Applying Jesus' Parabolic Teaching Methods to Modern Communication
Jesus frequently employed parables as a central method of teaching, particularly evident in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark [6, 11]. These parables were not merely illustrative stories but served specific pedagogical and theological purposes.
A parable (Greek parabolē) is a narrative that typically draws an analogy between an everyday aspect of life and a spiritual truth [5]. To properly understand a parable, it is necessary to identify its central analogy, consider its historical context, and interpret it within the broader Gospel narrative [5]. Jesus used "many such parables" to communicate with his audience, adapting his message "to the extent that they could understand" [3].
One significant reason Jesus spoke in parables was to reveal truth to some while simultaneously obscuring it from others. Matthew 13:13 records Jesus stating, "Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand" [1]. This suggests a dual function: parables served as a means of instruction for those receptive to his message, while for others, they acted as a veiled form of communication [1]. Matthew Henry notes that Christ used parables because "the time was not yet come for the more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom" [7]. This approach allowed Jesus to keep people "attending and expecting" further revelation [7].
The disciples themselves recognized this shift in Jesus' teaching method. They asked him, "Why speakest thou to them in parables?" [8]. This indicates that while Jesus may have used parabolic forms for illustration previously, he began to formally employ this method of teaching at this point [8]. For instance, after presenting the Parable of the Sower, Jesus specifically instructed his disciples, "You, then, hear the parable of the sower" [2]. He then provided a direct interpretation of this parable to them, addressing the varied responses to his message [5].
Jesus' parables often utilized surprising and evocative imagery [10]. These narratives aimed to emphasize concepts such as the inevitable growth of the Kingdom of God through the proclamation of the gospel, or to highlight the contrast between humble beginnings and glorious outcomes [10]. They also served to encourage patience among his disciples [10].
The use of parables contrasts with other forms of communication. The apostle Paul, for example, chose not to preach with "worldly" wisdom or "ornate style" but focused on "Christ crucified" [4]. However, Jesus' parables, while accessible in their imagery, often contained deeper meanings that required spiritual discernment. The mission of Jesus' followers, like Jesus himself, involves carrying "the truth of Jesus’ words to the world" [9]. This mission, whether through direct proclamation or illustrative storytelling, aims to convey the message of the Kingdom.
Sources
- Matthew “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand. -- Matthew 13:13”
- Matthew “Vos ergo audite parabolam seminantis. -- Matthew 13:18”
- Mark “Mark 4:33 (BSB) — With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2 (introduction): PAUL'S SUBJECT OF PREACHING, CHRIST CRUCIFIED, NOT IN WORLDLY, BUT IN HEAVENLY, WISDOM AMONG THE PERFECT. (1Co. 2:1-16) And I--"So I" [CONYBEARE] as one of the "foolish, weak, and despised" instruments employed by God (Co1 1:27-28); "glorying in the Lord," not in man's wisdom (Co1 1:31). Compare Co1 1:23, "We." when I came-- (Act 18:1, &c.). Paul might, had he pleased, have used an ornate style, having studied secular learning at Tarsus of Cilicia, which STRABO preferred as a school of learning to Athens or Alexandria; here, doubt”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 4:1: 4:1-34 In this section Mark collects a number of Jesus’ teaching parables. 4:1 Jesus again uses a boat to avoid the press of the crowd when he is teaching (3:9; Luke 5:2-3).”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 13:24: In these verses, we have, I. Another reason given why Christ preached by parables, Mat 13:34, Mat 13:35. All these things he spoke in parables, because the time was not yet come for the more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom. Christ, to keep the people attending and expecting, preached in parables, and without a parable spake he not unto them; namely, at this time and in this sermon. Note, Christ tries all ways and methods to do good to the souls of men, and to make impressions upon them; if men will not be instructed and influenced by ”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 13:10: And the disciples came, and said unto him--"they that were with Him, when they were alone" (Mar 4:10). Why speakest thou to them in parables?--Though before this He had couched some things in the parabolic form, for more vivid illustration, it would appear that He now, for the first time, formally employed this method of teaching.”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 20:21: 20:21 I am sending you: God had sent Jesus into the world to establish his Kingdom, and now Jesus was sending his disciples to carry on his mission. Christ’s emissaries carry the truth of Jesus’ words to the world (cp. 17:18).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:31: 13:31-33 Jesus used surprising, evocative imagery in these parables, either to emphasize the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through proclamation of the gospel or, more probably, to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, and to exhort the disciples to patience (see also 16:24–17:13).”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 13 (introduction): JESUS TEACHES BY PARABLES. ( = Mark 4:1-34; Luk 8:4-18; Luk 13:18-20). (Mat. 13:1-52) The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the seaside.”