Was Jesus' use of parables smart?

Question

Smart is a poor choice of words but I couldn't think of a better way to put it.

In Mark, he says he does it so people will understand his message better. However, several times his diciples didn't even know what he was talking about and the had to ask him to explain.

There most be a better way, because many of the parable are hard for morden day people to get because the parables deal with old technology and customs.

I like to think I'm a pretty well inform dude. I like to learn about history, but there are just some parables that don't meaning about to me. They are too focused on the times that they are in.

The problem that I have with their us is that it puts gods words up for interptation. Why did Jesus come down here if he's not even going to give a straight answer.

Answer 1

The bible was written over a period of centuries by countless authors. If it had been written in plain language then it would lose some of its mysticism. Seems odd that our increased intelligence and availability of knowledge in comparison to those in Jesus' time, that we still don't understand what the message is...Now, if only I can figure out what i'm saying?

Answer 2

For precisely the argument you put forth, I think it's fairly obvious that he didn't choose the parable medium so that people would more easily understand his message, but you may have missed his point in that passage from Mark. Think about some of the Eastern religions and philosophies for a minute. A lot of them also use such stories, such as the infamous parable of the man caught on the cliff between two tigers who finds the strawberry. Most parables are designed not to be obvious, or else there wouldn't be any point in giving the message in parable form in the first place. Jesus' parables are no exception. They were intended to elicit curiosity and interest amongst those who ultimately became his followers, and once they understood the meaning of the parable, they would remember it well.

Answer 3

Parables are a smart idea because people were not always "on the same page" as Jesus. Even now, A 10 year old can read the parables and get the meaning. It is like having a talk with kids over terms of the body. Toes= piggies, breasts= boobies, etc. we can use parables everyday to get a point across.

Answer 4

Jesus used parables to teach for different reasons. In some cases it was to illustrate a doctrine. This would be using the Good Samaritan to show who is your neighbor. In other cases he used parables so that only his followers would bet the message. This could be like comparing himself to the temple.

Are parables hard to understand? I suppose some are, but if it gives you a chance to study and ponder before you get the point, all the better.

Answer 5

Parables was the only way Jesus could possibly have gotten His message across.

Have you ever heard someone try to explain an area of expertise you're not familiar with? A doctor maybe. Unless they use words common to everyone in their explanation, you're not going to understand what they're talking about. Technical terms are for insiders, not laymen.

Jesus spoke in parables so those who had a grasp on spiritual things would get it. Those who didn't had no clue, they just thought he was a story-teller.

Answer 6

Well, although I can somewhat understand your seeming frustration with the parables, they were a "smart" thing in many ways. Just like any public speaker, Jesus used examples from the time and culture He was in to explain deep spiritual issues. Now, I should repeat that it was deep spiritual issues Jesus was addressing, so some degree of confusion is to be expected, even for those who understand the culture and even for people today.

In regards to your comment about why Jesus didn't just say straight out what everything meant in its entirety (i.e. leaving it up to interpretation), there can be much to be gained by having to think about an issue. Also, it appears that you are running under the assumption that there should only be one interpretation for a particular piece of Scripture. However, in my opinion, one of the Bible's more powerful aspects is that it can be interpreted in more than one way and still be saying what it needs to say. I could list many examples of people I have talked who have told me of how a piece of Scripture, like a parable, spoke to them in a different way at a different point in their life. This allowance for interpretation appears to me as a good thing rather than a shortcoming of the text.

Answer 7

First get a NIV or Clear Word Bible wich I prefer. Jesus explained the parables at the end of the stories so that's why you have to keep on reading the whole section of that book.

Answer 8

You assume that the twelve were smart. There is no other way to read ancient writings. You have to immerse yourself. Anti-deluvian theology is the most arcane, and my personal favorite.

The rate of change in society is accelerating at such a rate, that even yesterdays news is hard to keep in context. As it stands, ancient religous writings are the few stable elements in society. That is the main reason why fundamentalism is on the rise accross a wide spectrum of religions/societies.

Nearly every thing Jesus said, is a direct quote, or allusion to ancient text. Even his words on the cross, was biblical.

Answer 9

I believer you falsely referred to Mark 4: 10When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12so that,
" 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'

Answer 10

A parable is meant to make you think...if you have spent any amount of time with the people here...well...you get the picture.