Parables

“Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” Matthew 13:34-35 NIV

Jesus spoke in parables because He wanted to know who would take the time to dig deeper and find the true meaning and purpose of the parable. Many times, the disciples would turn to Jesus and ask what he meant by what he just said.  This would lead to a special time in the evening or mornings where they would sit and listen to Jesus giving them a deeper spiritual insight.

Many of the people and leaders would hear the words and turn away from the teachings. It did not fit their belief, it was too hard to understand, it required of them time and energy which they were not willing to give. They thought they were special and had all the gospel teachings.

Parable teaching is essential to the development of character. The disciples and all the Jewish nation grew up under a defined set of beliefs or rules in their religion. They thought that the Messiah would bring about a political solution and overthrow the Roman occupation.  There are many religions today that have a certain belief about God, His ways and the way they are supposed to believe and act. Jesus could have just plainly said truths to the people and the church leaders, but they would have rejected them immediately because it did not agree with their religion.  

Jesus spoke in parables to give those that desired to increase in knowledge and wisdom an opportunity to ask questions, study, and pray.  Then let the Holy Spirit work on the inside to change their thoughts.

“As the works of God are studied, the Holy Spirit flashes conviction into the mind. It is not the conviction that logical reasoning produces; but unless the mind has become too dark to know God, the eye too dim to see Him, the ear too dull to hear His voice, a deeper meaning is grasped, and the sublime, spiritual truths of the written word are impressed on the heart”. COL 24

“On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” John 6:60 NIV

“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him”. John 6:66 NIV

I find today there are many people who come to the table with baggage that they are not willing to unpack or walk away from. They are not willing to dig deeper and place their feet on the solid rock. 

The religious leaders believed that they knew it all and there were no new truths to unpack and understand. When a new person brought about a new truth, they dismissed it immediately and started searching for a way to silence the new truth.

Jesus was trying to teach that the way to heaven had nothing to do with doctrine or religious habits.  The way is through total surrender to Jesus.

“I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6 NIV

Remember it is not a religion it is a relationship.

Prayers and Love for all.

Larry