The Parables of Jesus

Jesus Christ Course

Document # TX001251

The Parables of Jesus

The first ten slides will show an artistic depiction of Jesus’ parables. • Quietly study the image.• Use your memory or a Bible to determine what

parable is being presented.• After some quiet reflection, name the parable.• As a class, recall as much of the parable as you can

while still viewing the image.• What is the message of the parable? How does the

artist portray the message of the parable?• What are the common elements between the

images and the parables depicted?

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Image in public domain

Image in public domain

Image in public domain

Image in public domain

Image in public domain

Overview of Parables• A specific style of Jesus’ teaching• Narrative teaching, like storytelling: people are

intended to hear the narrative and identify with the characters and the actions

• Honored tradition among Judean people: parables passed on wisdom of the ancestors to the next generation

• A well-crafted parable revealed injustice, led to repentance, and brought about change.

Definition of a Parable• A story that uses metaphors based on daily life to

convey religious truths• Comes from the Greek word parabole, meaning

“comparison”

Common or Core Elements of Parables

What are the common or core elements of Jesus’ parables?• Compare things.• Use elements from everyday life to relate to

audience.• Contain a surprise twist to engage audience.• Describe God—God’s nature, qualities, or attributes.• Give examples of people’s relationships with one

another.• Explain how God wants people to act, especially if

they want to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven.• Describe the Kingdom.

Importance of Parables• They describe God.• They describe God’s Kingdom.• They are an invitation to enter into the Kingdom of

God.• They describe how God wants people to act,

especially if they want to be a part of the Kingdom.• They are mirrors for people to see their behavior,

especially what they need to change.• They are a concrete reality that confronts people

with the choice to examine their priorities and make difficult choices.

Parables The Treasure in the Field and Pearl of Great Price

• Matthew 13:44-46• In both parables, a person sells everything he has

to buy only one thing.• The parables claim that the Kingdom of Heaven is

what our heart most truly desires and it is worth more than all of our possessions.

• These stories invite us to commit ourselves fully to our lives of discipleship.

Parable - The Great Feast

• Luke 14:16-24• Jesus tells a parable about a man who hosts

a dinner party. All the guests give reasons why they can’t attend.

• The parable suggests that the Kingdom of God is extended to us to which we can respond or not.

• The parable also suggests that what makes one great in the Kingdom of God is responding to God rather than having status in society.

Parables – Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son

• Luke 15:1-32• In the first parable, a sheep is lost and the

shepherd leaves his 99 to search for the lost one.

• In the second parable, a woman loses one of her ten coins and searches until she finds it.

• In the third parable, a son is lost, but later forgiven by his father.

• Lesson: God never gives up on us and it is never too late to turn our hearts back to God.

Parable - Jesus and the Rich Man

• Mark 10:17-22• In the first parable when a rich man asks what

he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus responds by quoting shortened version of the Ten Commandments.

• In Jewish society, people saw wealth as a sign of blessing.

• Jesus turns this upside down by saying the man must give all his possessions to the poor.

• Lesson: We must remove anything that stands in our way to loving God and others.

Parable – The Last Judgment

• Matthew 25:31-46• Jesus teaches about the Last Judgment

using the image of a shepherd separating sheep from goats.

• The surprise of the story is hidden in the least ones – the poor, the hungry, the lonely.

• The parable makes clear that the standard for genuine discipleship is not what we say, but what we do.

• Lesson: It describes the Parousia and reveals the criteria by which people will be judged

The Parables of Jesus

Closing discussion:• What is your favorite or most memorable parable?

Why?• What character in your favorite parable do you most

relate to? Why?• Describe the overall message of the parable in your

own words.