Bible study - The parables of Jesus - part 1

The Parables of Jesus page 1

Bible Study

The Parables of Jesus

Prepared by

Dr. John Birley


Everyone loves a story

Where better to start than with a story. Everyone enjoys a story. Anthropologists tell us that

storytelling is central to human existence, it's common to every known culture (Rose).

Stories are great ways to communicate interesting and important information and are also

fun and engaging ways to pass the time. God has created and designed us to enjoy telling

and hearing stories.

Talk – Is storytelling a big part of Korean culture?

Talk – Why do you think this is the case?

Let's begin then with a story.

Story 1

“A well-established church had grown comfortable and lazy in their ways. The

worship was the same each week. The same songs were sung. People greeted one

another without much enthusiasm and there was little regard for those who entered

the church for the first time. Over time, their numbers decreased, people left the

church and no new people arrived. The offerings were fewer and the church building

gradually slid into disrepair. Eventually the leader of the denomination came to visit

the church. He announced to the pastor that the church would be closed later that

year. The pastor argued that the church should be given another year, they should be

given a chance to improve and get better. If after a year the church didn’t recover, the

church should close and the property should be sold.”

(By Jacob Sahms)

Did you notice anything familiar about this story?

It is actually a modern reworking of a biblical parable.

Q: Do you recognise this parable? Can you identify it's biblical origin?

Q: Without thinking here of the deeper spiritual/divine meaning why does this parable

(modern version) capture your attention?

Q: Why is it more effective at gaining our interest than a straight telling of the facts?

It is a reworking of “The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree” Here is the biblical version taken

from Luke's gospel.

He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and

he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his

vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find

none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him,

‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears

fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.” (Luke 13:6-9 NKJV)


Introduction

In this study we will be looking in some depth at the parables of Jesus. The Lord Jesus

Christ in His preaching and teaching frequently used parables as a means of illustrating

profound, divine truths.

We might think for example of the parable of “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:30-37) or

“The Prodigal Son” (Luke 15:11-32). Almost all Christians and many non-Christians are

familiar with these memorable stories. They are easily remembered, the characters are bold

and familiar, and the symbolism rich in meaning.

Talk - Do you have a favourite parable?

Talk – Can you tell us the parable in your own words?

Talk - What appeals to you about the parable?

Talk – Are there any parables that confuse or puzzle you?

Jesus was not the first person in history to use parables. The use of parables were a common

form of teaching in first century Judaism.

The rabbis and Pharisees used parables to explain or illustrate Mosaic law (Sproul 6).

Teaching via the form of parables was recognised as being a very effective way to teach and

present material, this is because,

a) Parables are pictorial (they paint a visual mental picture)

b) They are easily grasped

c) They are quickly remembered and retained

d) They grab and hold the attention

Parables then formed a very important part of Jewish teaching. In fact one whole book of

the Old Testament is entitled “Parables.” We know it today as “Proverbs.” The Hebrew word

for both proverb and parable is mashal (Wendham 12)

Jesus as a Jewish man had been raised in the tradition and culture of parabolic teaching and

would therefore have been very familiar with their use. Being a master teacher and

communicator it was natural that He would use them during His earthly ministry.

In fact as we read through the gospels we see that He employed them a great deal. They

comprise more than one-third of the recorded teachings of Jesus (Taylor 2).

Read what the gospel writer Mark says on the subject;

“But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He

explained all things to His disciples.” (Mark 4:34)

This underscores why we should devote considerable time to the study and understanding of

our Lord's parables. Jesus recognised that as a teaching method parables are very effective.


The fact that Jesus used parables so frequently tells us much about Him as a man and as a

preacher/teacher. He was a teacher with His feet firmly planted on the ground. Able to

communicate with ordinary people in ordinary everyday terms. Although He was clearly

able to engage the “ivory tower academics” of His day (see for example Luke 11:37-53) He

chose most often to tell stories that revealed divine truth to normal people.

Parables in the bible

Let us turn now to consider the parables presented to us in the bible.

The Old Testament

Parables do occasionally appear in the Old Testament. Two of the better known OT parables

are; the “Story of the vineyard” (Isaiah 5:1-7) and the parable that Nathan told David

following his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-7). Let's read this parable now.

1 Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: “There

were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceedingly

many flocks and herds. 3 But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb

which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his

children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and

it was like a daughter to him. 4 And a traveler came to the rich man, who refused to

take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare one for the wayfaring man

who had come to him; but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man

who had come to him.”

5 So David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As

the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! 6 And he shall restore

fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.”

7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I

anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.

(2 Sam 12:1-7)

Talk – Why do you think this story moved David?

Talk – Why do you Nathan used a parable and did not simply confront

David with the truth?

Talk – Why are parables an effective way to presenting hard and uncomfortable

truths?

On the next page is a list of the OT parables. I encourage you to read through the list and

compare them with the parables of Jesus.


A list of OT parables

Of Balaam - Concerning the Moabites and Israelites. Numbers 23:24

Jotham - Trees making a king. Judges 9:7-15

Samson - Strong bringing forth sweetness. Judges 14:14

Nathan - Poor man's ewe lamb. 2 Samuel 12:1-4

Woman of Tekoah - Two brothers striving. 2 Samuel 14:1

The Smitten Prophet - The escaped prisoner. 1 Kings 20:35-40

Jehoash, King of Israel - The thistle and cedar. 2 Kings 14:9

Isaiah - Vineyard yielding wild grapes. Isaiah 5:1-7

Ezekiel - Lion's whelps. Ezekiel 14:2-9

The boiling pot. Ezekiel 24:3-5

The great eagles and the wine. Ezekiel 17:3-10

The New Testament

In the New Testament whilst some writers use allegories and similitudes only Jesus uses

the story parable.

Parables are therefore unique to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is actually a fulfilment of

prophecy.

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, (Psalm 78:2)

All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He

did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet,

saying: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the

foundation of the world. (Matthew 12:34-35)

How many parables are there?

There is considerable disagreement on exactly how many parables Jesus used. This is

because parables or sayings come in a variety of forms. Some scholars interpret one saying

as a parable and others do not consider it a parable. We will look at this in more detail in the

next section.

There is general academic agreement that the parables of Jesus appear only in the synoptic

gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke.

John's gospel does not contain any “true parables.” The Greek word παραβολή (parabolē)

is never used in the Fourth Gospel. However John's Gospel four times also uses the related

word παροιµία (paroimia = "proverb" or "figure of speech") (Just).


John's gospel instead of using true parables contains metaphoric stories or allegories (see

for example the shepherd stories - John 10:1-21).

Definition box

Metaphoric story = a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to

something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as

in “A mighty fortress is our God.”

Due to the wide disagreements on what is or isn't a parable there are a number of differing

views or opinions. The figures range from 33 to 79!

A.B Bruce = 33

Richard Trench = 30

The NIV Study bible = 40

Typically most biblical scholars settle on a figure around 30 (Doerksen)

The breakdown of parables per gospel is as follows

Gospel Parables recorded Unique to that particular

gospel

Matthew 23 6

Mark 24 10

Luke 8 1

(Taken from Dowler)

What is a parable?

The bible is as you know a collection of 66 individual books. A wide variety of types of

genres of writing is contained within these books. Each must be read, understood and

interpreted within the conventions of its genre. We see in the bible for example.

Historical narrative

Poetry

Letters

The gospels

Wisdom

Prophecy

Apocalypse

Before we talk more specifically about what a parable is we must mention some other

figures of speech or sayings that are also often used in the bible. We should note here that

not all of the sayings labelled as “parables” in the bible are of the same kind.


Saying type Description Biblical example

1. Similitude A comparison

between two things. a

person or thing

resembling someone

or something else.

Another parable He spoke to them: “The

kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a

woman took and hid in three measures of

meal till it was all leavened.” (Luke 13:33)

2. Metaphor A figure of speech in

which a word or

phrase is applied to

an object or action to

which it is not

literally applicable.

“You are the salt of the earth”

3. Epigram A short saying or

remark expressing an

idea in a clever and

or amusing way.

You will know them by their fruits. Do men

gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from

thistles?

(Matt 7:16

4. Simile a figure of speech

involving the

comparison of one

thing with another

thing of a different

kind Uses the terms

“like” or “as”

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard

seed

5 Allegory A story, poem, or

picture that can be

interpreted to reveal a

hidden meaning,

typically a moral or

political one. Every

point or detail is

important as it has a

hidden meaning or

message.

Galatians 4:22-31

The parable is related and similar in some ways to the figures of speech above but is in

some important ways different. We might say that it a metaphor that has been extended or

stretched into a short story or brief narrative.

Parables can be divided into 4 types though often there is some overlap with some parables

combining elements or a mix from the different types.


1) True Parables

True parables are stories based on true, visible scenes and events. We can imagine the things

really happening to real people. For example, seeds growing, yeast at work, losing a coin.

They are complete stories in the sense that they have a beginning and an end. An example of

a true parable would be “The Prodigal Son.”

2) Story Parables

Do not rely on obvious “truths” but instead are based upon “experiences.” They do not need

to be based on real events or happenings but we should be able to imagine what the

experience would be. An example would be “The Parable of the tares.”

3) Illustrations

Exhibit behaviours to be copied or avoided. Two examples would be, “The Rich Fool” and

“The Good Samaritan.”

4) Parabolic Sayings

Short statements, such as; Jesus teachings on Salt and Light, “Physician heal thyself”, “No

one sews a new patch on an old garment”, “No one puts new wine in an old wineskin”, “A

pupil is not above his teacher” and “Can a blind man lead a blind man?” Many of these can

be found in Luke chapters 4-7.

How can we define a parable?

You may well have heard a parable described in the following way,

“A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.”

Whilst this is generally true we need further clarification.

“A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the

Gospels.” Oxford Dictionary

Again whilst true this is not precise enough. Let's flesh out exactly what a parable is.

A “parable” is an illustrative story, by which a familiar idea is cast beside an unfamiliar

idea in such a way that the comparison helps people to better understand and grasp

the unfamiliar idea. A simple story is told, certain features of which are analogous or

parallel to the points or principles one wishes to drive home.

“A parable is a full-length story, true to nature and to life, a picture of something

which can be observed in the world of our experience, which was told by our Lord to

illustrate divine truth.” (Doerksen)


"A parable begins innocently as a picture that arrests our attention and arouses our

interest. But as we study the picture, it becomes a mirror in which we suddenly see

ourselves. If we continue to look by faith, the mirror becomes a window through which

we see God and His truth. How we respond to that truth will determine what further

truth God will teach us.” (Wiersbe)

“A true parable gets the listener deeply involved and compels that listener to make a

personal decision about God’s truth and his or her life. So penetrating and personal

are parables that, after they heard several of them, the religious leaders wanted to kill

the Lord Jesus!” (Wiesrbe)

What exactly is a parable?

The word “parable” in the OT is a translation of the Hebrew word mashal The . משל

word mashal appears 38 times in the OT.

The word is used to describe several types of saying;

a) A proverbial saying

b) A prophetic figurative discourse

c) A similitude

d) A poem

e) A riddle

f) A taunt

In the New Testament the word “parable” is a translation of two Greek words para and

ballo.

Para = (preposition) alongside of

ballo = (verb) To throw, hurl or cast

We still use the prefix para today. For example in the legal world we refer to a para-legal.

A para-legal works alongside a lawyer as a helper or assistant.

When combined they form the word paraballo (παραβολη) meaning, “To throw or cast

alongside of”.

The meaning conveyed then it that two things that are thrown or placed alongside each other

in order that one can view them both in order to make a comparison.

So, to teach by parable is literally to throw a lesson or teaching alongside the true object of

the doctrine (Sproul 7). Or more simply the teacher illustrates this by describing that.

“A Parable is essentially a formal comparison, and requires its interpreter to go beyond its

own narrative to bring in its meaning.” (Terry 189)


In the NT the Greek word paroima is also used.

Paroima = “A dark saying” a “figure of speech” a “proverb”

Please note - A parable is not the same things as an allegory

What is an allegory

An allegory is like a parable in that it is a story told to make a comparison. However there is

a significant difference. In an allegory every detail has an inner hidden symbolic meaning.

One of the most famous and well known allegorical stories is

John Bunyan's “The Pilgrims Progress.” Bunyan includes

many details which carry symbolic meaning. For example

Christian (the main character) begins the story carrying a

heavy burden upon his back. The burden symbolically

represent sin. (Morden 111)

In a parable the extra details are often provided only

to colour or flesh out the story. So for example the fact

that the Samaritan in “The Good Samaritan” had a donkey in an allegory might be highly

symbolic. The donkey may represent or symbolize something the reader must interpret.

In a parable it is merely an interesting but not important detail. He could just as significantly

of had a horse, camel, dog or nothing.

Why have parables caused so much confusion?

Perhaps this is a question that has never occurred to you. Maybe as you read through the

New Testament you are never puzzled or confused by the parables. On the other hand

perhaps they quite often cause you to pause and scratch your head. If this later description

describes you you are certainly not alone.

After the book of Revelation it is the parables of the Lord Jesus Christ which have been

most often misunderstood and misinterpreted. Part of the reason for this stems back to what

Jesus himself said about them.

10 But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the

parable. 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the

kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 so that

‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not

understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.’ ”(Mark 4:10-12)


Jesus here suggest that there is a mystery to the parables. This mystery is only for those

within the kingdom and remains elusive to those outside. For this reason scholars in the

ancient and medieval world came to believe that this mystery was caught up or disguised

within an allegory.

In an allegory as we said before every detail is important and potentially significant. In an

allegory every thing represents or symbolises something else. It is incumbent upon the

reader to determine unless specified what is and is not important. Historically this was how

they approached interpreting the parables.

Let us look as an example of this at the famous allegorical

interpretation of the “Good Samaritan” by Augustine (354-430 AD)

Augustine's allegorical interpretation

A certain man = Adam

Jerusalem = is the heavenly city of peace, from whose blessedness Adam fell.

Jericho = means the moon, and signifies our mortality, because it is born, waxes, wanes,

an dies.

Thieves = are the devil and his angels. Who stripped him, namely; of his immortality; and

beat him, by persuading him to sin; and left him half-dead, because in so far as man can

understand and know God, he lives, but in so far as he is wasted and oppressed by sin, he is

dead; he is therefore called half-dead.

The priest and the Levite = who saw him and passed by, signify the priesthood and

ministry of the Old Testament which could profit nothing for salvation.

Samaritan = Guardian, and therefore the Lord Himself is signified by this name.

The binding of the wounds = is the restraint of sin.

Oil = is the comfort of good hope;

Wine = the exhortation to work with fervent spirit.

The donkey = is the flesh in which He (God) came to us. Jesus Christ.

The being set upon the beast = is belief in the incarnation of Christ.

The inn = is the Church, where travellers returning to their heavenly country are refreshed

after pilgrimage.

The next day = after the resurrection of the Lord.


The two silver coins = the promise of this life and of that which is to come.

The innkeeper = is the Apostle Paul.

Talk – What do you think of this interpretation?

Talk – Do you think this allegory captures Jesus intent?

Talk – What problems could you see with an allegorical approach?

Whilst Augustine's allegory is interesting and perhaps thought provoking we can be sure

that this was not what Jesus intended. We know this because Jesus used parables to teach

ordinary working people the truth. Using an allegory would be a very convoluted way to

teach something.

Let us then turn to why exactly Jesus did teach using parables.

Why did Jesus speak and teach using parables?

We might discern two reasons for Jesus using parables

1. Historical

2. Pedagogical (as a way to teach)

Historical

It is very noticeable when reading through the gospels that at a certain point in His ministry

Jesus changes from using clear teaching and instruction to using parabolic teaching. Prior to

this change Jesus had employed many graphic analogies using common things that would

be familiar to everyone (salt, bread, sheep, etc.) and their meaning was fairly clear in the

context of His teaching.

However Jesus abruptly changes his teaching method to include numerous parables. In

Matthew's gospel we witness this shift in chapter 13.

10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?

11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the

mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever

has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not

have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in

parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they

understand. (Matthew 13:10-13)

At this point in Christ's earthly ministry His work had been attributed to Satan and the


Jewish leaders and elders had turned their backs on Him (Matt 12:24).

“Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons

except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” (Matt 12:24)

The change in His teaching style is noted by the disciples who ask Him why He is now

speaking in parables (Matt 13:10).

The shift to parabolic teaching then comes as a direct result of the hard hearted rejection of

Jesus by the Jewish leaders and many of the people (Doerksen 7).

This rejection meant it became necessary to reveal truth to His true followers whilst

concealing the mysteries of the Kingdom to those who were hostile (Constable 230). This

brings us to the second reason for Christ's use of parables.

Pedagogical

Jesus in the verses above taken from Matthew is making a clear distinction between two

kinds of hearer.

1. Those who were open to or inside the Kingdom. Those who desired to hear and listen

to truth.

2. Those outside the Kingdom. Outside the circle of discipleship. Those that are dead

or cold to spiritual truths.

Jesus explained that the parables have a two-fold purpose. Because the parable is a device,

those who desired to understand His messages did, and those who were indifferent did not.

The spiritually blind people who did not understand Jesus' message, such as the Pharisees

and other Jewish elders publicly rejected Jesus.

Isaiah prophesied that some of those who heard Christ's message would not understand, and

they would think that Christ's teaching was nonsense (Isaiah 6:9–10).

9And He said, “Go, and tell this people:

‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;

Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’

10 “Make the heart of this people dull,

And their ears heavy,

And shut their eyes;

Lest they see with their eyes,

And hear with their ears,

And understand with their heart,

And return and be healed.”


Jesus then spoke in parables so that answers and truth would be available to those who

desired to understand. When Jesus says, “He who has ears, let him hear,” He understands

that some people might audibly hear His teaching, but it will not pierce their understanding

or their hearts. For these people the parable is actually an instrument of concealment.

In the Greek language there is the idea of “deep hearing or super hearing.” (Sproul 7).

This conveys the idea of hearing and then obeying what you hear. They were all listening to

Jesus teach the parable but only those with spiritual discernment would be able to apply and

obey what they heard.

Was Jesus harsh?

Jesus then deliberately spoke in parables to conceal truth from the unbelieving crowds.

Some might see this as a little harsh or unfair.

The question we might ask is why Jesus would let most people wonder about the meaning

of His parables. We might think it would have been easier and more straightforward to teach

simply and plainly. To not teach using parables that are sometimes confusing.

He did so because a parable might be the instrument God would use to enlighten some who

had not yet firmly rejected Him, but were still open-minded. The honest searching believer

was not excluded or shut out. Our Lord explained the meaning to those who sought

explanation or understanding.

Bible scholar Dr Wiersbe gives us this helpful description;

“A parable begins innocently as a picture that arrests our attention and arouses our

interest. But as we study the picture, it becomes a mirror in which we suddenly see

ourselves. If we continue to look by faith, the mirror becomes a window through which

we see God and His truth. How we respond to that truth will determine what further

truth God will teach us.”

(“Be diligent” NT commentary Mark)

It is also important to recognise that Jesus used story parables as a means of calling forth a

response from his hearers. Jesus used them to capture his hearers, to bring them to an

awareness regarding their own thinking or actions, and or to cause them to respond in some

way to Jesus and His ministry. (Fee and Stuart 152)

Let us briefly consider the four goals of parables in Jesus ministry

# Purpose Explanation

1 The revelation of truth The parables often reveal more truth than a plain statement

would.

Those with the correct attitude would understand more.


Deep spiritual truth can be given in a way that is easy to

understand.

2 The concealment of truth Parables do not make things plain to all hearers.

Those that are cold or indifferent cannot understand them.

3 The preservation of truth Parables are easy to remember and tell to others. As such

they are a good way to preserve and share the truth.

For new and immature believers they are effective and

memorable ways to remember divine truth.

4 The bringing out of truth

from those reluctant to

acknowledge it

Parables are effective in making those who may be

reluctant accept truth.

They force us to confront reality.

What is the central theme of the parables?

We find many different themes when we read through the parables. However the simple

answer as to what the parables are about is that they are all describing some aspect of the

Kingdom of God / Kingdom of heaven.

Matthew = Kingdom of heaven (Jewish audience)

Mark, Luke = Kingdom of God

This was the central theme of all Jesus preaching.

“For a proper understanding of the parables of Jesus it must always be borne in mind

that all of them deal with one great subject, and one great subject only, namely the

Kingdom of God” (Hope 303)

For readers today this is not always helpful. Part of the problem lies in our often hazy

understanding of what Jesus meant by the term. In fact today the word kingdom has

different connotations. We tend to think of a kingdom being a place. Jesus used it in broader

terms to identify a “state of affairs.”

For Jesus The Kingdom of God meant;

a) The realm God rules – a physical place

b) The situation or reality of God ruling as king

To understand how His hearers understood these terms we must think of their historical

context. Korea is a republic without a king or queen. Even in the UK where we retain a

monarchy the queen is really only a constitutional figurehead. The queen of England does

not wield considerable power. In first century Palestine things were very different.


Jesus hearers lived in a time when kings were very powerful and dangerous individuals.

Kings such as Herod the Great ruled their kingdoms with ruthless power and authority.

So when Jesus' original hearers heard that the Kingdom of God was coming it had great

significance.

Jesus was actually announcing God's final intervention in history. A time the OT prophets

had looked forward to. A time when God would impose His kingly rule on the world.

We might try to better understand how the people of Palestine felt by changing “Kingdom of

God” to “Revolution of God” (Wendham 22). What Jesus was telling them was shocking,

exciting and a little dangerous. The people were desperate for a change. They wanted the

Romans and those who politically sided with the Romans such as the Herod's out.

Of course Jesus had a much bigger revolution in mind. The parables were a means of

proclaiming the Kingdom of God. A means of telling people that God's new world had

arrived. A revolution that would bring salvation to His people, and renewal and

reconciliation to the world.

How should we read, interpret and apply parables?

How do we bridge the divide from the world of the bible to apply what we read to our lives

today? The major obstacle we have in understanding and correctly applying the parables of

Jesus is the distance that separates us. Chronologically around 2000 years divides us, we are

also divided by culture, language, customs and religion. All of these present a challenge in

really being able to understand and apply what we read in the bible.

As the above discussion may have made clear it is difficult to lay down strict rules for

interpreting parables. In some parables for example the details may not be important but in

others they are. Remember even Jesus' disciples had to ask for the interpretation on

occasion.

Me

today


The example of Jesus

Let us consider the parable of “The wheat and the tares”

24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a

man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and

sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted

and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner

came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it

have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him,

‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you

gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together

until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather

together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into

my barn.” (Matt 24-30)

After hearing the parable the disciples are confused and puzzled. Jesus then explains the

meaning.

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples

came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”

37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.

38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are

the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is

the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are

gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man

will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that

offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of

fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine

forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

(Matt 13:36-43)

Jesus explains what is important

The tares = Sons of the wicked one (Satan's followers or one who belongs to Satan)

The sower = The Son of Man (Jesus)

The good seed / Wheat = Christ's followers

The field = The world

The enemy = Satan

The harvest = The end of time

The reapers = The angels


But also note what Jesus does not include as important in our understanding of the parable.

The men who slept

The meaning of sleep

The springing up of the wheat

The yielding of fruit

The servants

We must therefore conclude that these are included to add color and realism to the story but

are not important in interpreting the parable.

How should we go about interpreting the parables – A step by step approach

It is important to note that it is not possible to provide specific rules

that will apply in every case. However there are some good general

interpretation principles or steps that we can apply or follow.

Step 1 - context is everything

This first step is crucial. We need to read and understand the parable in the context it was

first given; By the Lord Jesus Christ to first century Palestinians.

It will be important to note

a) The historical setting

b) The religious groups involved – Pharisees, Scribes, Sadducees etc

c) The teachings/understandings of the time

d) The social and political environment

e) The geography of the Bible lands

f) The customs, culture, practices of life in first century Palestine

The more we know about these things the easier it will be to correctly understand the

parable. For example the fact that the Jews held the Samaritans in absolute contempt is

highly significant in understanding the parable of “The Good Samaritan.” The Jews were

friendly and neighbourly with one another but never with the Samaritans. This Jesus tells

them through the parable will not do.

Remember as with all of the bible it must be read and understood in light of what the

original author intended and how it was received and understood by its original audience.


Step 2 – Read around the parable

Pay close attention to the introductions to and the conclusions of the parable. These often

give us helpful clues and insights. It is important therefore to read the chapter(s) before and

after the parable. We are looking for the audience, the setting and any other context points

that will help us in our interpretation.

Sometimes Jesus Himself provides an interpretation either in the epilogue or the prologu.

Step 3 – Read the parable very carefully - understand the details

Read the parable carefully several times. Learn, understand and appreciate the story. We

need to be clear on what is really being said, to whom it is being said and any other

important details.

Step 4 – Identify the points of reference

Identify the main points of reference within the parable. Parables work as teaching tools

because the audience identifies or has a knowledge of the reference points which then

enables them to recognise the unexpected turn in the story.

Think of it a little like a joke. A joke is only funny if someone understands or appreciates the

point or points of reference. When the joke has to be explained then it loses its spontaneity

and is frequently far less amusing.

When I was young there were many politically incorrect jokes that started in the same way.

“There was an English man, a Scotsman and an Irishman...”

The jokes always ended in a way that made the Irishman look foolish or stupid. Thankfully

these jokes are no longer deemed acceptable. Those hearing the jokes knew that this twist or

“punchline” was coming and therefore could settle back and see how the set up concluded.

The 3 points of reference in such a joke were as follows;

Englishman – the smartest person

Scotsman – The second smartest person

Irishman - The fool or the butt of the joke

A parable works in a similar way. Remember that they were originally a spoken form of

communication. The original hearers knew the points of reference, sowing seeds, the

properties of salt for example and were then able to understand the twist or “punchline” that

came at the end of the story.

For example in “The good Samaritan ” there are 3 points of reference.


1 The man in the ditch (the victim)

2 The Samaritan

3 The two other religious men – priest and levite

The religious men would have been expected to help. To be good neighbours. The original

hearers held the Samaritans in high contempt. Therefore for Jesus to have the Samaritan as

the good and Godly neighbor would have been a massive shock and surprise to Jesus

original hearers.

To really appreciate the power of this parable then we must know something about the

culture and people of first century Palestine.

Practice time – Can you identify the points of reference?

Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it

not to be set on a lampstand? (Mark 4:21)

Hint = There are two -

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when

he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

(Matt 13:45-46)

Hint = There are two -

Step 4 – Determine the central point

There are a few exceptions but most parables have one central point. Some have two points.

For example “The Prodigal Son.”

1.The joy of the father (God) over the return of a penitent son.

2. A rebuke to the older brother who does not accept a repentant sinner. These however can

be harmonised into one main point.

We all should feel joy when someone lost returns to God.

Step 5 – Check scripture against scripture

Check all your ideas and or interpretations against the other teachings of Jesus and the

scriptures for unity and harmony. Do we for example see other parables or teachings with a

similar theme?


Step 6 – Make applications – apply to my situation

Once steps 1-5 have been completed we can then, and only then make an application to

ourselves today. We can try to translate the parable into our own context.

How can you learn from and apply the teachings to your own life? Is the parable a lesson on

how to treat or respond to others? Is it explaining about the life of a believer in the

Kingdom?

Conclusion

In this introduction we have considered what a parable is, why Jesus used them, the key

theme of the parables and how we might go about understanding them and then applying

them to our lives.

It is time then to put all of this theory into practice and look at some parables.

Bibliography

Constable, Thomas L. Notes on Matthew. Sonic Light, 2017.

Doerksen, Vernon D. “The Interpretation of Parables.” Grace Theological Journal, vol. 11, no. 2, 1970, pp. 3– 20

Dowler, Brian L. The Parables of Jesus. PDF

Fee, Gordon D, and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Zondervan, 2003.

Hope, Norman V. “Bases for Understanding - The Interpretation of Christ's Parables.” Vol. 6, no. 3, July 1952, pp.

301–307.

Just, Felix. “Parables in the New Testament.” Symbolism of Numbers in the Bible, Apr. 2016, catholic-

resources.org/Bible/Parables.htm.

Morden, Peter J. John Bunyan: the People's Pilgrim. CWR, 2013.

Rose, Frank. “The Art of Immersion: Why Do We Tell Stories?” Wired, Conde Nast, 3 June 2017,

www.wired.com/2011/03/why-do-we-tell-stories/.

Sahms, Jacob. “Modern Day Parables” Jacob Sahms, 19 Feb. 2013, mustardseedthoughts.com/2013/02/19/modern-

day-parables-21713/.

Sproul, R. C. What Do Jesus' Parables Mean? Reformation Trust Publishing, 2017.

Taylor, Gene. A Study of the Parables of Jesus. 1995. PDF

Terry, Milton S. Biblical Hermenutics. Eaton and Mains, 1890.

Wenham, David. The Parables of Jesus. Inter Varsity Press, 1989.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Diligent: Serving Others as You Walk with the Master Servant. David C. Cook, 2010

Bible study - The parables of Jesus - part 1

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