In the Autumn of 2021, I was preparing my different poetry series for 2022 when I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to focus on some of the parables found in the Bible. I discovered that the meaning behind the word “parable,” is “to throw alongside of.” It seems that a parable is a story, thrown alongside the truth with the purpose of teaching the listener. Stories based on earthly scenarios but full of Heavenly meaning.
As a professional performer, I certainly know the power and impact that story-telling can have in relaying a message. As I delved into the depths of the purpose and meanings behind each parable, I was fascinated to discover how Jesus used this method to teach incredible points and principles. The pictures He created with the parables really help our minds remember the truths shared and the lessons being taught.
The purpose of the parable runs much deeper than just story-telling, however. Through my studies, I learned that the parables of Jesus were indeed intended to be listened to but also they acted as a challenge to the hearers. Their purpose wasn’t just to convey a message but also to place a personal challenge at each person’s doorstep.
Furthermore, the parables were also a way that Jesus could share important, Heavenly truths with Believers while also hiding them from those who were not sensitive to His Spirit. We read in Luke 12:48,
“To whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
In other words, those who have heard the truth of the Gospel and rejected it will have a higher level of accountability on Judgement Day. Those who have been shown the Light and treated it with disdain will have to answer for this action one day, before God.
This is the reason Jesus often used the phrase, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” He was speaking to those who were already spiritually alive in order to reveal to them Heavenly truths while simultaneously hiding the truth from those who had hearts rejecting Him. This was an incredibly merciful act on the part of our Saviour as speaking in parables meant that He was able to deliver the message of God to those who could spiritually understand, without heaping further condemnation on those rejecting God’s Word.
I think the point of the parable is summarised very well by theologian, John Barclay. He writes, “The parable conceals truth from those who are either too lazy to think or too blinded by prejudice to see. It puts the responsibility fairly and squarely on the individual. It reveals truth to him who desires truth; it conceals truth from him who does not wish to see the truth.”
As the saying goes, “The same sun that melts the ice, hardens the clay.” The Gospel message humbles the honest heart and leads to repentance but hardens the heart of the dishonest listener and confirms them in their path of disobedience to God.
By speaking in parables, Jesus also fulfilled the prophecy found in Psalm 78:2 which we find referenced in Matthew 13:34-35. The Scripture reads,
“All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
“I will open My mouth in parables;
I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.””
There are so many astounding and amazing levels being taught through the parables that I feel my series entitled, “Poetry Through The Parables” barely touches the surface! As always however, I hope and pray that my verses can offer even just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to insight and ignite hearts to look deeper into this fascinating subject.
As I studied and wrote this series, I found myself being continually blown away by how amazing Jesus is and my heart fell in love with Him more and more with each day. May this series be a blessing in your life as we journey through 2022 together and may the name of Jesus Christ be glorified! He truly is worthy of all praise.
As a professional performer, I certainly know the power and impact that story-telling can have in relaying a message. As I delved into the depths of the purpose and meanings behind each parable, I was fascinated to discover how Jesus used this method to teach incredible points and principles. The pictures He created with the parables really help our minds remember the truths shared and the lessons being taught.
The purpose of the parable runs much deeper than just story-telling, however. Through my studies, I learned that the parables of Jesus were indeed intended to be listened to but also they acted as a challenge to the hearers. Their purpose wasn’t just to convey a message but also to place a personal challenge at each person’s doorstep.
Furthermore, the parables were also a way that Jesus could share important, Heavenly truths with Believers while also hiding them from those who were not sensitive to His Spirit. We read in Luke 12:48,
“To whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
In other words, those who have heard the truth of the Gospel and rejected it will have a higher level of accountability on Judgement Day. Those who have been shown the Light and treated it with disdain will have to answer for this action one day, before God.
This is the reason Jesus often used the phrase, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” He was speaking to those who were already spiritually alive in order to reveal to them Heavenly truths while simultaneously hiding the truth from those who had hearts rejecting Him. This was an incredibly merciful act on the part of our Saviour as speaking in parables meant that He was able to deliver the message of God to those who could spiritually understand, without heaping further condemnation on those rejecting God’s Word.
I think the point of the parable is summarised very well by theologian, John Barclay. He writes, “The parable conceals truth from those who are either too lazy to think or too blinded by prejudice to see. It puts the responsibility fairly and squarely on the individual. It reveals truth to him who desires truth; it conceals truth from him who does not wish to see the truth.”
As the saying goes, “The same sun that melts the ice, hardens the clay.” The Gospel message humbles the honest heart and leads to repentance but hardens the heart of the dishonest listener and confirms them in their path of disobedience to God.
By speaking in parables, Jesus also fulfilled the prophecy found in Psalm 78:2 which we find referenced in Matthew 13:34-35. The Scripture reads,
“All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
“I will open My mouth in parables;
I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.””
There are so many astounding and amazing levels being taught through the parables that I feel my series entitled, “Poetry Through The Parables” barely touches the surface! As always however, I hope and pray that my verses can offer even just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to insight and ignite hearts to look deeper into this fascinating subject.
As I studied and wrote this series, I found myself being continually blown away by how amazing Jesus is and my heart fell in love with Him more and more with each day. May this series be a blessing in your life as we journey through 2022 together and may the name of Jesus Christ be glorified! He truly is worthy of all praise.
