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Many times Jesus used parables to explain spiritual concepts. It is very helpful to be able to recognize a parable and to be able to correctly interpret the meaning. The parable is a form of speech, a genre of writing. The moment when we see the moral lesson of a parable is akin to the opening of the eye of our heart. The songwriter Michael Card puts it this way "The transcendent moment of the opening of the eye of our heart is to be experienced by you alone with the Holy Spirit." Even Jesus' disciples got frustrated with this business of him speaking in parables. In Matthew 13:10 they ask him "Why do you speak in parables?" The question is really asking why Jesus doesn't just speak plainly, why does he make people have to think about what they hear. The fact is, the Old Testament books Deuteronomy and Leviticus contained nothing but straight talk, and the people did not listen. It seems reasonable then, for Jesus to use parables, to induce people to think about what they hear. The meanings of parables are not difficult to understand. In fact, in each case, Jesus explains the parable shortly after giving it. However, the explicit conclusion is not usually given to the whole crowd, but only to those who stay and ask. Why did God speak in parables? Because it helps us engage our imaginations, our souls and our hearts and minds as we meditate upon, and study, and seek the lesson of the parable. Our culture places a premium on stardom, fame and wealth. This degrades and impoverishes the value, beauty and spiritual wonder of ordinary life. |
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