Introduction Message

Parables

Introduction

  1. What’s a Parable? 
    1.      The simple answer
      •  A parable is a short, simple story used to illustrate a spiritual or moral lesson.
      • The story of two employees 
        1. What is the moral lesson? 
      • Parables often use everyday situations, characters, or objects to reveal deeper truths. 
    2. The parables of Jesus
      • We can find parables throughout scripture. 
        1. Example: The story of Nathan and David (2 Samuel 12)
      • Parables are Jesus’ most known and best used method of teaching. 
        1.      Another method would be miracles 
      • He used them frequently to convey profound spiritual truths in a relatable way.
      •  Often a twist in the story. Always a deep spiritual lesson. 
  2. Why did Jesus Used Parables:
    1. To Reveal Truth to the Humble
      • Those who were open and receptive could understand the truths about God and His kingdom. (The Sower) 
      • Matthew 13:11 (NLT) — 11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not.
      • Some are not in the known some are not. 
      •  Knowing these truths are life changing. 
    2. To Conceal Truth from the Proud or Hardened. 
      • For those unwilling to hear, the meaning remained hidden. 
      • Parables served as both teaching and testing tools. 
      • Matthew 7:6 (NLT) — 6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
      • Kind of a shocking passage. 
    3. To Fulfill Prophecy. 
      • Matthew 13:33 (NLT) — 33 Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
      • Matthew 13:34 (NLT) — 34 Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables.
      • Matthew 13:35 (NLT) — 35 This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”
      • “Things hidden”
    4. To Stir Reflection and Response
      • Parables invite listeners to engage, think, and respond personally.
      • Go back to Matt 13:33 what does the leaven do? 
      • It causes to stop and think about the leaven in our own lives. 
    5.      Earthly Story 
      • A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.
      • Jesus used them not just to tell stories but to reveal the secrets of the Kingdom of God. 
      • Causing us to reflect on our life. 
      • They often require a response. (Leaven) 
      • But you must be willing to listen. 
      • Open your heart and mind to God’s truth. 
      • Let his Holy Spirit fill and teach you. 
  3. The Theme of Parables. 
    1.      The parables will often tell us this. 
      • Go back to our example in Matt 13:33 
      • “The Kingdom of Heaven is like” 
      • It is obvious that this parable is the about the kingdom of God/heaven. 
      • We look at 5 different themes. 
      • There are about 30 parables. 
    2. The Kingdom of God. 
      • The Sower Matt 13:3-9
      • The Leaven Matt 13:33
    3. Grace and Forgiveness. 
      • The Lost Sheep Luke 15 
      • The Unforgiving Servant Matt 18:23-35 
    4. Judgement and Preparedness 
      • The Ten Virgins Matt 25:1-13
      • The Rich Fool Luke 12:16-21 
    5. Faithfulness and Stewardship 
      • The Talents Luke 19:12-27
      • The Dishonest Manager Luke 16:1-13
    6. Warning and Rebuke 
      • The Wedding Banquet Matt 22:1-14
      • The Friend at Midnight Luke 11:5-8
  4. The Power of God’s Word. 

Study to show thy self approved.