blog#19...Jesus and parables (continued)

blog#19, Jesus...and parables (continued)

A normal first response regarding my comment about a secondary purpose of “parables” is; that it seems so unfair that the wisdom of God would conceal a parable meaning from one group or segment, while bringing enlightenment to another segment of the same group. Jesus had spoken of eyes which did not see, and in the same thirteenth chapter of Matthew, spoke of eyes which did see and ears which did hear. He blessed those who saw and heard.

Perhaps the eleventh principle of Judaism, as expressed by Maimonides, and found in the morning prayers, brings better insight as to the Jewish understanding of why God withholds from one while blessing another. ‘He rewards man with kindness according to his deeds. He sends evil to the wicked according to his wickedness.’

The equation only seems unfair, until we learn that God deals with rebellious mankind in the same measure that man approaches God. The measure for measure outlay can be changed by humility and repentance. One scripture verse which supports the measure for measure concept is located in Psalm 18:26-27: “With the pure You act purely, and with the perverse You are wily, It is You who deliver lowly folk, but haughty eyes You humble” (JPS Hebrew English Tanach).

Jesus’ comments in Matthew 13:15, clarify that God would heal and restore those who did repentance, and their eyes, ears, and hearts would be fruitful of understanding. But, as with parables, even so with any of the teachings of the Kingdom of Heaven: understanding always eventually comes to the pure of heart.

The rabbi had told his immediate disciples: “But blessed are your eyes for they see: and your ears for they hear. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” Being called and invited into the “inner circle,” has a way of separating folks from other folks.

Jesus’ parable about the Kingdom of Heaven being like treasure hidden in a field (Matthew 13:44), which when a man finds, he sells all he has, to acquire the money to purchase the field, and with great joy becomes possessor of the treasure and property, reveals an amazing concept. Some things are worth owning for yourself, no matter the cost. But, who would place such a value upon the things of God? Only the pure and humble in heart. And, who would think that something so great as the Kingdom of Heaven could be hidden? Hmmm!

We must not forget that the principle of “measure for measure,” has limitations in scripture. A wonderful passage in Psalm 103:10, reads: “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor has he repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so has His kindness prevailed over those who revere Him.” The compassionate Father who loves His people, never gives them a full measure of reward for transgressions, lest justice should overrule mercy, and destroy the holy people. Aren’t we glad that his full anger is not aroused, and time is granted for repentance?

As it is written: " The kindness of Hashem [the Lord] is forever and ever, upon those who revere Him, and His righteousness is for children’s children. To those who keep His covenant, and to those who remember his commands to fulfill them” (see Psalm 103:17-18).

No wonder the prophecy was clearly given to Israel, in spite of its sins and transgressions: “ I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Because God never fully recompenses His people as they fully deserve; Israel exists yet today. And not only Israel, we who haven’t fully obeyed God in every detail, because we cling to Him, will not experience the full measure of His wrath. Amein!