Parables of Jesus

Part 1

What is a Parable?

“a placing beside, or a comparison”. The New Testament word for “parable” is equivalent to the Old Testament word for “similitude”. In the Old Testament this is used in three different ways:  See the Septuagint, Ezekiel 20:49.
1) Proverbial, 1st Samuel 10:12, 24:13 & 2nd Chronicles 7:20.
2) Prophetic, Numbers 23:7, Ezekiel 20:49, Isaiah 5:1-7.
3) Ordinary, 2nd Samuel 12:1-15.
In the New Testament, it’s used four different ways.
1) Proverbial, Mark 7:15-17, Luke 4:23.
2) Emblematic, Hebrews 9:9, 11:19.
3) Allegorical, Matthew 15:15, 24:32, Mark 3:23, Luke 5:36 & 14:7.
4) Ordinary, (compare Luke 15:4-10 with John 10:1-30)

"an earthly story with a heavenly meaning” is a good definition of “parable” for children, but as adults we should grow to understand how many different ways God makes comparisons. Many people struggle with memory work, but different comparisons can help us remember God’s doctrine & wisdom better. It should be noted that parables usually have one single truth to convey, however, allegories have several points of detail to teach us. The parable of the sower found in Matthew, Mark & Luke is detailed like an allegory having several points to convey.  However the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is a detailed story with just one truth to teach, even though the details are numerous, it is really only God’s patient forgiveness and persevering love which is the single reason for the parable which looks like an allegory. Both allegories and parables are comparisons we can study and use. Knowing the difference between them, helps us interpret them correctly, safeguarding us from implications that God never intended.

Purpose of Parables.
A). Personal Application. Matthew 13:10-17, Mark 4:10-13, v 33-34, Luke 10:21.  Jesus knew the condition of our heart determined whether or not we could truly benefit from the wisdom of God’s word.  He knew a parable would do the best job of getting the seed of the Kingdom, deep into our heart and grow, without Satan snatching the truth away from those that really want to keep it.  Parables are not God’s way of teaching so that people, who didn’t want the truth, couldn’t get it.  Rather, it is God’s way of making sure everyone can get it, if they truly want it. All it takes is enough humility in our hearts, to bend down to a simple story and get the truth. You do not need to have a high IQ or a lot of experience in religious service.  What we need is a humble heart to accept the truth, and a story can help keep it there.  Parables help us with the practical application of God’s wisdom, so that doctrine doesn’t become just head knowledge, but heart felt action. God does not want anyone to perish, 2nd Peter 3:9.
B). Defense against The Old Serpent.  In each gospel’s version of the purpose for parables, there are three different descriptions of our enemy. Matthew 13:19, The Wicked one, (eternal tormentor).  Mark 4:15, Satan, (fighting enemy).  Luke 8:12, The Devil, (to dart through with arrows, ref. Eph. 6:16).  This is to help us understand the different schemes used against us to steal away the truth from our hearts and minds. A good story, keeps the truth buried deep in our soul, giving us growth and application. Then we get rooted and bear fruit in our actions for every day life and attitudes in our relationships.