A Parable is a story used to tell a spiritual truth.
Dictionary describes it as “a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels”.
‘Parable’ has its roots in the Greek word ‘parabolḗ’, which means ‘comparison’.
Jesus eplains Parables Mathew 13:10-16
The 3 main types of parables:
Similitude, Parable and Exemplary story.
Similitude
Similitudes use similies to make a comparison between two things. A similitude teaches its lesson by using a situation that people can relate to. It focuses on using a situation that happened in real life.
Parable
Yes, this type of parable is actually called a parable! A parable is a more complex similitude. It uses fictional events to teach a lesson. The difference between a similitude, a parable and an exemplary story is that a parable is longer than a similitude but does not have the same narrative structure and style as an exemplary story.
Exemplary story
An exemplary story is also known as a narrative parable. It uses the narration of a long story to show changes in characters and plot. These changes reflect the religious lessons that the storyteller has chosen to discuss.
Why did Jesus use Parables?
Jesus used stories rooted in everyday events and experiences of that time. By using these types of experiences, the people could relate to His teaching of spiritual truths about the nature of God and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Listed below are the parables that Jesus taught about. With the little time He had on earth, why do you think He chose to teach about these things?
As Believers how should we act:
The Sower Matthew 13:1-9, & 18-23, Luke 8:4-15 , Mark 4:1-25
The Lamp Matthew5:14-16 Luke 8:16-21 Luke 11:33-36
The Mustard Seed Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-34, Luke 13:18-19
Salt of the earth Matthew 5: 13
Parable of two sons Matthew 21:28-32
The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32
The Landowner Matthew 21:33-46
The Buillders Luke 6:46-49
The Two Debtors Luke 7:40-50
The Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37
Why Jesus came:
Be prepared Luke 12:35-48
The Lost Sheep, Matthew 18:12-14 Luke 15:1-7
The Lost Coin Luke 15:8-10
Prayer:
Parable on prayer Luke 18: 1-8
Pharisee Luke 18:9-14
The Kingdom of God and what it's like:
The Hidden Treasure Matthew 13:44,
The Pearl of Priceless Value Mathew 13: 45-46,
The Marraige Feast Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 14:7-15
A Dragnet Matthew 13:47-52
Weeds among wheat Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43
The Leaven Matthew 13:33-45, Luke 12:20-21
Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:1-16
The Fig Tree Matthew 24:32-41
Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13
Talents Mathew 25:14-29
The Growing Seed Mark 4:26-29
Parable of the Good Sheperd John 10:1-18
Jesus is Rejected
The Vine Growers Mark 12:1-12 Luke 20:9-18
How can Satan cast out Satan? Mark 3:23-27
I hope this helps you to understand what a parable is, and why Jesus used them in His teachings.
I love that Jesus used stories that are relatable to us , these stories (parables) thelp us understand the ways of God's Kingdom and spiritual things,that otherwise would be very hard for us humans to relate to.
I"ll link below some of my favorite "Parable" video messages. I hope you'll enjoy and learn from these as well.
The Older Brother....
The Mustard Sead and Leaven....
The Treasure and the Pearl...
The Landowner...
The Bridegroom...
The Vinegrowers...
The Wedding Feast...
Now get out there girls and let "Your light shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16
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