Parables Part 4

 

    Jesus had a few more lessons to teach through parables before he was sacrificed.  He started with the parable about the 10 virgins to show the difference between foolish and wise people.  The foolish will not enter into Heaven.  They will beg for help and for entrance, but the time of compassion will have ended by that point.  Sin can not enter heaven and the foolish choose sin over virtue.  Don't delay the inevitable.

    The wise are ready when Jesus arrives to collect them.  Only the prepared will enter Heaven.  We all have until the moment of death to make that final decision, but the fact is we don't know when that moment will be.  Don't wait too long.  There will be one generation that will not have to the moment of death.  The generation that is alive when Jesus returns.  When he arrives it will be sudden and the time of making that choice will be over in that moment.  There will be no one to help you.  The false disciples will have to face their fate.

    Then Jesus told the parable of the talents (money).  Every person had responsibilities, gifts, and blessings according to their abilities.  This includes financial resources, privileges, and opportunities in life.  A true follower of Jesus will use these with discernment and integrity.  

    One day you will have to give an account for how you used them.  God will hold each of us responsible for the time we have and how we use it.  He will give much to those that prove that they will handle it well.  He will give little for those that do not understand or figure out how to use what He has given.  

    Don't live in fear or you will fail before you begin.  Build your confidence in Jesus.  You will not do things perfectly, but learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.  If you let your mistakes control you, then you are a fool.  A full life is not for the lazy.  They will reap what they sow.  What they have will be taken from them.  

    The last parable was of the sheep and goat: faithful and unfaithful.  It is the parable about the final judgment.  The angels will return with Jesus to gather nations and separate the people: wise and foolish.  When we do good for other people, then we are doing good for God.  The more people can see God in your everyday life, the more will turn to Him.  

    It means living a compassionately humble life.  It means being able to be mocked or called a fool because the world does not understand why you give what you have.  The goal is try to bring as many people as you can to God.  The goal is to keep as many people as possible out of the pit.  It is not a fate you would want for anyone.  No soul has to go to Satan and his angels to be tormented for eternity.  The choice of pure love and faith is the best choice in life.

Matthew 25