The Parables of Jesus

In this parable, Jesus shares about the owner of a Vineyard and the Wicked Tenants who manage the field for him. This parable has a prophetic interpretation for Israel, the Church, and what happens with the rejection and crucifixion (and ultimate judgment). Dr. Brad Reaves presented this teaching on August 18, 2024, in Hagerstown, MD. For the prophecy update portion on this Sunday, go to https://vimeo.com/1000354519 https://www.mycrossway.org

Jesus taught the parable of the two sons near the end of His earthly ministry. Many quickly interpret the parable as representing Jews versus Gentiles. However, Pastor Brad always teaches us to interpret parables in light of their context. And the context of this parable relates to the religious scribes and Pharisees questioning Jesus' authority to teach. So, in light of the question of authority, the sons relate to those who receive and respond to the message of Christ. Our Christian lives must reflect more than words... we must act on our faith. Dr. Brad Reaves taught this on August 11, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. He references and shows a clip from the YouTube channel My Mechanics (https://www.youtube.com/@mymechanics)

As believers, we are given much through our salvation. This parable of Jesus explains that we are to do much (invest) with that we have been freely given. This message was taught by Keith Witmer on August 4, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

In Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, two men go to the temple to pray to God. But their prayers reveal their hearts. One goes away unchanged, and one goes away justified. Dr. Brad Reaves presented this teaching on July 28, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

In part 3 of the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Pastor Brad examines the response of those judged, and the warning of the Judge. For both groups judged, they do not understand how the actions impacted their judgement. And Jesus ends His sermon of the End Times by giving the warning of the Judge. Jesus is coming soon. Today is the day of salvation. Accept Him today and let His Holy Spirit work through you. Dr. Brad Reaves taught this on July 21, 2024 at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

In Part 2 of the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Pastor Brad reminds us this is a teaching of Jesus about the Final Judgment. It is a sober warning about the consequences of our actions. In part 1, he covers the topic of the Coming Righteous Judge. In this teaching, he covers the topics of the Subjects of the Judgment and the Manner of Judgment. Dr. Brad Reaves taught this parable on July 14, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats is perhaps one of Jesus' most challenging and provocative parables. It describes the final judgment when the angels will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. The criteria for this separation is how one responded to ‘the least of these’: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. In Part 1 of this parable, Pastor Brad introduces the context and the coming Righteous Judge. Dr. Brad Reaves taught this on July 6, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable about the Invitation to the Wedding Feast. Many of the initial recipients of the invitation decline. After opening the invitation to others, some accept, but one attends the feast but is not clothed in wedding attire. Understanding this parable has eternal significance. Keith Witmer taught this on June 30, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

Did you know that Jesus taught more about hell than about heaven? He came to save us from the place made for the Devil and his fallen angels. This parable explains how the end of the age is similar to a fishing net. Dr. Brad Reaves taught this parable on June 23, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins is a sobering teaching of Jesus for Christians today. It is a clear message on how we are to be prepared for the Rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ. In its broad interpretation, 50% of the bridesmaids who were to be ready for the Groom failed their task, were counted as foolish, and were excluded from the wedding feast. We must be faithful, and we must be ready. Tim Lafferty presented this teaching on June 16, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. http://www.mycrossway.org

The Parable of the Lost Coin, taught by Jesus, helps us understand the value of salvation. The parable was taught to two groups of people, sinners/tax collectors and the more difficult group- the self-righteous religious leaders. Both groups need salvation. The parable helps us understand that we all need salvation and that the Kingdom is a treasure we must seek and value. Jeff Meek presented this teaching on June 9, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. http://www.mycrossway.org

The Parable of the Talents gives Christians direction on how we are to live as we await the Rapture of the Church. We are given resources to build the Kingdom of God. Once the King returns, we will be held accountable for what we do with those talents. Dr. Brad Reaves presented this teaching on June 2, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. http://www.mycrossway.org

In the parable of the fig tree, Jesus teaches His disciples about the time frame for His return and establishment of His kingdom on earth. The reality of His return was a common topic for Jesus. This is found in the Mt. Olivet Discourse and is recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The fig tree is a clear sign for His disciples (then and today) to be able to discern the season of His return. It is interesting that He taught this parable from the location that He will return to establish His throne. Dr. Brad Reaves preached on this parable on May 5, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. http://www.mycrossway.org

In Luke 14, Jesus tells a parable about an invitation to the great banquet. The hearers were self-righteous religious people who assumed they would attend God's great banquet (and certainly sit in the best spots). But Jesus shares that those invited refused... with ridiculous excuses. But others were invited. Will you accept His invitation? Dr. Brad Reaves taught this parable on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. http://www.mycrossway.org

The parable of the unfruitful fig tree encourages all to examine themselves for the evidence of repentance in their lives. This evidence is fruitfulness and faithfulness. It is the evidence of Christ working in you. Your life should demonstrate the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. A desire to please the Master who saved you and redeemed you. This parable reminds us there is also a limit to God’s patience. Dr. Brad Reaves presented this teaching on May 26, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. http://www.mycrossway.org

In Part 2 of The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Jesus teaches about a real place called hell that results in eternal suffering. Our unrepentant lives influence our eternal destiny. God doesn't desire that any person goes to hell, yet he gave us the ability to choose heaven or hell through the acceptance or denial of His Son. Pastor Brad preaches this parable and helps the viewer understand that what we do here on earth has eternal significance. Dr. Brad Reaves preached this message on April 28, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. http://www.mycrossway.org

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus should give every reader pause. Is Jesus saying there is a real place called hell for eternal suffering? Do our unrepentant lives actually influence our eternal destiny? Would a loving God really send people to hell? Pastor Brad preaches this parable and helps the viewer understand that what we do here on earth has eternal significance. Dr. Brad Reaves preached this message on April 21, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

If you received a treasure map, what actions would you take to find and secure the treasure? Did you know that Jesus taught a parable about hidden treasure? Join us this Sunday as we learn about the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44). Dr. Brad Reaves presented this message on April 14, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org/

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is not a mandate to social justice. It's a reminder that sin has beaten us so badly that we need someone to save us. Watch Sunday's video to learn how the Good Samaritan reminds us of God's love. Dr. Brad Reaves taught this on April 7, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org/

The Parable of the Lost Sheep teaches how God is compassionate, tender-hearted, merciful, gracious, loving, and out Savior. It reflects God's character. In this parable, we learn about the heart of the Father, the work of our Good Shepherd, the condition of our souls, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. From Luke 15:1-7. Dr. Brad Reaves taught this parable on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org/

Jeff Meek (Chairman of our Board of Overseers) then gives a verse-by-verse teaching of the prodigal son parable from Luke 15. Jesus had a message to his listeners and each person in the parable revealed the lesson (the father as God, the rebellious son as the unsaved, and the older brother as the Jewish authorities). This teaching was presented at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD on Sunday, March 10, 2024. https://www.mycrossway.org/

This video reviews Luke 18:1-8, which covers Jesus' parable of the persistent widow. The Bible clearly teaches us to pray without ceasing and not lose heart. We ought to always pray to our heavenly Father. This teaching was presented by Tim Lafferty at CrossWay Christian Fellowship on March 3, 2024, in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org/

Pastor Brad (assisted by Phoenix Seal) teaches the Parable of the Tares Among the Wheat and how we are to live our lives as true Christians. We are not to try to pull out the "tares" (false believers) but let the angels sort it out at the end of days. This is different from false teachers, who we are told to call out. This teaching is from Matthew 13:24-30. Dr. Brad Reaves presented this at CrossWay Christian Fellowship on February 25, 2024, in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org/

Pastor Brad covers the Parable of the Rich Fool. Jesus teaches this parable after a person wants Jesus to force his brother to share the inheritance. Jesus then tells the parable of someone so selfish that he focuses on his wealth alone and misses the opportunity to be generous. God calls him a fool, and his life ends before he can enjoy his material wealth. This was presented by Dr. Brad Reaves at CrossWay Christian Fellowship on February 18, 2024, in Hagerstown, MD. https://www.mycrossway.org

This sermon introduces Jesus's parables. God is the sower. Those who hear the Word of God fall into four categories or types of soil: hardened, rocky, thorns, and fertile. This was presented by Dr. Brad Reaves at CrossWay Christian Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD, on February 11, 2024. https://www.mycrossway.org