Lesson Two 
Parables
 
A.	WHY JESUS SPOKE IN PARABLES: 
•	Matthew 13:1 0-1 7
•	Matthew 13:34-35
•	Mark 4:11-12
•	Mark 4:33
1.	DEFINITION OF A PARABLE:
•	It is a story that has been told for the definite purpose of making some truth clear. Therefore it is an illustration to throw light upon some doctrine. 
•	A parable is usually a short story, which is allegorical in nature. 
•	An ALLEGORY is the description of one thing under the image of another. 
2.	WHY DID JESUS TEACH IN PARABLES?
To be understood, a parable must be interpreted.
He accomplished two things with parables:
a.	For His disciples and later for the church, truths would be much more clearly understood and would be remembered much longer by the use of these parables.
b.	For the Pharisees and the unsaved the meaning of these parables would remain hidden mysteries. However, they would remember the stories, the meaning of which might later be revealed to them.
3. HOW MANY PARABLES DID JESUS USE?
•	No one knows the answer to this statement. 
•	We simply have the statement, "And with many such parables spake he the word unto them." 
•	We are confident that Jesus used many parables that were never recorded. 
4. HOW MAY WE UNDERSTAND PARABLES?
•	Parables are not to be interpreted literally. 
•	They have a spiritual meaning, which must be understood by divine revelation. 
•	There are two things, which we must be cautioned about:
(1)	Doctrines must not be formed on the basis of parables alone. Parables are for illustrating doctrines and making them clear but not for formulating doctrines.
(2)	Never make a parable out of a literal, historical story. An example, which we may use here, is the story of the beggar and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). 

B. MANY TAUGHT ON SALVATION:
Jesus gave a number of parables, which taught truths concerning Salvation. Some of these truths which were brought out in parables are:
1.	Jesus is the seeking Savior who came to seek and to save the lost;
2.	The importance of repentance to salvation is brought out;
3.	The importance of Salvation is taught;
4.	In order to receive forgiveness a man must be willing to forgive others;
5. After a man is saved he is expected to be fruitful.
C. PARABLESCONCERNINGSALVATION: 
1. THE GOOD SAMARITAN:
a.	Luke 10:25-37.
b. Truth Taught by the Parable: The direct lesson taught here was to define just
who our neighbor is. This Jewish man represents all mankind traveling the downward road away from God.
Jerusalem represented the dwelling place of God upon earth while Jericho was the place that had been cursed. God and the world are at enmity but God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son. Jesus Christ is the Good Samaritan, who had compassion, who came where fallen man is. This speaks to us of the church.
Even the two pence has meaning here. A penny is a day's wage and this speaks of providing for the man for two days. A day is with the Lord as a thousand years. Therefore, this parable taught that the church would minister to the sinner for a period of two thousand years.
2. THE PRODIGAL SON:
a.	Luke 15:11-32.
b. Truth Taught by the Parable: This is possibly the best known of all of our Lord's parables. It taught that God never hinders a person from leaving but that the way is always open to return. The truths taught here are:
(1)	The backslider must realize his tragic condition and come to a decision. A decision must be reached before the return journey.
(2)	The return journey is difficult but always possible.
(3)	True repentance and confession are essential.
(4)	There can be genuine reconciliation and true restoration.
(5) There is great rejoicing in heaven over every sinner who repents.
3. THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN:
a.	Luke 18:9-14.
4. THE FOOLISH RICH MAN:
a.	Luke 12:15-21.
b. Truth Taught by the Parable: This parable teaches us just how worthless are the treasures of this life. It also teaches just how uncertain life is. It is possible to labor and save for security in old age, only to see it all go in a moment's time. Any person who lives only for this world is a fool.
5. THE DEBTOR AND HIS FELLOW SERVANT:
a.	Matthew 18:23-35.
b. Truths Taught by the Parable: We are taught here that we can not receive forgiveness if we are unwilling to forgive.
6. THE TWO FORGIVEN DEBTORS: 
•	Luke 7:36-50.

LESSON TWO
SELF HELP TEST
A.	Define clearly what is meant by a "Parable."
B.	Why did Jesus teach using parables? Quote Scriptures to prove your answer.
C. Give TWO rules for the interpretation of parables:
1.		
2.	

Write a paragraph stating fully the truths taught by the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
D.	In the Parable of the "Debtor and His Fellow Servant" answer the following:
1.	How much did the servant owe the King?
2.	How much did his fellow servant owe him?
3.     What truths are taught by this parable?