(February 9)
Jesus’ Parables: The Four Gospels
Key Verse: And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. —Mark 4:9
Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Everyone has ears. What do we use our ears for? (i.e.: to hear; hold glasses; etc.). We are to understand the primary purpose for our ears is to hear. Understand this verse better by the following definitions:
*said: “to speak by linking and knitting together in connected discourse the inward thoughts and feelings of the mind.”
*hear: “to hear; to give audience; understand.”
In this lesson, we will learn that Jesus taught by parables. Parables can be considered “earthly stories with heavenly meanings.” Jesus wanted His followers to understand His teachings. So, He wanted them to put on their “spiritual ears” and not only hear what He taught, but to do what He taught.
Suggested Bible Reading to Prepare for This Lesson:
• Monday: Mark 4, 6-7
• Tuesday: Luke 10-12
• Wednesday: Luke 13-15
• Thursday: Luke 16-18
• Friday: John 6-8
• Saturday: John 9-11
We should understand that God’s Word is the seed and once the seed is planted, it is to grow, producing fruit. That means that once we hear about Jesus and become a Christian, we are to live a life pleasing to Him. Christians have the ears that are to hear the truths taught by Jesus and live accordingly.
In our last lesson, we learned about a few of the miracles of Jesus. In those miracles we saw the compassion of Jesus and the call to faith – to believe in Jesus.
In this lesson, we will learn that Jesus taught in parables. Parables are often referred to as “earthly stories with heavenly meanings.” Jesus told many parables, but we will only look at a few today: the Sower and the seed; the parable of the Good Shepherd; the parable of the Good Samaritan; the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son; ending with the parable of the prayer of the Pharisee and the publican.
In the first parable Jesus taught (the Sower and the seed), it revealed that Jesus is the Sower, and the seed is the Word of God. The people who received the Word of God grew and produced fruit. He ended with the phrase, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” for it was a call for anyone who would to receive God’s word and be saved. When the disciples asked why Jesus taught in parables, Jesus explained it to them. He wanted His followers to understand what He was teaching.
Some of today’s parables may be familiar to you, but try to understand what Jesus was teaching his followers, those who believed in Him. Even those who did not fully understand were called to make a decision – to follow Jesus and His teachings, or not.
In these parables Jesus taught not only how be saved, but that once saved, a Christian is to grow. Jesus also taught there is only one way to Heaven – Jesus.
- Why Jesus Taught in Parables (Mark 4:1-20, 33-34)
As we learned about many of Jesus’ miracles in our last lesson, we understood one reason for them was to reveal differing levels of faith – for it takes faith to believe in Jesus. Many people believed in Jesus, but we also learned there were many people who did not believe. Some enemies were revealed as they plotted and planned what they might do to Jesus. (See an example in Mark 3:6: “And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.”)
Not only did Jesus do miracles, but more importantly, He taught the people. Often times Jesus told parables. Parables can be understood as “earthly stories with heavenly meanings.” The word parable means “to compare by placing side by side; a comparison. There were dual purposes of Jesus’ parables: 1) to reveal truth to His disciples and 2) to veil the truth from those Jesus knew would not believe even if they understood the meaning.” Jesus taught by parables about things that had eternal value. “1. And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. 2. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine” (Mark 4:1-2). Doctrine here means “the act of teaching, instructing, tutoring.”
The first parable Jesus taught is foundational for all of the following parables of Jesus. “3. Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: 4. And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. 5. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: 6. But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 8. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. 9. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:3-9). Hear means “to hear with attention or listen to.” Notice that at the end of the parable, Jesus called for those who could hear, to listen. (We will look more at the meaning of this parable later in the chapter.)
When the disciples did not understand why Jesus taught in parables, Jesus told them why. We will look at this explanation in Matthew for it is explained in greater detail (compared to Mark 4:10-12). “10. And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11. He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given … 13. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand … 16. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them” (Matthew 13:10-11, 13, 16-17). Think of it as a riddle, or a secret code. These parables were intended for Believers (Christians), enabling them to understand His teachings, so they could hear and grow in their faith. The lost world does not understand the things of God. None of the prophets we learned about in the Old Testament was as privileged as the followers of Jesus; for they actually heard Jesus teach. Remember what Proverbs taught? “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Jesus is the Lord who gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
The following helps us understand just why this parable is foundational for the other parables Jesus taught. “13. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? 14. The sower soweth the word. 15. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17. And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19. And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. 20. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred” (Mark 4:13-20).
Jesus is the sower. He sows the Word (God’s Word, the Bible). Notice the differing responses where the Word is heard: Satan stole some; some initially received it but have no root and stumble shortly afterward; some have the Word choked out before they can even receive it; but there are those who receive the Word and grow producing great fruit. Notice that only one out of four grew and produced fruit.
Jesus told this parable for his disciples so that they could understand the other parables he would teach. Not many people would receive the Words that Jesus taught – but those Words were important. “33. And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. 34. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples” (Mark 4:33-34). When the masses of people were gone, Jesus explained the meanings of them to His disciples.
In this lesson, we will look at only a few of the many parables of Jesus, and what it was that He was teaching.
- Parables of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
As we ended our study of the Old Testament in the book of Malachi, God had sent Malachi to the religious leaders first. They were practicing a religion instead of truly worshiping God. When Jesus began His ministry, he found the religious leaders in the same condition. Although the religious leaders were to be teaching the people to watch for the Christ, we find they did not recognize Him themselves. Jesus wanted the people to understand that there is only one way to heaven – Jesus. He explained this concept in the following parables.
Parable of the Good Shepherd: Most people understood the role of a shepherd in those days. Jesus spoke to them of something they would understand. “1. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 6. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them” (John 10:1-6). It is important to understand that anyone who tries to tell the people there is any other way to be saved than by the shepherd is a thief and a robber. More than that, Jesus, the Shepherd, knows those who belong to Him. He calls them out, leads them, protects them, and provides for them.
However, to help the people further to understand, He tells them more. “7. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” (John 10:7-18). Just as there is only one door into the sheep pen, there is only one way to heaven – Jesus. Satan (the thief) on the other hand, wants to steal, kill, or destroy the sheep so they cannot find Jesus or eternal life. There are many false teachers, tricking people into believing that there is more than one way to heaven, but Jesus wanted the people to know there is only One way – Jesus. Moreover, He laid down His life, to give eternal life to the lost who believe. These words brought division (see John 10:19).
Remember what God had told his people by the prophet Isaiah. “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 55:6-8). Parables were one way Jesus taught the people to seek the Lord, forsake their way for God’s, and to understand that God would have mercy upon them.
- Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Not only did Jesus teach the people how to be saved, gaining eternal life (by following the One Shepherd, entering in through the One Door), but He taught them how to live as a Christian. Notice that the people, who did not believe in Jesus, challenged his words or tried to “tempt” Him. The word tempt means to prove; put to the test; try; sinners are said to tempt God.”
Parable of the Good Samaritan: As you read the following, understand that lawyer means “specialists in law and jurisprudence; an expert in the Mosaic law.” “25. And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26. He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27. And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:25-28). When a lawyer questioned Jesus, see that Jesus asked him about the law, which he knew. Although this lawyer was trying to test Jesus, Jesus still wanted him to understand. Nevertheless, recognize that this lawyer did not want to learn from Jesus, for he was trying to test Jesus. Even when Jesus agreed with the lawyer’s answer, understand that this lawyer was not satisfied. “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:29). Justify means “to set forth as righteous; to declare righteous; this lawyer wanted to establish himself as righteous.” Read Jesus’ response. “30. And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34. And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37. And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:30-37). Keep in mind that a Samaritan was a person who was half Jew and half gentile. The Jews did not like the Samaritans. Also, remember that the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. In addition, note that Jesus would use familiar things to help the people understand. So this event could very likely happen on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Jesus wanted this lawyer, and all who would listen, to understand. Jesus mentioned religious leaders – men one would obviously consider compassionate to one in need. Yet the only one, who helped the injured man, was a man they would never consider – a Samaritan, one who “had compassion on him.” Jesus then asked the lawyer to weigh the evidence and draw the conclusion himself. When the lawyer gave the correct answer, Jesus told him to “Go, and do thou likewise.” Once again, Jesus left him with a call to a decision: go and do.
A Deeper Path: Remember the Ten Commandments we learned about that are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17. These Ten Commandments can be divided into two groups: numbers one through four are sins against God, and numbers five through ten are sins against others, or neighbors. This lawyer understood this and combined them into these two groups. However, as Jesus pointed out, this lawyer had not really obeyed the law as he thought – he was found lacking. Because the lawyer had not really fulfilled the law, he was guilty. This was an important point that he had missed. Read what we can understand. “8. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9. But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:8-10). That lawyer needed Jesus.
- Parables of Things Lost; and a Prayer (Luke 15:1-32; 18:9-14)
We have recognized that Jesus had enemies that followed Him, always questioning and challenging His words. But as we just saw with the lawyer, Jesus helped them to understand by having them weigh the evidence to understand the correct answers.
Before reading the following three parables, remember our studies in the Old Testament. God had taken one man (Abraham), promised him a mighty nation, and fulfilled that promise in the nation Israel. God instructed His people to obey His commands and serve Him as the one and only God. When the people failed, worshiping false idols, God allowed them to be taken captive from their homeland. They were a people, lost and undone, without a homeland. Nevertheless, God still loved His people. He never left them. During the time God’s people were held captive in a foreign land, they returned to Him, forsaking idol worship, forever. God then brought them back into the land He promised, and restored them as a people. God even left His people with the promise of the One who would restore the individual relationship with Him. Remembering this, read the following parables.
Lost sheep: Jesus told of a shepherd who lost only one sheep out of one hundred sheep: a one percent loss. “1. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5. And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:1-7). Jesus told of a shepherd who lost only one sheep. That sheep was important to him, so he searched until he found it. He then rejoiced with friends and neighbors. Jesus wanted the listeners to understand that God rejoices, along with all of heaven, over each individual soul that repents and turns to Him.
Lost coin: Jesus told of one who lost money: A ten percent loss. “8. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9. And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:8-10). For those who do not understand the love a shepherd has for his sheep, Jesus focused their attention upon money – for most people had lost some money at one point or another, rejoicing when the money was found.
Lost son: In the following, we have a father with two sons who looses one: a fifty percent loss. “11. And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12. And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19. And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 25. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30. But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:11-32).
This parable is probably quite familiar to you. Understand that the father represents God. The two sons represent two different characters: the older as one who faithfully obeys and serves God (think the Jewish people); and the younger as those, like the publicans and sinners, and even the Gentile people. These are people who live lives indulging self and need to repent of sin and turn to God as their Father. In understanding this, Christians need to remember the older son’s response when his younger brother returned in repentance. The older brother responded incorrectly when he did not receive his brother as his father had. Christians should learn from this. We are to receive those who repent, receiving them as one who “was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”
To help us see a picture of one who is truly repentant (as the younger son who returned, repentant), read the following parable. Jesus wanted them to understand true repentance.
The Pharisee and the Publican: Jesus told of two different men as they prayed. “9. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14). Jesus told of two different men as they prayed. Notice first to whom this parable is directed – those (as the lawyer we learned about) who felt they were already righteous (justified). People who do not understand they are not righteous in and of themselves (for they are sinners) are usually the most difficult of people to understand Jesus and His teachings. See that Jesus wanted them to understand true repentance.
Pharisee means “a Pharisee; they were the separatists in the time of Jesus; they considered themselves much holier than the common people, wearing special garments to distinguish themselves from others.” Publican means “a collector of customs or taxes; they were the objects of bitter hatred and scorn by the Jews; often associated with the most depraved class of society.” Jesus wanted them to understand that it did not matter what people thought (as in what their name depicted), but it mattered what was in the heart and attitude. From outward appearance, the Pharisee was justified. But Jesus wanted the people to understand that it was a matter of the heart.
A Deeper Path: Remember what David told Solomon as he was instructing him as the new king of Israel. “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). David understood that God saw the heart, and rewarded according to what was in the heart. Jeremiah understood this, too. “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:10). Do you remember when David sinned against God in the matter with Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite? David took his sin to God, asking for forgiveness. All of Psalm chapter fifty-one is a prayer of forgiveness, but especially note the following verse. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
Reinforcement: As we learned about parables in this lesson, we first learned that God’s Word is the seed that is planted. First we learned that it is to cause a sinner repent and give their life to Jesus. After that, as that new Christian hears more of God’s Word, they are to continue to grow, producing fruit (living a Christ-like life). Jesus wanted the people to understand that unless they believed in Him, they could not enter into heaven. Keep in mind that Jesus knows who belongs to Him, and He will provide for them. Jesus taught that anyone can be a neighbor, and Christians are to love them. We also read that all of heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents and turns their heart and life to Jesus. Understanding that man cannot be justified by how he lives, but only by Jesus.
Jesus’ Miracles: The Four Gospels
- Why Jesus Taught in Parables (Mark 4:1-20, 33-34)
• What is a parable
• The Sower and the seed - Parable of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
• Jesus is the Shepherd
• Jesus is the Door - Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
• A lawyer’s question
• Jesus’ answer - Parables of Lost Things and a Prayer (Luke 15:1-32; 18:9-14)
• Parable of the lost sheep
• Parable of the lost coin
• Parable if the lost son
• The prayers of the Pharisee and the publican