Author: Administrador

302. Who Is Represented by the "Elder Brother" in the Prodigal Parable? Primarily, the Pharisees and chief priests, who were scandalized by seeing Christ associate with the lower classes and notorious sinners. It was a rebuke to selfishness and formalism'97to those who believe they have the spiritual right of way and that less worthy persons, … Continue reading “302 – Who Is Represented by the "Elder Brother" in the Prodigal Parable?”

300. What Was Meant by the "Ninety and Nine Just Persons Which Need No Repentance"? There was a tendency among the Pharisees (see Luk_15:1-32 -a) to despise the sinner and make no effort for his reclamation. They prided themselves on their scrupulous observance of the law and on their lives being free from open sin. … Continue reading “300 – What Was Meant by the "Ninety and Nine Just Persons Which Need No Repentance"?”

301. What Were the "Husks That the Swine Did Eat"? The husks (see Luk_15:16), were the fruit of the carob tree, which is common in Palestine and is used by the poor as food and for the fattening of swine or cattle. When ripe, it is like a cooked beanpod, brown, glossy, and filled with … Continue reading “301 – What Were the "Husks That the Swine Did Eat"?”

298. What Did Jesus Mean by "Take No Thought for Your Life, What Ye Shall Eat, neither for Your Body What Ye Shall Put on"?, neither for Your Body What Ye Shall Put on"? This was a part of the "Sermon on the Mount," and Luk_12:19-34 is intended to illustrate heavenly-mindedness and confidence in God's … Continue reading “298 – What Did Jesus Mean by "Take No Thought for Your Life, What Ye Shall Eat …”

299. What Is Meant by Hating Father and Mother and Wife for Jesus' Sake? In Luk_14:26 our Lord asserts his claim to our most loyal service and our supreme affection. In taking up one's cross to follow him, we must be prepared for trials for his sake, and to break even the nearest and dearest … Continue reading “299 – What Is Meant by Hating Father and Mother and Wife for Jesus' Sake?”

297. Why Did Jesus Allow Evil Spirits to Enter the Herd of Swine? According to the law of Moses, swine were unclean, and any Jew owning them or using them as food violated this law. The destruction of the herd (Luk_8:26, Luk_8:36) and the question of the destination of the evil spirits has been well … Continue reading “297 – Why Did Jesus Allow Evil Spirits to Enter the Herd of Swine?”

295. What Was the Special Value and Object of Jesus' Parables? "But unto others in parables that seeing they might not see and hearing they might not understand" Luk_8:10. Dean Farrar says on this passage: "Lord Bacon says, 'A parable has a double use; it tends to veil and it tends to illustrate a truth; … Continue reading “295 – What Was the Special Value and Object of Jesus' Parables?”

296. How Are We to Understand "Whosoever Hath, to Him Shall Be Given"? This expression (Luk_8:18) occurs in a number of New Testament passages, Mat_13:12, Mar_4:25, etc. Its meaning is most evident in Mat_25:29, and Luk_19:26, in connection with the parable of the talents, or pounds. Christ is stating in these words two laws which … Continue reading “296 – How Are We to Understand "Whosoever Hath, to Him Shall Be Given"?”

293. What Are the Signs Which Jesus Said "Shall Follow Them That Believe"? Jesus did not promise that the signs referred to in Mar_16:17 should always follow. The speaking with tongues, casting out devils, taking up serpents, etc., were signs suitable for that age when the people, being densely ignorant, expected miracles and signs. Christ … Continue reading “293 – What Are the Signs Which Jesus Said "Shall Follow Them That Believe"?”

294. Why Did Jeans Say of John "He That Is Least in the Kingdom of God Is Greater than He"? The passage in Luk_7:28 is frequently misunderstood, as being spoken in derogation of John, because of the doubt his messengers had implied in their question (Luk_7:20). The true meaning, as Weiss and other commentators believe, … Continue reading “294 – Why Did Jeans Say of John "He That Is Least in the Kingdom of God Is Greater than He"?”