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What are Parables?
A parable is a short story which teaches a lesson.From the Greek: parabolē –
“comparison, illustration, analogy”
Jesus Parables
Jesus was a rabbi (teacher) who used parables as his main method of teachingThey deal with simple everyday
situations, but have a deeper religious meaning to them.
Parable of the Sower (Lk 8 : 4-15)
Four responses to the Gospel: Seed is “the word of the kingdom”1. Hard ground
Someone hardened by sinSatan plucks message away
2. Stony groundSomeone who likes the Word, but his heart is not changed
So when trouble arises, his faith disappears3. Thorny ground
Someone who seems to receive the Word But riches, pleasures, and lust take his away his time and
attention4. Good ground
Someone who hears, understands, and accepts the WordAllows Word to accomplish its results in his life
Meaning?“A man’s reception of God’s word is determined by the condition of his heart.”“Salvation is more than just hearing the Gospel, one must go on to earn it.”
Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10 : 25-37)
Obvious meaning? 1. Show love and compassion for others
Set aside prejudices 2. Our neighbor is anyone we encounter, not just those we know
Second layer? Road to Jericho very dangerous
Many robbers and thieves Samaritan
Jews hated Samaritans So it was shocking that a Samaritan saved the man
Body lying in the road May be dead and ritually unclean
Priest did not want to risk becoming unclean to see if man was alive
Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15 : 11-32)
Obvious meaning? We can easily become slaves to sin and enter a worse
state God will forgive us and accept us, no matter what
we’ve done Christians who have not fallen should not resent those
who come back to the Church God loves sinners and the righteous equally
Deeper layers? Taking inheritance Working for a Gentile feeding pigs Father runs to meet Son
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk 18 : 9 – 14)
Obvious meaning? We must be humble and sincere in our prayers
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
God will forgive us if we are sorry for our sinsDeeper layers?
Pharisee His prayer?
Tax-collector His prayer?
Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mk 4 : 30-32)
Meaning? The Kingdom of God would have a small beginning,
but grow tremendously and benefit the world.
Deeper info? Mustard
Very small seed, but the plant grew to over 10 feet tall Birds were not known to go around mustard
What can this show?
Parable of the Talents (Mt 25 : 14-30)
Meaning? We must use the resources God gives us so they increase in value
Example: Word of God (Scripture) In other words, success is a product of our work
Other information: A Talent was a unit of measurement
A Talent of gold was A LOT of money! So the stewards were trusted with something valuable
Fun fact! This parable is the origin of the English word: “talent”, as in, an aptitude for something
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