Epilogue

The foregoing is but a sample of the Parables of Christ. There are many more, each with a significant message, each of which could be used to teach other truths of the Bible. However these have been described that you the reader, may discover a fascination for the teaching of Christ, that you may continue the study a little further to find things 'new and old'.

In conclusion, I would like you to imagine that you are Blind Bartimaus, living in Jericho, Israel, 2000 years ago. (The incident is recorded in Luke chapter 18:35-43).

"Imagine that you are blind, close your eyes for a few moments if that helps. Listen to the crowd, the babble of sound, the laughter, the beggars calling in the street, the children playing, the dogs barking. All around are the sounds of life and yet some thing is different - people are pushing, there is excitement in the air. But you are excluded, you are isolated by your blindness. You cry; "What's going-on?", they tell you to be quiet because Jesus of Nazareth is coming to town. Suddenly your pulses race, you are excited, someone has told you that he can open blind eyes, this must be The One whom Isaiah portrayed so many years ago; "He shall...come...to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." (Isaiah 42:7)

You have been meditating upon the words for many years and now you know instinctively that this is Messiah. You shout across the crowded street;

"Jesus, son of David have mercy on me".

Your friends and neighbours try to silence you, they are embarrassed by your shouting, but you know that it is now or never Be heard or be blind for life!

"Jesus, son of David have mercy on me".

The crowd grow silent, even the children stand still and the dogs stop barking. It is silent, everyone is waiting, eager hands grab you, you are propelled forward through the crowd until you are at his feet.

"What do you want me to do for you?"

He asks you softly, personally and penetratingly. You instantly know that he can heal you. You know without any shadow of doubt.

"Lord, that I may receive my sight."

He, quick as lightning and with absolute authority so that all could hear: '

"Receive your sight; your faith has made you well".

With great care you open your eyes and lift your eyelids heavenwards and see his face, you look into his eyes and you know that this is Jesus, the Messiah. Suddenly you realise that you can see, that you have been given the greatest gift, your sight has been restored and you follow him, glorifying God together with all your friends and neighbours."

We were blind but now we see, not just with a literal sight but with the inner perception of faith. We were in darkness, but now we are in the presence of the Light of the World and we can see in his eyes the compassion and authority, the love and judgement of our Heavenly Father. The words of Psalm 34 seem to be an apt description of all who come to the Lord in faith;

"This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.....The Lord redeems the soul of his servants: and none of those who trust in him shall be condemned". (Psalm 34:6 , 22) And "The LORD is my light and my salvation; the LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? .... Hear 0 LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me and answer me." (Psalm 27:1 , 7)

We so often appear to be like the Scribes and Pharisees - full of indignation and righteous anger at the wrong committed by our fellows. Whereas, Jesus rightly challenges us to look at ourselves and then lift up our eyes to Kim seeking forgiveness for our sins which are so many.

We need to be more aware of our own wrongdoing, of our need for forgiveness. We need a greater sense of guilt but also of the mercy and forgiveness of our Lord. We need to repent and be converted in order to praise and magnify His Name.

May God bless us and help us to serve him with reverence and in awe.