Jesus And Parables Series

Mark 4:1-21

Parables in Mark

Definition of the Parable:

The Catholic Encyclopedia explains, “The word parable (Hebrew mashal; Syrian mathla, Greek parabole) signifies in general a comparison, or a parallel, by which one thing is used to illustrate another (ref: Aleteia). The Greek word Parabole comes from para = besides, near + ballo = throw, cast. It literally means throwing beside or placing of one thing by the side of another for the purpose of comparison. In short, the known truth explained the unknown truth. A parable is a way to make abstract truth more concrete, interesting and easier to remember and apply. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. (Ref: Austin Precept). The Hebrew Scriptures use the word masal/mashal to describe this form of comparison to teach a lesson. Dictionary definition is the parables are short allegorical stories designed to teach a truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.

The Purpose of the Parable:

Jesus gives the purpose of the parable in Mark 4:10-12, and Mark explains to his reader (Mark 4:33-34). Jesus quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 to tell the disciples for the purpose of his teachings through Parables. The reference to Isaiah shifts the sarcastic to the secretive (Rev. Dr. Karl Jacobson, Working Preacher). Jesus' teaching in Parables was in fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 78:1-2.

A parable is a succinct, didactic story, in prose or verse, which illustrates one or more instructive lessons or principles. A parable is a type of analogy. It is a revelatory mode of expression; they are not just illustrations of ideas or principles. Jesus, the revealer, tells his disciples that the secret of the Kingdom of God is given to them but that to the outsider everything is in parables (or riddles) in order that they may not hear and understand lest they repent and be forgiven (Mark 4:10–12). (Saint Leo University).

“Parables are also perfect examples of how the various senses of scripture are revealed. Each parable has a literal sense (conveyed by the words of Scripture and discovered by exegesis) as well as a spiritual sense. The spiritual sense of parables can further be separated into its allegorical sense (a more profound understanding of events by recognizing their significance in Christ); its moral sense (how they ought to lead us to act justly); and its anagogical sense (in terms of their eternal significance, leading us toward our true homeland).”(Ref: Aleteia)

A parabole is a short comparison, while a parable is a longer story. There are 38 parables in the Synoptic Gospels. Mark has 8 in common and one is unique. He gives us the 9.

Short Comparisons:

The Cloth and Wineskins (Mark 2:21-22), The Lamp (Mark 4:21-25), The Clean and Unclean (Mark 7:14-23), Salt (Mark 9:49-50), The Door Keeper (Mark 13: 34-37).

Parables: The Strong Man (Mark 3:23-27), The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:3-8)

The Parable of the Seed that Grows Itself (Mark 4:26-29), The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32), The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1-9), The Parable of the Fig Tree (Mark 13:28-31).

Messages through the Parables:

Jesus is teaching us that if we simply patch faith into our old life, that it will not be compatible. If one is to embrace a new life of faith in Christ, they have to leave their old life behind. (Mark 2:21-22). The parable of a divided Kingdom helps us to understand that division will weaken unity (Mark 3:23-27). The parable of the Sower describes how the receiving of the Gospel blooms in the lives of different people (Mark 4:1-20). The Parable of the Lamp teaches the importance of living their faith on their sleeve (Mark 4:21-25). The Gospel starts as a small seed within the heart and blooms into a life-giving and transformative catalyst in the lives of many (Mark 4:30-34). Walk according to the will of God, not by the tradition of the religion (Mark 12:1-12). The parable of the budding fig tree reminds us to keep our eyes and ears open to the world around us so we can be prepared for Christ’s return (Mark 13:28-33). Be faithful to the teachings given to you till he returns (Mark 13:34-37).

Unique Parable in Mark:

The parable of the growing seed is only found in Mark and communicates that the Kingdom of God begins as a seed planted in the heart, growing and growing until it is fully ripe (Mark 4:26-29), (Ref: Lord’s Library). In this parable, Jesus taught that His Word will change the world. Jesus told His followers that in following Him, they can have a role to change the world. Disciples are world changers.

Conclusion:

Jesus had the wisdom to simplify the profound spiritual truths to share with humanity in the form of relatable stories that are easy to understand. The parables Jesus teaches us Love, Forgiveness, God’s Kingdom, Prayer, Redemption, and End times. It is like a mirror and a window, where we see through to the truth about God, but like a mirror, it forces us to look at ourselves. A parable utilizes the full story to produce the spiritual lesson, whereas a proverb, metaphor, simile, or figure of speech centers usually on a word, phrase, or sentence.