Jesus used parables a lot. And they always were deeply insightful. They conveyed the message very powerfully. The parables are like a litmus paper test – clearly showing what kind of person is more acceptable with the Kingdom Of God. Similar to the parables, Jesus observed and remarked about various life lessons which have equally valuable insights for us to glean and learn from.
As go through these portions prayerfully identify where do you stand? Whom do you more likely identify yourself as? Take time and find answers that the Holy Spirit will reveal to yourself as you prayerfully seek and wait for the answers. In some cases the answers may take time, which may be a few days even. However much time it takes, its going to be a useful exercise.
The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers
9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to [b]vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 10 Now at [c]vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out.
13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’ 14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.” (Luke 20: 9-16 NKJV)
Who do you more often identify with? Are you happy to be so? Incase you are not happy, what are you doing to change the status quo?
The Widow’s Two Mites
41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two [a]mites, which make a [b]quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” ( Mark 12:41-44 NKJV)
Whom do you identify yourself as more often? The widow mentioned above or the others? Are you pleased with whom you identify yourself as? Do you seek a change? Whatever it is remembering these instances give light into our thoughts and behaviours.
Jesus Comes to Zacchaeus’ House
19 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:1-10 NKJV)
Are you like the people of the village? Are you more often like Zaccaheous with whom Jesus chose to stay with? Did salvation come to your home like the home of Zaccaheous? When Zaccaheous returned money to many of the villagers, there was great rejoicing in many homes. Where you like Zaccaheous?
The Pharisees: Is It Lawful to Pay Taxes to Caesar?
20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.
21 Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”
25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. (Luke 20:20-26 NKJV)
Whom do you identify yourself as: Caesar, Jesus, Spies? Why? Are you happy with your identity?
Mary and Martha Worship and Serve
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at [k]Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And [l]Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 NKJV)
Whom do you indeify yourself as: Mary, Martha or Jesus? Are you happy with your identity? Are you looking for a change in your identity?
Trust the exercise was an interesting personality test. Wish it becomes an insightful and useful test with the Holy Spirit giving you answers and feedback.
