Why Did Jesus Speak In Parables?
Figuratively Speaking...
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Parables are a type of ‘idiom’ or figurative speech. We see that much of what is recorded in the Bible is in symbolic pictures that require interpretation, rather than ‘translation’. The great thing about the Bible is that the recorded visions, dreams and parables given by the LORD are also interpreted for us in writing. As we read all these marvelous accounts in the Word, it’s worthwhile to note that only those of the LORD were given the divine interpretation of the things of God.
While interpretation is only given to believers, God gave visions and dreams to both believers and non-believers. Non-believers had to seek out believers to provide interpretation, for even their diviners and magicians could not receive the meanings. Daniel was able to receive the knowledge of what Pharaoh dreamt, as well as the interpretation of those dreams (Dan 2). Likewise, he received the interpretation of his own visions and dreams (Dan 7). Joseph also had the gift of interpreting his own dreams and the dreams of others (Gen 37; 40 and 41). The Apostle John wrote down his visions and subsequent interpretations given by the angel of the LORD, or the LORD Himself in that great book of Revelation. The prophet Joel wrote that “your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams” (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17), speaking of the last days.
Unlike dreams and visions, parables are stories that require interpretation to understand a greater truth. We do not see any record of Jesus having or interpreting visions and dreams throughout His New Testament ministry on earth. He did, however, speak to the Jews in parables. And, as with visions and dreams, He did not give the interpretation of His parables to the lost, but only to those who believed – namely, His twelve disciples (i.e. Luke 8:11). Thus, we continue on with my opening question: Why did Jesus speak in parables?
Hiding His Identity
Did you ever wonder why Jesus didn’t just come right out and say Who He was? Even today, as we read His Word, we can only see the ‘clues’ He gave back in those days.
No doubt, demons knew Who He was: ‘The Holy One of God’, yet Jesus hushed them (Mark 1:23-25; Isa 49:7).
The healed leper knew Who He was, but Jesus told him to tell no one (Luke 5:14).
Peter, James and John (the brother of James) saw the most incredible vision on the 'Mount of Transfiguration' (Mat 17:9; Mark 9:9), yet were told by Jesus not to tell anyone…until AFTER the resurrection.
That IS the answer, confirmed in 1 Cor 2:8 “the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
The purpose of God coming in the flesh was to shed His own blood (Acts 20:28) for the remission of sin (Heb 9:22), to redeem us (Is 44:6; Gal 3:14) and impute righteousness unto us (2 Cor 5:21). For this reason, Jesus purposefully gave ‘clues’ to those who would later nail Him to the cross. Let’s look at a few of them here and see the reaction of the Jews:
· Forgiving sin (Isaiah 43:25; Mark 2:7) – “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?"
· I AM (Ex 3:14; John 8:58) – “Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.”
· I and My Father are One (Deut 6:4; John 10:30) – “The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him.”… “The Jews answered Him, ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God."
· The Son of God (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 22:70) – “Then they said, ‘What further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth. Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate."
See, Hear and Understand
In Matthew 13:10-15 “The disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ Jesus answered them, ‘To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted…I speak to them in parables because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. ‘In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, 'YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.'” NAS (Is 6:9-10)
Is it therefore, God that makes blind, deaf and dumb? No. The one who blinds is found in 2 Cor 4:4 “the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Just as the Jews could NOT see that Christ Jesus was and is the IMAGE OF GOD Himself; they could not hear the Truth of His words as to His identity; they could not understand that God, their Savior had come to shed His own blood to take away their sin, there are Jews and Christians today who profess to know God yet MISS THE MARK. 2 Cor 4:6 “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” These same ones consider the claim that Jesus is Almighty God to be blasphemous! He’s ‘a god’ or a god ‘equal’ to, but forever ‘subject’ to The Father; He’s a ‘second person’ of the Trinity; He’s just the Jewish Messiah (son of David) or a mere prophet.
Isaiah 44:6 “This is what the LORD says--Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God.”
Rev 1:17b-18 “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.”
Rev 2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this”
A Strong Delusion
Jesus purposefully spoke in such a way, that those whose hearts were hardened, full of arrogance and pride, would not be able to see, hear or understand the things of God. Let’s look at His prayer of rejoicing in Luke 10:21 “At that very time He [Jesus] rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, ‘I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.”
See, all of us, believers and unbelievers have the written Word of God. We can read it in the various translations and follow the various interpretations of priests, theologians, teachers and pastors. This is not what brings the ‘Light’, the ability to ‘see’, ‘hear’ and 'understand'. The Jews were given the Tanakh with the Torah, yet MISSED their Messiah, the only True God, YeHoWsHua Ha'Meshiyach! Why? What was prophesied of them in Isaiah 6:9-10 again? Their hearts became dull; they scarcely heard; they closed their eyes. Jesus was sent only to “the lost sheep of Israel” (Mat 15:24); He came to save them, to cause the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to understand; to raise the dead and to give them life (Ez 37; John 10:10; 1 John 5:12).
All throughout Revelation we read “he who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says”. Just as it was in the time of Ezekiel, “Son of man, you live in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house”, it is prophesied that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” This apostasy will have come to full fruition, just before the LORD returns (2 Thes 2:3).
If we go now to 2 Thes 2:11 we read, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” Truly, it will be as it was in the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-29). Noah preached, right up to the day of judgment…and no one would ‘hear’.
Flesh and Blood has not Revealed This
All of us are familiar with Jesus’ question to Simon-Peter in Mat 16:15 and Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (vs. 16)
How do Jews and Gentile Christians view this confession: “The Son of the Living God”? Jews knew God’s Son would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”, according to Isaiah 9:6. They do not split God into persons and never will. Jews also knew God’s Son would be a ‘son of David’ (Mat 9:27; 15:22), and that He was. Gentiles, on the other hand, attribute the concept of the ‘Son of God’ as the ‘son of David’, a separate and subordinate being from His Father. Isaiah’s prophecy is really inconceivable to them. Peter was not a Gentile, but a Jew. His confession agreed with Isaiah. Furthermore, look at what he wrote in 2 Peter 1:1 “Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and a Savior, Jesus Christ…”
There is no way I or any human being can reveal the identity of Jesus Christ to anyone, as stated in Jesus’ response to Peter’s confession in vs. 17 “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” If you still believe the Father (invisible, omnipresent Spirit – John 4:24; 2 Cor 3:17; Col 1:5) is a separate ‘person’ from Jesus, see, hear and understand that the Father is the LORD (YHVH or YHWH) and the LORD God said in Isaiah 45:21, “And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.”
1 Tim 2:4 "[God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." Is this your desire, too?
“Open our eyes, LORD; we want to see Jesus ~ to reach out and touch Him and say that we love Him; Open our ears, LORD, and help us to listen...
- Interpretation of Spiritual Tongues
The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 14:13, "Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret." It is important to note that 'translation' and 'interpretation' are two different things. Anyone can translate a human language; spiritua
Popular
Comments
Well spoke
- Author
Thank you, romper20! I appreciate you reading and commenting. God bless you!
This discourse is wonderful, comprehensive and easy to read..what a pleasure to have found someone who can put these important spiritual concepts together as beautifully as you have done here. Thank you for this Hub.
A well worked hub JD. Now if 98% of the Church insists that belief in the Trinity is fundamental to being Christian, then does this not suggest that the Church as a whole are under a strong delusion too, and are in fact no better off than the Jews of Yashua's time?
- Author
Thank you, Drjacki! What a blessing it is to hear this is comprehensive and easy to read (especially for you, sister, for you see, hear and understand)!! The truth is clear; it's simple. On the other hand, those who try to explain the lie (God in three separate persons, where each is not the other) just say, "We cannot comprehend God" ~ "We cannot attempt to try to explain Him", etc. Not so! God is not the Author of confusion and lack of ability to explain or understand His Truth. I am honored that you came here to read and bless the Lord, Jesus Christ. You have also blessed me. Thank you.
- Author
Thank you, also, Disappearinghead! You bring up a good point, 98% is probably a good figure of the sum total of Jews and Christians that do not believe Jesus Christ was the embodiment (morphe - form) of the Almighty God Himself! It is blasphemous to them. I think those who believe in the 'Trinity' would not participate in crucifying Jesus afresh in this day, but I do believe they would merely be bystanders, not sure whether He was/is Almighty God or not. They are yet confused. Jews would, no doubt, crucify Him again.
It appears that only a fraction of 1% of all 'Christians' hold to Jesus Christ being God Himself = Only One God, the One True God. 30% of the 'Christian' population are Protestants; 70% Catholic (99% who believe in the Trinity). I've seen incredible testimonies, however, of Muslims who were visited by the LORD and told "I am Jesus Christ, the Living God" and "I am the Alpha and Omega" - they were given the knowledge of the truth and saved that very moment. I've seen testimionies of Jews who stated, "I could receive Jesus as Messiah, but receiving Him as LORD was the tough one." They know Who the LORD is, and to receive Jesus Christ as LORD (Kurios/Yehovah) means to receive Him as God Almighty. Walid Shoebat, an ex-PLO Muslim terrorist, on the otherhand, has been an incredible witness to the antitheses of the Bible and Qur'an, yet he married a Catholic wife; thus, he 'believes' or 'has accepted' the Trinity as truth.
We have other types of professing believers that believe God is two and the Holy Spirit is a thing. We have Catholics that believe God is our Father and Jesus and the Holy Spirit are our brothers. We have Egalitarians who believe God is the Father, the Holy Spirit the Mother and Jesus conceived by them, etc. It's gotten so out of hand in these last days ~ oh, may the LORD's Truth shine in the darkness ~ and how great is that darkness! Is it the 'strong delusion' prophesied in the Word? I believe it is, Disappearinghead; I believe it is. God bless you.
Revealing and insightful hub. God spoke to Jeremiah that people will seek Him and found Him after they have search for Him with all their hearts. Hence the parables!
- Author
Amen, Segun Tewogbola! You 'see' that it takes a heart of desiring to know God before we can receive the ability to 'hear' and 'understand' the things of God, given only by His Holy Spirit*.
I think of Jesus' words to His own disciples, as He appeared to them after His resurrection and ate fish! Luke 24:44-45 "Now He said to them, 'These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures."
John 16:25-31 (NIV) is incredible (pre-crucifixion):
"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about My Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name. I AM NOT SAYING THAT I WILL ASK THE FATHER ON YOUR BEHALF. 27 No, the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, 'Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that YOU KNOW ALL THINGS and that You do not even need to have anyone ask You questions. This makes us believe that You came from God.”
31“You believe at last!', Jesus answered."
If we go up to vs. 7, Jesus said, "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor* will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you" and 13 "But when He, the Spirit of Truth*, comes, He will guide you into all Truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come", we can KNOW Who the Counselor* is (Isa 9:6) the Son will be called "Wonderful, Counselor*, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace", confirmed in John 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans [Fatherless}; I will come to you."
In vs. 6 of John 14 Jesus states, "I AM the Way, the Truth* and the Life; No one comes to the Father, but by Me."
In light of all this, may we 'see', 'hear' and 'understand' Rom 8:9: "However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit*, if indeed the Spirit of God* dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ*, he does not belong to Him."
The One, True God in the 'person of Jesus Christ: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Col 2:9). 1 John 5:20 "And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life."
Amen and Hallelujah!
Thank you for sharing with us this most excellent exposition on the parables of Christ. Inspirational, devotional and quickening to the spirit. God bless you dear sister!
Forever His
- Author
Praise God, sister RevLady! I so appreciate your uplifting comment and uplifting the LORD, Jesus Christ! Have a beautiful and blessed day!!
Judah's Daughter: dear sister in Christ, indeed Jesus taught in parables. God our Father sees all of us as children, and those who were truly children of the Living God would hear the parable stories related and be able to understand the teaching for children learn better through stories. The Priests,Scribes and Pharisees were the know-it-alls, they knew scripture, but not how to live it and apply it, only to spout it. Their ears would be deafened to the truth, because they did not seek it only sought to be seen as better than the rest and point a finger. Jesus always referred to them as "Hypocrites" and rightly so.
I liked how you showed that it is a rebellious heart that is blinded by Satan that cannot understand the truth. I think that is why the scriptures seem foolish to the rest of the world.
I know even for myself I can look at a scripture a hundred times but unless the Lord gives me understanding I really don't get it. I am so pleased that on so many occasions I will ask Him what things mean and He eventually shows me.
Those who seek will find.
'Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.' ~ Psalm 119:18
- Author
Yes, brother Dave! So true; even we, if we lose our teachability can become the same way. May we ever stay teachable to the New Testament Truth revealed, by understanding the Old Testament, Truth concealed...
Oh that we remain as little children ~ for of such is the kingdom of heaven - Mat 19:14 (teachability), yet may we also grow up to partake of strong meat (Heb 5:14), that we not be as babes in the Word, tossed to and fro by every wind (spirit) of doctrine (Eph 4:14). AMEN.
- Author
Sister Tamarajo! Yes, and amen! Even in the case of the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, I know that you are so diligent to look up the Hebrew wording. The language reveals that God 'allowed' Pharaoh's heart to harden because of his rebellious spirit, and so that God was glorified in His righteous judgment upon him and his kingdom.
I, too, continually discover new things in the Word and I get so excited because it's like another block built upon the already firm foundation; likewise, should we miss the mark on something, the straw is removed and a block takes its place! What a beautiful relationship, to be taught by the LORD Himself. God bless you always!!
I am glad I came by. I think you might have your percentages a little lopsided. Every Christian I have ever known, except some fringe groups, believes in the divinity of Jesus (Apostles Creed). Maybe it is a California thing, I don't know.
Also, it is best to be succinct when dealing with the cynic and that tired old trinity garbage. The trinity can only be divided in a tiny mind. It is not fruitful to say too much or banter back and forth with demons.
Peace.
- Author
Oh, DO give me more accurate percentages, please, WD Curry 111 ~ I pray they are more encouraging!! You're right, even Trinitarians (that believe in three 'distinct' or 'separate' persons) believe in the 'divinity' of Christ, no doubt. If we look up the definitions and synonyms of 'distinct' and 'separate', they are really the antithesis of the antonyms of the same, of which the latter is the Truth. Whether they believe Jesus Christ is The Almighty God, Who IS The Holy Spirit, manifesting both as invisible and in visible form (morphe), is the crux of the issue, and the one that unfortunately fuels such controversy. Peace to you, as well. Thank you.
You are very intelligent. Am I allowed to chuckle at your word play? The Bible clearly states that God is one, yet he spoke to himself as we at the creation.
We have an advocate in heaven . . . God is the judge and the attorney. The case is fixed. We are guilty, but we get a reward. It isn't fair.
"We will stand in scenes of Glory to sing the new new song, It will be the old old story that we have loved so long."
It is Quantum. It only makes sense in the relativity of the Holy Spirit. Describe a rainbow to a blind man. It is better to give him some milk and cookies.
- Author
WD Curry 111, There's no 'word play' here; in fact, if those who believe God is three persons were to study the 'We', 'Us' and 'Our' passages more closely, there is certainly more to interpreting them (I believe there are a total of five); yet the usage of singular, personal pronouns for God (I, He, Him) all throughout the Bible is massive. That should be the first 'sign'.
I have a few hubs on this subject, if you are interested in reading more:
I recommend starting here: "Let Me Tell You WHO God Is" (endorsed by Ahavat Yeshua): https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/Let-Me-Te...
"GOD: Let Us Make Man in Our Image?" https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/God-Let-U...
And, "Should You Believe in the Trinity? - 1 of 2": https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/Should-Yo...
Hope to see you there. God bless you.
Thank you, I am, and I will. May I chuckle at your clever use of words? I am a Florida boy, we keep it simple. God is love.
I am interested in what you have to say about the subject. You have a keen mind for the subject. I think it is good to explore the way you have, and I am looking forward to reading your notes. Thanks.
- Author
Yes, of course, chuckle. I love to chuckle! I wish I could see what you see as clever, that would probably make me chuckle, too. :-) :-) I appreciate your heart and willingness to read some more on the subject. That's all I can do is write about my studies and insights; I don't think they're just for me ~ chuckle, chuckle, so I am thrilled to share them with anyone who will share in the discoveries. Thank you again, WD Curry 111. Blessings always.
I'll break it down . . .
You said, " . . . synonyms of 'distinct' and 'separate', they are really the antithesis of the antonyms of the same,"
synonyms are alike - "distinct" is not synonymous with "synonyms" - nor is "separate". As a matter of fact, "separate" is even less synonymous than "distinct". There is a lingual progression away from being alike.
"they are really the antithesis of the antonyms of the same"
antithesis of antonyms (double negative) = synonym (or same)
"antithesis" is a stronger word than "antonym", so now there is a lingual progression towards being alike.
You are playing with the English language like a yo-yo. (chuckle)
It is a similar process to understanding the Trinity (which is impossible). The Father Is God, Jesus is God, Holy Spirit is God. The Holy Spirit shines the light on the cross, resurrection and person of Jesus. Jesus leads the way to the throne of the Father. The Father gives his authority to the Son, the Son's presence is sent through the Holy Spirit. The Holy spirit says,"That child in your city is lost, alone and hungry. Give her a meal, comfort her with fellowship, show her the way home.
Satan hates the Trinity. He always attacks the Trinity. His minions delight in puzzling humans, who the demons full, well know have not been equipped to solve the riddle.
It is not wise to separate yourself from so called "Trinitarians", as if their understanding of God is inferior to yours. Maybe you can take it to five. Sister I can take it to Infinity and back, again. The Holy Spirit says,"Don't waste time bantering with demons! The time is short and there is too much work to do. Not long from now, those demons will be holding their tongues forever. They are squawking in anxious, desperation and will be bringing all the force that they can muster to bear against believers!"
You see sister, I have been raised up as a warrior in this day. I am not here to learn of God from you. I am here to meet the enemy head on and it will cost my life. It baffles him that I am not afraid. He has done a superlative job of convincing the Church to withdraw their support. I should have quit by now. I have faltered, but I am still in the fight. (chuckle, chuckle)
I am interested in your writing and you as a person. If you think you are in the elit 1% that really get it . . . all the others are blind and groping along the wall, while you are flying free . . . you aren't just mistaken . . . you have been deceived.
- Author
Hi WD Curry 111, You're not debating with me, but with God. I believe God is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and He is One Spirit (invisible) and Person (visible), not three.
Okay, the 'clever' words of mine are in reference to the definitions and synonyms of 'distinct' and 'separate'? Each of these words also has antonyms (opposites/antitheses). If God is not three distinct or separate persons, then He is One and meets the defintion of the antonyms of these words. That's not 'cleverness', it's just fact.
I appreciate your passionate heart, and again, invite you to read the links I provided, if you are so inclined. If you are not, that is again, your choice ~~
I love you in the love of the LORD and there is only One LORD (Eph 4:5).
Debate? I broke it down. I showed the flow. Debate with God? Not quite. Serving him, and teaching it straight-up, no chaser.
It is sweet when the clever are unaware of how clever they are.
As far as your links . . . I am so inclined.
It is a good thing that the Almighty revealed Himself to infants and children, because my mind has never developed much beyond this point.
I am constantly amazed at God's awesome power and His intricate beauty! I literally can look at a tree and be completely dumbfounded for hours on end considering how a small seed could become a 400 foot giant.
I think highly intelligent people tend to splice hairs and are willing to use their intellectual acumen to argue over semantics and the smallest details ad nausium, but end up missing the big picture.
I think we are delusional if we believe we can fully understand the Almighty. As I have been researching Modalism, Dualism and the Trinity, I can see evidence in Scripture for each. So, is it imperative that one assumes a position on matters such as these?
But, how can one negate one verse in favor of another or choose one passage over another? Will we ever be able to understand the natural mysteries of God this side of Heaven? I think there are some things that we can know with confidence but then there are other things that are not completely necessary for salvation and they just become stumbling stones and sources of endless debate.
J.D., I really like your essay. Your Hubs are always well written and researched. You provide the reader with funny and appropriate visual aids. You are a very convincing writter and have a dynamic personality. I always know that I will get my money's worth every time I pay you a visit.
Best wishes and may the peace of God be with you - L.R.
- Author
Thank you, Lone Ranger. I think when we are convinced and persuaded of a Truth, we cannot turn from it. What if the way the Bible was written is the 'Test' ~ the 'Parable'? We have to decide whether God is One, Two or Three. I'm secure staying with the One LORD of the Old Testament as revealed to His chosen people. God does not change. He appeared in Spirit (invisible and visible) and flesh then, and He still does in the Spirit and Person of Jesus Christ. The Jews never split God into two or three persons. The Tanakh was given to THEM through Moses, by the LORD Himself. If anyone knew God, they did. They just never fathomed God would come in flesh and blood! Could we blame them? Many have since accepted Jesus Christ, not only as Messiah, but LORD, and they know only One LORD. The rest of what they or we who are grafted in believe is doctrinal interpretation and personal, spiritual conviction. God knows our hearts. I'm glad to hear from you and am always blessed that you come by to read and comment, brother. God bless you as you go and grow!
Hi, JD!!!
You wrote, "The Jews never split God into two or three persons."
---------------------
Of course you are right about that, but then again, the Jews never accepted Christ as the Son of God and I may be wrong, but was the concept of the Holy Spirit discussed in the Old Testament?
Best wishes and God's blessings - L.R.
- Author
Hi Lone Ranger, The Spirit of God is mentioned in Gen 1:2 and spoke through the Prophets (2 Pet 1:21) ~ The Spirit of God is mentioned all throughout the Old Testament (i.e. Ps 139:7). The flesh of God is also mentioned (His appearance to Abraham in Gen 18); the Son was prophesied in Isaiah 9:6 and there are prophecies of Him all throughout ~ all but the three final feasts fulfilled. Those who accept Jesus as the LORD God don't make Him a separate person, but rather understand that God Himself was manifest in the flesh.
Let's again review Isa 44:6 "This is what the LORD says--Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God." So here we have the LORD God Almighty.
Compared to Rev 2:8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of Him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again."
Rev 1:8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Here we have the Lord God Almighty again.
In Rev 21:9 "He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life."
Let's go back to John 4:14 where Jesus said, "but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
Jesus revealed Who He Is all throughout the New Testament, especially in Revelation. This is WHY the Jews killed Him because He made Himself out to be God (John 10:33). How do YOU or anyone else answer to the verses above? How many LORD God Almightys do we have? How many First and Lasts? How many Alpha and Omegas?
Thank you for your comment, brother. I do appreciate your questions and thoughts, for even I went through the same and came to the resolve of an absolute Truth, that Jesus is the LORD God Almighty, the Creator of all things and Savior/Redeemer of mankind. His eternal name is YHWH, "I AM".
- Author
P.S. Lone Ranger, there's a whole section on the manifestations of God in my hub called "1 Corinthians 15:28 - Jesus Subject to the Father?" https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/1-Corinth... and, should you read the whole hub, pay special attention to the last section called "Flip-side"...
Thanks, J.D.!!!
Hello JD, I really like reading your hubs. Please have a look at this one, it is not mine but I thought it interesting. https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/IsJesusre... All I could say is wow, nice. Thank you and Blessings!
- Author
Yes, I took a look at that hub, and while he agrees that Dec 25th is not the birthdate of Christ, he's gone a little over the top with doubting the virgin birth ~ in fact, as a couple of commentors wrote to him, if what he wrote is true, Jesus wouldn't be divine; the whole gospel would basically be void. I'm not going that route. I pray he receives the hope that is in the gospel of our Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ. Thank you for recommending my hub to him, and I'm glad he came by to read. Blessings to you always, JD.
Excellent Article! I love the parables and I think it was GOD's way of giving an exciting Promise to those who would delve deep enough into The WORD to try and understand what he did for us and understand the PROMISE he offered us. ETERNAL LIFE! All PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY TO HIM! God Bless, Good Sister.
- Author
Thank you, once again, my faithful friend and brother in the LORD! It's interesting to note that Jesus indeed fulfilled the prophecy written of Him way back in Ps 78:2-4:
"I will open My mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. "
Oh, that His sheep hear His voice, see with their spiritual eyes and understand in their minds that Yeshua is the Good Shepherd that lays down His life for His sheep (Ps 23:1; John 10:11). May they repent (turn to Him), for if they do not ackowledge the Son, they have not the Father (John 8:19; 1 John 2:23), for He is ONE! (Duet 6:4; Mark 12:29). HalleluYah!
33