A Study Guide Of The Parable of Jesus

The word parable is a transliteration of the Greek word “parabole” (para-bow-LAY), and comes from two Greek words, “para” (translated “beside”) and “ballein” (translated “to throw”). Literally, the word parable means “to throw beside,” or “to place beside, or to place together for the purpose of comparing, or making a comparison.” They can usually be identified by the use of the word “like,” as in Jesus’ statement, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed,” or “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven” (Matthew 13:31, 33). In these examples, Jesus was comparing the kingdom of heaven to the attributes or characteristics of a mustard seed and to leaven (yeast). Some have defined the word parable as “a story by which something real in life is used as a means of presenting a moral thought.” Others have said a parable “puts the known next to the unknown so that we may learn.” They are usually a story or a narrative taken from nature or from everyday human experiences. Perhaps the most simple definition of all is that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

The characters in parables do only those things we would expect anyone to do in the normal course of events – such as a sower going out into a field to sow seed, or a merchant going to the marketplace to find costly pearls. The characters in parables are not superhuman, nor do they perform superhuman feats. The natural events described in parables are also those we would expect to witness in nature – such as seed sown by a sower falling on various kinds of soil, or a mustard seed growing into a large tree, or a drag net bringing all kinds of fish. Parables are not allegories, fables, myths, or proverbs. In fact, there is a major difference between these forms of story-telling. For example, an allegory is simply defined as a figurative application or illustration taken from real historical facts or events – as in the allegory of Abraham’s two sons (Galatians 4:22-5:4). On the other hand, Parables speak of supposed events that never really occurred. Fables and myths are stories that are fantasy or larger-than-life. A good example from the Old Testament is the fable of trees that choose a king (Judges 9:8-15). Proverbs are defined as short statements that contain a complete and valuable thought, or short, wise sayings that contain practical truths that are learned by experiences or through observation. Sometimes proverbs and parables are confused, as in the so-called “Parable of the Fig Tree” (Matthew 24:32), which is actually a proverb – a comparative truth learned by experience and observation.

Parables are among the oldest and most common forms of teaching. Even the Old Testament contains many parables. One classic example is Nathan’s parable to David about the poor man with one little ewe lamb (2 Samuel 12:1-10). During His earthly ministry, Jesus used this medium of teaching almost constantly, and for a very good purpose. It seems Jesus wanted to teach one part of the crowd that constantly followed Him, while intentionally preventing the other part from understanding what was being said. In other words, the main purpose for Jesus teaching in parables was to conceal the truth from those whose hearts were already prejudiced and hardened.

“And the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: “Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.’” (Matthew 13:10-17)

The disciples of the Lord were blessed to learn “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” because they had the right attitude toward Jesus and His teaching. But those whose hearts had been hardened by their own wickedness and rebellion were kept from understanding the parables. Essentially, Jesus was attempting to separate truth-seekers from curiosity-seekers. Those of His disciples who were genuinely seeking to know the truth so that they might obey it would ask Jesus, “explain to us the meaning of the parable.” He would then explain the meaning of the parable to them privately (cf. Mark 4:33-34). The hearts of these disciples were open and receptive to the truths taught by Jesus. Therefore, Jesus said, “For whoever has [an honest and receptive heart], to him more will be given, and he will have abundance [by virtue of the fact that they will learn and apply the teachings of Jesus in their lives]” (Matthew 13:12a). But those who, for most part, were not interested in obeying the teachings of Jesus would hear the parables, fail to grasp their meaning, and simply brush them off. This is why Jesus added, “but whoever does not have [an honest and receptive heart], even what he has will be taken away from him [by virtue of the fact that he will fail to make application of Jesus’ teaching to his life] (Matthew 13:12b). The reason these hearers failed to grasp the meaning of the parables of Jesus is because “the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” (Matthew 13:15). They had closed their own eyes and ears from receiving the truth.

However, there is another reason why Jesus taught in parables, and that was to reveal heavenly truths to just a select group of people – whose hearts were open and receptive to these truths. Jesus was taking the known (earthly truths contained in the parables) and using them to explain the unknown (the greater heavenly truths). Only then would they be able to make a spiritual application or gain spiritual insight from the parables of Jesus. Repeatedly, the Savior said, “the kingdom of heaven is like.” He would then proceed to draw a comparison between the known and the unknown “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.”

But there is also another reason why Jesus taught in parables, and that was to appeal to the hearer’s sense of justice before they realized the parable applied to them. Nathan did this with David (2 Samuel 12:1-10). But Jesus used this approach often when confronting His enemies. The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Matthew 21:33-46) is a classic example. Jesus spoke of wicked vinedressers who refused to pay the owner of the vineyard what he was owed. After sending several emissaries to these corrupt vinedressers, the owner sent his son, whom the vinedressers eventually killed out of bitter envy and hatred. As the chief priests and Pharisees began hearing this parable, they would have begun to side against the unjust and wicked vinedressers. But when the parable was concluded, the Scriptures say, “Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.” (Matthew 21:45). Jesus did for these chief priests and Pharisees what Nathan did for David – causing them to agree with the injustice of the situation and the need for righteous judgment against the guilty parties, before they suddenly realized they were the real subject of the parable. So, it can be said that Jesus taught in the form of parables to CONCEAL, to REVEAL, and to APPEAL.

On occasions, Jesus provides the interpretation of the parable. But on other occasions, we are left to interpret the parable for ourselves. When attempting to interpret parables, there are a few extremes to avoid. First, avoid the extreme of reading too much into the parable. Some make the mistake of reading deep spiritual truths into every minute detail (eisegesis), rather than drawing simple truths from the parable (exegesis). Parables are meant to reveal simple, basic truths to those who are seeking to understand the Lord’s teaching, not to confuse His teaching with a wide range of endless theological speculation. The plain, simple truths contained in parables were meant to be carried away in the mind of the hearer, not examined under a microscope or dissected to reveal every minute detail. Therefore, look for the most simple explanation first – the general theme of the parable, then delve deeper into sub-meanings or sub-themes. Second, avoid the extreme of saying there is just one spiritual truth contained in each parable. However, make certain that the spiritual truths gleaned from the parable are not formulating some new or contradictory doctrine. Truth must agree with truth.

When interpreting a parable of Jesus, there are certain questions that should be asked. First, ask who was the intended audience, or to whom was Jesus speaking? In most instances, the intended audience will be His disciples. But on other occasions, the audience will range from publicans and sinners, to the scribes and Pharisees. A good way to determine the intended audience is to ask who was learning the most from the teaching of Jesus at the time? Second, ask what did Jesus intend to accomplish by the parable? This may not always be obvious. For example, the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven are very brief and offer no clear insight into why Jesus taught these parables. But when we understand that the Savior had just spoken two parables to His disciples that were somewhat discouraging (the Parable of the Sower, and the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares), it seems probable that the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven were spoken to give the disciples encouragement. On other occasions, the purpose of the parable will become obvious. Some were spoken to those who were more concerned about an outward display of religion than they were in the practical application of such (as in the Parable of the Good Samaritan). Others had problems with forgiveness, or with seeing themselves in need of forgiveness, or with the acquisition of wealth. And still others were intent on killing Jesus, even though they knew He was the Son of God, and needed to know that Jesus was well aware of their evil plans. Third, ask what is the lesson to be learned? Every parable has a simple lesson to teach. Some will be more apparent than others. But there is a simple lesson to learn from every parable of Jesus. Don’t make the lesson so complex or highly theological. And don’t forget that parables were intended to be simple, direct lessons that could easily be remembered, and whose truths would be unforgettable. Look for the “central” truth in every lesson.

Parables contained the “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 13:11), as well as “things which had been kept secret from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 13:35). However, these mysteries and secret things are now revealed in the wonderful gospel of Christ. In his closing remarks to the church at Rome, the apostle Paul gives us this promise:

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith; to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.” (Romans 16:25-27).

Enjoy your study of the wonderful teachings of Jesus contained in His many parables. Your knowledge will surely be increased, and your life will truly be enriched.

When Jesus began His ministry, the general theme of His preaching was things concerning the “kingdom of heaven.” Matthew says, “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’... And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:17, 23). His famous Sermon on the Mount repeatedly described many things about the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3, 10, 19-20; 6:10, 33; 7:21). Therefore, it should not be surprising that the general theme of Jesus’ parables was also the kingdom of heaven. In fact, many of His parables begin with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like...” (Matthew 13:24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47). Jesus also spoke regarding “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 13:11). But what did Jesus mean when He spoke of the kingdom of heaven? What is it?

1. Some attempt to make a distinction between the terms “kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God.” Compare the passages below, and answer the following questions.

a. Do these passages indicate a distinction between the terms “kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God?” Explain.

b. Why do you think Matthew used one term exclusively while Mark and Luke used the other to describe what appears to be the same thing?

3. From John 18:36, what is the “nature” of the kingdom – physical or spiritual?

4. How is the “kingdom of heaven” or the “kingdom of God” manifested today (See: Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12; Revelation 1:4-9)?

5. In one sense, the “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God” are both PRESENT, but in another sense, they are both FUTURE.

a. In what way is the “kingdom of heaven” PRESENT (See: Colossians 1:12-14; Revelation 1:4-9)?

b. In what way is the “kingdom of heaven” FUTURE (See: 1 Corinthians 15:24; 2 Peter 3:13; Matthew 7:21-23)?

Even though Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, He didn’t always find a receptive audience. And although His miracles and other mighty works which He performed were unmistakably performed by divine power, He was still rejected. Some thought Jesus performed these miracles by the power of Satan. While the people of Jesus’ day had ears to hear, their ears had become hard of hearing, and even though they had eyes to see, their eyes had become blinded to the truth. To illustrate to His disciples that not everyone will be receptive to the message of the good news, Jesus taught this parable.

2. Who is the sower, even though the sower is not specifically mentioned (Compare with: Matthew 13:37)?

4. Describe the first kind of soil mentioned in the parable (the “wayside”).

5. Describe the second kind of soil mentioned in the parable (the “stony places”).

6. Describe the third kind of soil mentioned in the parable (the seed that fell “among the thorns”).

a. Explain how seed falling among thorns is like those troubled by “the cares of this world” (Matthew 13:22b).

b. Explain how seed falling among thorns is like those troubled by “the deceitfulness of riches” (Matthew 13:22c).

c. Explain how seed falling among thorns is like those troubled by “the pleasures of life” (Luke 8:14).

7. Describe the fourth kind of soil mentioned in the parable (the “good ground”).

9. What does it mean that not all bear the same amount of harvest – “some a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23)?

From the Parable of the Sower, Jesus taught His disciples that not everyone would accept the Word of the kingdom the same way. Some would have hearts completely hardened against receiving the Word. Others would receive it, but persecutions or concerns over matters in life would keep the Word from growing properly and producing fruit. This meant that only a minority of those who heard the Word and obeyed it would eventually be fruitful. In the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, Jesus also illustrated this truth, but goes one step further to show the role Satan will have in attempting to contaminate the kingdom with false teachers and false doctrines.

3. When does Jesus say the problem of the tares will be addressed, and why (Matthew 13:41)?

4. What happens to the tares and what happens to the “righteous” (Matthew 13:42-43)?

6. Does this parable mean the church doesn’t need to worry about discipline (withdrawing from those who stubbornly refuse to repent of public sins)? Explain your answer in light of Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15.

7. The angels will gather two classes of people “out of His kingdom.” Explain each.

a. Those who “offend” (See: Matthew 18:6-7; 1 Corinthians 8:11-13; 10:31-11:1; Romans 16:17-18; also see Romans 14:13, 19-21).

Jesus had just taught two parables that said not everyone will hear the Word of God, and Satan would do his best to undermine the efforts of those who faithfully followed the Lord. This would have certainly been a discouraging message for Jesus’ disciples to hear. Therefore, to give them encouragement, Jesus taught parables that show the kingdom of heaven may start small, but it is destined for remarkable growth. To teach this encouraging lesson, Jesus used the Parable of the Growing Seed, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and the Parable of the Leaven. While there are many similarities, there are also some subtle differences between these parables. Therefore, they will be studied separately. This parable of the Growing Seed is found only in the book of Mark, and is similar in its setting to two other parables, the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-8, 11-15) and the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19).

2. Although the seed is not specifically identified in this parable, what does the seed in this parable most likely represent (See: Mark 4:14; Luke 8:11).

3. If this parable is describing growth produced by the Word of God, describe how such growth is represented in the following verses:

4. What eventually follows the growth of the seed (Mark 4:29)? Explain what this means.

5. In comparing the Parable of the Sower with the Parable of the Growing Seed, which parable seems to emphasize human responsibility and which seems to emphasize divine power within the Word? Explain your answer.

Compare	With
Matthew 4:17	Mark 1:14-15
Matthew 5:3	Luke 6:20
Matthew 13:31	Mark 4:30-31