Jesus' Parables

I. Introduction
   A. Parables: major element of Jesus' teachings
      1. In Matthew, Mark, Luke, main way Jesus teaches the people
      2. Great importance placed upon them
   B. Let us, then, consider Jesus' parables

II. Understanding Parables
   A. What are Parables?
      1. Greek parabolee, "to put near or to compare"
      2. Webster: "A comparison or similitude, in which one thing is 
         compared with another; especially spiritual things with natural, 
         by which means these spiritual things are better understood, and 
         make a deeper impression on the attentive mind"
      3. In short, a true-to-life story that presents spiritual truths
   B. Why Parables?
      1. Why does Jesus speak in these ways?
      2. Matthew 13:10-17: disciples to hear and understand, others will 
         not (cf. Mark 4:33-34)
      3. A "catchy" way of teaching
      4. Stories provide greater staying power, retention in memory than 
         simple statements
      5. Stories familiar to them in their context
      6. Also to fulfill prophecy (Matthew 13:34-35 / Psalm 78:2)
   C. Let us consider the parables

III. Types of Parables
   A. Parables Using Agricultural Images
      1. Parable of Sower: Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 / Mark 14:1-12 / 
         Luke 8:4-10 (responses to Gospel)
      2. Parable of Wheat and Tares: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 / Mark 4:26-29
         (sinners left in midst of righteous)
      3. Parable of Mustard Seed: Matthew 13:31-32 / Mark 4:30-32 / 
         Luke 13:18-19 (growth of faith, Kingdom)
      4. Parable of Seed Growth: Mark 4:26-28 (God provides increase)
      5. Parable of Treasure in Field: Matthew 13:44 (great value of 
         Kingdom)
      6. Parable of the Fig Tree: Luke 13:6-9 (need for encouragement)
      7. Parable of Vineyard Owner and Workers: Matthew 20:1-16 (all obtain
         equal inheritance)
      8. Parable of Two Sons: Matthew 21:28-32 (repentance over sanctimony)
      9. Parable of the Vineyard: Matthew 21:33-44 / Mark 12:1-12 / 
         Luke 20:9-19 (cf. Isaiah 5:1-7, condemnation for killing Jesus)
      10. Parable of the Lesson of Fig Tree: Matthew 24:34-35 / 
          Mark 13:28-31 / Luke 21:29-32 (knowing the time)
   B. Parables Using Household Images
      1. Parables of Garments, Wineskins: Luke 5:36-39 (covenant change)
      2. Parable of Woman and Leaven: Matthew 13:33 / Luke 13:20-21 (growth
         of Kingdom)
      3. Parable of the Lost Coin: Luke 15:8-10 (value of repentance of one
         soul)
   C. Parables Involving Feasts
      1. Parable of the Feast : Luke 14:7-11 (humility)
      2. Parable of the Wedding Feast: Matthew 22:1-14 / Luke 14:16-24 
         (salvation of repentant sinful)
      3. Parable of the Virgins: Matthew 25:1-13 (need for readiness)
   D. Life Situation Parables, Extended Parables
      1. Parable of Unforgiving Servant: Matthew 18:23-35 (need to forgive
         others)
      2. Parable of the Blind Leading the Blind: Luke 6:39 (folly of 
         judgment)
      3. Parable of the Debtors: Luke 7:41-46 (the more forgiven, the more
         thankful)
      4. Parable of Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37 (everyone our neighbor)
      5. Parable of the Rich Fool: Luke 12:16-21 (vanity of riches)
      6. Parable of the Servants: Luke 12:35-48 (Matthew 24:42-51; need for
         readiness, constant obedience)
      7. Parable of Prodigal Son: Luke 15:11-32 (need for repentance, 
         humility)
      8. Parable of Dishonest Manager: Luke 16:1-9 (need for skillfulness)
      9. Parable of Rich Man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-30 (need to heed God)
      10. Parable of Persistent Widow: Luke 18:1-8 (persistence in prayer)
      11. Parable of Pharisee and Tax Collector: Luke 18:9-14 (humility, 
          repentance)
      12. Parable of the Talents/Minas: Matthew 25:14-30 / Luke 19:11-27
          (work according to ability)
   E. Other Parables
      1. Parable of Pearl of Great Price: Matthew 13:45 (great value of 
         Kingdom)
      2. Parable of the Dragnet: Matthew 13:47-50 (righteous, wicked to be
         sorted out)
      3. Parable of the Lost Sheep: Matthew 18:10-14 / Luke 15:3-5 (value 
         of one soul to God)
   F. Other narratives Jesus provides could be considered as parables; 
      some here may be disputed by some
   G. Nevertheless, such represent the majority of the parables of 
      Jesus
     
IV. Understanding the Parables
   A. Parables used to describe many things
      1. Present reality, as in parable of vineyard, good samaritan 
      2. The nature of the Kingdom, as in parable of virgins, talents, etc.
      3. Instruction in prayer (parable of persistent widow), forgiveness 
         (parable of unforgiving servant), other doctrines and practices
      4. Guides to promoting the Gospel (parable of sower), preparation for
         the return of Jesus (parable of the virgins), etc.  
   B. Focus of parables not on the situation itself, but on spiritual truth
      underneath
      1. God is not really concerned about scattered seed, for example!
      2. None of the parables are to be literalized, applications drawn 
         from literal language
      3. Instead, let the language illustrate the spiritual truth Jesus
         intends to convey
   C. Parables show Jesus' mastery of instruction
      1. Of all the means by which Jesus teaches, the parable is the most 
         easily remembered
      2. Immediately accessible to all sorts of people, regardless of 
         intelligence, social class
      3. Each parable is profound in its depth, applicability
      4. Lessons could be provided on each one!
   D. We ought to have great appreciation for this vehicle of instruction!

V. Conclusion
   A. Jesus' parables
      1. A wealth of spiritual insight
      2. Simple yet profound
      3. Important means by which Jesus communicated the Gospel of the 
         Kingdom
   B. Let us value the parables for what they provide
      1. The literal story the vehicle to provide spiritual truth
      2. Guidance in serving God, promoting the Gospel, how to conduct 
         ourselves, etc.
      3. Extremely important!
   C. Let us appreciate Jesus' parables and apply their lessons to our 
      lives!
   D. Invitation

Scripture, Meditation, and Application

1: And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his 
   teaching (Mark 4:2).

   When Jesus taught the people He did so in parables.  Parables are 
   true-to-life stories which convey spiritual truths.  Jesus’ parables 
   prove evocative and instructive to this day.  May we seek to understand
   the will of God in Christ!

2: And he said unto them, "Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of
   God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables: 
   that 'seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear,
   and not understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it should be
   forgiven them'" (Mark 4:11-12).

   Jesus' parables contained spiritual truths but their lessons were 
   inaccessible to many who were not willing to understand.  Jesus 
   explained all things to His disciples; the people, more concretely 
   minded, would have missed their significance.  May we be as the 
   disciples and seek to understand Jesus’ parables!

3: Another parable set he before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is 
   likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field" (Matthew 13:24).

   Parables frequently described realities in the Kingdom of God.  Jesus 
   used the stories and situations of the common people: farming, fishing,
   trading, traveling.  In these ways some of the most sublime truths have
   been communicated using the most humble of situations.  We do well to 
   learn not only from the substance of the parables but from Jesus’ use of
   parables itself!