The use of parables is one of the more familiar aspects of Jesus’ teaching. I think it is safe to say that, along with “the Sermon on the Mount,” most folks would default to the parables as central to Jesus’ instruction. This general perspective is not without basis—indeed, if you look through the Gospels (particularly Matthew, Mark and Luke), you will find a parable on nearly every page. Given both their frequency and their popularity, we should be more adept at understanding them, but that rarely seems the case.
There are various mistakes that are commonly made when studying Jesus’ parables. Reading them as analogies, where each detail corresponds to something in real life, can lead you into dangerous territory. Think, for instance, of the parable of the unjust judge—is that supposed to be God?? The assumption that each story is meant to shape our moral character is often specifically rejected by Jesus Himself. Note how frequently Jesus introduces His parables with something like, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” This is not exactly a prescription of moral duty. Drawing too many lessons from a single parable usually undercuts the very purpose of the parable. We must be careful not to read too much into parables, forcing them to say what they don’t mean.
But what, then, is the purpose of a parable? The word, parable, comes from a Greek word meaning “a placing beside”—that is, a comparison or illustration. Most frequently, Jesus draws His parables from nature and/or common human existence. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke contain around 30 such stories (the Gospel of John uses other figures of speech, though no formal parables).
Jesus frequently uses parables when addressing the crowds—comparing something familiar to something unfamiliar; helping us understand spiritual truth by using every day objects and relationships. However, parables are more than just a cute or relatable story; they also are intended to compel the listener to discover truth, while at the same time concealing the truth from those too lazy or too stubborn to see it (Mark 4:11-12). Parables intentionally hide the truth of God’s Kingdom from those who were not receptive or actively seeking it, while simultaneously revealing it to those who are open to understanding. To those who are honestly searching, the truth becomes clear.
This week for worship, we will look at one of the final parables recorded in Mark’s Gospel. Stressing again the portrait of Jesus as King, Jesus tells a story based around a very “king-ly” activity of owning and operating a vineyard. This parable would evoke many associations for His Jewish audience—one of the more familiar images used in the OT for the nation of Israel itself is that of God’s vineyard. The authority, ownership and function of the owner-King is made clear in this story—with convicting force for those opposed to Jesus’ mission!
In preparation for worship this week, read Mark 12:1-12.
- For background, read Isaiah 5. In verses 6-7, God identifies Israel as His vineyard. When using this same imagery in His parable, Jesus evokes the same association. How does this identification shape the interpretation of the parable?
- What is the big picture message of the parable? What main point must be understood if the entire parable is to be grasped?
- Why would the Jewish leaders seek to arrest Jesus because of this parable (verse 12)?
- Why would the owner of the vineyard expect some of the fruit of the vineyard (verse 2)? What is the implied relationship between the owner and the tenants?
- If Jesus were to appear at Hebron and recount this parable for us, what would the message be? How should we respond to this text?
By Henry Knapp