In Matthew 21, we see Jewish leaders come and challenge Jesus’ authority. He responds by telling the Parable of the Tenants to challenge them to examine their role in God’s plan (vv. 33-46). He uses imagery that they would instantly recognize as echoes of Isaiah 5:1–7, which calls Israel the vineyard of the Lord (v.7). …
We all do it when discussing a certain cold, milky, sweet substance. We might start with a description, when they learn that, then we spell it, but kids learn to spell pretty quickly. We had exhausted all the terminology that could be used for these sweet, milky substances and started referring to them in other …
“Is that a person? Running towards me? It’s just a speck in the distance. That can’t be a person. No one knows I’m coming home. And even if they did I’m expecting doors slammed in my face. Surely no one would be running to meet me. But it is a person! They are getting closer. …
And again He said, ‘To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour until it was all leavened.’ -Luke 13. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God in this parable. Ladies made bread for their families at this time in …
Read more “A Little Bit of Yeast Makes a Beautiful Loaf of Bread”
The Wheat and the Weeds: Trusting the Master Gardener Many of us are attending camps and youth rallies this summer. A few years ago, I went to a camp where each team was asked to create their own “country.” They came up with flags, languages, cultures—you name it. The entire week was devoted to developing …
Jesus told a parable about a vineyard owner, the gardener, and a fig tree with no fruit. What is the point of a fruit tree that doesn’t bear fruit? According to the Master, nothing, he wanted it cut down! Yet, the gardener spoke up and asked for 1 more year to care for the tree …
A child is sick, pray. You need a new job, pray. You want to praise God, pray. Thankful for a good meal, pray. As a Christian, prayer should be an enormous and constant part of our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to pray without ceasing. In other words, to pray persistently, without giving up. …
I try to grow things, but apparently plants need water, sun, and the will to grow under my care. However, mine chose the sweet release of compost instead. Jesus used parables every day to illustrate biblical truths. I have never ceased to be amazed at his ability to tell a simple story that transcends time …
♫♪The wise man built a house upon the rock ♫♪, and so the children’s song begins. Yet, Jesus was teaching us all a very important lesson. How we build our house, “our life” matters. He wants our house to be strong and able to withstand the storms of life. God gives us free choice, which …
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” Have you ever stopped to think about how powerful the words are in this children’s Sunday school song that we’ve sung for generations? A simple reminder of how our faith should be seen by others. …