Jesus told many stories in the gospels, most of them in the
form of parables, but some stories were regarding knowledge that had been
hidden since the foundations of our world. When Jesus told us about things that
until that time were not known, he did so to adjust our thinking. What he was
doing was breaking our old mind set. When he spoke in parables Jesus was not trying
to puzzle or trick people; he was simply making comparisons to things the
people at that time would understand. We have mixed up Jesus’ stories and
parables by not understanding what a parable is. While he was teaching things
that were not known to many people, it seemed like Jesus was using mysterious
sayings. These secret mysteries can be understood by his disciples and that is
who these dark sayings are intended
for. As we have compared some of the textual alterations done by the
Masorete’s, we have something else to recognize, the definitions of some words
are altered as well. As we look at a Strong’s Concordance, we notice a division
in definitions between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The definitions
in the Old Testament are Hebrew, with a few Aramaic words included because the
King James was scribed from the Masoretic text, while the New Testament
definitions are Greek. Technically, the Hebrew numbers should include the Greek
numbers and definitions as well because the Septuagint is older and more
accurate than the Masoretic Text. Some Septuagint versions give the Greek
Strong’s numbering system for definitions of Greek words in the Old Testament
and that is something we need to keep in mind when studying.
The overall understanding of the Hebrew definitions, in
this case of parables and dark sayings, seems to be slightly over dramatized.
The Greek gives a more moderate and rational approach to these words and makes
the texts more understandable. We have to consider the culture of the times
when these words were written. In those days there were no images or ideas
implanted by media sources. Relative to today, we have television and the
internet to present us with ideas and understanding. We are basically told what
to think and how to think and even what should be funny and when to laugh. I
especially hate laugh tracks because most of the time what television shows are
encouraging us to laugh at isn’t even funny. So if one is conscious of it, one
will hear crowd laughter to signal the televised audience to laugh. That is micromanaging
an audience. In Jesus’ day the managers of peoples’ thinking came from live discussion,
either by government leaders or religious leaders. In Jesus’ time people were
pushed into ideas and their thinking adjusted by first trusting in their
spiritual leaders, and then by those spiritual leaders using manipulations,
such as condemnation, to force people to think the same way. Formerly it was
harder to get large groups of people to think alike then it is today.
By the time Jesus was correcting the Pharisees, the law had
become extremely distorted. Today those distortions continue to be propounded.
As we read the Letter of Aristeas, we found that some of the law was written as
allegorical, as in the example of clean and unclean animals. The observations
of the world at large gave understanding as to the avoidance of the unclean
animal because of its behavior or character. That is the same type of
comparisons that Jesus was giving when he spoke in parables and riddles. Today
those sayings seem a bit hard to understand, but to someone of that day and
time period they were more readily understood. For instance, we don’t know the custom
of the coins a woman wore in her hair unless we study the Middle Eastern
culture, but in that day it was quite plain. Matthew quoted a Psalm of Asaph
when he spoke of Jesus speaking in parables and riddles or dark sayings of old.
Matt 13:34-35 All these things spake Jesus unto the
multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it
might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my
mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the
foundation of the world KJV
Ps 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter
dark sayings of old: KJV
This is a direct quote that had been altered slightly as we
can see. The Masoretic text uses the words dark
sayings. Secrets can be dark sayings or they can bring light and life.
Let’s look at the Septuagint for both verses and then look at the definitions
for these words.
Matt 13:35G3704So
thatG4137should
be fulfilledG3588the thingG4483having
been spokenG1223throughG3588theG4396prophet,G3004saying,G455I
shall open G1722in G3850parables
G3588 G4750my
mouth; G1473 G2044I will
bellow G2928things
being hidden G575from G2602the founding
G2889of the world
http://studybible.info/ABP_Strongs/Matthew%2013
Ps 78:2G455 I will open G1722[2inG38503parables
G3588 G47501my
mouth];G1473 G5350I will
utter G4265.1riddles
G575from G746the beginning;
http://studybible.info/ABP_Strongs/Psalms%2078
NT:3850 parabolee, parabolees, hee
1. a
placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition,
2.
metaphorically, a comparing, comparison of one thing with another,
likeness, similitude Matt 24:32
3. a
pithy and instructive saying, involving some likeness or comparison and having
preceptive or admonitory force; an aphorism, a maxim: Luke 5:36
4. a
proverb: Luke 4:23
5. an
act by which one exposes himself or his possessions to danger, a venture, risk
(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic
Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
NT:4265 problepoo: to foresee (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic
Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
NT:4265 problepo (prob-lep'-o); from NT:4253 and NT:991; to
look out beforehand, i.e. furnish in advance: KJV - provide. (Biblesoft's New
Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:4253 pro (pro); a primary
preposition; "fore", i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior)
to: KJV - above, ago, before, or ever. In comparison it retains the same
significations.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance
with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft,
Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:991 blepo (blep'-o); a
primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):KJV - behold, beware, lie,
look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed. Compare
NT:3700.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:2928 kruptoo: to hide, conceal
a. properly: ti, Matt 13:44
b. metaphorically, to conceal
(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic
Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
Matthew was saying that Jesus would speak in
comparative ideas and about things that have been hidden since the foundation
of the world. Asaph says that he himself would speak in comparative ideas and
foreknowledge from the beginning of the world. The idea of either hidden
knowledge or foreknowledge is specific to the one who is speaking these
parables and dark sayings. To Asaph, this knowledge was a divine inspiration,
something he would learn from the Holy Spirit and speak to others. To Jesus,
this is knowledge he already had, but this knowledge had been hidden from the
rest of us. Let’s look at the definitions in the Hebrew of these words.
Ps 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable
[4912]: I will utter dark [2420] sayings of old: KJV
OT:4912 mashal (maw-shawl'); apparently from
OT:4910 in some original sense of superiority in mental action; properly, a
pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage,
poem, discourse): KJV - byword, like, parable, proverb.(Biblesoft's New
Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
OT:2420 chiydah (khee-daw'); from OT:2330; a
puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim: KJV - dark saying
(sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive
Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary.
Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible
Translators, Inc.)
Comparing the word parables as defined by the
Greek and the Hebrew we see something interesting. The Greek defines parables
as comparisons using metaphors. The Hebrew defines parables as superior mental
thinking using metaphors. We see a slight flare for the dramatic here in the
Hebrew. Matthew was quoting the Septuagint, therefore the explanation of a
parable was not a superior knowledge that would not be understandable, but a
comparison of two or more things that one is to consider. As with the letter of
Aristeas, we saw the High Priest’s explanation of the laws regarding clean and
unclean as a parable. Look at the way some animals act compared to others,
their actions make them clean or unclean, not their flesh. Therefore when Jesus
spoke in parables it was not to confuse people or keep them in the dark, it was
to make them think and compare their lives accordingly. This is what always
stumped the Pharisees and Sadducees because they thought they were living
correctly by walking a path they themselves created. They believed God would
certainly pat them on the back for being so dogmatic about their own rules, but
Jesus gave them comparisons that derailed their train of thought about their
own righteousness.
Comparing the words riddles or dark sayings,
we find the difference, as the Greek word translated riddle means “a foreknowledge or a foreseeing”, whereas the Hebrew
word translated dark sayings means “a
puzzle or moral proverb”. Yet the difference is who is doing the speaking,
Asaph or Jesus. The Greek being more accurate, calls them hidden or concealed things that Jesus spoke. By the Hebrew
alteration of this idea it disregards Jesus’ parables as inconsequential
because Jesus was speaking in riddles, but Matthew was quoting the Septuagint.
Asaph spoke by revelation from the Holy Spirit while Jesus spoke by knowledge
he already had. Therefore Matthew’s meaning was that Jesus was speaking to
people about things that had been hidden from the old times of the founding of
the world.
The disciples asked why Jesus spoke to the
people in parables. It seems odd that they understood what he was saying but
the regular people did not until we realize that the people had their thinking
conditioned by the Pharisees and Sadducees and the ways of the world.
Matt 13:10-17 Then the disciples came to Him
and said, Why do You speak to them in parables? 11 And He replied to them, To
you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has [spiritual
knowledge], to him will more be given and he will be furnished richly so that
he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be
taken away. 13 This is the reason that I speak to them in parables: because
having the power of seeing [991], they do not see [991]; and having the power
of hearing [191], they do not hear[191], nor do they grasp and understand. 14
In them indeed is the process of fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah, which
says: You shall indeed hear and hear but never grasp and understand; and you
shall indeed look and look but never see and perceive. 15 For this nation's
heart has grown gross (fat and dull), and their ears heavy and difficult of
hearing, and their eyes they have tightly closed, lest they see and perceive
with their eyes, and hear and comprehend the sense with their ears, and grasp
and understand with their heart, and turn and I should heal them. [Isa 6:9,10.]
16 But blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are your eyes because they
do see, and your ears because they do hear. 17 Truly I tell you, many prophets
and righteous men [men who were upright and in right standing with God] yearned
to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not
hear it. AMP
Whoever has the spiritual ability to “see” will
see; Strong’s number NT991 Blepo as
we looked at above is the word for see here.
Jesus is speaking of an ability to see
spiritually and hear spiritually.
NT:991 blepoo; to see, discern
1. With
the physical eye
a. to be possessed of
sight, have the power of seeing,
b. to perceive by the
use of the eyes, to see, look, descry absolutely: while they were looking, Acts
1:9 with the accusative of person or thing: Matt
7:3
c. to turn the eyes to
anything, to look at, look upon, gaze at: Matt 5:28
d. universally, to
perceive by the senses, to feel: Matt 14:30
e. to discover by use,
to know by experience: ti, Rom 7:23
2.
metaphorically, to see with the mind's eye
a. to have (the power
of) understanding: Matt 13:13
b. to discern mentally,
observe, perceive, discover, understand; absolutely: 1 Cor 13:12
c. to turn the thoughts
or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, look to; absolutely
blepete take heed: Mark 13:23,33
3. in a
geographical sense, Acts 27:12 (from
Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by
Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
NT:191 akouoo
to hear. I. absolutely,
1. to be endowed with the faculty of hearing
(not deaf): Mark 7:37
2. to attend to (use the faculty of hearing),
consider what is or has been said
3. tropically, to understand, perceive the
sense of what is said: Matt 13:15 f (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic
Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
The reason the people can’t see is that they
need to be converted, or overturned, then Jesus can heal them. Jesus says many
prophets and righteous desired to hear and see the things the disciples were
hearing from Jesus. Many people had their thinking so corrupted that they
didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah. That is the issue. The people who receive
the hidden sayings and the riddles and understand the comparative analysis
given are the ones who are not calloused to the Messiah. These are people who
open mindedly strive to learn rather than create opinions that become “hills to
die on”. Jesus goes on to compare seeds grown in various types of conditions.
Then he compares seeds in good soil and tares. The disciples ask Jesus to explain
and he does, and while he explains he exposes the workings of the devil and the
end of the age when all those that were dead and in the grave or those still on
earth are gathered and judged.
Matt 13:36-43 Then He left the throngs and went
into the house. And His disciples came to Him saying, Explain to us the parable
of the darnel in the field. 37He answered, He Who sows the good seed is the Son
of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed means the children of the
kingdom; the darnel is the children of the evil one, 39 And the enemy who sowed
it is the devil. The harvest is the close and consummation of the age, and the
reapers are angels. 40 Just as the darnel (weeds resembling wheat) is gathered
and burned with fire, so it will be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of Man
will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes
of offense [persons by whom others are drawn into error or sin] and all who do
iniquity and act wickedly, 42 And will cast them into the furnace of fire;
there will be weeping and wailing and grinding of teeth. 43 Then will the
righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God) shine forth
like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let him who has ears [to hear] be
listening, and let him consider and perceive and understand by hearing. [Dan
12:3.] AMP
This takes perception and not an elementary
understanding of the gospel story. Some post moderns have a preschool view of
the Bible and they confuse people with their simplistic reasoning’s. The things
that the prophets and the righteous wanted to know about were now being
discussed by Jesus. Simply stated for the clarity of understanding, there is a
devil and he hates those who believe in Jesus. The devil is sowing evil all the
time. Everything in this life is a choice. The post moderns don’t understand
why a loving “God” would let anyone go to hell. Firstly, our Elohim is Yahweh.
Secondly, it is not Yahweh’s choice it is ours. We make the choice not Yahweh,
he created us to choose, because what value is it to create beings who are
forced to love their creator or forced to serve their creator. Without choice or
one’s own choosing the created beings are simple robots and there is no true
relationship. But if the created beings can decide to love or not love, decide
to serve or not serve, then a true relationship can form from mutual desire.
Prov 1:5-6 The wise also will hear and increase
in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to
sound counsel [so that he may be able to steer his course rightly] — [Prov 9:9.]
6 That people may understand a proverb and a figure of speech or an
enigma with its interpretation, and the words of the wise and their dark
sayings or riddles [2420]. AMP
Prov 1:5G3588But of the ones G1161 G1063for G191hearing, G4680the wise G4680will be wiser, G1510.8.3 G3588and the G1161 G3540.1intelligent G2941[2guidance G29321shall acquire].
6G3539He shall comprehend G5037also G3850a parable G2532and G4652a dark G3056matter; G4488.1sayings G5037also G4680of the wise, G2532and G135enigmas.
NT:3540 noeema, noeematos, to,
1. a mental perception, thought (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic
Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
NT:135 ainigma, ainigmatos, to
1. an obscure saying, an enigma,
2. an obscure thing: 1 Cor 13:12 (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic
Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
In Proverbs, dark matter simply means “dark things”, and sayings are simply sayings. So the wise and the ones with mental
perception will comprehend parables, dark things, and sayings, as well as
enigmas or obscure things. This again is what Jesus was talking about in
Matthew. The Queen of Sheba picked Solomon’s brain for all the deep questions
that she had. Solomon had the foreknowledge Asaph was speaking about.
1 Kings 10:1 WHEN THE queen of Sheba heard of
[the constant connection of] the fame of Solomon with the name of the Lord, she
came to prove him with hard questions (problems and riddles) [2420]. AMP
We also see a group of people looking for
someone who can explain the writing on
the wall, to which they called on Daniel.
Dan 5:11-12 There is a man in your kingdom in
whom is the Spirit of the holy God [or gods], and in the days of your father
light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in
him; and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father — the king, I say, your father —
appointed him master of the magicians, enchanters or soothsayers, Chaldeans,
and astrologers, 12 Because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding
to interpret dreams, clarify riddles [280, Aramaic of 2420], and solve knotty
problems were found in this same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now
let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation. AMP
Daniel was much like Solomon as he had a
foreknowledge and could speak like Asaph did, with foresight. This again is a
deep knowledge that comes from the Holy Spirit. Another man wrote about dark
sayings and parables, Joshua Ben Sirach in his book called All Virtuous Wisdom, also known as Ecclesiasticus. The name Jesus
means “Joshua” in the text; the first Jesus was a grandfather of the second
Jesus.
Ecclus 1:1 When as therefore the first Jesus died, leaving
this book almost perfected, Sirach his son receiving it after him left it to
his own son Jesus, who, having gotten it into his hands, compiled it all
orderly into one volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own
name, his father's name, and his grandfather's; alluring the hearer by the very
name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the study of this book. It containeth
therefore wise sayings, dark sentences, and parables, and certain particular
ancient godly stories of men that pleased God; KJV
This is interesting to note, many people of that era saw
wisdom as special knowledge. Wise sayings, dark sayings, and parables, along
with ancient godly stories, were desirable knowledge. How does one get this
desired knowledge?
Ecclus 1:25 The parables of knowledge are in the treasures
of wisdom: but godliness is an abomination to a sinner. KJV
Is it true that godliness is an abomination to the sinner?
That would be true because wisdom, parables, and dark sayings are not known or
understood by those who cannot spiritually see or hear. One needs a
relationship with the Holy Spirit to have spiritual perception. Therefore
godliness looks like a bondage or a useless practice to the unbeliever. But to
the wise, godliness is not a set of religious dogma but an unseen path to
deeper knowledge. The key is that we do not order our lives to walk in rules or
laws, we instead are to be led by the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:18, Romans 8:14.
That is completely different then what we see the Pharisees and Sadducees
doing. They make a path to walk on and command others to walk on the path they
created, rather than be led where an unseen path exists. The Holy Spirit is the
only one who can lead us into godliness. The result is a free walk with the Holy
Spirit rather than a contrived and forced regimen to live by. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
freedom now has a deeper comprehension, 2 Corinthians 3:17.
Ecclus 13:25-26 The
heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil: and a
merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.26 A cheerful countenance is a token
of a heart that is in prosperity; and the finding out of parables is a
wearisome labour of the mind. KJV
Why is it tiring to decipher parables? Since a parable is not
a spoon fed answer to an idea, situation, or question, one has to work through
the process of thought. Thinking is not a bad labor, and yet especially in the
Churches we disallow people to think for themselves otherwise the differing
opinions could create anarchy, splits, and factions would occur. It is easier
to not allow people to think. However, if one were to take up the task of
thinking for one’s self, the riches of wisdom and knowledge are bestowed upon
the one who allows the Holy Spirit to lead. The one who is led by the Holy
Spirit has his heart changed due to the walk of godliness. And notice, the
heart is not where parables are discerned, parables are determined in the mind.
Now let’s observe this next treasure trove of ideas.
Ecclus 39:1-3 But he that giveth his mind to the law of the
most High, and is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom
of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.2 He will keep the sayings of
the renowned men: and where subtil parables are, he will be there also.3 He
will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be conversant in dark
parables. KJV
The way an individual is led by the Holy Spirit is in godliness,
the individual thinks on the edicts of Yahweh and then meditates on those
precepts. Then the Holy Spirit can open up understanding into wisdom,
prophecies, parables, grave secrets, and dark parables. This is how Asaph,
Daniel, and Solomon were able to speak in foreknowledge. This is not how Jesus
spoke because he already knew all the secrets, which again is why Matthew
quoted Psalm 78 differently. There are great treasures of knowledge in minute
details as we see here. Humankind has to contemplate on the precepts and
prophecies of Yahweh and the Holy Spirit infuses understanding. That is how we
find Yahweh and the very deep understandings of our very existence.
Defining parables, Jesus did not always speak in parables,
sometimes he used stories such as the rich man and Lazarus. This is a story,
there is no comparison of two or more things. Jesus also uses names in this
story not vague descriptions such as a man or a farmer. Look at Strong’s #
NT3850 parabolee again. Jesus’ point in not naming the rich man goes back to
the context of who he was speaking to. All the Pharisees fell into the “rich
man” category; they were greedy and loved riches. They wore fine robes and
expensive linens. Probably several of the Pharisees ate dinner with that very
same sickly beggar Lazarus sitting outside their homes waiting for crumbs. Also,
these Pharisees probably knew Lazarus the beggar had died.
Luke 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard
all these things: and they derided him. KJV
The Pharisees mocked Jesus but instead of giving a comparative
analysis of their fate Jesus told them about something hidden and concealed,
Strong’s #NT2928 krupto. We don’t see a side by side comparison, or an allusion
to people in general but specific information that has not been heard before
and Jesus is naming names. Abraham is central here because Abraham is in a
different place than the rich man. Jesus was speaking to greedy Pharisees and
this story will be their story if they continue in their ways. Let’s look.
Luke 16:19-31 There was a certain
rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously
every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at
his gate, full of sores,21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell
from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22 And
it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into
Abraham's bosom bay or creek: the rich man also died, and was buried;23
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off,
and Lazarus in his bosom.24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy
on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and
cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.25 But Abraham said, Son,
remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise
Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.26 And
beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they
which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that
would come from thence.27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that
thou wouldest send him to my father's house:28 For I have five brethren; that
he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they
will repent.31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. KJV
We have studied this in great
detail in the past. The word bosom is
actually “bay or creek”. The place that Abraham was and the place Lazarus was
taken by the angels was a place with water. The place the rich mans was, hell,
had flames and he was tormented. There is consciousness in hell as the rich man
is looking for Lazarus whom he must have known prior to death and he was trying
to bring him water. Abraham calls the rich man son, which means that the rich man was a son or an heir of Abraham.
The Pharisees always said they were children of Abraham. As we see, descendants
of Abraham can go to hell because of their lifestyle. There is a chasm between
where the rich man was and Abraham and Lazarus stood. There was no crossing
between those two places. The rich man is calling Abraham Father, which means
he also knows he is descended from Abraham.
The rich man wants Lazarus to
rise from the dead and visit his relatives to warn them about hell. Here is
where we want to focus our attention, Abraham says that the man’s relatives
have Moses and the prophets to listen to. Let’s reiterate. At that time, the
living could use spiritual perception to “hear” the prophets and Moses
regarding the place of hell. This is not something hidden, the rest of Jesus’
story was hidden as to life in hell, but listening to Moses and the prophets
was not a matter no one knew about. People may not have known about flames or
chasms or torment, or even two specific places in hell, and people may not have
known that even though the person in hell never met Abraham, that they knew
Abraham was their father. Those things are hidden. Those things were revealed
as dark sayings and secret knowledge not known since the beginning. But learning
and perceiving from Moses and the prophets was not hidden knowledge. The rich
man’s answer was very telling as well. He reasoned if Lazarus rose from the
dead the rich man’s relatives would repent. Repent from what? Hardened
calloused thinking that binds one to a manmade path of self-righteousness. People’s
minds were directed and controlled to think a certain way, the way that the
religious leaders wanted them to think. Now look at Abraham’s answer. If they
don’t “hear” Moses and the prophets they won’t be persuaded by someone rising
from the dead. Why? The Pharisees lacked spiritual perception to “hear”, akouoo,
Moses and the prophets because they followed their own religious dogmas. Their
self-made path of righteousness took them to the place that they created,
rather than being led by the Holy Spirit, so that they would not believe even
if someone rose from the dead. Being led by the Holy Spirit leads us into spiritual
perception to believe in one rising from the dead. This is how we get to Romans
10:9&10, by following the Holy Spirit, who is drawing people to the Lord.
Thinking back to Ecclesiasticus, maybe our definition of
godliness is incorrect. The Pharisees had a form of godliness but couldn’t see. Maybe godliness that is led by the
Holy Spirit is not a set path but an individual journey for each of us. Maybe
we can’t tell others about our own path because it is unique for each of us. Maybe
the way people perceive the secret sayings is different for each of us while
the answer regarding the secret sayings is the same for everyone.
Now we have an answer as to why
some people refuse to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, they do not have
spiritual perception. This is our answer to elementary understandings of the Bible.
Spiritual perception comes from the Holy Spirit, who leads us on a path to
understand dark sayings. This section in Luke is not a parable but Jesus is
revealing hidden sayings. He was revealing them to the very people who needed
to hear it most, the pious religious leaders who most likely knew Lazarus and
were rejecting Jesus.
The over dramatization of the
Hebrew idea of Jesus speaking in riddles discourages people to meditate or consider
what is being said. While thinking is a labor of the mind, it is an exercise
everyone must do to grow up into wisdom and knowledge of the hidden secrets of
the Bible. To stay spoon fed by others only shapes and forms one’s thinking
which may be incorrect or incomplete. There is no man made path to walk to
attain spiritual perception regarding parables or riddles, instead it is an
individual walk being led by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom. While Jesus
did reveal hidden knowledge, we have to think, consider, and perceive, and we
have to discern between parables and what has been kept secret since the
foundations of the world. Thinking is good for us.
