Parables of the Talents, Pt. 3
This Week's Bible Reading: Matthew 25:14-30 (focus on verse 18)
Supporting Passage: Matthew 25:13-16
Last week, we considered how we can use our ordinary talents for God's kingdom. When we invest these talents, we are like the first two servants in Jesus' parable. Today, I want to explore what might prevent us from doing this.
Jesus says the third servant "went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money" (Matthew 25:18, ESV). This might seem like a silly thing to do. Only pirates would bury their gold, right? But in the ancient world, hiding money in the ground was a common way to protect it.
If the servant's job were to keep the money safe, he would have gotten an A+ from the master! But the master had bigger goals in mind. He wanted the servant to do something with what he'd been given.
As Christians, one of the sweetest promises we have is that we'll experience heaven someday. But it is also one of the biggest obstacles we face when it comes to using our talents. This may sound strange, but sometimes, heaven can become a convenient excuse for us not to take action. How often do we say phrases like, "This world is not my home" or "I'm just passing through"?
I understand the heart behind these phrases and have uttered them, too. The heartache of this world is too much to bear sometimes. Between the pain we see on a global scale and our own personal struggles, life can feel hopeless. We can't help but anticipate the day when "[God] will wipe every tear from [our] eyes" (Revelation 21:4). And it is right to look forward to our future hope. But as we do, we can't forget about using our talents in the present.
The third servant made the mistake of safeguarding his talent instead of investing it. It's easy for us to make this same error. If we don't have a bigger vision of God's kingdom, we risk reducing the gospel message to "Jesus will be back soon. Until then, just stay out of trouble." This is a surefire recipe to turn ourselves inward. We withdraw from the world to stay clean. Our focus becomes obeying a list of rules. We bury our talents and wait to go to heaven someday.
But Jesus wants us to shine our light! In the sermon on the mount, he says these beautiful words:
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16, NIV)
A light hidden under a bowl isn't much use to anyone. Sure, maybe the bowl will keep the light safe. But it will also prevent the light from doing what it was created to do. When we shine the light, we point people to God's kingdom.
When I think about people who used their talents for God's kingdom, I am reminded of Father Bob. I grew up attending Catholic mass, and Father Bob was the lead pastor of our parish. He was also one of the first people to teach me about the deep love of God.
After mass, everyone went on the church patio to enjoy coffee and donuts. As an 8-year-old, this was my favorite part of going to church. As soon as mass ended, my sister and I ran outside to dig into the donut boxes! But we also loved saying hello to Father Bob. He would greet us with a warm smile and hug.
At the time, I was still in speech therapy. My speech was difficult to understand if you didn't know me well. I'm sure there were times when I rambled on, and Father Bob had no idea what I was saying. But he listened with patience and ended every conversation with, "God loves you, Mike!"
A few weeks ago, my mom sent me a news story about Father Bob. I was shocked to learn he and his sister Sally were tragically killed in a shooting at their home. Father Bob knew the man who shot him. He was going through a rough patch, and Father Bob was trying to help him through it. By this time, Father Bob was retired. But he was still using his talent of compassion to point others to God.
You can look at this story and think, "What a waste! If that's what using your talent gets you, why not bury it instead? It's safer." And it's true—Father Bob and his sister weren't supposed to die this way. It's another piece of evidence that we live in a broken world. But I don't think Father Bob would see it as a waste.
A few months before he died, Father Bob celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest. This is what he said:
I've had a glorious ride. I'm proud to serve and do wonderful things for wonderful people. I've spent 50 years doing absolutely incredible things, and I am thankful to God for it.
Father Bob didn't wait around for heaven. He didn't bury his talent. He didn't hide his light.
He leaned into a messy, broken world and showed it a glimmer of God's kingdom.
I pray that by the grace of God, I can do the same.
Questions to Ponder:
Why is it sometimes tempting to want to withdraw from the world and "wait around for heaven?" How can you look forward to heaven while remaining focused on bringing God's kingdom to others in the present?
What similarities do you see between the parable of the Talents and Jesus' words in Matthew 5:13–16?
Who in your life shines their light instead of hiding it? What can you learn from them?
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Ordinary Talents
Parables of the Talents, Pt. 2
This Week's Bible Reading: Matthew 25:14-30 (focus on verses 14-18)
At first glance, we may think Jesus is using the parable of the Talents to teach us a lesson in economics. But, as with several of his parables, Jesus uses the topic of money to talk indirectly about something else. In this case, it's about the responsibilities that come with being part of God's kingdom.
In the story, the man gives each of his servants a different number of talents. When I imagine a talent, I picture something like a shiny coin. (Okay, I'll be honest—I picture one of those delicious chocolate gold coins!) But a talent was more like a big block of gold or silver weighing about 60 pounds.
Why did the servants get a different number of talents? The man gave "to each according to his ability" (v. 15). This might seem unfair, but I find comfort in it. I am only responsible for the things God has given me. I won't be judged for what I do with somebody else's talents.
And the third servant wasn't given chump change, either! A talent was worth about 20 years of a day laborer's wage.
For fun, I looked up what the average day laborer makes in my home state of Florida. It is about $13 an hour (we rank dead last in nationwide day laborer salaries if you're curious...). Based on a 40-hour work week, one talent would be the modern equivalent of $540,800. (And this would be at the low end of the spectrum.) Imagine if someone handed you a slab of gold worth that much!
Any way you look at it, the master trusted all three servants with an enormous amount of money. And while the first two servants used what they were given to earn more, the third servant buried his talent in the ground.
But what does a talent represent for us? And what does it look like to use them wisely?
In our language, a talent is not a monetary unit but "a special natural ability or aptitude." Because of this definition, it's easy to assume a talent is a special ability God gave us to use for his kingdom. This is partly true, but we miss something if we only think of it this way.
I believe God gives us all unique abilities. But so often, we have a narrow view of what a talent is. We think of the "big ones," like preaching an amazing sermon or composing a beautiful hymn on a piano (a talent I wish I had!). When we don't have an obvious ability that wows the world, it's easy to wonder if we are serving God in a significant way.
But the kingdom of God is built on small acts. A talent is any opportunity we have to extend God's kingdom to a broken world. Yes, it might be playing a grand piano to a crowd of thousands. But most of the time, it is simpler than that. Dare I say, it is more ordinary than that.
On most mornings, I'm awakened by my three-year-old son calling "Mommy!" As I open my bleary eyes, I have two choices. I can pretend I didn't hear it and let Diana go get him (he did, after all, call for her!). Or I can get up and give her a few more moments of precious sleep. This is a small act indeed, but it is one way to love my wife.
When I hear that voice cry out at 6 a.m., it’s like God dropped a talent in my lap. Will I do something with this talent or will I bury it in the ground? (Honest assessment: I'm about 50/50 on this one...)
We face hundreds of small moments like this every day. They may not be as exciting as the "big talents" that put us in the spotlight. But the ordinary talents matter to God just as much.
When you spend an hour talking to a lonely friend over coffee, you are investing in God's kingdom. And it matters.
When you stock shelves in the back corner of a food bank, you are investing in God's kingdom. And it matters.
When you take a pause out of your busy day to pray for the person who popped into your mind, you are investing in God's kingdom. And it matters.
When you encourage your pastor with a kind word, you're investing in God's kingdom. And it matters. (They may appear confident, but I promise you, they have their insecurities, too.)
And if you have a talent that the world deems extraordinary, invest that, too! We need musicians, artists, speakers, and leaders. But using those talents doesn't exempt us from using our ordinary talents as well. The megachurch pastor who gave an inspiring sermon still has to go home and decide how he will treat his family.
As I said earlier, all three servants were given an abundance of resources to use. But if we're not careful, we can become envious of other people's talents. This is something I struggle with as a writer. It's easy to look at another person with a bigger audience and say, "If only I had their platform, then I could do something big for God."
How do we avoid this comparison trap? By focusing on the talents we were entrusted with. God doesn't need me to do something "big" for him. He wants me to be faithful with each opportunity he gives me. This means waking up every morning and saying, "Thank you, God, for the gift of today. Please show me how to use what you've given me to extend your beautiful kingdom to others.”
And most of the time, this is done through simple, ordinary acts of love and self-sacrifice.
Questions to Ponder:
How would you define a "talent" in the context of God's kingdom?
Have you ever wished you had different (perhaps more significant, as the world defines it) talents? How can you stay focused on the talents God has entrusted you with?
What opportunities has God given you this week to extend his kingdom to a broken world?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
While We Wait...
Parable of the Talents, Pt 1.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 25:14-30
Supporting Passage: Matthew 24
The great thing about writing is you get to decide what content to put in and what to leave out. In this series, the choice of which parables to include is entirely up to me. I can write about all my favorites and leave out the ones that make me squirm.
And let me tell you, I really want to leave this next parable out. I don't like it at all. It's scary and makes me uncomfortable. But that is why I am choosing to write about it. I'd rather wrestle with it than avoid it. And I don't want to do it alone, so I'm taking you along for the ride!
The parable in question is the Talents. It's about a master who entrusts his servants with three different amounts of money.
When he returns from a journey, he finds that two of his servants have been working hard. They doubled the amount of money they were given. The master is pleased and rewards them.
But the third servant takes a different approach. He was afraid of the master, so he buried his money in the ground for safekeeping. When the master finds out, he is furious. He berates the servant and throws him "into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 25:30, NLT).
Whoa!
This parable seems straightforward, but even scholars struggle to interpret it. In my research, I've come across many different views and opinions. As I add my own into the mix, I want humility to guide me. I don't have all the answers.
As always, it's important to know the context of this parable before diving into it.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives five long speeches called "discourses." He begins his final speech in Matthew 24, right before the events of his arrest and crucifixion. It is sometimes called the eschatological (or "end times") discourse because Jesus talks about the future.
When you hear the phrase "end times," what images pop into your mind? Our imaginations on this topic have been so shaped by pop culture that it is hard to separate fact from fiction. This is one of the places where humility is needed. People way smarter than me disagree about whether the events described in Matthew 24 have already happened or will happen in the future. But I believe that at least part of this speech is Jesus looking forward to the great day when God's kingdom comes fully to earth—the day when heaven and earth become one.
The disciples are anxious to know when this day will come (24:3). But Jesus is adamant that no one knows (24:36). So while we wait, it is not our job to make charts and graphs or speculate how tragedies might connect to end times.
I understand the temptation to want to make predictions. We see how broken and messed up the world is, and we long for the day when Jesus will set it right. And so, like the disciples, we can't help but ask, "When, God? When??"
But instead of focusing on the "when," Jesus has something else for us to do while we wait. He wants us to extend his kingdom to all the broken places in this world. What we do here and now matters. And so at the end of his speech, Jesus tells a series of parables about being ready for his return. One of these parables is the Talents.
Part of what makes this parable scary is the fate of the third servant. We immediately think the third servant is doomed to hell. And even worse, he is sent there because he hasn't worked "hard enough."
Over the next few weeks, we will explore what this parable has to say about our responsibility to use the gifts God has given us. But as we do, it is important to keep two things in mind.
First, while judgment is a real thing, the parables are not meant to give a literal description of hell. Jesus told stories with twist endings to shock his audience into a new way of thinking. And this story is quite a shocker!
Second, parables are never told in isolation. They are part of the larger story of Jesus' whole life. He entered into a messy world to save sinners because he knew we couldn't do it by ourselves. Jesus came to love us, not shame us.
The parable of the Talents is about the wonderful opportunity Jesus gives us to build God's kingdom today. But he knows we won't always get it right. As Jesus told this tale, he was hours away from facing the cross so that nothing could ever separate us from God. As NT Wright puts it:
When Jesus speaks of someone being thrown outside, where people weep and grind their teeth, we must never forget that he was himself on the way into the darkness, where even he would sense himself abandoned by God (Matthew 27:45–46).
Jesus journeyed into the darkness because he didn’t want anyone left out.
Questions to Ponder:
Take some time to read the parable of the Talents and write down any initial thoughts you have.
Why do you think Christians sometimes get caught up in trying to predict when the "end times" will occur? How do you think Jesus wants us to spend our time instead?
What parts of this parable scare you or make you uncomfortable? As we wrestle with it this week, how can you remember to keep Jesus' love and mercy at the forefront?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
Kingdom Party
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 5.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15:8-10
Supporting Passage: Luke 15:13-20
The other night, I couldn't find the TV remote. I wanted to relax for a bit, but instead, I ran around my living room looking for it. Then, I spotted it. There it was, hiding in plain sight on a top shelf. I laughed to myself as I thought about the parable we've been studying for the past few weeks. Like the woman who found her lost coin, I felt like having a celebration. (My joy was short-lived, however, when I soon realized there was nothing on TV I wanted to watch.)
As we close out our time with the parable of the Lost Coin, I want to compare the woman's joy to God's joy in finding lost people:
And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin." In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents. (Luke 15:8–10, NLT)
Jesus says when one sinner repents, the kingdom of God throws a party. This is amazing! But the word repent sounds scary, doesn’t it? It’s one of those words that come loaded with a lot of baggage. It gives me visions of streetcorner preachers holding signs that say, "Repent or Burn!" For most of my life, I associated repentance with trying to be on my best behavior. But true repentance carries a much deeper meaning.
Repentance is about realizing that the path I am on isn't leading to life. If I continue going in this direction, I will not be at peace with God, others, or myself. So when I repent, I turn and go in a different way—the kingdom way.
The prodigal son is a perfect example of this. By the end of his adventure, the face staring back at him in the mirror was unrecognizable. He wanted freedom but lost himself in the process. And so he repented by getting up from the pig slop and going back home.
But I can't do this alone. I need Jesus. If repentance is just about "being good at being good," we're all doomed. NT Wright explains it like this:
For [the religious leaders], nothing short of adopting their standards of purity and law-observance would do. For Jesus, when people follow him and his way, that is the true repentance.
After the woman finds her coin, she throws a party and invites all her friends to celebrate. Jesus communicates something profound with this ending. He is trying to stir compassion in the Pharisees' hearts.
Jesus wants these men to know that when one messy sinner decides to follow him, all of heaven rejoices. The angels are singing at this very moment as outcasts flock to Jesus. And the Pharisees have a choice in how they respond. They can either grumble with disdain or take a cue from the neighborhood women in Jesus' story. Their joyful party gives us a glimpse at the angels' party in heaven.
I am writing today's devotional from a Panera as I sip on sweet tea. I come here most mornings. A few years ago, a group of women would meet here every Friday. Over time, I learned they were retired co-workers. The four of them gathered together every week to chat, laugh, and tell stories. Seeing them always made my Friday a little better because they were full of joy. (And sometimes they would help me get a refill of my tea, which is always cause for celebration!)
Looking back now, they remind me of the women in Jesus' parable. It makes me wonder if I got a taste of the Kingdom Party right here in an ordinary Panera cafe.
So, onto the question of the day…
What does the parable of the Lost Coin teach us about how to live out God's kingdom in a messy, broken world?
There's more to this little parable than I first thought. Here is what it has taught me:
In God's kingdom, each person has immense value simply by being made in his image.
Jesus is willing to get messy to find lost people and invite them into God's kingdom. If we follow him, we should be willing to do the same.
And in God's kingdom, those on the inside celebrate when those on the outside are found. This is a theme of many of Jesus' parables.
We celebrate when the latecomers get paid the same wage as us.
We celebrate when more chairs need to be added to the banquet table.
And we celebrate with the angels when one person decides to follow Jesus.
Questions to Ponder:
What feelings bubble up in you when you hear the word repent? How is repentance more than good behavior?
How does it feel to know the angels threw a Kingdom Party on the day you decided to follow Jesus? How can you join in the celebration when others are found?
What did the parable of the Lost Coin teach you about how to live out God's kingdom in a messy, broken world?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
Making a Mess of the House
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 4.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15
In the parable of the Lost Coin, Jesus uses a woman's search of her house to talk indirectly about how God searches for lost people. Some scholars refer to it as a "how much more" parable. If a woman will tear up her home to find a coin, how much more will God go to great lengths to find us?
It's interesting to think about how each of the three items in Luke 15 got lost. Sheep are not too bright and prone to wander. Likewise, the distractions of life may cause us to stray from God. One day we look up, find ourselves lost in the wilderness, and wonder, "How did I get here?" In these moments, we need a good shepherd to lovingly carry us home.
There are other times when we defiantly choose to turn away from God. This is more in line with how the prodigal son became lost. He thought he knew everything, so he packed his bags and left home. In these moments, we need a steadfast father waiting for us when we come to our senses.
But what about a lost coin? Well, a lost coin is simply... lost. It didn't do anything in particular to get lost. And sometimes, this is how people are lost, too. No, I'm not saying they are somehow without sin or bear no responsibility. But—like the seed that fell along the path—maybe a lost coin has never been shown the beauty of God's kingdom. In these moments, we need someone to roll up their sleeves and search for us.
It reminds me of a guy I know who became a Christian in college. Up until that point, he hadn't even heard the name Jesus. Really! When he shared this with me, I didn't believe it. I thought he meant he didn't start following Jesus until college. But no. He grew up in America, celebrated Christmas and Easter for years, and yet never heard about Jesus. Thankfully, someone was willing to share God's kingdom with him.
The parable of the Lost Coin puts a big emphasis on the woman’s search. She doesn't wait for the coin to turn up somewhere. She takes action by doing three things:
Won't she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? (Luke 15:8, NLT, emphasis mine)
The woman's house was small and may not have had windows, so a lamp was needed. As she swept every corner, I'm sure she unearthed dust bunnies and threw things off shelves. But the mess was worth it because she finally found the coin.
Jesus told this tale right after the religious leaders accused him of making a mess of the house. He was dining with sinners. He was talking to women who had bad reputations. He was touching people who had gross diseases. He was healing people on the Sabbath in God's holy house. This was messy business!
But to Jesus, the mess was worth it because he was finding people who'd been lost for quite some time. And they were joyfully joining God's kingdom. They had never felt more seen, known, loved, and—yes—aware that they did nothing to earn this invitation.
As a citizen of God’s kingdom, I want to reflect this same desire to see lost people found. But am I willing to get messy for others like Jesus did for me?
When I think of lost coins, I can't help but consider the younger generation. According to a recent "happiness study," happiness has decreased severely for Americans 30 years and younger. Another survey shows Gen Z is the most unchurched generation.
It can be easy for older generations to shake their heads and tsk-tsk at this bleak news. ("The young'uns just don't get it," says this crotchety Millennial!) But what if, instead, we saw it as an opportunity to get messy for the sake of others? Despite low church attendance, that same study also found Gen Z is the most open generation to spirituality. Imagine that!
Young people are disillusioned with this world. They may be skeptical of the church, yet they long to give their lives to something bigger. They are waiting to be shown the beauty of God's kingdom.
Reaching out to a younger generation means getting in the mess with them.
It's a messy thing to listen to their stories without judgment.
It's a messy thing to listen to their doubts and critiques of Christianity without getting defensive.
It's a messy thing to love and value them for who they are.
If my priority is to keep the house neat and tidy, this will be scary. It requires me to get out of my comfort zone and make mistakes. I can't do it alone. I need Jesus to guide me, but that is good news.
Making a mess of the house is what Jesus does for all of us.
Because he doesn't want anyone left out.
Questions to Ponder:
Think about the three lost items in Luke 15 (sheep, coin, son). What differences do you see in the way they each got lost?
Is there anyone who helped you see the beauty of God's kingdom? How did they get messy for your sake?
Do you know anyone from a younger generation who seems to be longing for a deeper purpose? How can you help them see the beauty of God's kingdom, even if it means getting messy?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
The Value of Each Person
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 3.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15:8-10
Supporting Passage: Psalm 139
Over the past few weeks, we've considered the context of the Lost Coin parable. Today, we'll start looking at the story itself. It's only three verses long, so let's take a moment to read it in its entirety:
Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.” In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents. (Luke 15:8–10, NLT)
The coin the woman loses is called a drachma in Greek. It was worth about a day's wages, so it is not an insignificant amount of money.
Of the three "Lost & Found" parables, this one is probably the most relatable. I'm guessing not many of us know what it's like to lose a sheep. (If you do, please let me know!) And while many people can relate to the father's heartache over the prodigal son, not everyone is a parent. But we all know the sinking feeling of losing something valuable, whether it's cash, a phone, or jewelry.
When I was around six years old, I lost a toy I loved. I can still picture it vividly in my mind. It was shaped like the letter M (the first letter of my name!). As you moved the parts around, the shape of the toy changed (similar to a transformer action figure). It was awesome!
Losing this toy made me experience my first existential crisis. I looked everywhere for it, but it was nowhere to be found. And my little six-year-old brain started imagining what it was like to be that toy. Was it sad? Was it lonely?
Does a toy still exist if it's lost?
(Yes, I was an overthinker even as a child...)
Losing something valuable is unsettling. In that moment, it becomes your most important possession. You search every corner of the house as onlookers say unhelpful things like, "It's got to be here somewhere..." (Or my go-to phrase: "Where was it the last time you saw it?") Your mind can't rest until you find it.
So, what does all this have to do with God?
Well, imagine God having that same uneasy feeling when you are lost.
Imagine God being unable to rest until you are found.
I know this might be hard to fathom. But that's what makes God's love so awesome!
Now, remember—this is a parable, and not every detail in a parable correlates to real life. We are never truly "lost" to God. He knows where we are at all times. Psalm 139 says, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (v. 7)
And yet, God is grieved when we are not in relationship with him. He longs for each of us to know him and be known by him.
It's interesting... Humans may have more in common with lost coins than we realize.
The moment a coin is minted, it has value. It doesn't have to do a thing to earn it.
You know what else? A coin doesn't lose its value just because it's lost. A quarter is worth 25 cents, whether it's in my pocket or collecting dust under the couch.
Like a coin, we don't have to do a thing to earn our value. No matter how we feel about God—whether we love him, hate him, or don't know much about him—our value doesn't change. We are loved.
But...
A quarter wasn't created to collect dust under a couch. It was created to buy me some bubble gum at the candy store! And it can't fulfill that purpose until it is found.
In the same way, we can't live out our ultimate purpose until we are found. God has given us unique gifts, and we each have a role to play in his kingdom. If we choose not to participate, it doesn't diminish our value as humans. But there is a sense in which we miss out on what God has created us for. (We'll talk more about this responsibility in the next parable we explore.)
This is a crucial distinction. We don't serve the king to earn his love. We serve him because we are already loved.
The parable of the Lost Coin is a reminder of the intrinsic value every person has. God doesn't take anyone for granted. He delights in each of us because we were all created in his image.
That changes how we see ourselves.
It also changes how we see others.
When something valuable is lost, nothing else matters until you find it.
Next week, we'll consider the lengths Jesus goes to find us.
Questions to Ponder:
Think about the panic you felt the last time you lost something. Then think about the relief you felt when you found it. Can you imagine God having those same feelings about someone who doesn't know him?
How does knowing God values you change the way you see yourself?
In what ways are you tempted to measure the value of others? (i.e., Do you base a person's value on what they believe? How they look? Who or what they support? Etc.) How can you reframe your perspective to see their God-given value first and foremost?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
Defender of Dignity
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 2.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15:1-10
Supporting Passage: Luke 7:36-50
Last week, we looked at why Jesus told the "Lost & Found" parables in Luke 15. The Pharisees were not happy about the company Jesus was keeping. In response, he tells three stories about how God celebrates when lost people are found.
The Pharisees were all influential men. As Jesus told these tales, he addressed them directly. But there were also "tax collectors and sinners" in the crowd. Jesus knew they were listening, too. And it's interesting to see who Jesus chooses to spotlight in the first two stories.
In the first parable, the main character is a loving, compassionate shepherd. Although shepherding was vital work, shepherds themselves didn't have a great reputation. It was surprising to make a shepherd the center of the story—especially one that turns out to be the hero!
There may have been shepherds in the crowd of "sinners" that day. I'm sure they smiled as they heard Jesus tell this tale. This man, who didn't seem put off by messiness, was including them in what he was doing.
Jesus knew there were also women in the crowd. So in the second parable, Jesus makes the main character a woman. And he tailors the plot around something women may have experienced in everyday life.
By telling this story, Jesus communicated to the women that they were seen. This may not seem like a big deal to us. (And in many ways, I am glad it isn't!) But Jesus' acknowledgment of women (and his desire to relate to them with a parable) was shocking in a culture that often undervalued them.
This wasn't the first time Jesus elevated the dignity of women. He talked to women in public, which was not common for a man to do. He taught women the same way he taught men, knowing they were capable of understanding. And he invited women to be part of this new kingdom he was ushering in. They were not subjugated to the sidelines.
Luke, in particular, loves highlighting these stories in his gospel. A few chapters before this parable, a Pharisee named Simon invites Jesus to his house for dinner. A woman interrupts the meal to pour perfume on Jesus' feet. She understood how much forgiveness she had received from him. Simon is disgusted by the whole ordeal. But Jesus commends her beautiful act and defends her dignity.
It makes me wonder if I am willing to defend the dignity of others. When I hear a group of men talking about women in disrespectful ways, do I try to stop it? Or do I stay silent (or worse, join in) because it's safer?
What about people who are looked down on for their economic status, race, intelligence, physical appearance, or any other reason? When other people speak of them with disdain, how do I respond?
I hope I respond the way Jesus would. But if I'm honest, I don't get this right nearly enough. We will all fail at this. But we can pray to have a heart like Jesus. We can ask Jesus to help us see and elevate the dignity of each person we meet.
Next week, we will delve deeper into what the Lost Coin teaches us about each person's value. For now, I want to look at one detail of this parable that makes me smile.
The woman in the story turns her house upside down to find the lost coin. When she finally finds it, she calls together her "friends and neighbors" to celebrate (v. 9). In Greek, the word Luke uses for "friends" is feminine. Jesus is painting a lovely image of women coming together in celebration.
I love this.
The religious men grumble about the kind of people hanging around Jesus. In response, Jesus tells a story about neighborhood women throwing an epic block party. And he compares the scene to the joy God feels when lost people come home. This is quite a juxtaposition!
I wasn't there, but I bet the women in the crowd erupted in joyful laughter. Maybe some wept. Maybe some thought to themselves, "My husband isn't going to believe the story this guy just told!"
And who knows? Maybe—just maybe—some of the women glanced over at the Pharisees and felt compassion.
Because they understood more than most that a little dignity goes a long way.
Questions to Ponder:
How do you think the women in the crowd felt as they heard Jesus tell the parable of the Lost Coin?
How did Jesus defend the dignity of the woman in Luke 7:36–50?
How do you usually react when people begin talking about others with contempt? Today, take some time to ask God to help you see others the way he sees them.
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The Lost Parable
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 1.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15
Supporting Passage: Luke 14:12-24
The parable of the Prodigal Son is probably Jesus' most famous parable. It is also a favorite of mine. In times of despair, I return to it and am reminded of God's deep love for me. Whether I'm acting more like the rebellious younger son or the self-righteous older son, I know God is waiting with open arms to welcome me home. It is indeed one of the greatest tales of all time.
But it is not the parable we're going to talk about next!
I know, I know. It seems weird to do a series about Jesus' parables and not include the Prodigal Son. But since many people have already written about it (including myself!), I thought it'd be fun to explore a lesser-known parable instead.
The parable I have in mind is not one of "Jesus' Greatest Hits." It's only three verses long and can easily get overlooked. But it's a story that has fascinated me over the past few years.
It's [drumroll please...] the parable of the Lost Coin!
To be fair, we will have to talk a little about the parable of the Prodigal Son to fully understand the Lost Coin. These two tales, along with the parable of the Lost Sheep, form a connected block of Jesus' teaching in Luke 15. Today, we will explore the context of these three parables before zooming in on the Lost Coin.
In Luke 14, Jesus tells the parable of the Great Banquet. In that story, Jesus reminds the religious leaders God's kingdom is open to everyone. So when they host a banquet, they should invite people viewed as outcasts.
Did the Pharisees accept this message? Let's see. Here's how Luke 15 begins:
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1–2, NIV)
The outcasts and sinners were flocking to Jesus to hear him teach. As I read this, it makes me pause to wonder why. Why did they cling to this man with all their might, weeping at his feet and tugging at his clothes? I think it was out of sheer desperation. They didn't have the luxury of debating theology from an ivory tower. These were the poor in spirit and the mournful. They needed to be near Jesus.
Meanwhile, the Pharisees muttered the same complaint about Jesus they always had: He was eating with sinners. They still hadn't grasped the beauty of God's kingdom. But remember—Jesus loved these men just as much as he loved the outcasts. He wanted everyone to be included in God's Great Banquet.
At this point, Jesus could have turned to them and said, "Hey guys, don’t be such downers. I came to welcome everyone into God's kingdom." But instead, he tells three tales. The stories all follow a similar structure: something (or someone) gets lost, it is eventually found, and there is a celebration.
The Lost Coin is sandwiched between the more famous stories of the Lost Sheep and Prodigal Son. Because of this, it's easy for the Lost Coin to get, well... lost. The image of a shepherd carrying a frightened sheep home on his shoulders is a beautiful picture of God's love for us. And when the father embraces his wayward, pig-slop-covered son, it's enough to move us to tears. Compared to these two emotional tales, a story about a woman who loses a coin seems a bit dull. For most of my life, I didn't give it much thought. It was a less exciting version of the two other parables.
But Jesus had a reason for telling it.
Yes, all three stories convey the same basic message. Jesus wanted the religious leaders to know that when broken people are found by God, the whole kingdom celebrates. God's love for lost people doesn't diminish his love for those already on the inside. There's enough love for everyone.
And yet, the three parables highlight different aspects of this truth. So as we explore the parable of the Lost Coin together, I pray we can uncover a hidden gem.
It's a beautiful tale about the innate value each person has and lengths God goes to find us.
As we’ll see, he’s not afraid to get messy!
Questions to Ponder:
Take some time to read all three parables in Luke 15. What similarities do you see? What differences do you see?
Write down any initial thoughts you have about the parable of the Lost Coin.
Why do you think the Pharisees were still angry with Jesus for dining with sinners and outcasts even after the events of Luke 14?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
The Broken Heart
Parable of the Sower, Pt 5.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 13:8; 23
Supporting Passages: John 15:1-17; Psalm 51
Over the past few weeks, we've used the parable of the Sower to allow Jesus to perform a heart checkup on us. We've only scratched the surface (or topsoil!) of what we can explore in this story. But as our time with this parable ends, I hope it has helped you assess your view of God's kingdom.
And remember—whatever the results of your heart checkup, there is grace. There is time to change. The willingness to examine your heart is only step 1. No matter which soil you identify most with, Jesus can start there and do something good in you. That brings us to the final type of soil: fertile—or good—soil.
Here is what Jesus has to say about the seed that fell on this ground:
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ... But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Matthew 13:8; 23, NIV)
I call this type of soil the Broken Heart. And I believe the Broken Heart has a proper view of God's kingdom. They hear the message of the kingdom and understand that it's good news. They desperately want to be a part of it.
Now, you might be thinking, But why the Broken Heart? Shouldn't it be the Good Heart or the Obedient Heart or the Holy Heart?
Let me explain…
The Broken Heart finds the vision of God's kingdom captivating. But as they gaze at its beauty, they also realize they live in ways counter to the kingdom. They know they haven't loved their enemies the way Jesus did. They know they've done selfish and cruel things. They know they've broken the peace they have with God and others in a myriad of ways.
And so, all they have to offer Jesus is a broken heart, which they humbly do.
But is that really enough?
Yes!
When Jesus went to the cross, he faced the worst of humanity. All the shame, all the pain, all the evil things humans dream up to hurt other humans—it was all heaped onto him. And when he burst out of the grave three days later, Jesus made a new way of living possible. But it's only possible through his power, not our own.
On the night before he died, Jesus called himself the true vine. And he let his disciples in on this secret:
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can't do anything. (John 15:5, CEB, emphasis mine)
The Broken Heart knows that without Jesus, it can't do anything. If we want to become good soil, we need to stay connected to the vine.
Occasionally, I receive emails from people who share their stories with me. It is a privilege to be entrusted with each one. Most of the stories are about people facing real struggles in life. Broken relationships, addiction, sickness and chronic pain, loss of loved ones way too early. (Maybe I receive these types of stories because I am the "messy and broken" guy. And I wouldn't have it any other way. They move me deeply.)
At some point during their struggle, the person reaches the end of their rope. They have nothing left to offer Jesus but a broken heart. All they can do is wake up each day and say, "I want to follow you today, Jesus. Please help me do that because I can't do it out of my own strength."
And as they cling to the true vine for survival, something amazing happens. Jesus' grace and mercy transforms their lives into fertile soil for God's kingdom.
Only Jesus can take Confused Hearts and show them the beauty of God's kingdom.
Only Jesus can take Troubled Hearts and give them peace and strength.
Only Jesus can take Distracted Hearts and give them a purpose beyond themselves.
It may be a slow process, but Jesus always finishes the work he starts.
At the end of each parable we explore, I'd like us to consider this question:
What does this story teach us about how to live out God's kingdom in a messy, broken world?
Each heart may have a different answer to that question. But here are some of my thoughts:
1. Jesus invites everyone to hear and understand the beautiful message of God's kingdom.
2. Times of confusion, troubles, and distraction may cloud our view of God's kingdom. But the good news is that…
3. Jesus—the true vine—can change our hearts. Through our brokenness, the message of God's kingdom shines through.
Questions to Ponder:
Can you relate to the Broken Heart in any way?
What are some ways you can stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, each day?
What did this parable teach you about how to live out God's kingdom in a messy, broken world?
Psalm 51 provides a great model of how to offer our brokenness to God. In it, King David prays, "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise" (v. 17, NIV). If you would like, take some time today to use Psalm 51 as a starting point to express your broken heart to God.
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The Distracted Heart
Parable of the Sower, Pt 4.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 13:7; 22
Supporting Passages: Matthew 19:16-22; Matthew 13:44
Over the past few weeks, we've been looking at the various soils in the parable of the Sower. Each one says something about the condition of our hearts.
So far, we've looked at the seed that fell on the path (the Confused Heart) and the rocky soil (the Troubled Heart). This week, we're exploring the seed that fell among the thorns. I find this type of soil to be the scariest. Here is what Jesus has to say about the seed that fell on this ground:
Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. ... The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. (Matthew 13:7; 22, NLT)
That's a pretty terrifying image, isn't it?
I imagine a healthy little sprout popping up from the ground. But then, slowly, thorns rise like zombies and drag the poor thing down to its death. It sounds like a low-budget horror film. Attack of the Zombie Thorns!
I call this type of soil the Distracted Heart. And I believe the Distracted Heart has a low view of God's kingdom. They believe the message of the kingdom is good news, and they want to be a part of it. But they soon lose focus because the worries of the world drag them down. Their loyalty is split between what God values and what the world values.
The Zombie Thorns have gotten their hooks in me many times. There is so much in this world to worry about. I worry about big things like my health and my family’s safety. I worry about small things like whether people like me and what I will have for lunch tomorrow. And when I want my stress levels to really jump through the roof, I worry about today's top headlines in my newsfeed. Each one is another thorn to distract me from God's kingdom.
I find it interesting that the thorns represent both "the worries of this life and the lure of wealth" (v. 22). I love how The Message Translation puts this verse:
[W]eeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it. (emphasis mine)
Worries and wealth are connected. Money is often at the top of our "Worry List." We think if we have enough of it, everything else on the list will magically vanish. But it's an illusion. No matter how much of it we have, we always need "just a little more" to feel secure.
In Matthew 19, Jesus has an encounter with a rich young man. This man has a genuine desire to follow Jesus. But the thorns of wealth distracted him from fully committing to God's kingdom. When Jesus tries to remove those thorns, the man won't let him. Even though he wanted the kingdom, he didn't think it was worth giving up all he had.
How do Distracted Hearts fight back against the weeds of worry and wealth?
We need a higher view of God's kingdom.
Part of the problem is our vision of heaven is much too small. We've been told that if we say yes to Jesus, we'll float off to heaven when we die. St. Peter will be waiting at the Pearly Gates to hand us a pair of wings and a harp. Sure, heaven is a nice enough place. I'd rather go there than to "the bad place." But the idea of spending all eternity on a cloud sounds kind of boring, doesn't it?
If that's our vision of God's kingdom, we will choose the kingdom of the world every time. We will keep chasing the illusion of wealth.
But Jesus' vision of God's kingdom is so much bigger than this.
When God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, he wanted them to flourish. They weren't spectators floating on a cloud. God gave them meaningful work to do. They had the most exciting lives imaginable!
Think about everything you love about this world. The work you love doing. The passions and interests God put in you. The relationships he gave you. The beautiful artwork you've seen, the delicious food you've eaten, the breathtaking places you've been.
Now, think about a world filled with all those things but without the decay of sin and death.
It's a world where we see others for who they were made to be. Without sin, we become more of ourselves, not less.
It's a world where selfishness, envy, and pride no longer get in the way of relationships. A world where sickness and disease no longer prevent people from doing the things God created them to do. A world where there's always enough to go around, and we no longer feel the need to horde what's ours.
It's a world where God dwells with us.
This is the high view of God's kingdom we need!
If you have a Distracted Heart, I am right there with you. So often, my focus is on today's worries and whether I have enough. But just as Jesus loved the rich young man, he loves us. What he offers us is so much better than what we are willing to settle for.
The next time those zombie thorns reach up for me, I pray to remember the beauty of God's kingdom. It's a kingdom so beautiful it's worth giving everything for.
Questions to Ponder:
Can you relate to the Distracted Heart in any way?
In what ways have you seen worry and wealth connected in this world?
Take a moment to read another of Jesus' parables in Matthew 13:44. How does this short parable speak to the Distracted Heart?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!