Jay: We’ve been exploring the idea that the Kingdom of Heaven is here and now, a change in thought, action, and perception that Jesus aimed to establish throughout history. As we examine the parables where Jesus mentions the Kingdom of Heaven, we ask ourselves: What characteristics of this kingdom are being revealed? What perceptions of God or God’s grace is Jesus trying to change or reinforce? Are there actions associated with the Kingdom of Heaven revealed through these parables?
We’ve begun to associate the Kingdom of Heaven with God’s grace, treating them synonymously. In our ongoing discussions, we’ll consider these aspects: the characteristics of God’s grace, the potential change in our perception or thoughts about God’s grace, and specific actions that might be associated with it.
Last week, we introduced two more Kingdom of Heaven parables from Matthew 25: the parables of the Ten Virgins and the Master who leaves bags of gold for his servants. Today, I’ll briefly recap these parables, and as I do, keep in mind our three key questions: What characteristics of God’s grace are revealed here? Is there a change in thought or perception about God’s grace that these parables are trying to effect? And are there specific actions related to God’s grace that we should consider?
Let’s start with the Ten Virgins. Briefly, there are ten virgins, five wise and five foolish. The foolish ones don’t bring extra oil while waiting for the bridegroom and, as a result, are locked out of the feast when they leave to buy more oil. In contrast, the parable of the bags of gold features a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of gold. The servants who multiply their gold are rewarded, while the one who buries his gold is cast out.
I’d like us to compare and contrast these two parables. Do they share similarities in characteristics, thoughts, and actions? Or do they present different aspects? And considering last week’s discussion about focusing on one overarching message, should we view each parable as part of a larger story, rather than the complete picture?
In the parable of the bags of gold, particularly in Matthew 25:28-29, there are interesting verses to note: “Take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Let’s spend some time today exploring these two parables in the context of our questions. What do you see in each parable regarding the characteristics of God’s grace, the potential change in thought or perception that Jesus might be trying to convey, and any actions related to grace that humanity should consider? Do you find the parables of the Ten Virgins and the bags of gold disheartening, or do they offer a different perspective?
Donald: Revisiting these parables, I find new angles to consider. Calling the virgins ‘foolish’ seems harsh, different from simply being unprepared. Why were they virgins, often seen as bridesmaids waiting outside? In the parable of the gold, the oil is being used up, while the gold is meant to be multiplied. It’s almost the opposite direction.
What if the parable was reversed, with the one who had ten bags burying his gold? The wealthy often have more opportunities to grow their wealth, while the disadvantaged might be more cautious. These observations might add a new dimension to our understanding.
C-J: These virgins were likely very young, possibly prepubescent, often dismissed as children in adult settings. We might be misjudging them by adult standards. As for the wealth measured in currency, it’s a temporal value agreed upon by society. God’s view of wealth is spiritual, not monetary. He’s talking about the responsibilities that come with spiritual gifts.
God’s light can’t be hidden; even a candle under a basket shines through. The Holy Spirit is the ever-present light, unlike temporal things that decay. Truth and wisdom are eternal.
Jay: Both parables have a figure in charge—the bridegroom and the master—and a substance everyone possesses, whether it’s oil or gold. The outcomes are similar too, with exclusion being a common theme. The handling of the substance, however, differs between the parables: multiplication in one and consumption in the other. Do these similarities and differences help reconcile or cause more cognitive dissonance in understanding the Kingdom of Heaven’s characteristics?
David: The details in these parables are often confusing and contradictory, leading me to believe Jesus intended us to look beyond them. Calling the virgins ‘foolish’ and focusing on their virginity seems irrelevant. The underlying message might be about being prepared and not wasting what God has given us.
We risk getting lost in details and moving away from Jesus’ fundamental, simple message. I also wonder if substituting the word ‘life’ for what God has given us might offer a new perspective. “Our lives on Earth are not to be wasted.” Just a thought.
Reinhard: The commonality between these parables is a lack of preparation and a neglect of responsibility. In both, there’s a failure to utilize the grace or opportunities given by God. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 13 suggests that parables are for those outside the faith, to help them understand the Kingdom of Heaven. For those who have accepted Jesus, the parables serve as reminders to maintain our responsibilities and not fall into complacency.
Donald: The point about getting lost in details resonates with me. What is the core message of these parables? Reinhard’s mention of ‘playing it safe’ is striking. The parables seem to contrast each other: in one, playing it safe is rewarded, while in the other, it leads to loss. The message about grace and decision-making seems mixed. Have we really identified a consistent message in these parables?
Carolyn: Regarding the Kingdom of Heaven being grace, I saw an analogy this week between an orchestra and its concertmaster. The orchestra tunes to the concertmaster’s note, much like we must tune our lives to Jesus. Like a violin that goes out of tune quickly, we need to frequently retune ourselves to Jesus. Some of us may need this more often than others.
Whether you’re like the wise virgins or the servant who multiplies his wealth, it’s about staying in tune with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
David: It has been implied that those who believe in Christ don’t need the parables, and I agree. If you have God inside you, why do you need the Bible? Tuning your life to Jesus, as Carolyn mentioned, could be as simple as listening to the Holy Spirit within you, rather than adhering strictly to church doctrines and Bible readings.
C-J: A tree cannot deny its own nature, just as we can’t deny we are God’s creation. Our relationship with God is spiritual, and He meets us where we are. Like the two thieves crucified with Jesus, it’s a revelation of grace that brings understanding. Separation from God, like a crocodile taken out of its natural habitat, leaves us disoriented. We learn through parables, experiences, and guidance, but ultimately, God is the keeper of our time. Grace is like an artesian well – open to all, irrespective of our earthly achievements or circumstances.
Don: The key might be to consider where the elements of the Kingdom of Heaven, which we interpret as grace, originate from. Parables often focus on what is done with what God provides, like the pearl or the leaven. The critical question is, what do we do with the grace God gives us? The focus should be on our response to God’s provision, not on the provision itself.
David: We’ve all been given varying amounts in life, just like in the parable of the bags of gold. Some people are born into war or difficult circumstances, while others have more favorable beginnings. The key question seems to be: what do we do with what we’re given?
The message is clearly that we must do something with what we’re given. What have we been given by our Creator?—Life! The important point is what we do with it, and acknowledging that we all start from different places.
Carolyn: I also feel the Kingdom of Heaven as grace involves a change in attitude. It’s not just about the amount of grace we receive, but how our attitude transforms once we accept this gift. The process of sanctification, which is a work of a lifetime, begins with accepting God’s grace.
Don: If the bridegroom had delayed further, even those with extra oil would eventually run out.
C-J: If we consider the scripture that says, “I knew you before the foundations of the earth,” it suggests that our lives have a specific, intentional purpose. I believe God chooses each person for a unique role in the grand narrative. The richness of God is most apparent in those who face profound hardship yet demonstrate grace and compassion. Every person, regardless of their circumstances, is an essential element of God’s story, embodying grace through adversity.
Jay: It seems we’re discussing the different ways in which grace manifests and is perceived in our lives. The parables might be guiding us to reflect on how we respond to the grace we’re given, regardless of our circumstances.
David: God has given us varying amounts, just like in the parable of the bags of gold. We each have different starting points in life. It’s about what we do with what we’re given. That seems to be the crucial message.
We’ve been given life by God (even as an evolutionist, I believe it all ultimately comes from God). The question isn’t about fairness in our unequal beginnings but what we do with our life. That’s what matters to God.
Carolyn: It’s about the transition time we have until Jesus returns, accepting grace and moving forward. It’s a learning process of changing attitudes and doing something with the grace we’re given.
Don: What one needs to do is simply let grace be grace. Don’t stifle or hoard it. Like leaven in dough, let it do its work. Grace, if allowed to act, will either grow or diminish, but it won’t remain stagnant.
Jay: So, the question of what to do and how much to do with grace arises. There seems to be a distinction in the parables between those who understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven and those who don’t, affecting the actions required of them. This aspect of more for some and less for others is something I find unsettling.
David: Acceptance is key. Some can understand the Kingdom of Heaven, some can’t. Don’t worry about it. Rather complain about your lot in life, do something with it. You’re supposed to use your life to help give life to others, to serve as much as you can. Whatever your situation, there’s something good you can do with your life.
Donald: It’s notable that the three servants didn’t question their differing amounts of gold. They just acted according to what they were given. The contrast is interesting: the virgins’ story is more about preparation, while the servants’ story emphasizes action with what’s given.
Don: Grace should be allowed to work naturally. The problem arises when we try to manipulate it to our desires or suppress it. Like a mustard seed, even the smallest amount of grace can grow into something significant if left to its natural course.
C-J: Interfering with grace can lead to codependency and stagnation. As mentioned, God grows us in the soil we’re in and moves us when it’s time.
Donald: Observing nature, like different types of trees in a forest, each serves its purpose in the ecosystem of life. This diversity reflects the various roles and purposes we each have.
Jay: What about the idea that not everyone has to do the same thing with their given grace?
Sharon: Like the body of Christ, we all have different roles to play. Diversity in action is necessary for social harmony.
Jay: We’ll continue this discussion in future sessions. Our goal isn’t to reach a specific conclusion, but to explore these questions and find nuggets of insight in our conversations. It’s about understanding God’s grace and how we operationalize it to benefit others.
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