1594 | The PaRables oF Jesus
Consequences of a lack of discipleship . The parable of the Wicked Tenants in Mk 12:1 – 9 and the Children Sitting in the Marketplace in Mt 11:16 – 17 illustrate how destructive a lack of discipleship is . The majority of Jesus ’ parables center on discipleship or a lack of discipleship .
The identifying marks of godly community . Stories like the Teacher of the Law ( Mt 13:51 – 52 ) and the parable of the Weeds ( Mt 13:24 – 30 ) illustrate the true community of believers .
The influence of Jesus ’ followers . These parables show the effect of Jesus ’ followers upon the world as in the parables of the Salt and Light ( Mt 5:13 – 16 ).
Throughout the Gospels , Jesus employs memorable parables to depict life in the kingdom of God . The kingdom of God is like a festive wedding banquet ( Mt 22:2 ; 25:10 ); everyone desires invitation to this jubilant celebration . For field laborers , the kingdom is like the unbelievable harvest — the kind every farmer plagued with drought and insects dreams about ( Mt 13:8 ). For fisherman , the kingdom is like a net that unexpectedly catches a huge multitude of fish ( Mt 13:47 ). And for everyone , the kingdom of God is like a hidden treasure one stumbles upon unexpectedly ( Mt 13:44 ).
Jesus also uses parables to present a brilliantly painted image of God as a compassionate father overflowing with grace and mercy ( Lk 15 ). God dresses himself to serve , as one who places our needs first ( Lk 12:37 ). Imagine a debt that would take 164,000 years to repay — God forgives it entirely ( Mt 18:24,27 ).
Parables also show God coming to the aid of the social outcasts , the marginalized , disenfranchised and underprivileged . Samaritans ( Lk 10:29 – 37 ), tax collectors ( Lk 18:9 – 14 ), beggars ( Lk 16:19 – 26 ) and widows ( Lk 18:1 – 8 ) become the heroes in parables .
Jesus uses parables to note how people can live his teachings on love and justice . The follower of Jesus must be like a tree that bears fruit ( Mt 7:16 – 20 ; Lk 13:6 – 9 ); God ’ s true children not only hear but do his will ( Mt 7:21 – 23 ; 21:28 – 30 ). Jesus ’ disciples must be ready as they actively wait for his second coming ( Mt 24:42 — 25:46 ).
Finally , Jesus ’ use of parables helps envision the type of difference a community of Christ followers can make in the world . It is the salt of the earth and the city set upon a hill ( Mt 5:13 – 16 ).