Unlearning Parables | Dr. Randy White

The topic at hand, "Unlearning Parables," invites us to question traditional interpretive methods when engaging with parables, illustrations, and types in biblical literature. Given the prevailing missteps in understanding parables, a course correction is imperative. Parables are often taught to be the method that Jesus made His message plain. In this sermon we will unlearn that fallacy.

Parable, Illustration, or Type? Clarifying Definitions

At its core, a parable is a narrative that may very well be rooted in reality, yet the factual accuracy of the story isn't its focal point. Instead, a parable exists to convey obscured truths about God's work, truths that are veiled and demand careful interpretation.

Contrast this with what we commonly refer to as an illustration. An illustration functions as a visual or descriptive representation of a truth that is openly stated. For example, the account of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27 is straightforward in its intent, acting as an illustrative lesson about the foundations upon which one builds one’s life. Similarly, metaphors or figures like the salt of the earth and light of the world in Matthew 5:13-16 serve the same illustrative purpose.

Then there is the category of a type, which refers to a historical person or event that serves as a foreshadowing of something yet to come. The key to identifying a type is that every detail must correspond to what it represents. Take for instance the episode where Moses strikes the rock, providing water for the Israelites. This can be understood as a type, foreshadowing Christ as the source of living water. Similarly, the sufferings of Job can be seen as emblematic of the Jewish remnant during the end times.

The fact that no two lists of Biblical parables is the same displays the difficulty in determining what a parable is.

Mistakes made in interpreting parables

Navigating the intricacies of interpreting parables can be fraught with pitfalls, which often lead to misconceptions and erroneous conclusions. One of the most common mistakes is to identify a narrative as a parable when it is not intended as such. The Wikipedia definition of a parable, for instance, describes it as a "succinct, didactic story, in prose or verse that illustrates one or more instructive lessons or principles." While this definition categorizes a parable as a subtype of illustration, it overlooks the distinctive nature of a parable: that it contains a concealed truth about God's work, in contrast to an illustration which explicates an openly stated truth.

When an illustration is misconstrued as a parable, there is the tendency is to dig for hidden spiritual or moral meanings that the original text does not possess. An illustration is generally a straightforward depiction of an openly stated truth, not a concealed or encrypted message.

But when taking a parable and making it an illustration you may miss the hidden meaning of the text. This could be applied to narratives like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) or the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), for example, which are rich in realistic details but serve as parables with deeper, concealed truths.

Another frequent mistake is to interpret a parable as a type, subsequently extracting significance from irrelevant details. Take the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3-7; the temptation might be to derive theological meaning from the individual characteristics of sheep, which is not the primary focus of the parable.

The Chief Subject of Parables | Matthew 13:10-17

Let's delve into the passage of Matthew 13:10-17 and explore its implications for understanding the chief subject and purpose of parables in the New Testament.

The opening words introduce a surprising revelation: parables are always about the Kingdom of God. This is explicitly delineated in Matthew 13:10-17. Specifically, verse 10 sees the disciples inquiring about the meaning of parables—plural—implying that the explanation given pertains to the broader range of parables, not just the one at hand.

Verse 11 underscores the intent behind the use of parables—to unveil the "mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven." Therefore, interpretations of parables that seek to draw insights for sundry aspects of life or theology miss the core message, namely the Kingdom of God. Attempting to universalize the purpose of parables will only lead to a dilution of their essence.

Context is imperative in understanding verse 12. A companion passage, Mark 4:24-25, clarifies that those who are receptive to hearing will gain further insight. Contrarily, those who are unresponsive will lose even their basic understanding, particularly concerning the Kingdom of God's mysteries.

The motivation for using parables as delineated in verse 13 aligns with a strategic concealment. Parables are couched in obscurity when adversaries are present, as evidenced during Jesus's ministry. The intent is not to offer information on a silver platter but to hide it from those unwilling to invest in profound study. This idea finds a parallel in John 3:19-20, which talks about individuals' preference for darkness due to their deeds.

Verses 14-15 bring in an Isaiah 6:9-10 reference, the context of which is a time of tribulation prior to the Messianic Kingdom. Matthew 13 likewise speaks of such days, signaling the imminent advent of the Kingdom of God. It's worth noting that in the King James Version, the term "gross" has its roots in the notion of size, possibly indicating a sense of enlargement or inflation that obstructs perception.

Finally, verses 16-17 contrast the audience to whom the mysteries are revealed. Here, Jesus praises the disciples, to whom these hidden insights about the Kingdom are made known, over the general multitude who remain in ignorance. He employs a specific term for "see," which implies a deeper form of perception. The prophets and the righteous of old longed for this level of understanding regarding the Kingdom, which is now being disclosed through parables.

This passage thus functions as a hermeneutical lens for all parables spoken by Jesus. It restricts their primary focus to the Kingdom of God and places boundaries on their interpretative latitude.

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