Introductions and Summaries Psalms 49:1-4 Listen to a Parable

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Psalms 49:1-4 NLTse Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! (2) High and low, rich and poor–listen! (3) For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight. (4) I listen carefully to many proverbs and solve riddles with inspiration from a harp.

The obvious key word in this prophecy is listen followed by the related words, people, everyone, and world. Key words also tell us what to listen to, proverbs and riddles. Some translations use the word parables for proverbs. This prophecy is simple. It is asking everyone in the world to listen to many proverbs. It’s also another prophecy about Jesus that is easy to locate because it’s quoted by inspiration in Matthew 13.

Matthew 13:1-3 NLTse Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. (2) A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. (3) He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds.

As we’ve seen in previous studies of God’s Word, when Old Testament scripture is quoted, we need to look at surrounding texts and the entire chapter to get the whole message. We also learned an important rule of Bible Study concerning the introduction to chapters. Since the fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 49 is found in the introduction of Matthew 13, we need to look at the first few words. Look at how the words, “later that same day,” point us back to the previous chapter. Once again there’s a reason Matthew points us back to the previous chapter that we’ll look at later. At this point we’ll compare key words between the prophecy and fulfillment. Psalm 49 has the key word, listen. Matthew 13 repeated the similar words, told and taught. The key word people is also found in both chapters as well as sharing the related words, proverbs, riddles, stories, and parables. The connection between these two chapters is established by the simple Bible Study rule of repetition.

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It’s unusual for both the prophecy and fulfillment to be introductions. This points us to the importance of the lesson since the introduction of chapters establishes the theme. Since the introductions share the same key words and theme, it’s obvious the chapters dwell on the same spiritual lesson which will be revealed as we study and compare more of these chapters.

We need to note, Psalm chapter 78 is a second version of the prophecy fulfilled by Jesus that will be studies at a later time. O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past- (Psalms 78:1-2 NLTse).

We also need to look at the previous study showing how people throughout history will betray Jesus. Once we’re shown how we’ve physically turned away from Jesus and spiritually betrayed Him, we have to learn how to serve Him and prepare to work in the harvest. We see this in the sequence Jesus placed in His word. All the details point to the significance to this subject. Not only is this prophecy found in the introduction to Psalm 40 and Matthew 13, it’s repeated in the introduction of Psalm 78. The fulfillment is also repeated in Mark 4 and Luke chapter 8. When God repeats Himself we need to pay attention!

The parable of the sower is one of the most important parables Jesus told because it is one of the few parables where Jesus explained the spiritual interpretation. In His explanation Jesus tells his disciples; “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: ‘When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.’” (Mark 4:11-12 NLTse). We see two concepts in Jesus’ explanation. “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God,” and by turning to Jesus to understand those parables, you will be forgiven. This requires much more than some of the conventional teaching that offers forgiveness by merely knowing Jesus’ name which is sometimes termed the once forgiven, always forgiven theory. To learn and understand the lessons taught between these two chapters we need to compare the summations.

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Psalms 49:16-20 NLTse So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. (17) For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. (18) In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. (19) But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. (20) People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.

Matthew 13:53-58 NLTse When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. (54) He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” (55) Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers–James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. (56) All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” (57) And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” (58) And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

David tells us how useless worldly riches are. Matthew shows us a spiritual contrast when he describes how people in Jesus’ hometown rejected Him. They had the riches of the universe in front of them, but the pull of the world blinded them as they looked at the physical aspects and ignored the spiritual. Looking deeper into the story we see how people Jesus grew up with picked and chose what to see and what not to see. They didn’t see the good Jesus did. They didn’t see the example He set as He grew up in front of them. They also closed their eyes to miracles Jesus performed after He began His ministry. It’s not by accident they asked, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Their faith was anchored in the established religious order who they trusted and believed had the truth. But as history has shown, was far from the truth. All of this ties into the parable Jesus explained and David’s warning about worthless riches. The religious leaders built a fortune on their rules, regulations, doctrines, traditions, and of course their version of the sacrificial system. Every facet of their form of worship was designed to produce income, place excess burdens on people, and draw them away form the real vision of God as well as a personal relationship with Him and His Son. It’s hard to believe people growing up with Jesus missed so much. But how much do people miss today? Do they know how to understand parables like Jesus explained? Don’t forget the opening line to David’s prophecy. “Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world!” Following basic Bible Study rules we see the same method in Matthew. Now it’s time to look back at the previous chapter.

Matthew 12:46-50 NLTse As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. (47) Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to speak to you.” (48) Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” (49) Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. (50) Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

To help us understand, Jesus placed a more personal emphasis on David’s plea for everyone to listen. “Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” David shows us the world is supposed to listen. Jesus explains His family will be the ones who actually follow Him. David adds more details to his prophecy to show how important it is to learn the mysteries of proverbs and parallels, in other words, how to understand God’s Word.

Psalms 49:5-15 NLTse Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? (6) They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. (7) Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. (8) Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough (9) to live forever and never see the grave. (10) Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. (11) The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. They may name their estates after themselves, (12) but their fame will not last. They will die, just like animals. (13) This is the fate of fools, though they are remembered as being wise. (14) Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. (15) But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave.

The contrast continues to unfold as we see David explain how riches and wealth will never redeem a single person. God doesn’t want our wealth, He wants us to listen to His Son. But even as he spoke, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5 NLTse). The way David explains how useless riches are reminds me of one verse. So I advise you to buy gold from me–gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. (Revelation 3:18 NLTse).

There’s a difference between worldly riches and spiritual just like there’s a difference between a message from the world and one from Heaven. Jesus explained how to find the message from Heaven when He taught His disciples how to understand the parable about the sower. Where do you think Jesus got His interpretations for the key words from? Do you think He guessed at them or made up the spiritual meanings like other people do? No! Every interpretation Jesus provided came from scripture. Every interpretation can be proved with scripture. When we look at Matthew 13 we see Jesus point us back to scripture a number of times.

Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. (Matthew 13:5 NLTse).

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. (Ezekiel 36:26 NLTse)

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. (Matthew 13:11-14 NLTse)

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” (Isaiah 6:8-10 NLTse)

But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. (Matthew 13:21 NLTse)

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. (Proverbs 12:1-3 NLTse)

The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. (Matthew 13:22 NLTse)

This is what the LORD says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns. (Jeremiah 4:3 NLTse)

The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Matthew 13:23 NLTse)

For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land. “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. “And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God. I will cleanse you of your filthy behavior. I will give you good crops of grain, and I will send no more famines on the land. I will give you great harvests from your fruit trees and fields, and never again will the surrounding nations be able to scoff at your land for its famines. (Ezekiel 36:24-30 NLTse)

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalms 1:1-3 NLTse)

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 13:34-35 NLTse)

O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past— stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them– even the children not yet born– and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors– stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God. (Psalms 78:1-8 NLTse)

The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. (Matthew 13:38 NLTse)

Then the earth will answer the thirsty cries of the grain, the grapevines, and the olive trees. And they in turn will answer, ‘Jezreel’–‘God plants!’ At that time I will plant a crop of Israelites and raise them for myself. I will show love to those I called ‘Not loved.’ And to those I called ‘Not my people,’ I will say, ‘Now you are my people.’ And they will reply, ‘You are our God!'” (Hosea 2:22-23 NLTse)

The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels. (Matthew 13:39 NLTse)

Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread the grapes, for the winepress is full. The storage vats are overflowing with the wickedness of these people.” Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. There the day of the LORD will soon arrive. (Joel 3:13-14 NLTse)

And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:42 NLTse)

You will throw them in a flaming furnace when you appear. The LORD will consume them in his anger; fire will devour them. You will wipe their children from the face of the earth; they will never have descendants. Although they plot against you, their evil schemes will never succeed. (Psalms 21:9-11 NLTse)

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! (Matthew 13:43 NLTse)

Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” (Daniel 12:2-4 NLTse)

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. (Matthew 13:44 NLTse)

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5 NLTse)

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! (Matthew 13:45-46 NLTse)

In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure. (Isaiah 33:6 NLTse)

There’s an obvious connection between riches and Heaven, but who in their right mind confuses worldly riches from this world with eternal riches from Heaven? Look at what people consider riches in this world and how they effect lives. Today it costs thousands of dollars a month to maintain a comfortable living. Tens of thousands of dollars a year. This world is filled with people after those riches. Mortgage, taxes, food, clothing, cars, vacations, electronics, the latest phone, service plans, insurance, transportation, gasoline, heat, electricity, the list goes on. It never ends in this world. Compare that to Heaven where everything is given by a loving God who died so we can have salvation, eternal life, and Heaven with a home and no bills! One of the things Jesus offers us is the ability to understand His Word. In this example we see unmistakable evidence. Jesus’ quoted a number of texts in His lesson. A large percentage of that lesson is made up of scripture. If we ignore that fact and don’t look at and compare that Old Testament texts to the parable, we’ll never see or understand the message.

Looking at this world it’s not difficult to see where the warnings we that to be heeded. Look at the grand churches with sprawling parking lots, manicured lawns and landscaping designed to attract financially stable members. Inside the church people spend hours, days and weeks choosing carpeting, colors, padded pews, choir robs, and decorations exceeding the extravagance of former idols worshiped generations ago. Some people waste hours every week spending a fortune planning back grounds and flower arrangements to please the eye. More time, money, and effort is placed on planning decorations inside the church than on the sermon. Before the sermon becomes a thought details on lighting, camera, big screens, and sound systems rob time that could have been spent sharing the simple message Jesus gave His disciples to share. Jesus never taught in an atmosphere churches spend millions of dollars and endless hours to create. But that’s the world today. That’s the way of the world. Create a church to compete for members and donations. Popular churches have become so elaborate, they push away the poor, depressed, needy, sick, bewildered, all the people Jesus ministered to. Today’s churches who consider themselves successful reject the same people the religious leaders who opposed Jesus turned away. No wonder we find Jesus preaching this vital message in a simple boat with nothing but blue sky highlighting an endless view of water on the lake. Neither one of the gospel writers recorded any details about forming a committee or collecting funds to paint the boat, or long meetings to agree on a new sail to add atmosphere to the scene. As a matter of fact a sail would have upset the entire service. Jesus was smarter than most people give Him credit for when He followed God’s Spirit to set the location, theme, and words for His message.

Ezekiel 13 Wall with Untempered Morter

Here is an interesting parable. When you understand the spiritual meaning of only one word, the spiritual meaning of the entire parable is understood.

 

Ezekiel 13:10-15 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall,

Untempered Morter Spiritual Wall

and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: (11) Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it. (12) Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it? (13) Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it. (14) So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. (15) Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it;

 

You will notice there are a number of words repeated. Each word has a spiritual meaning adding a whole new dimension of understanding once the spiritual meaning is understood. To understand the spiritual meaning of any word, we must use the Bible. Only God, and His Spirit have the power to interpret His words.

 

We will let the Bible define the spiritual meaning by comparing other texts containing the word wall.

 

Isaiah 26:1 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.

 

Isaiah 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

 

The Bible clearly shows, a wall is used to represent salvation.

 

So what is the untempered wall in the parable? Paul defines another wall. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? Acts 23:3.

 

Jesus also used the same word, whited to describe those plotting to kill Him. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Matthew 23:27.

 

Scribes and Pharisees denied Jesus, and His salvation. They built their own walls up against the salvation Jesus offered, just as Ezekiel prophesied.

The Vine and the Branch, John 15

John 15:5-6 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without

Cluster of Grapes

me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

How did Jesus know this? Where did he get this parable from? Did Jesus make up His own parables, did He receive them through inspiration and prayer, or did Jesus find the parables He told in the Old Testament?

Ezekiel 15:1-8 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (2) Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest? (3) Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon? (4) Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work? (5) Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for any work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned? (6) Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (7) And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from one fire, and another fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I set my face against them. (8) And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord GOD.

Psalms 80:15-16 And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself. (16) It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.

How do you locate the original texts Jesus learned form? By using a simple word search. Identify the key words in the parable. In this case the key words are, vine, branch, and fire. Locating parallel texts in the Old Testament is easier when searching for two of the words. This will reduce the number of texts in search results. Using three words will seldom provide the required results, because most search engines used in Bible programs are designed to search for all matching words in a single verse. Notice in this example, vine and branch are found in one verse, while fire is found in following verses.

You can see why it is important to search for the original texts Jesus quoted from. You can see additional details brought to light when original texts are compared to Jesus’ parables. This not only provides additional information, but teaches how to interpret the many symbols Jesus used in His parables. The spiritual interpretation for every symbol Jesus used in His parables can be found using the same method, locating texts which contain the key word.

In Vain do they Worship Me; Matthew 25

KJV Matthew 15:7. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 10. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11. Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. 12. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13. But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. 15. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. 16. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? 17. Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20. These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Jesus begins this parable by calling the Pharisees hypocrites. To understand this word in a spiritual sense it must be compared with other texts.

Hypocrite

KJV Isaiah 32:6. For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

KJV Matthew 23:28. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

KJV Job 15:34. For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. 35. They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

KJV Isaiah 9:16. For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. 17. Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. 18. For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.

Studying the word hypocrisy within the Bible will provide a number of spiritual definitions.

Hypocrite = a vile person speaking lies and leading others to error. A villain attempting to appear righteous but is full of iniquity, mischief, bribery, vanity, deceit and wickedness.

Matthew 15:7-20 is not an ordinary parable. This parable begins with a prophecy as stated in verse 7. In verses 8 and 9, Jesus quotes a prophecy from the book of Isaiah. To understand this parable we must first locate the scripture Jesus is referring to. It can be easily located by searching the key words, mouth and far.

KJV Isaiah 29:13. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

To gain a better understanding and the proper context it is important to read the texts before and after the text quoted by Jesus.

KJV Isaiah 29:9. Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. 10. For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. 11. And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: 12. And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. 13. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 14. Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. 15. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

A thoughtful reading of Isaiah 29 reveals a prophecy regarding the life of Jesus and those which have opposed Him. The Lord had poured out a spirit of deep sleep upon the religious leaders during Jesus’ time. They could not see He was the Son of God. These were the people responsible for guarding and preserving the scriptures. They may have professed knowledge but they had no understanding. They may have possessed the ability to quote scripture and thought this gave them the ability to interpret it, but their concepts were wrong. They had the book, but the understanding was sealed. They never admitted this fact. The Pharisees spoke as if they were the representatives of God, but they never let the Spirit of God in their hearts. It was their plan and desire to demand respect from the people by teaching them to fear God. They provided the wrong interpretations to scripture and used fear to keep the people from questioning their understanding.

After quoting the prophecy of Isaiah 29, Jesus adds an explanation in verse 11. What goes into the mouth is not what defiles a man; what comes out of the mouth defiles a man. Verse 12 is quite an unusual response from His disciples, who often asked Jesus to explain a parable. In this case they indicate an understanding of the parable by asking Jesus if He knew this saying offended the Pharisees.

The word mouth is another key word containing a spiritual meaning.

Mouth

KJV Exodus 4:11. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?

It is important to remember, God created the mouth. Because God created the mouth we can look at this in two different ways. God owns your mouth. We should be thankful God gave us a mouth to use, it is a useful and necessary part of our bodies. This verse also shows we need to respect the fact God made man’s mouth and supplies the proper use of this gift.

KJV Exodus 4:15. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

KJV Exodus 13:9. And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt.

KJV Deuteronomy 18:18. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

KJV Deuteronomy 32:1. Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: 3. Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

KJV Joshua 1:8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

KJV Psalms 49:3. My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

KJV Psalms 119:72. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

The Lord puts words in the mouth of His prophets and people, His doctrine, law and commandments.

What does the Bible say about those that do not accept the words of God and His law?

KJV Psalms 5:9. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

KJV Psalms 10:7. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and Fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.

KJV Psalms 36:3. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.

KJV Psalms 73:9. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

There are two spiritual interpretations for the word mouth. Spiritual words are either from God or from others. When they are from another source, the spiritual description is parallel to the meaning found for a hypocrite.

In verse 14 we see Jesus telling His disciples about plants. Is Jesus referring to creation, the Garden of Eden or a spiritual plant? To find the spiritual meaning of a plant we must allow the Bible to interpret the Bible.

Plant

KJV 2 Samuel 7:10. Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,

KJV 1 Chronicles 17:9. Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,

KJV Job 14:7. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; 9. Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. 10. But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the Ghost, and where is he?

KJV Psalms 1:3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

KJV Psalms 144:12. That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

There are many verses describing people as a plant.

Plant = people.

In verse 14 Jesus describes the Pharisees as blind leaders and the expected result when people allow themselves to be led by the blind. What is the spiritual meaning of a blind person?

Blind

KJV Deuteronomy 28:29. And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.

KJV Isaiah 42:18. Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. 19. Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant? 20. Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.

KJV Isaiah 56:10. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

KJV Isaiah 59:10. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.

KJV Lamentations 4:14. They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.

KJV Zephaniah 1:17. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.

The Bible defines spiritual blindness as those not knowing where they are going. They have lost their way. They are in spiritual darkness, seeing things but not knowing how to observe or properly interpret spiritual things. They are in desolate places as dead men, bringing distress upon men; they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord.

The beginning of a very important point is found in verse 15 of this scripture, which is a series of parables combined with a prophecy. In verse 12, the disciples asked Jesus if He was aware He had insulted the Pharisees. They asked this question obviously without considering the fact whom they were talking to. In a way they were insulting Jesus by questioning Him. This may be why He answered them in a series of parables. This may have been a test, giving them the chance to reflect on their question. The Bible tells us, Peter was the only one to ask Jesus to explain this parable.

The answer Jesus gives seems blunt, we must consider the answer was not pointed to Peter, who was considerate enough to ask, but to the other disciples questioning His methods in verse 12. “Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?” In verses 17 to 20 Jesus goes on to explain the meaning of verse 11 which are the same spiritual meanings found by comparing scripture with scripture.

Like all other parables explained by Jesus, there are a number of lessons revealed within this text. The Bible is designed by God to explain the spiritual meaning of all key words within a parable. There is never a good reason for anyone to wander away from scripture to explain scripture. We are given this example in the parable of the blind leading the blind. If the spiritual meaning is not sought within the Bible it is because people see but they do not understand how to observe. The Bible is very clear on this matter and the consequences.

This is one of the few parables explained by Jesus, which also contains a prophecy. The prophecy quoted by Jesus was located using the same method spiritual words are interpreted; by locating key words and comparing scripture. This parable establishes a link between the methods used to properly interpret a parable and a prophecy. The prophecy of Isaiah 29 also contains key words. To understand this prophecy the key words must be compared with scripture to find the spiritual meaning.

A study of the construction of this parable leads us to a rule of interpretation for all prophecies. Just as this parable must be studied one verse at a time, until each word is understood, a prophecy requires the same attention to detail. This is Biblical proof of William Miller’s rules of interpretation.

“1. Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible. Proof, Matt. 5:18.

“2. All Scripture is necessary, and may be understood by a diligent application and study. Proof, 2 Tim. 3:15-17

“3. Nothing revealed in Scripture can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering. Proof, Deut. 29:29; Matt. 10:26, 27; 1 Cor. 2:10; Phil. 3:15; Isa. 45:11; Matt. 21:22; John 14:13, 14; 15; James 1:5, 6; 1 John 5:13-15.

“4. To understand doctrine, bring all the Scriptures together on the subject you wish to know; then let every word have its proper influence; and, if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in error. Proof, Isa. 28:7-29; 35:8; Prov. 19:27; Luke 24:27, 44, 45; Rom. 16:26; James 5:19; 2 Pet. 1:19, 20.

“5. Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed, or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed, or wisdom, is my rule, and not the Bible. Proof, Ps. 19:7-11; 119:97-105: Matt. 23:8-10; 1 Cor. 2:12-16; Eze. 34:18, 19; Luke 11:52; Matt. 2:7,8.

“6. God has revealed things to come, by visions, in figures and parables; and in this way the same things are oftentimes revealed again and again, by different visions, or in different figures and parables. If you wish to understand them, you must combine them all in one. Proof, Ps. 89:19; Hos. 12:10; Hab. 2:2; Acts 2:17; 1 Cor. 10:6; Heb. 9:9, 24; Ps. 78:2; Matt. 13:13, 34; Gen. 41:1-32; Dan. 2d, 7th & 8th; Acts 10:9-16.

“7. Visions are always mentioned as such. 2 Cor. 12:1.

“8. Figures always have a figurative meaning, and are used much in prophecy to represent future things, times and events–such as mountains, meaning governments; Dan. 2:35, 44; beasts, meaning kingdoms; Dan. 7:8, 17; waters, meaning people; Rev. 17:1, 15; day, meaning year, &c. Eze. 4:6.

KJV Daniel 2:35. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

“9. Parables are used as comparisons to illustrate subjects, and must be explained in the same way as figures, by the subject and Bible. Mark 4:13.

“10. Figures sometimes have two or more different significations, as day is used in a figurative sense to represent three different periods of time, namely, first, indefinite; Eccl. 7:14; second, definite, a day for a year; Eze. 4:6; and third, a day for a thousand years. 2 Pet. 3:8. The right construction will harmonize with the Bible, and make good sense; other constructions will not.

“12. To learn the meaning of a figure, trace the word through your Bible, and when you find it explained, substitute the explanation for the word used; and, if it make good sense, you need not look further; if not, look again.

“13. To know whether we have the true historical event for the fulfillment of a prophecy: If you find every word of the prophecy (after the figures are understood) is literally fulfilled, then you may know that your history is the true event; but if one word lacks a fulfillment, then you must look for another event, or wait its future development; for God takes care that history and prophecy shall agree, so that the true believing children of God may never be ashamed. Ps. 22:5; Isa. 45:17-19; 1 Pet. 2:6; Rev. 17:17; Acts 3:18.

“14. The most important rule of all is, that you must have faith. It must be a faith that requires a sacrifice, and, if tried, would give up the dearest object on earth, the world and all its desires–character, living, occupation, friends, home, comforts and worldly honors. If any of these should hinder our believing any part of God’s word, it would show our faith to be vain. Nor can we ever believe so long as one of these motives lies lurking in our hearts. We must believe that God will never forfeit his word; and we can have confidence that He who takes notice of the sparrow’s fall, and numbers the hairs of our head, will guard the translation of his own word, and throw a barrier around it, and prevent those who sincerely trust in God, and put implicit confidence in his word, from erring far from the truth.

An additional lesson is revealed by this scripture. Jesus spoke a series of parables using a number of key words. When Peter asked Jesus to explain the parable, Jesus did not explain every parable, or each key word. Jesus explained one parable by interpreting one key word. This is a lesson to be followed by every good teacher. A teacher would never provide a student with all the answers. The method is taught by examples, to get the student started. From that point the student is responsible for completing the study.

These texts contain many more key words than the interpretations provided. Reading a method of study is only the beginning of knowledge. Practicing the method is the beginning of wisdom.

Not Everyone Shall Enter Into the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 7

KJV Matthew 7:21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

This lesson will show the simple technique of searching scripture by using a few key words. This parable contains two phrases leading to other texts which will provide a deeper understanding.

 

The first set of texts can be located by searching the key words , prophesy, and name, from Matthew 7:21.

 

Jeremiah 14:14 KJV Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

 

Jeremiah 23:23-32 KJV Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? (24) Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. (25) I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. (26) How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; (27) Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. (28) The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. (29) Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (30) Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. (31) Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. (32) Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

 

These texts show proof, prophets have prophesied lies in God’s name in the past. The key point both of these texts reveal is the fact false prophets speak deceit from their own heart.

 

What bearing does this have today? The result is the same when parables and prophecies are interpreted from the desires of the heart, and not from the word of God. When the word of God is interpreted by the imagination of men, the result most likely will centered upon an answer benefiting the beliefs, personal goals, or agenda of the writer.

 

Some people claim prophecy ended with the death of the apostles. Scripture tells us this is a gift offered by God, especially in the last days.

 

Acts 2:17-18 KJV And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (18) And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

 

Romans 12:6-7 KJV Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

 

Revelation 10:10-11 KJV (10) And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. (11) And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

 

So far we have seen information the Bible contains on prophets. Next we will look at texts explaining the will of God, the Father.

Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. Galatians 1:3-4, Ephesians 6:5-7, 1 Peter 2:15-17, 1 Peter 3:17-18, 1 Peter 4:1-2,

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. KJV For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:15-23, 1 Peter 4:19, Romans 8:26-27, 1 John 2:17, Hebrews 10:36-37

 

It’s amazing, when studying a word, or term through the Bible, it will tell a story you never knew existed. No other book in the world is written in this manner. Only God could have written such a book.

My Yoke is Easy Matthew 11

KJV Matthew 11:28. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

We labor on this earth under heavy burdens. Jesus offers us rest. He invites us to share His yoke and learn from Him. The stronger bull under the yoke is usually the leader. In this case Jesus promises, He is meek and lowly in heart, a condition of His leadership, leading to rest for our souls. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

 

To gain a deeper spiritual meaning a few of the key words will be compared with other texts.

 

Labour

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest. The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. Proverbs 23:4, Psalms 127:1, Ecclesiastes 2:18, Ecclesiastes 1:3, Ecclesiastes 2:11, Ecclesiastes 2:22, Ecclesiastes 6:7, Isaiah 55:2, Ecclesiastes 2:21, Lamentations 5:5, Proverbs 10:16.

 

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. John 4:38, John 6:27, Acts 20:35, 1 Corinthians 3:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Timothy 4:10, Hebrews 4:11, Revelation 14:13

 

Rest

 

And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; Isaiah 14:3, Psalms 37:7, Isaiah 11:10, Exodus 20:11, Exodus 31:17, Hebrews 4:11, Isaiah 11:2

 

But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard. The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Exodus 23:11, Zephaniah 3:17.

 

Learn

 

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 9:9, Deuteronomy 17:19, Psalms 119:7, Psalms 119:73, Isaiah 50:4.

 

They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Isaiah 29:24, Psalms 119:71, Galatians 3:2, Romans 15:4, Isaiah 1:17.

Fish, Mouth and a Piece of Money Matthew 17

KJV Matthew 17:27. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

 

As Jesus is traveling to Capernaum, Peter is asked to pay tribute. Jesus explains to Peter His concept of tribute. Other parts of this parable can also be studied. This study will concentrate on only verse 27.

 

Jesus does not want to offend their traditions, so He tells Peter to go to the sea, cast in a hook and catch a fish. The fish has a coin in its mouth. Jesus tells Peter to give to them for Him and Peter.

 

It’s unusual for a fish to have a coin in its mouth. When a verse is beyond the physical characteristics of nature, it must also have a spiritual meaning. To find the spiritual meaning, the key words must be compared with other scripture.

 

Fish

 

Habakkuk 1:14 And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?

 

Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

 

The Bible uses a physical fish to spiritually represent people.

 

Mouth

 

Exodus 13:9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

 

Numbers 23:12 And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

 

Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

 

Deuteronomy 30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

 

A physical mouth is used to carry, and spiritually represent God’s word.

 

Jesus is teaching Peter a spiritual lesson. Not only Jesus, but His followers are to take the word of God, and give it to others, for Him and for us.

Laborers for My Vineyard Matthew 20

Matthew 20:1-16 KJV For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. (2) And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. (3) And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, (4) And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. (5) Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. (6) And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? (7) They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. (8) So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. (9) And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. (10) But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. (11) And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, (12) Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. (13) But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? (14) Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. (15) Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? (16) So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

 

Jesus is using this parable to teach a lesson about Heaven. A man goes out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He promises the laborers a very high wage for one days work.

 

Penny: G1220 a denarius (or ten asses): – pence, penny [-worth].

 

A few hours later he repeats the process of hiring workers, promising them a fair wage. He repeats the same process near the end of the day, promising to pay whatever is right.

 

At the end of the day he calls all the workers together and pays them from the last workers to accept his offer, to the first. The last workers received the same wages he promised the first. When the first workers are paid they begin to complain. When they saw the workers, who only worked the last hours receive the same wage they agreed to, they assumed they would receive more. They may have thought they deserved more. Greed made them forget the wages they agreed to were more than generous.

 

This is a very easy parable to understand. By the context of the parable, most people know, or have an idea what the vineyard represents. But this parable contains a very important spiritual lesson. Jesus placed this parable in the gospels because it teaches a method of key word connection used to interpret other parables and prophecies.

 

Only one verse clearly defines the spiritual meaning of a vineyard.

 

Isaiah 5:7 KJV For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

 

It is never safe to base the results of an interpretation on a single verse. But this verse does compare a vineyard to Israel. To locate other verses, we can look at words similar to vineyard, such as vine.

 

Jeremiah 6:9 KJV Thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall throughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets.

 

Hosea 10:1 KJV Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.

 

Jeremiah and Hosea use a vine to represent Israel. Because both vine and vineyard represent Israel, we now have 3 verses that associate a vine, or vineyard to Israel. Now we have to find out if Israel represents more than the nation.

 

Psalms 81:8 KJV Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;

 

Isaiah 1:3 KJV The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

 

Jeremiah 31:1 KJV At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

 

Joel 3:2 KJV I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

 

A number of verses show Israel represents God’s people.

 

The lesson in this simple parable shows us what to do when adequate texts can not be located to determine the spiritual meaning. Related words can be used whenever a verse provides a clear association. In this case, Isaiah 5:7 shows a vineyard represents Israel. Because it was the only verse providing a spiritual meaning for vineyard, the word vine was used to locate additional texts. The word vine is related to the word vineyard, but the defining word, tying them together is the word Israel. Because Israel is used to define both a vine, and vineyard, the interpretation is sure.

 

We can look at this in mathematical terms. If vineyard = Israel, and vine = Israel, than vineyard = vine. We can take this one step further. If vineyard = Israel, and Israel = God’s people, than vineyard = God’s people. Vineyard is a key word used to represent God’s people. If the vineyard is God’s people, the man must be referring to God.

 

Matthew 20:1-16 KJV For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

 

To paraphrase, substitute the spiritual meaning for the key word.

 

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto God, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers to gather His people.

 

This parable shows God is more than generous in the wages He offers to his workers. All His workers, in all ages, no matter how much, or how little they do, will receive the same wages.

 

James 2:5 KJV Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

 

John 14:2 KJV In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Rich Man Shall Hardly Enter Into the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 19

KJV Matthew 19:23. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

This is in fact one of Jesus’ easiest parables to understand. In this parable Jesus told His disciples a rich man will hardly enter the kingdom of Heaven. In other words, it will be very difficult for a rich man to enter into Heaven. Jesus compares this task to a camel passing through the eye of a needle.

While interpreting this parable many people concentrate on the words camel and needle. In this case Jesus used this comparison to illustrate the fact it is nearly impossible. The word hardly is defined as impracticably. Jesus used this example because He knew, Bible parables and prophecy are perfectly consistent. Whenever a statement defies the laws of nature, it must have a spiritual meaning. In this case the impossible statement is meant to call attention to the expression it is compared to. The real key words unlocking the spiritual meaning of this parable is rich man.

It may be difficult for a rich man to enter Heaven, but it is not impossible. Jesus told another parable about a rich man.

Matthew 13:45-46 KJV Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

This is a very easy parable to interpret. The key word is pearl. The spiritual meaning is found in Revelation 21.

Revelation 21:21 KJV And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

In this parable we see a merchant selling all he has to purchase one pearl of great price. The pearl represents the gates to Heaven. In this case we see a merchant with a desire to enter Heaven.

Matthew 19:23 requires an inductive study. This requires studying words that are the same, similar, or related to the words rich man.

 

Revelation 18:3-5 KJV For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (4) And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (5) For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Revelation 18:15 KJV The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing.

Revelation 18:23-24 KJV (23) And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (24) And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Revelation 18 provides the required connection between rich and merchant. These people are known as great men of the earth. Others look up to these people with respect. It also begins to show why it is impossible for a rich man to enter Heaven. This group of merchants received their riches through sin and deception. At this point we do not need identify who they were dealing with, or what sins they committed. These details will be revealed in other related texts.

 

Ezekiel 27:3 KJV And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty.

Ezekiel 28:12-18 KJV Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. (13) Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (14) Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (15) Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (16) By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. (17) Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (18) Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

In chapter 27, Ezekiel identifies Tyrus as a merchant of people. This context seems to indicate the physical aspects of Tyrus which was a port city on the eastern end of the Mediterranean. The city was heavily fortified, and consisted of warehouses where goods were stored and traded. The spiritual meaning of the term, merchant of men is further explained in 2 Peter.

In chapter 28, Ezekiel explains exactly what Tyrus represents. Based on the description given there is no doubt Tyrus represents the strong hold of Satan in certain prophecies and parables.

Another interesting detail in uncovered in the definition of Tyrus.

Tyrus H6865: The same as H6864; a rock; Tsor, a place in Palestine: – Tyre, Tyrus.

The word Tyrus means rock. This also carries spiritual implications.

1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Deuteronomy 32:31 KJV For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

The word Rock is used to spiritually represent Christ. Moses told us of a rock that would not be our Rock. Based on these scriptures it is clear to see, Satan is still trying to be like God. One of the temptations Satan attempted to use on Jesus was the riches of the world. It may not have worked on Jesus, but Satan has found others to fall for his temptation.

 

2 Peter 2:3 KJV And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Peter explains the spiritual meaning of merchandise. The lies, deceit, and greed utilized by these merchants, or rich men, ultimately lead to the destruction of souls. When we consider the fact Satan is their leader, there can be no other conclusion. This is one of the deceptions Satan uses to trap people. Nahum explains exactly how closely these people follow Satan.

Nahum 3:16 KJV Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.

They have aspired to be like Satan. This may not be the same lie Satan used in the Garden of Eden, but he still uses the temptation of becoming like gods.

The original question was, why is it so hard for a rich man to enter into Heaven? Based on the scripture contained in this study it is clear to see, the pursuit of riches brings about lies, deceit, and sin. These temptations are brought about by Satan, the father of lies. Deceitful accumulation of wealth is compared to selling a soul, which is termed as spiritual slavery. Moses clearly stated the penalty for dealing in slavery.

Deuteronomy 24:7 KJV If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.

Based on the spiritual interpretation of a rich man, the merchant, we can clearly understand why it is hardly possible for one to enter in through the gates of Heaven. It is all a spiritual battle lost in the pursuit of money.

Nothing Covered Matthew 10

KJV Matthew 10:26-27

26. Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

 

After more than 300 studies I still find new and important lessons taught within what seems to be the simplest, most straight forward parables. This parable seems to tell the entire story on the surface, but an in depth study on a few of the key words reveals a major lesson on the plan of salvation. This parable also reveals a new concept on William Miller’s eleventh rule which helps identify a parable with spiritual meanings.

 

William Miller’s eleventh rule deals with the laws of nature. This parable shows that rule may extend beyond the laws of nature to the nature of man. The surface of this parable tells us, there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hid that will not be known. This parable does not defy the laws of nature like other parables, but, it does defy human nature.

 

This parable deals with something covered, or hidden. People hide objects so others will not find them. The same is true about thoughts, motives, and actions. People conceal their thoughts and actions because they do not want others to discover them, usually because their actions are immoral. Jesus assured His listeners that all hidden thoughts and actions will one day be revealed. No matter how hard people try to conceal their crimes, one day they will be made known. To discover the spiritual details of this parable, we need to compare the key words with other texts.

 

Cover

 

Neh 4:4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: 5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.

 

Psa 44:15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,

 

Psa 44:19 Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.

 

Psa 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

 

Psa 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

 

Psa 140:9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

 

Isa 59:6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

 

The Bible shows reproach, iniquity, shame, violence, mischief, darkness and death are things people attempt to cover. Thus far only obvious details have been discovered. Studying only a portion of a key word can be dangerous. The above text shows only a portion of the information available. When information is not complete it can rob people of the blessing God has placed within His word. Further investigation shows a clearer view of God’s plan.

 

Pro 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

 

Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

 

There are at least two spiritual meanings to the key word covered. God’s plan offers an alternative to the negative motives explained in the first set of texts. The alternative is love, salvation and righteousness. Reviewing other key words in Matthew 10:26-27, will show the proper context of the parable.

 

Reveal

 

Deu 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

 

Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

 

Dan 2:22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

 

Amo 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

 

1 Corinthians 2:9-11 KJV (9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

 

It is as if God had placed these key words in a sequence for a reason. The word covered presented a question. Which context to use in the parable of Matthew 10:26-27? Two choices were given, one with a negative context, the other a positive. After studying the word reveal it becomes clear, God had placed a positive disposition upon this parable. To further verify this, additional key words may be studied.

 

Hid

 

Gen 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and hid myself.

 

After Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they hid themselves from the sight of God. Exactly why were they hiding? The only way to answer that question is to pray to the Spirit for guideance while comparing scripture with scripture.

 

Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

 

Mat 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

 

1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

 

1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

 

2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

 

Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

 

Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

 

Strange as it may seem, Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge in an attempt to gain knowledge. The only knowledge gained, was the understanding they had sinned. Everything else was lost. The fact they hid themselves from God illustrates the lesson, not only had they sinned, they chose Satan’s suggestions and promise of knowledge over what God had already given them. Instead of trusting in God, their creator, they decided to try Satan’s plan to become like gods, maybe more than gods. There is a relationship between this lesson and people who choose to follow the instructions of others. There is a closer connection between Adam and Eve’s fall and the common belief, people can get by letting others study for them, than what one would expect.

 

The direct connection with God was lost in Eden. Jesus came to restore that connection, the understanding and knowledge lost in the garden. Now this knowledge is lost only to those who prefer to follow anyone other than God. This point is hidden just below the surface of this parable. Once we have defined the key words, we are able to see the lesson Jesus hoped to teach.

 

Cover defines God’s love and salvation.

 

The word reveal illustrates God’s desire to share and teach His word.

 

Knowledge is hidden from those who do not follow God.

 

KJV Matthew 10:26-27

26. Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

 

Using the definitions of the key words, the parable may be paraphrased.

 

Do not fear them. God’s love and salvation (covered) will be shared and taught (revealed). It is only hidden to those who do not follow God.

Humble Yourself as this Little Child Matthew 18

KJV Matthew 18:3. And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5. And whoso.

shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me

 

This parable uses the word child twice, plus the word children once. Jesus never repeats Himself unless He is trying to teach a lesson He does not want us to miss. This parable begs us to study the word child.

 

The disciples came to Jesus, asking, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Jesus set a child upon His lap and told them this parable. You need to be converted, and become like a little child to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever humbles himself like a little child, will be great in Heaven. Whoever receives, or helps a child, receives Jesus.

 

A child is easily taught because their mind is open, unpolluted by an overwhelming amount of concepts, and they are trusting. This parable may be calling to attention the fact, many things may have to be unlearned before the mind can be open to learning the truth. William Miller reflected the same lesson in his fifth rule of interpretation.

 

5. Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed, or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed, or wisdom, is my rule, and not the Bible. Proof, Ps. 19:7-11; 119:97-105: Matt. 23:8-10; 1 Cor. 2:12-16; Eze. 34:18, 19; Luke 11:52; Matt. 2:7,8.

 

To find out how to become like a child, we must allow the Bible to show us the aspects of a child. This is accomplished by locating texts describing traits a child will posses.

 

Genesis 18:19 KJV For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

 

Exodus 31:16-18 KJV Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. (17) It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. (18) And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

 

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 KJV And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: (7) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (8) And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. (9) And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

 

Deuteronomy 32:46 KJV And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

 

Matthew 5:9 KJV Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

 

Matthew 19:14 KJV But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

 

The children of Heaven follow Jesus. They are taugh to respect the ten commandments. They are taught the ways of peace, justice, and judgment. This is the spiritual meaning of being converted like a child.

Secret from the Foundation of the World Matthew 13

KJV Matthew 13:34. All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

 

This is a rather simple study illustrating the need to locate the original texts when a prophet is quoted.

 

Psalms 78:1-8 KJV Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. (2) I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: (3) Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. (4) We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. (5) For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: (6) That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: (7) That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: (8) And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

 

When reading the original scripture, we can easily see, it is the responsibility of the parents to teach the children what they have heard and known. This information was to be passed down from generation to generation.

 

The original prophecy was written by David. Hundreds of years later Matthew was influenced by the Spirit to add it to his book. Was this to remind the readers about their responsibility? Or was the book of Matthew making another point? If the parents had taught the children and fulfilled their obligations, would they have recognized Jesus as the Son of God?

Whoever Has to Him it Shall be Given Matthew 13

KJV Matthew 13:11. He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15. For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

 

This is one of the longest parables in the book of Matthew. Jesus’ disciples asked why He teaches in parables. Jesus answers by telling them they should know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but this knowledge is not given to everyone. Jesus uses a metaphor much like the parable of the talents. Whoever has, more shall be given, but whoever does not have, whatever he has will be taken away.

 

Jesus continues the parable using the words heart, ears, and eyes as symbols. Notice, in this parable Jesus repeats the word heart twice, and the words ears, and eyes three times. When symbols are repeated it is usually a hint to pay attention.

 

To find the spiritual meaning of each of the key words, we must compare scripture with scripture. There are a number of key words in this parable. In this study we will look at three of them.

 

This parable also considers the subject on two levels, those who can see, and hear, and those who can not. This study will concentrate on the positive aspects. A much longer study would be required to study the subject from both sides. I would suggest you complete the study on your own by looking at additional texts containing each of the key words.

 

Heart

Heart

 

Psalms 15:2 KJV He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

 

Deuteronomy 10:12 KJV And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

 

Deuteronomy 11:13 KJV And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,

 

Deuteronomy 11:18 KJV Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

 

Psalms 19:8 KJV The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

 

Psalms 119:34 KJV Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

 

Proverbs 2:10 KJV When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

 

Isaiah 51:7 KJV Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

 

Jeremiah 24:7 KJV And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

 

Ezekiel 36:26-27 KJV A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

 

This collection of texts containing the word heart shows it is used to represent love, truth, God’s word, law, wisdom, and knowledge.

 

Eye

 

Psalms 17:8-9 KJV Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, (9) From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

 

Psalms 32:8 KJV I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

 

Psalms 33:18 KJV Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

 

Proverbs 7:2-3 KJV Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. (3) Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

 

Isaiah 52:8 KJV Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

 

Matthew 6:22 KJV The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

 

1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

 

The eye represents God’s guidance, hope, mercy, and love.

 

Ear

Ear

 

Proverbs 4:20-22 KJV My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

 

Exodus 15:26 KJV And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

 

Psalms 78:1-5 KJV Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. (2) I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: (3) Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. (4) We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. (5) For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:

 

Psalms 49:4 KJV I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

 

Proverbs 2:1-6 KJV My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (6) For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

 

Proverbs 22:17-21 KJV Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. (18) For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. (19) That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. (20) Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, (21) That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

 

The ear is used to represent God’s words, His commandments, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

 

KJV Matthew 13:11. He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15. For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

 

Following is a paraphrase of the parable, substituting the spiritual meaning for the physical key words.

 

Jesus answered them and said, because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given. Whoever has (understands a parable), to him it will be given (will be able to understand more), and he shall have more in abundance: but whoever does not have, from his it shall be taken away, whatever he has. This is why I speak to them in parables: because if they see not, and hear not, neither will they understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says, by hearing you shall hear, and shall understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall perceive. For the people’s understanding of God is waxed gross, and their knowledge of God is dull of hearing, and their hope they have closed; least at any time they should have guidance, and wisdom, and should understand God’s word, and be converted, and I should heal them. Blessed is your love, for they see: and understanding, for they hear.

 

This parable explains, those who understand parables read and understand God’s words. When they learn to understand parables, their understanding, knowledge, wisdom and hope increases. Those who so not understand God’s word, but prefer to trust in their own understanding, will not be able to understand parables the way God intended. Neither will they be able to understand prophecy, and the other subjects in the Bible. Whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Lord of the Harvest Matthew 9

KJV Matthew 9:37-38

Wheat Field

37. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

 

In this parable, Jesus is referring to a harvest. The fields are full, it promises to be a successful crop. But there are not enough people to bring harvest the crop.

We are not told what the crop is, but once the crop is ripe, it must be harvested, or it may spoil if it remains on the field. Jesus asks His listeners to pray because there is an sense of urgency.

The spiritual meaning of the word harvest can be found by comparing a number of verses containing the word.

Harvest

Joel 3:13-14 KJV Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. (14) Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

Matthew 13:39 KJV The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Revelation 14:15 KJV And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

The harvest represents the end of the world.

If a Son Asks for Bread Matthew 7

KJV Matthew 7:9-12
9. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10. Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

On the surface this seems to be a simple parable in which Jesus is comparing the giving nature of a human father to God. The trained eye will instantly catch four key words, bread, stone, fish, and serpent. Each of these key words must be compared with additional texts to learn the spiritual meaning.

To place the spiritual meaning within the proper context, the entire parable must be examined. In this parable Jesus is comparing the gifts an earthly father gives his son to the gifts God is ready to provide. The strange detail which stands out in this parable is of course the gifts the son asks for. In today’s society we would expect to see a son asking for ice cream, candy, or more expensive electronic gifts. Things may have been quite different in Jesus’ day, but it is unusual for a son to ask for bread or a fish. These gifts fall into the category of essentials. There is a lesson in these details and they indicate the contexts of the study which must remain in tact.

Bread

Bread

Amos 8:11 KJV Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

Matthew 4:4 KJV But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Deuteronomy 8:3 KJV And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Bread symbolizes the word of God.

Stone

Stone Idol

Deuteronomy 28:64 KJV And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.

Deuteronomy 29:17 KJV And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:)

Isaiah 37:19 KJV And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

A stone is used to represent idols.

Fish

Fish represent men

Ecclesiastes 9:12 KJV For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Habakkuk 1:14 KJV And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?

Matthew 4:19 KJV And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

The Bible uses fish to represent men.

Serpent

Serpent

Genesis 3:1 KJV Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Revelation 12:9 KJV And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 20:2 KJV And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Most people know a serpent is used to represent the devil and Satan.

When we put the spiritual meaning of the key words into the parable we can see the deeper meaning.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

Which one of you, when his son asks for the word of God, will give him an idol? Or if he asks about a man, will give him the devil?

As we can see the spiritual meaning of the parable also deals with essentials, the word of God and the salvation of men.

Fishers of men

It may be a little difficult to understand the phrase, ask a man. Based on the texts compared, we can see Jesus referred to winning souls as fishing. When considering this, it is easy to see Jesus was referring to working for souls, and if you do not accept God’s gift, you are working for the devil.

Cup of Cold Water Matthew 10

KJV Matthew 10:42

42. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Child with a Cup of Water

Was Jesus implying there is an easy way into Heaven? Based on this parable, some may think that.

To understand this parable on a spiritual level the key words must be studied on an individual basis. When this is completed, the Bible will reveal the spiritual interpretation.

It is also helpful to write a belief explanation of the physical aspects. This will help keep the parable within the proper context.

Jesus called His disciples together and gave them power to cast out unclean spirits, and to heal all manner of sickness, and disease. This parable is given at the end of His instructions. His disciples are told to, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

At the end of His instructions Jesus presents the simplicity of the gospel. The act of giving a cold cup of water will ensure the reward of a disciple. It could not get any easier. How much effort does it take to pour a cup of water and hand it to a person?

There are at least two key words to interpret in the parable, water and cold. Water is the first word to interpret.

Water

Isaiah 11:9 KJV They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Habakkuk 2:14 KJV For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 12:2-3 KJV Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. (3) Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

John 4:13-14 KJV Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: (14) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Isaiah 44:3 KJV For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

The Bible shows us, water can represent a number of things, knowledge of God’s word, salvation, and the Spirit. These three center on salvation and eternal life. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15 KJV)

Can salvation be achieved without knowledge of God’s word and the Spirit? To find the answer, a study of the word salvation should be conducted. Following is a list of a few of the verses.

Acts 4:10-12 KJV Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

This is one point all Christians should agree on. Only Christ can save by offering us His salvation. One text does not constitute a thorough study of a subject. We find additional information by comparing additional texts using the word salvation.

Isaiah 33:6 KJV And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Luke 1:77 KJV To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins

Psalms 13:5 KJV But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

Psalms 40:16 KJV Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

Habakkuk 3:18 KJV Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

With wisdom and knowledge you have stability. In other words, when trials occur you will have less of a tendency to fall away from your faith. John the Baptist was sent to share the knowledge of salvation. Special instructions were given to his parents to guarantee his success. The above texts tells us we are to have joy and love for the salvation offered. How can you love salvation if you do not know it? You love a person after developing a relationship. The same is true for salvation and Jesus, the only person who can offer salvation. How can you share this joy, love, and knowledge of salvation if you have not developed a personal relationship with your Savior?

The answer would be, yes, there is more to salvation than hearing about it. Salvation comes from a relationship with Christ. The devils know about Jesus, is this enough to save them? Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2:19 KJV)

Water symbolizes knowledge, salvation, and the Spirit.

Child cup of water

The next key word to compare with scripture is the word cold. Because the majority of key words are nouns, this word is often overlooked. It is one of the many descriptive words used in the Bible which also carries a much deeper spiritual meaning.

A general rule to finding key words is to look at the context of the passage. If anything seems unusual, it most likely will contain a spiritual meaning. In this case cold water would be unusual. It is often warm in the region Jesus spoke this parable. Water may be cold if it is drawn from a deep well. Because of the weather, water is usually drawn in the early morning and evening. Because of this, cold water would be unusual, but not impossible. This is just enough of a hint to raise the readers attention, and alert them to a deeper meaning. The Bible is full of such little hints. The Spirit is working over time to connect the casual reader of the Bible with the spiritual meaning of the texts.

By using the word cold, Jesus was implying a refreshing effect. He may have also been implying, we need to go out of our way to secure our reward. Also notice, Jesus used the word reward and not salvation, which is some times referred to as a gift.

Cold

Proverbs 25:13 KJV As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Proverbs 25:25 KJV As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Jeremiah 18:14 KJV Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?

A few verses show us the key word cold represents a refreshing feeling. Although this may have been considered without the aid of comparing scripture, this is an example of what can be revealed when conducting a quick word study. After studying a number of key words it will not seem unusual for Solomon to compare the words good news and cold waters. When we apply this to the parable of the cup of cold water we see Jesus was not only implying the simple act of supply a cup of cold water, but the good news of the gospel. We have to remember, Jesus possessed a far greater knowledge of the scriptures than we could ever hope to achieve. In all His parables Jesus refereed to scripture. To understand the full meaning of everything Jesus was teaching in His parables, we need to locate the texts Jesus was most likely referring to.

This also agrees with the spiritual interpretation of water representing knowledge and salvation. In just a few words, Jesus placed a message within the pages of the Bible to encourage and educate us.

When studying key words, we will never cease to be amazed.

The Lost Study: Luke 15

Luke 15:1-7 KJV Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. (2) And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. (3) And he spake this parable unto them, saying, (4) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? (5) And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. (6) And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. (7) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

What if the lost sheep refers to losing the ability to conduct a proper study method? This parable and other supporting texts covering the subject of lost sheep have spiritual overtones regarding the subject of understanding God’s word.

On the surface Luke 15 shows a clear connection between Christ’s followers and sheep. To find the spiritual meaning you need to dig deeper, praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit while using the Bible, a Concordance, and the key words to lead to a deeper understanding of the parable.

In this parable the Pharisees complained Christ kept company with sinners, and ate with them. Eating is spiritually linked to studying the word of God.

Jer 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Deu 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Amo 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for

Sheep with an attitude.

water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

To answer their question Jesus told this parable about one lost sheep. Most sermons and studies I have heard describe sheep as stupid creatures unable to defend themselves. For the most part this statement may have a bit of truth with certain domestic sheep, but most regions in this world have wild sheep. Although this parable is clearly dealing with a lost domesticated sheep, we cannot forget the fact, sheep are equipped to defend themselves with their horns and hooves.

The man finds his lost sheep and carries it back on his shoulders. The sheep was able to walk away under its own power, but the man carries it back on his shoulder. Based on this fact many people assume it was a lost lamb, the word used to describe a young sheep. But God chose to use the word sheep. Because it is a little strange for a man to carry a full grown sheep. This indicates the presence of a deeper spiritual meaning.

Lost Sheep Painting

Comparing this text to others about lost sheep, we find a consistent connection between a lost sheep and spiritual words describing the word of God.

Matthew 15:24-26 KJV But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (25) Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. (26) But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.

We have already seen the spiritual connection between bread and the word of God. Matthew also provides a clear connection between lost sheep and the people Jesus came to save, followed by a spiritual reference to bread.

Jeremiah 50:6 KJV My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

In the Old Testament, Jeremiah wrote about sheep misled by their shepherds. The shepherd represents the priests and teachers. Mountains and hills represent people’s beliefs. Mountains also represent God’s power.

Exo 3:12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Psa 72:3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

Psa 125:2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

Going from mountain to hill indicates people are turning away from God.

Surprising as it may seem the word shoulder is a very significant key word in this parable. The Bible contains many reference texts linking the word shoulder to other spiritual words pertaining to learning and knowing the word of God.

Shoulder

The word garment spiritually represents salvation. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10 KJV).

Gen 21:14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

Gen 24:15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

Water spiritually represents Jesus’ teachings. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14 KJV)

Exo 28:12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

Exo 28:24 And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate. 25 And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.

The breastplate of judgment was designed to cover the heart while being supported by gold chains over the shoulders. Upon the shoulders rested two onyx stones named the Urim and the Thummim. God used these stones to communicate to the high priests. And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. (1 Samuel 28:6 KJV).

The right shoulder of the offering was given to the priests to eat. He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for his part. Lev 7:33.

God shared the offerings with the priests. What does it represent when God shares with people dedicated to serving him? This represents more than the normal concept people have of the relationship between human beings and God. This illustrates a much deeper relationship.

The ark containing the commandments was carried upon the shoulders of the priests. And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD. 1Ch 15:15.

This may either represent the responsibility the priests must bear, or the trust God has in the priests. God could have written His law in the side of a mountain, or etched it into the sky for all to see for ever. God chose to write His law upon two tables of stone, to be carried by the priests dedicated to serve. The shoulders of those dedicated to serve carried the commandments of God.

Jesus will also carry His government and laws upon His shoulders. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6.

The key of David, which signifies knowledge is also associated with the shoulder. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. Isa 22:22.

Thus far we have studied verses containing the word shoulder which explain the relationship between God and man. Other verses show the results when that relationship is severed.

Zechariah 7:11-13 KJV But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. (12) Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. (13) Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:

Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Zechariah 7 outlines a clear connection between hearing God’s word and the shoulder. In Zechariah 7 the people refuse to hear God’s word. Matthew 23 shows the results. In an attempt to create a better religion the priests took God’s word, and provided their own interpretations to the people. The Bible painstakingly records the results so we are able to learn from them. Satan has convinced people they are much wiser than the Pharisees and better able to correctly interpret God’s word. Today people fail to see that allowing others to interpret the word of God for them, they are in the same predicament as the people before and during Jesus’ time. Those who feel they have the ability to interpret the word of God for others are no better than the Pharisees.

The Bible has established a spiritual link between a sheep and the word of God. This includes learning and knowing the word of God. The key word shoulder also provides a number of spiritual links to the word of God. Therefore the one lost sheep not only represents a lost person, it spiritually represents loosing the ability to understand God’s words.

Not only do the angels in Heaven rejoice when a sinner is saved, they will rejoice when the lost sinner discovers the joy of studying and understanding God’s word.

The word repent used in the parable has an interesting definition. It means to think differently and to reconsider.

G3340 metanoeo¯

From G3326 and G3539; to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): – repent.

Luke 15:1-7 KJV Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. (2) And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. (3) And he spake this parable unto them, saying, (4) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? (5) And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. (6) And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. (7) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Based on the findings of this study, this parable may be paraphrased something like this.

The tax collectors, politicians, and other sinners came to hear Jesus. And the politicians murmured, “this man meets with sinners and studies with them. Jesus told them this parable/ Which of you study with a hundred people, and one is lost, will not leave the ninety nine in the wilderness, and goes after the lost one until he finds him. And when he finds him, they share the word of God, rejoicing. And when they return, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, rejoice with me, I have found the one who was lost. I say unto you, there shall be joy in Heaven over one sinner that repents, more than the ninety nine which do not repent.

New Cloth Unto an Old Garment. Matthew 9

KJV Matthew 9:16
16. No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

A garment is used to cover the body. It may also be used to keep warm. In extreme cold a warm, thick garment may save a life. A garment can also be used to protect a person from the intense rays of the sun. An old garment can be worn very thin and contain many holes. The garment may be faded from age and countless washings. Chances are very good that the new piece used to repair the garment would stand out, calling attention to the defect. The new piece would be stronger than the old material. This parable points out the new material may become the cause of a more serious tear in the garment.

Garment

KJV Isaiah 61:10. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

KJV Job 29:14. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.

KJV Psalms 132:9. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Garment is a word that is interchangeable with robe, cloth, and a number of other items of clothing. And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments. Exodus 28:4. The clothing God supplies to His saints is salvation and righteousness. Now we can understand why Jesus told this parable. He was not teaching a lesson in fashion, but a lesson in righteousness and salvation.

When people try to patch up their old lives with new lessons they have learned, it is like patching an old, worn out garment with a new piece of cloth. Jesus pointed out, this will never work. They must put on the whole garment of salvation. People cannot attain salvation one patch at a time. The entire garment of salvation must put obtained from God, through the righteousness of Jesus.

Can the children of the bridechamber mourn? Matthew 9

KJV Matthew 9:15
15. And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

A wedding is a joyful occasion. People spend outrageous sums of money to celebrate the union of a man and wife. Guests are invited from near and far, relatives, neighbors, friends, coworkers, and others are invited to a wedding, young and old. The bride chooses her closest friends to be members of the wedding party. Among this wedding party it is common to include the youngest members of the family.

The younger members of the bridechamber may not completely understand the wedding celebration. It would take a tragic event for the children of the bridechamber cry. A missing bridegroom may not be serious enough to bring tears to the children. But if something unexpected, such as the death of the bridegroom occurred, the children would understand such an incident and mourn.

Notice the text says, the children of the bridechamber. This is not referring to a bride, rather members of the wedding party. To gain a better understanding of this parable we must identify the key word bridegroom. This is a simple lesson that teaches a very important rule of study.

Bridegroom

KJV Revelation 21:2. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

KJV Revelation 21:9. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. 10. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11. Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

Revelation 21 contains a vision of a wedding in which the city New Jerusalem represents the bride, and the Lamb represents the Bridegroom. To find out if this is the bridegroom referred to in Matthew 9, we must first identify the Lamb.

Lamb

KJV Isaiah 53:7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

KJV Acts 8:32. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33. In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35. Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

When identifying the Lamb one text explains another. Isaiah is a prophecy of Jesus and Acts 8 explains the prophecy has been fulfilled. This is one example showing how God clearly explains His prophecies.

KJV John 1:29. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

KJV 1 Peter 1:19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

John and Peter clearly identify Jesus as the Lamb in simple terms. These are examples of how the Bible identifies spiritual definitions.

The gospels confirm Jesus was later taken from them, tried, crucified, buried and rose on the third day. This verifies the bridegroom also represents Jesus.

This lesson may seem simple, but it reveals valuable study methods contained within the Bible. God presents the simplest studies to teach the greatest lessons. Many people know the Lamb represents Jesus, but few are able to prove it from the Bible. Very few people know how to locate supporting texts. This illustrates the point, a little bit of knowledge is dangerous. Knowing the results of an equation is not the same as knowing how to solve the problem.

In this case a study of the bridegroom identified the Lamb, a study of the Lamb identified Jesus. This teaches the simple algebraic term, if a = b and b = c, then a = c. If the bridegroom = the Lamb and the Lamb = Jesus, then the bridegroom = Jesus.

Also notice the results are also confirmed not only through a simple word study, identifying the spiritual meaning of the bridegroom, but also a fulfillment of the prophecy. The parable states, the bridegroom shall be taken. This was fulfilled when Jesus was taken by the priest and tried as a criminal.

They that be whole need not a physician, Matthew 9

KJV Matthew 9:12-13
12. But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13. But go ye and learn what that meant, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Most people have to be very sick before they will see a doctor. Is Jesus using this parable to point out how serious the problem is? Jesus must be providing an important message. This is one of the few parables in which He challenges the listeners to learn the meaning. Jesus explains a portion of the parable, but does He supply the complete answer? Jesus would not have challenged His listeners if He had supplied the entire answer. To find the answers to this parable, we need to study the key words. This study will look at the word sick. The spiritual interpretation will reveal another dimension of the parable.

KJV Exodus 23:24. Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. 25. And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and He shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

KJV Deuteronomy 7:11. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. 12. Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: 13. And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 14. Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle. 15. And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.

KJV Deuteronomy 28:58. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, The Lord Thy God; 59. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. 60. Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. 61. Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

KJV Micah 6:12. For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. 13. Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.

The Bible clearly states there is a choice. Following God’s laws and commandments will bring God’s blessing, and God will fulfill His promise to heal all types of sickness. If God’s laws are not kept sickness, disease, and plagues will follow.

A complete study of the word sick reveals a surprising amount of detail on the subject of sin and its connection with sickness. Only a small amount of proof texts are covered in this lesson. Additional texts will supply further details explaining how a separation from God will increase the possibility of sickness. Through this parable Jesus wanted to teach another important lesson. His challenge was made in the hopes His listeners would study the scriptures to find the answer. The other lesson deals with the subjects mercy and sacrifice, which have an unusual spiritual connection with sickness.

KJV Ezekiel 34:3. Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. 5. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

KJV Ezekiel 34:15. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. 16. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

The word sick also leads to the book of Ezekiel. This passage is a prophecy showing the conditions Jesus would face. The priests took advantage of the people while showing little concern for their well being. This is one of the injustices Jesus came to expose and correct.

KJV Malachi 1:8. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts.

The word sick also shows the lack of respect the priests had towards God. In an effort to incise profits, the priests took the best of the flock brought by the people and replaced them with sick, diseased, and defective offerings. They were instructed to offer the best of the flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord. KJV Leviticus 1:3. Instead the priest developed a corrupt system designed to put money in their purses. They worked out a system built not in respect for God, and fulfilling the responsibilities of the office they occupied, but on profit. The priests would buy the lame, diseased, blind, and sick members of the flock. They would house these defective animals in the temple court yard. Israelites would bring the best of their flocks as offerings to God. When the priests would inspect the offering they would most certainly find a defect in the animal. The priests would offer an exchange. The person the offering brought plus a service charge to exchange the animal for one from the priests stock. For additional profit the priests could later sell the spotless animal on the open market.

It’s amazing to consider the fact, the word sickness leads you to the same thought pattern as the words mercy and sacrifice. Jesus had constructed a parable with a message that could not be missed when properly studied. This is an example showing the many ways God will provide a message.

KJV Hosea 6:5. Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. 6. For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. 7. But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

The Eye, the Light of the Body Matthew 6

KJV Matthew 6:22-23
22. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Light of the Eyes

This simple parable uses the eye as a spiritual symbol. The first account uses the eye to symbolize light. The later uses the eye to symbolize darkness. It is a simple task to identify the information lying on the surface of this parable. Much greater understanding can be realized when the spiritual meaning of light and darkness is studied in depth by comparing scripture with scripture. This lesson will look at the spiritual meaning of the word eye, as an example to show how a greater understanding can be achieved through the study of a single word.

An eye is used to provide sight. Through light, eyes gather information by reading, observing and studying the surroundings. Eyes may be the most important sense used to gather knowledge and understanding. It is not unusual to hear the phrase, visual learner. Today our society relies on sight for transportation, work, play, education, marketing and entertainment.

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Eye

KJV Genesis 21:19. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

KJV Genesis 22:13. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

KJV Numbers 22:31. Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

It is important to know, God has the ability to open the eyes of His followers and those who chose to follow their own ways. God created eyes and knows how to use them to their utmost ability.

KJV John 10:21. Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

Jesus asked the question, can a devil open the eyes of the blind? Depending on who you ask, you may get some interesting answers. There may be stories and fables claiming Satan or his agents to have restored physical sight. But Jesus was not debating physical sight. Jesus was referring to spiritual vision. His audience did not understand the parable He was explaining to them. That was one of the reasons Jesus came to this world, to reestablish spiritual understanding. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. KJV John 10:11.

The devil claims he has a way of spiritually opening the eyes of his followers, but the method of deception is much more subtle than that of opening physical eyes. Examples are given in his conversation with Eve in the garden, and again with Jesus in the wilderness, where it is shown how Satan changes the word of God, ever so slightly to suit his needs. The answer is no, the devil does not have the power to open the eyes of the blind.

KJV Deuteronomy 6:4. Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord: 5. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

KJV Acts 26:18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

KJV 1 Corinthians 2:9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

KJV Ephesians 1:18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Eyes are spiritually opened only by the word of God. Frontlets are used to aid in guiding a horse, so they are not distracted by the images around them. Frontlets help keep the attention of a horse on the road ahead, just as the word of God keeps the eyes spiritually focused on the road to eternity. In a spiritual sense, when the eyes are not focused, vision becomes blurred, images may be mistaken and details missed.

KJV John 12:40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

KJV Acts 28:27
27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

KJV 2 Peter 2:14
14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Spiritually Blind

KJV 1 John 2:11
11. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

To be spiritually blind is to be without understanding. People can see and hear the words, but the important lesson is, they cannot understand with their hearts. Ask ten people what it means to understand with your heart and most likely you will receive ten different answers. How do you know if any of the answers are correct, and which of the answers are misleading? How dangerous may those misleading answers be? The only safe course of action is to ask God, how to understand with your heart. Answers of this nature come from God’s word, the Bible.

KJV Exodus 36:1. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded.

KJV 1 Kings 3:9. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

KJV 1 Kings 4:29. And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. 30. And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

Knowing that an understanding heart comes from God is only a small portion of the answer. To many preachers, this may be the only answer they will provide. They may not use any proof texts, but simply put the phrases into their own words, God give understanding to the heart. This is a true statement, but how much of a spiritual lesson does it teach?

Telling someone a carrot is a plant does nothing to teach them how to grow a carrot. As with many plants, proper preparation makes all the difference to guarantee a successful harvest. Experience will enable a person to teach another how to prepare the soil, plant the seeds with the proper spacing, when to plant, where to plant, how much sun and water is required, and when to harvest.

To fully understand how God provides a wise and understanding heart, we need to study His word.

KJV Jeremiah 3:15. And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

KJV Proverbs 2:1. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2. So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3. Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

KJV Colossians 2:1. For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2. That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

An understanding heart does not drop out of the sky like rain, it requires dedication, pursuit, hard work, and refinement. You can see this by the action words God used to describe an understanding heart. Feed, receive, hide, incline, apply, cry, and understand all require effort. When searching for an understanding heart, we are to receive God’s words. Receiving God’s word is a step in understanding, which is only achieved through a personal experience. Applying your heart to understanding is a personal invitation to seek after God and search for understanding. All of these actions are a vivid contrast from what most people experience in their lives.

KJV Psalms 49:3. My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. 4. I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

KJV Matthew 13:13. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15. For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

KJV Matthew 13:23. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

KJV Mark 4:11. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12. That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. 13. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

God applies a standard test to an understanding heart. This test involves His parables. If people understand these parables, their actions show they have an understanding heart. But what about those who do not understand?

There are three levels of understanding a parable, the physical, moral and spiritual. Understanding the physical aspects of a parable is where most people feel comfortable because they feel this portion is open to personal interpretation and freedom of expression. It is to a degree. It is also the easiest to understand and requires the least amount of effort.

The moral segment of a parable is the next level. Every parable teaches a moral lesson. As we get deeper into the interpretation of the parable we need to exercise additional care in representing God’s word. Most religions have their own versions of parables and their own approved methods of interpretation.

The third and most advanced level used to interpret a parable is the spiritual level. The only parables interpreted on a spiritual level are those from God. No other religion has developed the means of interpreting parables on a spiritual level. This is what sets God’s parables apart from all other religions. This level of interpretation requires the greatest degree of reverence and respect for God’s word and can only be interpreted using God’s word.

If a person prefers to remain on a physical level of God’s word, they may be termed as part time Christians. They may also be Christians with a lack of proper training. In the worse case they may be Christians entrenched in truths they have learned early in their walk and have refused to move, or have convinced themselves, they possess all the truth available.

Christians on a higher level of understanding often apply parables to their lives through prayer and at times, meditation. They are on the right track because they recognize a need for change. They are often bewildered by this need to change and often spend a great deal of time searching for answers. They may not have realized where to look for answers, so they often look to others, whom they consider wiser than themselves. These questions often haunt and to a degree, control their lives. This class takes time to find the faith to fully rely upon God.

Those who study on a spiritual level have grown to realize God has the ability to provide His followers with infinite wisdom. They have learned not only how to ask God to reveal new information in His written word, but have mastered the art of challenging God. Their minds are in a constant state of prayer. This is not an inherited ability but one mastered over time. They have learned how to compare spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13). They have inquired and searched diligently (1 Peter 1:10), relying only on the word of God.

This journey begins by learning how to study. Often times, the student is amazed at the depth of understanding revealed by the spiritual meaning of one or two key words. The journey continues only when the proper time and effort is invested in learning at the feet of Jesus.

A regiment of study is often adopted and becomes a lifestyle. It may involve morning or evening prayer, followed by reading the Bible in a constructive manner, then followed by time spent in word studies. It is much like exercise, no pain, no gain. One of the first lessons a student may learn is, God created time. A large part of salvation is eternal life. Few people realize, this gift includes, unlimited time. Once this lesson is learned, all excuses fade away.

It takes time and dedication to learn to study on a spiritual level. There are hundreds and possibly thousands of key words with spiritual meanings in the Bible. Like our language, many of these words may have a number of definitions. This is a point which may confuse and frustrate many beginners. Those with more experience on the physical and moral levels of study will find this obstacle easier to over come, as long as every study begins with an open mind. A mind open to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. If a single thought leading you to believe you already know the answer, enters your mind during a study, the entire study can become contaminated. It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. KJV Luke 13:20-21.

Those learning on a spiritual level exhibit an understanding heart by developing a need to teach others. This is recognized by their actions. They realize others are on different locations of the same path and have a desire to help elevate their spiritual experience, by teaching in a patient, loving manner.

The higher the degree of understanding God’s word, the higher the degree of an understanding heart, the closer your walk with Jesus will become.

Pearls Before Swine Matthew 7

KJV Matthew 7:6
6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

It’s easy to see and explain the practical lessons taught by the physical aspects of this parable. Why would anyone give holy things to dogs or pearls to a pig? It would be far too easy to remain bogged down while attempting to define the word holy, so this study will focus only on the key words dog, pearl and swine in an attempt to reveal a portion of the spiritual meaning of the text. Additional key words may be interpreted using the same method. Following are some of the texts that will reveal the spiritual meaning for each of the key words.

Dog

KJV Isaiah 56:9. All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. 10. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 11. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. 12. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

Isaiah provides a highly detailed description of the spiritual meaning for the word dog. They are defined as watchmen, who are further described in the book of Ezekiel.

KJV Ezekiel 3:17. Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

A spiritual watchman is anyone carrying a message or warning from God. God’s followers are required to convey this information unto others. Ezekiel explains, the watchman is responsible for those he failed to warn. In the case of Isaiah 56, the watchmen are described as dumb dogs, shepherds that cannot understand. They obviously have chosen to provide their own warning in place of the warning provided by God.

Spiritual dogs are known for being greedy. No other book provides a better description of greed than Revelation.

KJV Revelation 18:12. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13. And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

Revelation 18 lists over 25 forms of merchandise. There must be a reason why this list is so detailed. Isaiah tells us, greedy dogs are never satisfied. Dogs not only represent people chained by financial greed, but by every course of sin which leads one to exalt themselves above others. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. KJV Psalms 22:16-18.

The greedy dogs are also referred to as shepherds who do not understand. The Bible identifies two classes of shepherds. Those who lead God’s followers and those who mislead His followers.

KJV Philippians 3:2. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

KJV Revelation 22:14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Among other things, dogs are also described as evil workers, sorcerers, murderers and liars, found outside the new city of Jerusalem. In any case, it becomes clear why it would be wasteful to give holy things to spiritual dogs. They are people who care little for anything beyond themselves.

Swine

KJV Leviticus 11:7. And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. 8. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

KJV Deuteronomy 14:8
8. And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

Swine are unclean and unfit for food.

KJV Isaiah 65:3. A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; 4. Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; 5. Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

There may not be a direct spiritual interpretation for the word swine, but Isaiah leads us to an important point to consider. In God’s eyes, eating of swine’s flesh is a sign of open rebellion in the worse form. At this point the study turns from a simple word study into an inductive study. Isaiah shows us, people who eat swine’s flesh are known for disregarding God’s law. They are also filled with the sense, they are above God. To gain a better understanding of Isaiah 65 we must compare it to other texts with similar thoughts.

Sin began in this world when Satan promised Eve she could be like a god. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. KJV Genesis 3:5.

It was never Satan’s intent to elevate Eve, he knew there was no power in the fruit. Although this remains one of Satan’s favorite deceptions. Satan’s only desire was to gain control of Eve. Satan has always had the desire to elevate himself above God. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. KJV Isaiah 14:12-14.

Based on an inductive view of the word swine we see it represents Satan and his followers, who openly defy God and his laws.

Pearl

KJV Revelation 17:4. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

KJV Revelation 18:12. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

KJV Revelation 18:16. And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Revelation 17 and 18 refer to Babylon, in this case, a spiritual symbol, which can be interpreted using the methods shown in this study, comparing scripture with scripture. For this particular study it is only important to understand the connection between the spiritual city Babylon and pearls. They are one of the items the woman and the merchants use to measure and display their wealth. This also exhibits a connection between the woman, the spiritual city Babylon, and the merchants of this world.

Most people are satisfied with a physical interpretation of the word pearl. The Bible shows pearls are used as merchandise, a way of measuring or showing wealth. They have a form of worldly value. They also have a spiritual meaning as seen through the connection illustrated by the woman and Babylon. In this case Revelation 17 and 18 show a spiritual connection to the dark side, the agents of Satan.

KJV Revelation 21:21. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Pearls also represent the gates to the holy city, New Jerusalem.

Because pearls can represent two spiritual figures, one good and the other evil, we must determine which application fits the context of Matthew 7. This can be accomplished by paraphrasing the parable using both interpretations.

At this phase of a study it is wise to write a chart of the key words and their spiritual meanings.

Dogs represent evil people.

Swine represent Satan and his followers.

Pearls represent the gates of the new city Jerusalem.

Pearls also represent merchandise used by evil people, spiritual Babylon and the whore.

KJV Matthew 7:6
6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Paraphrase the text, substituting the spiritual meaning for the key words.

Do no give anything holy to those who are evil, neither show the gates of Heaven to Satan and his followers. They will trample them under their feet and turn to rip you apart.

A second paraphrase using the second interpretation of pearls will read.

Do no give anything holy to those who are evil, neither show Babylon and the whore to Satan and his followers. They will trample them under their feet and turn to rip you apart.

The first paraphrase makes perfect sense, while the second makes little sense. We can see from this lesson, a key word may have more than one spiritual definition. Paraphrasing the text with the spiritual definitions will show which suits the context of the parable.

God so Clothed the Grass Matthew 6

KJV Matthew 6:30
30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

This parable clearly compares people to grass. It’s no wonder, Jesus ends the parable with the words, O ye of little faith, in the form of a question. Was this a question, a challenge or a clue?

God so clothed the grass.

Looking at the physical description of grass we can find many reasons why Jesus compares people to grass. Grass requires water, light, and air to grow. People also require these same elements, both physical and spiritual. Some people prefer grass to look and grow a certain way. They constantly cut, add artificial fertilizer, and water on their own schedule. Grass is always threatened by weeds, which rob the grass from valuable nutrients. When faced with extreme conditions, such as winter, grass will give the appearance of dying. When spring arrives, grass rises from the earth, giving the appearance of new life. As long as the root survives, grass will grow.

It is very easy to locate a number of supporting texts identify grass as a spiritual word for people. Until a number of these texts are examined, one will never know if this parable is an example showing how easy a simple word study can be, a type of metaphor holding a deeper meaning, or both.

KJV Deuteronomy 32:2. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

One of the first verses containing the word grass, compares God’s doctrine to the rain which falls upon the grass. Obviously God’s doctrine is not heard or acted upon by grass. Therefore, this verse indicates to a deeper spiritual meaning.

KJV 2 Kings 19:26. Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

KJV Psalms 72:16. There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

KJV Psalms 129:66. Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:

KJV Isaiah 40:6. The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: 7. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. 8. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

A number of verses clearly show, grass is used to spiritually represent people. Some verses use grass to represent faithful people. Other verses use grass to represent people with little or no faith.

Jesus learned this spiritual representation from the Old Testament, but it is also used in the New Testament.

KJV 1 Peter 1:24. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Some of the most interesting texts the word grass is used and found, are located in the book of Revelation.

KJV Revelation 8:7. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

KJV Revelation 9:4. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

This may have been the reason Jesus used the words, O ye of little faith. A number of philosophers attempt to interpret the book of Revelation without considering the spiritual implications clearly stated within the text. Revelation 9:4 clearly indicates a spiritual relationship between grass and men. Even when such a relationship is clearly shown, some men prefer to ignore the spiritual and put trust in their own imaginations.

No Man Can Serve Two Masters; Matthew 6

KJV Matthew 6:24
24. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The first detail noticed in this parable is the warning, no man can serve two masters. To understand the spiritual meaning of this text, we need to identify two masters, using only God’s scriptures. The second detail which requires clarification is the word mammon. To understand the meaning of this word, we can use Strong’s Bible dictionary.

Strong’s Ref. # 3126
of Aramaic origin (confidence, i.e. wealth, personified); mammonas, i.e. avarice (deified):
Understanding the definition of personify will help in understanding Jesus’ comparison.

Personify
–verb (used with object), -fied, -fy·ing.
1. to attribute human nature or character to (an inanimate object or an abstraction), as in speech or writing.
2. to represent (a thing or abstraction) in the form of a person, as in art.
3. to embody (a quality, idea, etc.) in a real person or a concrete thing.
4. to be an embodiment or incarnation of; typify: He personifies the ruthless ambition of some executives.
5. to personate.
Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.

In this particular instance, the definition of the word mammon adds clarity to the parable. Jesus was comparing God to human nature or character. In other words, we cannot serve God and our own desires.

By defining a single word, we now have obtained a clearer meaning of this parable. While most people use the definition of wealth to describe mammon, understanding that this parable reaches beyond the physical aspects of the word mammon is the beginning to a deeper understanding. To reach the next level, we need to understand the spiritual definition of the word master. This is accomplished by comparing scripture.

KJV Luke 8:24. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

KJV Luke 8:45. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

KJV Matthew 23:10. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

KJV John 13:13. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Examining scripture containing the word master not only shows, Jesus is the master, it also illustrates His power, actions, and examples He expects His disciples to follow. For all Christians, identifying Jesus as master, should be a simple task. Supporting texts should be easy to find and identify.

This parable requires the identification a second master. How many texts do you think clearly identify Satan, or the devil as the other master? Think about this for a moment and make a list of the texts you think will accomplish this task. If you prefer, write your list in preparation of a future study.

After an extensive search of the Bible, I could not find a single text clearly identifying Satan or the devil as a master. It occurred to me, why would God waste the time, or a single word on such a subject. Imagine how many people would take this type of information and misapply it. The closest text I could find is in Matthew 10.

KJV Matthew 10:24. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

Because of the context of Matthew 10:25, this would not be considered a proper supporting text. At this point of a study it is time to shift gears, from a simple word study to an inductive method, in which we look for words or ideas which are the same, similar or related. To continue this study we need to shift from the obvious key words to secondary key words which will lead us to related texts. In this case the word serve will help to identify the other master.

KJV Psalms 97:7. Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.

KJV Galatians 4:8. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

KJV Judges 10:6. And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him.

The Bible identifies a list of other gods and idols as entities people have chosen to serve. God has been very careful not to identify these as masters, because they neither own, nor do they have power to possess the souls of those who serve them. To understand the contrast between the two masters, we need to study the attributes of each. When identifying Jesus as the master, it is impossible not to recognize His nature and example. It only requires a few texts to identify the nature and the results which occur when serving idols and other gods.

KJV Judges 3:6. And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. 7. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgat the Lord their God, and served Baalim and the groves.

KJV Deuteronomy 12:30. Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. 31. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

KJV Judges 10:13. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. 14. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

It may not be evident at the time, but serving idols and other gods can be very costly. In modern times we may not see parents physically offering their children to other gods, but what about the spiritual facets?

What are parents accomplishing by teaching their children to follow after the latest fads and fashions? What are parents teaching when they provide children with an abundance of the latest toys while making it appear the parent suffered a major sacrifice to provide lavish gifts? The parent is teaching the child, a sacrifice is necessary to obtain material goods. The parent is establishing an example the child will follow the rest of their life, associating personal gain through the sacrifice of others. This was the same lesson taught by the misguided Israelite parents?

Why did parents force their children to walk through the fire? Why were they sacrificing their own children? Today we refer to it as superstition, but no matter what name we put on it, the end result was for personal gain. It may have been to bless the crops, insure rain, or protection against natural disasters. The ultimate reason was to insure their own prosperity. The children of past generations were taught their prosperity relied upon the sacrifice of others. This resulted in the belief that prosperity was physical evidence a person was blessed by the gods.

Nothing much has changed over the years. The gods the Israelites chose to serve still exist today. Is there a difference between sending children through the fires of strange gods, and neglecting their education in spiritual matters today? The end results are the same.

KJV 2 Peter 3:5. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

KJV Jude 1:7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

KJV Revelation 14:9. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

KJV Revelation 19:20. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

KJV Revelation 20:15. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

God must have had a good reason to record the incidents where parents sentenced their children to death by fire. A number of texts testify to this fact. This is another instance where physical evidence teaches a spiritual lesson. Although parents think they have found a better explanation, or reason for their actions, it still remains the same old excuse, modified, but which has been used for generations.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity. There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, 1:14, 2:11, 2:22-24, 5:10-11.

Judge not the Eye Matthew 7

KJV Matthew 7:1-5

1. Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4. Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

This parable is a story about two people, each having a foreign object in their eye. A physical object in your eye causes severe discomfort. It may also effect vision. If the object is not properly removed, it may cause permanent damage.

This parable directly addresses a common problem, the lack of spiritual vision. Notice, the person offering help had a larger defect than the person he is offering to help. This indicates the person offering help is less spiritual than the person he is helping. To understand exactly what each person was lacking, we need to rely upon the Holy Spirit and turn to God’s word for an explanation.

KJV Numbers 33:55. But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

This verse identifies a source of problems with spiritual vision. To gain a full understanding a complete study of the lives and habits of the original inhabitants of the promised land would have to be assembled. Don’t rely upon your own memory or imagination, study the short comings from the Bible. Other texts containing the word eye identify a number of these problems.

KJV Deuteronomy 16:19. Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

KJV 1 Samuel 12:3. Behold, here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

KJV 2 Peter 2:14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

KJV 1 John 2:11. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

KJV Proverbs 27:20. Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

KJV Proverbs 28:22. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

KJV Deuteronomy 12:8

8. Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.

KJV 1 John 2:16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Bribes, adultery, wrongful desires, greed, pride and hatred are a few traits that cause spiritual blindness.

KJV Psalms 36:1. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

KJV Matthew 6:23. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Possessing any of these traits effects the entire body. In this case the body may be used to represent an attitude. To illustrate this point, God uses a number of metaphors to represent spiritual blindness.

KJV Acts 28:27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Have you noticed the fact this is where most lessons end. Many people think their job is finished the moment they identify the problem. If you see a family stranded on the side of the road, what do you do? If you pull over and tell them, “it looks like your stuck,” your actions do nothing to solve the problem. Stating the obvious is never appreciated, seldom does it help to correct the problem. God never stops at identifying a problem, leaving us to figure a way out on our own. God supplies the solution. The Bible is the only source to find a solution to a spiritual defect.

KJV 1 Corinthians 2:9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

KJV Ephesians 1:18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

KJV Acts 26:18

18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

KJV Deuteronomy 11:7. But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the Lord which he did.

KJV Deuteronomy 11:18

18. Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

In this case the solution is obvious, Love God, know and understand His word, stay away from evil and turn away from Satan. These are the beginning of understanding. Look to God and His word for answers. Through His word we are shown the works He has done. Nature also testifies to the greatness of God. The intricate design of the human body, created in the image of God, also testifies of His knowledge and power. All of these enhance your spiritual vision.