PARABLE
Parable: par-a-ble [par-uh-buhl]
Jesus told around 38 parables that were recorded in the bible. They are punchy stories that often have a hidden meaning, a twist, a sting in the tail, or a punch-line. In this regard, they are not too dissimilar from a joke!
Parables aren’t nice stories Jesus told with a cute moral to them; “be good like the good Samaritan”, nor are they simply illustrations of the truth. Jesus told parables to conceal the truth as much as he did to reveal it (Lk 8:10). Parables are meant to get a response out of people. In fact, Jesus often offended people when he told parables (Luke 7:36-48, 12:13-21). Jesus’ parables exposed the idolatry in people’s hearts…and they still do today. Parables comforted & strengthened others…and they still do today. It’s not just about how the Pharisees or the prostitutes heard what Jesus said. It’s about how YOU hear what Jesus said!
The crucial question to answer in each of these studies is: what did they hear? What did the original listeners hear? In these studies we’re gonna hear what they heard…and feel what they feel. This series is about getting the point and responding as Jesus calls us to. As you read & listen to the parables, you’re not simply observing Jesus interacting with other people…you are hearing God speak; through his Son and by his Spirit.
So to those who have ears….let them hear (Lk 8:8)
You can download the bible studies and talks from our resources page.
