Floodgates 101_Issue2_2019_FINAL

Features
Note: In reading this article, it would be helpful to have open
with you the following portions of scripture — Matthew 13:1-23
in NIV, Luke 8:4-18 in NIV and Mark 4:1-20 in NIV, ESV and at
least one other version of your choice.
THE PARABLES OF JESUS, GENERALLY
In most modern Bibles, the publishers have been helpful to
identify and print Jesus’ words in red for easy reference. A study
of these red texts would reveal that Jesus’ teaching oftentimes
comes in the form of parables, which makes studying these
parables of significant importance if we are to glean from Jesus’
teachings. But what are parables?
In a nutshell, parables are narratives or stories which typically,
though not always, contain an element of comparison. Hence,
we often find that before Jesus tells a parable, He would start by
saying “the Kingdom of God is like…”. In this way, Jesus is able to
impart heavy theological concepts in a relatable earthly context
which His audience would understand. Jesus’ parables are thus
metaphors of earthly stories but with heavenly meaning.
But as metaphoric as parables may be, Jesus’ parables
are far from myths. Robert Stewart, in his The Quest of the
Hermeneutical Jesus, describes Jesus’ parables as metaphors
structured in normal reality while myths are metaphors
structured without normal reality. John Crossan, borrowing
the words of poet Marianne Moore, describes it further this way:
ROOTEDNESS IN THE
WORD OF GOD:
by Alex Tung, PJN1
A BRIEF SURVEY ON
JESUS’ PARABLE
OF THE SOWER