Parables & Teachings of Jesus By: Edgar Varela

What are Parables?  Metaphors or similes drawn from nature or common life.  Contain some element that is strange or unusual.  Not meant to be understood immediately.  Describe how God interacts with His people.

Most Common Imagery in Bible  Shepherd/Sheep –Mentioned more than 500 times –Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jacob’s sons, Moses, and King David  Parable of the Lost Sheep –Luke 15:1-7 –Matthew 18:12-14 –cf. John 10:1-21 –cf. Ezekiel 34:1-31

Most Common Imagery in Bible  Vineyards –Wine was an important & valuable commodity –Many houses had vines –People of God as vineyards; God as caretaker  Vineyard Parallels –Psalm 80:1-20 Prayer to Restore God’s Vineyard –Isaiah 5:1-7 The Vineyard Song –Ezekiel 17:1-24 The Eagles and the Vine –John 15:1-17 The Vine and the Branches

Parables Unique to Luke  Parable of the Lost Coin –15:8-10  Parable of the Prodigal Son –15:11-32 –Deuteronomy 21:18-21 –Jesus teaches a different message in Luke  Parable of the Unjust Steward –16:1-9  Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus –16:19-31

Teachings of Jesus  On Serving Two Masters –Q Source: Luke 16:13 & Matthew 6:24  Concerning the Law –Q: Luke 16:16-17 & Matthew 11:12-13; 5:18 –Last part is a Triple Tradition  Concerning Divorce –Triple Tradition: Mark 10:11-12; Matthew 19:9; Luke 16:18 –cf. Deut. 21:15-17

Common Themes In Parables  It is important that a lost person repents and returns to God. –God wants to save everyone, especially the lonely, sick, sinners, outcasts, and poor.  Rejoicing after someone returns to God –Seen in the Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost (Prodigal) Son.