This lesson explores the use of parables in the Bible, especially by Jesus, to convey deeper spiritual truths and prophecies about the kingdom of heaven. Parables employ symbolic language and imagery, comparing characteristics rather than being literal. Jesus spoke in parables for two main reasons – to fulfill Old Testament prophecies, and to protect the secrets of the kingdom from those who were not ready to understand. The parables contain hidden meanings that become clear when the prophecies are fulfilled in reality. The lesson outlines different forms parables can take, using the acronym OPAGH – Objects, People, Animals, Geographic locations, and Historical events. It emphasizes not taking parables literally but discerning their symbolic spiritual significance. Understanding parables leads to forgiveness and salvation, while hardening one’s heart results in not perceiving their meaning.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

Parables, The Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven

God grants eyes that can see and ears that can hear. When Moses said, “You have seen all these things that the Lord did in Egypt, yet God has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear,” something profound was occurring.

The people had witnessed incredible deliverances yet God did not allow them to truly comprehend. A vital point – this class does not center on intelligence. For understanding is not self-generated, but granted by God according to the readiness within one’s heart. 

Those whom Moses references continuously complained, provoking God to declare, “I will not permit you to grasp what I am accomplishing.” And they perished in the wilderness, which is tragic. Thus, if you find quick comprehension, do not congratulate yourself. Offer thanks to God for enlightening your mind. And if struggling, plead for aid until the meaning grows clear.

So we pray, “Lord, furnish eyes to see and ears to hear.” For the condition of our hearts – not mental capability – is key. When preparing for class, petition God to ready your heart for receiving His word. An upcoming lesson will elaborate how the four soils parable reinforces this. But first, let’s explore the nature of parables as a whole.

 

The parables contain hidden, secret truths about the kingdom of heaven.

 

God does not intend for their meaning to be opaque forever. As Jesus said in John 16:25, “I have been speaking figuratively, but a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language; instead I will tell you plainly about my Father.” Jesus promises that there will come a time when the parables can be understood clearly. We should take Jesus’s promise to heart and continue seeking understanding of these important teachings.

Main Reference

To comprehend the parables of the Bible effectively, it’s essential to understand the concept of the ‘open word’ that was once sealed. As discussed in our previous lesson, the word was initially sealed using parables because God had a specific purpose in mind. He didn’t want Satan to interfere, and we’ll delve deeper into this aspect today.

Furthermore, there are certain things that God desires us to understand about the prophecies. Their true significance becomes evident when they are fulfilled. Therefore, as we explore the topic of parables, I want you to pay close attention to two key aspects:

 

1. The Meaning of the Parable: This refers to the intended message or lesson conveyed by the parable.

2. The Reality of the Parable: This represents the actual fulfillment or realization of the parable in real-life events or circumstances.

 

By keeping these two aspects in mind, we can gain a deeper understanding of the parables and their profound teachings.

Jesus says here that the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to some people but not others. This suggests that the kingdom of heaven contains mysteries that are only revealed to certain people – those whose hearts are humble, prepared, and ready to receive that knowledge.

After Jesus preached six parables to crowds of people in Matthew 13, his disciples later approached him privately and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” Jesus replied in verses 10-11 that the secrets of the kingdom of heaven were given to the disciples (you) but not to the crowds (them), who would continue to not understand his message.

So this shows that not every parable Jesus speaks is intended to make things easier to understand, contrary to what is commonly thought today. There are aspects of Jesus’ teaching that are difficult to grasp by design, as intended by God. Let me give two examples that illustrate this.. Revelation 13:1-2 and Revelation 9:19.

This passage describes vivid visions full of symbolic imagery, like a beast with seven heads and 10 horns, as well as a lion, leopard and bear emerging from the sea. These visions likely function as parables, conveying deeper meanings beyond the literal text.

We will explore the significance of this symbolic language in later sessions. We’ll encounter very similar symbolism in Revelation Chapter 9, where it describes horses with heads on their tails. What strange creatures! So how can we make sense of such things in our time? Let’s discuss why we find such perplexing texts in the Bible that we struggle to understand. There is a specific reason for this.

1. Reasons why we don’t understand prophecies. 

ONE –  Written in Parables

The first reason is that these prophecies are recorded in parables. 

When we look at Revelation chapter 13, the heads, horns, and different animals mentioned are parables. The fact that they come out of the sea is also a parable. Every aspect of those verses consists of parables. When you understand what each parable symbolizes, it unlocks the meaning of the entire prophecy. You realize what God and Jesus are communicating.

As we review each parable, sometimes two or three at a time in a lesson, and go through them slowly, their meaning will become clear. We will focus on the parables found particularly in the Book of Revelation, because Revelation represents the culmination – the ultimate goal we aim to comprehend today. By building an understanding of these parables, we are working step-by-step toward grasping the significance of Revelation.

What are parables and how can we explain them simply?

Parables are descriptive comparisons that link two things with similar characteristics.

 

Parables = Characteristics comparison.

 

For example, “as strong as an ox” compares an ox’s strength to something else that is strong. Other examples are “innocent as a dove,” “shrewd as a snake,” and “fast as a cheetah.” These liken the innocence of a dove, the shrewdness of a snake, and the speed of a cheetah to other things.

In Revelation 13, the passage refers to lions, leopards and bears. These are predatory animals that hunt and devour prey. This analogy provides clues to understand the meaning – something will appear that does destructive work, like a predator devouring its target.

The reason we may not understand certain prophecies at first is because they use parables. However, the parables contain clues to decipher the deeper meaning of the prophecy. When we understand the symbolic parable, the prophecy starts to make more sense.

TWO –  Realities not yet appeared

In the book of Habakkuk, one of the last books of the Old Testament, God says that the meaning and understanding of the revelations He has given have not yet come. The revelations await an appointed time, though they linger. God knows the timing, though we may grow impatient. But God says to wait, for though the understanding lingers, it will appear in due time.

The second reason we don’t understand prophecies is because their fulfillment has not yet come or the right time for comprehension has not yet arrived. That’s why I discussed the difference between meaning and reality. The parables in prophecy contain meaning – this is what the prophecy signifies. But there is also a future reality connected to each parable – the who, what, when, where and why of the prophecy that will be fulfilled.

Consider Isaiah 7:14 which speaks of a virgin giving birth. We did not know the identity of the virgin and child for 700 years until Mary and Jesus fulfilled that prophecy in reality. They represented the complete fulfillment – the who, what, when, where, why and how of what Isaiah spoke of. Does this make sense? The complete fulfillment of some prophecies remains in the future.

So God keeps the full meaning of some parables sealed for now. We can understand their realities when the prophecies come to pass.

When looking at prophecies and parables, we should not think literally. This is important.

Do not think a literal monster with seven heads and ten horns will appear from Revelation 13. You’ll be waiting forever because that’s not how it will be fulfilled. We know this because many Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming were not literal either.

So, when it comes to parables in prophecy specifically, please understand I’m not talking about the entire Bible. Things in the Bible literally happened. There was a flood. There was a parting of the Red Sea. That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking specifically about prophecy, prophecy and parables. So when it says this will be destroyed or fire will rain down or that there will be a killing of a great number of people,

we should be thinking there must be something figurative or you can even say a synonym for figurative – spiritual. A spiritual meaning to that prophecy. Figurative or spiritual – a deeper thing that God is saying. So, keep that in mind.

Parables in the Bible

How can we discern between parables with profound spiritual or figurative meanings and those that impart straightforward lessons for us to grasp?

The key lies in the context in which you’re interpreting the parable.

 

ONE –  Parables Primarily About Moral Teachings or History:

When encountering a parable that focuses on moral instruction or historical events, its purpose is easy to understand.

For instance, consider the parable of the persistent widow in Luke chapter 18. Jesus emphasizes the widow’s perseverance in presenting her petition to an unjust judge. The lesson here is to be diligent in prayer, not to seek hidden meanings. It teaches us how to pray persistently, and never give up.

 

TWO –  Parables in Prophecy:

In contrast, parables within prophecies serve to conceal their meanings until their fulfillment. 

As you read a prophetic parable, ask yourself: Is this a historical or moral teaching parable, guiding our actions and behaviors? Or is it a prophecy containing deeper meanings that will be revealed later?

Understanding this distinction is crucial. Some parables are meant for immediate comprehension, while others are intentionally veiled until the appropriate time.

I understand this may be confusing—like, what are we supposed to do with this information? Why present it in such a manner?

I’m sure many find this confusing at first, wondering how to interpret these parables. In time and through study together, these things will become clearer. The key is recognizing the context and type of each parable – moral lesson or prophecy.

2. So why did Jesus speak in parables? 

There are two major reasons why Jesus spoke in parables. These reasons should not surprise us because we have already laid the groundwork for understanding them. However, let’s review the reasons clearly:

First, parables compare characteristics through stories. They are told either as moral teachings to help people understand spiritual truths more deeply, or as prophecies to conceal the meaning until the prophecy is later fulfilled and the meaning can be understood. Jesus kept these purposes in mind as he preached.

So why did Jesus speak in parables? The two key reasons are…

Let’s go to the book of Psalms.

The Book of Psalms was written approximately one thousand years before the first coming of Jesus Christ. The psalms were compiled during this time period. Psalm 78 opens with a heading that identifies Asaph as the author. In verses 1-2, Asaph states “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old.” Asaph spoke in proverbs and then died. Many years passed before the meaning of Asaph’s words could be fully understood.

In Matthew 13:34-35, we see a reference back to this Psalm of Asaph. Matthew reads: “All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.’” Here Matthew connects back to the parables first mentioned by Asaph, showing their fulfillment in Christ’s own parables. Though Asaph uttered them over a thousand years prior, the parables found new meaning and fulfillment in Jesus’s first coming.

 

1. Fulfill the words of the Old Testament prophets

Jesus ended up quoting Asaph from the Psalms. He quoted Asaph to fulfill prophecy. When Jesus quoted Psalm 78, his listeners at the time would not have realized that Asaph was prophesying in that Psalm. However, Jesus revealed that this Psalm was actually a prophecy. There are prophecies throughout the book of Psalms and other books of the Bible. Many prophecies are just one or two verses long.

If you’re not paying close attention while reading, it’s easy to miss these prophetic verses. That’s why deep understanding of Scripture is so important.

The first reason Jesus spoke in parables was to fulfill the words of the Old Testament prophets.

As you read through the four Gospels, pay close attention to the footnotes which often quote the prophecies Jesus was fulfilling through his words and actions – there are many prophecies being fulfilled.

When a prophecy is first given, it may not be clearly understood. But there comes a time when prophecies become understandable. We should ask ourselves – has that time of understanding arrived for the prophecies related to our day? As we study, I hope the answer becomes clear.

Jesus said in John 16:25 that a time was coming when he would no longer speak figuratively but would speak plainly about the Father. This is similar to what happened when Philip explained the figurative prophecy of Isaiah to the Ethiopian eunuch in plain terms. Then the eunuch understood and rejoiced, desiring to be baptized. May we have ears to hear and hearts to understand, like the Ethiopian eunuch.

 

2. Protect the Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven

In summary, early in the first lessons, we emphasized why God and Jesus often speak in metaphors and parables.

A key reason they communicate this way is that they are engaged in a spiritual war and must protect holy truths from enemy forces.

Jesus explained that he used parables not only to teach lessons but also to safeguard the sacred mysteries of God’s kingdom. His enemies sought to distort and extinguish the truth, so conveying it in allegorical language provided a layer of protection.

Jesus made a profound statement when he said, “I speak this intentionally in parables so that they will not understand.”

This statement refers to a passage from Isaiah 6:9-10, which prophesied that there would be those who would understand Jesus’ teachings and those who would not be allowed to understand due to their hardened hearts.

It would be futile to try to explain the secrets of God to those who are not ready to receive them, as their hearts are not yet open to accepting the truth.

We can all relate to situations where we have tried to help someone who is not willing to listen. No matter how much we try to convince them, it is impossible to change their minds until they are ready to hear the truth.

Even Jesus had to be careful with his words, ensuring that his teachings were shared only with those who were truly deserving and ready to receive them.

God’s secrets are like valuable information, such as a social security number. We only share such information with those we trust to protect it.

In the same way, God protects the secrets of heaven, revealing them only to those who are worthy and ready to receive them.

God is currently engaged in a war, but his intention is not to destroy but to restore what was lost through Satan’s rebellion. Satan’s intention, on the other hand, is to retain what he has stolen.

In this war, God intends to bring restoration while Satan aims to maintain the broken status quo.

6 Parables of Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 13

In Matthew 13, Jesus presents six parables that we will explore in detail in the upcoming lessons. Each parable begins with a specific phrase. Let’s turn to Matthew 13 and read the text together.

In these parables, Jesus is describing heaven. He repeatedly emphasizes, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like…’ He wants us to truly grasp what it would have been like to hear this message directly from Jesus. Imagine Him saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like…’ over and over again.

Now, if someone asks, ‘Where in the Bible does it describe what heaven looks like?’ referring them to Matthew 13 might actually confuse them further. Therefore, we need to provide more explanation. We’ll go through these parables one by one to gain a deeper understanding.

Jesus is using these parables to discuss heaven. I’m excited to explore these concepts with you; it’s going to be truly fascinating.

Moving on, let’s shift our focus from the meaning to the reality aspect. When a prophecy is fulfilled, it becomes a reality. The fulfillment of prophecies brings about tangible realities.

3. Reality: Sealed in parables

What did the Apostle John assert? He proclaimed that the Word became flesh.

What does this signify? It refers to the very scriptures we’ve been reading for centuries, which suddenly stood before us in human form. We were granted the privilege not only to see but also to listen to and follow Him. Thus, all the prophecies that God had uttered concerning His Son were now embodied in a physical form.

Isn’t that remarkable? I particularly admire how John articulates this in 1 John 1:1-2. He echoes a similar sentiment: the Word, which existed from the beginning, was not only seen but could be touched by us. We experienced the living Word of God in Jesus in a tangible way.

This is a profound way to depict reality. So, in our current era, as we seek to interpret the parables that pertain to our time, we should also be on the lookout for a reality—a flesh—that has manifested according to these prophecies.

Bear this in mind as we continue our studies. This is a crucial aspect: the words that God promised became something we could physically interact with when Jesus was present. This is the reason for the disciples’ immense excitement; the Word had now taken on flesh and dwelt among us.

So, what are the outcomes for those who comprehend the parables? What indeed are the consequences for those who understand these teachings?

4. Results: Understand Parables vs Not

In the Book of Mark, chapter 4, we find a passage that expresses a similar message to what we read in Matthew 13:10-15. What Jesus states here is very profound, so let’s pay close attention to this passage.

This is very important, so please pay close attention.

Jesus said they would not be able to see, hear, or understand. At the end of verse 12, what did he say? Otherwise, they might turn and be forgiven. Understanding these deeper teachings leads to forgiveness and salvation. Believing in Jesus is more than just acknowledging his existence. That’s the starting point, but you need to reach the top floor by understanding what he is saying. The consequences are severe if we don’t.

Let’s not harden our hearts like those at his first coming who didn’t think they needed him because they followed the law of Moses. Let’s remain humble, seeking more of what God and Jesus reveal through scripture. There is an endless fountain of fresh understanding there.

Every time we come to the Bible, it renews itself with new meaning. How amazing that it continuously renews, unlike most other things.

I love the way God and Jesus designed scripture to unfold more over time. It makes the Bible fresh every time you read it.

5. Examples of Parables (OPAGH)

Lastly, I want to discuss how parables are presented in the Bible. We will go through five different categories of parables to put them into perspective.

There is an acronym we use called OPAGH. Each letter represents one of the parable categories to keep in mind. This makes the categories easier to remember.

So, let’s go over each one of them:

1. Objects as Parables: 

There are parables that use objects to convey a hidden meaning. Parables compare characteristics, such as being strong as an ox. For example, Jesus was compared to different objects in parables, revealing aspects of his nature or teachings through metaphorical comparisons.”

What did Isaiah mean in his prophecy? It is understood that it is God communicating through Isaiah, isn’t it? Consider the passage: “See, I lay a stone in Zion.” Intriguing, right? Let’s ponder the characteristics of a stone.

Stones are resilient. They have dual potential: they can be utilized for construction or, contrastingly, for destruction and judgment. We’re planning an in-depth session on the symbolism of stones, where we will explore these themes further. So, what exactly is this ‘stone’ in Zion?

If taken literally, one might futilely search for a tangible stone on the ground at Mount Zion. Such an endeavor would indeed be a colossal waste of time, wouldn’t it? The text is not referring to a literal stone. Let’s not squander time pursuing literal interpretations that miss God’s message.

So, who or what is the embodiment of this ‘stone’? Remember, it’s crucial to grasp the meaning first and then the reality. Often, the meaning becomes clear only when the reality appears.

So, who is the reality of the stone laid in Zion? As you come to Jesus, that’s who Peter is talking about. Oh, so the stone represents Jesus. God was telling us about His Son Jesus, as evidenced by the quote from Isaiah 28:16 which we just read in verse 6. I understand the connection now.

When it comes to this stone, there is the meaning and the reality. The meaning is that the stone symbolizes a person. But which person? The reality is that the stone represents Jesus.

That’s how we should understand parables first – understand the meaning, then understand the reality, and things make sense.

Jesus certainly built up his disciples by teaching, training and nurturing them so they could build others, as Peter said in verse 5 about living stones being built up spiritually.

So the disciples also became stones, after learning from the chief cornerstone. They then had the job to build up others. We all understand and are following the flow here—we are stones being built up into a spiritual house by the chief cornerstone, Jesus.

2. People as Parables:

Individuals themselves can often serve as parables. Prophets, for instance, can embody parables in their own right. Consider Psalm 78, where Asaph declares, “I” — referring to himself.

However, Asaph passed away long before the fulfillment of these words. Thus, in a profound sense, Asaph was a symbolic precursor to Jesus. Jesus became the embodiment of the “I” that Asaph spoke of. This concept is not unique to this instance in the Bible. A similar pattern is observed with the prophet Isaiah.

Take Isaiah 61 as an example; it states, “I will preach to the poor.” Here, the word of the Lord comes to the prophet, and he proclaims the message to the people.

In Acts 8:34, the Ethiopian eunuch asks who the prophet Isaiah is talking about in the passage he is reading – himself or someone else.

This passage includes phrases like “I” and “me,” indicating Isaiah may be speaking about himself. However, when the identity of that “someone else” later becomes clear, we realize that Isaiah was not talking about himself, but prophesying about someone who would live out the words in the future.

This is why in Luke 4, Jesus reads this same Isaiah passage and then states “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

The example of Isaiah illustrates how biblical prophets would often speak parables that were fulfilled by later figures. This phenomenon occurs with other prophets as well, like Ezekiel and Daniel, as we will explore further in our continuing studies.

3.  Animals as Parables:

God often uses symbolic animals in biblical prophecy, such as the lion, leopard, bear, and lamb in Revelation 13. These animals represent people or nations that have similar characteristics, rather than referring to the literal creatures.

One interesting example is when the Apostle Paul references an ox in his writings. The ox likely symbolizes a diligent, hardworking person or people group carrying a heavy burden.

In quoting Deuteronomy 25:4, Apostle Paul offers an interpretation that God’s instruction to not muzzle an ox while it is treading grain is actually showing concern for the workers carrying out God’s work. As Paul explains, the ox represents laborers working to establish God’s church, not merely a beast of burden used by farmers for field work. Just as oxen are utilized by farmers, God uses people like Paul to cultivate the development of God’s church.

Through this analogy, Paul conveys that God cares for and makes provision for those who dedicate themselves to advancing His purposes, rather than exploit just as a farmer would allow his ox to eat from the grain it labors over.

Another example, Jesus was called the Lamb of God, primarily because in the past, lambs were sacrificed and their blood was used for the atonement of sins. However, they had to constantly sacrifice lambs over and over again, as a yearly ritual.

But Jesus, the true Lamb, came and atoned for sins once and for all. In this way, even animals can be used in biblical prophecy to foreshadow future events and people.

4. Geographic Locations as Parables

As you analyze biblical prophecy, consider that the places mentioned may not always refer to those literal locations. Frequently, the sites cited no longer exist, yet they still appear symbolically. This can perplex students who assume the passages describe modern-day countries or contain errors. However, God does not make mistakes. There are deeper meanings behind the symbolic locations.

When studying prophecy, do not automatically equate each place name with a present-day country. Though sometimes applicable, often these names symbolize ideas or spiritual concepts beyond geography. While confusing at first, simply remember God’s Word contains no accidents. Meditating on the scriptures reveals a richness of interpretation beneath the surface.

Was Jesus crucified in Sodom? No. Was Jesus crucified in Egypt? No. He was crucified in Golgotha. So, why are Sodom and Egypt mentioned in this prophecy? Sodom is a place that had not existed for thousands of years by the time of Jesus. It was destroyed back in the time of Lot, long before Jesus’ era, and thus it no longer existed.

Yet, God mentioned Sodom for a reason. Its mention was not accidental; there must be a characteristic of Sodom that reappeared in a particular place, a place that resembled Sodom, that echoed Egypt. Do we observe this? That’s why the scripture refers to it figuratively, indicating that these locations share similar characteristics.

The prophecy is not referring to the physical locations, but rather the spiritual conditions they represent.

Sodom was known for wickedness and lack of hospitality, while Egypt often symbolizes oppression and slavery in the Bible. This suggests there were aspects of Jerusalem in Jesus’ day that mirrored decadent Sodom. Likewise for Egypt, though centuries had passed since the Jews’ captivity there.

God called Jerusalem by these names to paint a picture of what it had become. The references are symbolic, making a comparison to highlight the spiritual degradation in Jerusalem alongside the physical agony Christ endured on the cross.

5. Historical Events as Parables

In this seminar, we delved into the significance of the Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, which God instructed Moses to construct. This structure was not commanded by mere chance and was not only significant in its time but also holds profound implications that reach their culmination in the end times.

While I will only briefly touch on this topic now, rest assured that we will explore this in greater detail later. It’s important to understand that God’s instructions to Moses were far from arbitrary. There was a deliberate and specific purpose behind each directive, which we will uncover together.

The author of Hebrews was referring to the tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, as an illustration or parable.

He was drawing an analogy between the historical tabernacle used in the time of Moses and what would come later. The tabernacle was a metaphor pointing ahead to future fulfillment.

In this way, biblical prophecy often uses historical events as well as symbolic parallels of what is to come.

Let’s review these four or five key elements. Objects, people, animals, geographic locations, and historical events are all used in biblical prophecy and parables.

By understanding that these different literary devices can represent something else, the meaning behind prophecies and parables becomes clearer.

We can use the acronym “OPAGH” to easily remember the five common elements used in prophecy: Objects, People, Animals, Geographic locations, Historical events. Keeping this device in mind aids comprehension of prophetic texts.

Let’s review the key elements that are commonly used in prophecy and parables, which consist of four or five main categories. These are:

 

1. Objects

2. People

3. Animals

4. Geographic locations

5. Historical events

 

When you grasp the significance of these elements, the interpretation of prophecies and parables becomes clearer.

To aid in remembering these categories, you can use the acronym “OPAGH.” It is easy to remember the five different components that are often referenced in prophetic literature.

Memorization

 

Let’s Us Discern