Jesus’ Parables and Analogies in Response to Accusations #1

Often, Jesus would compare things to clarify the facts.   He skillfully used short statements that conveyed generally accepted truths.   Often, these were cast in the context of the Jewish leaders knowledgeable of the Law and Jewish tradition.  Many of these short analogies were in the form of parables.  The wisdom of this approach was in the indirect method of presenting truth without always coming down hard on them and turning them away because of it.   If only for a moment, it revealed their inconsistencies, self-condemnation, and the grave consequences of rejecting him as the long-awaited Messiah.  In this and following blogs, we will explore some of them to accentuate this method of dealing with personal enemies, enemies of the cross, and general accusations.

1. 1. 1. Matthew 9:12 –  Matthew gave a great feast at his house to “celebrate his new-found relationship and work with Jesus (Luke 5:29).   The Jews placed tax collectors in the same broad category as people of questionable reputation.   They were “sinners.” The Pharisees accused Jesus of eating with “tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 9:11).   Jesus responded with a short statement of truth.  He said,  “Those who well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”  Then, so as to make the application for them, he said, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call
         the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
      2.  Matthew 9:15-17 – John’s disciples question Jesus about His own disciples not fasting like them and the Pharisees.   See another blog concerning this response. (Answering Questions with Questions #1)
         Jesus also used the analogy of the old and new wineskins and old and new garments that reveal a new mold requiring new thinking.  The sermon on the mount recorded in Matthew 5-7 demonstrates these new values and priorities.   Jesus redirects John’s disciples to principles of mercy and a true knowledge of God rather than legalism with its traditions, rituals, and sacrifices performed without a heart of love.  He taught the value of not judging others (Matt. 7:1) and loving your enemies (Matt. 5:44).   These replaced the Jewish practice of treating enemies differently than anyone else.