The Parables of Jesus - Essay Example

June 5, The Parables of Jesus: An Analysis Scholars and theologians have closely examined the manner by which Jesus used parables to teach, relay an important lesson, or to vividly illustrate a message to the people of His time. From the readings of the gospel according to Luke, there are three famous parables which Jesus presented and whose meaning in terms of lessons learned; as well as spiritual significance, would be explained in the current discourse. These parables are as follows: the sower and the seed; the Good Samaritan; and the lost sheep, the lost coin, as well as the lost son. The Sower and The Seed: Luke 8: 4-15 The parable of the Sower and the Seed was taught by Jesus and was likewise clearly explained in the Gospel. According to the parable, the sower was on the way to plant some seeds. On the way to the place where he was to specifically plant, some of the seeds fell in different places: in the way side, on a rock, and even on thorns. As expected, these seeds eventually withered and died. Only the seed which were planted in good ground became productive and bore fruits. Jesus likewise explained here that the seeds were the word of God and the different types of ground are people who listen to the word. The lesson that Jesus tried to impart was that people who are honest, who have a good heart, and are holistically prepared to receive the good message from the scriptures are the ones who would benefit from these words by living it, sharing them to others, and become productive from having learned from them. Those who are not prepared could just be exposed to these words and teachings and not be able to apply them in their daily lives. Likewise, though not explicitly mentioned the sower could be the source of perpetuating the word of God; this could be the spiritual adviser, the priest, or even the Holy Scriptures where the Word of God could be found, or where these teachings would be relayed. Thus, the spiritual significance of this parable is deduced in terms of assuming the appropriate perspective: mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and even socially, to receive, to imbibe, to share, and to apply what one would learn from the gospel readings and teachings of God’s words to appreciate the lessons which are relayed therein. The Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37 Another parable told by Jesus was the story of the Good Samaritan. The story apparently unfolded when a certain lawyer asked Jesus what should be done to inherit eternal life and the series of responses led him to subsequently ask who one’s neighbor is (The New Testament Excerpts: Life of Jesus). To this, Jesus responded through the story which aimed to teach who one’s neighbor really is. As asserted by Jesus, a good neighbor is one who would show mercy to other people, especially to those in need; despite not being known or not knowing the person to be assisted. The analogy to being a neighbor was presented in terms of encountering other people who could have different personalities, designations, or professions in life. As contended, Jesus cited the priest and a Levite who just passed by and was indifferent to the person who was mugged, stripped, and badly hurt. The spiritual implication of the teaching could be appreciated even in contemporary times when people become callous and indifferent to the plight and condition of others – especially the needy. Thus, the lesson that was imparted was to be merciful to others by taking action and doing what is within one’s means to help. Only then can one assert that one is indeed compliant with the definition of a true neighbor, as embodied in the traits noted in the parable. The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son: Luke 15: 1-32 Jesus told three interconnected stories acknowledging how one regards something lost as worth finding. He initially started with the parable of the lost sheep, prior to proceeding with the stories of the lost coin and the lost son (The New Testament Excerpts: Life of Jesus). In each of this story, it was evident that the finder in various instances and situations would always rejoice at locating that which was lost: whether it be one sheep among a hundred; or a coin; or even a prodigal son (The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright). The emphasis was placed on the exaltation and jubilant feeling for having found that which was lost. As an analogy, in the parable of the lost son, the father even went to great extents on explaining to the son who had always been spending time with the father that the other son who previously left and squandered all the possessions given by his father was likened to a brother who died and who then lived again. The lesson that Jesus wanted to teach in these parables was the relevance of locating something lost, especially an object or a person who was regarded as important in one’s life. Thus, people who normally spend time and effort to seek these lost objects or persons with the hope that they would be found to bring back happiness in life. The spiritual significance of the story is therefore interpreted to mean that people usually put significance to those that are dear to us: a person, a loved one, some pets, source of livelihood, or objects of value. The presence of these people or objects make life happy and complete. Thus, when these are lost, the void that it makes apparently creates emptiness, loneliness and renders life incomplete. As such, by locating them, life is restored to completeness. The process of searching and locating the lost object or person therefore brings much relief and the gratitude felt necessitates celebration. The spiritual upliftment attained from the experience is therefore illuminating as it provided an opportunity to be grateful and be thankful for the blessing that was apparently received. Locating something valuable that was lost therefore provides the opportune chance to acknowledge that there is a Supreme Being or a greater divine power who oversees man’s challenges and who ultimately addresses the anguish and pain associated with the loss. Works Cited The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright. Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1982. Print. "The New Testament Excerpts: Life of Jesus." Christianity - Handout #1. 2013. Read More