THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

Charles sees another piece of 3M sticker on Frank’s desk, ‘Out for the afternoon’. He looks annoyingly at Francis, his colleague; both troubled over their team member’s attitude. What happened? A quick thought emerges in Francis’ mind. He still believes in Frank’s capability as Dr. Bergman, the CEO, did not leave any negative words for him when he entrusted the multi-million Project to the three of them.

A strange illness has since plagued Dr. Bergman and he has gone to the Far East looking for a cure, leaving the whole company to the trio. BakeHeart recently declared a hefty jump in their dividends pay-out since they were public listed. Dr. Bergman’s dedication and masterly skill with people have made him one of the best CEOs in the city. Always cheerful and generous, he was well-liked both by BakeHeart's workers and his clients.

“Can you talk with Frank? I think he has not been concentrating on this latest Hypermarket Project,” Francis pleads with Charles. “Mr. Bergman had put his entire hope on this and any wrong move will have serious consequences,” he adds with a stony face. “I will try. But if he wants out, there is nothing you and I are going to do about it,” Charles snaps.

The Next Day…

Frank whistles his way into the office. “Good morning! Oh, Charles and Francis want to meet you at the latter’s office now,” the secretary speaks sweetly as she passes by.

Yeah! What else? Is the Hypermarket crap again! Frank smiles and offers her a casual thanks.

“You are late again, Bro,” Charles shoots as Frank saunters in.

“Oh..late for what?” he answers annoyingly, like they break his pleasure momentum. Both Francis and Charles know of his partying spirit.

“Late for reporting to us about your meeting with the GM of FOCUS Hypermarket,” Charles interjects angrily.

“Come on, Frank. We need you to settle down. This is serious,” Francis adds.

“Oh..you mean I am playing a fool, is that right?” Frank snaps. “Okay. I admit I am a little lax these days but hey, relax, it’s not like that old man is going to return anytime soon,” he continues ranting.

“No, Frank. You got it wrong. He gave us his trust and Charles and I are not going to lose that by being irresponsible,” Francis clarifies with his usual down to earth honesty.

“Okay! Okay! I will make the appointment with Clarkson of FOCUS soon,” Frank retorts, seeing the seriousness of his two colleagues.

“What? What have you been doing all these while? You mean you have not even met with Clarkson!” Charles turns his back to face the wall. Francis shakes his head.

"As the acting CEO in this company, I want you to lay your hands off this Project from now on. You will now handle some small retail projects for BakeHeart,” Charles commands. “I don’t know what has distracted you but with smaller projects, I hope you can manage better,” he offers Frank the best available option.

“Okay, if this is what you want me to do,” Frank accepts his lot. He feels a little embarrassed but at the same time, relieved.

“I believe this is what Dr. Bergman would want you to do. He believes in not overburdening his staff,” Francis reminds him.

A Month Later…

Frank scampers into the Boardroom, unkempt both in his attire and hair. He takes a seat and straightens his tie. Feeling a little uneasy at the surprise meeting, he looks around. Strange! Why so quiet this time, unlike the previous meetings? He senses two hands rest upon his shoulders at the back and as he turns around, his jaws drop. It's the CEO! He wasn't aware all along Mr. Bergman standing there at the corner, getting his usual dose of black coffee. The CEO’s hands this time feel like a huge sack that sags right down his spine.

“Oh..Dr. Bergman. Go…od Morning. I didn’t see you just…just..now,” he rises up to greet him. The CEO just takes a seat, leaving Frank’s hand unshaken.

“Well done, Charles and Francis! I just got a call from FOCUS and they have agreed to all our requirements for the contract. BakeHeart has now doubled in its expansion plan. Thank you!” Bergman speaks excitedly to the applause of all in the meeting.

“Charles and Francis, you both are now officially promoted to First and Second Most Senior Manager of the Company,” he rises to clap softly. Everyone rises to clap except Frank, who slumps in his chair.

“I have received reports of some retail outlets being neglected. And that had caused some losses to the company. It is not so much of monetary losses but the image of BakeHeart. Frank, what have you got to say?” the CEO sits down as all eyes turn towards Frank. The lazy and distracted man stares at Charles and Francis.

“You are fired! All the perks you have taken from this company must be paid back by end of this month or else?” Bergman warns.

“Okay. This wraps out today’s meeting. Oh yes, all of you will be given a trip to Europe for a week as we are going to celebrate like crazy for the unbelievable successful year,” he pats Charles’ back and leaves.

Everyone is so taken aback by the generosity of Dr. Bergman. As everyone leaves the room, Frank puts his hands over his face and cries in deep anguish.

The Parable of the Talents is found in Matthew 25:14-30 and a slight difference in Luke 19:12-27.

Before the man begins his journey, he entrusts money to his servants for the sole purpose of investment. In Matthew, the Bible does not specify where he is going but in Luke, we know he is going to be crowned as king. Both these parables are spoken by Jesus almost at the end of His time on earth. This time, Jesus is concerned about His disciples more than those who oppose Him (Luke 19:14-15, 27).

Together with the parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus desires them not only to enter the kingdom of God but to do well! There is no plan B for Jesus when He leaves the earth, the disciples will be passed the baton.

First of all, the lazy wicked servant deserves his rightful place, in darkness.

In Matthew Parable, we read about the owner who is first of all not a taskmaster (Matthew 25:15). He is actually quite generous in entrusting everything to his servants. A Talent is many years’ wages of an ordinary average worker. This means that the third servant gets a good deal too! The master is not only generous in parting with money, he is generous with praises too (Matthew 25:20-23; Luke 19:16-19). In Matthew’s parable, he praises the two servants with same exact words. This tells us that our Master Jesus will judge us by our faithfulness and not success according to numbers and statistics.

By hiding on the ground such huge sum of money, the lazy servant has not only broken trust but lost the value of it due to depreciation caused by inflation. He is so lazy that going to the money-changers (which is not a desired thing to do for fund managers) is a burden. Perhaps he is so distracted that he is not even aware that he has hidden his master's money. He has forgotten that his master is coming back and he is accountable for everything. Worse, he even accuses his master of being a taskmaster which is not true at all. He is not only lazy but wicked as well.

In contrast, the two servants are good and faithful who deserve rewards from their master.

1. They desire to please their master when he returns.
2. They know their given responsibility until the master returns.
3. They seize every opportunity before their master returns.

There is a fundamental difference between the lazy servant and the two trusted ones. The relationship with their Master. The faithful acts of the two faithful servants stem from a sound relationship with their coming Master. The previous parable about the virgins illustrates the same ingredient missing in the five foolish virgins. Therefore, Jesus uses these stories to drive home a point - your relationship with God somehow determines your obedience to Him.

The kingdom of God is soon climaxing and reaching its shore on earth. Will our Master find all His servants doing their very best for Him? Again, Jesus has no Plan B, we are the only lights in the world today. Are you hiding or are you shining?

Next: Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/07/parable-of-sheep-and-goats.html

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

Ashley feels ecstatic when the results are announced. She has won third place in the essay writing contest in her school thus enabling her to enter the national competition next month. Both of her best friends, Julie and Lisa are first and second respectively.

“Hey! Julie! Congrats for being the champion! You are the best!” Ashley grabs her shoulders. “You did well too, Ash,” Julie grins. Lisa holds her second placed trophy high up as she meets them standing at the foyer and they celebrate noisily.

“You know what, since we are in this together, I suggest we meet to study together. Let’s do this for our school, Ok?” Lisa proffers. Julie agrees wholeheartedly. “If I can find time to study like you girls,” Ashley shrugs. “Yes, you can! All it takes is a little focus,” Lisa retorts.

Ashley has been inconsistent these couple of months in school as she hangs out with some wild school mates. Julie and Lisa have taken time to advice her against spending too much time on outside school activities but to no avail. They know she is a smart girl. And her third prize win proves them right.

Ten days to the Competition…

“I wonder where is Ash?” Julie looks concern. Ashley had joined them for their first meeting and since disappeared from their sight. Maybe she likes doing it alone,” Lisa chips in. She then takes out her phone and calls Ashley. “Yeah,” the faint voice on the other line answers. “Ashley, it’s only ten more days to competition. Will you join us?” Lisa requests. “I am very tired. I’ll call you back,” Ashley replies annoyingly. The line goes dead. “How?” Julie asks. “I think she slept late last night. Anyway, we have to do what is best for us,” Lisa shrugs and takes up a reference book.

Two Days to the Competition…

“Hi! Ashley, you don’t look so good,” Lisa confronts her. “I don’t feel so well. Anyway, do you girls still have those meetings together? I think I need to brush up my skills,” Ashley asks, somewhat desperate. “I don’t think so. We have done everything we need to be prepared for. Moreover, there were so many discussions already covered,” Lisa answers unapologetically. “Oh. Can you and Julie help me? I don’t want to lose this opportunity,” Ashley begs. “I am sorry, Ash. We have some other works we need to finish as well. I want to help but time is not on our side now,” Lisa replies annoyingly. Ashley senses her heart beating a little quicker than usual. She quickly rushes to the library without saying goodbye to her best friend, Lisa.

Competition Day…

Ashley finds that desperation doesn’t help her in this competition. In fact, she knows she does not stand a chance in winning any prize. She has secretly wished she could at least win $2,000 third prize money to help her through college. The three friends decide to meet at the cafeteria for a drink after the submission.

“Wow! I am so excited about the competition! The school has announced a special prize if anyone from here wins the top-three place, apart from the prize money!” Julie exclaims confidently. “What’s that? What’s that?” Lisa yells delightedly. “There is going to be a big party organised for the winners and…and…a full scholarship for any college we choose to go!” Julie jumps up and dances.

 

As expected, Julie wins the first prize for the National Championship and her friend, Lisa, comes in second. “Let the party begin,” Julie screams. As they celebrate joyously, they see Ashley standing outside the hall. A sad look on her face says it all. She knows that she has missed it, this great opportunity that will not come knocking at her door, again.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is found in Matthew 25:1-13.

After strong verbal rebukes at the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (Matt. 23), Jesus now turns his attention again to His disciples. He knows his time on earth is nearing the end, begins to tell the disciples the end of the age. The audience must have been enthralled with such details of the future. As with all God's prophets, Jesus will not only deliver information, He offers sound godly advice.

Two words stand out at this hour of His teachings, “Keep Watch!”

Everyone must keep watch during the soon coming of the LORD Jesus Christ again. This time, the LORD is coming with God’s wrath! What troubles the listeners is the uncertainty of the timing of His coming. Therefore, Jesus warns them to take heed of the signs of the times!

In this parable, Jesus adds the phrase, “At that time” (Matt. 25:1). It tells about the soon consummation of the rule of God in His kingdom. There will be two groups of people on the opposite extreme in this story. One group rejoices rapturously, participating in the most marvellous wedding celebration. The other, locked out in darkness, knowing and hearing the celebration but unable to enter. No wonder there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. In fact, Jesus warns of intense suffering for all those who reject the coming of their Master (Matt. 24:51).

The foolish virgins represent one side of humanity who knows the wrath of God is coming but chooses to live carelessly in the world. They know that they haven’t got enough oil for their lamps but still they are asleep like those who have the oil (Matt. 25:3-5).

The virgins are usually friends of the Bride and Groom in wedding ceremonies in ancient Palestine. When the Bridegroom comes to fetch the Bride to go to his parents’ house at night, these chosen girls joyously play the guiding lights for them. And they become participants in the grand wedding. The Bridegroom will be very happy for them, thus inviting them for the grand celebration! Perhaps, rewarding them for their effort, anticipation and passion! The wise virgins create even greater joy in the celebration.

The foolish virgins deserve nothing from him. They were invited to participate but did not keep their part of the bargain. Due to their foolishness, there may not be enough lights for more people to walk to the house of the Groom's parents. Some may even lose their way. When they finally get their oil for their lamps, they are refused into the celebration. Their lack of enthusiasm for the Bridegroom’s coming speaks about their relationship with him. They show disrespect on his big day, a once-in-a-lifetime occasion (Matt. 25:11-12).

The main reason people take for granted the Lord’s Second Coming is not the delay in His coming but their lack of enthusiasm in the Person of Jesus! If the wonderful promises of Jesus and the miraculous signs and wonders He performed still not do the work with these foolish people, nothing will. However, in this parable, Jesus is concerned for all His disciples, in every generation, that they do not fall away.

Whether there is a delay, distraction or deception...

Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour (Matt. 24:13).

NOTE: There were debates in regards to the identity of the 10 virgins. Some say they are the tribulations saints at the Second Coming of Christ as the next two parables in Matthew (Rapture would have already taken place by then). My interpretation is that Jesus would want everyone to be prepared, either the rapture of the church or His second Coming. The oil that the foolish virgins should have been carried along can also represent  the Holy Spirit (which is quite consistent in the Bible). If that is so, then the five foolish virgins may represent those who have heard about Christ but unregenerated at the heart. Judging at their same appearance as the five wise virgins, they might even  call themselves Christians. These are the ones Paul wrote, "..having a form of godliness, but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5).

Next: The Parable of the Talents

http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/07/parable-of-talents.html

THE PARABLE OF THE WEDDING BANQUET

Aaron hears the sounds of the motorbike approaching. He has been eagerly waiting for a letter about the project he tendered a few weeks ago. Smiling as he reaches out to take the pile of letters from the surprised postman. “Thank you, Mr. Postman!” Aaron utters quickly. Sitting at the steps to his house, he swiftly tears open the letters. “Bills, bills, bills, Ahhh,” he mutters and then springs up. Jumping with delight, Aaron punches his fist in the air. “Finally, I made it!” While he still prances around, his eyes catch hold of a letter on the ground. “How could I miss this beautiful letter?” he whispers. Tearing it, his eyes begin to widen.

Jimmy looks at his new signboard at the flower shop he owns. Just ten minutes ago, the last customer had bought a large amount of flowers for his new company. For the past few weeks since the shop opened for business, every evening, Jimmy would stare at his shop and smile. Success is indeed sweet for him as he has failed many times in business before. His wife pats on his shoulder and whispers, "Darling, today it is another record sales for us.” Jimmy hugs her and both of them grin, looking at the beautiful designed sign on top of his shop. “Before I forget, Darling, there is a letter for you,” Jimmy’s wife tells him. “Here, see what it says”. Jimmy opens the letter and stares at it with a stunned face. “What’s wrong, Darling?”

Christopher gazes at his wife as she lays there sleeping. His mind flashes back at the time when he had to work doubly hard just to get her attention. The pressures he suffered at the hands of so many other admirers, going after her including some of his close friends. The world stood still on that fateful day when she said, “Yes, I will marry you.” He gives his beautiful wife of two days a kiss on the cheek without waking her up. “I will never trade her with anything in the world,” he whispers to himself. Upon waking up en route to the bathroom, he sees a letter on her dressing table. He takes it and slowly opens the beautiful decorated letter. Reading it, he slumps down onto a chair.

Aaron, Jimmy and Christopher are the adopted sons of Mr. Rodney. He had taken them in to his home when they were orphans at a centre. There were many others he generously offerred a chance to lead normal lives. He now wants them to celebrate the handover of his entire business to his own flesh and blood, Rodney Junior. Rodney Senior wants all his adopted sons and daughters to come home and rejoice with him.

Aaron, Jimmy and Christopher at a restaurant nearby.

Christopher: Have you received the second letter from Uncle Rodney?

Aaron: Yes. I am not going. What is there to celebrate? Absolutely nothing for us.

Jimmy: Everything is Rodney Jr. I am fed up. Did he once talk about giving me a slice of his vast estate?

Aaron: That’s right. I have to work like a dog. Anyway I can’t go as I have just won a tender. I don’t even bother to let him know.

Christopher: I rather spent my time looking at my wife than to see Rodney Junior’s face.

Jimmy: By the way, did you see the news yesterday?

Christopher: What happened? I didn’t as I was busy.

Aaron: I know you are busy with your beautiful wife. It is reported widely that some adopted sons of Uncle had beaten up some servants who came to invite them to go. Now the police are investigating.

Christopher: Whew! I won’t go to that extent. I am jealous but not until you beat people up. Just don’t go. That would break his heart and show him how we feel.

Jimmy: Anyway, my business is starting to pick up. It is also none of my business going there. To go there and just clap for his son, eeiew!

They walk out of the restaurant green with envy and decide not to participate.

The news has reached Mr. Rodney that all his adopted sons and daughters had refused to go back home and celebrate with him and his only flesh and blood. The party needs to go on as foods have been catered and canopies are all set up. He recalls with tears how he treated all of them with dignity and respect and brought them up to live normal lives. In his down trodden state, he decides to listen to his heart one more time. This time, he invites the poor again to his home, those who can’t afford to even survive.

At the party...

Mr. Rodney gestures to the crowd to address them. “Thank you for coming to celebrate the handover of my business to my only son, Rodney Junior. I am saddened by the fact that all those I have treated so well have rejected my invitation to celebrate this occasion. They have spurned my generosity. I invite you here not only to feast and celebrate the occasion. I invite you here to tell you that my son, Rodney Junior will inherit what I do. To invest all my money to help people live normal lives. All of you here today will get a slice of my vast estate. But one thing you must do. To help others enjoy what you have."

At the party, Rodney catches hold of one man without a tag. He has gate-crashed in. By the look on his proud face, he is neither poor nor wanting to share Rodney’s dream. He swiftly calls security and warns him not to come near his house anymore. He is not welcomed at all. Mr. Rodney has learnt his lesson well. Not everyone responds to generosity with generosity. These people don’t deserve even a cent from him.

The parable of the Wedding Banquet is found in Matthew 22:1-14 and one with a difference in Luke 14:15-24.

The crucifixion of Jesus draws near and He lays his cards on the table. The parables get clearer, especially to those who oppose Jesus and what He came to do. The story irks the religious leaders and they know that Jesus is rebuking them. They had treated badly all God’s messengers, right from the Old Testament up to the present time. Not only they reject God’s messengers, they reject even His Son.

However, to those poor and common people, they are delighted to know they are also invited for the banquet. God shows no favouritism, whoever willing will get in. All are invited regardless. But only few choose to go. It sometimes defies the mind.

So, some are angry with Jesus for telling this parable. Some are happy that Jesus mentions the poor, delighted that they are loved and called to participate in the Kingdom of God. But there are also people who are upset with those who refuse to go to the banquet in this parable. Wedding banquets are such joyous occasions. Sometimes even the whole town rejoices and it normally takes a week of celebration. How could anyone refuse to go after being so cordially invited over and over again? The person who sent the invitation is not a commoner for crying out loud. He is the KING! Come on! This is exactly what Jesus wants to accomplish with parables. To introduce radical kingdom living involves telling something radical. A parable that creates tension and at the same time, portrays hope!

To put it in the nutshell, God has sent out an invitation to the world. God’s intense love for mankind brings out the best in Him: sending His only Son to suffer punishment on a cross. You can make excuses or you can outright spurn Him, the decision you make is God’s decision to allow you to participate in the greatest Party in history. The Wedding of God's Only Son!

Have you made the choice?

Next Parable: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/06/parable-of-wedding-banquet.html

Book Review – JESUS MANIFESTO - Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola

Have we lost Jesus? What is the consequence of losing Jesus?

The answer to the first question is “almost” and to the second, “everything!”

JESUS MANIFESTO is to me a timely Book, a Now Book in a time where Christians did almost everything, sometimes wonderfully efficient, without clearly giving glory to Jesus who is everything we existed for! This book sets me free from knowing there is much more about Jesus that I don’t even realise. So much I thought I know and then comes this spoiler! Jesus Christ is so simple to understand yet so profound to grasp. It is so easy to learn about Jesus, yet so difficult to study Him.

Throw out WWJD, reject imitating Christ and start to embrace the imparting of an implanted Christ in all of us. Those were revolutionary thoughts to me. Sometimes it is so comfortable to do everything we know and are familiar with. JESUS MANIFESTO invites us to go where most of us would resist, like just doing what the Father asks us to do. Is that difficult? Seems like it. This is because we cinch it. We have everything under control. Take away that control, pry open our grip, we may find ourselves shoving and kicking in disagreement.

One of the most compelling messages for me in this book is that the church is Jesus Christ in corporate expression (Pg. 143). Before I am lost into the mysterious world of the Person of Jesus Christ, I am awakened to that familiar word I grew up in. So much so that the authors want to restore the supremacy and sovereignty of Jesus Christ, they hit the nail in bringing out the community called church which we can express ourselves. They put it succinctly; Jesus Christ cannot be separated from His church (Pg. 141).

Clearly, I am mesmerised quite a lot by this Book as I am seeking Christ more and more in these trying times. But to those who stroll through their Christian walk casually may find this Book a little bit boring.

I give 4 stars to this Book.

Disclaimer: Jesus Manifesto was provided free to me by Thomas Nelson through the BookSneeze program for the purpose of this review.

THE PARABLE OF THE TENANTS

Richard high-fives Tony and cheers resound from across the room. Another deal is done, another feather in their caps. Hi-Vision Co’s southern sales division have again achieved another record-breaking year. Popularly called “The Duo”, Richard and Tony, are now known as the company’s highest achievers in its 30-year history.

As Richard sits grinning at his office desk, the phone rings. On the other line, Chris Lang congratulates him for a job well done. As the CEO and the owner of the company, Chris keeps tabs on everything that is going on in all divisions even though he often goes abroad for a long period of time.

“I am in China and I heard of the news. Tomorrow night, bring your whole division to a nice fancy restaurant. My treat,” Chris speaks with a sense of pride.

“Oh.. Okay, Thank you, Mr. Lang!” Richard answers.

“I am coming back to join in the celebration,” the CEO announces.

“Okay. Er..That’s great!” Richard replies with a startled tone. Due to his success, the other three sales divisions hail him as “Our Director”, directing the vision of the company. And it seems Mr. Lang’s coming back may take away some glory from him.

“Mr. Lang, I have little news I need to brief you,” the top sales executive tells the CEO. “Few days ago, Ray and Cindy where you brought in to oversee all the sales divisions have resigned.”

“I know. They called me,” Chris answers quickly.

“Oh…,” Richard clears his throat. His confidence wavers a bit. “I told them to stay but they insisted on going,” he adds.

“Is there anything else going on that I need to know, Richard?” Chris Lang enquires.

“Oh, I nearly forgot. Your son, Jonathan also intended to leave the company and I told him no,” Richard informs his Boss. “I bet he would have called you too,” he continues, rushing to get this off his chest.

“Yes. He did call me. He said he was threatened but I laughed it off,” the Boss speaks calmly. “Anyway, he is so stressed that I asked him to take a long leave,” he adds, sounds a little bit disappointed.

“Is that so? I am sorry for him,” Richard offers his sympathy.

“Okay then. I see you tomorrow night,” the CEO bids goodbye and ends the conversation.

At the restaurant….

Before Chris Lang walks in, he can hear shouts of joy and clinking of glasses in the room. To his surprise he sees groups of people from the other sales divisions joining in the celebration. “To our Director!” they shout in unison, laughing out loud. One man yells, “I propose a toast to ‘The Duo’, not only for their astounding achievements but also someday, they may even take over the whole company.”

As he turns around to address the crowd, he bumps into Mr. Lang. The whole atmosphere changes to an awful silence.

“Oh, Boss! I…I thought you will come in later,” Tony stammers.

Chris takes a glass of champagne and says with a poker face, “I propose a toast to Richard and Tony and the rest of the Southern Division, a grand farewell from the company.”

“Boss, you are kidding, aren’t you? I present to you, Mr. Chris Lang, the Joker,” Richard quickly chips in. No one laughs. The silence is deafening and embarrassing.

“Boss, I gave my life to this company. Hey guys, you promised me that you back me up in this,” he adds in desperation.

“Your division has been threatening all the employees of this company and you think I don’t know,” Chris thunders. “And success has got into your heads. You have depended on the platform in Hi-Vision Co for all your success. You owe me everything. And I know what you did to my son,” he adds angrily.

Meanwhile two familiar faces stroll into the room, like they are waiting for the right moment.

“Richard and Tony had told us that if we don’t leave the company, we will be in for a hard time. I was threatened many times,” Ray recalls his side of the story.

“They deliberately blocked my car on my way home and some of my files went missing. No one dared to cooperate with us due to ‘The Duo’,” Cindy interjects.

Some police officers rush in when Chris calls for them. “Richard and Tony, you guys have a lot to explain to the officers with your intimidation, fraud and all,” he speaks sternly, shaking his head.

As ‘The Duo’ are hauled away, Chris signals for all Southern Division staff to go too. They gladly leave knowing that they are spared from being arrested as well. As they scramble out, they see a dashing young man wearing a smart tuxedo walks in. Jonathan Lang, the son of the CEO, stands in front of all those remaining in the room.

“I have an announcement,” Chris finally speaks with a smile. “My son, Jonathan will now be the CEO of the company.” The crowd breaks out in thunderous applause, relieves that peace has finally settled in Hi-Vision Co.

The parable of the Tenants is found in Matthew 21:33-41; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16.

As the time draws near for Jesus to eventually sacrifice His life on the cross, His teachings and tone of language begin to change. From a lovey-dovey appearance, Jesus now presents provoking messages both to His disciples and the religious authority.

This parable is indeed fiery and sharp. Like the prophets of old proclaiming their prophecies, Jesus pronounces judgment to those who reject Him and what He stands for. Jesus warns them through the parable that their rejection of Him is the rejection of the Cornerstone of God which is the Messiah. In fact, to reject Jesus is to reject God’s Word, thus God Himself.

The Chief Priests and the Pharisees have lost much of their popularity as Jesus takes on more followers. They see their ‘religious kingdom’ being torn apart while Jesus’ Kingdom of God is gathering steam. In their pride to protect their power, no one must stand in their way. Even Jesus who did tremendous miracles, believed to be a prophet by the masses, must be killed off. With their eyes blinded and ears bound with dullness, they will never grasp what God is doing through His Son. All they know is that Jesus spoke the parable against them, protraying them as the ones that persecute the servants of the Land Owner. Jesus warned them against repeating history of God's prophets being persecuted and killed by the religious leaders!

All three gospel writers have captured this all-important parable to warn people of rejecting Jesus. So many people today build their own little kingdoms without the Cornerstone. In the end, there can be nothing but brokenness and destruction.

There are several meanings to the usage of cornerstones…

1. A stone that forms a corner or angle in a structure in making sure that the building is evenly balanced and stable when completed.

2. A stone prominently situated near the base of a corner in a building as a foundation stone. Such a stone, often inscribed, laid at a ceremony marking the origin of a building.

3. A fundamental principle or underlying concept: base, basis, foundation, fundamental.

4. An indispensable and fundamental basis: the cornerstone of an argument.

To make it plain and simple, rejecting Jesus means living a life which is unbalanced and meaningless. There is no foundation whatsoever to stand on, no past nor future to base on. These people just live for the present and the only treasure is the pleasure of this world.

Rest assure that all of us will give our account to God one day. You can be very successful in the world but success without Jesus is no success! In fact, you will be cornered by the Cornerstone when the time finally comes.

Jesus is the centre of earth’s history. History is literally His story.

(Col 1:16-17) For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Therefore, let Christ be the centre of our lives! With Christ as the cornerstone of our lives, we will not only stand firm, we are ready for battles ahead to expand the kingdom of God!

Next: Parable of the Wedding Banquet.
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/06/parable-of-wedding-banquet.html

THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS

“Yes, Mrs. Skyler,” Alex shouts and does an army salute to her. Everyone’s favourite music teacher asks the class to be cautious of the finals and do more rehearsals. Meanwhile, Stephen, the twin brother of Alex, nervously walks out of the class. He has this unresolved inferiority issue within him, being overshadowed by his older extrovert twin brother.

“You can do it!” a voice comes from behind Stephen. Mrs. Skyler taps on his shoulder and startles him. “Oh. Thank you,” the scrawny boy replies softly, appreciating her teacher’s every word.

“Eh..Hi, Mrs. Skyler, you are such an inspiration to me,” Alex makes a passing statement before escorting his ‘lil’ brother’ away. The teacher shakes her head at Alex’s overbearing attitude. She knows about his truant behaviour in many rehearsals she organises. Deep within her, she adores Stephen for his ‘trying my best’ spirit.

“Alex, how come I didn’t see you in the rehearsals these days? The finals are just around the corner,” Stephen nudges his brother. “Shhh..Don’t you let Dad know, Ok?” Alex quickly chips in. “Well, I am busy. Anyway, I have a couple of tunes embedded in my soul already. It will be enough for me to ‘distinct myself’, if you know what I mean,” he adds with much arrogance. Stephen thinks highly of his brother and secretly wishes he can be confident like him.

“Meanwhile Stephen, I don’t see any chance for you,” Alex quips. He loves to see Stephen’s unworthy facial expression. He does that often to Stephen and others just to keep himself more fire up. Sometimes, Stephen wishes that he had never taken music as his future career.

These finals will determine the students’ final push towards their career. Mrs. Skyler has had sleepless nights thinking about her beloved students, especially Stephen.

“I know you do not look highly of yourself in this Thursday’s finals but somehow I feel you have it in you,” she encourages Stephen in the teachers’ room. “You know what. I am not alone in this. The other teachers see it too,” she continues, speaking a little louder this time. Few teachers stand and agree with Mrs. Skyler. Stephen feels a little embarrassed but deeply encouraged. He still senses the anxiety within him but a tinge of excitement seems to appear from nowhere.

After the finals….

Mrs. Skyler looks satisfied and generally feels the performances went well. She is excited over Stephen’s playing. It was near perfection. She believes that all students must have a certain degree of anxiety in them to do well. Being too confident can be disastrous.

Alex cannot believe his eyes as he sees the red ink on his paper. Mrs. Skyler walks past and gently taps on his shoulder to console him. As his eyes turn as red as his grade, he catches hold of twin brother Stephen, smiling away. Sensing anger and embarrassment at the same time, Alex catches up with his teacher for answers to his predicament.

“Alex, I am sorry that you are being retained for another semester,” she says politely, doesn’t want to aggravate him further. “But I thought I played well,” Alex chips in angrily.

“It was a unanimous decision by all of us,” she responds. “Alex, you were playing but we felt the tunes were not embedded in your soul.”

The Parable of the Two Sons is recorded only in Matthew 21: 28-31.

Many of the parables where Jesus presented are to convey a strong message to those in authorities who think highly of themselves. This parable is spoken in respond to the chief priests and the elders who enquire about the authority of Jesus’ teachings (Matt. 21:23). Jesus chooses not to answer them, instead He puts the ball back to their court by asking them about John’s baptism, whether from heaven or from men. Jesus knows that they don’t believe in John the Baptist’s ministry. In fact they don’t want anything to do with Jesus who comes with the radical gospel. Fearing of losing more people to Jesus, they have to bite their tongues and swallow their pride to say, “We don’t know” (Matt. 21:27).

In other words, Jesus is trying to say to them, “If you guys don’t even believe in John the Baptist, how can you believe in what I am going to teach?”

Many Jewish people in Jesus’ days would say “Yes!” to him with their mouths but “My way or the highway!” in their hearts. They talk the talk but when it comes to walk the walk, they stop. Pride, legalistic mentality, or love for fame and glory may have blocked these from coming into the blessings of God. They are so full of themselves that they lose touch of what’s essential. Like the rich young ruler, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The rich think that they can buy themselves into heaven!

In contrast, many of those who think they are unworthy, “beating their chest and afraid even to look upward”, they are being touched by God. They are entering in busloads to the kingdom of Light, into the blessings of God. They may say, “No!” initially thinking they are not worthy but when they see the signs and wonders and genuine love of Christ, they believe wholeheartedly!

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3).

Next: The Parable of the Tenants
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/06/parable-of-tenants.html

THE PARABLE OF THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD

The crowd paves a narrow pathway for Andy, the self-appointed leader to inch through. The sturdy and maverick worker has joined the textile factory for many years. Although he is not so much a people person but he gets the job done. Lately, he has been complaining about being underpaid for all his worth.

Andy then motions for silence. “Mr. Shane, we demand an explanation for increasing the workforce when the company is not even expanding its business,” he clarifies angrily with the owner accompanying with loud yeses from the unruly demonstrators. “Our bonuses are getting lesser as more are called to work here. We have not seen much increase of our salary over the years,” Andy continues with his clear booming voice.

The always well-mannered bespectacled owner pats Andy’s shoulder to calm him down. He steps backward and gestures the crowd to stop hounding him. “Alright now,” Mr. Shane raises his voice. “You all should know the economic condition of our town. Many people need jobs to feed their families and let us be generous to them, shall we?” he adds with deep compassion.

“We can’t please everyone. Those who put in the effort here must be compensated accordingly,” Andy shoots back confidently. Loud cheers can be heard, approving the words of their leader. “You should know by now that your factory is sustained by all these workers who have worked hard for you,” he fires another bullet to his argument, gesturing to the crowd.

Meanwhile, Tommy watches from the other side decides to call the rest of the workers to protest against Andy and the uncompromising group. “I think we should be grateful that we still have jobs,” Tommy shouts across to the crowd. “We should be thankful to Mr. Shane for employing us.”

“Hey, Tommy, shut up!” a man shouts back. The tense atmosphere almost turns chaotic. Mr. Shane waves frantically to calm the situation but to no avail. He decides to throw a small sewing machine onto the floor, tearing it apart, successfully getting everyone’s attention.

“Enough!” the Boss thunders. “All these years, have I ever cheated on you guys? Have I not paid you on time? Did I not encourage you and give you leave when someone from your family needed help or was sick? Tell me, if I ever being tough on you?” he mutters frustratingly. “I treat you like family,” Mr. Shane adds, sensing anger rising from within him.

He goes into the office and takes out a stack of files. “You know what is inside of these files, guys?” he asks them. “It’s all the contracts you signed with me. Many of your contracts with me are almost completed waiting for renewal. Do you want me to be calculative with you?”

“You know what, Andy? Your contract expires tomorrow.”

The parable of the workers in the Vineyard is found only in Matthew 20:1-16.

At first look, the landowner seems to be unfair to some workers who toiled the whole day only to get the same pay as those who worked an hour. What if they have not known what is being given to the workers who only worked one hour? Surely they will be satisfied with their pay and perhaps thank God for the owner for such integrity. When they know about it, they begin to demand for more. They have lost sight of being grateful in getting work and pay to feed their family. Not only they have forgotten to thank the owner for giving them the work, they complain and accuse him of being unfair.

During the Harvest time in Jesus’ days, many day-workers will line themselves up on the streets waiting to be called to work in the Vineyard. Normally the strong ones will be hired while some return with no work, thus having difficulty to feed their families. Many plead for work while others agree to work for a little less. All these workers depend on generous land owners. Many wish they are hired by them for a longer period of time.

Jesus tells this parable in respond to the rich young man who smugly asked Him, “Teacher, what good things must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16) This man thinks he has it all! He thinks he can even perform his way to heaven! But when comes to the crunch, he deserts Jesus and walks away disgraced. Jesus must have felt sorry for him. He has so much potential yet his eyes are on material things instead on the grace of God. He fails to realise that all his riches (no one knows how he got the wealth anyway) is given by God Himself!

And the disciples fumble too when they begin to demand what they would receive after giving everything away to be with Jesus! (Matthew 19:27) This prompts Jesus to reveal blessings to those who serve God wholeheartedly but the real issue with Him is not what they get with what they do. The real reason for telling this parable is to understand the grace of God given to them and being grateful to God for His generosity.

The rich young man has a wrong attitude and so do the poor disciples. The rich man thinks he will be the first to enter God's kingdom but turns out the other way round, last, if ever. The poor disciples if not careful may be like those first workers who think they deserve a higher pay. They go away angry with the generous land owners contrary to last workers who are so grateful to being called to work because of the circumstances that they are in. The first will be last and last, first or vice versa. And hence, the parable is spoken about people who have forgotten about being grateful to God. Those first workers whose attitude is unpleasing to the landowner, cut off ties with the one who chose to bless them with work in trying times.

Do the rich people thank God for their riches today? Do the servants of God understand that it is a privilege to be given opportunity to serve the King of all kings? Let the sons and daughters of the gracious King be thankful for their salvation and be appreciative of the call of God to serve. Let us also rejoice when others are blessed by the generous God too.

Next: The parable of the Two Sons
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/05/parable-of-two-sons.html