Parables & Teachings Parables & Teachings of Jesusof Jesus

By: Edgar VarelaBy: Edgar Varela

What are Parables?What are Parables?

Metaphors or similes drawn from nature or Metaphors or similes drawn from nature or common life.common life.

Contain some element that is strange or Contain some element that is strange or unusual.unusual.

NotNot meant to be understood immediately. meant to be understood immediately. Describe how God interacts with His people.Describe how God interacts with His people.

Most Common Imagery in BibleMost Common Imagery in Bible

Shepherd/SheepShepherd/Sheep– Mentioned more than 500 timesMentioned more than 500 times– Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jacob’s sons, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jacob’s sons, Moses,

and King Davidand King David Parable of the Lost SheepParable of the Lost Sheep

– Luke 15:1-7Luke 15:1-7– Matthew 18:12-14Matthew 18:12-14– cf. John 10:1-21cf. John 10:1-21– cf. Ezekiel 34:1-31cf. Ezekiel 34:1-31

Most Common Imagery in BibleMost Common Imagery in Bible

VineyardsVineyards– Wine was an important & valuable commodityWine was an important & valuable commodity– Many houses had vinesMany houses had vines– People of God as vineyards; God as caretakerPeople of God as vineyards; God as caretaker

Vineyard ParallelsVineyard Parallels– Psalm 80:1-20 Prayer to Restore God’s VineyardPsalm 80:1-20 Prayer to Restore God’s Vineyard– Isaiah 5:1-7 The Vineyard SongIsaiah 5:1-7 The Vineyard Song– Ezekiel 17:1-24 The Eagles and the VineEzekiel 17:1-24 The Eagles and the Vine– John 15:1-17 The Vine and the BranchesJohn 15:1-17 The Vine and the Branches

Parables Unique to LukeParables Unique to Luke

Parable of the Lost CoinParable of the Lost Coin– 15:8-1015:8-10

Parable of the Prodigal SonParable of the Prodigal Son– 15:11-3215:11-32– Deuteronomy 21:18-21Deuteronomy 21:18-21– Jesus teaches a different message in LukeJesus teaches a different message in Luke

Parable of the Unjust StewardParable of the Unjust Steward– 16:1-916:1-9

Parable of the Rich Man and LazarusParable of the Rich Man and Lazarus– 16:19-3116:19-31

Teachings of JesusTeachings of Jesus

On Serving Two MastersOn Serving Two Masters– Q Source: Luke 16:13 & Matthew 6:24Q Source: Luke 16:13 & Matthew 6:24

Concerning the LawConcerning the Law– Q: Luke 16:16-17 & Matthew 11:12-13; 5:18Q: Luke 16:16-17 & Matthew 11:12-13; 5:18– Last part is a Triple TraditionLast part is a Triple Tradition

Concerning DivorceConcerning Divorce– Triple Tradition: Mark 10:11-12; Triple Tradition: Mark 10:11-12;

Matthew 19:9; Luke 16:18Matthew 19:9; Luke 16:18– cf. Deut. 21:15-17cf. Deut. 21:15-17

Common Themes In ParablesCommon Themes In Parables

It is important that a lost person repents It is important that a lost person repents and returns to God.and returns to God.– God wants to save everyone, especially the God wants to save everyone, especially the

lonely, sick, sinners, outcasts, and poor.lonely, sick, sinners, outcasts, and poor.

Rejoicing after someone returns to GodRejoicing after someone returns to God– Seen in the Parables of the Lost Sheep, Seen in the Parables of the Lost Sheep,

Lost Coin, and Lost (Prodigal) Son.Lost Coin, and Lost (Prodigal) Son.