Jesus often taught in parables to reveal spiritual truths through simple, relatable stories. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. The purpose of parables was both to illuminate truth for those who were open to it and to conceal truth from those who were hardened in unbelief.
Matthew 13:10–11 records the disciples asking why He spoke in parables:
“And the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.’”
Parables acted as a filter. Those who were humble and seeking would understand, while those who rejected Jesus would remain blind. Jesus quoted Isaiah to explain this further:
“Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull.” (Matthew 13:14–15)
Parables used common elements (farming, fishing, and household management) to illustrate deep truths about God’s kingdom. For example, the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3–9) explains how people respond differently to God’s Word. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) reveals God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Jesus also used parables to provoke thought and self-examination. They invited listeners to reflect and choose whether to accept the truth or turn away. This method exposed the motives of the heart.
Mark 4:33–34 summarizes their role:
“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.”
In short, parables both revealed and concealed truth. They gave light to the teachable and left the proud in darkness, fulfilling God’s plan of grace and judgment.
