A parable is often no more than an extended metaphor or smile using figurative language in the form of a story to illustrate a particular truth. The Greek word for parable literally means 'a laying by the side of' or 'a casting alongside' thus 'a comparison or likeness'. In a parable something is placed alongside something else in order that one may throw light on the other. A familiar custom or incidents is used to illustrate some truth less familiar.
Although Jesus was the master of the parabolic form, He was not the first to use parables. Examples of the effective use of parables are found in the Old Testament. Perhaps, the best known of these is prophet Nathan parable of the rich man who took the one little ewe lamb that belonged to a poor man. - 2Sam. 12:1-4 - By means of this parable, prophet Nathan reproved King David and convinced him of his sin of committing adultery with Bathsheba. - 2Sam. 12:5-15 - A wise woman of Tekoa also used a parable to convince King David to let his son return to Jerusalem. - 2Sam. 14:5-7 -
Jesus' characteristic method of teaching was through parables. Some entire chapters in the Gospels are devoted to Jesus' parables. Although parables are often memorable stories impressing the listener with a clear picture of the truth even the disciples were sometimes confused as to the meaning of parables. For instance, after Jesus told the parable of the darnel, the disciples needed interpretation in order to understand its meaning. - Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43 - Jesus sometimes used the parabolic form of teaching to reveal the truth to those who followed Him and to conceal the truth from those who did not. His parables thus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 6:9-10. Like a double edged sword, they cut two ways - enlightening those who sought the truth and blinding those were disobedient.
Most of Jesus' parables have one central point thus, we should not resort to fanciful interpretations that find "spiritual truth" in every minute detail of the parable. The central point of the parable of the Good Samaritan is that a 'hated' Samaritan proved to be a neighbour to the wounded man. He showed the traveler the mercy and compassion denied to him by the priest and the Levite, representative of the established religion. The one central point of this parable is that we should extend compassion to others. - Luke 10:25-37 -
In finding the central meaning of a parable, we needs to discover the meaning the parable had in the time of Jesus. We need to relate the parable to Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom of God and to His miracles. This means that parables are more than simple folk stories; they are expressions of Jesus' view of God, man, salvation and the new age which dawned in His ministry. A good example of this approach are the parables dealing with the four 'lost' things in Luke 15:3-32; the lost sheep, the lost coin and the two lost sons.
A major theme in Jesus' parables is the demand of following Him in authentic discipleship. In the parable of the great supper, Jesus showed clearly that the time for decision is now. - Luke 14:28-32 -
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Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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