Scribd
Upload
577 views9 pages

Understanding Jesus' Parables

Jesus often taught spiritual truths through parables, which are short stories used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Parables typically feature aspects that would be familiar to ordinary people to help explain unfamiliar heavenly concepts. They sometimes include an unexpected twist or surprise. While parables revealed truths to those with spiritual insight, they could also conceal meanings from those who were spiritually blind or unwilling to understand. The central lessons of parables should be interpreted individually rather than assigning specific symbolic meanings to minor narrative details. Some of the most famous parables included the soils, lost sheep, prodigal son, and others.

Uploaded by

robelin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
577 views9 pages

Understanding Jesus' Parables

Jesus often taught spiritual truths through parables, which are short stories used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Parables typically feature aspects that would be familiar to ordinary people to help explain unfamiliar heavenly concepts. They sometimes include an unexpected twist or surprise. While parables revealed truths to those with spiritual insight, they could also conceal meanings from those who were spiritually blind or unwilling to understand. The central lessons of parables should be interpreted individually rather than assigning specific symbolic meanings to minor narrative details. Some of the most famous parables included the soils, lost sheep, prodigal son, and others.

Uploaded by

robelin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 9

Parables of Jesus

What is a Parable?

 “An earthly story with a heavenly


meaning.”
 A commonly known earthly event or
illustration that is used to teach spiritual
truths.
 Greek word “parabole” meaning
comparison, illustration and analogy.
 An extended SIMILE becomes a PARABLE.
– Example of a Simile: “He saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove” (Matt. 3:16)
 Simile = comparison using “like” or “as”.

– Example of a Parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like


to a grain of mustard seed…” (Matt 13:31)
 Parable = a very large simile / a long
extended simile
Description of a Parable

 First, a comparison explaining


something new through
something familiar.
 Second, there is an unexpected
twist.
 Third, it invites the readers to
respond in a particular way
WHY DID JESUS USE PARABLES?

 Jesus used parables to reveal truth to those who had


spiritual insight, but also to hide it from those who were
spiritually blind.
 Jesus used parables to teach deep spiritual truths in a
way that made heavenly truths more understandable.
 Those who were willfully ignorant and refused to
receive the plain teachings of Christ, were left in their
blindness.
 “To him who believes ‘the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven’ are revealed. To those who do not believe they
remain hidden.” – Drs. J. van Mourik

Matthew 13:10-13
Double Function of a
Parable

 1. Reveal the mysteries of the


Kingdom to the believing.

 2. Keep the Kingdom hidden for


the unbelieving.
Interpreting PARABLES (5 rules)
1. Find out if Christ interpreted the parable Himself.
2. Look for a verse that gives a clue for why Jesus
spoke the parable.
3. Always view the parable in its context. (what happened
before and after it was spoken)

4. Do not interpret the parable in any way that does


not agree with the rest of Scripture.
5. Each parable has one lesson or center point.
Do NOT try to find “spiritual” meaning in the
various details. (see example)
Interpretation: The Pharisee
and the Publican (Matthew 18:9-14)

 Interpret this parable based on its context:


“And He spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in
themselves that they were righteous, and despised
others.
 Interpret this parable based on its conclusion:
“For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and
he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
 Do NOT interpret the minor details!
 It would be wrong to say: “There were two men and one
was a hypocrite and therefore in every church 50% of
the people are hypocrites.”

 CENTRAL MEANING: Let us not consider ourselves good,


but let us humble ourselves before God as sinners in need
of His mercy, and let our prayer be: “God be merciful to me
a sinner.”
Parables of JESUS
 The Soils – Matt. 13, Mark 4, Luke 8  Laborers – Matt. 20, Mark 10
 Wheat and Tares – Matt. 13  Unjust Servant – Luke 16
 Mustard Seed – Matt. 13, Mark 4  Rich Man and Lazarus – Luke 16
 Leaven – Matt. 13, Luke 13  Woman and the Judge – Luke 18
 Hidden Treasure – Matt. 13  Pharisee and Publican – Luke 18
 Pearl of Great Price – Matt. 13  Ten Pounds/Minas – Luke 19
 Fishing Net – Matt. 13  Vineyard Owner – Mar 12, Mat. 21, Lu 20
 Good Samaritan – Luke 10  Two Sons – Matt. 21
 The Rich Fool – Luke 12  Marriage Fea
 Great Supper – Luke 14  Fig Tree – Matt. 24, Mark 13, Lst –
 Lost Sheep – Luke 15, Matt. 18 Matt. 22uke 21
 Lost Coin – Luke 15  Ten Virgins – Matt. 25
 Lost Son – Luke 15  Talents – Matt. 25

You might also like