Parable
By Akshara Parashar ; Period 3
Definition
- It is a type of analogy (comparison based on structure)
- It is different from a fable in that fables employ unrealistic examples such as talking animals whereas parables use very realistic examples such as human characters.
- Comes from the greek word "parabola" meaning comparison or application.
EXAMPLES OF SOME PARABLES
Parable of Judging Others
Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above
his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you look at the
speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, "Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye," when you
yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your
eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Luke 6:39-42
Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
Why do you call me "Lord, Lord," and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who
comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a
house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent
struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my
words and does not put them into practice is a like a man who built a house on the ground
without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its
destruction was complete.
Meanings of the video parables
Parable of the lost sheep:
Even amongst all the 100 sheep, if the herder loses one, he goes looking for that one sheep leaving all the other 99 out in the open. Similarly, it says that the heavens rejoice at the one sinner who repents rather than all the other great men who never repent.
Parable of a Sower:
- The hard ground represents someone who is hardened by sin; he hears but does not understand the Word
- The stony ground pictures a man who professes delight with the Word; however, his heart is not changed, and when trouble arises, his so-called faith quickly disappears.
- The thorny ground depicts one who seems to receive the Word, but whose heart is full of riches, pleasures, and lusts; the things of this world take his time and attention away from the Word, and he ends up having no time for it.
- The good ground portrays the one who hears, understands, and receives the Word—and then allows the Word to accomplish its result in his life.
YOUR TURN! :)
Incentive = CANDY!
WORKS CITED
"10 Great Parables." 10 Great Parables. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
"Parable of the Sower.mpg." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
"Parable of the Sheep.mpg." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.