Week #4 of 13 Miracles and Seaside Parables

Monday – Jesus heals a servant and a son. John's disciples question Jesus. • Luke 7:1-17 • Matthew 11:2-30 Tuesday – Jesus dines with Simon and rebukes the Pharisees. • Luke 7:36-8:3 • Matthew 12:22-50 Wednesday – Parables by the Sea. • Matthew 13:1-53 Thursday – Jesus calms the sea. A legion of demons is cast out. • Mark 4:35-5:21 Friday – Jesus heals the daughter of Jairus. A woman is made well by her faith. • Mark 5:21-43 Pharisees and Sadducees
The Pharisees were the largest sect of Jews. They strictly adhered to written laws and oral traditions.      Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their extreme legalism and observance of traditions. Many Pharisees loved money and the praises of men more than they loved God (Luke 16:14).      Simon was a Pharisee who invited Jesus to eat with him (Luke 7:36-50). Nicodemus was a disciple of Jesus. He helped Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus' body (John 19:39-40). The apostle Paul was also a Pharisee.		The Sadducees were fewer in number than the Pharisees. But they held great political power because of their alliance with the Herods.      The Sadducees emphasized the Torah over the Prophets. Unlike the Pharisees, Sadducees did not believe in angels, spirits, or immortality. The Sadducees questioned Jesus about the resurrection (Matthew 22:23-33).      Paul capitalized on this difference between the Pharisees and Sadducees while in Jerusalem (Acts 23:1-10).
Did you know? Parables are earthly stories that illustrate spiritual truths. The Greek word parabollo, literally means "to place beside." Jesus frequently taught with parables. In addition to being memorable, parables concealed the truth from unbelievers. Jesus explained the parables privately to his disciples. See Matthew 13:10-17, 34-35.

© 2000 Ken Palmer

www.LifeofChrist.com

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