The Parables of Jesus

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The Parables of Jesus

• An Introduction

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Introduction

• Jesus often taught using parables
• Matt 131-3, 34-35
• Approx. 1/3 of all Jesus recorded teachings are
  in parables
• Just mentioning a name of a parable can awake
  memories and thoughts
• The Good Samaritan, The Lost Sheep, The Prodigal
  Son, The Sower

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Parables

• What is a parable?
• Why did Jesus teach in parables?
• What are parables about?
• How should we understand parables?
• Well answer these questions in this lesson
• In future lessons we will look at specific
  parables

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What is a Parable?

• Parable is a transliteration of the Greek
  parabole
• Means the placing of one thing beside another
  with a view to comparison
• It puts the known next to the unknown so that we
  may learn
• In the Bible, a parable is usually a story drawn
  from nature or human activity from which
  spiritual lessons can be made by comparison

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Why did Jesus teach in parables?

• Matt 1310-17
• Because of the hardness of many peoples hearts
• The disciples were going to be allowed to know
  the mysteries of the kingdom
• Jesus explained the parables to them in private

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Why did Jesus teach in parables?

• With parables Jesus effectively separated the
  truth-seekers from the curiosity-seekers
• Truth-seekers would ask for an explanation
• Mt 1336
• Curiosity-seekers wouldnt understand
• Lk 1614

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Why did Jesus teach in parables?

• Another purpose was to reveal truth
• Once the meaning of a parable became clear
• Then even more truths could be grasped by
  comparing the earthly story with the heavenly
  reality
• Matt 1312 to whoever has, an abundance will be
  given

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What are parables about?

• The general theme is the kingdom of heaven
• Matt 1311
• There are several sub-themes
• The character / nature of the kingdom
• The character of the King
• The character of the Kings subjects
• Parables may include any or all of these
  sub-themes

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How should we understand parables?

• Avoid extreme interpretations
• Some seek to find a spiritual truth in every tiny
  detail
• Others want to say there is only ONE spiritual
  truth in any parable

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How should we understand parables?

• General guidelines for interpretation
• Learn from Jesus own explanations
• Never interpret a parable against the explanation
• Consider the context and audience of the parable
• Look for the CENTRAL truth of the parable
• Generally something to do with the kingdom
• Any other truths must be in harmony with the
  central truth of the parable
• Dont use parables to formulate new doctrine
• Parables meant to conceal truth from some
• Must be in harmony with all other teachings

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Conclusion

• Following the basic guidelines
• We will be able to have our eyes and hearts
  opened
• We will start to see more and more the
  mysteries of the kingdom of heaven
• Matt 1316-17
• We will hear of things hidden since the
  foundation of the world Mt 1335

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