Parables of Jesus

[1][2] Jesus's parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, and all teach a lesson in daily life.

Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep, and central to the teachings of Jesus.

Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes that serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

[5] Tom Wright observes that his parables are similar to the dreams recounted in the Old Testament, which are presented "in search of meanings".

Parables are generally considered to be short stories such as the Good Samaritan, and are differentiated from metaphorical statements such as, "You are the salt of the earth."

[10] Dr. Kenneth Boa states that "Parables are extended figures of comparison that often use short stories to teach a truth or answer a question.

Several authors such as Barbara Reid, Arland Hultgren or Donald Griggs comment that "parables are noticeably absent from the Gospel of John".

[25] Dwight Pentecost suggests that given that Jesus often preached to a mixed audience of believers and non-believers, he used parables to reveal the truth to some, but hide it from others.

[1] The Anglican bishop of Montreal, Ashton Oxenden, suggests that Jesus constructed his parables based on his divine knowledge of how man can be taught: This was a mode of teaching, which our blessed Lord seemed to take special delight in employing.

He suggests that Jesus did not form his parables merely as analogies but based on an "inward affinity between the natural and the spiritual order.

[37] Of the thirty or so parables in the canonical Gospels, four were shown in medieval art almost to the exclusion of the others, but not mixed in with the narrative scenes of the Life of Christ.

[38] Artists famous for depicting parables include Martin Schongauer, Pieter the Elder Bruegal and Albrecht Dürer.

From the Renaissance the numbers shown widened slightly, and the various scenes of the Prodigal Son became the clear favorite, with the Good Samaritan also popular.

In 1857 the Brothers Dalziel commissioned John Everett Millais to illustrate the parables, and this work was published in 1864 in London.

[39] As well as being depicted in art and discussed in prose, a number of parables form the inspiration for religious poetry and hymns.