Parable

April 27

Parable
parabolē

The literal idea of the Greek parabolē (G3850) is a placing side by side and, therefore, a comparison or similarity. “Specifically,” as one Greek authority writes, a parable is “a short story under which something else is figured or in which the fictitious is used to represent and illustrate the real.”

It’s also interesting how parabolē is the word behind “picture” in Heb_9:8-9, showing that the wilderness Tabernacle was a “parable” of Christ’s heavenly ministry.

It’s been observed that about one-third of Jesus’ teaching was couched in parables, which begs the question, Why? Why not just be literal and clear? Why be abstract?

The answer lies in Mat_13:13: “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”

Our Lord uses the word understand (suniēmi; see yesterday’s reading) three times in this verse and the two that follow to emphasize why He began to speak only in parables.

Those who rejected Him and did not want the truth would not be able to “put the pieces together” from the stories He told. They would not be able to comprehend the fuller meaning he was trying to convey. He was actually presenting deep truths that demanded deep thinking, but the majority just wouldn’t get it.

Sadly, that is true today. If our Lord were here today, He would undoubtedly speak in parables. We hear much about “loving God” and “loving Jesus,” but much of such talk is nebulous at best and empty at worst.

Many people who say such things, including pastors, abhor doctrine and deep Bible preaching and teaching. But Scripture makes clear that only those who love the Word of God truly love the Lord.

Tragically, many books today are written about “loving God” and having a “relationship with Jesus” but never exposit Scripture. They speak of mysticism, feelings, and impressions, but never speak of doctrine and scriptural truth. Scripture, however, could not be clearer that love for God means love for His Word.

While we can, and should, greatly appreciate our Lord’s parables, and while we can learn many great truths from them, let us also desire the deeper things of God’s Word. Your reading this book, in fact, demonstrates that that is your desire. May God richly bless your faithfulness.

Scriptures for Study: Read the parables in the following passages, noting the contrasts our Lord draws: Mat_21:28-32; Mat_25:1-13; Mat_25:14-30; Luk_10:30-37.

 
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