1. + What is a Parable? Unit 3

2. + What is a Parable? A parable is a story which attempts to teach a lesson. The listener is to place him/herself in the story. The main purpose of Jesus’ parables was to reveal how to behave in order to bring about the Kingdom of God. 2

3. + 5 Traits of a Parable Parables contain the following traits: 1. A Parable is a story. 2. A Parable is a comparison. 3. A Parable contains a crisis. 4. A Parable has an ending. 5. A Parable is a story about God’s Kingdom, God’s way of acting among us. 3

4. + 1. A Parable is a Story usually very short and deal with ordinary day-to-day events Jesus’ parables were based on daily life among his people they tell about being a good person and doing the right thing 4

5. + 2. A Parable is a Comparison compares something that we don’t know/understand with something that we do know and understand some comparisons are surprising and quite daring Jesus compares the kingdom of God to everyday places and events 5

6. + 3. A Parable Contains a Crisis all stories have a beginning, a crisis and a resolution often, the resolution is the most unique/surprising part of Jesus’ Parables what we expect to be normal is fulfilled in an unusual way Parables challenge us to think differently about God and ourselves 6

7. + 4. A Parable has an Ending all have endings but some are sad and some are happy the ending is not always predictable 7

8. + 5. A Parable is a story about God’s Kingdom, God’s way of Acting Among us these are symbolic stories and give us a brief glimpse into the mystery of God they acknowledge that God is a mystery to us, but through Parables we get a glimpse of how He works and what he expects from us they help us look for ways of acting as Christians in our culture 8

9. + There are two types of Parables: 1. Window Parables 2. Mirror Parables 9

10. + 1. Window Parables These parables give us some idea of what God is like. Ex: The Parable of the Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31 10

11. + 2. Mirror Parables These parables allow us to see ourselves and our behaviour reflected as we are or should be. Ex: The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37 11

12. + Homework: 12