02.12. The Parables of Jesus
LESSON XII.--The Parables of Jesus.
What is a parable? Ans.--It is a species of allegory. What is an allegory? Ans.--It is a discourse in which one object is described by describing another which is analogous to it. Are the two objects usually alike in every particular? Ans.--No; they are usually alike only in a few particulars, and sometimes they are the opposite of each other in most particulars.
Repeat the parable of the unjust judge. Luke 18:1-8. In what particular is the dealing of God with his elect analogous to that of the unjust judge with the widow? Are the two alike in any other particulars? In what does the interpretation of a parable consist? Ans.--In ascertaining what subject is to be illustrated by it, and in designating the points of analogy between it and the object described in the parable.
How do you ascertain the subject to be illustrated? Ans.--Sometimes it is stated, as when Luke says of the parable of the unjust judge, "He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint." Luke 18:1. When the subject is not stated, how do you ascertain what it is? Ans.--Sometimes by observing the subject under discussion when it is introduced, and sometimes by the application made of the parable.
Give an example of each of these methods. See Matthew 19:30. Comp. with Matthew 20:1, Matthew 20:16 for an example of the first, and Matthew 21:28-32 for an example of the second.
After ascertaining the subject to be illustrated, how do you ascertain the points of analogy or likeness? Ans.--Sometimes they are stated by Jesus himself, and sometimes you must ascertain them by means of your own knowledge of the subjects to be illustrated.
Give examples of the former method. Ans.--The parable of the sower, Matthew 13:3-9, which is explained in Matthew 13:18-23; and that of the tares, Matthew 13:24-30, explained in Matthew 13:36-43. When Jesus himself explains a parable, should we regard his explanation as sufficient? Ans.--We certainly should, for he knew best what his own meaning was. Can you name a remarkable departure from this rule? Ans.--In the parable of the tares the prohibition against pulling up the tares lest the wheat also should be pulled Up, Matthew 13:28-29, is usually made the most significant part of the parable, while Jesus, in his explanation, Matthew 13:37-42, does not mention it at all.
Give an example of the second method of ascertaining the points of likeness. Ans.--The parable of the mustard seed, Matthew 13:31-32, in which is illustrated the great growth of the kingdom of heaven from a small beginning. How do you know that the shape and color of the mustard seed are not points of likeness?
Recite the parable of the ten virgins. Matthew 25:1-12. What general subject is illustrated by it? Matthew 25:1. What particular aspect of the kingdom? Matthew 25:13. How did the foolish virgins show their folly? Matthew 25:3. How long did their lamps burn? Matthew 25:6-8. If the bridegroom had come early in the night, would they have been ready? Did their folly, then, consist in not making any preparation, or in not making enough? Did they make as much preparation as they thought necessary? How did the wise virgins show their wisdom? Matthew 25:4. Why was this wise? Ans.--Because they knew not how late the bridegroom might be, so they brought enough oil to last all night, and thus avoided all risk of not being ready. Do the foolish virgins represent sinners who make no preparation to meet the Lord? Do they represent apostates who are in the church for a time, and then abandon it? Whom do they represent? Ans.--Persons in the kingdom who make some preparation, as much as they think necessary, and remain at their posts, but whose preparation is insufficient. Whom do the wise virgins represent? Ans.--Persons who make so careful preparation that they run no risk of not being ready when the Lord comes.