Stories (Parables)

Parables come from the Greek word which means ‘to put things together in order to complete them.” Parables are usually short stories told to teach a lesson. Sometimes they are just short sayings that compare something people do with something in the world of nature or some common human experience. For example, Proverbs 6:7-8 compares an ant, which on its own collects food and plans for the future, and human beings who should be dependable and carry out their own responsibilities. The prophet Isaiah compared the people of Israel in his day with a vineyard that failed to produce grapes (Isa. 5:1-5), so the owner quit taking care of the vineyard. In the same way, Isaiah says, God will not keep taking care of the people of Israel; if their lives do not produce good fruit (do what is right).

 In Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus often uses parables to describe God and tell how God expects people to live in the kingdom. Some are only short saying, such as the blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14), the family that fights and destroys itself (Matt. 12:25), throwing pearls down in front of pigs (Matt. 7:6), and the eyes as the window of the body (Matt. 6:22-23). More than 40 parables are short stories, such as when Jesus compares the coming kingdom of heaven with a farmer planting see (Matt. 13:3-9). With hidden treasure (Matt.13:44), and with weeds mixed with wheat (Matt. 13:24-30). In some of these, an explanation of the parable has been added to the story itself, as in Matthew 13:36-43. These explanations helped new followers of Jesus better understand his message.

Other well-known parables are the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21),

The Unfair judge (Luke 18:1-8),

The Great Banquet (Matt. 22:1-10),

The Man with Two Sons (Luke 15:11-32).