The Parable Series – Cursed

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, titled “Cursed,” explores the concept of being cursed and the transformative power of encountering Yeshua (Jesus). The message delves into a specific parable in Luke 18, contrasting the Pharisee and the tax collector, and expands on themes of prejudice, righteousness, and God’s inclusive love. Matthew Vander Els introduces the message by referencing morning prayers in Orthodox Judaism to highlight historical perspectives and shifts in religious interpretations.

Understanding the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

The teaching examines the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to challenge preconceived notions. Pharisees, often viewed negatively, were actually pious Jews who sought to uphold the Torah strictly, adapting it to contemporary life. Tax collectors, on the other hand, were seen as the “scum of the earth” due to their extortionate practices.

In the parable, the Pharisee thanks God for not being like others, while the tax collector humbly asks for mercy. Yeshua declares that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, goes home justified. This challenges the idea that outward righteousness and strict adherence to religious laws are sufficient for experiencing God’s favor. The key point is that the Pharisee’s disdain for others undermines his obedience to God.

The Heart’s Condition

The message emphasizes that true entry into God’s kingdom is determined by the heart’s condition, not merely outward signs or traditions. Yeshua’s teachings often disrupt comfortable, established ways of thinking, calling for a new creation and a restoration of all things. This new creation includes those often considered outcasts – tax collectors, sinners, and even those labeled as “cursed.”

The Canaanite Woman and Overcoming Curses

The teaching references the story of Yeshua and the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 to illustrate God’s inclusive love. The Canaanites were considered cursed and were enemies of Israel. Yeshua initially seems to reject the woman, stating he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. However, her persistent faith and humility lead Yeshua to heal her daughter.

Matthew Vander Els highlights that Yeshua intentionally went to Sidon, a place associated with cursed people, and that he changed Mark’s description of the woman from Syrophoenician to Canaanite, in order to emphasize the weight and the point of the story. This encounter demonstrates that curses do not follow individuals into the arms of Yeshua, and that God’s mercy, grace, and healing are available to all, regardless of their background or perceived status. The story underscores that those who are humble, repentant, and yearning for God can experience His presence more deeply than those who are outwardly religious but prejudiced.

Application for Everyday Life

• Examine your heart: Ensure your actions align with a genuine love for God and others, rather than being driven by self-righteousness.
• Embrace inclusivity: Extend God’s love, grace, and forgiveness to those society deems outcasts or “cursed,” breaking down barriers of prejudice and judgment.
• Challenge your comfort zones: Be willing to have your beliefs and traditions challenged by Yeshua’s radical teachings, embracing the new creation and restoration He offers.
• Practice humility: Recognize your own imperfections and need for God’s mercy, avoiding the trap of looking down on others.
• Seek justice and love: Apply the Torah with a foundation of love and a desire for justice, becoming an ambassador of God’s kingdom rather than a tool of judgment.
• Be cautious of labels: Avoid using labels to dismiss or write people off.

For more Bible Teachings, click here.

References

• Luke 18:9
• Luke 18:11
• Matthew 5:8
• Matthew 15
• Genesis 9
• 1 Kings 11:1
• 1 Kings 16:31
• Luke 10:13
• Mark 7
• 2 Kings 9:16
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah 31
• Ezekiel 27, 28, 32
• Joel

Resources

• The Bible
• Zonderman’s Bible Backgrounds Commentary
• Mishnah