Jesus Spoke in Parables
Why did Jesus speak in parables? In today’s daily devotional, we look at parables. What do parables mean, and why did Jesus use them?
Jesus was known for using many illustrations or parables when speaking to the crowds. A parable compares something familiar to something unfamiliar. It helps us understand spiritual truth by using everyday objects and relationships. Parables compel listeners to discover the truth, while at the same time concealing the truth from those too lazy or too stubborn to see it. To those who are honestly searching, the truth becomes clear. We must be careful not to read too much into parables, forcing them to say what they don’t mean. Each parable has a central meeting unless otherwise specified by Jesus.
Here are a few examples of Jesus’ parables:
- the lamp under a bowl
- wise and foolish builders
- new cloth on an old coat
- new wine in old wineskins
- sower and the soils (one of my personal faves)
- weeds
- mustard seed
- yeast
- hidden treasure
- fig tree
- wedding
- and many more
The point?
Jesus speaks in parables and uses things people can relate to, things they are familiar with.
If you want to read up on one of the examples above, you will need to look in the New Testament part of the Bible.
The four gospel accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, contain all Jesus’ teachings with parables.
I encourage you to check them out today.
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