PARABLE OF THE THREE DETECTIVES
PARK INVESTIGATION
On Saturday, three detectives begin a serious investigation in Lincoln Park. Lead detective Jack interviews, Gloria writes notes, and Valerie shoots videos to document evidence.
They see an easy interview, and walk up to Bob the evangelist, talking to an elderly woman. Jack asks, "We are searching for the missing commandment."
Elderly woman blurts out, "Ten Commandments used to be on the court house lawn, but they're missing now!"
Bob smiles, "Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39 ICB ~ International Childrens Bible)
Gloria speaks, "Bob, what is the first commandment?"
Bob replies, "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 ESV ~ English Standard Version) This commandment is only missing in people's hearts. Keep searching and you shall find.
The three detectives stroll over to an artist painting a picture of Jesus. Gloria speaks, "You're a good artist."
Jack asks, "We are searching for the missing commandment. I am wondering if you can help us?"
Artist replies, "Yeah, if I can."
Valerie says, "Do you know the second commandment?" The artist remains silent.
Jack quotes, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." (Exodus 20:3 ESV)
Artist grins, "I'm an artist, not an idol maker and none of my customers bow before my paintings. Jack, please read the rest of the verse."
Jack continues, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
(Exodus 20:4-6 ESV)
The three amigos walk over to a man relaxing on a park bench. Jack speaks, "We are going around the park asking everyone, where's the missing commandment."
Man drops his beer bottle on the ground, CURSING God!
Gloria frowns, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." (Exodus 20:7 ESV)
They see a fireman walking by and ask him the big question. Jack says, We are searching for the missing commandment. Do you know what the fifth commandment is?
Fireman replies, "I would like to go to church but my job requires me to serve when I'm needed.
Gloria reads, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8 ESV)
Fireman replies, "I keep the Lord's day and Jews are commanded to keep the Sabbath days. It's good to have a day off and be with Jesus even if it's a weekday."
The three walk over to the swing set. A mom is pushing her daughter on a swing, as her son walks away. Mom yells, "Don't run away from me, Pauly."
Valerie and Gloria walk Pauly back.
Jack speaks, "We are searching for the missing commandment."
Mom speaks, Kids, "Honor your father and your mother. Then you will live a long time in the land. The Lord your God is going to give you this land."
(Exodus 20:12 ICB ~ International Childrens Bible)
The three walk over to boys shooting toy guns at each other and playing dead. Gloria speaks, "We're looking for the missing commandment."
Boy replies, "Could it be thou shalt not kill?"
Jack adds, "Actually it says, 'You shall not murder.' (Exodus 20:13 LSB ~ Legacy Standard Bible) If you have anger in your heart you're in big trouble."
The three see a Rapper and three ladies walk by. Rapper replies, "I heard you over there and I know what you're going to ask me. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14 AKJV ~ Authorized KJV)
Gloria writes her name on a $5 bill and lays it on the sidewalk. They wait, watching a college lady find and pick it up.
Gloria smiles, "Did you lose that $5 bill?"
Lady replies, "Yes, I must have dropped it."
Gloria frowns, "I'm Gloria, that's my name is written on the back of the five."
Jack speaks, "We are looking for the missing commandment. Could it be, "You shouldn't steal?" (Exodus 20:15 LSB)
Lady spouts, "I swear to God that's my $5 bill. I've been looking all over for it. Don't you tell me I'm breaking the ninth commandment about lying either. I'm not going to swim in the lake of fire over a $5 bill!"
The three detectives see a 16 year old boy lusting after a sports car, parked by the road.
Jack asks the boy, "If the keys were in the car, would you drive off with it?"
Boy replies, "You better believe it."
Gloria speaks, "We're asking people in the park today if they know what the missing commandment is?"
Boy adds, "I grew up in Sunday school. Is it, "Thou shalt not steal?"
Valeria speaks, "God doesn't want you to covet things that don't belong to you. If you want a car like that, you need to study, get a good job, and save your money to buy it."
Walking back the three detectives talk.
Valerie speaks, "I think everyone has heard all of the Ten Commandments."
They walk by a statue of a woman and a couple putting flowers and candles beside it. Then they see Bob the evangelist again.
Bob says, "Did you find the missing commandment? Jesus said, "Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved." (Matthew 5:17-18 NLT - New Living Translation)
Gloria adds, "Purhaps some modern translations only have 9 Commandments?"
Valerie blurts out, "Why would they do that?"
Jack concludes, "Let's go home and examine our evidence."
