Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Mommapbs | 120590 | ||
Who are the enemies? Is the unworthy slave also included here? - see parallel account in Mt 25:30. Please read both accounts. Luke 19:11-28 and Matthew 25:14-30. |
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2 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Zsuzsi | 120614 | ||
I believe by 'enemies' Jesus meant the citizens in the parable who did not want the lord to reign over them. Directly Jesus referred to the ones who would torture and kill Him, fearing that He would become their king; but He defeated them and became a King greater than any other. Indirectly He was referring to the ones who reject Him, who love and serve other masters, rather than Him (c.v. Mt 6:24). The servants, in my opinion, are the chosen people of Christ who have been entrusted by special gifts (physical and spiritual) to serve Him. Directly this means the disciples, whom Jesus was still trying to prepare for His death. Indirectly Jesus referred to all the people in the future who would need to serve Him while He is not on earth (including us). As I read these texts it appears to me that the disloyal slave is the person who does not turn towards the Master with faith and trust. Even though he claims to be serving Him, he is not really allied to Him. The failure is due to this mistrust: the servant believes that the Lord 'reaps what he does not sow', so he does not even attempt to satisfy the requirements. This is basically 'spiritual laziness', saying: 'I can't be good so why even try?'. The judgement for this servant, whom Jesus calls 'wicked', is severe: all he has is taken away from him, and he is also cast out of the presence of God. I think the difference between 'enemy' and 'disloyal slave' is that while 'enemies' are directly against God's ruling, 'disloyal slaves' simply mistrust Him and become lazy. 'Disloyal slaves' are not killed right away, they are (only) cast out into the darkness (i.e. absence of God), so they are given a chance of changing their attitude and going back to the Lord (c.v. the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32). The 'enemies', however, are killed, because their attitude to God is not only mistrust but direct hatred. Please let me know what you think... God bless, Zsuzsi |
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3 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Mommapbs | 120646 | ||
Greetings Zsuzsi - Yes, the enemies are those who refuse His reign. Yet, I disagree with a couple of your points. First, I don't believe that the slaves represent the "chosen people of Christ" and secondly, I don't agree that the talents are "special gifts" (physical and spiritual). This is why: I think that we may get things mixed up if we take the focus off Jesus. When we do, we have a tendency to focus on our own performance which is nothing more than a works based salvation. (See the thread on "Grace and?") As I read these two accounts, the one is thrown out where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (torments?) and the other has been stripped of what he was given. IF we declare that the possession of the Master, (the talent, mina or money) in these parables is Jesus Christ, then we see the result of our rejection of Him. We have the opportunity to believe in His finished work. Two did and one did not. Believers are not judged, because Jesus satisfied God's wrath toward sin, yet the disloyal slave was judged according to his words. (deeds - what did he do with what he had been given - what did he do with Jesus?) So, it seems to me that this is a picture of the importance of placing our faith in Jesus NOW - for one day the opportunity to do so will be over. Looking at the parable from this perspective (it is all about our faith in Jesus, not of works, lest anyone should boast!) we take the focus off of people and place on the Lord where it belongs! I am reminded of the time God spoke: "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him" (Mt 17:5). We would do well to take this to heart, for only when we are IN Christ is the Father well pleased. Using this line of reasoning, I conclude that Jesus is the "treasure" that has been given to the world and the "worthless" slave or "wicked" slave does NOT represent a believer. Well, there are my thoughts on this for now. God bless your day! Mommapbs |
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4 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Zsuzsi | 120806 | ||
Hi Mommapbs, Thanks for your answer and for this excellent study topic. I am sorry about the delayed response but I have actually been researching and praying about what you said... And as a matter of fact, your interpretation does make sense in a way, it can stand language-wise and it is supported by a few other Bible passages. Here is what I found: 'enemy' - 'echthros' (Gr), means hated, used in many cases for 'bitter enemy of divine government'. 'slave' - 'doulos' (Gr), means slave or bondman, one who gives himself up to another's will. In a metaphorical sense, Jesus uses this word in a few places for the people who devote themselves to His service. Also see, for example: Mt 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. Together with: Lk 17:21: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Jn:15:5: 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 me ye can do nothing. etc... Nevertheless if we take your interpretation, we still have the question about the difference between 'enemy' and 'unworthy slave'; neither have I found any Biblical reference that Jesus was referring to Himself, and your interpretation, to me, seems somewhat out of context (Luke 19 - Zacchaeus, the colt and triumphant entry to Jerusalem, and Jesus clearing the temple). Zacchaeus: Jesus came to save those who are lost; The colt and enrty in Jerusalem: "..if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Lk 19:40 Clearing the temple in Jerusalem: God's house should not be made a den of thieves. Also, Luke 19:11 says, "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." To me that suggests that Jesus was trying to tell the people that He would not save the world in the way they imagined... Besides, I do not believe in 'Grace-Only' salvation, I am reminded of Jn:14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments. (Lk:6:46: And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Mt: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. etc) Personally I believe maintaining an intimate relationship with Jesus is the most important, which necessarily involves a strong determination to keep His commandments. The rest is His Grace. I think He definitely did not die to 'entitle' anyone to sin... He died so that we would be 'in' but not 'of' the world. (John 17). Additionally, as I said above, He does use 'servant' for the people who serve Him, which makes me think my interpretation can also stand. So to me the idea that Jesus was urging us to at least attempt to use the talents He has given, however little, seems more straightforward. But of course that is just my personal opinion. I know the feeling when the Holy Spirit touches you through God's Word, and if this is what you believe happened to you now, I am really no-one to convince you of my own opinion. A single word of the Holy Spirit outclasses all our tries in grammatico-historical and whatever approaches. Your interpretation is well within the borders of what I call 'sensible Christian faith' and I have not found anything that would belie its truth. Jesus is indeed a treasure in our heart, to me He is actually much more than that. After some hours of prayer I believe it is not His will that I should try to change your opinion about this, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." Romans 14:6 This is all I can say to you: if you are unsure, pray about it once more, and see what the Lord answers. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Prov 2:6. In case you would like to discuss it a bit more, I am willing to pray and explore this more in depth with you. Thank you again and God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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5 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Mommapbs | 120826 | ||
Greetings Zsuzsi - how refreshing to find one who diligently seeks the Lord in prayer! God bless your day! IN HIM, mommapbs |
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6 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Zsuzsi | 120834 | ||
:) That's actually what we are commanded to do: "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Prov 1:5-7 I am convinced that it hurts the Lord deeply when people bigotedly hold on to their own ideas, especially about His Word, without consulting Him; they wouldn't turn to Him even when they find themselves in those fierce, never-ending debates... No wonder God's blessing is not there! But if it hurts me so much, how much can it hurt Him?? Aren't we are supposed to seek the TRUTH, rather than ways to prove ourselves right? Prov 22:4: "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life." So I am just doing what I was commanded to do. I am an unprofitable servant: I have done that which was my duty to do. (Luke 17:10) But thanks anyway for the blessing, may God bless your day too. Zsuzsi |
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