Introduction to the Parables
The parables of Jesus in the Book of Matthew are short, relatable stories that illustrate deep spiritual truths. They are often described as "earthly stories with a heavenly meaning," using everyday observations like farming, fishing, and household life to explain spiritual mysteries. They typically appealed to everyday activities that everyone had observed. The parables were short, simple stories designed to communicate some spiritual truth or lesson.
Purpose of the Parables
Jesus never gave a parable without a reason to do so. He did not just walk up to someone and say, "Do you want to hear a parable?" There was always a reason for Him to tell a parable.
Consider the context in which the parable is stated. Jesus told a parable for the following reasons:
--- to answer a question or inquiries
--- to correct a wrong
--- whenever there was a need
--- to hide the truth from unbelievers and the corrupt leaders who were looking to criticize, contradict, or even condemn Him. They were seeking to find faults.
The parables served to weed out true believers from the rest, and to give those who genuinely desired to know the truth and get a better understanding of His will.
Introduction to the Parables of Jesus in the Book of Matthew
There are 20 parables of Jesus in the Book of Matthew. Some of them are repeated in the Books of Mark and Luke. Luke's Gospel has 24 parables. Some of them are not in the Book of Matthew.
--- Matthew told 20 unique parables that are taught in this course
--- Mark recorded only 8 parables.
--- Luke recorded 24 parables.
--- John recorded no parables.
Matthew contains a major collection of parables in Matthew 13, often called the "Parables of the Kingdom." They all begin with "The kingdom of heaven is like..."
Notice Jesus didn't say the kingdom of God because He was speaking to Jews who didn't use the word "God." Matthew used the phrase "Kingdom of Heaven" instead of "Kingdom of God" 33 times in His gospel, while the other gospel writers used the expression “Kingdom of God” on many occasions. Matthew used the expression “Kingdom of God” only 5 times.
Matthew spoke to Jews who were fearful of using the name of God, so out of respect, he spoke mostly of “heaven.”
What to Pay Attention to
Pay close attention to the context when Jesus spoke in parables. There is always a core lesson for Jesus' audience. There are key lessons and life applications for us today. Try to learn what Jesus wants you to know from a parable before moving on to the next one.
In most cases, Jesus' audience did not understand the message Jesus portrays in His parables. In those cases, the explanations were recorded in scriptures following the parables.
Benefits of Studying Jesus' Parables
When studying the parables, look for the intended meaning. Most of Jesus' parables teach one central truth with associated details. See if you can identify that core lesson.
In many instances, Jesus explained the parables because many in His audience did not understand what Jesus was talking about.
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