Parable Of The Wicked Servants, dclm Search for Children
LESSON 51
Matthew 21:28-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19
A parable is a short story often employed by Christ to teach about heaven. Jesus knew that “He that cometh from above is above all: he that is Of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all?’ (John 3:31). “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2: 14), The use of parables was very important to teach the people so that they can understand and believe the gospel. As Christ taught His disciples through parables, He also warned His enemies through parables. Christ desires that we listen to His word, think deeply on it and obey it. This is the only way to succeed in life and qualify to live with Him in heaven. Very soon, He will appear in the sky to take His saints home. Do away with all sin and be ready for His coming.
1. PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS:
Matthew 21:28-32; Lukel 5:11-32
In this parable, our Lord was talking to the people who hated Him and always found faults with Him. The Lord painted a picture of the chief priests and the elders. The parable represented two kinds of persons: the obedient and the disobedient, The first son who said, “I go, sir’ and did not go is like the scribes and pharisees who claimed to know God but did not keep His word. The second son who said “I will not” but repented and went is like the publicans and the sinners who genuinely repent of their sins, Like the first son, there are children who attend church but do not obey the word of God.
Obedience to God’s word is the key to life. Jesus calls all sinful children to repentance. Those who are like the second son, will become sorry for their bad ways, repent and ask for forgiveness and cleansing through the blood Of Jesus. Do not follow the bad example of the pharisees. Accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord and follow Him till the end.
2. PARABLE OF THE WICKED HUSBANDMAN :
Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 2019-19
The Lord used the vineyard as a symbol in this parable to speak directly to the children of Israel and their leaders. The vineyard stands for the children of Israel, the householder for God as the owner of the vineyard (Israel), and the hedge around the vineyard stands for the word of God. God planted Israel in the land of Canaan and handed them over to their leaders who were judges, chief priests and kings. These were the husbandmen. They were to make the children of Israel bring forth fruits of obedience unto God but they failed to do so.
This made the Lord to send prophets to them so that they could lead the people back to Him. But they persecuted the prophets and killed some of them. This is how children who are not born again reject the word of God and abuse the children of God. Christian children should obey the word of God and follow the examples of godly Leaders and teachers of the word of God. Like Jesus, persecuted children of God should not be afraid, but continue to follow the Lord.
The kingdom of God is for those who respond to the gospel of Christ. The kingdom and its power will be taken away from those who reject the word of Christ. It will only be given to those who separate themselves from the world and seek first Gods kingdom and righteousness. Be counted among these few (Matthew 6:33).
3. PROFITING FROM THE PARABLES OF JESUS CHRIST :
Mark 10:10-12; Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 10: 11
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
There are important lessons for the children of God to le arn from these parables of Jesus.
(i) Children of God should be truthful and obedient.
(ii) Children who disobey the word of God ‘Sill be punished by God if they fail to repent.
(iii) Children who do not accept the doctrines (teachings) of the word of God are not friends of Jesus. (iv) There are two ways laid out before everyone, individuals have the opportunity to choose whichever way he/she wants to go. T
he desire ofChrist is that you choose the right way so that you will live and not perish. Consider your ways now. Are you disobedient or obedient to God’s word? You can choose to be obedient now repent and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and Lord, so as to enjoy God’s abundant grace and blessings.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is a parable?
2. What should children do when they hear the word of God?
3. What should Christian children do when they are persecuted?
4. What will happen to children who disobey the word of God?
5. State three lessons that you have learned from the parables in the Bible passages.
MEMORY VERSE: “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Matthew 21:42).
LESSON: Obedience to God’s word is the road to a successful life.
THOUGHT: Lord, help me to be obedient to your word.
ACTIVITY: Write down five ways to show obedience to God and your parents.
CONGREGATIONAL soNG: GHS 47 – JUST OBEY
CHORUSES:
(1) Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life
(2) I am ready to obey thy word
3) On the last day.
HOMEWORK : Spend five (5) minutes to pray for your friends to repent and be
