Module 7 – The Parables of Jesus

Objectives: At the end of the module, the students would have:

1. defined the meaning of the word parable;
2. familiarized the different parables of Jesus
3. identified lessons in the parable;
4. expressed responses in life out of the lessons in the parable.

What is a Parable?
A parable is a short and simple story of comparison. It is designed to convey a concept
to be understood and/or a principle to be put into practice. In Greek, it means “to set beside,” as
in the English word “comparison” or “similitude.” In the Jewish culture of biblical times, things
were explained in word pictures. Word pictures do not draw attention to technicalities (like the
Jewish law) but to attitudes, concepts, and characteristics. Parables also have an emotional
impact that makes them more meaningful and memorable to those who are soft of heart. Jesus
used parables to teach spiritual truths by means of earthly situations. Hence, by using parables,
Jesus’ teaching remains timeless despite most changes in culture, time, and technology.

SAMPLE OF JESUS’ PARABLES

Module 7.1. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:2-9; Luke 8:4-8)

The parable concerns a sower who scatters seed, which falls on four different types of
ground. Jesus’ explanation of it highlights four different responses to the gospel. The seed is “the
word of the kingdom.” The hard ground represents someone who is hardened by sin; he hears
but does not understand the Word, and Satan plucks the message away, keeping the heart dull
and preventing the Word from making an impression. The stony ground pictures a man who
professes delight with the Word; however, his heart is not changed, and when trouble arises, his
so-called faith quickly disappears. The thorny ground depicts one who seems to receive the Word,
but whose heart is full of riches, pleasures, and lusts; the things of this world take his time and
attention away from the Word, and he ends up having no time for it. The good ground portrays
the one who hears, understands, and receives the Word – and then allows the Word to accomplish
its result in his life. The man represented by the “good ground” is the only one of the four who is
truly saved, because salvation’s proof is fruit (Matthew 3:7-8; 7:15-20).
Jesus spoke the parable of the sower to teach how important the state of our heart is to
receiving the Gospel and how our salvation is proved by our choices and actions after hearing
the Gospel. In summary, a man’s reception of God’s Word is determined by the condition of his
heart and salvation is more than a superficial, albeit joyful, hearing of the gospel. Someone who
is truly saved will go on to prove it.
Question to Reflect: (for student) What kind of soil are you?

Module 7.2. The Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Jesus begins the parable by saying it concerns His return in glory to set up His kingdom
(verse 31). The sheep on Jesus’ right hand are blessed by God and given an inheritance. The
goats on Jesus’ left are cursed with eternal hell-fire “prepared for the devil and his angels”(verse
41). The reason is given: they had opportunity to minister to the Lord, but they did nothing
(verses 42-43). Jesus then ends the discourse with a contrast: “They will go away to an eternal
punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” (verse 46).
The Bible teaches that salvation is by faith through the grace of God and not by our good
works (John 1:12; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:22-24; Ephesians 2:8-10). Jesus Himself makes it
clear in the parable that salvation of the “sheep” is not based on their works – their inheritance
was theirs (verse 34), long before they could ever do any good works! The good works
mentioned in the parable are not the “cause” of salvation but the “effect” of salvation. As
Christians we become like Christ (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 2:6-7). The
core message of the parable is that God’s people will love others. Good works will result from
our relationship to the Shepherd. Followers of Christ will treat others with kindness, serving
them as if they were serving Christ Himself. The unregenerate live in the opposite manner.
While “goats” can indeed perform acts of kindness and charity, their hearts are not right with
God, and their actions are not the right purpose – to honor and worship God.

Question to Reflect: (for student) What are the responsibilities and duties of a Christian?
Module 7. 3. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37)

In this parable, Jesus is telling us to follow the Samaritans’s example in our own conduct,
that is to show compassion and love for those we encounter in our everyday activities. We are to
love others (v.27) regardless of their race or religion, the criterion is need. If they need and we
have the supply, then we are to give generously without expectation of return. Here are some
lessons in this parable: 1) we are to set aside our prejudice and show love and compassion for
others; 2) our neighbor is anyone we encounter, we are all creatures of the Creator and we are to
love all of mankind as Jesus has taught us; 3) keeping the law in its entirety with the intent to
save ourselves is an impossible task, we need a Savior and this is Jesus.
As a metaphor, the Parable of the Good Samaritan can be interpreted in the following
representations:
The injured man - men in their fallen condition of sin
The robbers - are Satan attacking man with the intent of destroying their relationship
with God
The lawyer - mankind without the true understanding of God and his Word
The priest - religion in an apostate condition
The Levites - legalism that instills prejudice into the hearts of believers.
The Samaritan - is Jesus who provides the way to spiritual health.
The parable is giving us a simple lesson on what it means to be a neighbor.

Questions to reflect (for students) In today’s context, how can you concretely express love for a
neighbor?

Assignment: (to submit) Give 5 lessons that you have learned from each parable.