The Parables of Jesus, Part 1
We begin a three-part series this week on the parables of Jesus. Through parables, Jesus was trying to strengthen the true meaning of what He was trying to teach the Jewish people. In Matthew 13 we find the parable of the mustard seed. Chris will explain how the disciples, who grew up in a synagogue learning that the Messiah would come with force to set up His Kingdom, was told by the Messiah to view the Kingdom of God in a totally different way. Jesus explains that the tiny mustard seed represents the Kingdom. Then it is planted and grows.
Yikes! This was probably very hard for Jesus’ disciples to comprehend. They were on the small end of the Kingdom, not the large end like the Jewish people had always thought. And how does this relate to the gospel? Listen and find out.
If you’d like to listen to Part 2 of this series, please click here.
If you’d like to listen to Part 3 of this series, please click here.
The Sign of His Coming
From beloved and trusted theologian Dr. Renald Showers comes a new book on understanding the Olivet Discourse: The Sign of His Coming.
Jesus’ disciples were as eager as we are today to know the timing of His return as King. In Matthew chapters 24 and 25 Jesus delivered the well-known Olivet Discourse to help ease the fear we often have that this world may never know true peace.
Get your copy for only $10 plus shipping and handling today!
Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?
“Just give it to me straight!” When we’re wanting to hear something important we really just want it simple and to the point. So why didn’t Jesus speak plainly to his disciples and followers about the Kingdom of God? Why did he choose to speak in parables? There are many reasons Jesus did this, some you might not have thought about.
Apples of Gold: Loving your Neighbor
Living in his neighborhood for over 35 years, Zvi took time to get to know his neighbors and tried to help them with home repairs whenever needed. One day after an ultra-orthodox family moved in, the father came and ask Zvi to help him with his electricity. While Zvi fixed their electricity, he talked with the family about what they believed and why. Because he was helping them, they listened. Listen as Zvi gently shares the good news of the Messiah with his new neighbor.
Zvi’s story is available in Elwood McQuaid’s book, “Zvi: The Miraculous Story of Triumph over the Holocaust,” available at our online store.
More stories from Zvi are also available in his book, “The Best of Zvi,” available at our online store.
Music
The Friends of Israel Today and Apples of Gold theme music was composed and performed by Jeremy Strong.