Jesus used parables as one of the primary means of teaching about his kingdom. “Parables became one of the primary ways Jesus disrupted the default way of thinking in his culture. The word parable (parabole) comes from two Greek words that mean ‘to place or throw beside.’ Para means ‘beside’, as in parallel lines; bole means ‘to throw or to place.’ Teaching by parable means placing two things next to each other in order to learn more about them through contrast and comparison.”[1]
The parables challenge us to think about our beliefs and values, in light of the culture of the kingdom. Even the disciples had difficulty in understanding the parables when first given. After giving the Parable of the Sower, Mark records:
Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant. Mark 4:10 NLT
Jesus then went on to explain the meaning of the parable. If we ask Jesus to teach us, he does. Ask him.
There is so much we can all learn from studying, discussing, and sharing the kingdom parables, and in so doing, we repent. We change the way we think, as we come to understand more about Jesus, his kingdom culture, and our living as citizens of the kingdom of God.
Prayer
Thank you, Father, Son, and Spirit, for including us in your life and kingdom. Help us, Jesus, to change our minds, to repent. Your teaching, healing, and sacrificial love, has revealed the glory and beauty of your kingdom. Spirit, teach us. Give us wisdom to understand your parables. We’re grateful that we don’t need to perfectly understand the meaning of your parables to be included in your kingdom. Amen.
By Bob Regazzoli, Pastor
Carina, Queensland, Australia
[1] Willard, D. (2024). The Scandal of the Kingdom: How the Parables of Jesus Revolutionize Life with God. Zondervan.
