Reference: Parable
Hastings
PARABLE (IN OT)
1. The word represents Heb. m
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Thus went Jesus about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all sorts of diseases and infirmities among the people:
Beware of false prophets, who to outward appearance are sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. you will know them by their fruits: do men gather grapes of thorns, read more. or figs of thistles? so every good tree yields good fruit: but a corrupt tree yields bad fruit. a good tree cannot produce bad fruit: neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. every tree that doth not yield good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire. by their fruits then shall ye know them. Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but only they who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. many will cry out to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? have we not cast out devils in thy name? and in thy name have we not wrought many miracles? and then will I make this declaration to them: I never knew you: depart from me ye that have practised iniquity. therefore, whoever heareth these instructions of mine, and puts them in practice, I will compare him to the prudent man, who built his house upon a rock: the rain descended, the floods came, the winds blew, and beat upon that house: but it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. but every one that heareth these instructions of mine, and practiseth them not, shall be compared to a fool who built his house upon the sand: the rain descends, the flood rushes on, the winds blow, and beat upon the house: down it falls, and wide are its ruins.
Jesus replyed, the foxes have kennels, and the birds of the air have nests; but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.
"if we play a merry tune, you are not for dancing; if we act a mournful part, you are not in the humour."
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea-side.
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea-side. and there was so great a croud of people got about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a bark, where he sat, while the people all stood on the shore.
and there was so great a croud of people got about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a bark, where he sat, while the people all stood on the shore. Then he talk'd to them much in parables, and said, a sower went out to sow.
Then he talk'd to them much in parables, and said, a sower went out to sow. and in sowing, part of the grain fell in the high-way, and the fowls light and peck'd them up:
and in sowing, part of the grain fell in the high-way, and the fowls light and peck'd them up: another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow:
another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away.
so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it.
another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it. but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty.
but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? read more. to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed.
to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath. read more. therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend. and in them is fulfilled that prophecy of Esaias, "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." but happy are you that your eyes have sight; and that your ears have their hearing. for I declare unto you, that many prophets and just men have desired to see what ye see, and have not seen it: and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard it. Hear then the meaning of this parable of the sower. when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground,
when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground, where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure:
where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure: but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses.
but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses. he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful:
he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful: but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another.
but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another. Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field:
Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field: but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too.
but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too. so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares?
so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares? 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up?
'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up? no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root read more. up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn.
so that this saying of the prophet was fulfilled, "I will talk in parables, I will utter what has been kept secret from the foundation of the world."
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field. Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls:
Then the Pharisees and the Sadducees came, with a captious design, and desired him to show them some miracle in the sky. but he answered them, in the evening you foretel fair weather: when the sky is of a bright red. read more. and in the morning, a foul day: when the sky is of a dusky red. hypocrites, can ye judge of the appearance of the sky, and yet not discern the signs of these times? a wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no miracle shall they have beside that of the prophet Jonas. and so leaving them, he went away.
At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, who is to be the greatest in the kingdom of the Messiah? and Jesus called a child to him, set him in the midst of them, read more. and said, I declare to you, except ye lay aside your ambition, and become as children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of the Messias. he therefore who shall become as void of ambition as this child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of the Messiah.
but this very servant presently after met with one of his fellow-servants, who owed him an hundred pence: and violently seizing him, said, pay me the debt. and his fellow-servant fell at his feet, and embraced him, saying, allow me time, and I will pay thee all. read more. which he would not allow: but immediately threw him into prison, till he should pay the debt. his fellow-servants upon seeing this were very much concern'd, and went to acquaint their master with what had pass'd. then his lord order'd him to be call'd, and said to him, O thou wicked slave, I forgave thee all thy debt, upon your request: should not you then have had the like compassion for thy fellow servant as I had for thee? so that his lord in great displeasure delivered him to the jayler till he should pay the whole debt. in the same manner will my heavenly father likewise treat you, if ye do not sincerely forgive every one the trespasses of his brother.
and he said to her, what would you have? grant, said she, when you are upon the throne, that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left.
But what do you think of this? a man had two sons, and coming to the first, he said, son, go, work to-day in my vineyard.
Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country.
Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country. and when the fruit-season came on, he sent his servants to the tenants, to receive the fruits of it. read more. but they seiz'd his servants, beat some, killed one, and stoned another. then he sent a greater number of servants, than at first: who met with the same treatment. but last of all, he sent his son, saying, they will reverence my son. but when the tenants saw the son, they said among themselves, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and then seize on his inheritance. so seizing upon him, they turn'd him out of the vineyard, and slew him. when the master therefore of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants? they answered, he will give those wretches no quarter, and will let out his vineyard to such as shall duly account for the profits thereof. Jesus reply'd, did ye never read in the scriptures, " that very stone which the builders rejected, is become the principal stone of the angle, this the Lord effected, and it is marvellous in our eyes." wherefore I declare to you, the gospel dispensation shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that shall make a proper use thereof. and whosoever shall stumble at this stone, shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, he shall be entirely crush'd. When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them. and they endeavoured to seize him, but were afraid of the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
So it was when a man was going to travel into a foreign country, he called his servants, and delivered to them his stock: to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his respective ability, and then set out on his journey. read more. now he that had received five talents, immediately employed them in trade, and gain'd five talents more. so he that had received two, gained likewise other two. but he that had received one, went to dig a hole in the ground, and hid his lord's money. after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. accordingly he that had received five talents, came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered to me five talents: besides those, there's five talents more, which I have gain'd. his lord said to him, well done, thou art an honest faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust; go in and partake of thy master's diversions. he also that had received two talents, came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents: here are two other talents which I have gain'd besides them. his lord said to him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust: go in and partake of your master's joy. then came he who had received the one talent, and said, Lord, I knew that you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered: fear made me hide the talent under ground: but there you have what is your own. his lord answered and said unto him, thou vile slothful wretch, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not scatter'd: should not you then have lodged my money at the banker's, and so at my return I should have received my own with interest. here, take the talent from him, and give it to him that has the ten. for he that makes use of what he has, shall have more; but if he makes no improvement thereof, it shall be taken from him. take then that worthless fellow, turn him out in the dark, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Again, he said, the state of the gospel is like that of the grain, which a man sows in his land: however he takes his repose by night, or is employ'd by day, the grain shoots up and grows without his inspection. read more. for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. but as soon as the fruit is ripe, the sickle is applied, because the harvest is come.
when a man travels into foreign parts, he leaves his goods in charge to his servants, he appoints to every one his task, and orders the porter to be vigilant, watch ye therefore (for you don't know when the master of the house will return; whether at evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning) read more. for fear by his sudden return he should surprize you sleeping. what I say to you, I say to all, be vigilant.
upon hearing this, the whole synagogue were incensed against him.
A certain creditor had two debtors, the one owed five hundred denarys, and the other fifty. having not wherewithal to pay it, he freely discharged them both of the debt. tell me now, which of the two will love him most? read more. I think, said Simon, he that had the greatest debt remitted to him. you are in the right, said Jesus.
he answered, the secret circumstances of the divine dispensation may be clearly revealed to you, but to others only in parables, so that they don't observe what they see, nor comprehend what they hear.
to which Jesus answered, a certain man, as he was going from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among thieves, who stripp'd him, and beat him, then march'd off leaving him half dead. a certain priest happen'd to be travelling that way, who look'd upon him, and then pass'd on. read more. a Levite too came to the same place, gave him a look, and pass'd on. but a certain Samaritan being on the road, came where he was, and when he saw him, he took compassion on him, went up to him, dress'd his wounds by applying oil and wine, then set him upon his own mule, and brought him to an inn, where he took care of him. upon his departure the next day, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the master of the house, take care of him, said he, and I will repay you all the charges you are at, upon my return. which now of the three do you think was neighbour to the man that was robb'd. he, reply'd the doctor, who took pity on him. then said Jesus to him, go then, and imitate his example.
Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. read more. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
to which purpose he propos'd to them this parable: a rich man had some land that was very fruitful. and thus he reason'd with himself, what shall I do for want of room to store up my crop? read more. this will I do, said he, I will pull down my barns, and build greater: and there I will bestow all my rich product. then I will say to my soul, soul, you have many enjoyments in reserve for a number of years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. but God said to him, thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee: who then shall enjoy what thou hast provided? such is he, who heaps up his treasure here, and makes no provision for another world.
Let your loins be girt, and your lamps burning: imitate those servants who stand waiting for their master's return from the wedding, to let him in as soon as he comes to the door. read more. happy those servants, whom the master at his arrival shall find thus watching: I assure you, he shall gird himself, and make them sit at table, and will come to serve them. happy are the servants he finds in such a state, whether it be at the second or at the third watch of the night, when he comes. if the master of a house knew at what hour the thief would come, no doubt he would be on his guard, and not suffer him to break into his house.
Jesus answered, if there be a faithful prudent steward, appointed by his master to give his domesticks their stated allowance; happy is such a servant, whom his master at his return shall find so employ'd. read more. I assure you, he will intrust him with the management of his whole estate. but if the servant should say within himself, my master delays his return; and fall a beating his fellow-servants, indulging himself in eating and drinking to excess. his master will return on a day he does not expect him, and a an hour he is ignorant of; he will separate him from the rest, and give him a treatment answerable to his infidelity.
I tell you, no: and except you repent, you shall all likewise perish. or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, do you think they were greater criminals than the other inhabitants of Jerusalem? read more. I tell you, no: and except you repent, you shall all likewise perish. He proposed likewise this parable: a certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard, and he came expecting it should have had fruit, but he found none. then he said to the vine-dresser, you see, I have been looking these three years for fruit from this fig-tree, but find none: hew it down, why should it cumber my ground? to which he made answer, sir, let it alone one year longer, till I shall dig about it, and dung it.
when any one invites you to a wedding, don't put yourself in the highest seat: for fear some person of greater distinction should be a guest,
Then he said to the Pharisee, that had invited him, when you give a dinner, or a supper, don't call your friends, or your brethren, or kinsmen, or wealthy neighbours; lest they invite you again, and make you a requital. but when you make a feast call the poor, and maimed, the lame and blind:
One of the company hearing that, said to him, happy is he that shall be entertain'd in the kingdom of God. upon which Jesus said, a certain man made a great entertainment; where many were invited. read more. at supper-time he sent his servant to tell the guests to come, because every thing was ready. but they were all of a mind in making some excuse: the first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, which I must needs go and see: therefore pray excuse me. another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, which I am going to prove: I beg you to excuse me. another said, I have married a wife: 'tis therefore impossible for me to come. so the servant return'd, and related the whole matter to his master, who in resentment said to his servant, go immediately into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. at length the servant said, sir, your orders have been executed, and still there is room. the master reply'd, go then to the high-ways and by-paths, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full. for I tell you that not one of those, who were invited, shall taste of my supper.
but he propos'd to them this parable. who of you that has an hundred sheep, will not, upon losing one, leave the ninety nine in the desart, to go after that which is lost, till he finds it? read more. and when he hath found it, joyfully lay it upon his shoulders? and when he comes home, call his friends and neighbours together, and say to them, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep, that was lost? I tell you, that there shall likewise be greater joy in heaven for one sinner that repents, than for ninety nine just persons, that need no repentance. or if a woman, that has ten pieces of money, should lose one of them, will she not light a lamp, sweep the house, and carefully search, till she find it? and when 'tis found, will she not call her friends aud neighbours together, and say, rejoice with me, for I have found the piece, I had lost? even so, I assure you, the angels in heaven rejoice, when any one sinner becomes a penitent. Again he said: a certain man had two sons; the younger of which said to his father, father, give me that portion of the estate which falls to my share. accordingly he divided his estate among them. a little while after the younger son turn'd all he had into money, and travell'd into a foreign country, where he squander'd away his fortune in luxurious living. when he had spent all, there happen'd to be a severe famine in that country; and he was reduced to want, which forc'd him to make his application to one of the inhabitants there, who sent him to his farm to look after his swine. for he would have been contented to have liv'd upon the carruways, with which they usually fed the swine: but nobody would supply him. at length coming to himself, how many, said he, does my father keep in pay, who have bread in abundance, whilst I am dying here with hunger? I will depart, and go to my father, and say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against thee; I am no longer worthy to be called your son: treat me as one of your hir'd servants. so he departed and went to his father. but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him. then the son said to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. but the father said to his servants, bring hither the finest robe, and put it on him: put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. take the fatted calf, and kill it: let us eat and be merry: for this son of mine was dead, and is come to life: he was lost, and is found again. and then they began their feast. In the mean time his elder son was in the country. at his return, when he came near home, he heard the musick and dancing: and calling one of the servants, he ask'd what was the occasion of it, who reply'd, your brother is return'd, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in good health. upon this he was full of resentment, and refused to go in: and when his father came out to persuade him, he replied to his father, how many years have I serv'd you, without having ever disobey'd your orders? and yet you never bestow'd a kid upon me, to make merry with my friends: whereas this son of yours, who has eat up his fortune among a pack of loose creatures, is no sooner come but you must kill the fatted calf for him. son, said he to him, you shall continue to be with me, and all that I have shall be thine. but it was necessary to feast and rejoice, because your brother here was dead, and is again alive: he was lost and is now found.
There was a rich man, who used to dress in purple and fine linnen, and pass his days in pomp and luxury. a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him. read more. but he wanted to be fed with the crumbs, that fell from the rich man's table. at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments. besides this, there is an unalterable chasm between us and you, so that the passage from one place to the other is impracticable to those who should attempt it. upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers, to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment. but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them. no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent. Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.
as see here! or see there! for even now the kingdom of God is commenc'd among you.
Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged. saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. read more. a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary. for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land? Then he propos'd this parable, concerning those who had a great opinion of their own justice, and look'd with contempt upon others. two men went to the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a Publican.
two men went to the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a Publican. the Pharisee in a standing posture pray'd thus by himself, O God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men, a robber, a cheat, an adulterer, or like that Publican. read more. I fast twice a week, and I pay the tythe of all I possess. but the Publican, who stood a good way lower, not daring to lift up even his eyes to heaven, only smote his breast, and said, O God, be merciful to me, who am a sinner. I tell you this man went home approv'd as just, and not the other. for whoever exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
but Jesus called the children to him, and said to his disciples, let the children come to me, without any hindrance, for they who belong to the kingdom of God, must be like them.
a nobleman, said he, was going to travel to a foreign country, in order to have his kingdom confirm'd to him at his return. and he called ten of his servants, to whom he deliver'd ten pounds: improve that, said he, till I return. read more. but he being hated by the citizens, after he was gone, they sent a deputation to court, to make this protest, "we will not have him for our king." upon his return, being confirm'd king, he order'd the servants, he had trusted with the money, to appear, and inform him, what improvement each of them had made. the first came and said, Lord, your one pound has gained ten more. he answer'd, honest servant, that's well: since your industry has made so much of so little, I give you the government of ten cities. then the second came, and said, Lord, your pound has produc'd five more. his master replied, you shall be governor of five cities. but another came and said, Lord, here's your money, which I laid up safe in a napkin. for I was in fear of you, knowing you to be a hard master, who exact what you never gave, and reap where you have never sown. wicked slave, said he, from your own mouth will I convict thee. "you knew I was a hard master, exacting what I never gave, and reaping where I never sowed: " why then did you not lodge my money in the bank, that on my return I might have drawn it out with interest? then he said to his attendants, take the one pound from him, and give it him, that gain'd ten. but they objected, Lord, he has already ten pounds: I tell you, said he, that to every one who improves, more shall be given: and he that makes no improvement, shall be stript of what he has. as for those enemies of mine, who would not have me for their king, bring them here, and slay them in my presence.
and Jesus said, "father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." then they divided his raiment among them by throwing lots,
saying, if thou art the king of the Jews, save thy self.
I assure you, he that entreth not by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some other way, is a thief and a robber. but he that enters in by the door, is the pastor of the sheep. read more. the porter lets him in, and the sheep know his voice: he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out to pasture.
the porter lets him in, and the sheep know his voice: he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out to pasture. when he lets out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: because they know his voice. read more. a stranger they will not follow, but flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. Jesus talk'd to them in this figurative way: but they did not understand the meaning of his discourse. Jesus therefore subjoin'd, I declare unto you, I am the door of the sheep-fold. they who have personated me, are all thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not follow them.
I am the genuine vine, and my father is the vintager. every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful. read more. you are already clean by the instructions I have given you. be attach'd to me, and I shall be so to you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it be attach'd to the vine: so neither can you, except you continue attach'd to me. I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for independent of me ye can do nothing. if a man abide not in me, he is cast away as withered branches that are gather'd up to be thrown into the fire, where they are burned. if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and you shall obtain it. my father will be honour'd by your bearing much fruit, and you will have the honour of being my disciples.
These things have I express'd in a figurative way: the time is coming when my language will be no longer enigmatical, but I shall give you a plain account relating to my father.
These things have I express'd in a figurative way: the time is coming when my language will be no longer enigmatical, but I shall give you a plain account relating to my father.
Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, I should have had my guards to prevent my falling into the hands of the Jews: whereas my kingdom is of another nature.
but herein hath God displayed his love towards us, in that Christ died for us, even while we were yet sinners.
This type subsists to the present time, both gifts and sacrifices being still offered, which cannot purify the mind of him that officiates
concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd.