Properly Understanding Parables

By Newcomb

First, read the context. (The verses placed before and after the story.) Here we will probably find where the story was told, why it was told, about whom it was told and to whom it was told. By now we have heard the lesson being taught. Jesus tailored His story to the needs of those in attendance. Man has changed but little in 2,000 years) We may find that we fit some of the characters in His story. The parable is the story within the story. When we read it thoughtfully, we can see our story adding yet another wrap to what we have just read. For example, turn to where we have posted “On Good Ground.”(We ARE the Good Ground

Now, let us apply these tests to the parable posted at Jesus Said, #1. (The story is shown in the text.)

We now add the context as an exercise, Luke 15: V1-V3/4

Another time, the* tax gatherers and other bad characters were all crowding in to listen to Him; and the Pharisees and the doctors of the law began grumbling among themselves. “ This fellow, they said, welcomes sinners. And eats with them.” He answered them with this parable:

*Tax Gatherers, (This Note is Not needed to understand the parable,) but at that time Rome was occupying Israel. These were Jewish men, collecting a Roman tax. They were profiting from the occupation.

We turn to the parable itself, it is about lost things. A sheep, a silver coin and a wayward son.

We see that these hated people were: Lost: But God would welcome them anyway. We can see that those complaining were like the older brother who stayed home.

Jesus told the story three times, as it was applied to different people. The story shows how these lost things were all treasures, and that God treasures us.

All the lost were found. The Father figure is God-like as he meets the sorry son. If we look, we may find ourselves in some of these characters. And understand God a little more. If interested, read the story two more times as you begin to identify with the several characters. (Some of us may be the old father, looking down the road, for the son, that may never return. I know that is true. “Should you be that son”--- Don’t wait any longer. nw

Remember that the Roman officials and their objectors are characters too. Jesus is the story teller and His Disciples the intended learners, Jesus spontaneously told this story in response to critics of His acceptance of “lost” political enemies. He makes these critics part of HIS story. We see it ironic, that they are acting like the Elder Brother. (Both complained as they chose to stand outside, hungry). nw

The most common use of a parable is for a story teller to form a word picture that illustrates its meaning. Almost always, this picture mirrors the setting and the people. (Those listening could both see and understand what the teller meant.)

We have been privileged to sit on the banks of the Galilee, Bible in hand, open to Jesus addressing the throngs. Thousands of years later we could look up from the story and see what those people saw---The Lake, the birds, the little boats, the fish, the rocky, foot paths, the field crops, The shepherds and sheep. Some of these worn, unimproved, footpaths are where Jesus walked.

The world becomes an object lesson; we are surrounded by the old Gospel story! In three <D>.

nw

Do you have need for the Bible reference to be printed out with the story?

Is this font of letters easy to read?

Do you find the use of pictures helpful?

Do you want to see a certain parable soon?

Questions?

Scripture request,

Click “Newcomb” Home page, “every message read”

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Best, Newcomb