By Dr. Ernest D. Moore, Pastor
Outline
A. General 1. To teach the Parables of Jesus Christ B. Specific 1. To explain to the students what parables are. 2. To teach this particular parable, defining the truths and lessons just as Jesus taught them. 3. To help the students apply those truths in their lives today.
INTRODUCTION:
Someone once defined wisdom as "seeing something from God's perspective." In other words, if we would be wise, we must change our thinking on a particular thing and look at it as God would. We cannot do that, of course, unless we learn more and more about the Bible, for that is the only way to know "God's perspective."
There is much in the Bible about wisdom. The book of Proverbs is chock-full of verses, tid-bits, and entire passages on wisdom, the lack of it, how to gain it, how to deal with those who reject it, and more. In today's lesson, we are going to have Jesus provide us with his own parable about whom He would consider wise.
Before that, however, we are going to have a brief review on parables; what they are, how to differentiate between a parable and a story about real people, how to "interpret" -- and when not to interpret but to accept the truths that are presented as Jesus explains the parable to His followers.
Get ready for a great series of lessons -- and great classes. These are ready made for teachers and students alike -- after all, there were presented first by that greatest of all teachers, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Texts: Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
LESSON PLAN I. OBJECTIVES A. General 1. To teach the Parables of Jesus Christ B. Specific 1. To explain to the students what parables are. 2. To teach this particular parable, defining the truths and lessons just as Jesus taught them. 3. To help the students apply those truths in their lives today. II. Presentation A. Teacher's presentation 1. Scriptural Basis a.Mat 7:24-29 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [28] And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: [29] For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
b.Luk 6:47-49 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: [48] He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. [49] But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
2. Simple, Practical Basis a. WHAT IS A PARABLE?"A short, simple story designed to communicate a spiritual truth, religious principle, or moral lesson; a figure of speech in which truth is illustrated by a comparison or example drawn from everyday experiences.
"A parable is often no more than an extended metaphor or simile, using figurative language in the form of a story to illustrate a particular truth. The Greek word for parable literally means `a laying by the side of' or `a casting alongside,' thus `a comparison or likeness.' In a parable something is placed alongside something else, in order that one may throw light on the other. A familiar custom or incident is used to illustrate some truth less familiar.
"Although Jesus was the master of the parabolic form, He was not the first to use parables. Examples of the effective use of parables are found in the Old Testament. Perhaps best known of these is Nathan's parable of the rich man who took the one little ewe lamb that belonged to a poor man (2 Sam. 12:1-4). (Footnote 1).
b. WHY DID JESUS SPEAK IN PARABLES?"Why then did Jesus speak in parables? There are several hints in the text. Asked this question by the disciples, Jesus said, `Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing they do not hear or understand' (v.13). The crowds in rejecting Jesus' clear presentation of Himself as their King, had closed their eyes to truth. Now Jesus would speak less clear words to them, lest they be even more responsible.
"It is also possible that Jesus adopted parables here to keep His listeners concentrating on the choice they had to make for or against Him. We need to remember that the Israelites had a clear notion of what the kingdom would be like. They would not be shaken from this single conception to accept new truth, which might modify their expectations. Jesus later explained to His disciples that the parables were spoken to them (v. 16). What they dealt with was a dimension of the kingdom which was not the subject of earlier Old Testament revelation. The parables, Jesus said, fulfill this prophecy:
"Mat 13:35b ...I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. (Footnote 2).
c. THE PARABLES OF JESUS (Footnote 3)Parables which appear only in the Gospel of Matthew The Wheat and the Tares The Hidden Treasure The Pearl of Great Price The Dragnet The Unforgiving Servant The Workers in the Vineyard The Two Sons The Wedding Feast The Wise and Foolish Virgins The Talents
Parables which appear only in the Gospel of Mark The Growing Seed The Watchful Doorkeeper
Parables which appear only in the Gospel of Luke The Creditor Who Had Two Debtors The Good Samaritan The Friend Who Came at Midnight The Rich Fool The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant The Barren Fig Tree The Unfinished Tower The King Going to War The Lost Coin The Lost Son The Unjust Steward The Condescending Master The Persistent Widow The Pharisee and the Tax Collector The Minas
Parables which appear in Matthew and Luke The Two Builders The Leaven The Lost Sheep
Parables which appear in Matthew, Mark and Luke The Lamp and the Lampstand New Cloth on Old Garments New Wine in Old Wineskins A House Divided Against Itself The Sower and the Seed The Mustard Seed The Wicked Vinedressers The Fig Tree
Parables which appear only in the Gospel of John The Bread of Life The Shepherd and the Sheep The Vine and the Branches
You may notice as we go through this series of lessons, that some parables will be combined, and what some consider parables will not be so with us, and vice-versa.
d. A PARABLE NEVER NAMES REAL PEOPLE. IT IS AFTER ALL NOT A STORY ABOUT REAL PERSONS, BUT A TALE USING FAMILIAR SITUATIONS, PLACES, ETC. TO MAKE A POINT (see definition above). 3. TIPS FOR THE YOUNGER CLASSESAs children often learn more quickly with "hands on" experiences, you will see that these lessons are rich in opportunities to use many demonstrations. Be quick to experiment on them at home, with other teachers or alone. You might even combine your classes for a "Grand Slam" demo if you like, returning to you own class rooms after the action has settled down.
I am often asked where I get the ideas for demonstrations, illustrations, etc. The most honest answer I can give is PRAYER! We bathe our lessons in prayer, asking and expecting the Holy Spirit to deliver to our minds and hearts the necessary creativity to make the outlines come alive. After all, you are teaching on the "Living Word" so why not expect the lessons to "breathe new excitement into you AND your students?!
In this particular lesson, you need two very large bowls, tubs, etc. You need some sand (I would go buy some, keep it in a 5 gal. bucket at home for repeated use.), a large flat rock (which will fit into one tub, and two toy houses which will each fit on one of the "foundations."
Make the "sand foundation" by wetting the sand in a 6 or 9 inch pan and compressing it. Then "bake" it (oven, under light, etc.) so that it is very firm.
In the presence of your students, position a foundation in each tub, put a house on each foundation, then pour water upon the foundations. The sand will erode, tipping the house, the rock will not.
They have seen the parable come alive.
REMEMBER -- ISRAEL HAS A LOT OF SAND AND A LOT OF ROCK. JESUS WAS AS LIKELY AS NOT SITTING LOOKING OUT AT TWO HOMES, ONE ON EACH FOUNDATION, AND COULD VERY WELL HAVE POINTED WITH HIS HANDS, ONE AT EACH, AS HE MADE HIS POINT! WE MUST HELP OUR STUDENTS SEE AS CLEARLY AS HIS DISCIPLES!
4. DEMONSTRATIONS / ILLUSTRATIONS / SONGS / QUOTES (see Footnote 4) a.SEE ABOVE FOR DEMO WITH WHICH TO OPEN CLASS IMMEDIATELY AFTER READING TEXTS.
b."Safe upon the solid rock the ugly houses stand: "Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand!" Edna St. Vincent Millay A Few Figs from Thistles [1920].Second Fig
(Obviously some people do not accept the Scriptural perspective of the beauty of obedience. On the other hand, this bit of poetry does show that the world sees beauty (just as Satan paints it) on the sand foundations of the world.)
The following are a mixed bag of opportunities to demonstrate different "perspectives" (*see wisdom defined in introduction) much as Jesus showed the builders' perspective on foundations.
c. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!In the days of the French monarchy, a teacher was hired to instruct the prince of the reigning royal family. The young heir, who led an undisciplined life, often misbehaved. The poor plebeian teacher was frustrated because he didn't dare punish a prince. So how could he correct this delinquent successor to the French throne? After much thought, the teacher purchased a short piece of purple ribbon, symbolizing royalty and the color of old France. He pinned the ribbon on the lapel of the young prince's coat. Looking his student in the eye, he said respectfully, "Sir, whenever you behave in a manner unbecoming of the French throne and of the French king, I shall point to the royal color on your coat and make my appeal by that."
d. GOD'S WISE DESIGNBecause nature is clouded by sin, it gives only an indistinct picture of God. Much of His great wisdom and marvelous design, however, can still be clearly traced. For instance, the earth rotates on its axis at approximately 1000 miles per hour. If that had been 100 miles per hour, our days and nights would be 10 times longer, and our planet would alternately burn and freeze. Under such circumstances vegetation could not live! If the earth were as small as the moon, the power of gravity would be too weak to retain sufficient atmosphere for man's needs; but if it were as large as Jupiter, Saturn, or Uranus, extreme gravitation would make human movement almost impossible. If we were as near to the sun as Venus, the heat would be unbearable; if we were as far away as Mars, we would experience snow and ice every night even in the warmest regions. If the oceans were half their present size, we would receive only one-fourth the rainfall we do now. If they were one-eighth larger, our annual precipitation would increase fourfold, and this earth would become a vast, uninhabitable swamp! Water freezes at 32 degrees above zero. It would be disastrous if the oceans were subject to the law, however, for then the amount of thawing in the polar regions would not balance out, and ice would accumulate throughout the centuries! To prevent such a catastrophe, the Lord put salt in the sea to alter its freezing point.
e. THE BURDEN BEARERVance Havner related the story of an elderly lady who was greatly disturbed by her many troubles both real and imaginary. Finally she was told in a kindly way by her family, "Grandma, we've done all we can for you. You will just have to trust God for the rest." A look of utter despair spread over her face as she replied, "Oh, dear, has it come to that?" Havner commented, "It always comes to that, so we might as well begin with that! God's Word tells us to bring every concern once and for all to the Lord. Since He offers to handle our problems, why not let Him? Let's go about our daily tasks expecting God to take care of US, while we take care of our DUTIES. If a child were to ask his parents every day, 'Are you sure you'll always want me and watch over me?" he would break their hearts and ruin his own happiness. The trusting youngster goes his way undisturbed, assured that his elders love him and will provide for his needs. Because the Lord is wise and compassionate, we can depend on Him to do the same."
f. HE UNDERSTANDSA little child saying his prayers one Christmas night suddenly looked up, and with bubbling laughter exclaimed, 'I almost wished God a Merry Christmas!' 'I'm sure He would have smiled,' said his understanding mother.
g. THE WONDER OF SLEEPIsn't it amazing what a night's rest can do for the body? We can be "bone tired" in the evening and awaken in the morning refreshed and ready for another day's work. Problems that appeared insurmountable the night before can be faced and quickly solved with the dawning of a new day. Thoughts we couldn't sort out seem to put themselves in order. Sometimes a hasty letter angrily written before retiring is destroyed after a night's rest. Foolish resolves are often dispelled through the mysterious "ministry" of slumber.
h. "LOOKING UNTO JESUS"Lyman Beecher Stowe, in his book Saints, Sinners, and Beechers told that on one occasion Thomas K. Beecher substituted for his famous brother Henry Ward Beecher at the Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York. Many curiosity seekers had come to hear the renowned Henry Beecher speak. Therefore when Thomas Beecher appeared in the pulpit, some of the people got up to leave. Sensing that they were disappointed because he was substituting for his brother, Thomas Beecher raised his hand for silence and announced, "All those who came here this morning to worship Henry Ward Beecher may withdraw from the church; all who came to worship God may remain."
i. ANSWER GENTLYCharles H. Spurgeon told the story of a group of drinking men in Boston who saw a respected pastor coming along the street. "I'll play a trick on old Cotton," said one of them. Crossing over to the other side, the unruly fellow stepped up to the minister and whispered: "Cotton, you are an old fool!" The preacher calmly replied, "Yes, Sir, I am. The Lord make both you and me wiser than we are, even wise to salvation." The fellow returned to his companions thoroughly ashamed. When they pressed him to repeat Cotton's words, their frolic came to an end. That minister's gentle reply had touched them.
5. QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK TO BRING OUT YOUR STUDENT'S MINDS AND LEVELS OF LEARNING: a.According to Jesus it was the "rain, and floods, and winds" which blew the house built on sand away. What do those represent in the parable?
ANS: THE TRIALS OF LIFE
b.Is it important to notice that the same troubles came upon the wise home-builder and the foolish man alike? What is the significance of this?
That troubles come to everyone, regardless of whether they are saved or not. The difference in following and APPLYING God's wisdom is not in the "escaping" of troubles, but in the survival of them INTACT!
c.When a builder sets a foundation into solid rock, is that more difficult initially than one who shoves the posts down into the sand? Then can we safely assume that it is more difficult to get a real, applicable grasp on the "wisdom of God" early in a person's life, but that in the "long haul" if pays great benefits?
d.What are the hindrances to getting REAL, GODLY WISDOM in our lives?
ANS: HINDRANCES:
Careless attitude, because times are currently easy in our lives.
The unacceptable ideas of Godly living as opposed to the ideas of others around us, even though they may say they are saved, or actually be saved, but not be wise in God's ways.
The rush to get ahead, get grown up, get rich, get accepted, etc. God's ways take work!
Name more of these...
e.How can we know whether we are really taking the wisdom, or are we just learning the words and not truly applying them in our day-to-day actions?
If a person is actually growing in the Word, and applying it to his life, the Lord will be challenging some of his previously held attitudes and opinions Satan will be attacking him in areas where he is probably already weak.
He will experience an increasing desire to serve the Lord with his current talents and abilities, have a greater hunger for more spiritual food, and be less and less consumed with the "here-and-now" and with material affairs.
6. APPLICATIONS a.WHAT ARE THE FOUNDATIONS YOU ARE PRESENTLY BUILDING?
AT WORK - IS YOUR CAREER "GOD-CENTERED" FOR YOUR LIFE?
AT SCHOOL - STUDYING TO SHOW YOURSELF A WORKMAN WHO NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED?
AT HOME - GODLY ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS AND WORDS?
AT PLAY - FUN TIMES WHICH ARE CLEAN, WHOLESOME, AT WHICH YOU WOULD NOT CARE IF PASTOR SAW YOU?
AT PRIVATE TIMES - ARE YOU THOUGHTFUL OF OTHERS, GIVING THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, CARING FOR THE HURTING OR HELPLESS, SEEKING GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE?
AT REST - ARE YOU HUNGRY TO GROW IN THE WORD OF GOD, OR IS IT ONLY SOMETHING WHICH COMES TO YOU AT CHAPEL, CHURCH OR BIBLE STUDY TIME?
AT CHURCH - SEEKING AN OUTLET FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE LORD, OR JUST SOAKING IT UP; GIVING A TITHE OR AN EXCUSE; COMING TO GET SOMETHING FROM GOD, AND GIVE SOMETHING TO THOSE AROUND YOU?,
ISN'T IT TIME WE ALL RE-EXAMINED OUR GRIP ON GOD'S WISDOM?
HOW I WOULD TEACH THIS LESSON1. Read the outline daily beginning with Monday. Make it a part of your devotions.
2. Define parables and cover general info from outline.
3. Read Parables from both Books, discuss them, then do Demonstration as outlined
4. Say, "FOOLS CAN BE RECOGNIZED! SO CAN WISE PEOPLE! GOD GIVES US THE MEANS!"
5. Go to the questions and deal with them.
6. Discuss some of the Illustrations and see where the wisdom or foolishness is found.
7. Look up some verses containing the words wise, wisdom, fool, etc. and discuss them.
8. Work on the Questions and Applications; discuss as you can.
WORK SHEET:CLASS ROOM ILLUSTRATIONS OR ACTIVITIES:
A. Stories to be told or acted out in class:
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B. Items used in class to bring this person to one's mind:
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C. Role - playing props
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D. Pictures, flannel-graphs, maps, etc.
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E. Handouts
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Footnotes:
Footnote 1: Herbert Lockyear, Sr., Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986), 798.
Footnote 2: Lawrence O. Richards, The Teacher's Commentary, (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1988), 561,2.
Footnote 3: Ibid, 563.
Footnote 4: Please note that the use of a quote or a reference to a person does not indicate that we hold them in high esteem; only that the item can be used in some way in a lesson. In fact, you will find some statements actually oppose or disagree with Bible-believing philosophies in some outlines so that you can use them as arguing points.