The Son
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4. Ethics as Participation in Christ’s New Life: The Teaching of Romans
Introduction Paul’s letter to the Romans not only presents Jesus as the Messiah but also calls believers to live ethically as participants in Christ’s death and resurrection. This article explores how union with the risen Messiah shapes Christian ethics, emphasizing newness of life, love, and community. 1. Union with Christ:…
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5. Freedom and Spirit-Led Living: Ethical Living in Galatians
Introduction Paul’s letter to the Galatians strongly emphasizes Christian freedom rooted in faith in Christ the Messiah, contrasting it with legalistic bondage. This article explores how Paul connects this freedom to Spirit-led ethical living and community equality. 1. Freedom from the Law’s Curse 2. Walking by the Spirit 3. Equality…
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6. Imitating Christ’s Humility and Exaltation: Ethical Exhortations in Philippians
Introduction In Philippians, Paul presents Jesus as the humble yet exalted Messiah and calls believers to imitate this model. This article explores how Christ’s incarnation, obedience, and exaltation form the ethical foundation for Christian community life and witness. 1. The Christ Hymn: Humility in Incarnation 2. Obedience to Death and…
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7. The Church as the Body of Christ: Identity and Unity in Romans and 1 Corinthians
Introduction Paul’s ecclesiology is deeply rooted in his Christology. In Romans and 1 Corinthians, he describes the church as the body of Christ, a spiritual organism unified by the Spirit and called to live in ethical harmony. This article explores how Paul’s understanding of Jesus as the Messiah shapes the…
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8. The New Covenant People: Equality and Freedom in the Church (Galatians)
Introduction In Galatians, Paul presents the church as the new covenant community established through faith in Christ, the Messiah. This article explores how Paul’s Christology shapes an ecclesiology centred on freedom, equality, and the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers. 1. The Church as the People of the Promise…
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9. The Church Called to Imitate Christ: Humility and Mission in Philippians
Introduction Paul’s letter to the Philippians emphasizes the church’s calling to imitate the Messiah’s humility and exaltation. This article examines how Paul connects Christ’s self-emptying and lordship with the ethical and missional life of the Christian community. 1. The Model of Christ’s Humility 2. Exaltation and Lordship as Motivation 3.…
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10. Interconnection of Christology, Ethics, and Ecclesiology in Pauline Theology
Introduction Paul’s theology is a unified whole where Christology, ethics, and ecclesiology are deeply interconnected. This article explores how Paul’s understanding of Jesus as the Messiah shapes the ethical life of believers and the nature of the church community. 1. Christ as the Foundation of Christian Identity and Ethics 2.…
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11. Applying Pauline Theology in Today’s Church and Christian Life
Introduction Paul’s integrated theology of Christology, ethics, and ecclesiology offers timeless guidance for contemporary Christian communities and individual believers. This article explores how his teachings can shape modern faith practice, church life, and ethical living. 1. Affirming Jesus as the Messiah Today 2. Living Ethically in the Spirit of Pauline…
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God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life (Contents)
1 – God is Omnipotent, Yet Jesus Slept in the Boat: Infinite Power and Human Weakness 2 – God is Immortal, Yet Jesus Died: The Deathless One and the Cross 3 – God is Omniscient, Yet Jesus Didn’t Know the Hour: The Mystery of Limited Knowledge in the Incarnate Christ…
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1 – God is Omnipotent, Yet Jesus Slept in the Boat: Infinite Power and Human Weakness
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction One of the most vivid portrayals of Christ’s humanity appears in the Gospels when Jesus, during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, is found asleep in the boat (Mark 4:38). This is…
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2 – God is Immortal, Yet Jesus Died: The Deathless One and the Cross
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction The paradox of Christ’s death stands at the heart of the Christian gospel. Scripture affirms that God is immortal—He cannot die (1 Timothy 6:16), is the source of all life (John 5:26), and…
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3 – God is Omniscient, Yet Jesus Didn’t Know the Hour: The Mystery of Limited Knowledge in the Incarnate Christ
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction One of the most striking paradoxes in the Gospels is Jesus’ statement in Mark 13:32: “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven,…
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4 – Christ is Fully God and Fully Man: The Unity of Two Natures in One Person
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction The Christian faith upholds the truth that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, a doctrinal cornerstone rooted in Scripture and upheld by historic creeds. This paradox—one person with two complete…
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5 – The Word Became Flesh: Infinite Divinity in Finite Humanity
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Few paradoxes in Christian theology are as foundational and awe-inspiring as the declaration that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14). This statement asserts that the eternal, divine Logos—through whom all things were created—took…
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6 – Christ is the Judge, Yet Was Judged: The Righteous One in the Dock
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction One of the most striking paradoxes in Christian theology is that Christ, the eternal Judge of all, was Himself put on trial, condemned, and crucified by human authorities. Scripture clearly presents Christ as…
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7 – Christ is Eternal, Yet Was Born of a Woman: Eternity Entering Time
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Christian orthodoxy holds that Jesus Christ is eternal, uncreated, and one with the Father (John 1:1–2). Yet paradoxically, He entered time through human birth, being born of a woman (Galatians 4:4). This mystery—the…
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8 – Christ is Omnipresent, Yet Walked Locally: The Tension Between Divine Presence and Human Limitation
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Christian theology affirms that Christ is fully God, and as such shares in all divine attributes—including omnipresence, the capacity to be everywhere at once. Yet, during His earthly ministry, Jesus walked from town…
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9 – The King of Kings Was Born in a Manger: Majesty in Humiliation
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction The paradox of the incarnation reaches a powerful crescendo in the birth narrative: the King of Kings, the one through whom all things were made (Colossians 1:16), entered the world not in splendour,…
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10 – God Is All-Powerful, Yet Christ Slept from Exhaustion: Omnipotence in Human Weakness
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction The doctrine of divine omnipotence affirms that God is all-powerful, lacking no strength or ability (Jeremiah 32:17; Revelation 19:6). Yet, in the Gospels, we encounter Jesus—God incarnate—sleeping from sheer physical exhaustion during a…
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11 – God Is Invisible, Yet Christ Was Seen: The Unseen Revealed in Flesh
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Scripture declares that God is invisible—not accessible to human sight or perception. “No man hath seen God at any time” (John 1:18). Yet in the person of Jesus Christ, God was visibly present,…
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12 – God Cannot Die, Yet Christ Died: Immortality Clothed in Mortal Flesh
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Christian doctrine holds that God is eternal and immortal—incapable of dying or ceasing to exist. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:17, “Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour…
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13 – God Does Not Change, Yet Christ Grew and Matured: Unchanging Essence in a Developing Form
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction The divine immutability of God is a fundamental doctrine upheld throughout Scripture. “For I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6, ESV) and “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James…
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14 – God Never Changes, Yet Christ Grew and Matured: Immutable Divinity in a Developing Humanity
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction The unchangeableness of God is a central doctrine of classical theism. Scripture affirms in Malachi 3:6, “I am the LORD, I change not”. Similarly, Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and…
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15 – God Is Omniscient, Yet Christ Asked Questions: Divine Wisdom in Human Inquiry
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction God is omniscient—He knows all things, past, present, and future (Psalm 147:5). Yet, during His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ frequently asked questions. From “Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29) to “Why…
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16 – God Is Glorious, Yet Christ Was Despised: Majesty Veiled in Rejection
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction In Scripture, God is revealed as glorious, majestic, and exalted. Psalm 104:1 declares, “Thou art clothed with honour and majesty.” Yet when the Son of God entered the world, Isaiah prophesied that He…
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17 – God Is Immortal, Yet Christ Was Crucified: Death Conquered by the Deathless One
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Scripture affirms that God is immortal, eternal, and not subject to death. Yet the Gospels testify that Jesus Christ was crucified, suffered, and died. This paradox reaches into the very core of the…
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18 – God Is Spirit, Yet Christ Had a Body: The Incorporeal God in Human FleshCertainly.
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction The Bible clearly teaches that God is spirit, invisible and without a physical body (John 4:24). Yet the eternal Son took on a real human body in the incarnation. This paradox between God’s…
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19 – God Is Eternal, Yet Christ Was Born: Timelessness in Temporal Incarnation
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Christian theology confesses that God is eternal, without beginning or end (Psalm 90:2; Revelation 1:8). Yet in the fullness of time, Jesus Christ was born (Galatians 4:4) to Mary in Bethlehem. This paradox…
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20 – God Is Omnipresent, Yet Christ Walked from Place to Place: The Infinite Present in Finite Space
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction One of the defining attributes of God is omnipresence—the ability to be fully present everywhere at once (Psalm 139:7–10; Jeremiah 23:24). Yet during the Incarnation, Jesus Christ moved from village to village, walked…
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21 – God Is Peace, Yet the Son Cried Out: The Serenity of God and the Anguish of the Cross
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Scripture affirms that God is the God of peace, unshaken by turmoil or confusion. He is the source and sustainer of harmony, order, and inner stillness (1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:9). Yet, in…
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22 – God Is Sovereign, Yet Christ Was Subject to Earthly Authorities: The Lord of All Under Human Rule
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction The sovereignty of God is a cornerstone of Christian theology—He reigns supreme over all creation, authorities, and destinies (Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:35). Yet in the incarnation, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, submitted Himself…
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23 – God Is the Creator, Yet Christ Was Born of a Woman
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly LifeThe Author of Life Enters Through His Own Creation 1. Introduction Scripture teaches that God is the Creator of all things, bringing the universe into being by His sovereign word (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3). Yet in…
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24 – God Is the Giver of Life, Yet Christ Lay Dead: The Source of Life in the Grave
Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian TheologyCategory 1: God’s Nature vs. Christ’s Earthly Life 1. Introduction Scripture presents God as the ultimate giver and sustainer of life. From the moment He breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7) to the promise of eternal life through Christ (John 3:16), God’s identity…
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The Parable of the Sower
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Sower 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Kingdom of God / Heaven; Reception of the Word; Spiritual Growth and Fruitfulness 4. Parable Summary The Parable of the Sower presents a sower scattering seed across four types of ground: the path, rocky…
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The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Tares)
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Tares) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Kingdom of God / Heaven; Coexistence of Good and Evil; Final Judgement 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a man who sowed good wheat seed in his field. While he…
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The Parable of the Mustard Seed
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Mustard Seed 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Kingdom of God / Heaven; Small Beginnings and Great Expansion; Divine Sovereignty 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed — a seed known for its minute size…
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The Parable of the Leaven
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Leaven(also known as The Parable of the Yeast) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Kingdom of God / Heaven; Hidden Transformation; Spiritual Influence 4. Parable Summary Jesus likens the Kingdom of Heaven to leaven (yeast) that a woman takes and mixes…
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The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Kingdom of God / Heaven; Joyful Discovery; Costly Discipleship; Eternal Value 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to treasure hidden in a field. A man finds it, hides it again,…
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The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price(also known as The Pearl of Great Value) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Kingdom of God / Heaven; Sacrificial Discipleship; Recognition of True Worth 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a merchant in search of fine pearls…
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The Parable of the Growing Seed
1. Introduction The Parable of the Growing Seed, found only in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 4:26–29), is one of Jesus’ shortest and most under-discussed parables. Yet it offers profound insights into the nature of God’s Kingdom as a divine process that operates beyond human comprehension. The image of a seed growing…
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The Parable of the Dragnet
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Dragnet(also known as The Net) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Kingdom of God / Heaven; Final Judgment; Separation of the Righteous and Wicked 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a dragnet that is cast into the…
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The Parable of the Ten Virgins
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Ten Virgins(also known as The Wise and Foolish Virgins) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Judgment and Eschatology; Readiness for Christ’s Return; Wisdom and Watchfulness 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to…
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The Parable of the Talents
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Talents(related but distinct from The Parable of the Minas in Luke 19:11–27) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Judgment and Eschatology; Stewardship; Faithful Service; Eternal Reward or Loss 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a man going on a journey who…
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The Parable of the Minas
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Minas(also called The Ten Servants or The Pounds) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Stewardship; Accountability; Leadership; Reward and Judgment; Kingdom Delay 4. Parable Summary As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He tells a parable to correct the mistaken belief that the Kingdom…
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The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats(also known as The Judgment of the Nations) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Judgment and Eschatology; Compassion and Justice; Kingdom Ethics 4. Parable Summary Jesus describes a future scene where the Son of Man comes in His…
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The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders(also known as The Two Foundations) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Judgment and Eschatology; Obedience; Discipleship; Spiritual Foundations 4. Parable Summary Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount (or the Sermon on the Plain in Luke) with…
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The Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Servants
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Servants(also known as The Wise Manager or The Two Servants) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Judgment and Eschatology; Leadership Accountability; Preparedness and Stewardship 4. Parable Summary Jesus speaks of a master who appoints a servant over his…
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The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Judgment and Eschatology; Divine Patience; Repentance and Fruitfulness 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard and came looking for fruit on it for…
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The Parable of the Lost Sheep
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Lost Sheep 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; Divine Pursuit; Joy in Repentance 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a shepherd who has one hundred sheep. When one goes astray, he leaves the ninety-nine in the open…
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The Parable of the Lost Coin
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Lost Coin 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; Divine Pursuit; Joy in Repentance 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and…
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The Parable of the Prodigal Son
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Prodigal Son(also known as The Lost Son) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; Repentance; Restoration; Divine Fatherhood 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a man with two sons. The younger demands his inheritance early, leaves home, and…
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The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; Accountability; Reciprocity in Mercy 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a king who wishes to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owes an enormous debt (ten thousand talents)…
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The Parable of the Two Debtors
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Two Debtors 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; Love; Gratefulness; Spiritual Awareness 4. Parable Summary Jesus is dining at the house of Simon the Pharisee when a woman known as a sinner anoints His feet with her…
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The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard(also known as The Labourers in the Vineyard) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; Divine Generosity; Kingdom Reversal 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a landowner who hires workers at various times throughout the…
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The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; Humility; Justification 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of two men who go to the temple to pray: Jesus concludes that it is the tax collector who…
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The Parable of the Cost of Discipleship
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Cost of Discipleship(also known as The Tower Builder and the Warring King) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Commitment; Sacrifice; Prioritisation of the Kingdom 4. Parable Summary Jesus presents two short illustrations to explain the seriousness of following…
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The Parable of the Friend at Midnight
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Friend at Midnight 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Prayer; Persistence; Boldness in Approach to God 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a man who goes to a friend at midnight to ask for three loaves of bread…
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The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Persistent Widow)
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Unjust Judge(also known as The Persistent Widow) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Prayer; Perseverance; Divine Justice 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a widow who persistently pleads for justice from a judge who neither fears God nor…
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The Parable of the Rich Fool
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Rich Fool 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Wealth and Materialism; Mortality; Spiritual Priorities 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a rich man whose land produces abundantly. He decides to tear down his barns and build larger ones…
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The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Dishonest Manager(also known as The Shrewd Steward) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Stewardship; Wisdom; Faithfulness with Resources 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a manager who is about to be fired for mismanaging his master’s property. Knowing…
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The Parable of the Lamp under a Basket
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Lamp under a Basket(also known as The Lamp on a Stand) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Witness; Visibility; Responsibility 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares disciples to a lamp that, once lit, is not meant to be hidden…
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The Parable of the New Cloth and New Wineskins
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the New Cloth and New Wineskins 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Renewal; Covenant Transformation; Receptivity to Change 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares His message and ministry to new fabric and new wine. He states that: Luke’s account adds:…
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The Parable of the Good Samaritan
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Good Samaritan 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Love and Mercy to Others; Neighbourliness; Compassion; Social Boundaries 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells of a man travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho who is attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left for dead.…
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The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Love and Mercy to Others; Wealth and Justice; Eternal Consequences; Reversal of Fortune 4. Parable Summary Jesus presents a striking contrast between two men: Both men die. Lazarus is carried by…
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The Parable of the Great Banquet
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Great Banquet(also known as The Wedding Banquet) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Love and Mercy to Others; Divine Invitation; Inclusion and Exclusion; Grace and Responsibility 4. Parable Summary A man (or a king, in Matthew’s account) prepares a great banquet…
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The Parable of the Two Sons
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Two Sons 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Love and Mercy to Others; Obedience; Repentance; Faithfulness in Action 4. Parable Summary Jesus presents a story of a father who asks his two sons to work in the vineyard: Jesus asks, “Which…
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The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Wicked Tenants(also known as The Parable of the Vineyard or The Parable of the Tenants in the Vineyard) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Love and Mercy to Others; Rejection of God’s Messengers; Accountability; Judgment and Restoration 4. Parable Summary A…
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The Saying: The Salt of the Earth
1. Title of the Saying The Salt of the Earth 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Short Parabolic Sayings / Similitudes; Discipleship; Influence; Integrity; Witness 4. Saying Summary Jesus declares to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth.” (Matt. 5:13)But He warns that if salt loses its taste,…
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The Saying: Light of the World
1. Title of the Saying The Light of the World 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Short Parabolic Sayings / Similitudes; Witness; Visibility; Mission; Discipleship 4. Saying Summary Jesus tells His disciples: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”“Nor do people…
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The Saying: Eye as a Lamp
1. Title of the Saying The Eye as a Lamp of the Body 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Short Parabolic Sayings / Similitudes; Inner Clarity; Perception; Moral Discernment; Integrity 4. Saying Summary Jesus teaches: “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole…
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The Saying: The Speck and the Log
1. Title of the Saying The Speck and the Log(also known as The Mote and the Beam) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Short Parabolic Sayings / Similitudes; Hypocrisy; Self-Examination; Judgment; Humility 4. Saying Summary Jesus asks: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but…
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The Saying: The Blind Leading the Blind
1. Title of the Saying The Blind Leading the Blind 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Short Parabolic Sayings / Similitudes; False Guidance; Spiritual Discernment; Leadership and Accountability 4. Saying Summary Jesus offers a stark warning: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into…
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The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Rejection)
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (with emphasis on rejection) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Rebuke or Warning to Religious Leaders; Kingdom Invitation; Judgment; Unworthiness; External vs. Internal Righteousness 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells a story of a king who prepares a wedding feast…
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The Parable of the Rich Fool
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the Rich Fool (with application to the Pharisees) 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Rebuke or Warning to Religious Leaders; Greed; Vanity; Misplaced Security; Eternal Accountability 4. Parable Summary Jesus tells a parable about a rich man whose land yields a plentiful…
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Genealogy of Jesus – Matthew, Luke, Lexnary (Contents)
Matthew (Joseph’s Line) Luke(Mary’s Line) Lexnary – God God – I. From Adam to Noah I. From Adam to Noah – Adam Adam – Seth Seth – Enosh Enosh – Kenan (Cainan) Kenan (Cainan) – Mahalalel Mahalalel – Jared Jared – Enoch Enoch – Methuselah Methuselah – Lamech Lamech –…
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1. Adam
I. PRIMORDIAL AND ANTEDILUVIAN LINEAGE: FROM ADAM TO NOAH (Genesis 5; Luke 3:34–38) 1. Name and Meaning 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role 3. Life Summary and Historical Setting 4. Theological and Christological Significance 5. Legacy and Interpretive Reflections 6. Summary Insight 7. Biblical References
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2. Seth
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Seth (Hebrew: שֵׁת, Šēt)• Meaning: “Appointed” or “granted,” from the Hebrew root šît (“to place” or “set”); Eve named him so, saying God had appointed him in place of Abel (Genesis 4:25) 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Second generation; successor to Adam in the Messianic line• Father:…
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3. Enosh
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Enosh (Hebrew: אֱנוֹשׁ, ’Ĕnôsh)• Meaning: “Man” or “mortal man”; derived from the Hebrew root ’ānash, often conveying human frailty, weakness, or transience 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Third generation from Adam; third in the Messianic line• Father: Seth – appointed by God to continue the godly lineage• Son:…
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4. Kenan
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Kenan (also rendered as Cainan; Hebrew: קֵינָן, Qēnān)• Meaning: Likely derived from the root qānāh meaning “to acquire” or “to possess”; some interpretations associate it with “lamentation” or “sorrow,” though the exact etymology is debated 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Fourth generation from Adam; fourth in…
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5. Mahalalel
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Mahalalel (Hebrew: מַהֲלַלְאֵל, Mahălal’ēl)• Meaning: “Praise of God” or “The Blessed God”; composed of mahalal (“praise”) and El (“God”), reflecting a theophoric expression of worship 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Fifth generation from Adam; fifth in the Messianic line• Father: Kenan – faithful patriarch in the Sethite…
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6. Jared
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Jared (Hebrew: יָרֶד, Yāreḏ)• Meaning: “Descent” or “he shall come down,” from the root yārad, meaning “to go down” or “descend”; the name may suggest either literal descent or divine intervention 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Sixth generation from Adam; sixth in the Messianic line• Father: Mahalalel…
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7. Enoch
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Enoch (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ, Ḥănōḵ)• Meaning: “Dedicated” or “initiated,” from the Hebrew root ḥānak, meaning “to train” or “to consecrate” 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Seventh generation from Adam; seventh in the Messianic line• Father: Jared – lived during the early period of spiritual divergence• Son: Methuselah – ancestral…
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8. Methuselah
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Methuselah (Hebrew: מְתוּשֶׁלַח, Mᵊṯûšélaḥ)• Meaning: Commonly interpreted as “Man of the dart” or “When he dies, it shall be sent”; some scholars link the name to a prophetic meaning related to judgment or the flood 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Eighth generation from Adam; eighth in…
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9. Lamech
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Lamech (Hebrew: לֶמֶךְ, Lemeḵ)• Meaning: Uncertain, though possibly related to “strong” or “lowly”; interpretations vary and may reflect poetic or symbolic naming conventions 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Ninth generation from Adam; ninth in the Messianic line• Father: Methuselah – lived the longest life recorded in Scripture• Son:…
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10. Noah
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Noah (Hebrew: נֹחַ, Nōaḥ)• Meaning: “Rest” or “comfort,” from the Hebrew root nûaḥ, meaning “to rest” or “to bring relief”; named by his father Lamech with the hope that he would bring comfort from the curse (Genesis 5:29) 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Tenth generation from…
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11. Shem
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Shem (Hebrew: שֵׁם, Šēm)• Meaning: “Name” or “renown”; often interpreted as representing dignity, legacy, or identity—possibly linked to the idea of preserving the name or reputation of God 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Eleventh generation from Adam; first generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father:…
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12. Arphaxad
II. POST-FLOOD AND PATRIARCHAL LINEAGE: FROM SHEM TO ABRAHAM (Genesis 11:10–26; Luke 3) 1. Name and Meaning• Name: Arphaxad (Hebrew: אַרְפַּכְשַׁד, ’Arpakhshad)• Meaning: Uncertain; possibly “stronghold of the Chaldees” or “healer of the realm”; interpretations vary, though some link it to regions associated with early Mesopotamia 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position:…
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13. Shelah
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Shelah (Hebrew: שֶׁלַח, Šélaḥ)• Meaning: Possibly “sent” or “extract,” from the root šālaḥ, meaning “to send”; may imply a sense of progression, mission, or continuation 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Thirteenth generation from Adam; third generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father: Arphaxad – descendant…
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14. Eber
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Eber (Hebrew: עֵבֶר, ʿĒḇer)• Meaning: “Beyond” or “the other side,” from the root ʿābar meaning “to cross over”; traditionally associated with crossing boundaries, both geographically and spiritually 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Fourteenth generation from Adam; fourth generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father: Shelah…
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15. Peleg
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Peleg (Hebrew: פֶּלֶג, Péleḡ)• Meaning: “Division” or “split,” from the root pālag, meaning “to divide” or “separate”; his name is explicitly linked to the division of the earth (Genesis 10:25) 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Fifteenth generation from Adam; fifth generation after the flood in the…
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16. Reu
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Reu (Hebrew: רְעוּ, Rᵊ‘û)• Meaning: Possibly “friend” or “shepherd,” from the root rā‘a, meaning “to tend,” “to pasture,” or “to associate with” 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Sixteenth generation from Adam; sixth generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father: Peleg – lived during the division…
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17. Serug
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Serug (Hebrew: שְׂרוּג, Śᵊrûḡ)• Meaning: Possibly “branch” or “shoot”; some scholars link it to the idea of intertwining or strength, though the precise etymology is uncertain 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Seventeenth generation from Adam; seventh generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father: Reu –…
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18. Nahor
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Nahor (Hebrew: נָחוֹר, Nāḥôr)• Meaning: Possibly “snorting” or “panting,” though the exact meaning is debated; the name may reflect a family or regional identity in early Mesopotamian society 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Eighteenth generation from Adam; eighth generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father:…
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19. Terah
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Terah (Hebrew: תֶּרַח, Téraḥ)• Meaning: Possibly “station,” “delay,” or “wanderer”; the name may reflect a life of transition or sojourning, which aligns with his family’s partial migration toward Canaan 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Nineteenth generation from Adam; ninth generation after the flood in the Messianic…
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20. Abraham (Abram)
III. ABRAHAM TO ISRAEL (JACOB) 1. Name and Meaning• Name: Abraham (originally Abram) (Hebrew: אַבְרָם / אַבְרָהָם, ’Avrām / ’Avrāhām)• Meaning: Abram means “exalted father”; Abraham means “father of a multitude” (Genesis 17:5), reflecting God’s covenantal promise to make him the ancestor of many nations 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Twentieth…
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21. Isaac
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Isaac (Hebrew: יִצְחָק, Yiṣḥāq)• Meaning: “He laughs” or “laughter,” reflecting the joyful and miraculous nature of his birth to elderly parents (Genesis 17:17; 21:6) 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Twenty-first generation from Adam; eleventh generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father: Abraham – the covenant…
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22. Jacob (Israel)
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Jacob (Hebrew: יַעֲקֹב, Yaʿăqōḇ); renamed Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yiśrāʾēl)• Meaning: Jacob means “heel-grabber” or “supplanter”; Israel means “he struggles with God” or “God prevails” (Genesis 32:28) 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Twenty-second generation from Adam; twelfth generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father: Isaac – the…
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23. Judah
III. PATRIARCHAL AND TRIBAL LINEAGE: FROM JUDAH TO DAVID (Ruth 4:18–22; Matthew 1:2–6) 1. Name and Meaning• Name: Judah (Hebrew: יְהוּדָה, Yᵊhûḏāh)• Meaning: “Praise” or “thanksgiving,” from the root yādāh, meaning “to praise” or “to give thanks”; named by Leah as praise to the Lord (Genesis 29:35) 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage…
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24. Perez
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Perez (Hebrew: פֶּרֶץ, Péreṣ)• Meaning: “Breach” or “breaking through,” from the Hebrew root pāraṣ, meaning “to burst forth” or “to break out”; reflects the unusual circumstances of his birth (Genesis 38:29) 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Twenty-fourth generation from Adam; fourteenth generation after the flood in…
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25. Hezron
1. Name and Meaning• Name: Hezron (Hebrew: חֶצְרוֹן, Ḥeṣrôn)• Meaning: “Enclosed” or “surrounded by a wall”; from the root ḥāṣar, meaning “to enclose” or “to settle,” possibly reflecting stability or settlement 2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role• Position: Twenty-fifth generation from Adam; fifteenth generation after the flood in the Messianic line• Father: Perez –…