HOW TO DISCERN THE WHEAT MIXED WITH TARES
How did Jesus correct his disciples in a wise, and the most effective, way? We learn from Christ’s example to be more effective at our witnessing. This 3-part series will cover various interesting details about Jesus as a teacher. The theme of what I’m quoting focuses on Christ’s teaching methods as our example. But I’m using these illustrations to bring out a different theme. We can learn from both His teaching example and from our need to wisely discern what’s likely wheat and tares in our midst.
THE PROBLEMS JESUS FACED TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES
…when you live under Roman occupation, if you are on your way to Jerusalem, you are paying 5 taxes, one at each country line going from Galilee to Jerusalem, and you are angry at Roman occupation…. Did you know some rabbis thought if the shadow of a Gentile crossed you, you had to use an immersion bath? …Remember, for the first time in his life, Peter is in a pagan house in Acts 10. What did he say to Cornelius? “You know it is unlawful for a Jew to mix with someone of another nation. I’m breaking the way I was brought up, and have been living, by coming to you.”
Jesus The Teacher
CHRIST’S STRATEGY WITH HIS DISCIPLES
Jesus’ disciples clearly hated the Samaritans since they wanted to call down fire from Heaven on them (Luke 9:54). This hatred didn’t start when these Samaritans refused to receive Jesus in Luke 9:53. See also the disciples’ attitude toward the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30. But did Jesus frequently and sharply rebuke them for their hatred? Or did he teach in group settings that we should love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)? Then in their private group, did he instead often correct them with questions (cf. Mark 8:14-21, 34-37; 9:14-19; 10:2-5; Luke 22:24-27, 39-48)? His gentle approach and perfect example was a much more effective reproach.
CHRIST’S WISDOM IN TEACHING THE DISCIPLES
Jesus’ first form of discipline when the students aren’t catching on: questions…. Kings give orders…which are deductive: i.e., “this is the conclusion which you…obey.” Jesus prefers inductive teaching….
Jesus The Teacher
Deduction means I as a teacher tell you as a student the conclusion and “1,” “2,” “3” is why you better believe it if you want…an “A” in the course…. The inductive style lists “1,” “2,” and “3,” then asks, “so what do you think about it?” You are not given the conclusion…. It seems that this is how the Synoptic Gospels present Jesus’ way of teaching his disciples. It would be really smart if the church would follow the spirit of Jesus in this way….
I’d also add it’d be wise if we focus on this method more when we witness to the unsaved. Ask questions that point out the inconsistencies of what people want to believe. Questions that may make them uncomfortable but will make them think.
CHRIST’S WISDOM IN TEACHING THE CROWDS
97% of the parables don’t even directly mention God or your relationship to God…. With the one exception of the…sower and the seed, we are given no explanations. Jesus has so much respect as to what God’s Spirit can do, that he leaves it to you and God. When you hear a parable, you are supposed to say I think this has something to do with me and God. But, it doesn’t say it. You have to come to that yourself.
Jesus The Teacher
Remember, when Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, he would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11). I remember my unsaved ex-father-in-law once teased me about nagging wives. I said in response, “If husbands listened to their consciences, the wives wouldn’t have to nag.” But honestly, that was just my push back to him. Although my marriage failed anyway (I couldn’t control him), I always knew I’d only make it worse by nagging. So, I committed from the beginning to never nag, and I’m thankful for my clear conscience about that.
OUR PROBLEM WITH ELECTION
Did you know the words “backslide” or “backslidden” aren’t in the Bible? Many “Christians” prayed a prayer and think that’s good enough. Others in our churches have stagnated with apathy, traditions, etc. It can be discouraging, and little wonder there are concerns with believing in election. It seems there’s already a free-ticket-to-Heaven concept in our many churches, just by believing we’re saved by Christ’s work alone. Wouldn’t election add to this free-ticket-to-Heaven problem?
I’ve already mentioned the 2 books that converted me to Calvinism. But in the Bible, being chosen
is never, ever privilege. It is always…responsibility…. You’re not chosen because you’re good or because God likes you better…. You’re chosen to be a light…. Israel is chosen to be a light to the Gentiles.
Jesus The Teacher
THE PARABLE OF WHEAT AND TARES
The difference between the tares and wheat is the tares have no fruit, but the wheat does (Matthew 13:24-30). Jesus taught that the wheat and tares must grow together to prevent uprooting the wheat. But the tares are destined for burning. In other words, “how to discern the wheat mixed with tares”. And the question remains, who’s wheat, and who’s tares? The answer seems abundantly clear: who bears spiritual fruit? Yet when you look at the problems Jesus had with the disciples, it’s not that obvious, is it? The next two blogs will tackle this problem better.
The above is scanned from my documentary link
