Parables in the Gospels fall basically into three categories:
- Some parables are to illustrate character building.
- Some parables are primarily historic in nature. (We use the word “primarily” because historic parables usually lead into Jesus’ day and conclude prophetically with something future from the moment of their utterance.)
- Some parables are nearly entirely prophetic.
Some of the parables combine the above features. But, perhaps most importantly, and frequently overlooked in their discussion, is that the parables are CONNECTED to their contexts.
To interpret a parable without connecting it to the contextual material is often to miss the most important point. Just as an example: The middle part of Matthew 18 is somewhat LEGAL. It constitutes a three-step PROCEDURE for the righting of wrongs. When we isolate Matthew 18:15-20, as we often do, we lose the MORAL POWER of the lesson which is stressed in verses 1-14 and 21-35. Two parables surround the procedural considerations. Before the procedure comes the parable of the Lost Sheep which deals with RECOVERY. Following the legalities comes the parable of the Unmerciful Servant. This parable deals with FORGIVENESS. Recovery and Forgiveness are the points of the Matthew 18 legalities. If we apply the isolated procedures without GROWING FROM and APPLYING the lessons of the surrounding two parables, we have a sterile and formalistic religion. We become Pharisees!
Thus the point of this book is to share thoughts which will hopefully enrich our Christian characters — our New Creatures. Explanations of most of these parables are readily available elsewhere, but the tie-ins to context may not be stressed. And these tie-ins are vital to our understanding and to our lives.
On the whole, the interpretations given will be those so well offered by Pastor Russell. Slight variances may occur for reasons which shall be given. In a few cases, Bro. Russell offers a number of interpretations due to what amounts to an uncertainty about the parable. In such cases (like the Penny Parable) we will offer only one solution which we see as satisfactory.
The parables are all masterpieces of spiritual fiction. Some may not like that term. But parables ARE fictional stories—stories made up colorfully to illustrate important lessons we must learn. We remember fiction. We remember stories or illustrations much better than we remember didactic treatises. The stories which Jesus gives us stick with us if we catch their points. It is our prayer that this review will help us learn and retain those points.
It is an imperative part of our learning process in the Narrow Way that we engage in a number of approaches to study for spiritual growth. The Lord richly provided for our needs at this time through the pen of that “faithful and wise servant” (Matthew 24:45). His works are orderly and progressive. They approach the Holy Word in a way that Jesus instituted on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32).
Jesus “beginning with Moses and with all the prophets… explained to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.” This was TOPICAL BIBLE STUDY — the very hallmark of the approach of the Laodicean Messenger.
Failure to maintain this manner of pursuit of understanding — failure to continue to hear the Seventh Trumpet — will result only in spiritual shipwreck.
In addition to topical study, Bro. Russell encouraged and taught DISPENSATIONAL application of truths — hence “The Chart of the Ages.” (See Appendix A.) He also vigorously pursued the necessity of comprehending SYMBOLISMS — a successful pursuit of which mandates topical study.
Furthermore, Bro. Russell preached constantly about CONTEXTUAL study. But in this area, he was more of an admonisher than a practitioner. This is not to say that Bro. Russell ignored context. To the contrary, he was a far better Bible student than most of us could ever aspire to be. He knew his contexts. But his charge from the Lord was to give dispensational truths and topical consistency to us. He succeeded. But he never failed to ADMONISH that WE take the time to examine the contexts. Unfortunately, many of us have failed to heed this admonishing. In fact, at least a noticeable segment of our fellowship have FEARED to venture into an area in which Bro. Russell did not lead to any great extent.
Do not misunderstand! The Pastor did, indeed, give summaries of whole books like Romans, for instance. But, as a regular practice, he clearly felt it more beneficial to teach us the TOOLS which make such a contextual study safe and gratifying. What a pity if we’ve been given the tools but never use them to build with! His admonitions to consider the contexts (large and small) were not casual suggestions. He WANTED us to study Scripture directly along with our studies of Scripture contextually, dispensationally, and in “rightly dividing” literalisms from symbolisms.
We would never urge direct Biblical contextual study without a SIMULTANEOUS study program in the writings of God’s appointed Messenger to Laodicea. The real danger in direct Biblical contextual study is to those who are sufficiently new in their exposure to “present truth” that they have no anchors when they directly confront Holy Writ. Also, unfortunately, many who have been in the company of “present truth” even for decades have so failed to imbibe its spirit and detail that they, too, flounder in a direct Bible study. Paul shames them: “You have become dull of hearing. For, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God.” (Hebrews 5:11-14) These brethren should never be involved in direct Bible study without being surrounded by those who are grounded, and without simultaneously working on absorbing the principles of seventh-Church truths which God has fed to us through “that servant.”
That being said, it is also important to note that the best and most fruitful studies are GROUP studies — studies by the ecclesia assembled. This is Paul’s point when he warns about individualism in Hebrews 10:23-26. We must not forsake “our own assembling together, as is the habit of some.” Individual private studies are an imperative for success, and they are productive. But the collective wisdom of the spirit-begotten Body is essential in keeping us from falling.
The above is noted because this book is based on a recent small group study — not an entire ecclesia study. However, the entire ecclesia has studied this material — but in its smaller units (as opposed to a dedicated “Parables Study”).
Books written solely at the instigation and by the will of the individual elder are far less valuable than books written based on (or even at the request of) an ecclesia after its studies. This is not to say that books by faithful and well- informed elders are of no value. They often are. And they are, when they are truly valuable, based on studies with other contributing saints over the years. But the elder who feels that his accumulated wisdom exalts his understanding over his brethren is, indeed, in serious trouble.
This book on parables is being offered as a help for ecclesias or individuals who wish to delve into the parables and their contexts directly — along with their continuing studies at the feet of the Seventh Trumpeter. May it prove a delight and a strength for New Creature development.
A Note on Inclusions And Exclusions
It is not always clear whether or not certain passages are parables or not. Some passages just seem to be comparisons or symbolic lessons, not parables. We are omitting these from this book. They include Jesus’ comparison of himself to bread in John 6, his comparison of his voice to that of a shepherd in John 10, and his comparison of himself to a vine with us as the branches in John 15.
Other similar instances are the house built on rock of Matthew 7 and Luke 6; the candle under a bushel of Matthew 5, Mark 4, and Luke 8; the new patch on old garments of Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5; the new wine in old bottles of Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5; the watching servants of Luke 12:35-40; the steward on trial of Luke 12:42-48; and the master and servant of Luke 17:7- 10.
These all seem not to be parables in the generally accepted sense. However, they do have enough of comparison elements that we might legitimately ask, “How are these different from things which tend to begin with “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”? There is no good answer except that parables seem to be complete STORIES (even if only a verse long) rather than similies or comparisons. We will let it rest at that.
Use Your Bibles!
This book is set up to DISCUSS the parables. Mostly, it will not PRINT them. This book is designed for the reader to have his Bible open to each parable and its context as it is discussed. This may seem obvious and elementary! Yet, many of us when hearing or reading the examination of texts don’t actually LOOK AT THE TEXTS. There is an inherent foolishness in this. Scripture is INSPIRED (God-breathed). It is our duty as disciples to value and to wrestle with each and every phrase and word. We will be immeasurably blessed when we do this. We will be impoverished if we are slack in doing it.
[The NAS is the text used throughout this look at the parables. It is not always the best. Where other translations are needed for clarity, they will be identified.]