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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