1. Jesus’ Use of Parables
• Gospels use predominantly
narrative literary form, but most
distinctive & enlightening is the
parable
• Parable is a simple story that
illustrates a religious truth
• It’s easy to understand, yet
points to something deeper
• Commonly used in Jewish
rabbinic tradition
• Used for clarification or applying
something familiar in a novel way
• Jesus & the presence of the
kingdom in this world are at the
heart of the parables
• Open up for us the meaning of
what the kingdom of God is &
how we are to live to be part of it

2. Use of Parables in the Synoptics
• Synoptics differ in their approach &
use of parables
• Mark – parables confusing to all
because no one really understood
who Jesus was; took faith &
commitment to Jesus to
comprehend His message
• Matthew – Jesus is primarily a
teacher, thus confusing to outsiders
but easily understood by believers;
also connected to faith in Jesus but
adds warning against complacency
• Luke – serve three purposes: warn
those who reject His message that
they are rejected by God, to call
people to follow Jesus, & to teach
disciples to live an authentic life of
prayer, suffering, and care for the
poor

3. Dialogue (Parables) in John
• John was last canonical
gospel
• Consists of large, well-
developed units with
dialogue between Jesus &
one other person (like
Nicodemus or the Samaritan
woman at the well)
• Delve more deeply into what
Jesus means by learning
how His words
misunderstood by the person in the narrative
• John rarely used parables, but when he does (like John
10:1-6) no one understands so he clarifies it with regard
Himself, not the Kingdom
• Jesus of John’s gospel must often describe himself, the
Father, the Advocate, & the love of God for humanity,
rather than emphasizing the Kingdom