Author: David Ellis

Don: In the parable of the vineyard workers, the demonstration of grace is couched in the context of work. It’s ironic that work is important in some context while in the end the rewards passed out to the laborers totally negate their work effort. Both the early, diligent workers and the late, dilatory workers were…

Don: In the parable of the vineyard workers we have been discussing, the vineyard owner (God) addressed one of the early workers, who were disgruntled to receive the same pay as the late workers, as “Friend”: But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not…

Don: The parable of the vineyard workers reflects poor labor policy and a bad business model. It is utterly contrary to the principle of cause and effect and the concept of fairness, which is so important to us in Western civilization. It is certain that the parable is linked to the question posed by the…

Kiran: From our study of the stories of the Rich Young Ruler, Zaccheus, and others, we have concluded that eternal life is not something we can earn: It is the gift of God. In return, he asks our obedience. What exactly is that? At the conclusion of the story of the RYR Jesus made his…

Don: It is a primary focus of all the great religions to answer three existential questions: Where do I come from? Why am I here? And: Where will I go after death? They are in essence questions of creation, revelation, and salvation. Most religions teach that the afterlife is a reward—or a punishment—for the life…

Don: We have studied the stories of the Rich Young Ruler and the lawyer, both of whom asked Jesus how they could inherit eternal life. Other scriptural stories—the Pharisee and the Publican, the blind man on the road to Jericho, and Zaccheus the tax collector—provide additional insight regarding the answer to that question: And [Jesus]…

Don: In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus contrasted the action of the Samaritan with the inaction of the priest and the Levite. All priests are Levites, but not all Levites are priests. The priests were direct descendants of Moses’ brother Aaron and were given specific duties in administering sanctuary services. Levites who were…

Don: Two people asked Jesus the question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The first was the Rich Young Ruler, whom we discussed last week. The second was a “lawyer”: And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And He said…

And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Then he said to Him,…