TRUTH Embodied in Stories
71Parables
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"I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world." (Matthew 13:35)
Just as when one thinks of “fables” Aesop’s immediately comes to mind, so when the subject of parable is discussed it is preeminently the parables of Jesus that come to mind. Whether He was teaching His disciples or preaching to the crowds or debating with the scribes and Pharisees, He regularly used parables. In fact, according to Matthew, He only spoke to the crowds in parables: “he did not say anything to them without using a parable.” (13:34).
For countless ages, the parables of Jesus Christ have held the highest place of reverence in the hearts of millions of Christians. They seem to possess a strong arresting quality that etches them deep in our memories. Based on everyday things that we can see and relate to, they awaken vivid images on the screen our minds. Jesus embedded characteristics of the physical world in stories with spiritual meanings. It is because parables enter through our visual imagination, that they so penetrate the thought and conscience of so many; they arouse something deep within.
Something within me that holdeth the reins.
Something within me that banishes pain;
Something within me I can’t explain,
All that I know, there is something within me.
A Japanese condemned murderer Tokichi Ishii, while awaiting execution, read the New Testament, was converted and transformed. On one of the pages of his diary he wrote:
"I cared nothing about these things when I was out in the world, and for that reason was but a demon in human form. I was, however, born a human being, and although I may be executed tomorrow, I want to die knowing at least what I can about the teachings of God, and the true path of man."
And one of the passages which he records is the climax of Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep,
"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance."
How many other ways, we wonder, have the parables found man in dismal circumstances whose spirits and souls were elevated with messages of God’s love and mercy and the summons to return home to the Father? Indeed, the parables arouse something deep within.
So what is a parable? In it simplest definition, it is truth embodied in stories drawn from nature or common life, which is used most often to teach some moral or ethical truth. It is a story or a suggestion concentrated on one point so plain that listeners with ears to hear can immediately comprehend it. The word “parable” comes from the Greek word “parabolē” which literally means ‘to place alongside.’ Thus, a parable compares one thing to another. The parables of Jesus do not specifically define things, but rather use comparisons to describe some aspect of how God acts or interacts with human beings. So the parables of Jesus did not present listeners with unknown information, but rather, it focused and called into action what people already knew (at least partially), and after listening to the story, could suddenly perceive it in a different light and with more depth.
Parables were also used by other teachers besides Jesus and some of them before Jesus. For example, in 2 Samuel we read of the prophet Nathan determined to confront David with a message of God’s judgment for his murder of Uriah and the taking of his wife. He did so by the parable of the rich man’s flock and the poor man’s one loved lamb. Another example is one of the great passages in the prophecy of Isaiah where the comparison of Israel with a vineyard planted by the hand of God and tended with patience and devotion. It should have brought forth good grapes but it yielded only bad fruit.
One of the distinctive factors about Jesus’ parables is His emphasis on the Kingdom which was not merely illustrative, but integral to His whole ministry. So in a very real sense, I believe, the response from listeners to the parables was a response to the Kingdom of God and to Jesus Christ Himself.
When we discuss parables as truth embodied in stories, we are in fact, touching upon something deeper than mere expression. We are dealing with the way in which all of reality is approached. The parables seem to conceive reality in concrete practical terms rather than in the abstract. Therefore, parabolic truth is seen embodied in some fact of our familiar world, a truth so powerful that it feeds the imagination and stirs us to responsive action.
Actually, it was this way of conceiving reality which was characteristic of the Hebrew mind; that Hebrew mind which was the human heritage of Jesus. Thus, many of the Old Testament writers did not present the providence of God in creedal form but used expressions such as, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want” or“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.”
In dealing with the crisis parables, such as “the waiting servants,” “the thief at night” or the “faithful and unfaithful servants,” the apparent calls is to be aware, stay alert, be on guard, and stay awake like servants who sit up late to be ready when their master returns home. Certainly, the ministry of Jesus was the supreme crisis of world history and these parables therefore seem to be warning hearers to be prepared for any development, however unexpected, and come to a responsive decision quickly.
Nearly two millenniums after Jesus gave His parables; they continue to sparkle with simple yet sublime insights about life and death. They remain comforting revelations about God’s Kingdom. Like the psalmist and the prophets whose way of thinking echoed again in Him, Jesus also felt truth intuitively and imbued it with vivid symbols which all eager hearts and minds could understand. Although rooted in His Jewish culture, life and times, the eternal truths embodied in the parables contain an inherent quality which time and distance cannot destroy.
O send Thy Spirit, Lord, now unto me,
That it may touch my eyes, and make me see:
Show me the truth concealed within Thy Word,
And in Thy Book revealed I see the Lord.
The parables as we have them today are printed words upon a page, but in the elevation of our imagination, they can be for us as they were for the people of Galilee who heard them. They can be realities visualized before us as sit on the grass and listen to the voice of Jesus, read the expression on His face, follow the movement of His hands as we grasp the eternal truths embodied in His stories.
- Mary Ann Lathbury
Credits:
Brad H. Young, The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation
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Tamarajo,
I am visual too which is why the parables are so special. It is a great way to preach and teach, using analogies from real life that people can relate to.
You are right that "There is something rewarding and memorable about discovering something." Read any parable more than once and you find a new discovery, a new truth, a new insight, a new inspiration.
How I love Jesus, Lover of my soul!
Bless you for being my first commentor dear sister in Christ and may He keep you walking the narrow path toward the City of God.
Love, peace, and joy in Him.
Forever His,
Revlady
Very well written hub. One of the parables that speaks to me over and over is the woman and the unjust judge. In her persistence she received what she needed. When I am in need of an answer from Father I am thankful that he is a just judge and he will answer me in love. I so love the Word of God!!!
I agree with both of you and if you ever notice,each time you read a parable in the word of God, you always learn something or recognize something that you didn't see the last time or you missed the last time. Thank you Revlady for a very enlightening hub. Godspeed. creativeone59
Judicastro, Creativeone,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on God's parables. They are indeed filled with truth and we prosper each time we read them. All glory to God!
Love, peace, and joy in Him who loves us so.
Forever His,
Yeahua always told people about the Kingdom of God. Parables tell us a story about the new Kingdom that is at hand, thanks for this hub, god bless
Amen & amen. Jesus was the greatest storyteller of all time because he completely understood how we humans are wired. He presented eternal, infinite truth in a form that our finite minds could wrap itself around.
Great Hub. Thumb's up to be sure.
Louisxfourie, Ken,
AMEN to both your comments. God was indeed gracious towards us in speaking to us in a manner in which we could comprehend. All glory to God!
Love, peace and joy in HIm who loves us so.
Forever His,
RevLady,
As much as we love to study God’s word and draw meaning from it, we tend over complicate or over simplify the expectation. This work you shared with us is in my opinion, one of the most complete and thorough synopsis of parable teaching I have read. You have been blessed with great wisdom and ability to disseminate that knowledge for us in highly digestible prose. I really have nothing else to add but thank you and I look forward to many more teachable moments.
The one that connects most with me is The Prodigal Son. It reveals the heart of the Father and makes me feel so much love for Him. He truly is our Abba!
Jesus's Parables, are illustrations used, that the people of that time could identify with. The stories deal with everyday events, that either the apostles or other followers could readily associate with and understand, as they were living in that time. Especially when Jesus tried to relate to His apostles, truths of the coming of the Messiah, his kingdom his death and resurrection, it was difficult for them to grasp, they saw the Messiah as some war-like king who would slay their enemies and free them, not someone who was going to sacrifice Himself for their spiritual redemption.
Brother Dave.
Jason, FA, DM,
I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your encouraging thoughts that uplifts. All glory to God!
Love, peace and joy in Him.
Forever His,
Matthew 13:34-35 'All these things spake Yahshua unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet (Psalm 78:2), saying, I will open My mouth in parables: I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.'
Great hub. The words, the logic - even the truth of what Christ was teaching, was not given for everyone, but only those who had ears to hear. The Tale of Tokichi Ishii launched this writing boldly. Isn't his sentence and decision to seek Christ not much different than us all? "Although I may be executed tomorrow, I want to die knowing at least what I can about the teachings of God, and the true path of man." Since none of us knows how much more life we have before us - this should be our shared desire. Peace.
Jesus knew there was no way His Disciples would ever understand the messages He received from God as the spiritual level was far above them. He knew that in order to get this important message and knowledge across, He'd have to take what His Father gave him and put it in oversimplified story form. This way, message would be heard and understood.
Now comes the hard part. It would be heard. It would be spoken. Would it be accepted?
AW,
Oh yes, Ishii's desire should be ours, which is why many of us love His Word. Though His Word stands closed with nothing to be added or taken away, there is much truth and meaning in it to be recognized as we are enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
UG,
Would it be accepted? That is always the final question and the jury is still out for many in times such as these.
What thought provoking comments my brothers in Christ. Thank you for sharing moments of your life with others. God bless you!
Love, peace, and joy in Him.
Forever His,
I love reading your hubs about the bible,I understand your writings.I love the parable of the lost sheep. Your story about the Japanese awaiting execution was sad, yet uplifting. Thank you and God bless you.
AE,
It is so encouraging just to know these hubs may be helping someone in even the tiniest way. All glory to God.
Thank you dear heart, and may God continue to hold you in the bosom of His love.
Forever His,
A deeply felt hub, Reverend Lady. The story of Mr. Tokichi Ishii touched my heart. It reminded me of something our pastor once said, "When we stand within the shadow of the cross, we are reminded that we are ALL sinners; one sinner's sin is not less than another."
Mr. Tokichi Ishii's, though he was a murderer, I have been no better than him. And how wonderful that he came to know the Lord in his endl he will stand before the our Savior and God a guiltless man. His sins forgiven. Because we have been washed by the Blood of the Lamb.
"Something within me that holdeth the reins.
Something within me that banishes pain;
Something within me I can’t explain,
All that I know, there is something within me." This is my testimony today, and always. HALLELUJAH!
Your hub has lifted my spirits today, RevLady. Thank you!
May God bless you, today and always.
Much love and very BIG warm hugs to you today, in Christ Jesus,
VKA
Rev Lady, I'll be back good Lord willing and read this again and see what it is I see as I'm in agreement but still need to reflect on this precise angle that the teaching was given, Peace and Much Love, Dusty
Excellent hub which presents excellent thoughts. Among the parables of Jesus I love so much the parables of the Kingdom included in the sermon on the Mount particularly the parable of the sower. It speaks so much of our generation. Thank you for sharing these lovely thoughts. Blessings to you.
Dusty,
I'll be waiting on you. Love ya!
Cristina,
The parable of the sower is a wonderful story with deep treasures of truth for those with "ears to hear."
VKA,
Mr. Tokichi Ishii's story is very touching and inspiring. Somehow, I think the last hours of his life, were his best. His stirring testimony lives on to inspire and motivate the lives of others, so he is God's messenger, in death. All glory to God!
Love, hugs and peace God’s beloveds and my friends,
Forever His,
Rev Lady, I've found the parables as a fantastic teaching aid but I have yet to understand the parable of the wedding banquet, Mathew 22. I understand the King being bothered by no one showing up, then enraged when his messengers were killed, to the point of mounting his army and killing those who had killed his servants. Where I get lost is the binding of a man hand and foot then throwing him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. It seemed to me that the attendees were gathered from the streets both good and bad, in that lot I would assume there were wealthy and poor. What was it that caused his ejection from the banquet? It may be plain as day to some, but it is one that struck me as the man may not have owned wedding clothes, and in the merits a man has I always take it to what is in his heart and not the clothes he wears. What am I missing here?
I find the parables quite interesting, I also find stories about people very interesting as well, Noah, Jonah, and David for a few and I probably learned much more from dissecting the books of Samuel than most any other books in the Bible as it orchestrates so much knowledge of the works between man and God. It is easy to teach and hold the attention while covering a story line as that is how I was taught by a particular man and it opened my eye to much and changed my study habits, but I don't always "get it" and I remembered a parable that I didn't get and needed to find it before commenting, as I started to do and not mention it, but in the end I had to as it seemed timely to find the answer while I was thinking back but to which one? S some reading and there it is, Peace and Love, Dusty
Hi 50,
One of the things we notice in the parable that you struggle with is that garments were provided for the guests which this man did not avail himself too, so he was cast into outer darkness.
The SPIRITUAL implication is that everyone who gets into heaven must be properly clothed. We must be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ which is offered to all men at conversion. But those who do not avail themselves to the clothes of the Kingdom of God, will be cast into damnation's darkness.
Hope this helps. Let me know your thoughts. God bless,
Forever His,
Rev Lady, I went back and read the parable again in several different translations, and found no information that would have led me to know that wedding attire was supplied, unless that is/was a standard set forth in another area of the Bible. That said, I guess I want to be able to understand where that information comes into the picture.
I don't know where I read it but seems I remember a verse loosely saying "to keep your clothes ready, as meeting Christ in the air, would be better than showing up naked or in a shameful way" it struck me as being ready in all seasons as we know not which day or hour we could be called forth in the rapture. I found it in Revelations 16:15. I mentioned this in another article about the tribulation and was replied with a note on my sense of humor being good. I think the person thought I was joking when I stated that I made sure I had a set of clothes ready beside my bed as I layed down each night. I wasn't joking at all, just hoping they might have the scripture available so I could write it down. I remember much of what I have read, but lack in the ability to put a page number or book, chapter or verse. This often makes me stumble while trying to make a point or question, and my adversary then believes they have won over a battle of words that I attempt to lay down. This is where I loose with the parable presented in Mathew 22, I understand the spiritual message of being cloaked in the Love of our Savior and the knowledge as well as understanding having our humble hearts on our sleeves, but I don't get the parable as presented.
You have to understand I am a man and as such we are thick headed and have to be led by the hand when it comes to directions :), smile. I don't know why this one parable has escaped me. My thoughts were of street people that are of low means and thought the man possibly could have been wearing the best he had. I related it to myself as my tattered cloths often strikes folks to hand me a 20 dollar bill as we meet on the streets or outside the local grocery I use. I have to thank them and not accept it telling them to pay it forward to one they find in need. I suppose to folks I look like a street person down and out, when I'm just an old coot with a sewing machine and surger, who sews up rips and tears in my clothes, I get every ounce of use out of all my clothing and enjoy the comfort of favorite shirts and pants that are well worn in and I hate to see them go. I often use them for patch work on the next set. I find some fun in them as people point and judge what and who I am based on appearance that they see. Thanks for taking the time to work with me here as I don't understand it still, Peace 50
Parables are definitely a good way to have people relate to the teachings of the Bible, as you said. We read stories and can see similar situations or reactions with ourselves and the people in the Bible. There are limitless lessons to learn from these stories.
I was just reading the story of Jacob taking Esau's birthright and blessing, and I was reminded how important our actions and words are. Too often, we say things and think it does not mean anything. But, Esau could not take back his birthright after trading it for food from Jacob, and Isaac could not dismiss the initial blessing he unknowingly gave to Jacob.
I think that we dismiss our own actions and words too easily. In reality, we should really think harder before we act. Like other Bible stories, I think this is just one of the many lessons that can be found in this parable.
50,
This is Matthew's account:
But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' Matthew 22:11-12.
It is my understanding that in ancient times, hosts were accustomed to make presents of wedding garments to their guests and to refuse was an expression of highest disrespect. Again, the spiritual meaning is that Christ offers us His garment of righteousness (salvation) and if we refuse it, we are rejecting Christ and prefer the place reserved for sinners.
Reminds me of ""I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber." John 10:1.
Ama,
I agree with you. Too often we speak before we think and other times we speak carelessly not realizing the danger or deprivation it may cause us later.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I so appreciate it.
Love, peace, and joy in Him.
Forever His,
Rev Lady, with out that insight I would never have figured it out, I understood the spiritual, that he was thrown from the kingdom, just not why. Thanks for your help, Dusty
50,
Oh, well I rejoice in knowing that His Spirit illuminated for you dear friend. God bless you!
Forever His,
Dear Rev Lady : Your logical message of the great value of Parables invites the world to realize that truths may often be in the works of Biblical stories. God Bless you Dear Heart.
Hi beloved, and thank you for dropping in on me.
Yes, some of the most important truths are found in the parables. Rest and get off your feet now.
Love and hugs,
Forever His,
I cannot add much to what people have already said. Just that Jesus's teaching/preaching style using parables is to me, the best method to reach the common people, and elite alike. But guess whose hearts were more humble and open? When I hear preachers preaching lofty sermons using grand concepts and language that really stretch your intellect just to follow along, I want to say, "Keep it simple," like Jesus. Use stories to illustrate.
This was a great reminder RevLady of our Lord's great giftedness in preaching effectively. God bless.
LS,
I agree with you. I think sometimes pastors or speakers forget that their audience is of varied abilites and all cannot comprehend the same. It is noted though that the disciples had difficulty comprehending many of the parables, which frustrated Jesus. So, I guess sometimes we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place (smile).
Love, peace and yoy in Him who comprehends us better than we comprehend ourselves.
Forever His,
Beautiful hub my friend. I was blind, but now I see - Amazing Grace. It is said that non-believers do not understand the parables of the Bible. It was that way for me. It was a bunch of jibberish until I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Voted up, marked useful/awesome/ and beautiful. Peace to you
God bless you PM.
It is so wonderful and comforting to the spirit to know that you are saved by His amazing grace. Without His grace, I do not know where I would be. All glory to God for His faithfulness and great mercies!
Love and hugs dear friend of mind.
Forever His,
This is a very good read.
All glory to God and thank you for the thoughtfulness of your taking the time to read. It makes it all worthwhile in His name.
Love and hugs,
Forever His
Tamarajo Level 6 Commenter 19 months ago
I know for me I understand and retain things much better with a visual or example.
I think the Hebrew way of thinking is on to something.
Parables also make us think more deeply and ask questions which engages us to seek Him and also engages our faith.
There is something rewarding and memorable about discovering something. Its as if at times in parables he leads a trail of crumbs to the truth He wishes for us to discover.
I love how God knows us best and does everything possible to get through to us and give us the greatest understanding.
Thought provoking hub for me.