Parablesthe Discombobulating Shift

Parables are time capsules.

Jesus was a master story-teller. His parables are magnificent

constructions of wisdom and truth, wrapped in the culture of the time.

The Parables

The parables of Jesus are treasure houses of wisdom masterfully woven in story form. They are deep, theological, practical, sometimes confusing, but always worth the effort needed to unlock their mysteries.     Basically, a parable is a short story with a moral lesson. Jesus’ parables teach a series of moral concepts using the culture of the times. Though the parables have much to offer to us in the present day, they have even more to offer when we understand the culture of the time and examine them in that light. For instance, in the story of the Prodigal son, when the son asked for his father’s inheritance, that was equivalent to saying he didn’t care if his father lived or died. He just wanted his money. Why? Because a son never ever asked for an inheritance until after the death of his parent. To do so prematurely was to imply he wished his parent’s death!

The Parables

The parables used familiar symbols so the listener could relate and, if need be, be shocked. Whatever the outcome in the hearer, the parables required a response. Either the hearer was to change a behaviour, or a thought, or a belief. But change is the reason for the parables.     They were not simply stories. They were living words from the mouth of God.

ParablesThe word “Parable” comes from the Greek word “parabole”, which means to place things side by side in order to compare them.

Parables were a common form of teaching in the Ancient Jewish community. They were not unique to Jesus.

Parables as literary forms exhibit consistent characteristics:

Repetition

Contrast and short comparisons

Metaphors and simple images

Rule of three

Enigmatic sayings

The Discombobulating Shift

What do you think a “discombobulating shift” might be?

Look at each of the Parables on the handouts.

For each of them, write in your books;

1.) What the discombobulating shift is.

2.) What the key message of the Parable is.