Why Parables?

Matthew 13:13 (NIV) This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

Jesus’ explanation about why He used parables is a parable all by itself. Was He purposely trying to be unclear and difficult? Wasn’t His message something that should have required directness and clarity? Instead it’s like a message within a message or riddles for little children to ask about. Why doesn’t He speak with clarity like we expect in good sermonizing?

I’ve often pondered His purpose and design for using parables and when reading a book by Brian Maclaren, “The Secret Message of Jesus”, that I found the clearest explanation for such a “poor” method of dispensing cognitive information. I’m almost hesitant to write this excerpt as it will give away the secret. But as a friend of mine often reminds me, “When you tell someone the truth they only hear it if they want to.”

So here’s the excerpt for those that can hear the secrets of the kingdom.

“One might expect the disciples to ask, “What does this parable mean?” But instead they ask why: “Jesus, why are you doing this? You’re telling these stories, but nobody is getting your point. Can’t you find a clearer, more direct, obvious approach?”

Parables entice their hearers into new territory. If the goal is an interactive relationship (which is at the heart of terms like kingdom of God and eternal life, as we have seen), a parable succeeds where easy answers and obvious explanations couldn’t. With a clear and easy explanation, hearers can listen and achieve understanding and then go on their way, independent of the teacher. But when a parable confounds them, it invites them to ask questions, so they continue to depend on the teacher himself, not just their independent understanding of his words.

So if a parable leaves you confused, you will have one of two responses. You can respond with arrogant and impatient anger (“I have not idea what he’s saying. This is a waste of time!”), which makes you walk away. Or you can respond with eager and curious humility (“I can’t let this go. I must know more!”), which keeps you coming back. In this way parables have a capacity that goes beyond informing their hearers; parables also have the power to help transform them into interactive, interdependent, humble, inquisitive, and persistent people." (end of excerpt)

It’s probably why institutional church models with distant pastors are so captivating. We demand clear explanations with no confusion. Things are clearly spelled out and ritualized in such a way that further relationship building processes can be minimized or better yet, put into a memo or a policy.

But whoa!!! Kingdom of God stuff is all about relationships. We need more stories and more messy communication so that our hearts can be knit together by something deeper and more meaningful than a few axioms that make us look smart but often merely isolate. Let’s cherish the weaving back and forth of our stories through dialogue and action in such a way that we truly infect each other’s lives with His life.