Lesson Description
In this lesson, we will learn what parables are, why Jesus used them, and how to understand their meaning correctly. We will discover why it is important to consider the context, identify the main lesson, and avoid assigning meanings to details that the passage does not support.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me grow in my understanding of Your Word through the lessons I have already studied. As I learn about the parables in the Bible, please give me wisdom to understand the message being communicated. Help me pay attention to the context, recognize the purpose of each parable, and avoid making assumptions that are not supported by Scripture. Guide me as I study Your Word and help me apply its truth correctly. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Lesson 1: What Is a Parable?
A parable is a story or illustration used to communicate a lesson or truth. Jesus frequently used familiar situations from everyday life to teach people spiritual lessons.
His parables included examples involving farmers, seeds, servants, families, money, and other ordinary experiences.
A parable is not simply a story to entertain its listeners. It communicates a message that must be understood in light of its context and purpose.
Scripture: Matthew 13:34 (KJV)
“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:”
This verse shows that Jesus used parables when teaching the multitude.
For example, in the parable of the sower, Jesus described a man scattering seed on different types of ground. The different soils illustrated different responses to the word.
The story used a familiar agricultural activity to communicate a spiritual lesson.
Practical Example
A teacher might tell a story about two people who receive the same advice but respond differently. Through the story, the teacher can explain why people’s responses matter.
In a similar way, Jesus used familiar stories to communicate important truths to His listeners.
Remember: A parable is a story or illustration that communicates a lesson. To understand it, we must identify the message Jesus was teaching.
Lesson 2: Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?
Jesus used parables to teach people through familiar situations and illustrations. His stories could reveal important truths, challenge wrong attitudes, and call listeners to consider their responses to His message.
However, Jesus also explained that parables did not produce the same response in every listener. Some people were willing to hear and understand, while others remained unreceptive.
Scripture: Matthew 13:10–11 (KJV)
“And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
Jesus answered His disciples when they asked why He taught in parables. His explanation must be read alongside Matthew 13:12–17, where He discusses different responses to what is heard and seen.
This teaches us that we should not assume every listener understands a parable in the same way. We must consider the purpose of the teaching and the response of the audience.
Practical Example
A person may hear a story about honesty and recognize the lesson, while another person may ignore the message because they are unwilling to examine their own behaviour.
The story is the same, but the listeners respond differently.
Remember: Jesus used parables to communicate truth, and their purpose must be understood within the context of His teaching.
Lesson 3: How Can We Find the Main Message of a Parable?
When studying a parable, begin by identifying its main message. Do not immediately assume that every person, object, number, or action in the story represents a separate spiritual truth.
Sometimes Jesus explained the meaning of a parable directly. In other cases, the surrounding passage helps us identify the central lesson.
Scripture: Luke 10:25–29 (KJV)
“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?”
These verses introduce the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Notice that Jesus did not begin the story without a reason. The conversation about loving one’s neighbour provides the setting for the parable.
Reading the introduction helps us understand why Jesus told the story and what question it addressed.
Practical Example
If you hear a story without knowing the question that led to it, you might misunderstand its purpose. Knowing why the story was told helps you identify its message.
Likewise, when studying a parable, read the verses before it and after it.
Remember: Begin with the context and identify the main question or issue the parable addresses.
Lesson 4: Why Must We Pay Attention When Jesus Explains a Parable?
When Jesus gives an explanation of a parable, that explanation is essential to understanding its meaning.
We should not ignore the interpretation provided in Scripture and replace it with our own imagination.
Scripture: Matthew 13:18–19 (KJV)
“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.”
Here, Jesus begins explaining the parable of the sower. He identifies what the seed represents in this part of the explanation and describes the person who hears the word but does not understand it.
In Matthew 13:20–23, He continues explaining the other types of ground.
The explanation given by Jesus helps us understand the details of the story without needing to invent meanings for them.
Practical Example
Imagine that a teacher tells a story and then explains the lesson behind it. If you want to understand the teacher’s meaning, you should consider the explanation rather than creating an unrelated interpretation.
Remember: When Scripture explains a parable, pay close attention to that explanation and use it to guide your understanding.
Lesson 5: Can We Apply Every Detail of a Parable to Our Lives?
We can learn from the lessons communicated through parables, but we should not assume that every detail is intended to represent a separate doctrine or instruction.
The central message, the original audience, and the surrounding context must guide our application.
For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches about showing mercy to a neighbour. We should not turn every detail of the journey, the animals, the money, or the inn into a separate spiritual symbol unless the passage supports that interpretation.
Scripture: Luke 10:36–37 (KJV)
“Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”
Jesus concluded the exchange by emphasizing the person who showed mercy. He then instructed His listener to do likewise.
This conclusion helps us recognize the practical lesson of the story.
Practical Example
If someone tells a story about a person helping an injured stranger, the main lesson might be compassion rather than the colour of the stranger’s clothing or the exact time of day.
We should focus on what the story is teaching rather than inventing additional meanings.
Remember: Apply the message the parable communicates, and do not assign unsupported meanings to every detail.
Lesson 6: How Can We Avoid Misinterpreting Parables?
To understand a parable correctly, follow these principles:
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Read the full passage. Do not isolate the story from its surrounding verses.
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Identify the original audience. Ask who heard the parable and what circumstances led Jesus to tell it.
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Look for an explanation. If Jesus or the passage explains the meaning, give that explanation priority.
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Identify the main message. Determine what truth the story communicates.
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Avoid unsupported symbolism. Do not claim that every object or action represents something else without evidence.
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Distinguish interpretation from application. First understand the original message, then consider how its truth applies appropriately.
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Compare related Scriptures carefully. Use other passages when they genuinely help explain the subject.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Careful study helps us avoid building teachings on imagination or assumptions. Our responsibility is to understand the message communicated through the passage.
Practical Example
When studying a parable, write down three things:
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What happened in the story?
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Why was the story told?
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What lesson does the context support?
Answering these questions can help you distinguish the main message from personal interpretations.
Remember: Understand the context, look for the explanation, identify the main lesson, and avoid adding meanings that Scripture does not support.
Final Lesson Takeaway
Jesus used parables to communicate important truths through familiar stories and illustrations. To understand them correctly, we must pay attention to the original audience, the reason the parable was told, and any explanation provided in Scripture.
We should not interpret parables according to imagination or assume that every detail represents a hidden spiritual meaning. Instead, we must examine the passage carefully and allow its context to guide our interpretation.
Key Scripture: Luke 10:37 (KJV)
“And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”
Remember: Understand why the parable was told, identify its main message, and apply its truth without adding unsupported interpretations.