An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus

An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus

Essay Body

The Nature of Parables
Parables are one of the most memorable teaching methods used by Jesus. Nearly a third of His teaching came in the form of parables. They are often compared to riddles in that they require effort to understand. Like riddles, parables are not meant to be discarded when they are not immediately clear but to be studied carefully until their central truth is grasped.

The word parable is not a direct translation but a transliteration of the Greek word parabolē, which means “to throw alongside.” In other words, a parable places an earthly situation beside a spiritual truth to teach by comparison. They are “earthly stories with heavenly meanings.” Jesus used real-life situations familiar to His audience—farmers sowing seed, fishermen casting nets, women baking bread—so that the hearers could relate.

The Prophecy of Parables
Matthew 13:34–35 reminds us that Jesus’ use of parables was prophesied: “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.’” This is a quotation from Psalm 78, showing that God’s plan included Jesus teaching in this way.

Why Jesus Used Parables
When the disciples asked in Matthew 13:10 why He spoke in parables, Jesus explained that it was to reveal truth to those who desired to learn and conceal truth from those with hardened hearts. Those willing to put forth the effort could understand and remember spiritual truths. Those who were indifferent, prejudiced, or rebellious would remain in ignorance by their own choice. Parables separated truth-seekers from curiosity-seekers.

Themes of the Parables
Most of Jesus’ parables center on the kingdom of heaven. Some describe its nature, like the mustard seed and leaven. Some focus on the King—Christ Himself. Others teach about the subjects, such as the Good Samaritan or the persistent widow. In every case, the parables were designed to inform, persuade, and motivate hearers to make good decisions about entering and living faithfully in God’s kingdom.

Interpreting Parables
The greatest challenge is interpretation. There are dangers in trying to force hidden meanings into every detail or in using parables to create new doctrine apart from the rest of Scripture. Jesus sometimes explained parables directly, like the parable of the sower. We must learn from these examples. The context is vital—what question, situation, or problem prompted the parable? Usually there is a central truth, though sometimes more than one. Above all, parables never contradict the rest of God’s word. They require careful effort, prayerful study, and honest hearts to uncover their lessons.

An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus Sermon Outline:

• Introduction

  • Nearly one-third of Jesus’ teaching was in parables.

  • Parables require effort and reflection to understand.

• I. Definition and Meaning of Parables

  • Greek parabolē: “to throw alongside.”

  • Earthly stories with heavenly meanings.

  • Relatable, real-life situations used for spiritual teaching.

• II. Prophecy of Parables

  • Matthew 13:34–35 fulfills Psalm 78.

  • Jesus’ teaching method was foretold.

• III. Purpose of Parables

  • To reveal truth to sincere seekers.

  • To conceal truth from those with hardened hearts (Matthew 13:10–15).

  • To separate the sincere from the curious.

  • To help people remember spiritual truths.

• IV. Themes of the Parables

  • The kingdom of heaven: its nature, character, and growth.

  • The King: Christ Himself.

  • The subjects: how people act and respond to God.

  • Examples: mustard seed, Good Samaritan, persistent widow.

• V. Guidelines for Interpreting Parables

  • Learn from parables Jesus explained (e.g., the sower).

  • Seek the central truth without forcing hidden meanings.

  • Always consider context—what prompted the parable.

  • Do not create new doctrines from parables.

  • Harmonize with the rest of Scripture.

• Conclusion

  • Parables are powerful tools of teaching and judgment.

  • They call for effort, sincerity, and open hearts to truly understand.

Call to Action
The parables of Jesus demand more than casual listening. They call us to open our hearts, engage our minds, and make the effort to learn. Will you be among those who hear but do not understand, or among those who truly listen, believe, and obey the words of Christ?

Key Takeaways

• A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning (parabolē).

• Jesus used parables to fulfill prophecy and to reveal truth (Matthew 13:34–35).

• Parables separated sincere seekers from the indifferent (Matthew 13:10–15).

• The main theme of the parables is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 4:17, 23).

• Correct interpretation requires context, effort, and harmony with the rest of Scripture.

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 13:1–3 – Jesus begins teaching in parables.

• Matthew 13:34–35 – Prophecy fulfilled, quoting Psalm 78.

• Psalm 78 – Parables foretold as part of God’s plan.

• Matthew 13:10–15 – Purpose of parables: reveal and conceal.

• Matthew 4:17, 23 – Jesus preaches the kingdom of heaven.

• Luke 10:25–37 – The Good Samaritan.

• Luke 18:1–8 – The persistent widow.

• Matthew 13:18–23 – Jesus explains the parable of the sower.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO