The Meaning and Use of Parables in the Gospels



The Meaning and Use of Parables in the Gospels

Introduction

Religion for majority of individuals is much more than just celebrating certain occasion and days, reciting the holy books and exercising certain worship practices. In fact, religion for many is the choice and preferences of a complete life style in total accordance with the principles and teachings. Therefore, every religion or faith has introduced certain elements and trends, besides the conventional ones, that are used and seen by the followers of that religion to further strengthen their faith and believe. Some followers would observe fasting on regular basis as a means of keeping their body and spirit purified. Some followers would perform any charity act of any nature to show their respect to the preaching of their religion that emphasizes on welfare others. Whereas others would celebrate an event or a day to further strengthen their faith. Christians throughout as well have certain trends of fusing their religion with their mundane daily routine. One of the most observed acts, however, is the discussion of the parables of gospels as a means of reminding themselves and each other of Jesus' teachings and message.

Discussion

A parable can simply be defined as a simple event covered or told in the form of a story by Jesus himself, in order to teach a spiritual or moral lesson to the listener. All the Canonical Gospels and a few of the non Canonical Gospels contain the various parables of Jesus. All these parables or stories highlight all the basic and major preaching and message of Jesus. In addition, one third of the literature and content of Gospel contains these valuable teachings of Jesus. Christian throughout regards these stories with great respect because of the fact that these parables are the word of Jesus and ultimately they are the teachings that God himself taught Jesus.

Although seemingly very easy and simple, each of these stories gives very important message to its readers or listeners. The basic aim of these parables was to teach the followers of the religion with some of the very important moral and ethical principles. Moreover, the fact that these parables at various occasion used symbols and images as an approach to put forth the message, helps the reader connect more with the parables.

Another very important fact to note is that although the parables are simple and convenient to both read and understand. However, the message depicted or put forth by these stories is very deep and thoughtful. The message and the stories are also in accordance with the preaching by Jesus. A number of Christian authors believe these stories or parables to be more of the internal analogies where the nature is the viewer and witness of the spiritual world.

Uses of the Parables by Jesus

Jesus dedicated all his life to set such an extra ordinary example for his followers. He made sure that all of his teachings will ultimately result in the social, moral, economical ...