THE WISDOM OF GOD THROUGH PARABLES AND PROVERBS: 

Introduction: WHAT IS A PARABLE OR A PROVERB?

The definition of a parable is (as a noun) a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. 2. A statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like.

This is how Jesus explained his teachings in the bible. Then he would explain the meanings to the disciples and the apostles so that they could continue to teach those that were interested in listening.

In MATTHEW 5, Jesus had already come from a throng of people and had gone to a mountain top to rest some, but the people wanted more of his teachings so they followed him. After his disciples joined him, he began teaching again. In the verses 3-12 Jesus teaches the Beatitudes as they are called. 

MATTHEW CHAPTER 5

 1. And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set his disciples came unto him: 2. And he opened his mouth and taught them saying,

3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Luke 6:20)

The word poor here means “humble in spirit. 

(The definition of humble is) to be meek: not proud or arrogant; modest.

(The reference here reads: Luke 6:20=And He lifted up His eyes on the disciples, and said, "Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.)

4. "Blessed are they that mourn: For they shall be comforted". (Luke 6:21) (Reference reads, "Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled, Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.")

                      

5. "Blessed are the meek: For they shall inherit the earth". (Ps. 37:11)

(Meek =  humble, patient, compliant, gentle and kind.) 

Jesus tells us that there will be a new earth and a new heaven.That would mean that those who are truly meek shall inherit the new earth.

(Reference reads: "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.)

6. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness:

      For they shall be  filled." (Is. 55:7.Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.)

(Definition of righteousness= Characterized by uprightness or morality: morally right or justifiable: acting in an upright,moral way: virtuous.)

7. "Blessed are the merciful: For they shall obtain mercy."                (Ps. 41:1"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." 

What does the word merciful means= expressing, or showing mercy; compassionate.

Have you heard the old saying, "you reap what you so", I think this verse says that.

8. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Sincere)

(Pure= free from foreign or inappropriate elements: )

                                                    (Clear: free from blemishes)                                                                                                          

9. Blessed are the peacemakers: For they shall be called the children of God. 

(Rom. 8:14: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.)

(Peacemakers = A person, group or nation that tries to make peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel or fight..

Every family has that one person who tries to keep peace within the unit, not unlike our American military who are sent out to protect our peace and to help keep peace in the world, especially for those peoples who cannot protect themselves.  There are few nations that does this type of help for the helpless?

10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (2 Tim. 3; 12 =Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.)

(Persecuted = to annoy or trouble persistently; to pursue with harassing: oppressive treatment)

Jesus has told us when we are persecuted for righteousness sake, it is because it is actually Him that is being persecuted through us because of the work we are doing for Him. His Promise to us is that ours is the kingdom of heaven.

11. "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

(revile = to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak of abusively)

 12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

(Persecuted = to annoy or trouble persistently; to pursue with harassing r oppressive treatment)

(Speak all manner of evil against you falsely = falsely accuse,

Saying things that are not true about your personality or of your ethics,)

Jesus teaches us here that this has been done to believers since the beginning of time. When we are reviled and persecuted and evilly spoken against falsely, for his name sake, it shows that people are pricked in their hearts and are striking out at God through us. And we should be very joyful for this because it shows that through us Jesus is revealed.

Jesus’s teachings with the parables and the proverbs are to help us to live our lives to be better people. But it is also preparing us to live in heaven. Earth is a training ground where we have free will to make the decisions that will determine where we will spend eternity.  Remember the bad decisions that Adam and Eve and Cain made in Genesis- how they have ever lasting consequences? Not only for ourselves but our descendants also.