· What is a Parable?
i. The dictionary definition of the word means: to cast or put near.
ii. A parable at its simplest is a metaphor or simile drawn from nature or common life, arresting the hearer by its vividness or strangeness, and leaving the mind in sufficient doubt about its precise application to rouse it into active thought.
iii. A resemblance is the root idea in both Greek and Hebrew
iv. A parable is a miracle in words.
· Did Jesus invent teaching through the use of parables?
i. No, it was a common rabbinic teaching style.
· Why did Jesus use parables?
i. A time of increased opposition to his ministry.
ii. Matt 13:10-17
iii. Matt 7:6 Do not give to dogs what is sacred; and do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
iv. Parables are a fishing hook.
1. Responsive disciple: the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heave has been give to you, but not to them.
2. Unresponsive: truth hidden from them to aid in the hardening of their heart as they continuously rebelled against God
· Four elements common to all parables
i. Commonly know earthly thing
ii. Beyond the earthly element is the spiritual lesson of theological truth which the parable intends to teach
iii. the earthly element bears an analogical relationship to the spiritual element
iv. Every parable has two levels of meaning and because of this every parable stand in need of interpreting
· How do we interpret parables?
i. The perspective principles: we need to understand them in their relationship to Christology and the kingdom of God.
1. Christology: how does this parable relate to Christ?
2. Kingdom of God/Heaven: we need to discuss this point. What is meant by the kingdom of God?
ii. The cultural principles: we must understand the cultural background of the parables
iii. Doctrinal principles; We must understand the parable as Jesus taught it and not read our theological debates back into the parables
iv. Exegetical principles:
1. Determine the one central truth the parable is attempting to teach
2. Determine how much of the parable is interpreted by the Lord himself
3. Determine whether there are any clues in the context concerning the parable meaning
4. Compare to same parable in the other Gospels
Parable Help Sheet
Use this to help you as you study the parables.
What is the name of the parable? __________________________________________
Where is the parable located? _____________________________________________
Does this parable appear in any other Gospels’? _______________________________
What is the occasion for telling the parable? (Why is Jesus telling this parable?) ______________________
Did Jesus interpret this parable? Yes or No .If yes, what does He declare the main point as? _______________________
What are the details of this parable? And what do they mean? _______________________________________
What is the central truth /point of emphasis of this parable? ____________________________
How does this parable help me understand Christ or the Kingdom of God better?____________________________________
