Why Did Yeshua Teach in Parables?

 

 

One of the distinctive features of Yeshua’s (Jesus Christ's) teaching was His use of parables. These simple stories, filled with profound spiritual truths, were a staple of His ministry. But why did He choose this method to communicate with His followers and the crowds? Let's delve into the Scriptures to understand the purpose behind Yeshua’s use of parables.

 

The use of parables by Yeshua is often linked to the prophecy in Psalm 78:2, which He Himself quotes in Matthew 13:35, 'I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.' This prophecy highlights that Yeshua's teaching in parables was to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven—truths that had been concealed since the world’s creation.

 

In Matthew 13:10-17, the disciples ask Yeshua why He speaks to the people in parables. His response sheds light on His methodology: 'To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.' Here, Yeshua indicates that parables serve both to reveal and to conceal; they are a form of judgment as well as a gift.

 

Parables were a means to reach those with open hearts and minds while obscuring the truth from those who were hard-hearted or indifferent. This dual function aligns with Isaiah’s prophecy, which Yeshua cites: 'YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL.' Thus, parables acted as a filter, revealing truths to those spiritually prepared to receive them, while leaving others in their chosen state of disbelief or misunderstanding.

 

Furthermore, parables made complex truths accessible to ordinary people. Through everyday scenarios—such as a farmer sowing seed or a woman mixing yeast—Yeshua communicated deep spiritual insights in a manner that was relatable and memorable. These stories engaged the listeners’ imaginations and encouraged contemplation, allowing those who truly sought understanding to grasp the deeper meaning.

 

Yeshua’s parables also fulfilled a pedagogical function. They compelled listeners to think and interpret, engaging them in an active learning process. This method ensured that His teachings were not just passively received but actively pondered and applied. It invited listeners into a participatory form of learning that required reflection and personal involvement.

 

In conclusion, Yeshua taught in parables not only to fulfill prophecy but also to effectively communicate spiritual truths, filter understanding based on spiritual readiness, and engage His audience in an active learning process. This method exemplifies His wisdom and deep understanding of human nature.

 

As we reflect on the importance of understanding and applying Yeshua’s teachings, let us strive to be like the good soil in the Parable of the Sower, where the word of God, symbolized by seed, 'fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.' Let us always approach His words with open hearts and minds, ready to receive, understand, and bear fruit.

 

 

 

Referenced Scriptures (LSB):

 

Psalm 78:2, “I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,”

 

Matthew 13:35, “This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES; I WILL UTTER THINGS HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.”

 

Matthew 13:10-17 - The Purpose of the Parables

 

10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 And Jesus answered and said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,

 

‘You will keep on hearing, but will not understand;

You will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;

15 For the heart of this people has become dull,

And with their ears they scarcely hear,

And they have closed their eyes,

Lest they would see with their eyes,

Hear with their ears,

And understand with their heart and return,

And I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

 

Isaiah 6:9-10, 

“He said, “Go, and tell this people:

‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;

Keep on seeing, but do not know.’

10 Render the hearts of this people insensitive,

Their ears dull,

And their eyes dim,

Lest they see with their eyes,

And hear with their ears,

And understand with their hearts,

And return and be healed.”

 

Matthew 13:23, “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

To God, who reveals His mysteries to those who seek Him with a sincere heart, be all glory and honor. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose teachings guide and enlighten us, we give thanks and praise forever. Amen.