Storytelling Techniques in Making Analogies and Examples Engaging
Jesus frequently employed parables as a primary teaching method, a practice noted across the Gospels [3, 5, 6]. The Greek word parabole signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [1]. In the New Testament, this term had a broad application, encompassing various forms of communication [1, 2].
Parables in the New Testament are not limited to extended narratives. They can also take the form of proverbs (Mark 3:24-25), similes and metaphors (Matthew 5:14), riddles (Mark 7:15), comparisons (Matthew 13:33), examples (Luke 10:30-35), or even allegories (Mark 4:3-9) [2]. For instance, Jesus used the simile of a fig tree to illustrate predicted facts [9]. He also spoke "in proverbs" when discussing complex spiritual truths, such as the nature of communion with God or the union of believers with Christ [7].
One significant aspect of Jesus' parables was their use of surprising and evocative imagery [4]. These vivid illustrations often served to highlight a contrast, such as the disparity between insignificant beginnings and a glorious consummation, as seen in the parables of the mustard seed and leaven [4]. Such imagery was intended to encourage patience among his disciples [4].
While parables sometimes obscured meaning for those outside the circle of disciples, they were fundamentally designed to make truth more manifest [6, 8]. For example, the parable of the sower, which introduces a series of seven parables in Matthew 13, serves as an introduction to the broader teachings about the kingdom of heaven [5]. Jesus' use of parables demonstrates his varied methods for engaging and instructing people, aiming to make impressions upon them and do good for their souls [6].
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”
- 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).”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 4:2: He taught them many things by parables - See every part of this parable of the sower explained on Mat 13:1 (note), etc.”
- 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 13:3: And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, &c.--These parables are SEVEN in number; and it is not a little remarkable that while this is the sacred number, the first FOUR of them were spoken to the mixed multitude, while the remaining THREE were spoken to the Twelve in private--these divisions, four and three, being themselves notable in the symbolical arithmetic of Scripture. Another thing remarkable in the structure of these parables is, that while the first of the Seven--that of the Sower--is of the nature of an Introduction to the who”
- 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 ”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 16:23: These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs,.... Concerning his Father, and his Father's house, and the many mansions in it, of his going to prepare a place for them there, and of the way unto it, all which they seemed not to understand; of the nature of communion with him and his Father, and of the manifestation of them to them, so as not unto the world, which they could not account for; of their union to him under the simile of the vine and its branches; and of his departure from them, and return unto them; and of the sorrow that should follow upon the one, and t”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 4:21: Is a candle - put under a bushel! - The design of my preaching is to enlighten men; my parables not being designed to hide the truth, but to make it more manifest.”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 21:29: He spake to them a parable - Illustrated all these predicted facts by the simile of a fig tree. See this explained on Mat 24:32 (note).”