Parables Of Jesus
The Parables of Jesus are some of the most fascinating teachings in the Bible, imparting truth in the context of everyday stories that applied to the people living in biblical times and to us today. While on earth, Christ communicated truth through narrative analogies to impart moral and spiritual lessons to his followers and those gathered to see and hear this mysterious man. Different people responded very differently to the illustrated stories and this prompted Christ's disciples to question why their leader chose to teach in this method. In the book of Matthew we find the answer to their query: "He answered and said unto them, 'Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.'" (Matthew 13:11) Jesus also told the disciples that because many in the crowd could not see nor hear, they would not understand the truths He revealed. Even though these narratives drew upon everyday circumstances that most could identify with, many, in fact, missed the illustrated relation to the kingdom. In the book of John, Jesus is recorded as saying that He only speaks what the Father tells Him to speak. This applies to the symbolic stories he told throughout the years of his ministry. In the book of Matthew, Christ explains that his speaking in parables was to fulfill prophecy that had been written long ago. We can then know and understand that our Sovereign God used this way of communication for a purpose. And the truth found buried in the Parables of Jesus can still teach us today.
The first parable Christ taught was a story involving a farmer planting seeds. This narrative is known as The Sower and The Seeds. In this story, a man sows seeds in four types of soil. It is important to note that The Sower and The Seeds is one of the most definitive parables of Jesus because he tells the disciples that if they do not understand this particular narrative, then the other teachings will likewise elude them. The Sower and the Seeds is documented in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This amazing story focuses on four types of soil used in planting the seeds. Interestingly, the farmer sowed seeds alongside a road, on rock, amid thorns, and also in good soil. The seed which fell alongside the road was trampled and birds came and snatched what was left. That on the rock had no root and therefore withered. The seed that fell among the thorns grew, but was eventually choked by the thorns and died. But the kernels that were sowed into good soil grew and produced an abundant crop of fruit. Shortly after the narration of this parable, the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him the meaning of story. The account recorded in the book Mark tells that Jesus then explained the importance of this particular parable and the meaning behind the story. The seeds, we are told, are a symbol for God's Word and the soil relates to the human heart. In only one place does the Word take root and produce living fruit: the good soil. In this first of many parables, Christ seems to explain that not everyone who hears the Word of God will understand and believe in Christ, nor be effective ambassadors for the kingdom. This narrative set the tone for upcoming stories full of symbolism, proving that not everyone who would hear them would grasp the deeper meaning.
Among the most popular of Christ's other parables is the story of the Prodigal Son. This is a story that demonstrates the forgiveness and grace of God. The story opens with a rich man whose son desires to take his inheritance from his father and venture into the world. They young man in the parable squanders the inheritance money. Living in destitution, it finally occurs to the son that to be a servant in his fathers house would be better than the life he'd so foolishly chosen. The father, a man full of grace, welcomes the wondering son home. A picture of hope, this beautiful story illustrates how God eagerly welcomes His children back after they make a choice to roam. Many a worried parent, concerned spouse, and anxious friend have found hope in the principles demonstrated in this story. Most everyone has experienced a loved one who has chosen a dangerous path in life. While the story of the rebellious son spoke directly to the culture of the day, this remains a favorite of the parables of Jesus in modern times. Other stories that illustrate God's love and concern for our returning to His will include the Parable of the Lost Coin and the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
Christ taught using many other parables and these include the stories of the Mustard Seed, The Parable of the Weeds, The Parable of the Net and also the Hidden Treasure. There are also stories that point to the coming End Times and these taught about Christ's return and the future Kingdom of Heaven. The parables of The Wedding Feast, The Ten Virgins, and The Talents all illustrate what Christians are to be doing until the return of their king. These dynamic stories also served as warnings for those who are caught off guard or unprepared for the second coming of Christ.
What applied to those gathered to hear Christ speak still applies to us today. While many of the stories He told used common circumstances of that day, we can still understand the meaning and internalize the teachings though our modern culture is vastly different. Christ promised to send a Helper who would teach and guide. The Helper, or Holy Spirit, brings these fascinating stories from two-thousand years ago the relevance of our daily lives. We can have the ears to hear.
The first parable Christ taught was a story involving a farmer planting seeds. This narrative is known as The Sower and The Seeds. In this story, a man sows seeds in four types of soil. It is important to note that The Sower and The Seeds is one of the most definitive parables of Jesus because he tells the disciples that if they do not understand this particular narrative, then the other teachings will likewise elude them. The Sower and the Seeds is documented in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This amazing story focuses on four types of soil used in planting the seeds. Interestingly, the farmer sowed seeds alongside a road, on rock, amid thorns, and also in good soil. The seed which fell alongside the road was trampled and birds came and snatched what was left. That on the rock had no root and therefore withered. The seed that fell among the thorns grew, but was eventually choked by the thorns and died. But the kernels that were sowed into good soil grew and produced an abundant crop of fruit. Shortly after the narration of this parable, the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him the meaning of story. The account recorded in the book Mark tells that Jesus then explained the importance of this particular parable and the meaning behind the story. The seeds, we are told, are a symbol for God's Word and the soil relates to the human heart. In only one place does the Word take root and produce living fruit: the good soil. In this first of many parables, Christ seems to explain that not everyone who hears the Word of God will understand and believe in Christ, nor be effective ambassadors for the kingdom. This narrative set the tone for upcoming stories full of symbolism, proving that not everyone who would hear them would grasp the deeper meaning.
Among the most popular of Christ's other parables is the story of the Prodigal Son. This is a story that demonstrates the forgiveness and grace of God. The story opens with a rich man whose son desires to take his inheritance from his father and venture into the world. They young man in the parable squanders the inheritance money. Living in destitution, it finally occurs to the son that to be a servant in his fathers house would be better than the life he'd so foolishly chosen. The father, a man full of grace, welcomes the wondering son home. A picture of hope, this beautiful story illustrates how God eagerly welcomes His children back after they make a choice to roam. Many a worried parent, concerned spouse, and anxious friend have found hope in the principles demonstrated in this story. Most everyone has experienced a loved one who has chosen a dangerous path in life. While the story of the rebellious son spoke directly to the culture of the day, this remains a favorite of the parables of Jesus in modern times. Other stories that illustrate God's love and concern for our returning to His will include the Parable of the Lost Coin and the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
Christ taught using many other parables and these include the stories of the Mustard Seed, The Parable of the Weeds, The Parable of the Net and also the Hidden Treasure. There are also stories that point to the coming End Times and these taught about Christ's return and the future Kingdom of Heaven. The parables of The Wedding Feast, The Ten Virgins, and The Talents all illustrate what Christians are to be doing until the return of their king. These dynamic stories also served as warnings for those who are caught off guard or unprepared for the second coming of Christ.
What applied to those gathered to hear Christ speak still applies to us today. While many of the stories He told used common circumstances of that day, we can still understand the meaning and internalize the teachings though our modern culture is vastly different. Christ promised to send a Helper who would teach and guide. The Helper, or Holy Spirit, brings these fascinating stories from two-thousand years ago the relevance of our daily lives. We can have the ears to hear.
Parables Of Jesus
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