Bible Study: The Parables

Opening Hymn: LSB 670

Psalm 45:10-17

Creed (Back Cover)

Lord’s Prayer (Back Cover)

1) What is a parable?

a) A story with a spiritual point to make

i) Often two things compared (The kingdom of heaven is like a grain . . .)

ii) With a “point of comparison”

(1) Where the two things being compared come together

(2) That then, is the theme of the parable

b) Are they usually true to life?

i) Yes, in that they use common, every day things

ii) No, in that they use them in unrealistic ways (A sower throwing seeds on paths)

c) What is the purpose of the parables? (vv. 10-17, 34-35)

i) To teach the truth of the Kingdom of God

ii) To highlight the difference between the believer and unbeliever, and thereby to judge

2) The Parables

a) What is the context of chapter 13?

i) Conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders

ii) Growing crowds of followers that included gentiles and sinners

b) How does the Parable of the Sower highlight this contrast?

i) Only a few receive the word of God in faith

ii) Jesus is still faithful now to preach to those with hardened hearts

c) What do Parable of the Weeds and the Net (vv. 47- 50) look forward to?

i) The final judgement (see vv. 36-42)

ii) The final separation of those who reject and those who receive Jesus

d) How do the parables of the Mustard seed and Leaven point to the Jesus’ ultimate victory?

i) Even if it may not look like it, the Kingdom of God grows

ii) Because the Word continues to bear fruit

e) How do the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great price, point to the work Jesus came to do?

i) He finds great value in the world

ii) He came to purchase it with His blood.

Closing Prayer: Luther’s Morning Prayer, pg. 327