THE PARABLES OF JESUS by Dean Deppe
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THE PARABLES OF JESUS by Dean Deppe
arables are stories drawn from everyday life that illustrate a religious truth . They compare familiar situations , persons or events to an unfamiliar or unrecognized truth . The hearers of parables often identify with a particular character and react to the parable ’ s reversal of expectations . Parables act as both a window to the kingdom of God and a mirror that convicts listeners , trapping them through the element of surprise .
The beginning of the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard offers insight into the graciousness of the God of the kingdom ( Mt 20:1 – 10 ), whereas its conclusion raises a mirror to the ungraciousness of the first workers ( Mt 20:11 – 16 ). Listeners who identify with the first workers get caught in the trap of Jesus ’ story — identifying this element of surprise is crucial to understanding the theme of the parable .
Parables are frequently organized according to their literary form . Parables that use simile present an explicit comparison using “ like ” or “ as ” ( e . g ., “ I am sending you out like sheep among wolves ,” Mt 10:16 ). Parables that use metaphor equate two things in order to compare them ( e . g ., “ You are the salt of the earth ,” Mt 5:13 ). Those using similitude link a common event with a spiritual lesson ( e . g ., the parable of the Lost Sheep , Lk 15:3 – 7 ). Parables often occur as example stories , where characters serve as examples for listeners , such as in the Good Samaritan ( Lk 10:29 – 37 ). There are also parables that are allegories , which consist of a series of metaphors that together establish an extended comparison at a number of points , such as in the parable of the Sower ( Mk 4:1 – 9 ).
THEMES THAT CAN BE SEEN IN THE PARABLES INCLUDE :
Responses to Jesus ’ teaching . These stories call listeners to respond faithfully to Jesus ; examples include the parable of the Ten Virgins ( Mt 25:1 – 13 ) or the Wise and Foolish Builders ( Mt 7:24 – 27 ).
Warnings about an imminent judgment . These include the parable of the Rich Fool ( Lk 12:16 – 21 ) and the Narrow Door ( Lk 13:25 – 28 ).
Kingdom of God parables . These stories proclaim the coming of the kingdom of God and illustrate its characteristics . Examples of this theme include the parables of the Wedding Guests ( Mt 22:1 – 14 ), and the Patch and Wineskins ( Mk 2:19 – 22 ).
Growth of the kingdom parables . The parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast ( Lk 13:18 – 21 ) illustrate the special presence of God .
Parables of God ’ s mercy . These stories show God as one who offers unconditional love ; examples include the parables of the Lost Sheep , Lost Coin and Lost Son ( Lk 15:1 – 32 ).
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Displays of God ’ s mercy by Jesus . Jesus showers the mercy of God upon marginalized people as in the Rich Man and Lazarus ( Lk 16:19 – 31 ) and the Pharisee and Tax Collector ( Lk 18:9 – 14 ).
Calls to deeper discipleship . These stories stress the importance of obedience ( the Two Sons in Mt 21:28 – 32 ), placing the kingdom first ( the Hidden Treasure and Costly Pearl in Mt 13:44 – 46 ), humility ( Places at the Table in Lk 14:7 – 10 ) and prayer ( the Persistent Widow in Lk 18:1 – 8 ).
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