Bricklayers 6Sample

Parallels

Chapter 6 is full of parallels to Jesus in the Gospels. They may be difficult to find at first glance, but they are definitely present. This week, we will look at several parallels to Jesus’ own story and see how they can inspire us and teach us in our own lives.

The first parallel we see is in verses 1-3 when Nehemiah receives a letter from his enemies. He realizes that they were plotting to harm him, so he answers with his famous line, “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come.” The parallel to Jesus’ story here is found in Matthew 22:15-22 when the Pharisees are asking Jesus questions to “trap him in his words.” Jesus is wise enough to know that they were trying to trap him, just like Nehemiah’s enemies were trying to trap him.

How do we know who our enemies are? How do we know when our enemies are trying to trap us? What signs can we look for? 

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus told his disciples to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” That applies to us today as well. Ask for wisdom, and God will grant it to you.