SURVEY OF PARABLES IN SYNOPTIC GOSPEL

&
MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE OF FIVE PARABLES
(TWO COMMON TO ALL SYNOPTIC, ONE PECULIAR TO EACH)

Submitted to
Global School of Open Learning

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirement of the Course
THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

By
Vivek Ray
ID No. M14J002

28.11.2106

GLOBAL SCHOOL OF OPEN LEARNING, BANGALORE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 2
A SURVEY OF PARABLES IN SYNOPTIC GOSPELS ..................................................................... 2
Meaning .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Importance, Purpose and Themes of parables .................................................................................... 3
Characteristics of Parables .................................................................................................................. 4
PARABLES FOUND IN ALL THREE SYNOPTIC GOSPEL ............................................................. 5
THE PARABLE OF THE SOILS (Matthew 13:3-23, Mar 4:1-9, Luke 8:4-18) ................................ 5
PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED (Matthew 13:31,32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke13:18,19) ........... 6
PARABLES PECULIAR TO EACH GOSPEL ..................................................................................... 7
THE PARABLE OF UNFORGIVING SERVANT (Matthew 18:23-35) .......................................... 7
THE PARABLE OF GROWING SEED (Mark 4:26 -29).................................................................. 7
THE PARABLE OF THE JUDGE & THE WIDOW (Luke 18:1 - 8) ............................................... 8
CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................... 8
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................... 8

1
INTRODUCTION
The parables of Jesus are recorded in the synoptic gospel and forms important part of his
teaching. This papers attempts a survey of the parables in synoptic gospels in order to
elucidate their meaning, purpose, importance and themes. The characteristics of the parables
both general and specific to each synoptic is also discussed. Five parables are selected - two
common to all three synoptic and one peculiar to each, and their meaning and significance
explained in order to understand their purpose, importance and how they fit individual
themes.

A SURVEY OF PARABLES IN SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

Meaning
"Parable" finds its origin in the Greek word παραβάλλω , parabállō that means placing of
two or more objects together, usually for the purpose of a comparison. The Old Testament
contains number of stories that may be considered parables (Judges 9:8 -15; 2 Samuel 12:1-4;
2 Kings 14:9).1 However, The majority of parables in the Bible were spoken by Jesus, that
are recorded in Synoptic Gospels.
Jesus' parables are short stories that teach a moral or spiritual lesson by analogy or similarity.
They are often stories based on the agricultural life that was intimately familiar to His
original first century audience. There is a disagreement among scholars on what can be
called parable in the New Testament. The catholic encyclopedia does not recognize
proverbial expressions like 5:13 as parables.2 However in widest sense of the term there is
practically no difference between parable and simile. This is also what substantially some of
Christ's parables amount to, which consist of only one comparison and in a single verse
(Example: Mat 5:13, 14-5 Mat 13:33, 13:44-46 ).3

Parables are often extended metaphors or similes to make a point or disclosure. But it is not
synonymous with an allegory. Holloman Bible dictionary says,

1
Don Fleming. Entry for 'Parables'. Bridgeway Bible Dictionary. Available on
http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/bbd/view.cgi?n=579. 2004. Internet, Accessed on 15 October 2016
2
Obstat, Nihil. Lafort, Remy, Censor. Entry for 'Parables'. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Available from
http://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/tce/view.cgi?n=8364. Robert Appleton Company. New York. 1914.;
Internet, Accessed on 15 October 2016
3
James Orr, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Parable'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
Available from http://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/isb/view.cgi?number=6628. 1915. Accessed on 15
October 2016

2
"The difference between a parable and an allegory turns on the number of comparisons. A
parable may convey other images and implications, but it has only one main point established
by a basic comparison or internal juxtaposition." 4

Importance, Purpose and Themes of parables

Bible scholar Madeline Boucher writes,

"The importance of the parables can hardly be overestimated. They comprise a substantial
part of the recorded preaching of Jesus. The parables are generally regarded by scholars as
among the sayings which we can confidently ascribe to the historical Jesus; they are, for the
most part, authentic words of Jesus. Moreover, all of the great themes of Jesus' preaching are
struck in the parables."5

The purpose of Gospel was both to reveal and conceal the truth (Mark 4:11-12, Mat 11:25,
Luk 8:10)6 Jesus' parables were designed to make people think and work out meaning for
themselves. They separate those who were genuinely interested in Jesus and his teaching
from those who were merely curious and more interested in seeing him perform miracles.
The former would find the parables full of meaning, thus increasing their understanding. The
later would find no meaning in the parable and so turned away from him making their
spiritual darkness darker and hardened heart harder.7 Even today 'a simple-minded Christian,
who has some understanding of the truth, can readily understand figurative illustrations of
this truth, which would be absolute enigmas even to an educated Hindu or Chinaman.'8

Although the teaching of parables may have separated disciples from others, the basic
purpose of a parable was to enlighten, not to darken. Anyone who meditates on the teachings
of the parable will be enlightened by the truth and will be blessed.

4
Trent C. Butler, . Editor. Entry for 'Parables'. Holman Bible Dictionary. Available on
http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/view.cgi?n=4805. 1991; Internet, Accessed on 15 October 2016
5
Madeleine I. Boucher, The Parables (Wilmington, DE: Michael Glazier, 1981), 9.
6
James Orr, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Parable'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
Available from http://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/isb/view.cgi?number=6628. 1915. Accessed on 15
October 2016
7
Don Fleming. Entry for 'Parables'. Bridgeway Bible Dictionary. Available on
http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/bbd/view.cgi?n=579. 2004. Internet, Accessed on 15 October 2016
8
James Orr, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Parable'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
Available from http://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/isb/view.cgi?number=6628. 1915. Accessed on 15
October 2016

3
Characteristics of Parables

The theme of Jesus' parables was primarily concerned with the Kingdom of God. Kingdom of
God had come in the person of Jesus Christ and he announced the kingdom and people's
response to his message determined whether they enter the kingdom (Matthew 13:18-
23; Matthew 21:28-33; Matthew 21:42-43; Matthew 22:1-14). Some other themes though
not directly related to kingdom dealt with the behaviour of the citizen of kingdom such as
love and forgiveness (Good Samaritan, two debtors, unforgiving servant) and prayer (Friend
at night, Unjust judge, Pharisee and publican), Stewardship (parable of talents). Yet some
other are eschatological in their themes (Parable of faithful servant, ten virgins, great
banquet, rich fool, wicket husbandman, tares, the net, budding fig tree, barren fig tree)9

Irrespective of the theme, Jesus usually intended to teach only one or two main points in his
parable. In some case he mentioned them (Matthew 21:43; Luke 12:21; Luke 15:7; Luke
15:10), but in other he left the hearers to find them for themselves (Mark 12:12-13; Luke
7:40-43; Luke 19:11-27). Likewise Jesus in response to a question or criticism, told a parable
by which hearer could himself workout the answer (Luke 10:29-30; Luke 15:2-3).

So, it is important to interpret the parable for its main purpose (Luke 18:1; Luke 18:9). An
attempt to find meanings to details may lead to missing or distorting the meaning Jesus
intended. For example in the parable of Matthew 20:1-15 Jesus is not teaching employers to
make equal payment for unequal work, but showing how unlikely people will enter the
kingdom and by God's grace receive full blessings (Matthew 20:16).

The most important characteristics of Jesus' parable are that they forces the hearer to a
decision. Jesus wanted people to listen and think (Matthew 18:12; Matthew 21:28; Luke
10:36), but more than that he wanted them to decide and act (Matthew 18:35; Matthew
21:45; Luke 10:37).10

Apart from these general characteristics of Jesus' parables, each author of Synoptic Gospel
has characteristics specific to their presentation of parables based on their overall emphases.

9
"Parables of Jesus," Wikipedia, Available from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parables_of_Jesus.; Internet, ,
Accessed November 28, 2016
10
Don Fleming. Entry for 'Parables'. Bridgeway Bible Dictionary. Available on
http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/bbd/view.cgi?n=579. 2004. Internet, Accessed on 15 October 2016

4
Mark is a gospel of action, and hence gives more space to miracles. Of seventy parables and
parabolic utterance Mark has only eighteen, of which only 3 are unique. Therefore, we find
maximum parables in the first and the third gospel. The writer of the essay "The Genesis of
the Synoptic Parables" makes some interesting observations discussed here briefly.

Mark's parables are indicative rather than imperative like rabbinic parables. They indicate
what an existing situation is rather than attempting to influence or exhort. For example
Mark's parable of the Watchful Servants is not an exhortation to watchfulness, but an
indication of the unpredictability of the day.

Matthew on the other hand has his eye too clearly on the coming judgment to forbear warning
and exhortation. One striking difference between Matthew's and Mark's parables lies in
Matthew's use of contrasts as with rest of his Gospel. He adds to the end of Mk's Wicked
Husbandmen the contrast of the nation which does yield fruit. Of all Mt's 21 parables, only 3
do not have any contrast (presumably the Leaven, the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl).

Situation is entirely different with Luke's parable. Most of the parables are exhortation e.g.
the Rich fool, Pharisee and Publican. One of the best indication of the difference concerns
the Lost Sheep. In Matthew this is an image of God's love of every individual (paired with
the saying on guardian angels) while Luke it is an exhortation to repentance.

Though Luke also makes use of contrast in his parables like in Good Samaritan, the Prodigal
Son and Rich Man and Lazurus, for him contrast is of secondary importance. Primary is the
interplay of Characters. Whereas Matthew has stock figures who display little or no
individual character and almost skeletal, Lk's figures are carefully sculpted and memorable
personalities, who make speeches and reveal their thoughts.11

PARABLES FOUND IN ALL THREE SYNOPTIC GOSPEL

THE PARABLE OF THE SOILS (Matthew 13:3-23, Mar 4:1-9, Luke 8:4-18)
The general elements that provide the setting for this parable is the large crowds of
uncommitted people, growing opposition, misunderstanding and discouragement among

11
"The Genesis of Synoptic Gospel," General Guide To Personal and Societies Web Space at Oxford, ,
Available from http://users.ox.ac.uk/~sben0056/essays/sgparables.htm.; Internet, accessed October 16, 2016

5
disciples and Jesus' conviction that kingdom's spread required intense self examination.12
Each of the three writers of the Synoptic Gospels also include Jesus' patient explanation
(Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:14-20, Luke 8:11-15)

As Jesus surveyed the crowd he saw four kind of people- four soils where the seeds of the
Word of God is cast. First are like the hard-packed soil of the footpath that crisscrossed
among the field. This is akin to the hardness of heart of some men in which the Word never
penetrates. Second are people who are like stony ground that receives the seed (word) and
germinates quickly, but lacks depth to hold roots. Such people lack perseverance, and fall
off when trouble or persecution comes. The third are people who puts worries of the world
like career, pursuit of wealth, customs etc. ahead of purposes of God. Such attitude are like
weeds in soil that choke out the good plant. "No one can serve two masters." Sooner or later
one will destroy the other. Finally, are the people who are like good soil. They receive the
word, accept it and bear fruits. They help in multiplying the Word many folds.

Significance: The parable is true and relevant even today, as one can find these four people
in our churches even today. When Jesus says thirty, sixty, hundred fold crop, it was an
exaggeration as in his time a tenfold increase was the expected increase. But we have seen
the faithful men and women of faith who have been highly fruitful in spreading the Word.
The words "Let the person who has ears listen!" (Matthew 13:9) forces the hearer to examine
his own heart and act upon it.

PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED (Matthew 13:31,32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke13:18,19)

In this parable the focus falls on difference between the miniscule size of a mustard seed and
the shrub that it grows out of it that is capable of supporting families of nesting birds. The
kingdom that Jesus initiated may have seemed small and insignificant. But it will grow and
spread and be manifested in all its glory at the second coming of the Lord.

Significance: The parable is significant for number of reasons. The kingdom that Jesus
initiated can be detected only by those who know that a seed has been planted, only to those
to whom the secret of kingdom has been revealed. It also signifies that growth is God's doing
and that even little beginnings in the kingdom of God can grow large with His power.

12
John F. Paulson, Donald R. Pichaske, and John Gretzer, Parables of the Kingdom (Philadelphia: Lutheran
Church Press, 1964), 17.

6
PARABLES PECULIAR TO EACH GOSPEL

THE PARABLE OF UNFORGIVING SERVANT (Matthew 18:23-35)

Jesus tells this parable in context of Peter's question about the number of times one should
forgive his brother to which his reply was seven times seventy or countless times (Mathew
18:21-22). Jesus compares kingdom of heaven with a servant of a king who owed him an
astronomical debt, that he could perhaps never pay back. But when he pleads, the king shows
compassion and forgives the debt. This is what God does when he forgive our sins though
they are great. But this same servant does not show any mercy to a fellow servant who owed
him a relatively petty amount, the same way we sometimes do not forgive small
transgressions of our fellow brothers. This angers the king who delivers the servant to be
tormented. This reflects Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:15 "But if you do not forgive others
their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Significance: Jesus uses the largest Greek number and the most valuable currency of his time
to show the magnitude of the debt that we have against God. On the other hand a debt of 100
denarii, was a negligible amount comparatively. This signifies our response to God's
forgiveness in extending same grace and mercy towards our brothers. Our failure to do so,
blocks God's forgiveness for us making us worthy of eternal torment.

THE PARABLE OF GROWING SEED (Mark 4:26 -29)

Mark records this parable immediately after Jesus explain his parable of the Soils. This shows
what happens to the seeds that finds good soil. A farmer sows but then the sprouts and
becomes plants and bring forth grain without the labour of man, but that of God. Same way
increases the Word in the heart of a believer with a receiving heart and brings forth fruits.
Once the person reaches the maturity he is ready to be collected into the kingdom of God.

Significance: This parable has a strong ministerial significance. Like the farmer scatter the
seeds and then allow God to bring growth, our work is to share the word. It is God who
brings growth and increase. We have a role in the kingdom of God, but God will continue to
work without us13. Paul in 1 Cor 3:6 makes the same point, "I planted the seed, Apollos
watered it, but God has been making it grow.

13
Brian Wintle, ed. South Asia Bible Commentary (Udaipur, Rajasthan: Open Door Publications. 2015), 1296

7
THE PARABLE OF THE JUDGE & THE WIDOW (Luke 18:1 - 8)
In this parable recorded only by Luke, Jesus portrays a Judge who was Godless and had no
regard for people. In those days, it was impossible to get justice from such Judges without
bribing which was obviously not possible for the needy widow. The widow is a picture of all
helpless, poor and thus hopeless in this world. However, she had a powerful weapon-
persistence. The persistence of the woman, worn out the judge, and is forced to grant her
request. In vs 7-8 Jesus makes his point saying that if persistence can move a unrighteous
judge, how much God, the loving father act on behalf of his chosen one. He ends with a
challenge of not losing faith and persevere till Jesus returns.

Significance: The parable fits well into Luke's emphases of good news to the poor and
marginalized. This parable is significant for two reasons apart from its teaching on
persistence. One, it is full of eschatological expectation and secondly, it tacitly implies a
delay in second coming, in wake of which persistent prayers in faith is needed.

CONCLUSION
We note that the purpose of Jesus' parables was to challenge the thinking of the hearers and
take action. The prominent characteristics of the parables of Jesus is that they illustrate only
one spiritual truth regardless of the book in which they are included, though the author of the
gospel may present them a little differently to fit his particular emphases. Moreover, the
authors picked up parables that suited to their overall theme, out of many more parables that
Jesus might have spoken (as he often taught in parables). Another characteristic that comes
into light is the timeless nature of the parables. When interpreted properly in context, they are
even relevant and significant today as they were 2000 years back and continues challenging
them.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Boucher, Madeleine I., The Parables (Wilmington, DE: Michael Glazier, 1981), 9.
Fleming, Don. Entry for 'Parables'. Bridgeway Bible Dictionary. Available on
http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/bbd/view.cgi?n=579. 2004. Internet, Accessed on
15 October 2016
Obstat, Nihil. Lafort, Remy, Censor. Entry for 'Parables'. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Available from
http://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/tce/view.cgi?n=8364. Robert Appleton
Company. New York. 1914.; Internet, Accessed on 15 October 2016
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Parable'. International Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. Available from

8
 http://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/isb/view.cgi?number=6628. 1915. Accessed on
15 October 2016
"Parables of Jesus," Wikipedia, Available from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parables_of_Jesus.;
Internet, , Accessed November 28, 2016
Paulson , John F., Pichaske , Donald R., and John Gretzer, Parables of the Kingdom (Philadelphia:
Lutheran Church Press, 1964), 17.
"The Genesis of Synoptic Gospel," General Guide To Personal and Societies Web Space at Oxford, ,
Available from http://users.ox.ac.uk/~sben0056/essays/sgparables.htm.; Internet,
accessed October 16, 2016
Wintle,Brian. ed. South Asia Bible Commentary (Udaipur, Rajasthan: Open Door Publications. 2015),
1296