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Principles for the ParablesThis past Sunday, in our auditorium class, we briefly considered a number of events that transpired in a particular, single day within the life of Jesus. Within this day He miraculously cast out a demon, faced criticism from His opposition, taught a crowd while in a house in Capernaum, taught a multitude that gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, taught His apostles and some other followers privately, crossed the Sea of Galilee, stilled a storm along the way and cast out additional demons. It is my suspicion that this was probably similar to many/most days for our Savior – hardly time to eat, rarely a moment to rest. Remember what John wrote in John 21:25, “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” Within this particular day, when Jesus taught the multitude along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, He presented His first group of parables. To the crowd, He presented the following parables: the Sower, the Tares, the Mustard Seed, the Leaven and the Seed Growing of Itself. Later that same day, while teaching His apostles and other followers privately, He added the following: the Hidden Treasure, the Goodly Pearl, the Net and the Householder. The word “parable” comes from a Greek word meaning, “a placing of one thing beside another with a view to comparison” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). Jesus would tell a general story with a spiritual truth placed alongside. This method, which Jesus utilized for more than a third of His teaching, was designed to reveal and conceal simultaneously. For those who were seeking truth from our Lord, they could find it in the parables. As a result, truth was revealed. Yet, for those who opposed Him, they would hear a nice story but the truth remained concealed. As Jesus stated, “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:13). Also, as Neil Lightfoot noted in his book, Lessons From the Parables, (Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Book House, © 1965), “By telling a story that was true-to-life, he would draw a parallel between earthly affairs and heavenly things…He could arouse the curiosity of His audience by beginning a story, and they could follow Him all the way through without realizing where He was leading them. Then all at once the hidden meaning of the story would strike them like a flash, and they could not contradict what He said” (pg 14). A study of the parables is one that is rich and rewarding. Yet, to get their full message and benefit, here are some important principles to keep in mind: 1. Look for the Main Point – While many good lessons can be derived from each parable, we must remember that there is a particular, main point in each one. There was a specific reason that Jesus presented the parable – a specific point that He was making. 2. Consider the Context – To help us in understanding the main point, we must consider the overall context of the parable. What led to Jesus giving the parable? What was taking place? Who was involved? Had somebody asked a question? To whom was the parable delivered? etc. 3. Not Every Detail Has Special Representation – Remember, parables are stories that reflect spiritual truth. Some of the details are simply part of the overall aspects of the story and may not have special representation. The degree of representation will vary from parable to parable. Simply put, don’t try to read too much into each individual parable. Periodically, I hope to address some of the Parables of Jesus in future bulletin articles. In the meantime, I encourage you to give them some consideration with the use of the principles listed above. And, as always…happy studying! What is the middle chapter and the shortest in the Bible? What is the middle verse in the Bible? What is the longest verse in the Bible? What is the longest word in the Bible? What book in the Bible does not contain the words “Lord” nor God”?
Answers next week |