1. The Parables Of Jesus …

2. The Parables Of Jesus The Parables Of Jesus

3. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Overview  “Earthly story with heavenly meaning” (usual “definition” given)  “Parable” = “To place, lay along beside”  A story placing one thing beside another to teach or explain something

4. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Overview  The “unknown” (heavenly, spiritual) is placed along side the “known” (earthly)  Parables are not…  …Proverbs (short statements)  …Myths, Fables (fanciful folklore)

5. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Overview  Parables are not…  …Allegories (symbolic stories where every element has a meaning  Not all “parable details” have meaning  Some only “add color to the story”

6. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Overview  “Parabole” occurs 50 times in N.T.  Found 48 times in Synoptic Gospels  The word does not occur in John  Vast majority in Matthew & Luke – Mark mainly focused on Jesus’ deeds, not words

7. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Overview  Some writers “classify” Jesus’ parables  Not all parables have the same objective  “Teaching” – Training disciples for work  “Evangelistic” – God’s concern for the lost  “Prophetic” – obedience; God’s judgment

8. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Why Parables?  Why didn’t the Lord just come right out and plainly teach His Father’s will?  Even asked by His disciples Mt 13:10  His answer Ù the receptive nature of man’s heart Mt 13:11-16

9. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Why Parables?  Thus, parables were never meant to “confuse” or “frustrate” anyone  They were meant to be understood by anyone that desires them Jn 7:17  That determination is made by you & me

10. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Why Parables?  God’s word will always do 1 of 2 things…  Pull the honest (interested) heart in  Drive the proud (uninterested) heart away The same sun that melts the butter also hardens the clay.

11. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Why Parables?  The parable’s lesson may not always be immediately evident…it may require effort  Some accept what others reject  Divine wisdom vs. Human wisdom 1 Cor 1:18-25 2 Thess 2:10-12

12. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Setting Of Parables  Very important…establishes context  If we understand the incident producing the parable, the lesson will be easier  Best understood when viewing Jesus’ ministry in 3 1-year intervals

13. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Setting Of Parables  Year 1 – “Year Of Obscurity” (unknown)  Year 2 – “Year Of Popularity” (famous) Mk 1:28  Year 3 – “Year Of Adversity” (opposed)

14. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Good Rules To Follow  Remember these 3 points…  Some incident occurred  Jesus responded with a parable  Some principle lesson is to be learned

15. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Good Rules To Follow  Study with these objectives…  Pay attention to context  Look for the principle lesson to be learned  Don’t make the parable stand on all 4 legs! (it is a parable…not an allegory)

16. The Parables Of Jesus Lesson 1 – General Introduction Good Rules To Follow  Study with these objectives…  Don’t attempt to establish doctrinal principles solely by the parable  Most importantly…don’t forget to make personal application

17. The Parables Of Jesus The Parable Of The Two Debtors Luke 7:40-43

18. The Parables Of Jesus …