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Parables: What They Are and Why They Matter
Parables are stories that teach us important lessons about life, morality, and spirituality. They use familiar situations and characters to illustrate deeper truths that may not be obvious at first glance. Parables have been used by many teachers and traditions throughout history, but they are especially prominent in the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Gospels.
In this article, we will explore what parables are, how they work, and why they are still relevant today. We will also look at some examples of parables from the Bible and other sources, and see what they can teach us about ourselves and God.
What Is a Parable
A parable is a short story that conveys a moral or spiritual lesson by using comparison, analogy, or exaggeration. The word \"parable\" comes from the Greek word \"parabole\", which means \"to throw alongside\". A parable throws a familiar story alongside an unfamiliar concept, so that we can understand it better.
Parables are different from fables, which use animals or objects as characters, and from allegories, which use symbols to represent abstract ideas. Parables have human characters and realistic settings, but they are not meant to be taken literally. They are designed to make us think and reflect on the hidden meaning behind the story.
Parables are also different from proverbs, which are short sayings that express a general truth or advice. Parables are longer and more complex than proverbs, and they often involve a twist or a surprise at the end. Parables challenge us to question our assumptions and perspectives, and to discover new insights and applications.
How Do Parables Work
Parables work by using two levels of meaning: the literal level and the figurative level. The literal level is the surface meaning of the story, which describes what happens to the characters and events. The figurative level is the deeper meaning of the story, which reveals what the story is really about.
For example, in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), the literal level tells us about a man who was robbed and beaten on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho, and how he was ignored by a priest and a Levite, but helped by a Samaritan. The figurative level tells us about who our neighbor is, how we should love them as ourselves, and how we should show mercy to those in need.
To understand a parable, we need to pay attention to both levels of meaning. We need to identify the main characters, actions, and outcomes of the story, and then ask ourselves what they represent or imply. We also need to consider the context and purpose of the parable: who told it, when, where, why, and to whom What was the main point or message of the parable How did it relate to the situation or question at hand
Finally, we need to apply the parable to our own lives. We need to ask ourselves how the parable challenges or confirms our beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors. We need to ask ourselves what the parable teaches us about God, ourselves, others, and the world. We need to ask ourselves what the parable calls us to do or change.
Why Do Parables Matter
Parables matter because they are powerful tools for teaching and learning. They engage our imagination and emotions, as well as our reason and logic. They appeal to our curiosity and creativity, as well as our critical thinking and analysis. They invite us to participate in the story and discover its meaning for ourselves.
Parables also matter because they are timeless and universal. They transcend cultural and historical boundaries, and speak to people of all ages and backgrounds. They address common human experiences and dilemmas that we can all relate to. They reveal eternal truths that we can all learn from.
Most importantly, parables matter because they reveal God's character and will. They show us who God is: his love, grace, justice, mercy, wisdom, power, sovereignty, holiness, etc. They show us what God wants: his kingdom, his glory, his will, his purpose, his plan,
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