Interpreting the Parables Guidelines

Framework Realize Jesus used parables to talk about the Kingdom of God, so many parables and their meaning relate to the King, the Kingdom, or disciples. All parables were given in a context and are grouped according to a certain theme (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son - Luke 15)

Determine main point or points Ask “why is this parable here?” Parables often have a point relating to each character in the story – Father: God the Father is gracious and forgiving – Younger Son: God welcomes rebels who confess their sin – Older Brother: Beware of sinful attitude when God gives grace to others.

Determining main point or points Who are the main characters? What occurs at the end of the story? – Usually the most important point is at the end – See rebuke of older brother in Luke 15:29-30) What occurs in the quoted conversation? Who or what gets the most space?

Recognize stock imagery ImageSignificanceExample FatherGodLuke 15:11-32 MasterGodMark 12:1-11 JudgeGodLike 18:1-8 ShepherdGodMatt 18:12-14 KingGodMatt 18:23-35 SonIsrael, follower of GodLuke 15:11-32 VineyardIsraelMatt 21:33-41 VineIsrael/God’s peopleJohn 15:5 Fig TreeIsraelMark 11:13 SheepGod’s PeopleMatt 25:31-46 ServantFollower of GodMatt 25:14-30 HarvestJudgmentMatt 13:24-30 Wedding FeastMessianic banquetMatt 25:1-13

Note Striking Details Matt 18 parable of the unforgiving servant – Nearly unfathomable difference between the dept the servant owed (10,000 days wages) and the debt owed to him by another servant (a hundred days wages) – Emphasis on the immense grace of God in forgiving our sin, while putting in perspective the sins we are asked to forgive others

Do not press every detail for meaning Many details simply make the story interesting In Matt 18, the amount of money (ten thousand days wages) or the unit of money (talent) have no special meaning. Don’t give meaning to every detail in the prodigal son (new clothes, shoes, ring)

Pay attention to literary and historical context Gospel writer sometimes gives a clue (Luke 18:1) so it cannot mean something else! See the broader context of Luke 15 (esp 15:1- 3), or Matthew 25 Historical context of Good Samaritan is helpful

Preaching the Parables Pay attention to context! Structure your sermon around the characters and/or actions of the parable Group like parables together and use each parable as one of your “points” (ex Luke 15) and then make one main point about God seeking that which is lost. Don’t moralize the parable and neglect gospel application.