One of the foundational DtN courses is Kingdom Parables. Jesus taught about fifty parables in the Gospels, ten of which He taught in a single day.
A parable is an illustration: a proverb (Luke 9:23), a comparison (Matt 10:24-26) or a story from either nature (Matt 13:3-9) or life (Matt 25:1-12). It normally teaches a single point or principle but may, like many Jewish stories, have allegorical traits. It was a common form of teaching at the time but Jesus took it to a whole new level of skill. Jesus used parables both to illustrate and clarify a truth, setting it into a story people could understand. However, in using parables his purpose was also to capture their imagination and passion leading them into an intimate relationship with the Father.
After teaching the parable of the sower, Jesus explains His main reasoning for teaching this way (Matt 13:10-17).
And the disciples approached and said to Him, “Why do you speak in parables to them?” He answered and said, “To you it has been given the ability to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been given. But whoever has more will be given him and will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” Matt 13:10-12
The disciples did not ask the question, “Why do you teach us in parables?” but “teach them” referring to the people that had gathered to hear Jesus. However, Jesus’ response does not address the people listening but the disciples and their ability to understand. Jesus knew that the disciples did not fully understand the parable of the sower and He would later explain it to them. This shows Jesus’ unique ability to assess a person’s understanding and know how to encourage them to grasp the mysteries of the Kingdom. This was part of Jesus’ discipleship pattern.
And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables.” Mark 4:11
Throughout most of its history, the church has interpreted the parables in a fixed allegorical way, usually explaining them in terms of the Jews, the church and the world. This has not left much room for an individual to understand the parables for themselves or for the Holy Spirit to bring revelation knowledge in the context of their own individual life.
Much of the teaching on the parables has neglected a focus on the individual’s own relationship with the Father. The question we should ask ourselves as we study the parables is, “What is the point, concept or principle that Jesus is teaching me?”
Jesus’ miracles on earth were spectacular and drew the masses, but it was His teaching of the principles of the Kingdom through the parables that changed people’s lives. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17). By understanding and studying these principles every one of us can live a naturally supernatural life!