Parables of Jesus

Category: File - :Prodigalsonguercino.jpg|thumb|250px|Return of the prodigal son by Guercino

The parables of Jesus, found in the three synoptic gospels, are a key part of the teachings of Jesus, forming approximately one third of his recorded teachings. Christians place high emphasis on these parables, since being the words of Jesus they are believed as what the Father has taught (cf John 8:28 and 14:10).J. Dwight Pentecost, 1998 The parables of Jesus: lessons in life from the Master Teacher ISBN 0825434580 page 10Eric Francis Osborn, 1993 The emergence of Christian theology ISBN 052143078X page 98Biblegateway John 8:28 [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%208:28&version=NIV]Biblegateway John 14:10 [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:10&version=NIV]

Jesus' parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, and each conveys a message. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey is deep, and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them as not mere similitudes which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies where nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.Friedrich Gustav Lisco 1850 The Parables of Jesus Daniels and Smith Publishers, Philadelphia pages 9-11Ashton Oxenden, 1864 The parables of our Lord? William Macintosh Publishers, London, page 6

Jesus, for example, likened the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed which although small can grow to be tree large enough for birds to nest in it. And he also likened it to leaven implying that as men get mixed with it, corruption can arise.

In Western civilization, these parables formed the prototype for the term parable and in the modern age, even among those who know little of the Bible, the parables of Jesus remain some of the best known stories in the world.William Barclay, 1999 The Parables of Jesus ISBN 066425828X page 9