The parables seen as a collection, instead of as one-here- one-there stories, become much grander than their individual parts.
With few exceptions, the parables focus on one of three things: (1) The Jewish Harvest; (2) The Gospel Age;
- The Gospel Harvest. It probably has become evident to us that Matthew’s collection of parables centers more on Gospel Age matters. Luke’s collection centers more on Jewish Harvest matters. Whether or not this was by design, seeing the distinction is helpful.
In all cases, CONTEXT has been the secret to understanding. The parables were illustrations of surrounding material. They never were meant to stand alone.
Jesus stressed that he spoke in parables so that “they” would not comprehend. This ignites our imaginations in many ways.
The “they” were the Jews primarily. During the Gospel Age, “they” becomes the nominal believers of the Christian world. But, when the parables were spoken, it was usually multitudes versus disciples.
Both Matthew and Luke are careful to let us know when Jesus spoke to “them” versus when he spoke to “us.” Sometimes it was both at the same time. But the “us” class is supposed to understand; the “they” class is not supposed to understand.
This, of course, brings up the question: “If we are always to understand, why speak in parables to us?”
There seem to be two answers to this question. (1) Parables can make us see more clearly sometimes than can a straight explanation. (2) But, perhaps more importantly, some things were designed so that “we” would understand ONLY WHEN UNDERSTANDING IS DUE. Consequently, many parables now are clear to believers which were not clear to believers of earlier periods of the Church. In other words, some parables are purely dispensational. “We” becomes those living at a certain time.
We, who live in the “hour of temptation” need understandings, perspectives, and clarifications not needed for earlier Christians. Thus now, in the Gospel Age Harvest, we can comprehend all the parables. The “they” class still cannot.
It is our prayer and hope that this review of Jesus’ parables has been spiritually stimulating for the saints of our day who have read it. We surely have missed many of the details present in these great stories. But this review of them will likely stimulate many of us into seeing and sharing the additional insights which Jesus has packed into these “short stories.”