What is a Parable?
A parable is often defined as "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning." Jesus frequently used parables to convey spiritual truths in ways that were relatable to everyday life. He spoke of planting seeds, losing something valuable, and other simple, timeless scenarios. These stories are easily understood and still relevant today, showing how basic and universal their messages are.
But the challenge lies in uncovering the deeper, spiritual meaning behind these relatable stories. The earthly part is easy to grasp, but what spiritual lesson is Jesus trying to teach?
Why Did Jesus Use Parables?
Why didn’t Jesus just state the spiritual truths directly? In Matthew 13, the disciples ask this very question. After hearing the Parable of the Sower, they wanted to know why Jesus spoke in parables. Jesus explained that the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are revealed to those who are willing to seek them. The gospel is for everyone, but only those willing to seek the truth will understand it.
This doesn’t mean that some people are excluded from understanding. The truth is available to all, but it requires a heart that is willing to seek, ask questions, and think critically.
Jesus wasn’t trying to hide the truth from people. In fact, He explained the meaning of His parables to those who sought understanding, like His disciples. In Luke 8:16-18, Jesus emphasizes the importance of listening carefully and seeking the truth. Nothing He taught was meant to remain hidden; it was all there for those willing to put in the effort to understand.
"He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear"
This phrase, often used by Jesus, is a call to truly listen and seek understanding. It’s not just about having physical ears but about having a mind and heart open to the truth. Whether you’re listening to a sermon, reading the Bible, or studying on your own, the key is to be attentive and willing to learn.
Albert Barnes, in his commentary, explains that "He who has ears to hear let him hear" implies that it is every person’s duty to pay attention to what is being spoken. Jesus wasn’t responsible for making His teachings easy for everyone to understand. Instead, He expected people to seek the truth within his teaching themselves.
What Hinders Understanding?
Several factors can hinder our understanding of Jesus’ parables or any other teaching:
- Unwillingness to Learn: If we don’t feel the need to learn from Jesus, we may miss the point of His teachings.
- Complacency: Believing we already know enough can prevent us from truly understanding.
- Arrogance: Assuming we have all the answers closes our minds to new insights.
- Preconceived Ideas: Thinking we know what’s being said before fully listening can lead to misunderstanding.
These attitudes were present in many of those who heard Jesus' parables but didn’t grasp their meaning, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees. They missed the deeper truths because they weren’t willing to seek them.
Conclusion
Understanding Jesus’ parables requires more than just hearing the words. It requires a heart and mind open to seeking and understanding the truth. Anyone can understand the truth, but not everyone will. It’s up to us to be the kind of people who stick around, ask questions, and seek deeper understanding. In doing so, the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven will be revealed to us.
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