1. The Parables of Jesus Theology 1 Chapter 3 and 4 Mr. Christopher B. Perrotti

2. What is a parable? A parable is a word-picture which uses an image or story to illustrate a truth or lesson It defines the unknown by using the known It helps the listener to discover the deeper meaning and underlying truth of the reality being portrayed. It can be a figure of speech or comparison, such as “the kingdom of God..is like a mustard seed..or like yeast”

3. What is a parable? More commonly it is a short story told to bring out a lesson or moral. Jesus used simple stories or images to convey important truths about God and his kingdom, and lessons pertaining to the way of life and happiness which God has for us. They commonly feature examples or illustrations from daily life in ancient Palestine

4. The Parables of Jesus He was not the first to use the Parables in the Bible. Remember Ezekiel used Parables when he preached in the Old Testament. Jesus' parables have a double meaning – First, there is the literal meaning, apparent to anyone who has experience with the subject matter – But beyond the literal meaning lies a deeper meaning – a beneath-the-surface lesson about God's truth and his kingdom

5. The Parables of Jesus Jesus' parables often involve an element of surprise or an unexpected twist The parable moves from the very familiar and understandable aspects of experience to a sudden turn of events or a remarkable comparison which challenges the hearer and invites further reflection. – Remember the Parable of the Lost Sheep – A Shepard would not risk the safety of his entire flock for one sheep.

6. How to read the parables Jesus told his disciples that not everyone would understand his parables. – “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not hear” (Luke 8:10). – Jesus was not deliberately trying to be confusing, just trying to prepare the Apostles that some people have already made up their mind and choose not to believe.

7. How should we read the Parables! The parables of Jesus will enlighten us if we approach them with an open mind and heart, ready to let them challenge us When reading the parables it is important to not get bogged down in the details of the story. – The main point is what counts – Each parable will typically present a single point –. In addition, Jesus often throws in a surprise or unexpected twist.

8. Themes of the Parables Parables from Nature The Sower and the Seed The Mustard Seed Parables of Work and Wages The unforgiving Servant The Parable of the Master and Servant

9. The Themes of the Parables The Parables of the “open and Closed Doors” – The Thief and Faithful Servant The Wedding and Feasts The rich man and Lazarus Lost and Found/Father and Son The Prodigal Son The Good Samaritan

10. Parables in the Gospels Over a third of the Gospels by Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain parables told by Jesus. Jesus loved to use illustrations to reach the heart of his listeners through their imagination. These word-pictures challenged the mind to discover anew what God is like and moved the heart to make a response to God's love and truth. Like a skillful artist, Jesus painted lively pictures with short and simple words. A good picture can speak more loudly and clearly than many words. Jesus used the ordinary every day to point to another order of reality – hidden

11. Some Famous Parables Let’s see and discuss! – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecm2nZrnj68. com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecm2nZrnj68. com – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxOCvNwbZT Y.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxOCvNwbZT Y.com – The Sower and the Seed – Class Discussion – How is Christ’s Word received!!!!!!

12. The Lost Sheep http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyWZeOla Ro4.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyWZeOla Ro4.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKnU6m1b Fmc.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKnU6m1b Fmc.com Class Discussion – What do you think Jesus meant by the Parable!

13. The Mustard Seed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvFU69u0 mjM.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvFU69u0 mjM.com Class discussion – How does the Mustard seed describe the Kingdom of God!

14. The Prodigal Son http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14epxvU8 XIA.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14epxvU8 XIA.com Class Discussion! He was once lost and now is found!

15. The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDGzp2wi lSo.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDGzp2wi lSo.com Class discussion – The riches of the World are not those of the Kingdom of Heaven!!

16. To conclude The importance of the parables can hardly be overestimated They were simple stories with deep meaning about Jesus, His Father and Kingdom They were told to survive the test of time, as long as today we understand some basic historical facts surrounding to time Jesus was on earth

17. The Parables All of the great themes of Jesus' preaching are struck in the parables. These little stories (together with the Lord's Prayer and the Beatitudes) are the best known of all Jesus' words The foundation of everything Jesus did and said. The Keys to His Kingdom!

18. My Favorite The Parable of the Good Samaritan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueh1sErHPe g.com Love thy neighbor as thy self! Who is my neighbor!!!!