Problem Parables

Jesus’ parables are problematic. There are lots of them – over a third of Jesus’ teaching and 13% of the Gospels are parables. They are rarely explained, and when they are, it is often not what you expect. And sometimes the characters we are encouraged to identify with God or ourselves are morally questionable. In this series alone we look at a corrupt judge, a dishonest manager, an unfair boss, and some selfish maidens. But what is Jesus trying to do with such teaching? Surprisingly, Jesus explained parables as God’s judgement on the person without faith, and an invitation for those with faith to come closer (Matt 13:10-17). The parables in this series will be a double-edged sword then, both diagnosing sin and drawing-out faith.

This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.”
Matt 13:13