“The Why of the Parables”
The first century “preaching” in the synagogues was rather dry by our standards. As a rule, a rabbi would not proclaim anything that he could not support with the testimonies of previous rabbis. Thus, many of their discourses began with the words, “according to Rabbi so and so.” The textual support of that sort was best when the “preacher-teacher” had quotes from several ancient sources.
Jesus’ preaching on the other hand came straight from the Father and did not need historical support. There was a time when the Temple Police were sent to arrest Jesus but returned without Him. When asked why, they replied, “Never man spoke like this.” (John 7:46)
The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do you speak in parables? (Matthew 10:10ff) Jesus’ answer to that question is a mystery to us modern folk living in the western side of the world. Scholars have debated Jesus’ answer for years and found no consensus. Allow me to submit my humble answer to the disciples’ question.
First and foremost, Jesus said the parables contain the “secrets” of heaven. Jesus’ parables often used everyday experiences picturing the truth He was teaching. e.g., a sower sowing seeds, a shepherd searching for a sheep, even a homemaker sweeping the floor to find a lost coin.
The parables made important truths easier to understand and remember. It is much easier to remember a story, i.e., a parable, than to remember a rule or a verse. My grandfather lived with us periodically for much of my childhood. He spent his last year at our house. I loved him, and I am sure he gave me many “dos and don’ts.” I cannot remember any of those, but I remember the stories he told me.
My colleagues sometimes criticize my preaching because I use so many stories. When they do, I smile and say, “Isn’t that the way Jesus preached?”
