Dictionary of Bible Themes A central feature of Jesus Christ's teaching was the use of extended similies and short stories about the kingdom of God, based on human experience. Christ used them frequently to call for a response to his message. Matthew 13:34-35Parables are a central feature of Jesus Christ's teaching See also Psalms 78:2Mark 4:33-34 Matthew 7:6; 13:18-23 Different characteristics of Jesus Christ's parables They vary in complexity and length Matthew 13:37-45,52pp Mk 4:13-20 pp Lk 8:11-15 Matthew 5:13-16; 13:44; 18:2-3; 21:18-22They vary in their use of metaphors, word pictures, objects and actions Luke 15:8-10pp Mk 11:12-14 pp Mk 11:20-24 Luke 10:30-37; 15:11-32They have different levels of meaning Often the full impact of a parable may be lost if the Jewish context is not understood: Matthew 13:33They draw on human experience Matthew 18:12-14pp Lk 13:20-21 Luke 7:41-43pp Lk 15:4-7 Mark 4:30The themes of Jesus Christ's parables The kingdom of God See also Matthew 13:31-32pp Lk 13:18 Matthew 13:44-45pp Mk 4:31-32 Mark 4:26-29pp Lk 13:19-21 Luke 15:20See also Relationship with God Matthew 7:9-11Matthew 18:12-14 pp Lk 11:11-13 Luke 18:7-8pp Lk 15:4-7 Luke 10:37See also Right behaviour Matthew 7:24-27Luke 13:6-9; 15:27 pp Lk 6:47-49 Matthew 25:34See also The time of the end Matthew 25:1,14-19Mark 13:35 Luke 12:35-36,40 pp Lk 19:11-15 Luke 16:22-23pp Mt 24:44 Matthew 21:37Jesus Christ speaks about himself See also pp Mk 12:6 Matthew 22:2; 25:10pp Lk 20:13 John 6:35; 8:12; 10:14; 15:1The "I am" sayings of Jesus Christ are brief picture parables: Matthew 13:36Understanding Jesus Christ's parables See also Further explanation is sometimes needed Matthew 13:18Matthew 15:15 pp Mk 4:13 pp Lk 8:11 Luke 8:9-10pp Mk 7:17 The meaning is sometimes hidden pp Mt 13:11-16 See also pp Mk 4:11-12 Isaiah 6:9-10The meaning of Jesus Christ's parables was concealed only from those whose hearts and minds were closed. Matthew 5:14-16Responses to Jesus Christ's parables See also The parables demand action Matthew 4:24; 7:5-6; 13:43,45-46; 25:13,40,45Luke 12:21,32-33 Matthew 13:16 See also Positive responses Matthew 7:28-29; 13:51Luke 20:19 Rejection of Jesus Christ and his parables See also pp Mt 21:45-46 Luke 16:14pp Mk 12:12 Matthew 13:1-23Examples of Jesus Christ's parables pp Mk 4:1-20 Matthew 13:47-52pp Lk 8:4-15 parable of the sower Matthew 18:12-14parable of the net Luke 10:25-37pp Lk 15:4-7 parable of the lost sheep Luke 15:11-32parable of the good Samaritan Luke 18:9-14parable of the lost son See also parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector 1670 symbols2363 Christ, preaching & teaching 2375 kingdom of God 2565 Christ, second coming 5410 midwife 5438 parables 5660 bridegroom 8309 morality 9105 last things 9410 heaven 9510 hell |
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