Role of Parables and Examples in Discipleship and Growth
The Role of Parables in Discipleship and Growth
Jesus frequently used parables to teach his followers about the kingdom of heaven and its principles. The word "parable" comes from the Greek "parabole," meaning a comparison or similitude [1]. In the New Testament, parables were used to convey spiritual truths through earthly stories or analogies.
The Gospels record Jesus teaching his disciples and the crowds through parables. In Matthew 13, Jesus speaks to the crowds in parables, explaining to his disciples that he does so because "seeing they don't see, and hearing, they don't hear, neither do they understand" [3]. This passage highlights the dual purpose of parables: to reveal truth to those who are receptive and to conceal it from those who are not.
The use of parables allowed Jesus to communicate complex spiritual concepts in a way that was relatable and accessible to his audience. For example, the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:5-15) teaches about the different responses to the gospel message. The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33; Luke 13:18-21) illustrate the growth and spread of the kingdom [2].
The early Christian interpreters recognized the importance of parables in Jesus' teaching. According to Matthew Henry, the parables in Matthew 13 "represent the kingdom of heaven, the method of planting the gospel kingdom in the world, and of its growth and success" [4]. The Tyndale House commentary notes that Jesus used "surprising, evocative imagery" in his parables to emphasize the contrast between the kingdom's insignificant beginnings and its glorious consummation [5].
The role of parables in discipleship and growth is multifaceted. They provide a means of instruction, challenging listeners to think critically about their faith and its application. Parables also serve as a tool for evangelism, allowing Jesus to communicate the gospel message in a way that is both accessible and compelling. Furthermore, parables offer a way to convey the complexities of the kingdom of heaven, encouraging disciples to deepen their understanding of God's reign.
The interpretation of parables requires careful consideration of their historical and literary context. The Tyndale House commentary on Matthew 13:3 advises that to understand a parable, one must "locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text" [6]. This approach helps to avoid speculative or allegorical interpretations that may not be supported by the text.
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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Parables — Remarkable Parables of the Old Testament -- Jdj 9:8-15; 2Sa 12:1-4; 14:5-7. Parables of christ Wise and foolish builders. -- Mt 7:24-27. Children of the bride chamber. -- Mt 9:15. New cloth and old garment. -- Mt 9:16. New wine and old bottles. -- Mt 9:17. Unclean spirit. -- Mt 12:43. Sower. -- Mt 13:3-23; Lu 8:5-15. Tares. -- Mt 13:24-30,36-43. Mustard-seed. -- Mt 13:31,32; Lu 13:19. Leaven. -- Mt 13:33. Treasure hid in a field. -- Mt 13:44. Pearl of great price. -- Mt 13:45,46. Net cast into the sea. -- Mt 13:47-50. Meats defiling not. -- Mt 15:10-15. Un”
- 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 (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 13 (introduction): In this chapter, we have, I. The favour which Christ did to his countrymen in preaching the kingdom of heaven to them (Mat 13:1-2). He preached to them in parables, and here gives the reason why he chose that way of instructing (Mat 13:10-17). And the evangelist gives another reason (Mat 13:34, Mat 13:35). There are eight parables recorded in this chapter, which are designed to represent the kingdom of heaven, the method of planting the gospel kingdom in the world, and of its growth and success. The great truths and laws of that kingdom are in other ”
- 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.”