Informing Our Use of Examples and Illustrations with Jesus' Parables
Understanding Jesus' Parables for Effective Illustrations
Jesus frequently used parables to convey spiritual truths, making them a valuable resource for informing our use of examples and illustrations. A parable is essentially a comparison or similitude that places two subjects beside each other to illustrate a point [1]. In the New Testament, parables were used to teach various lessons, ranging from simple proverbs to complex allegories [2].
The Greek word "parabole" is used in the New Testament to denote a parable, which signifies a placing beside or together, a comparison, or a similitude. This term is equivalent to the Hebrew "mashal," used in the Old Testament to denote various forms of figurative language, including proverbs, prophetic utterances, and enigmatic sayings [1, 2].
Jesus' parables were often surprising and evocative, aiming to emphasize key aspects of the kingdom of God or to exhort his disciples to certain behaviors. For instance, the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven illustrate the contrast between the insignificant beginnings and the glorious consummation of God's kingdom [6]. Understanding a parable requires locating its central analogy and interpreting it within its historical and Gospel context [7].
The use of parables by Jesus served multiple purposes. They were a method of teaching that could engage the audience and convey complex spiritual truths in an accessible manner. Jesus explained that he spoke in parables because, despite seeing and hearing, many did not understand or perceive the truth [3]. This approach allowed him to reach a wider audience while also challenging those who were willing to listen more deeply.
The structure and content of Jesus' parables offer insights into effective use of examples and illustrations. For example, the parable of the sower addresses the varied responses of people to Jesus' message, providing a framework for understanding different reactions to the gospel [7]. Other parables, such as those found in Luke, emphasize the importance of practical Christian duties, like beneficence and doing good to those in need [8].
When using examples and illustrations inspired by Jesus' parables, it is crucial to understand their original context and intended message. This involves recognizing that parables can take various forms, including stories, proverbs, similes, metaphors, and allegories [9]. By studying Jesus' use of parables and their interpretations in different Christian traditions, one can develop a nuanced understanding of how to effectively communicate spiritual truths.
The Presbyterian, Protestant academic, and Nonconformist/Puritan traditions represented in the sources offer diverse perspectives on Jesus' parables. For instance, Matthew Henry's commentary highlights the practical applications of parables, such as the duty of beneficence [8]. In contrast, the Tyndale House commentary on Matthew 13:31-33 emphasizes the contrast between the insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation of God's kingdom [6].
The historical development of parables as a teaching method is also noteworthy. The Old Testament prophets used parables to convey God's messages, as seen in the examples from Hosea and Psalms [4, 5]. Jesus' use of parables continued this tradition, adapting it to his teachings about the kingdom of God.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Heb. mashal, a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a proverb (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chr. 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6). In the New Testament, (1) a proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or allegory (Matt. 15:15; 24:32; Mark 3:23; Luke 5:36; 14:7); (4) ordinarily, in a more restricted sense, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things, "an eart”
- 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”
- Hosea “I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables. -- Hosea 12:10”
- Psalms “Posuisti nos in similitudinem gentibus ; commotionem capitis in populis. -- Psalms 43:15”
- 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 (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.”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 16:1: We mistake if we imagine that the design of Christ's doctrine and holy religion was either to amuse us with notions of divine mysteries or to entertain us with notions of divine mercies. No, the divine revelation of both these in the gospel is intended to engage and quicken us to the practice of Christian duties, and, as much as any one thing, to the duty of beneficence and doing good to those who stand in need of any thing that either we have or can do for them. This our Saviour is here pressing us to, by reminding us that we are but stewards of the manifold grace ”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 4:2: 4:2 Parables are often stories (Luke 15:11-32; 18:1-8) but can also be proverbs (Mark 3:24-25; Luke 4:23), similes and metaphors (Matt 5:14; 10:16), riddles (Mark 7:15; 14:58), comparisons (Matt 13:33; Luke 15:3-7), examples (Luke 10:30-35; 12:16-21), or allegories (Mark 4:3-9; 12:1-12).”