{"id":46154,"date":"2019-09-04T13:43:23","date_gmt":"2019-09-04T20:43:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/?p=46154"},"modified":"2022-01-06T15:57:53","modified_gmt":"2022-01-06T23:57:53","slug":"how-to-read-a-parable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/how-to-read-a-parable\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Read a Parable"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Matthew 13:10<\/a>, the disciples asked Jesus a question most of us have wondered: \u201cWhy do you speak to the people in parables?\u201d About one-third of Jesus\u2019 teachings are in parables, making it his most preferred method of conveying his message. But have you ever read a parable and wondered what exactly is the lesson? If so, you\u2019re not alone. To get the most of these parables, here are a few basic points to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post on how to read a parable is an excerpt from the <\/strong>NIV Lifehacks Bible<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Tips for How to Read a Parable<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  1. Parables are About Comparisons<\/li>
  2. Parables Teach One Basic Lesson<\/li>
  3. Focus on Endings, Not Beginnings<\/li>
  4. Communication for Believers, Obfuscation for the Hard-Hearted<\/li>
  5. Parables are Meant to Be Applied<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Parables are About Comparisons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The most fundamental component of Jesus\u2019 parables is the comparison. As C. H. Dodd notes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAt its simplest the parable is a metaphor or simile drawn from nature or common life, arresting the hearer by its vividness or strangeness, and leaving the mind in sufficient doubt about its precise application to tease it into active thought.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Parables Teach One Basic Lesson<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    As a general rule, each of Jesus\u2019 parables contain only one basic meaning. Some parables, like the parable of the sower (see Mt 13:3\u201323<\/a>), are complex in composition, though each part only has one meaning. For instance, the seed which grew up and choked the plants (see v. 7<\/a>) refers to how the \u201cworries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word\u201d (v. 22<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Focus on Endings, Not Beginnings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In Jesus\u2019 parables, it\u2019s the end of the story that\u2019s important. The accent falls on the last person mentioned, the last deed or the last saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Communication for Believers, Obfuscation for the Hard-Hearted<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In verses 11\u201317<\/a> Jesus explains that he teaches in parables to reveal truth to those who believe in him and to hide it from those who have hardened their hearts to his Word. If you do the will of God, you need not fear missing the intended message of Jesus\u2019 teachings. There is no need to look for \u201chidden message\u201d in what he makes plain to his believers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Parables are Meant to Be Applied<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Our task as interpreters is to find how the relevant meaning of the parable applies in our own context. Many parables simply tell us \u201cthis is what the kingdom of God is like.\u201d But others (such as the Good Samaritan; see Lk 10:29\u201337<\/a>) provide lessons or models for our own obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our task as interpreters is to find how the relevant<\/em><\/strong>
    meaning of the parable applies in our own context.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Practical Takeaway for Reading Parables<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Learning the basics of interpreting parables can help us apply them to our own lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Learn More<\/em> About How to Read a Parable and Other Lifehacks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"NIV<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Did you enjoy this excerpt from the NIV Lifehacks Bible<\/a>? This study Bible is full of other articles meant to help you grow spiritually. It comes with 365 articles covering 30 life-changing disciplines. Plus, there it also comes with a topical index, maps, and a reading plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    LEARN MORE<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In Matthew 13:10, the disciples asked Jesus a question most of us have wondered: \u201cWhy do you speak to the people in parables?\u201d About one-third of Jesus\u2019 teachings are in parables, making it his most preferred method of conveying his message. But have you ever read a parable and wondered what exactly is the lesson?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":50835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5318],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-bible-study-tips"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Read a Parable - Olive Tree Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Have you been wondering how to read a parable? Jesus' stories can be challenging! 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