Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables? Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Scripture in Seminary

By Chad Shively M.Div., Ph.D. Candidate

Christ saved us at the cross through His death and resurrection, cleansing us from our sins. Before His ascension, He tasked us with making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). When I think about what Jesus has saved me from, I am reminded to follow His example by sharing the truth with others, as He often did in the form of parables. 

So why did Jesus speak in parables? In Scripture, we see that they were an effective means of revealing the mysteries of God’s kingdom to those who would listen. 

The call to understand Scripture well and communicate it wisely is central to Christian ministry and theological education. For this reason, in a seminary school, students are trained to interpret Scripture faithfully and communicate it clearly to the Church and the world.

What are Parables?

A parable is a story or a figure of speech that uses comparison to reveal a deeper truth. Jesus used them to share powerful lessons by evoking emotions with his stories.

In Greek, the word παραβολή (parabolé) means a story or saying that teaches a truth through comparison. In Hebrew, מָשַׁל (māšal) can mean a proverb, parable, or wisdom that represents or compares.

In his book “The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation,” scholar Brad H. Young describes Jesus’ parables as a form of Jewish Haggadah, which is “storytelling with a message” that proclaims a truth demanding a response. This contrasts with the Halakha, which is legal material that gives knowledge, and midrash, which is an exposition of Scripture. Jesus wasn’t just giving knowledge; He was calling for transformation.

How Did Jesus Use Parables?

Jesus used parables in the Bible to connect with His audience and teach them the ways of the Lord. In Matthew 13:10-17, He explains that parables reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven to those who have open hearts.

In “Encountering the New Testament,” Elwell and Yarbrough explain that parables offered just enough truth to spark deep curiosity and invite further pursuit, while still hiding enough meaning that those who were complacent could leave unchanged.

Jesus told many parables throughout His life here on earth. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), and the Speck and the Log (Matt. 7:3-5), just to name a few. Each parable taught something unique: love, humility, forgiveness, or faith. This helped listeners understand the kingdom of God in relatable ways.

Parables invite listeners to step into the story and ask: Where do I see myself in this? What is God calling me to change?

Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?

Parables in the Bible are timeless because they reveal the heart of God and the reality of Christian life. Here are a few of the things they effectively accomplish. 

1. They reveal the life of a true Christian. Through parables, we learn about God’s character, the importance of love and forgiveness, the diligence of faith and prayer, and the hope of the kingdom to come.
2. They speak to the heart. Jesus’ stories capture imagination and emotion. They both comfort and convict, opening our eyes to truth in ways that plain instruction cannot. 
3. They can be used in our own ministry. J. Jeremias compared Jesus’ parables to weapons that communicate theological truth and challenge listeners to act. In my ministry as a pastor, I’ve seen how stories help listeners connect with God’s truth.

How to Read Parables

Developing interpretive skills is a core focus of theological education and a foundation of training at a theological seminary. When reading parables in the Bible, it can be hard to know where to start, what to focus on, and what to apply to our own lives. Here are a few things that are essential to keep in mind:

• Historical context: Jesus spoke to first-century Jews, and His parables were recorded for readers in the Greco-Roman world. The parables need to be understood in the context of their cultural and historical background. Simply, these parables cannot mean something to us that they didn’t mean to the original audience.
• Literary context: Consider what Jesus was teaching when he added a parable. Was the parable being used as an illustration or a point of comparison? Be sure to note who Jesus was speaking to. Is it encouragement for His disciples or a warning for Pharisees?
• Interpretation model: As Craig Blomberg advises, “Look for one main point associated with each main character or group of characters in the parables.” This keeps us from over-allegorizing while honoring the intended message. Through seminary training, students are equipped to adopt this kind of careful, Scripture-centered approach.

Following Jesus’ Example

Jesus spoke in parables because stories reach hearts in ways mere facts cannot. They reveal truth, invite reflection, and call for response. As followers of Christ, we can continue His work in sharing the Gospel in ways that connect with real people and real lives.

This is where seminary education plays a vital role. At Grace Theological Seminary, students are trained to interpret Scripture within its historical and theological context and to apply biblical truth clearly in preaching, teaching, and ministry leadership. Seminary exists to help leaders grow deeper in God’s Word so they can serve the Church with confidence and clarity.

If you want to deepen your understanding of Scripture and grow in your ability to teach and lead others, explore our ministry and theology programs at Grace Theological Seminary.

If you have other questions related to the question, “Why did Jesus speak in parables?” and are looking to learn more, check out the following resources:

Jesus and the Gospels by Craig L. Blomberg

Grasping God’s Word by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays 

Encountering the New Testament by Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough

Asking the Right Questions by Matthew S. Harmon

The Parables of Jesus by Arland J. Hultgren

Stories with Intent by Klyne R. Snodgrass

The Parables by Brad H. Young

Dr. Chad Shively serves as associate director of Deploy and teaches Hebrew grammar across Grace’s seminary and undergrad programs. He is passionate about equipping Christ’s Church with knowledge of God’s Word and the surrounding culture(s) to which it was originally written. He has served in various levels of ministry leadership in Indiana and Slovakia.