The Parables of Jesus
Jesus didn't just tell stories — He used them to reveal kingdom truth to some and conceal it from others. Here's what the parables were actually meant to do and what they mean to us today.
“The followers came to Jesus and asked, “Why do you use stories to teach the people?”
Jesus answered, “You have been chosen to know the secrets about the kingdom of heaven, but others cannot know these secrets. Those who have understanding will be given more, and they will have all they need. But those who do not have understanding, even what they have will be taken away from them. This is why I use stories to teach the people: They see, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really hear or understand.” — Matthew 13:10-13
Jesus told many parables. They were an important part of His teaching. He did it to help people understand the nature of the kingdom of God better for the believing disciples. He also told them to people who would not understand them—the unbelieving people. The parables described some of the features of the kingdom of heaven. Other parables taught about the character of genuine faith, and the expectations Jesus placed upon His followers.
He used short narratives to highlight the nature and values of God’s kingdom. The parable of the Mustard Seed is used to describe how the kingdom grows, who enters it, and what life within this kingdom demands of believers. Jesus told the Mustard Seed parable in Matthew 13:31-32:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. That seed is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows, it is one of the largest garden plants. It becomes big enough for the wild birds to come and build nests in its branches.”
The kingdom of God starts small in any situation or in someone’s life, but it has the potential to grow into something great and significant. It emphasizes that even a small amount of faith can lead to remarkable outcomes and transformation.
Other parables are used for the calling of repentance and genuine conversion. One well-known parable like this is the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. There was a man who had two sons. One decided to ask his dad for his inheritance and squandered all of it. He remorsefully went home and his dad happily greeted him. The older brother was frustrated with his dad because he warmly welcomed the younger brother home. The older brother's reaction pointed to an attitude of self-righteousness that blinded him to the joy of reconciliation. Jesus teaches that God’s grace extends to the truly repentant, and believers should likewise show mercy.
Jesus' parables teach important lessons that the disciples learned from. They are used as simple stories to convey deep spiritual truths, making them relatable and memorable for readers and hearers of the truth.
Prayer of the day:
Dear heavenly God,
You are God who is full of wisdom. Jesus, Your Son, told stories to help us understand your kingdom better. There is so much we can learn from the parables Jesus told. They help us see the importance of repentance and how we need it to be closer to You.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!