Chapter 11 — The Parables of Jesus Flashcards
Defined correctly, a parable is a teaching method in which the teacher
Uses familiar concepts to illustrate unfamiliar ideas in terms the learner unuderstands.
Jesus’ parables were so effective because they
Shocked, provoked, and produced a response in His hearers.
Guideline 1 for the interpretation of parables indicates
In general there is only one main truth in each parable.
According to Guideline 2, an interpreter of parables should
See whether Christ Himself supplied the meaning.
Of the forty-seven parables we list from the Synoptic Gospels, it is true that
The largest number (18 parables) is unique to Luke.
The Synoptic Gospels indicate that Christ began to use parables during His
Early Galilean Ministry
Jesus used parables to
Hide truth as well as reveal it.
As Christ’s ministry progressed, we see that He
Increased the number of parables about the Kingdom and its requirements.
The parables dealing with future events teach us that
We need to be in watchful preparation for the coming King.
The parables which deal with kingdom living teach us that
Discipleship requires obedient service, sacrifice, and sharing kingdom knowledge with others.
What does the Greek word for parable imply, and what two English words have similar meaning?
The Greek word for parable implies putting two things side by side (to see how they are alike or different). Two English words with similar meaning are analogy and comparison.
List purposes for which Jesus used parables to teach.
Putting into concrete form the substance of faith; shocking, provoking, and producing a response in His hearers; pointing out that His hearers’ previous understandings and explanations were unsatisfactory; directing His hearers thinking and actions into a whole new realm.
What should be our main effort in interpreting a parable?
To interpret the main truth and let the details support it.
As we seek to interpret a parable correctly, why is it important to read it fully?
To determine whether Christ himself gave the explanation.
What is the relationship between parables and doctrine?
Doctrines that Christ established by His other teachings can be well illustrated by the truth of a parable. However, because of the nature of parables, it is easy to establish doctrinal error by the faulty interpretation of a parable. In general, it is not wise to attempt to use parables as the source and foundation of doctrine.
List at least three facts we learn from a careful study of the parables.
Some parables are unique to each Gospel. Luke records more parables (thirty-three) than the other Synoptic writers, although Matthew gives us a considerable number (twenty-seven). By contrast, Mark records only ten parables. Matthew and Luke include a greater number of parables because of their greater teaching emphasis. About one-sixth of the parables (eight) appear in all three Synoptic Gospels.
Describe briefly the trend that emerges in Jesus’ use of parables as His teaching ministry progresses.
Christ apparently used no parables during His first year of public ministry and only four during the next four months. During the middle and later Galilean periods (about seventeen months), He used fourteen, and in the last six months He used twenty-nine. Clearly, He used parables increasingly as His ministry progressed.
Explain how the nature of Jesus’ parables progressively changes to match the attitude of the people.
Jesus’ early parables hinted that a new system was coming to replace the old. Then He focused on requirements for entering the Kingdom. He mad it clear that it would be given to others because the Jews had rejected it.
What do the parables listed under “The Kingdom of God” indicate?
The Kingdom’s coming, growth, and consummation; both its present reality and its future fulfillment; much about the kingly rule of God.
What do parables that focus primarily on salvation deal with?
The need for repentance, the grace of God, and God’s initiative in the process of saving people.
Note briefly what we may learn about discipleship from the parables that deal with kingdom living.
We learn that God’s rule brings both responsibilities and privileges. We also learn what is acceptable behavior, which involves accountability for our thoughts, actions, and motives.
What theme is especially emphasized in futuristic parables?
Watchful preparation.
Read Luke 10:25-37 carefully and analyze the adjacent interpretation attributed to Augustine for this parable. Then briefly explain the rules that are violated and the danger this poses.
He violates Guideline 1, which stress that a parable in general has only one truth to convey. He also fails to let the details support the main truth. He violates Guideline 2 as well, failing to use the meaning Christ himself gave. Failure to observe sound rules of interpretation robs God’s Word of its intended meaning and is dangerous. Scripture can be made to mean whatever the interpreter chooses to make it mean. When this happens, we have no reliable rule for faith and service.
