In Mark 4 (the parallel passage of Mt. 13 and Luke 8) Jesus begins teaching in parables, starting with perhaps the most well-known parable, the parable of the soils.  Yet as He taught, the disciples were confused (v. 10; cf. also Mt. 13:10; Lk. 8:9) — why was He changing His method of teaching, and what did these stories mean?

Others have also been curious about how to understand the parables, so here is a brief summary for how to interpret this form of Jesus’ teaching.

A.  What is a parable?

The word means “to throw alongside,” and was a common means of illustrating a truth in the Jewish culture.  Parables are figures of speech.  In the OT, they were used of “good counsel” or “advice” (Num. 23:18; Ps. 49:4; Prov. 26:7, 9).  They are also used for prophetic messages (Num. 24:15) and judgment messages (Mic. 2:4).

They are used with more variety in the NT, appearing approximately 70 times.  There are a variety of kinds of parables, including:  simile (a comparison using “like” or “as,” cf. Mt. 10:16), metaphor (an implied likeness, cf. John 10:7), similitude (a transference of truth from common knowledge, cf. Mt. 13:33), story (truth transferred from a specific incident, cf. Lk. 15:11), proverbs (cf. Lk. 6:39), lessons (cf. Mt. 24:32), and illustrations (cf. Heb. 9:9).

While there are different styles of parables, the essence is still the same:  the truth of each parable is based on reality, and “the transference is always from a known realm to the unknown.”  That is, the situation from which the truth is gleaned or illustrated will always be common to the reader/hearer.

B.  Why did Christ use parables?

Approximately one-third of all of Christ’s teaching was in the form of parables, so one naturally asks why he used this more indirect form of teaching.

He Himself answers the question in Mt. 13:10-17.  But it is first essential to understand the context of that explanation.  Christ came offering Himself as the Messiah to the nation (Mt. 4:17), which He then validated by performing miracles of the Messiah (Matt. 8-11).  In perhaps the most important chapter in the gospels, the Pharisees attributed the miracles of Christ to Satan in Matthew 12.  This action would culminate in the final rejection by the nation in crucifying Him on the cross. As a result of that decision by the leaders in Matt. 12, Christ indicates that He is setting aside the nation and withdrawing the offer of the kingdom (Mt. 12:30-50).  Since however, there were some individuals who believed in Him, He desired to keep teaching them without providing more truth for those who did not believe.  So he began teaching in parables to give truth to His followers and withhold truth from the unbelievers.  One writer concludes:  “If Christ had spoken without the use of figures, both believers and unbelievers would have heard and understood what He said. Unbelievers would have incurred to themselves greater judgment because they would have sinned against additional light.”

C.  How does one interpret parables?

There are four primary principles to keep in mind in interpreting parables.

1. Parables arose out of questions or problems proposed by His hearers.  So, it is important to not just read the parable, but also the surrounding story to determine what issue it was that Christ was addressing.  So, after the parable is interpreted, its truth should answer the question or problem initially proposed.  If it does not, then either the question or parable have been misunderstood.
2. Parables were told out of real life experience.  Consequently, to understand the parables, one must also understand the geography, customs, history and culture of the times.  To ignore these items will ultimately result in misinterpretation.
3. Parables are not allegories, where the details are of importance.  Rather, a parable is designed to only teach one or two truths.  Thus, to place to much importance on the details of the parable will destroy its meaning.
4. Parables often were designed to teach truth about the kingdom of God (Matt. 13:11).  Therefore, it is important to ask, “what does this parable teach me about God’s kingdom?”

D.  Summary — Interpretation Questions

1. What is the context (the main question or problem)?
2. Do culture, history, geography, or customs have anything to do with interpreting this parable?
3. What is the primary truth it is teaching?
4. What does this parable teach me about the Kingdom of God?

E.  Summary — Application Questions

1. Is there a truth to learn?
2. Is there an attitude to develop?
3. Is there something I should do?