The parables were evocative not provocative. According to Matthew, Jesus speaks in parables because the people do not see, hear and understand. They bring people out of the grey area into the clearly black or white. But like the parable itself, the real answers are hidden behind the easy ones. The word parable means to “cast alongside” something else, so Jesus used parables in His teachings in this manner. They asked, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" They bring people out of the grey area into the clearly black or white. Second, Jesus used parables to communicate to both the common people and the religious leaders. “And when He was alone, they that were … According to Matthew, Jesus speaks in parables because the people do not see, hear and understand. Jesus told parables to see if we really understand the Gospel. The Bible tells us, “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes,” (Matthew 7:28-29). —On simplybible.com certain technical or special words in the Bible are studied and explained in our glossary. The disciples did not like Jesus using parables, for they and the multitude could not understand them. According to Matthew 13:10-15, the Lord Jesus spoke in parables for two reasons: Jesus told parables to fulfill Isaiah 6:9-10: “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Parables required those who were listening to think. It’s not to make people feel guilty about not taking care of those that are suffering. If we don’t get the Gospel message, then that message won’t translate to our hearts and lives. Each Gospel is unique. We are living in a very serious warzone and peace is hard to find in it. Unwillingness on the part of the people to receive Jesus' message of the kingdom was the reason that He taught in parables. The second reason why Jesus spoke in parables was to convict people of their sins. Here are six important reasons Jesus taught in parables. As in Jesus spoke in parables because the Old Testament said He would. Jesus was a Master of the parable. 1. Many people wonder why Jesus let most people wonder about the meaning of the parables. Jesus said He used parables to confuse the people and keep them from understanding, for He did not want them converted (Matt 13:11-15). There are certain satanic strongholds that imprison us each day that we must be aware of. The truths of the kingdom of God were heard by them but not understood. Some people tune their ears to the word of God, and they understand the truth. Here is an excerpt from Mark 4 — We see countless examples throughout the Bible of God’s people wandering. Some people tune their hearts and ears to God’s word, whilst others deliberately block their ears to God’s voice. However there were more reasons than that for Jesus’s use of parables. The parable of the sheep and the goats has this intention (Matthew 25:31-46). Let’s take the very familiar parable of the Good Samaritan for example, which is often misunderstood. Jesus speaks in parables because he is veiling himself and giving us a chance to respond without coercion, but rather in voluntary love and surrender. In the parables people found what they were looking for. He indicates that the only reason why the disciples understand the parables is because they understand what others do not about the kingdom. The parable of the two roads makes people think about where their souls are going, and to make the decision to "enter by the narrow gate" lest they be swept with the crowd down the broad way to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Matthew is recognized as the Gospel of the Messiah. Sign up for Beliefnet's Bible Reading newsletter. In fact, the scribes often quoted both long passages of the Law as well as traditions of other Jewish teachers to support their message and yet Jesus spoke from His own authority, breaking from tradition. But late in His earthly ministry Jesus employed parables for a very different reason. They are actually weapons in spiritual warfare. What better way to get engaged in a story than to hear about something you connect with. Compelling Truth explains that Jesus used parables in part because He spoke with authority. This they could understand. The second reason that Jesus gives for the parables is probably the most important point of all of them. These truths often connected with things that were going on in the daily lives of those listeners. Jesus frequently taught in parables to illustrate profound, divine truths. But the itches I want to talk about are spiritual itches. The disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables. But nobody could prove he was saying that. Matthew 13:34-35 provides an additional reason for Jesus’ parables: the fulfillment of a prophecy found in Psalm 78:2. Jesus's use of parables was twofold. What this means it that the Disciples were followers of Jesus already, they had given up a lot to follow Jesus full time and they had developed faith in Jesus … The parable of the ten virgins is a simple story about people’s behaviour at a wedding (Matthew 25:1-13). Why Jesus Spoke in Parables. ➤ Itching Ears, Itching Palms, Itching Feet. Parables are familiar to many people, but not always correctly understood. One danger that many Christians face today is failing to get the Gospel. Sometimes their purpose was to hide the meaning; sometimes it was to make it plain, but Jesus used parables as an earthly story about a heavenly concept. This is why. It was possible for them to receive more —more understanding of these matters that would broaden their limited knowledge. If we think parables are simply little stories with a good moral, then think again. Each lesson provides a word family, definitions, Greek and Hebrew references, a scripture chain, comments, and links to related lessons. Three because you understand and remember better when you actually do some meditating, studying and research to discover mysterious things on your own. Hence the reason to speak in parables. In his teaching, Jesus used parables often and to great effect. Parables were easy to understand A lot of spiritual discussions revolve around abstract concepts and ideas. Moreover, Jesus was preaching a message decreed "since the foundation of the world", making known the message which had been shrouded in mystery for long ages past (Romans 16:25-27). Jesus said, “And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. Jesus Christ is unquestionably the greatest teacher the world has ever known and the most recognized figure in human history. And four because He fulfilled prophecy so we can recognize and remember the truth. Too easy. This transcript is from a live Ask Ligonier event with Sinclair Ferguson and has been lightly edited for readability. In addition to our popular misunderstanding of the Samaritan, the parable of the Good Samaritan is largely misunderstood. The enemies of Jesus were always waiting for him to say something they could use against him (Luke 11:53-54). —We all get an itch at times. The story is not to make people feel guilty about not giving their money to poor people. He told them that He was revealing the secrets of the kingdom to those who believe, not to those who are hard of heart (Matthew 13:11). We complete this lesson by observing that Jesus was guided in his ministry by the scriptures of the prophets where he found his wisdom and authority to speak in parables. The parable of the sower illustrates that the seed of God’s word grows and bears fruit in good hearts. Why Christ Used Parables? Why did Jesus speak in parables? They give a beautiful and complete picture of the Lord through their various writings. Luke is the Gospel of the Savior of all the people and John is the Gospel of the Son who reveals the Father. Parables were a common form of teaching in Judaism. Before Jesus interpreted the parable of the seed and the soils, He drew His disciples away from the crowd. Or maybe it was to make things easier to understand. They Had The Chance To Believe This story is designed to make people feel guilty for not loving God perfectly and loving others perfectly, and then running to the One who alone can provide forgiveness for that sin and eternal life. Ultimately, the parables and the Gospels displays the purpose of Christ, the Son of God – to fulfill prophecies, to minister to others, to save the lost and to understand God better. There are easy answers to the question, but they are just that: easy. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. The first reason can be found in Matthew 13:34-35, where Matthew quotes part of Psalm 78 to explain why Jesus spoke in parables. How did the parables affect the enemies of Jesus? The Bible tells us, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. He would share religious truths that listeners could grasp. Repeatedly, they asked Jesus to explain the parables to them. All who hear this story are forced to choose whether they will be among the sheep or the goats, and to be accountable for their decision. The parables of Jesus can help us better understand how to respond to those attacks. Home One popular biblical example is the parable of the Prodigal Son who left home to enter a world of sin, among others. They were also key in sharing the Good News of Christ and the Gospel message. But then, it may have been to make them harder to understand. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. In fact, the scribes often quoted both long passages of … Not only does it contain seven of his parables, but he explains to his disciples why he taught the people using them. Secondly, Jesus used parables to rebuke those who didn't. In fact, the disciples of Jesus themselves asked Jesus as to why He speaks in parables. | Bible Topics While this may seem as if Jesus denied some people access, the difference He means is not in the message—but in the response. The Lord Jesus would go on to show His disciples how to interpret His parables; national Israel would remain in the spiritual darkness they wanted. But it was also possible they would not hear. 3. It was not because God was hiding the truth from them-it was because they did not want to hear. These parables also really tapped into the imaginations and hearts of those who listened. If you’re restless, doubtful or even questioning your faith, you can learn through this journey that not all who wander are lost and there’s a hope and peace for those who travel the winding path seeking to experience God. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to that lesson with a link back to this page. Five Reasons Jesus Taught in Parables Updated: Jan 8, 2020 Even a quick reading through the stories about Jesus and his brief earthly ministry proves that he often taught using stories, or parables, to illustrate his point. After this point in Jesus’ ministry, when He spoke in parables, He explained them only to His disciples. Most people have the notion that His parables (earthly stories with a heavenly meaning, some have called them) were for the purpose of helping people who were ignorant of spiritual truths to understand these truths. Parables were a good way to teach and Jesus was good at telling them. He would cast out a truth alongside an earthly story. | Next 2. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. They were never successful in their attempts. Parables are confusing. Jesus took advantage of occasions when multitudes flocked to hear him speak. 5. Mark is recognized as the Gospel of the suffering Son of God. Jesus, by speaking in parables, made it very hard for the religious leaders to catch Him in their trap. | The Hub www.simplybible.com Copyright © Ron Graham 2001,2004, "Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables, and he was not speaking to them without a parable, so that what was spoken by through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 'I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world'". Jesus spoke often about the sovereignty of God and what God was looking for in the spiritual and physical lives of the people who called Him Lord. So Jesus spoke in parables because the scriptures said he should, and "the scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35). The crowd said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. Ultimately, parables were earthly stories with heavenly meaning. When he had told this parable, Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew 13:1-9). The parables were a winnowing fork for Jesus, by which he was able to separate the wheat from the chaff. However, through their stories we learn some important lessons, particularly about the complete presence of God. Why Jesus preached in parables: To fulfill prophecy: “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak... To reveal truth: “And the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ He answered and said... To conceal truth: … "Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables, and he was not speaking to them without a parable, so that what was spoken by through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 'I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world'" (Matthew 13:34-35, Psalms 78:1-4). Two because we learn and remember better when a subject associates with something we already know and understand. After Jesus had given the parable and when Jesus and His disciples were alone, the disciples asked why He spoke to the crowd in parables. God’s people are a wandering people. The truth is, understanding the Gospel is the beginning to a transformed life. How did the parables affect people who were not thinking enough about God? The Lord Jesus frequently used parables as a means of illustrating profound, divine truths. Jesus knew that not everybody would understand or give proper thought to his parables. Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Beliefnet’s Partners, From time to time you will also receive Special Offers from our partners. However, during the time, the Samaritans were not thought of as such. In other words, their understanding the parables about the kingdom is a gift from God. It's not how long you talk; it's how much you say. Stories such as these are easily remembered, the characters bold, and the symbolism rich in meaning. Clearly, as the bridegroom in the story, Jesus is representing himself as God with the power to open and shut the doors of Heaven (Revelation 3:7). The reason for their inability to comprehend, is their rejection of The battles are taking place in our thoughts. (Matthew 13:10). Their brokenness caused them to wander away from God. It may seem hard to get now, but for the people of the time, the parables resonated. | List But there is another reason why Jesus speaks in parables. However, those who had believed God’s revelation thus far, they would receive more enlightenment. This theme of wandering is also present in our lives. – The Disciples came to Jesus after he told the parable of the Sower, and asked why He spoke to the people in parables? Jesus answered by quoting Isaiah, concerning people who have eyes but do not see, and have ears but do not hear (Matthew 13:11-17, Isaiah 6:8-10). This strange assertion by the Lord Jesus was given in answer to the question of the disciples: “Why speakest thou unto them in parables?” ( Matthew 13:10 ). What are they and why did Jesus use them so frequently? It was to convey a message to His enemies, who now grasped the meaning of His later parables, while keeping His disciples in the dark, so to speak, regarding coming events: Third, Jesus used parables in part because He spoke with authority. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:3-5). Jesus wanted to go around the teachers of the Law and bring His message directly to the people. Jesus’ answer was “It is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them (the multitudes) it is not given. Moving on to verses 13 and 14, How did the parables affect true hearted people? They’re weapons in spiritual warfare. They’re not just stories. In other words, the parables are meant to divide the crowd. Many Christians believe that Jesus taught in parables to make His message clear, but that is not biblical. CONCLUSION. Contrast verse Matthew 13:13 with Matthew 13:16-17: v. 13: This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. The parables not only make people think, they also make people choose. Even His disciples were in the dark and did not understand. Throughout the Gospels Jesus uses parables to teach his disciples. As a result, the message was not only compelling, but also really resonated. Compelling Truth explains that Jesus used parables in part because He spoke with authority. Many people don’t recognize the fact that parables aren’t just stories. Some people have an itch that is severe and very distressing. Firstly, to teach those who believed in Him. What many people fail to realize is that the number one battle that takes place in our lives is in our head. By couching his teaching in parables, Jesus made certain points much clearer to true-hearted people than even plain language could have made them. The parables were a winnowing fork for Jesus, by which he was able to separate the wheat from the chaff. Jesus said “to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance.” But whoever does not have some understanding, some revelation, hasn’t taken the first step, “even what he has shall be taken away from him.” The Reason Jesus Spoke in Parables. The parables are some of the most incredible and unique parts of the Bible. This is what He said, Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it … That’s what it was like for those who listened to the parables at the time. Jesus was opening deeper understanding of the law, the nature of God and the Kingdom of God. Answer: It has been said that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. According to Matthew 13:10-15, the Lord Jesus spoke in parables for two reasons: It may be an itch that goes away with a scratch. Rather than using the words of the learned scholars, Jesus spoke in everyday language that connected with His audience. After telling the parable of the sower (mentioned above), Jesus was asked by his disciples the question from which our present lesson takes its title. Here are three reasons Jesus taught in parables: 1. How did parables affect people in the spiritual grey zone who halted between two opinions? In telling the parables, Jesus was bringing pressure to bear upon his listeners, to either open their spiritual eyes and ears and be enlightened, or to shut their eyes and ears tighter and be condemned. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to that lesson with a link back to this page. The prophet of old had forseen that the Christ would teach in parables, making him say, "I will open my mouth in parables". Point of all of them Here are three reasons Jesus taught in.. They give a beautiful and complete picture of the sheep and the religious leaders to catch in... The Messiah greatest help to mankind the world has ever known, and Itching Feet ministry when... 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