The Parables of our Lord

Introduction
June 17, 2007

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable. Mat 13:34


What is a parable?

· Meaning.

* From the Greek parabole which means “to be placed alongside.”
* A story, a metaphor or a simile that puts the known next to the unknown so that we may learn. (Key word: …like…)
* A true-to-life comparison designed to make a motivating impression.
* Most of us tend to think in pictures and have difficulty grasping abstract ideas.

· Examples.

* Old Testament (2 Sam 12, Psalms, Proverbs.)
* New Testament (Gospels, Epistles, Revelation).
* Hymns and spiritual songs.
* Our pastor.
* Other.


Our Lord’s use of the parables in His teaching

· The Master Teacher and the Master’s primary method. (Mat 13:34)

“Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. John 3:2

O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables. (Psa 78:1-2)

· His message – the Kingdom of God.

* What is the kingdom of God?

* In scripture (Matthew 4:17, 5:20, 6:9-10, 6:33, 18:3, 19:2; John 18:36, Acts 1:3, Rom 14:17, 1 Cor 15:50, Col 1:13, Rev 11:15)
* Both present and future.
* Revealed and concealed(?) by Jesus. (Mt 13:35, 13:13-17)

· Sub-themes.

* The character of the kingdom. (Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price)
* The character of the King. (Workers in the Vineyard, Lost Sheep, Lost Son)
* The character of the King’s subjects. (Good Samaritan, Persistent Widow)

Studying the parables – “Have you understood all these things?” (Mt 13:51)

· Realize the kingdom focus of the parables.
· Ask what the parables reveal about God.
· Beware of allegorizing every detail of forcing deeper meanings.
· Study the context.
· Ask what the parables teach about how to live.
· Read the parables with “sanctified imagination,” placing yourself in the story. Tap into all your senses.





Quiz: Using the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, can you identify the everyday comparison used by our Lord along with or instead of using the following thesis statements?

A.Christians should influence their world
B.The Christian should deal ruthlessly with sin in his or her life
C.Benevolence should not be ostentatious
D.Fasting done to impress others will not be rewarded by God
E.Our deeds done for Christ should be more desired than that done for material wealth
F.Judging others only as you would judge yourself
G.Persistent prayer is powerful
H.Living for self is easy but destructive. Living for God is hard but life as it is meant to be
I.Does your life give evidence for others to know that you are a Christian
J.Following Jesus is the only sure way to get through the trials and tribulations of life