Another Great Week of New Testament Study

The subject of my new testament class this week centered around the parables that Christ taught. My assignment for this week asked me to explain why I thought Christ might have taught those parables, and what I thought to be the deeper, spiritual meaning of each. The parables come from Luke chapters 17 and 18.

1. In the parable of the unjust steward we learn even from those who have sinned. We must use the time we have wisely.
2. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we learn that there is work going on in the spirit world. Jesus bridged the “gulf” between spirit prison and spirit paradise to allow missionaries to teach to those in prison.
3. In the parable of the ten lepers we learn that we must have gratitude to be made a whole person. The other lepers were cleansed physically, but the thankful leper was made a whole person. 
4.  The Lord gave the parable of the unjust judge for several reasons. The first was to encourage us to persevere like unto the widow who sought justice. Next, he contrasted God’s justice with the justice of man. Lastly, he taught that he would bring justice to His followers during the second coming.
5. The Lord gave the parable of the publican and the Pharisee to show that humility is what matters, not boastful pride in one’s own “righteousness.”