Musick-al note # 68
Most of Jesus teaching was in parables. A parable is teaching spiritual truths through earthly illustrations. When asked why he was using parables, Jesus said, “these things are done in parables so that those outside would ‘see but not perceive’ and ‘hear but not understand’ (Matthew 13:10-11, Mark 4:11-12). Many will hear the Word of God and never understand the spiritual lessons that are needed, believed and obeyed that they might be saved. Jesus taught the meaning of many of the parables so we would not misunderstand. Every parable has spiritual insight for those who desire truth and are willing to follow Jesus. When you read each parable, look beyond the words he used and learn the lesson that he wants us to know and follow Him.
His parables covered a multitude of things from the daily life of his time on earth. He spoke of the soils, trees, flowers, grass, animals, houses, pearls, skies, clouds, rain, seed, occupations, rights of employers, responsibility of workers, talents, weeds, harvest, nets, fish, vineyards, wine, wineskins, buildings, attitudes, traditions, failure, obedience, love, marriage, wedding feasts, life, death, his kingdom, omens, eternal life, loss of things, candle light, eyes, blindness, hair, speech, debts, treasures, fields, flocks, birds, sheep, clothing, food, beauty, gifts and you may find many other things by which he taught his followers. I am sure that he could and would use many things we have today in parables.
We should recognize that in every parable there are lessons that should learned by every believer which will enable them to live better and direct their souls to heaven. We must not gloss over the words of Jesus as just tales to be told but to understand that He was teaching lessons to help us follow Him.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 