The Parables of Jesus: Lessons in Life From the Master Teacher

Jesus’ use of figures of speech, proverbs, and stories shows the simplicity, depth of insight, and sublimity of thought that only a master teacher can express. But the parables of Jesus are more than just great literature. As  J. Dwight Pentecost observes, “It is often overlooked that the primary purpose of the parables was to instruct those to whom the parables were originally spoken.” In fact, almost one-third of Christ’s teaching in the Gospels is given in the form of parables.

In order to properly interpret parables, Pentecost describes the context in which each parable was spoken and the background against which it was delivered. He then explains the problem or question that each parable addresses and the solution it contains.