Arrogance - The Student's path to Defeat

The Mysteries of the Kingdom (Matthew 13) - the original curriculum of Jesus Christ - have for far too long been considered just another part of the history of Jesus. 

But the truth is that they are not just a part of His history.  They are the crux of His incredible life-changing teaching; a teaching that has been utterly neglected by those who call themselves His Church.

If you will approach these teachings with humility - realizing that they are indeed mysteries - then you'll have a chance to actually understand them.  If you come to them thinking or believing that they are easy to understand, which not coincidentally is contrary to the word mystery, then you will most surely fail.  This, even though you think you really understand them.

Arrogance fails to recognize that there are too many directions available in interpreting the parables of the kingdom.  The arrogance of many commentators won't allow them to say this one simple statement, 'I don't understand this.'  If they had been able to say this, then they might have eventually been ushered into the inner sanctum of His understanding.

If you can admit that you don't understand the parables of the kingdom, then we can proceed. 

Now maybe you think I want you to direct your questions to me or humble yourself in my direction.  Maybe you think I can answer your queries.  Or possibly that I've actually figured out the Mysteries of Jesus on my own.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

The humility necessary must be directed in the direction of Jesus through Matthew.  They were His teachings and Matthew, His immediate student.  If you'll do this, I'll help you see what Matthew wants you to see.  I'll help you develop ears to hear and eyes to see.

And one final thing; the humility is not a spiritual humbling.  The answers are not available simply through prayer or a special understanding that only comes by the Spirit.  The answers to the Mysteries are actually in the Gospel of Matthew and are available to those who are seekers; to those who are not willing to settle for the easy answer or the quick one. 

They are indeed available from Matthew.  Not Matthew Henry or Chuck Swindoll or any other commentator. 

The next few postings will be of a somewhat cryptic nature. 

Comments

[Zack]

So how about those next few postings?

[Mike Huckins]

I've greatly appreciated your teachings on the parables and Jesus' use of the rabbinic methods of his day; very timely for me. I'm reading these teachings of yours, now three years later, and I am hungry for that which was promised in the last posting. Did you continue? If so, how do I access your further teaching on the topic?

[grant oshevire]

you,my dear brother,are a blessing.....
grant.