In Part 1 of this study we asked the question: Why? Now we want to know: Who? The obvious answer is that the parables were intended for every one, including us. In a certain sense that response must be true, because all scripture is given “to make us wise unto salvation” (II Tim. 3:15). Nevertheless, this does not preclude special circumstances that compelled speaking in parables to a first century AD audience.
Jewish religious sects
From the gospel records we know a great deal about the religious life in Palestine at the time of the ministry of Christ. It is beneficial to look at what is revealed about the Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes and the Priesthood, as the information is pertinent in understanding the gospels and even in seeing the relevance of the parables in our own times.
For more than a thousand years, from the time of the Exodus until the century before Christ, the problem for the children of Israel was the allure of paganism. The beliefs and rituals of pagans were attractive for two main reasons: first, everyone seemed to be doing it, i.e. paganism dominated the ancient world in terms of numbers; and second, the depraved immoral practices associated with pagan cults were fun! Drunken festivals, sexual excesses and violent blood rituals were commonplace in pagan worship. They were akin to the attractions of the modern day world in such places as Las Vegas, or in disreputable sections of almost any big metropolis. It was in the context of this moral and spiritual pagan depravity, associated with the Hellenistic world, that the various Jewish sects were born.
The Sadducees were the most liberal sect of Judaism and the Pharisees the most conservative. The Sadducees’ beliefs harbored serious doctrinal errors. Our Lord Jesus Christ spared no words in denouncing them. Their denial of the resurrection and judgment was answered by Christ with stinging reprimand: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:29).
Parables directed at Pharisees
While the Sadducees were directly rebuked in unambiguous terms, the parables of Jesus were aimed at the Pharisees and the other legalistic religious parties.
The Pharisees studied the scriptures assiduously; they set up academies (Yeshivas) to teach young men the Torah and related rabbinical commentaries, and they strictly observed rituals based on the Mosaic Law and numerous additional traditions added in the course of time. They dressed in a distinctive fashion and made a thorough public display of their piety so that the common people could easily identify a Pharisee.
When it came to their dedication to the law, the correctness of their determination is without question, since we have the testimony of Jesus Christ for verification (Matt. 23:1-3). Why then were they the primary recipients of many of the stories Jesus told in the parables? Furthermore, with all their scriptural study and knowledge of true doctrine, why were they blind to the message of the parables?
Or were they blind? It is tempting to think God deliberately blinded them, that to the Pharisees the parables were as riddles that could not be solved. However, such a view is not supported by scripture, either directly or indirectly. For indirect proof we might cite James 1:13 NIV: “For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” Fortunately, there is also very plain direct evidence which leaves no doubt that they understood: “…When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them” (Matt. 21:45). Note in this quote that the word “parable” is plural (as it is in the original Greek), hence it was not merely a matter of understanding in only one case. It is also evident that the perception of the Pharisees was dead-on. Beyond doubt many parables were directed straight at them; the question was what were they going to do about it?
Tragically, instead of experiencing a change of heart, the next sentence in the Matthew passage (v.46) rings with chilling power: “But when they sought to lay hands on him.” They certainly understood the message, but they didn’t like it. Their solution: kill the messenger!
In this day and age, it is unlikely that we would respond with such overt violence to the word of God pointing the finger at us. Instead we are inclined to slay the messenger with the sword of innuendo and slander.
How were they blind?
While the Pharisees, and other religious leaders, probably comprehended all the parables, we know that seeing, they could see not. Consequently, while not blind in understanding the message of the parables, they must have been sightless in some other fashion. To appreciate this paradox we need to know more about the character of the Pharisees The Gospel record reveals a number of insightful passages related to their way of life that will help guide us to a complete answer
What scripture reveals about the way of life of the Pharisees
- They were extremely self-righteous Their in-depth studies of the scripture had been accompanied by the most comprehensive set of Bible markings compiled by the rabbis These commentates were first started during the Babylonian captivity (and continued well into the late middle ages, resulting in, for example, what is known as the Talmud and the Midrash) Ancient scrolls of the Old Testament have been found, with extensive notes written in the margins by generations of scholars in the Yeshivas This intense Bible study, instead of leading to humility and faithful dependence on the Lord, unfortunately bred arrogance They trusted in themselves (Luke 18 9) thinking that by their piety, which was outwardly superior to other men, they could earn salvation
- They were prejudiced against other men While it is certainly correct the people of God should not fellowship with idolaters (II Cor 6 17), it is equally right that we are all sinners (Isa 64 6), Therefore, the need to restore sinners is an imperative (Gal 6 1) as we have also been taught by our Lord “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Matt 9 11-13) The Pharisees were completely obsessed with their own defilement such that they could not appreciate the need to reach out and recover those within their own household who had strayed, let alone appreciate the wider mission of the Messiah as the savior of the world
- In their religious practices they were legalistic to a fault The ritual of religion is particularly easy for the legalistic mind to focus upon By carrying out the letter of ritual, and in as public a manner as possible, they could visibly display their holiness to all We are no different, we are made of the same adamic flesh and blood as the Pharisees We may at tunes be tempted to think that absence from some particular ecclesial event marks a brother or sister as a slacker At the same time we may be totally ignorant of their quiet visits to an elderly sister in a nursing home or their open heart (and often generous pocketbook) to all and sundry in need
- The Pharisees were offended by the truth It is recorded that the teachings of Christ offended them (Matt 15 12, 6:3) If only our Lord Jesus Christ had been more diplomatic? Hardly Offense is probably the most misused word in the dictionary For the Bible believer the true offense, first and foremost, is to God (Acts 24 16) The Pharisees meant by “offense” that their human egos were bruised by the teachings of Christ Instead it was their consciences that should have been pricked It is a dangerous ploy to feign offense as an excuse for ignoring a sound message Unfortunately, we too can let our reaction to a person’s personality color our appreciation of what he says A truly spiritual person looks beyond the cover of the book, but rather opens it and looks within The right-minded brother or sister does not take offense, nor does he or she seek to give any to God or man (I Cor 10 32, II Cor 6:3). Ironically, for the Pharisees it was just the other way around. They were offended by Jesus Christ and they offended God by rejecting His son.
- They were hypocritical, making a show of outward religion (Matt. 6:2,5,16) while at the same time despising their brethren (Luke 18:9; Matt. 15:6; Mark 7:9). Eventually they could not distinguish between tradition and “truth:” “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). While there is nothing inherently wrong with tradition one must guard against replacing the word of God with the teachings of men. It is all too easy to blur the difference and not be willing to examine whether a particular tradition is in accord with the teachings of Christ. The entire catalog of hypocrisies of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:1-3 is a painful lesson in religious zeal misdirected. They became so wrapped up in the ritualistic and legalistic details in their religious worship that they had forgotten the weightier matters of the word outlined by their prophets: “For I desired mercy, not sacrifice; and knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). Not exalting tradition above the word of God has as much application today as then. Let us not be unmindful about it.
- The Pharisees were covetous (Luke 16:14). They truly believed they could serve God and mammon (wealth). Wealth was regarded as living proof of the blessings of God upon a person. Therefore, it was to be desired (and to some extent flaunted). The means by which wealth was achieved, whether honorable or not, were unquestioned. The idea that beggars (street people of their day!), publicans, harlots and gentiles could have a place in the kingdom of God, while they were excluded, was a totally ludicrous concept to the Pharisees. The thinking that wealth equals blessing is a dangerous mode of thought that can creep into our own consciousness. Collectively as a community we should be aware of the needs of all our brothers and sisters and be willing to share, wherever and whatever, as circumstances dictate. The fact that some brethren are poor is not a measure of God’s displeasure. It may instead be a test to them, and to the entire community, of our faithfulness: “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate (i.e. share)” (I Tim.6:18).
Failure in conduct, not knowledge
We are now in a position to completely realize what is meant by attributing blindness to the Pharisees. It was not a blindness of understanding; it was a blindness in doing. Their thinking, and mode of life, were not to be disturbed. They were self-satisfied. They realized that the teachings of Jesus Christ went counter to their prevailing traditions and would interfere with their position and power in the Jewish community. Therefore, they had no need, nor desire to change. Their eyes were open, but they still could not see because their vision was clouded by a thick smog of human folly, greed, self-righteousness and hypocrisy. If by any measure the way of the Pharisees should characterize, in whole or part, the behavior of a community, today or in any age past or future, then the specific messages of the parables has direct relevance.
Next: Parables on forgiveness.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One