried this when I was not being terrorized by Jaws flashbacks and was unable to even pull myself somewhat out of the water. Fear, when allowed to control our minds, can make us do some very bizarre things.

 John 12: 9-11  “When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.”

Evidence the religious leaders had right in front of them:

 A Person Raised From the Dead

God’s people, the Jews, were coming to see Jesus and the one who had been raised from the dead, Lazarus. It was a very large crowd. Lazarus had died of an illness and Jesus intentionally waited for him to die (John 11). He was dead for four days before Jesus came to his town and raised him form the dead. There was no doubt among the people and the religious leaders that Jesus had raised a man from the dead.  So in their brilliance, the religious leaders thought it was a good idea to kill Lazarus so all the talk about him being raised from the dead would go away.

Prophesy

In John 11:50-52 the High Priest (for that year) had prophesied that “Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered.” The high priest himself had a word from the Lord, and told the others leaders what he was told from the Lord. They were so focused on  holding on to their power and prestigious positions that they didn’t listen when the Lord actually spoke to them.

Miracles

The religious leaders also recognized that Jesus had performed ‘signs.’ No one doubted that he was regularly doing miracles. Instead of recognizing the miracles for what they were (proof of Jesus being the Messiah), they wanted to kill Jesus so he would stop proving He was the Messiah.

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From these things they determine in John 11:48 “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away (lose) both our place and our nation.” What kept the religious leaders from seeing the true movement of God? They had the correct information – but they had interpreted it incorrectly.

 Why would those who are the religious experts miss the arrival of the Messiah?

Not only do they miss the advent of the Messiah, but they seek to kill him.  They say in John 11:50, “it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” They are right that Jesus would die, not only for their nation, but for all the nations (John 3:16). They were blind to see that their own sinful nature would bring it about. They had all the pieces of the puzzle, but when they put it together and looked at the picture, what they see is skewed by a sinful heart.  This is why so many people when they encounter the truth of the Bible, have even experienced miracles in their own lives, and have heard God speak to them seek to destroy that voice because their sinful hearts.

How do we keep this from happening to us?

1)            Fear of Loss of Influence

Crowds were following Him (Jesus) not them (Pharisees).  The religious leaders wanted to hold the place of “experts” and to be able to tell people how to live and control their behavior. Matthew 23:4 says, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.”

When we leaders are more concerned about our name, reputation, plan, etc. than Christ getting the glory and praise, and all glory going to Him, then we are on our way to working against God and His plan instead of being apart of it.

John 3:30 shows the difference in how John the Baptist responds to Jesus’ popularity where he says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  These men fear fading into obscurity where others will stop looking to them for knowledge and forget who them.  We must trust God with our recognition, and point all men to Him who is worthy of recognition and praise. What if God desires to use someone else instead of us? Are we willing to step aside and let someone else do our jobs if the Lord will it?

2)            Fear of Loss of Power

The Pharisees also feared the Romans would take away their positions, and eventually the nation. God is in control, not the Romans. When we seek to control our world instead of trusting the Lord, we begin to look to the temporal authorities as having ultimate control over our lives.

They also feared they would lose the plan they had for the people. How many times have religious leaders developed a plan, sought help from local magistrates, and then get frustrated when God shows up in power and leaves their plan dismantled? Instead of being part of the movement of God, they were actually working against it.

When we don’t understand who truly has the power we fear the apparent influence men have over us and we place our plan for others over what God has planned. We also misinterpret the signs God gives to all and instead interpret them through self-serving eyes.

Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

 

The Risk of Love (1 John 3:1, 10)

imagesSeveral years ago my wife went on a mission trip to Honduras.[1]  There she served at an orphanage and fell in love with many of the children. There was one boy that God used her to see that his vision was corrected. It involved tedious hours of phone calls and visiting various doctors until the day came when his crossed vision was corrected. There was also another boy there who has aged out of the home but has no place to go. They have allowed him to remain as a helper and overseer of the younger boys and one special needs boy in particular. While not a true orphan, his mother is still alive, she is not able to support him or provide for his needs. So he grew up with six hundred brothers and sisters in the orphanage.

His desire is to help people, further his education – perhaps eventually into dentistry. While he has aged out of the home and the educational system in his Honduran village, his heart is to learn more. It is hard for me to imagine how many bright and talented children look up into the night sky and know there is a world of knowledge and opportunities out there, it just seems out of their grasp. The young man’s name is Abel. When tested his marks were in the United States tenth grade. So if he were to follow his dreams he must complete two years of US high school, then college, and then who knows where.

My wife’s heart seems drawn to people she feels she can help. She came back home from her trip and began a talk with me about potentially bringing him to the United States, perhaps even to live with us. At the time we were living in a two bedroom home that we were borrowing from the church until we were able to find a home for our household of six (and one dog).

It was clear that there were many obstacles in the way of him coming to the US to further his education. He needed a place to stay (my wife seems to think he should live with us, so we needed a larger home). He needed permission from the Honduran government, a passport, various other proofs that he was coming to study, and tons of bureaucratic red tape. All these things have been worked out, including a full scholarship to a college prep school here in Valdosta. We have been given sky miles to go pick him up, and we are gathering money to take care of his everyday needs. One person has even volunteered to cover his medical expenses. One obstacle after another has been broken down so that he can be here in the United States to study and be apart of our family.

Back to Kimberly’s and my original conversation – I had told her that with so many obstacles and seemingly impossible odds, if all those things got worked out, then I would be supportive of the idea. Honestly, the idea of an almost grown complete stranger coming into my home to live was unnerving to say the least. But, the time has come for me to be supportive and get on board (literally) with Abel’s coming. We are days away from scheduling a flight to go and pick him up. If I try and look at it from his perspective it is wonderful. A family to love him, education as wide open as he wants, all needs being taken care of (even his own room), and he can be anything he sets his mind to be.

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God Defines the Terms — “Love”

In 1 John 3:1 says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” John in the opening verses of chapter three of 1 John defines love. He says that God has made that which once hated him and rebelled against him his own children. John then goes on to discuss how one can tell if someone is a
Christian.

“By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:10, ESV)

The Christian does two things according to this passage: 1) practices righteousness, and 2) loves one’s brother. Because the Holy Spirit lives in every believer, and the believer is to abide in the Word of God – righteousness will result in the life of a believer. This passage is clear that if righteousness is not evident in a person’s life, then they are not a Christian.

But, it was the second of this list that caught my eye. Because it begs the questions, “how does one love his brother?” I will not split theological hairs and ask “who is my brother?” like the lawyer in Matthew 22:39, the answer is clear for our family. While I may not be crazy about the answer, it is given at the beginning of the chapter. If we are to follow Christ’s example, then we must love our brothers as He defines the term – he has made us His children. We are adopted into His household. If we then follow His example, then we should have a practice of welcoming brothers (and sisters) into our lives – not as friends or one day a week acquaintances, but has fellow family members.

So you may say “So Drew if I don’t adopt someone into my family, I am not showing genuine Christian love?” No, I’m not saying that. It is not for everyone to adopt or have someone live in your home. But I do feel we must go beyond once a week meetings, and hour-long get-togethers. We must begin to see others as brothers and sisters who are our family and we are to follow Christ’s example of loyalty. We love them and stand beside them as family. We don’t abandon them when times get difficult. He sought after us and brought us in. He did not wait for us to come to Him – He came to us first (1 John 4:19). Therefore, we go to them first; we seek them out; we take the first step.

I know we live in a messed up world, with lots of scary people. But I have seen a vast sea of people in need of a father, a mother, a big brother, a little sister, and a family to call their own. So, the Boswells are taking a risk and opening up our home to a young man. But how many times in your Christian walk is the path before you without any risk? In fact I think we call that faith.

[1] http://orphanageemmanuelhn.weebly.com/index.html

A Letter to My Former Best Friend

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My Best Zombie Friend,

Hello freewill. We have been best friends for a very long time now. I don’t even remember when we met. It’s as though we have always been together. In fact, whenever you wanted to go somewhere, I always went with you. I even looked up to you as my role model. I always thought you had the best ideas and I always greatly valued your opinion on just about every area of life. Do you remember that one time in junior high when we went through that whole Member’s Only stage? Awesome.

Well almost awesome; we were pretty rude to mom about having to have one – and we really didn’t care how much they cost, or how far we had to drive to get the “grey” one. You said to me, “the gray one is the coolest. We have to have that one.” Well we got one. I can’t even count how many times I have listened to you when you said I needed to do something or go somewhere – I always did it, and I always went.

I say I love Jesus too, but whenever you wanted to do something I pretty much did what you wanted instead of what Jesus wanted. I’m not sure why He is still my friend. I hate having to choose between you Freewill, and Jesus but it seems that in order for me to be a Christian I am going to have to choose between the two of you.

By hanging out with Jesus I have come to see you in a different way. My eyes have been opened to the fact that you are a zombie. Yes, a dead corpse who seeks to eat me alive. You are diseased and your heart is set on eating my brains. I never noticed it before, because I thought you were cool. But you always want to always eat my brains.

Also, you seem to be a bit of a control freak. You always think you are right and that I should always do what you want. You are so demanding. You say, “do it, do it now!” And whenever I do it, I am never satisfied. Never.

What do you mean “Jesus is a control freak too?” The difference is that he created the world, has displayed His love for me, and He alone has the right to tell me what to do (as King of King and Lord of Lords, for example). Oh, and by the way, Jesus is all knowing. Where as you, on the other hand, are a dead corpse, hell bent on my destruction.  In fact, Jesus is always doing good things for me and continues to share how He wants to be my friend (even when I hang out with you from time to time).

It’s not you, it’s me. You have never changed. But there is something in me that is desiring a change. I just don’t think we should be friends anymore.

Just so you know, Jesus is here with me now. He says that he can change you Freewill. He can give you new life, and can make you more like Him.

Do you want to change too?

Drew

"Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts." Rick Warren

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