Why jesus tells parables

In the Synoptic Gospels, listeners ask Jesus about the purpose of his parables. The version in Mark particularly raises problems related to a sharp distinction between the 'mystery' that the 'insiders' understand, and 'parables', which are intended 'so that' the 'outsiders' would not understand, repent and be forgiven.

It seems that the Markan Jesus deliberately uses parables to prevent 'those on the outside' from understanding, repentance and forgiveness. Luke retains the 'so that', but does not distinguish between the two groups that sharply, as he refers to 'others' and not 'those on the outside'. He omits Mark's apparent offensive phrase about the prevention of repentance and forgiveness.

Matthew smooths out some of these difficulties by changing the 'so that' to 'because'. According to Matthew, Jesus speaks in parables because the people do not see, hear and understand. The reason for their inability to comprehend, is their rejection of Jesus. This article investigates these parallel passages to decipher the meaning within their textual context. The argument of this article is that these parallel statements should be read within the context of the parable of the sower to grasp their meaning.

Although each of Jesus' parables is a self-contained story, 1 it is only accessible to modern interpreters through written texts. Gerhardsson warns that 'modern expositors can increase their hermeneutic freedom immensely, when they cut the narrative meshalim out of their frames'. Though some of these introductions and conclusions may have formed part of an original story, others were added by the evangelists.

Such additions determine the interpretation of the story. This article investigates these passages that provide an explanation of why Jesus spoke in a parable s. While it seems that the term parable in this context primarily refers to the parable of the sower, the principle applies to similar stories that meet the requirements of the form-critical definition of a parable.

The broader context indicates that the term also includes other figurative forms of speech that Jesus used. The reason for speaking in parables. The textual setting of Jesus' explanation. The explanation of why Jesus spoke in parables follows the parable of the sower in all three Synoptic Gospels Mt ; Mk ; Lk This parable begins Jesus' ministry of proclaiming the Word.

The parable tells the story of how seed is sown in different kinds of soil. Only the seed that was sown in the good soil comes up, grows and produces a crop. This parable is followed by the question Jesus' followers pose about the parables Mt ; Mk ; Lk Jesus responds by explaining that parables demonstrate why not all people are receptive to his ministry of the Word. Following this answer, Jesus continues by explaining the meaning of the parable of the sower Mt ; Mk ; Lk He tells his followers that the determining factor of the parable is the soil, and not the sower or the seed.

The condition of the soil determines whether the seed would grow or not. The parable signifies that only some people would be receptive to Jesus' words. This explanation sheds light not only on the parable of the sower, but also on Jesus' answer as to why he spoke in parables in general.

The parable of the sower can be regarded as the parable about the parables Hooker This is evident from Jesus' opening words when he starts explaining the parable, 'Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? Mark seemingly regards this introductory parable as key to understanding all Jesus' parables. As conclusion to the section on the parables, Mark once again states that Jesus always spoke in parables, a statement that Matthew takes over with some variation.

That which is given to insiders and outsiders respectively. Jesus' answer varies slightly in each of the Gospels. These significant similarities and variations are indicated in the following Table 1. To insiders Jesus spoke of mysteries and to outsiders in parables. According to Mark, those who pose the question are people who gathered around Jesus along with the The reference to 'disciples' in Matthew and Luke could refer to the 12 only, but probably also includes a wider group of disciples.

What is clear from all three accounts, is that those who pose the question are people who are drawn to Jesus' ministry and who have responded by gathering around him. They can be regarded as an inside group. In his response, Jesus then differentiates between the group with him and those on the outside. While the invitation of Jesus in Mark and to listen, is addressed to everyone: the secret of God's kingdom is only given to those who are prepared to receive it Hooker However, all three the Synoptic Gospels make a distinction between the way Jesus speaks to his disciples and the way he speaks to the others.

This signifies different ways in which one can relate to the kingdom, either as an insider or as an outsider Culpepper It should be noted that the first part of Jesus' answer does not refer to what Jesus does, but to what God does.

God provides the inside group with the ability to comprehend the mysteries of Jesus' teachings, while the rest lack this ability. Although the disciples do not understand everything, they have the privilege of receiving additional explanations from Jesus. Mark explicitly mentions the disciples' lack of understanding. Yet, they can be taught, while the others lack the ability to comprehend. It was common practice in the ancient Mediterranean world for teachers to differentiate between how they treat their inner group and how they treat those on the outside.

They would usually keep teachings to the outsiders obscure Keener Although members of the public in some cases would be welcome to attend, special teachings were provided to the 'insiders' as such Culpepper Matthew and Luke add the ability to know, while this knowledge is assumed in Mark.

This group is like the soil that is receptive to the seed. The disciples are in the audience when Jesus speaks in parables, but he provides them with additional explanations of the meaning of the parables when they are together in private. While Mark refers to a mystery in the singular, Matthew and Luke refer to mysteries in the plural. The term mystery is only used in this place in the Gospels. Some Jewish movements believed that God had entrusted Israel with special 'mysteries' e.

Test Lv ; Judah No Number. No Delimiter — Square — [15]. Parens — Abbreviate Books. Use SBL Abbrev. En dash Hyphen. None — Jhn KJV. Square — [Jhn KJV]. Parens — Jhn KJV.

Quotes Around Verses. Remove Square Brackets. Sort Canonically. Free Bible Courses Visit. Help Quick Nav Advanced Options. Cite Share Print. Search Results in Other Versions. BLB Searches. Search the Bible. LexiConc [? Advanced Options Exact Match. Theological FAQs [? Multi-Verse Retrieval x. En dash not Hyphen. Let's Connect x. Subscribe to our Newsletter. Daily Devotionals x. Daily Bible Reading Plans x. How many parables are in the Bible?

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Rich Fool? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sower? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents? The final kind of seed is those who receive the Gospel and bear fruit.

We should not be discouraged by the accounts of the seeds that do not grow, because they are not a representation of Christians who struggle in their walk, but rather, those who reject the Lord. Instead, we can see this passage as an encouragement to continue steadfast in our faith, that we may grow and bear fruit. In this passage, Jesus also gives an explanation for speaking in parables. When the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, Jesus said,.

To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. It is by His grace that we understand the Word and are saved — as St. Paul said:. Through speaking in parables, Jesus grants understanding to those who are seeking after Him — revealing truth to those who are willing to listen and thoughtfully consider what He has to say. Conversely, those whose hearts are hardened against Him have the truth hidden from them.