Difference between revisions of "Parables of Jesus"

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[[Jesus]] often taught using illustrations and stories - [[parable]]s. His parables often tell of the kingdom of [[God]] and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden.
 
[[Jesus]] often taught using illustrations and stories - [[parable]]s. His parables often tell of the kingdom of [[God]] and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden.
  
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Each of the four Gospels contains parables of Jesus unique to that Gospel, with two of the best known, [[the Prodigal Son]] and [[the Good Samaritan]], both being among those that occur only in the [[Gospel of Luke]].
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The word "parable" is derived from the Greek word [[parabole]]. It can be used to refer to stories that make a point (like the Good Samaritan), stories that are allegories (like the parable of the Sower) or simple statements.
  
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Only two parables occur in the [[Gospel of John]], and both are unique to that Gospel.
+
Each of the four Gospels contains parables of Jesus unique to that Gospel, with two of the best known, [[the Prodigal Son]] and [[the Good Samaritan]], both being among those that occur only in the [[Gospel of Luke]]. Only two parables occur in the [[Gospel of John]], and both are unique to that Gospel. A few parables appear in more than one of the [[synoptic Gospels]]. But no parable is common to the [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] and either [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] or [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] but not both; that is, if a parable occurs in Mark and also somewhere else, then it appears in all three. This observation is one of those used to try to identify and analyse the sources used by the gospel writers, see [[Q document]].
  
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A few parables appear in more than one of the [[synoptic Gospels]]. But no parable is common to the [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] and either [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] or [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] but not both; that is, if a parable occurs in Mark and also somewhere else, then it appears in all three. This observation is one of those used to try to identify and analyse the sources used by the gospel writers, see [[Q document]].
+
[[Parables]] also exist in the Old Testament and in many other writings, the best known being the story that the prophet [[Nathan]] tells [[King David]].
  
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[[Parables]] also exist in the Old Testament and in many other writings.
+
===Nature / types of parables===
 +
 
 +
The [[Greek]] word "[[parabole]]" has a wide meanings. It can be used for riddles, stories, or comparisons.
 +
 
 +
Some theologians class Jesus' parables into 1 of 4 general types
 +
* Similitude
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** Example: Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed ([[Matthew 13]])
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* Story
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** Example: Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10]])
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* Extended metaphor
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** Example: Great Banquet ([[Luke 14]])
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* Allegory
 +
** Example: Wicked tenants
 +
 
 +
===Purpose of parables===
  
 
===Some of Jesus' parables===
 
===Some of Jesus' parables===

Revision as of 03:29, 10 June 2007

Jesus said, "This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see. Though hearing, they do not hear or understand." Matthew 13:13


Synopsis

Jesus often taught using illustrations and stories - parables. His parables often tell of the kingdom of God and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden.

Contents

Related topics


Comments, Personal Articles, Studies and Sermons

Parables of Jesus (discussion) (For short comments and opinions)


For related quotations see Parables of Jesus (quotes)


Main article

Jesus often taught using illustrations and stories - parables. His parables often tell of the kingdom of God and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden.

The word "parable" is derived from the Greek word parabole. It can be used to refer to stories that make a point (like the Good Samaritan), stories that are allegories (like the parable of the Sower) or simple statements.

Each of the four Gospels contains parables of Jesus unique to that Gospel, with two of the best known, the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, both being among those that occur only in the Gospel of Luke. Only two parables occur in the Gospel of John, and both are unique to that Gospel. A few parables appear in more than one of the synoptic Gospels. But no parable is common to the Mark and either Matthew or Luke but not both; that is, if a parable occurs in Mark and also somewhere else, then it appears in all three. This observation is one of those used to try to identify and analyse the sources used by the gospel writers, see Q document.

Parables also exist in the Old Testament and in many other writings, the best known being the story that the prophet Nathan tells King David.

Nature / types of parables

The Greek word "parabole" has a wide meanings. It can be used for riddles, stories, or comparisons.

Some theologians class Jesus' parables into 1 of 4 general types

  • Similitude
    • Example: Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed (Matthew 13)
  • Story
  • Extended metaphor
  • Allegory
    • Example: Wicked tenants

Purpose of parables

Some of Jesus' parables

The Prodigal Son

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus' most well known parables. The story is found in Luke 15:11–32, being preceded by The Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin. It is the story of a son who dishonours his father and squanders his fortues and returns home in disgrace to his father but is welcomed with arms open wide and forgiveness.

The Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan is another famous parable. It appears only in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37). In the parable, Jesus illustrates that compassion should be for all people, and that fulfilling the spirit of the Law is just as important as fulfilling the letter of the Law. In the story, Jesus describes how a Samaritan, who at the time was a despised foreigner in the eyes of the Jews, shows himself to be the neighbour by helping out a Jew who was in great need.

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