Dictionary of Bible Themes: 2357 Jesus Christ, parables of

2357 Jesus Christ, parables of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 2000 Jesus Christ » 2300 Jesus Christ, ministry and work of » 2303 Jesus Christ, as creator » 2357 Jesus Christ, parables of

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.

Parables are a central feature of Jesus Christ's teaching

Matthew 13:34-35 See also Psalm 78:2; Mark 4:33-34

Different characteristics of Jesus Christ's parables

They vary in complexity and length

Matthew 7:6; Matthew 13:18-23 pp Mark 4:13-20 pp Luke 8:11-15; Matthew 13:37-45,52

They vary in their use of metaphors, word pictures, objects and actions

Matthew 5:13-16; Matthew 13:44; Matthew 18:2-3; Matthew 21:18-22 pp Mark 11:12-14 pp Mark 11:20-24; Luke 15:8-10

They have different levels of meaning

Often the full impact of a parable may be lost if the Jewish context is not understood:

Luke 10:30-37; Luke 15:11-32

They draw on human experience

Matthew 13:33 pp Luke 13:20-21; Matthew 18:12-14 pp Luke 15:4-7; Luke 7:41-43

The themes of Jesus Christ's parables

The kingdom of God

Mark 4:30 pp Luke 13:18 See also Matthew 13:31-32 pp Mark 4:31-32 pp Luke 13:19-21; Matthew 13:44-45; Mark 4:26-29

Relationship with God

Right behaviour

The time of the end

Matthew 25:34 See also Matthew 25:1,14-19 pp Luke 19:11-15; Mark 13:35; Luke 12:35-36,40 pp Matthew 24:44; Luke 16:22-23

Jesus Christ speaks about himself

Matthew 21:37 pp Mark 12:6 pp Luke 20:13 See also Matthew 22:2; Matthew 25:10

The “I am” sayings of Jesus Christ are brief picture parables:

John 6:35; John 8:12; John 10:14; John 15:1

Understanding Jesus Christ's parables

Further explanation is sometimes needed

Matthew 13:36 See also Matthew 13:18 pp Mark 4:13 pp Luke 8:11; Matthew 15:15 pp Mark 7:17

The meaning is sometimes hidden

Luke 8:9-10 pp Matthew 13:11-16 pp Mark 4:11-12 The meaning of Jesus Christ's parables was concealed only from those whose hearts and minds were closed. See also Isaiah 6:9-10

Responses to Jesus Christ's parables

The parables demand action

Matthew 5:14-16 See also Matthew 4:24; Matthew 7:5-6; Matthew 13:43,45-46; Matthew 25:13,40,45; Luke 12:21,32-33

Positive responses

Matthew 13:16 See also Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 13:51

Rejection of Jesus Christ and his parables

Luke 20:19 pp Matthew 21:45-46 pp Mark 12:12 See also Luke 16:14

Examples of Jesus Christ's parables

Matthew 13:1-23 pp Mark 4:1-20 pp Luke 8:4-15 parable of the sower; Matthew 13:47-52 parable of the net; Matthew 18:12-14 pp Luke 15:4-7 parable of the lost sheep; Luke 10:25-37 parable of the good Samaritan; Luke 15:11-32 parable of the lost son; Luke 18:9-14 parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector