Riddles and Parables

       Parables are powerful stores with an intense lesson. They have a catch, a twist, an oddity that makes one think twice as to what the real intent of the parables are. Jesus however, did not use parables commonly. He uses them only after the Pharisees accuse Him of being demonic and not just a demonic, but the prince of demons, Beelzebub.

“It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons (Mt 12:24).

Before this accusation, Jesus healed, taught and preached openly and freely. He separated Himself from the Pharisees because He taught with authority and clarity. His ministry entered into the sin and shame of the people and instead of being defiled, as the Pharisees taught, the sinners were healed, restored.

Jesus has authority over demonic spirits. He has power to heal, cleanse and restore the lame, blind, broken outcasts. He purposely inserts Himself into these lives that the Pharisees and Sadducees condemned. Instead of condemning the sinners, Jesus forgives them and recreates them.

    This is a new teaching, even today. The use of parables exposes the blinded and hard hearts of the Pharisees because they would not listen, nor see, nor accept that Jesus has authority greater than theirs. And because of the hardness of their hearts, Jesus teaches in parables. 

     Ensure our hearts are not hardened by our shame of guilt but let Jesus heal where it hurts the most.