What is a Parable?
In its simplest form, many classify a parable as a story that contains a greater truth. While true, at a deeper level, parables serve a more profound purpose. The New Testament’s usage of the word “parable” originates from the Greek word παραβολη (parabolee), meaning a comparison or the placing of two things side by side. While the Greek word Παροιμίες (Parimies) meaning proverb has been vaguely used in its place, specifically speaking, the use of a parable belongs in a category of its own.
Parables are often attributed to the teachings of Jesus, though they can also be found in the Old Testament. For example, Jotham told a parable of trees to show the Shechemites how foolishly they had conducted themselves in choosing Abimelech as a king (Judges 9:7-15). Additionally, Nathan’s parable about the little ewe lamb built up a picture displaying to David what awful act he had performed in not only committing adultery with Bathsheba but also having her husband Uriah Killed (2 Samuel 12:1-7).
What all of these parables have in common is their ability to convey the divine message effectively. In other words, Jotham, Nathan, and Jesus were not merely brainstorming clever stories to portray some type of general morality, but rather, the parables were used to demonstrate the understandable revelation of God to those that believe.
Every parable has a unique purpose. For instance, the parable of the lost sheep illustrates the fact that each individual is precious to God and the kingdom of God is accessible to all (Matthew 18:10-14). In addition to that, the parable of the ten virgins illustrates the importance of being spiritually prepared for we know not the day Jesus will return (Matthew 25:1-13). Lastly, the parable of the rich young man underscores the impossibility of attaining the kingdom of heaven through one’s own works (Matthew 19:16-22). All of these parables aim to reveal a hidden reality through an outward representation. Thus, a parable is not some fable told simply to display a general morality but a profound instrument for expressing the comprehensible revelation of God and His kingdom to those willing to listen and obey.
Luke Veyon
