The Parables of Jesus - 6 Rules of Interpretation
In his teaching, Jesus often used a variety of parables. Different listeners were awakened by figures drawn from the surroundings of their daily lives. For example, the parables contain some of the deepest and moving lessons he has taught. In Jesus' world, people were raised on stories.
The more common definition for an illustration would be the illustration. One parable, the Greek word "paraballo" (formed by the preposition "para", besides, and the verb "ballo", to trow, to cast), refers to a story in which something is compared to the moral, spiritual is; Or literal truth and some human phenomenon or everyday things. In other words, parables are extended similes.
Parables are found in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The Gospel has at least thirty-nine parables. Parables are usually relative to the state. We can follow some rules that govern the interpretation of parables:
1. Distinguish two things: illustration, or image and main point, or idea illustrated. Parables have two levels of meaning. The parable is one thing, and illustrated by the parable is a completely different matter. Do not behave like metaphors. A metaphor is completely filled with symbolic meaning, where every detail means something.
2. Understand the purpose of the illustration. The use of Jesus' parables is central to his teaching. Note that sometimes Jesus himself supplies the meaning.
3. Take note of the occasion when and why and why and the cultural and historical background of the parable. In other words, refer to the illustration in its proper context.
4. Understand the need that inspired the parable.
5. Analyze the language of structure and illustration. The beginning and end are very important. who are the characters? What has spoken in parable indirect speech? What words are repeated in the illustration? Notice the stock imagery in the illustration. Repeated images in the Old Testament are the same.
6. The interpretation of the parable must be consistent with the book's global plane and the general teaching of Scripture. For example, in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16: 19–31), Jesus uses a popular belief that the truly rich are spiritual. The description of the parable does not hold significance in itself. It is a mistake to use the parable as a source of theory.
Parabolic narratives have an appeal to ancient as well as current readers. All of us love stories, and Jesus, the great teacher, employed them to teach us about the riches of the kingdom.
