Tell Me A Story: Understanding The Parables Of Jesus

Telling a story is a great way to make a point. Stories not only capture our attention and captivate our hearts, but they may also challenge the way we see the world around us and our part in it. Stories stick with us, from the fables and tales we read as children to the movies we watch as adults. No one knew this truth better than the master storyteller Himself - Jesus. When posed with a question, Jesus rarely responded with a quick, straightforward answer. Instead, He drew His audience in by taking time to paint a picture and craft a story. 

 
Often referred to as the Parables of Jesus, these stories contain spiritual realities about who God is and what it means to follow Him. Utilizing everyday things His audience was familiar with and recognized, Jesus hid truth in plain sight - an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Sometimes the crowds understood the point; other times, they left scratching their heads. If the true meaning of a parable wasn't always clear to everybody back then, it is safe to say that those of us in the modern world might need some help unlocking the insight they contain. So, with that in mind, let's spend a few moments exploring some tips that will help us better understand them.

PUT THE TEXT ASIDE AND LOOK INWARD

This might feel counterintuitive, but it doesn't matter how skilled you are (or become) at dissecting Scripture if your heart isn't receptive. Reflect on the state of your heart: Is it cluttered, tired, or distracted? Does cynicism exist? Are you approaching Scripture just to have your preconceived viewpoints confirmed? Or, is your heart open to receive God's word and let it transform you from the inside out?

TURN YOUR ATTENTION TO GOD IN PRAYER

  Lift your concerns and pray that your eyes would be open, your heart responsive, and your mind centered. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you so you can discern what is true. God honors humility. Through uttering these prayers, you're displaying a posture of discovery that is curious and hopeful.

REMEMBER: CONTEXT, CONTEXT, CONTEXT

It's dangerous to look at a single verse or passage in a vacuum without considering the context of the surrounding text. Context clues are crucial. What was going on, and who was Jesus addressing? What issues were at the forefront? Are there any themes that stick out?

WHAT'S BEING COMPARED?

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like..." Jesus often started his parables by comparing an abstract spiritual concept such as the kingdom of heaven to something physical. 

WHAT WE READ TODAY WAS WRITTEN YESTERDAY

Jesus spoke to a specific audience at a given time in a vastly different culture. Therefore, we can't begin by overlaying our modern world with this ancient message. Instead, we need to consider the cultural norms of the original audience. For example, we're so use to a phrase like “The Good Samaritan" that we don't think much of it. However, when Jesus told this brazen parable, it sent shockwaves through the Jewish audience. 

HEY...I'VE READ THAT BEFORE!

You're right...you probably have read that before. Throughout the Bible, the authors use repeating concepts and pictures. Look for these clues when reading parables, as they can help you understand what the parable is saying.

A COLLECTIVE VOICE

Accomplishing the steps above is almost impossible to do on your own. You're not a Bible scholar, and neither are most people. Once you've extracted as much information as possible from a passage, don't be afraid to use commentaries, books, blog posts, or sermons to further your understanding. Be sure to read multiple sources, so you get a wide range of thoughts and ideas on the passage. Also, share what you're learning in community or with your small group.

NARROW IT DOWN

Jesus didn't take a “throw everything against the wall, and let's hope something sticks” approach to parables. He chose His words wisely, and each story had a purpose, often there was one main point Jesus wanted to get across. If you had to sum the parable up in one sentence, what would it be and why?

BRING IT BACK TO GOD

Close your time by journaling about the insight you received. However, don't just let that wisdom stay on the page; put it into action. Ask God how this parable applies to your life and how you can live these truths out in your words, emotions, actions, and demeanor. You don't want merely insight but transformation. 

As you explore the richness of Christ's parables, our prayer is that you develop a deeper understanding of God's grace, a strengthened experience of God's Kingdom, and a hunger to follow Christ diligently.