The word parable is a transliteration of the Greek word “parabolé” which is pronounced para-bow-LAY. The Lexham Bible Dictionary defines a parable as “PARABLE παραβολή, (parabolē). A story or saying that illustrates a truth using comparison, hyperbole, or simile. Can be a model, analogy, or example.” (Seal, D. 2016). The word comes from two Greek words, “para” which translated means “beside” and “ballein” which translated means “to throw.” When all this is put together, the word parable means to throw beside, or to place beside, for the purpose of comparing, or making a comparison.
Parables can sometimes be identified by the use of the word “like,” as in Jesus’ statement, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed,” …show more content…
Nathan did this with David (2 Samuel 12:1-10). But Jesus used this approach often when confronting the Pharisees, scribes and any other that sought to do Him wrong. The Parable of the “Wicked Vinedressers” (Matthew 21:33-46) is a classic example. Jesus spoke of a landowner who planted a vineyard and leased it to wicked vinedressers who when the owner sent servants to collect they killed them and refused to pay the owner of the vineyard. The owner of the vineyard sent several more servants just to be killed also, so finally the owner sent his son, whom the vinedressers eventually killed out of bitter envy and hatred. As the chief priests and Pharisees began hearing this parable, they begun to side against the unjust and wicked vinedressers. But when the parable was concluded, the Scriptures say, “Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.” (Matthew 21:45). Jesus did for these chief priests and Pharisees what Nathan did for David; causing them to agree with the injustice of the situation and the need for righteous judgment against the guilty parties, before they suddenly realized they were the real subject of the