Parables, Parables, Parables.....?

Question

Why do great teachers and even Prophets use Parables?
Why would they resort to this type of teaching, and do humans even understand there significant meanings today?

Are parables multi-layered, and do there meanings change?

**"Wisdom", removes the monkey wrench from the works!

Very lovely, Jannou, well said!
"Wisdom" is said to be so sharp that it can cut a diamond. I think you have proven that point!

Wonderful answers, thank you all!
"Peace be always with you."

Much has been said, feel free to add to any answers and again thanks!

Answer 1

Parables are made simple to enable comprehension. Also, the esoteric, though mysterious and often riddle-like nature of such writing, is so made to, allow the multi-layering of dimension in the meaning, touch each one in their own unique way.

Answer 2

Because, as you hinted at, truth is multi-layered.

That is why a pun is funny - it has both its literal meaning and analogical meaning that creates a comic contrast.

Same with parables. They have both an outer, exoteric meaning which can be understood on a more literal level and an esoteric, "hidden" level that is on a deeper more symbolic or spiritual level.

The telling of parables is done both because the truth cannot be contained in simple statements, but also because it is important to hide the deeper meaning from the wrong people, which Jesus warns as "casting not thy pearls before swine lest they turn and trample them and tear you to pieces."

Telling the whole truth to the wrong people is dangerous since their minds are incapable of grasping it.

Answer 3

It's only my opinion, but I think it was the main way to communicate a point in earlier times. When you look at the Bible, for example, the passages use several sayings and comparisons that we don't use any more. Language development, slang, and the mere act of translating from one language to another add to it, I'm sure. Imagine that you and I were to sit and write a story or moral lesson for others to read or learn from. We go back to the Biblical times and hand our work to a prophet or scholar and tell them to learn from it. They'd have no idea what we are trying to tell them. They'd probably ask why we weren't writing in parables, and why we used our particular wording when there's an easier way to do it. I believe humans do understand their communication style. I mean, Shakespeare's language style was difficult for me to understand, but the main point of "Romeo and Juliet" was clear. This is just the way I see it, and if a religious expert answers, I am going to look really stupid. Everything in my mind is telling me not to submit this answer if I don't want to be ridiculed, but now I'm interested in what others have to say.....I liked this question!

Answer 4

Some people understand it. With the Bible, pretty much everyone understand that Jesus taught with parables, but what most don't get is that pretty much every story in the OT is a parable, too. That is why there are a bunch of idiots out there searching for Noah's Ark and other supposedly "real" biblical relics. Also, the search for the chalice is ridiculaous, seeing as how she died long long ago...See what I mean, the whole thing is one big riddle.

Answer 5

Because some people respond better to a word-picture. It brings up familiar experiences, so that we can better relate. It draws comparisons between two people or objects or situations that we have known, so we can better see the relationship between two principles that are hard to grasp.

The impact of a parable is evident in the Bible by David's response to Nathan in 2 Samuel, chapter 12.

Answer 6

Parables make certain that you understand the answer and think about it rather than someone just "giving" you the answer.
Jesus taught in Parables because he knew that we had to "want" to know the answer before we could "hear" the answer and follow it.
Good luck!

Answer 7

ILLUSTRATIONS or parables were a prominent part of the teaching method of Jesus Christ nineteen centuries ago. In this way he fulfilled a Bible prophecy. Of this we are assured in the life account of Jesus Christ as written by his apostle Matthew Levi. This biographer tells us:

“All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds by illustrations. Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to them; that there might be fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet who said: ‘I will open my mouth with illustrations, I will publish things hidden since the founding [of the world].’”—Matt. 13:34, 35; Ps. 78:2.

Those illustrations or parables that specially bore on God’s Messianic kingdom might well be called Kingdom illustrations or parables. At times these were introduced with the words, “The kingdom of the heavens is like,” or, “With what are we to liken the kingdom of God?” or, “With what shall I compare the kingdom of God?”—Matt. 13:47; Mark 4:30; Luke 13:20.

Jesus is reported as giving thirty illustrations or parables.

Answer 8

Our mind takes a picture when a story is told -- we envision it happening as the tale unfolds. It is easier to remember an overall story line than it is to remember a basic fact. The story stays with us because we have the picture to recall; the inherent fact being expressed is embedded in that picture. It helps us retain the knowledge as it is more securely imprinted in our hearts and minds.

When both thought and emotion are involved in learning, we absorb and retain more information, as we are using more of the brain to receive the knowledge.

Answer 9

Parables seem to help get a point or learning across to those who would not understand it otherwise. It's a tool.

Answer 10

Jesus gave his message through parables because He knew those people were not ready to understand Him completely. It is like when we try to explain to a child about virtues, what do we do? We tell them fairy tales. Jesus knew those people were like children, ignorant and immature to understand His whole message. But we have progressed through centuries and centuries, through several lives and now we are ready to understand His message thoroughly. That's why He will come again. People think He will come from sky surfing in a cloud, but indeed He will be born again, because that's what we all do over and over, through reincarnation.

Peace!