Biblical Parables from our previous lesson have a basis for which they are told, are applicable for business in the kingdom of God and have a great deal of influence over our lives as children of God. Parables have been called earthly illustrations which have heavenly or divine meanings but they are allegories, fables myths or proverb.
Allegories for instance can be seen as a figurative application or illustrations taken from real life historical fact or events e.g. Gal 4 22-5:4. An allegory often times than not have all characters representing an idea, concept, form or being. Parables speak of events that can be said to never really happen but which we expect that anyone can do in the normal course of events.
Fables and Myths on the other hand are stories that are fantasies or a larger-than-life sayings e. g. Judges 9:8-15; and proverbs are short statements that contain a complete and valuable thought. It also can be short wise sayings that contain practical truths learned by experience or through observation.
In some cases proverbs, allegories and parables have been blended in usage. E.g. Matt 24:32, the parable of the fig tree (Proverb), John 15:1-17 (Parable and allegory).
NB: 1. Parables as used by Jesus are used in such a way that it has spiritual truth(s) that it is meant to convene. Luke 16:1-8. Did Jesus commend this sort of behavior? No. However, the main point is that believers need to be far-sighted in preparing for crisis, and twists in life.
2. Not all objects of that appear in the illustration have any spiritual significance except for the truth which it is meant to convene. As in the above, it is safe to say that the other embellished characters are merely placed to give a realistic view of a painted scenario.
3. Conscious efforts are to be made in pointing out which of these illustrations are allegorical or parable so as not to fall into unnecessary errors of interpretation and understanding thereby missing the point. The Good Samaritan as an example points out who a good neighbor really is and has eternal representation for the donkey, wine, inn. Lk 10:29-37
4. Parables usually do not require allegorical interpretations, but some might. Matt 21:33-45, Mk 12:1-12.
Jesus’ teachings were characterized by memorable stories and sayings that were interesting and powerful enough to hold the attention of both his then audience and the readers/listeners of today. The understanding of biblical parables open us up to a better idea and understanding of the KINGDOM. The Kingdom as it relates to the king, the kingdom, the children of the kingdom, the lifestyle of the kingdom and oppositions daily faced as a result. Parables contain the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven as well as things kept hidden from the foundation of the world. (Matt13:11, 35). Mysteries which the light of the Gospel of Christ has now revealed Rom 16:25-27.
Matt 5:13 – You are the SALT
The salt is a crystalline compound, abundant in nature and used especially to season and preserve. Salts also give flavour, sustain life, and can be used for cure, treatment and enrichment. It has a very strong penetrative ability.
The understanding, truth and instructions this statement leaves us with include
- The “you” described in this passage points to a specific audience/life (those in God’s kingdom)
- This life pointed to have a distinct life that sets them apart. Vs 1-12
- This life makes the word of God tasty to the world and not he world tasty to God
- You are to hinder the corruption and further of the world
- Preventing corruption in the world keeps the world from destruction Gen 18:26
- God’s anger is kept at bay when the salt is active Gen 19:22
- Your strength is not in your appearance but tat which is on your inside
- Your have a far-reaching influence than you can imagine.
CAUTION: but if the salt loses its saltiness
- A life that refuses to be distinct from the conduct of the world is in danger of losing its saltiness
- A life that not adding the kingdom value of salt to his world is useless
- A life that fails to be active tool in the kingdom deserves to be rejected and destroyed, Lk 14:34-35
DUTIES
- Though crystalline, yet distinct. Live a life that portrays the kingdom everywhere. Jh 15:19
- Christ came to preserve and give life. Bring life and preservation to your sphere. Jh 1:4,6:37,
- Avoid that which can render you unfit 1 pet 2:11
- Be available for use in God’s vineyard. Jn 13:14-17
- Take a stand against rottenness and corruption. Josh 1:9
- Refuse to conform