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micah6v8 · 08-26-2016, 07:24 AM

I would like to share another portion from a book by John Stott (a Christian writer). He points to Jesus’ words and work:- Jesus’ words explained His works and His works dramatized his words…. “Each supported the other. For words remain abstract until they are made concrete in deeds of love, while works remain ambiguous until they are interpreted by the proclamation of the gospel. Words without works lack credibility; works without words lack clarity. So Jesus’ works made his words visible; his words made his works intelligible”.

He compares two parables found in Luke:- (1) Parable of the Prodigal Son (which is about conversion) and (2) Parable of the Good Samaritan (which is about social action). There are four points:-

(1) In both cases, there is a victim. The prodigal son was a victim of his own sin while the traveller was a victim of others’ sins (robbery/assault).

(2) In both cases, there is a rescue. The prodigal son repents and is forgiven while the traveller is saved by the Samaritan’s good works.

(3) In both cases, there is a display of love. The prodigal son is loved by the father (symbolising the heavenly Father) while the traveller is loved by his neighbour. The prodigal son is loved even though he does not deserve it while the traveller is loved even though the Samaritan was not obliged to help him).

(4) In both cases, there is an alternative to the love. The prodigal son’s brother was not happy about his brother being saved; while the Levite and priest passed by the way.

Stott then states:-Each of us resembles the prodigal son; and each of us should resemble the good Samaritan. First we face our sins, then we face the world’s sufferings. First we receive mercy, then we go and show it.

08-26-2016, 07:24 AM	#5
micah6v8 Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 90	Re: What It's Really All About I would like to share another portion from a book by John Stott (a Christian writer). He points to Jesus’ words and work:- Jesus’ words explained His works and His works dramatized his words…. “Each supported the other. For words remain abstract until they are made concrete in deeds of love, while works remain ambiguous until they are interpreted by the proclamation of the gospel. Words without works lack credibility; works without words lack clarity. So Jesus’ works made his words visible; his words made his works intelligible”. He compares two parables found in Luke:- (1) Parable of the Prodigal Son (which is about conversion) and (2) Parable of the Good Samaritan (which is about social action). There are four points:- (1) In both cases, there is a victim. The prodigal son was a victim of his own sin while the traveller was a victim of others’ sins (robbery/assault). (2) In both cases, there is a rescue. The prodigal son repents and is forgiven while the traveller is saved by the Samaritan’s good works. (3) In both cases, there is a display of love. The prodigal son is loved by the father (symbolising the heavenly Father) while the traveller is loved by his neighbour. The prodigal son is loved even though he does not deserve it while the traveller is loved even though the Samaritan was not obliged to help him). (4) In both cases, there is an alternative to the love. The prodigal son’s brother was not happy about his brother being saved; while the Levite and priest passed by the way. Stott then states:-Each of us resembles the prodigal son; and each of us should resemble the good Samaritan. First we face our sins, then we face the world’s sufferings. First we receive mercy, then we go and show it.