Lately I’ve done some reading about how to understand the parables of Jesus. Since He used them often to teach deep, theological truth we don’t want to miss out!

I intentionally add illustrations and stories to my speaking and writing. They add “flesh” to the bones of my teaching, to help my audience grasp the abstract idea. 

Using story to teach is not new. It was a common and popular form of teaching in ancient Judaism. Stories are far easier to remember than simple statements of fact. Storytellers spark imagination by creating visuals that show rather than tells. Hearers connect emotionally with story.

What is a parable and why did Jesus use them?

You may have heard a parable defined as “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” In this extended metaphor, a teacher weaves a fictional narrative about common, ordinary things to explain spiritual doctrine and eternal truth. Parables show how an unfamiliar thing is like a familiar thing. This comparison helps the listener understand something new. 

Jesus knew the power of story to teach deep truth. Innocent-sounding narratives pull the listener in. Then when she is fully engaged and emotionally connected, the truth confronts her. Will she reject it or accept it?

Jesus used parables to both reveal and conceal. The spiritually sensitive heard, understood, and accepted the truth He taught through story. But the hard-hearted closed their ears and rejected it. For them, the parable was only a simple story. (See Matthew 13:10-17 and Mark 4:10-11.) Jesus also patiently explained His parables to those who struggled to understand but desired to know the truth (Mark 4:10). (Also see “4 Tips for Understanding the Gospels” and “How to Understand a Bible Passage.”)

The more we understand the parables of Jesus, the more we will understand the Kingdom of God. Jesus used these parables to teach God’s values and ways. God’s Kingdom runs counter-cultural to the kingdom of man. Jesus taught through parable to reshape how people think. He wants us to reject the kingdom of the world and live like citizens of the Kingdom of God. 

8 Tips to Understand the Parables of JesusDefine the larger context – Don’t just read the parable itself. The greater literary context provides the overall setting and serves as a guide to the meaning. Jesus often used parables to respond to questions, attitudes, or problems. Look for explanations, clues, and any direction from Jesus. (Also see “How Biblical Literary Context Aids Our Understanding.”)Discover the historical and cultural context – Jesus shared His audience’s culture and history. He didn’t have to explain the details. But we are far removed from what they naturally understood. Therefore, to properly understand much of Jesus’ parables we must do a little homework. For instance, to best understand the story of the prodigal son we need to learn how inheritance worked in first century Judaism. (Also see, “Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap.”)Enter into the story – Don’t just hear it, picture it. Watch the sower scatter the seed (Mark 4:1-9). Hear the great crash of the house built on sand (Matthew 7:24-27).Look for comparison and contrast – Many parables show dramatic differences between two or more people or things to show us the best choice. One good example of this is the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Five were prepared with extra oil for their lamps and five were not. Recognize the main theme and identify any sub-themes – Parables often present one overarching theme that’s supported with multiple points. Some scholars encourage readers to look for one main point associated with each character or group of characters in the parable.Be cautious with symbolism – Parables are symbolic to a degree, but they are not true allegories. And although Jesus interpreted some of His parables in a highly symbolic way (parable of the sower), we can’t take the same liberty. Jesus used lots of details to fill out and bring life to the story, but He did not necessarily mean those to be symbolic. The context of the parable offers clues. Chart the structure – Parables were carefully constructed. Noting this structure will help us understand what Jesus wanted us to learn. For instance, the climax of the parable usually comes in the middle. Look for that to find your central event, main character, or likely main theme/point. Often the “scenes” on either side of that central climax relate to one another. Also, take note of surprise details and unsuspecting plot twists. For example, the hated Samaritan turns out to be the hero of the story.Identify truths about the Kingdom of God – Why did Jesus tell this parable? What does He want us to learn about God’s values, ways, and purposes? Considering that, what must we change about the way we think, behave, and live?

The two books that have most impacted my understanding of parables recently are “Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes” by Kenneth E. Bailey and “Inductive Bible Study” by Kenneth Acha. Both books are fairly large and a bit on the academic side but if you like that sort of thing they are extremely helpful!

What’s your favorite parable of Jesus? Have these tips broadened your understanding in any way?

How to Understand the Parables of Jesus  by Kathy Howard.