4.4 The Parables of Christ                                  

 

1. How is it suggested in the Psalms that Christ would use parables?
Psalms 78:2 I will open My mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

 

2. From what source did Christ usually draw His parables?
From nature and from the experiences of everyday life.

 

3. For what purpose are His parables known?
The Lord's parables are distinguished above all others by their clarity, purity, chastity, comprehensibility, importance of meaning, and simplicity. They are drawn for the most part from the matters of ordinary life and are therefore understandable to all people. Dr. Albert Barnes on Matthew 13:3

 

4. What did Christ say at the end of one of His parables?
Matthew 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 

5. What did the disciples then ask?
Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables?

 

6. What did Christ answer?
Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

 

7. What did Christ ask His disciples after He had taught them by parables?
Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

 

8. How often did Christ use parables?
Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them:

 

9. In what way did Christ want His disciples to follow His example in teaching the truths of the gospel?
Matthew 13:52 Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

 

10. Which are among Christ’s most striking and soul-winning parables?
Read Luke 15:3-7 & Luke 15:11-32 The parables of the lost sheep and the prodigal son