parables
12 - 02/25 /12:39
His disciples asked Jesus, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
— Matthew chapter 13
Parable: literally, comparison. To compare things side-by-side; an instructive example, to convey a truth by use of comparison or analogy.
1st century Jews shared a common understanding of how their God would restore the kingdom of Israel. It was widely presumed Messiah would be a champion-warrior-king-priest similar to the ancient King David. Popular belief insisted Messiah would somehow drive out political priests from control of the temple, drive away the Roman occupation, and re-inaugurate the ancient empire of David and Solomon. Many believed that renewed empire would become the dominant religious and economic force in the world.
The New Testament records Jesus proclaiming the kingdom of heaven had come near, and called on Jews to repent and believe that good news. Miracles validated He had God’s authority. Problem was, Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of heaven contradicted popular Jewish belief.
Jesus’ parables were designed to provoke listeners to think differently, to re-evaluate what they thought to be true but just wasn’t so. He told stories about familiar things—agriculture, fishing, family relations—to provoke people to think anew about the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like a fishing net. The kingdom of heaven is like a farmer’s field. It’s like a hidden treasure, a costly pearl, a lost coin. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, like baking yeast. It’s like a lost sheep, a lost son. The kingdom of heaven is a stolen vineyard.
Jesus seldom explained His parables to the crowds who came for the miracles. He used parables to invite questions as well as to provoke deeper thinking. He did explain them to disciples—followers who identified Jesus as Lord, particularly to His chosen twelve apostles.
When the disciples asked why He used parables, Jesus answered, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.” The mysteries of the kingdom were and are for disciples—followers of Christ who read Scripture and ask questions, who meditated on Jesus’ sayings, discussing and debating and wrestling with their meaning. The secrets of the kingdom of heaven are given to those who confess Jesus as Lord.
“Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” Some Bible scholars think Jesus’ blessing was exclusively for those who saw Him in person. I believe His blessing is for all who embrace the revelation that the kingdom of heaven is near. God’s kingdom is both present but not yet. Today, Christ empowers servanthood. The apostle Paul revealed a divine secret—in the kingdom of heaven disciples shall be imperishable and immortal. ~
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard