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Parables of Jesus: Matthew 13; Luke 15
“Why do you speak to them in parables?” So asked the disciples of Jesus (Matt. 13:10). Jesus’ response shows that parables were meant to be understood by those who really wanted to listen to the teaching of Jesus (vv. 11-17).
A “parable” (literally, placing side by side) is a figurative way of comparing something earthly with something spiritual. It’s like a “short story” in which something spiritual is taught through physical comparisons. The parables of the sower, the tares, or the mustard seed were not really about these physical matters, but about a spiritual lesson that may be drawn from these by analogy. In order to understand the teaching, one must understand the analogy being made.
The parables of Jesus illustrated truth about His kingdom. He began many of his parables with, “The kingdom of heaven is like...” This shows a comparison between the kingdom and the thing he was about to draw an analogy from. They used something that was familiar (sower, seed, tares, pearls, dragnets, lamps, etc.) to illustrate truth about something unfamiliar (spiritual).
The parables have a beauty about them which aids us in our understanding of God’s kingdom. They bring the lofty teachings about the kingdom into a common, familiar, and practical level. Jesus “concentrated on the commonly familiar and the practical that is forever part and parcel of human life in the realm of the natural to project man’s life in the realm beyond this life” (Zodhiates, Complete Word Study Dictionary, p. 1098).
In a parable, there is usually one basic lesson, and can be understood through the context which prompted the teaching. Study them well, and you will have a greater appreciation for the kingdom of God.
Discussion
1. Define “parable.” Why are parables so important in the teaching of Jesus?
2. What was the purpose of Jesus for teaching in parables?
3. Read and discuss some of the parables. For examples, discuss the parable of the sower (Matt. 13), and the parable of the lost sons (Luke 15). What do these parables teach? How can the teaching be applied to our lives today?