I confess that I love reading and teaching about the parables of Jesus. I became fascinated with them from the moment of my conversion. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that I love a good story, and fancy myself somewhat of a storyteller. Parables can be tricky though, and we need to handle them with care. I’m not an authority on the parables of Jesus, so understand these comments are strictly “off the cuff” this morning as I think about tomorrow’s Palm Sunday sermon. Here are some random comments about parables that you may find useful in your own sermon prep and /or teaching (or personal devotions).
#1- The parables are sometimes “occasional”. In other words, there is a specific reason the parable is shared. It wasn’t simply that Jesus and his companions were weary from travel, and decided it was time for a good object lesson. In keeping with the Palm Sunday theme- let’s look at Luke chapter 19. Here, Jesus shares a parable about a nobleman who goes away into a far country to receive a kingdom for himself and then return. As with almost any portion of scripture study- context is vital. This is no different. Within the context of the parable, is found the occasion:
Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. (KJV)
The crowds had misconceptions about what was going to happen when Jesus finally arrived in Jerusalem. We have the gift of hindsight that tells us how everything unfolded (Jesus’ rejection, trial, crucifixion, resurrection). Jesus uses this opportunity to speak a parable unto them which had immediate as well as future application.
#2- Parables often teach one central point. Here is where the issue of parables becomes thorny. This is where we sometimes have to resist the temptation to ascribe special meaning to every symbol in a parable. Sometimes symbols and specific applications are clearly identified (by Jesus). In the case of the parable of the sower/soils, the wheat and the tares/weeds (Matt 13), the symbols are clearly identified and defined.
But- what about the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25? Early on in my ministry, I had a detailed theology of the parable of the ten virgins. I could tell you what each number and each symbol represented in the parable. (As a side note, are you aware how many different interpretations exist about the oil and the lamps in the parable?) I’m not saying that there are not layers of meaning about each symbol; God’s word is so rich. But I think Christ gives a clue about the purpose of the parable in verse 13 of the chapter:
Matt 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (KJV)
So the purpose of the parable is a call to readiness and watchfulness. Whatever deeper meaning the symbols may have, the intent is to teach that Christ will return at an unannounced time and some will be ready, but many will not be and will be punished. Certainly there are symbols that we are familiar with (virgins, oil, lamps) and imagery that we are accustomed to (weddings, slumber, etc.). But we must use caution in being more narrow in our interpretation than scripture allows. As I mentioned earlier, many have adopted a very detailed theology about the Holy Spirit based on the references to oil in the parable. While it does not seem a stretch that the Holy Spirit would be symbolized by oil, any dogmatic attempt to systematically define the application would be subjective at best.
I had planned three points, but I’m beginning to “wax long” in my delivery, so let’s stop there for today. Hopefully this will serve you and I well, and you may have more thoughts on the subject you’d like to share in the comments section. All I ask is that you keep a respectful tone and don’t post profanity (offending posts will be deleted accordingly).
Until next time….
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