An Introduction to the Parables, Part 2

Parables are meant to obscure the truth, and are a sign of God’s judgment. Jesus made this clear when He declared that more would be given to whoever has, but whoever does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away from him. The Pharisees and the crowds possessed all of the benefits of the religious festivals and covenants of the Old Testament system, but they refused the One for whom they waited, and therefore everything was taken from them and given to those who would repent and believe. They had expected Messiah to be a conquering King, so had God changed His plans? Not at all. Christ’s message hardened the hearts of those who trusted in their own righteousness, and pierced the hearts of those who understood their desperate need. Through the hardness of His own people, God accomplished the work of saving a people from all nations, tribes, and tongues. In the midst of miracles and fulfilled prophecies, Israel’s expectations caused her to miss the Messiah. How do you respond when God doesn’t meet your expectations?