Needless to say, I am thrilled to no end at being able to go through these studies with y'all. I sure hope that you find them as inspiring, enriching, and Spirit-filled as I do. Believe me when I say that it is truly my great pleasure to share them with you.
Before we begin our study, let's pray: God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen.
An Introduction:
The parables of Jesus are among the greatest and most picturesque lessons in all of his earthly ministry. Keep in mind that the intent (purpose) of the parables is always just beneath the surface of the story. Also, please don't be overwhelmed with you see on the surface.
The parables were used to hide deeper knowledge from those unprepared for it. While they became confused, and lost in the surface of the teaching, true disciples could dig deeper and learn better how to walk with Christ.
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Let's begin our first study (Lesson 1) by examining the nature of parables. The Bible like any other piece of literature, uses a number of figures of speech, including allegories and metaphors. But, the most striking figure used is the parable, because it teaches such deep and timeless lessons.
A parable is not a fable, like those made famous by Aesop (e.g. The Tortoise and the Hare). The fable is primarily an earthly lesson. On the other hand, the parable seeks to teach a heavenly and spiritual truth. Nor is a parable a myth, like the Greek stories touching the unexplained. A parable occupies a much higher realm than these.
The Greek word for our parable is "paraballo," a compound of two very vivid words. The first part is "para-" which means beside, or alongside. The second part is -ballo, which means to throw. Therefore, to teach by parable is literally "to throw a lesson alongside" the true object of the doctrine. The teacher illustrates this by describing that.
In his great work, "Notes on the Parables of Our Lord," R.C. Trench says, "Each one of the parables is like a casket, itself of exquisite workmanship, but in which jewels richer than itself are laid up; or like fruit, which however lovely to look upon, is yet more delectable in its inner sweetness" (page 15). The disciple that sits at the feet of Jesus, then or now, is curious and hungry to open that casket or peel that fruit to reveal the rich and sweet treasure somewhat hidden within.
Of course, that brings up an important question as well. Why did Jesus use parables in the first place? Why not just reveal everything plainly and without hyperbole, or exaggeration? Thankfully, the Lord answers our question himself. Matthew 13 is a chapter brimming with parables and right smack in the middle of them, he explains there worth (Matthew 13:10-13).
Certainly people had already rejected Jesus with considering the evidence from their hearts. As he goes to say, they were the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy concerning a dull-hearted people whose spiritual lethargy had rendered them unable to learn and unconcerned about ignorance. Because of this malaise, people like the scribes and Pharisees could not see Jesus nor understand his truths.
The central focus of most parables was like the kingdom that the Messiah was establishing. He wanted his disciples to know what it would be like. Most misunderstood the nature of the coming kingdom, thinking it to be a physical realm headquartered in Jerusalem with the Messiah on its golden throne.
In fact, Jesus was talking about a spiritual kingdom, not of this world, one composed of all races and not just one. His kingdom was established on the first Pentecost after his resurrection and he was seated upon its throne in Heaven (Acts 2:29-33). That kingdom is the church. Most of the parables have to do with the church that Jesus said he would build after Peter's confession in Matthew 16:18.
In studying the parables, you have to remember to look deeper than the surface for its true lesson. For instance, the parable of laborers in the vineyard is not about wage equity but God's mercy (Matthew 20:1-16). But, you should also keep in mind that not every detail in a parable will be significant; some will be incidental.
Questions:
1. What is the difference between a fable and a parable?
2. What is the Greek word for parable and what does it mean?
3. How is a parable like a beautiful casket, or a tantalizing piece of fruit?
4. What should this teach us about studying parables?
5. From what kind of hearts was Jesus obscuring his teaching in parables?
6. What is the central focus of most of Jesus' parables?
7.What was the general misunderstanding about this focused thing?
8. Was Jesus able to establish this objective before he was crucified or did he fail?
9. In the study of parables, which is most important: the surface story on earthly matters or the hidden lesson on spiritual concerns?
10. Is the parable of the prodigal son about a farmer raising two boys out in the country or something deeper? If something deeper, what is it? (Luke 15:11-32)
11. Who does the father in that parable represent? Who does the prodigal son represent?
Until next time...
May your week be blessed!
Bibi
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