Lesson 2: The Interpretation & Theme

The Nature of Parables Greek “parabole” translated:Greek “parabole” translated: –Comparison (Mark 4:30) –Figure (Heb. 9:9; 11:19) –Proverb (Luke 4:23) –Parable (46 times) Greek “parabole” defined:Greek “parabole” defined: –Throwing or placing something beside something else for the purpose of making a comparison –As Jesus used them, they were stories placed alongside certain truths for the purpose of illustrating those truths –An earthly story with a heavenly meaning

The Nature of Parables Not a simileNot a simile –Not an explicit comparison between two things essentially unlike each other, introduced with “like” or “as” (ex., “send you forth as sheep,” “as Jonah was three days and three nights,” “you are like whitewashed tombs”) Not a metaphorNot a metaphor –Not an implied comparison between two things essentially unlike each other (ex., “you are the salt of the earth,” “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees”) Not fablesNot fables –Not invented stories composed of unreal elements or impossible situations that could not actually have occurred (ex., Judg. 9:7-15) Not an allegoryNot an allegory –Not to be understood as every detail in the story having meaning where there’s really no comparison and is self-interpreting (“I am the light of the world,” “I am the door of the sheep”)

The Nature of Parables They were illustrationsThey were illustrations –Something real in life (something that could have happened) was used as a means of presenting a moral thought Jesus used parables frequentlyJesus used parables frequently –Estimated that 1/3 of verbal teaching was in parables

The Purpose of Jesus’ Use of Parables Reveal spiritual truth clearly to those who were sincerely seeking the will of God (Matt. 13:10-11, 16)Reveal spiritual truth clearly to those who were sincerely seeking the will of God (Matt. 13:10-11, 16) –To those disposed to know and accept the truth, the parables served to arouse attention and to excite inquiry. –If they did not at first apprehend the meaning, they would come and ask (cf. Matt. 13:36; Mark 4:10) –Effectively separated the truth-seekers from the non-seekers

The Purpose of Jesus’ Use of Parables Conceal truth from those who were not really interested in learning it (Matt. 13:12-15)Conceal truth from those who were not really interested in learning it (Matt. 13:12-15) –The scribes and Pharisees were constantly attempting to twist the teaching of Jesus (cf. Matt. 13:13-15). –With no desire to know the truth, these did not come and make inquiry –It was not that Jesus did not want them to know the truth; the people themselves had shut their own eyes, ears and minds –“Perceived He spoke of them” (Matt. 21:45; Luke 20:19)

The Purpose of Jesus’ Use of Parables Cause men to assent to the truth (get the people nodding their heads in agreement) before they realized its applicability to them personally when He revealed the pointsCause men to assent to the truth (get the people nodding their heads in agreement) before they realized its applicability to them personally when He revealed the points –In some cases, they would convict themselves before they knew the main point of His teaching (cf. Matt. 21:33-45; cf. 2 Sam. 12:1-7)

The Purpose of Jesus’ Use of Parables Fulfill Old Testament prophecyFulfill Old Testament prophecy –“I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us” (Psa. 78:2- 3). –“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’” (Matt. 13:34-35).

The Purpose of Jesus’ Use of Parables Many advantages resulting from this type of teachingMany advantages resulting from this type of teaching –He spoke concerning things and circumstances with which the first-century Jews were very familiar and with which they could associate SowerSower Mustard seedMustard seed LeavenLeaven MerchantMerchant NetNet

The Purpose of Jesus’ Use of Parables To convey “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” in a way that men would be prone to remember long after it had been givenTo convey “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” in a way that men would be prone to remember long after it had been given

Guidelines for Studying the Parables Avoid these two extremes:Avoid these two extremes: –Seeking to find some spiritual truth in every little detail –Saying that there is only ONE spiritual truth in each parable

Guidelines for Studying the Parables Three Keys to Studying ParablesThree Keys to Studying Parables –#1: Determine the Historical Background Look for what was happening in the verses before and after the parable (cf. Luke 15:1-2)Look for what was happening in the verses before and after the parable (cf. Luke 15:1-2) Look for any stated or implied purpose of the narrative (Luke 18:1)Look for any stated or implied purpose of the narrative (Luke 18:1)

Guidelines for Studying the Parables Three Keys to Studying ParablesThree Keys to Studying Parables –#2: Read the Parable Itself A quick read through, then a slow read that reflects upon each detailA quick read through, then a slow read that reflects upon each detail Consider the imagery (ex., sowing seed)Consider the imagery (ex., sowing seed) Consider the culture (ex., marriage feasts)Consider the culture (ex., marriage feasts) Consider the grammatical structuresConsider the grammatical structures

Guidelines for Studying the Parables Three Keys to Studying ParablesThree Keys to Studying Parables –#3: Look for the Primary Lesson Ordinarily a parable is designed to teach a primary truth (service, preparation, etc.)Ordinarily a parable is designed to teach a primary truth (service, preparation, etc.) Frequently there are supplementary truths embodied within the parablesFrequently there are supplementary truths embodied within the parables One must be very cautious to be sure that no point is gleaned from a a parable that is inconsistent with the story’s fundamental thrust, or is at variance with clear Biblical truth taught elsewhere in the ScripturesOne must be very cautious to be sure that no point is gleaned from a a parable that is inconsistent with the story’s fundamental thrust, or is at variance with clear Biblical truth taught elsewhere in the Scriptures

General Theme of the Parables of Jesus “The Kingdom of Heaven”“The Kingdom of Heaven” –It’s the theme of Jesus’ ministry (and preaching) –It’s the theme of the Sermon on the Mount –It’s the theme of the parables of Jesus

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 4:17 — “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” –Mark 1:14-15 – “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 4:23 – “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” –Matthew 9:35 – “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” –Luke 4:43 – “But He said to them, ‘I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.’”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 10:7 – “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” –Luke 9:2 – “He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” –Luke 10:9 – “And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 11:11 – “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” –Luke 7:28 – “For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 16:28 – “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” –Mark 9:1 – “And He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.’” –Luke 9:27 – “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 19:14 – “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’” –Mark 10:14 – “But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’” –Luke 18:16 – “But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 18:3 – “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” –Mark 10:15 – “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” –Luke 18:17 – “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 19:23 – “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’” –Mark 10:23-24 – “Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!...Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!’” –Luke 18:24 – “And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 19:24 – “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” –Mark 10:25 – “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” –Luke 18:25 – “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 26:29 – “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.” –Mark 14:25 – “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” –Luke 22:18 – “For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry –Matthew 16:18-19 – “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” –John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” –John 3:5 – “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’”

The theme of the Sermon on the MountThe theme of the Sermon on the Mount –Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” –Luke 6:20 – “Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.’”

The theme of the Sermon on the MountThe theme of the Sermon on the Mount –Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” –Luke 12:31 – “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The theme of the Sermon on the MountThe theme of the Sermon on the Mount –Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” –Matthew 5:19-20 – “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” –Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.” –Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

The theme of the ParablesThe theme of the Parables –Matthew 13:11 – “He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.’” –Mark 4:11 – “And He said to them, ‘To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables.’” –Luke 8:10 – “And He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that “Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.”’”

The theme of the ParablesThe theme of the Parables –Mark 4:30 – “Then He said, ‘To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it?” –Luke 13:18, 20 – “Then He said, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?’...And again He said, ‘To what shall I liken the kingdom of God?’”

The theme of the ParablesThe theme of the Parables –Matthew 13:24 – “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like…” –Matthew 13:31 – “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like…” –Matthew 13:33 – “Another parable He spoke to them: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like …” –Matthew 13:44 – “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like…” –Matthew 13:45 – “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like…” –Matthew 13:47 – “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like…” –Matthew 18:23 – “Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like…” –Matthew 20:1 – “For the kingdom of heaven is like…” –Matthew 22:2 – “The kingdom of heaven is like…” –Matthew 25:1 – “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to…” –Matthew 25:14 – “For the kingdom of heaven is like…”

The theme of the ParablesThe theme of the Parables –Matthew 13:24 – “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.’” –Mark 4:26 “And He said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.’”

General Theme of the Parables of Jesus “The Kingdom of Heaven”“The Kingdom of Heaven” –Various sub-themes are emphasized The character of the KINGDOMThe character of the KINGDOM –Parable of the Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price The character of the KINGThe character of the KING –Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, The Lost Son The character of the KING’S SUBJECTSThe character of the KING’S SUBJECTS –Parable of the Good Samaritan, Persistent Widow

Common-Sense with Parables Examine the contextual setting and determine the basic purpose of the parable.Examine the contextual setting and determine the basic purpose of the parable. The language of the parable must not be pressed beyond its intended design.The language of the parable must not be pressed beyond its intended design. No point of doctrine, that is not elsewhere clearly affirmed, may be derived from an incidental parabolic reference.No point of doctrine, that is not elsewhere clearly affirmed, may be derived from an incidental parabolic reference. Sometimes parables were designed to deal with men as they viewed themselves, and not as they actually were.Sometimes parables were designed to deal with men as they viewed themselves, and not as they actually were. It ought to be observed that some parables are of prophetic thrust.It ought to be observed that some parables are of prophetic thrust.