The Parables of Yeshua ha Moshiach

Using Complete Jewish Bible

Note that scroll of Yochanan has no Parables

Why did Messiah Yeshua teach in Parables?

Yahshua gave the following answers:
"To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.

• For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance, but
• whoever doesn't have, from him will be taken away even that which he has.
  Therefore I speak to them in parables, because
• seeing they don't see, and hearing, they don't hear, neither do they understand.

In them the prophecy of Yesha`yahu is fulfilled, which says,

1. By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand;
2. Seeing you will see, and will in no way perceive:
3. For this people's heart has grown callous,
4. Their ears are dull of hearing,
5. They have closed their eyes;
6. Or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes, Hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and should turn again; and I would heal them.'

But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.

For most assuredly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn't see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn't hear them

The word "mystery" (secret or hidden truths) appears in the O.T. only in the Aramaic section of Daniel (Dan. 2:18, 19, 27-30, 47; 4:9), where raz (Aram.) is given the translation of musterion (Gk., "mystery") by the LXX. In the N.T. it refers to a purpose or plan hidden in the heart of God until the appointed time of divine disclosure to men (Rom. 16:25 26; Eph. 3:3, note).

The parabolic method has numerous advantages:

(1) Spiritual truths may be conveyed in everyday terms with which all are familiar.
(2) Arresting stories are more easily remembered than abstract spiritual principles enunciated without local color.
(3) Messiah Yeshua desires to conceal certain truths in parable, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah (Yeshayahu. 6:9, 10). The idea is that long inattentiveness to previous revelation has brought darkness to the eyes of many listeners. To them, the parables of Yeshua create only a greater fog.

Why do we need to study the Parable?

They are part of HaShem's Word. The parables are "born out of life" and therefore have a way of touching us in those areas where life is most meaningful and significant. Parables are both mirrors and windows. As mirrors they reveal our lives and help us to see life and HaShem.

How do we Study the Parable?

• Study each in its context.
• Draw out the main truth of the parable teachings.
• Look for the doctrine illustrated in the parable.