11. Parables about Disciple Practices

Several of Jesus' parables picture "servants" in first century Palestine. Our English Bibles usually translate Greek doulos as "servant," though the word actually describes a slave in most cases. Describes the nature of slavery in first century Galilee and Judea. 

Several of Jesus' parables about the Last Days and the Second Coming of Christ related to the Jewish expectation of the blessedness of the afterlife in Abraham's Bosom and feasting in the Kingdom of God. The Last Supper relates to this theme, as do the Parables of the Narrow Door, the Wedding Feast, the Great Banquet, and the Watching Servants.

About 14 parables, analogies, and sayings don't fit easily into my main topics for parables, but are mentioned briefly here: Walking in Light and Darkness, Light of the World, Physician Heal Yourself, the Temple of Jesus' Body, the Sign of Jonah, the Bridegroom's Friend, Children in the Marketplace, Rescuing from a Well, the Blind Leading the Blind, the Brood of Vipers, the Den of Robbers, Peter the Rock, and the Keys of the Kingdom.

Explores the Greek and Hebrew words for parables, allegories, sayings, riddles, etc. Defines various synonyms for sayings, comparisons, and stories, 

A number of Jesus' parables deal with his heart for lost people, seeking to instill that love in his disciples. These include the Parables of the Doctor and the Sick, the Lost Sheep, the Harvest and the Laborers, Fields White for Harvest, the Sowers and Reapers, Sheep and Wolves, Serpents and Doves, Fishers of Men, Savorless Salt, the City on a Hill, the Lamp under a Bushel, and the Scribes of the Kingdom.

Disciple practices are taught by the Parables of Washing the Disciples' Feet, the Dutiful Servant, the Talents, the Minas or Pounds, and the Good Samaritan.

Jesus also teaches values and practices with his parables. These are his Parables of the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, the Tree and Fruit, the Treasure Chest of the Heart, the Unjust Steward, the Rich Fool, the Two Masters, the Birds and the Lilies, Asking a Father for Bread, the Friend at Midnight, the Unjust Judge, and the Faith of a Mustard Seed.

Jesus uses parables in discussing character of his disciples. These include the Parables of the Pharisee and Tax Collector, Becoming Like Little Children, Welcoming Little Children, Places at the Table, Yeast of the Pharisees, the Vine and the Branches, Eating Jesus' Flesh, and the Yoke.

Receptivity to Jesus and discipleship are the subjects of several parables -- Parables of the Sower, of Pearls before Swine, the Narrow Door, Foxholes and Nests, the Dead Burying the Dead, Looking Back from the Plow, the Tower-Builder, the Warring King, Taking Up One's Cross, the Hidden Treasure, and the Pearl of Great Price.

We consider Jesus' parables to help his disciples understand the nature of his Kingdom: Parables of the Mustard Seed, Yeast or Leaven, Seed Growing by Itself, the Bridegroom's Guests, the Unshrunk Cloth, the Wineskins, and the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Gate.