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Parables Part One

Stained Glass Light

Definition Parable

  • a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.

  • a statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like.

http://dictionary.reference.com


QUESTIONS

  • Why use parables? 

  • Why does Jesus just not say directly what he means?

Parables were not read, they were heard!

  • Who heard them?

Sadducees, Pharisees, Priests, Disciples, Followers, Rich People, Servants, and those who are Lost

  • How do these different people hear the parables differently? Who plays what role?

  • How do you hear these parables today?

KID DEFINITION

Hey there! So, imagine you have a friend who loves telling stories. Now, these stories aren't just regular tales; they're like secret messages from your heart. That's what a parable is—a special kind of story that teaches us important things about life, love, and being kind to one another. It's like a little adventure for your heart and mind!


How many of these parables have you heard?

Which ones are your favorites and why? 


Here is the SHORTEST PARABLE - 

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. - Matthew 13:44

  1. New Cloth on an Old Garment. (Matthew 9:16)

  2. New Wine into Old Wineskins. (Matthew 9:17)

  3. You are the Light of the World/Lamp on a Stand. (Matthew 5:14-15, Luke 8:16-39)

  4. Wise and Foolish Builders. (Luke 6:46-49)

  5. Money Lender. (Luke 7:41-43)

  6. The Rich Fool. (Luke 12:15-21)

  7. Keep Watch, The Thief in the Night. (Luke 12:35-40, Mark 13:32-37)

  8. Faithful and Wise Servant. (Luke 12:42-48)

  9. Unfruitful Fig Tree. (Luke 13:6-9, Matthew 24:32-35)

  10. Sower of Seeds. (Matthew 13:3-23)

  11. Weeds Among Good Plants. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

  12. The Growing Seed. (Mark 4:26-29)

  13. The Mustard Seed. (Mark 4:30-32)

  14. Yeast. (Matthew 13:33)

  15. Hidden Treasure. (Matthew 13:44 - Shortest!)

  16. Fine Pearl. (Matthew 13:45-46)

  17. Fishing Net. (Matthew 13:47-50)

  18. House Owner. (Matthew 13:52)

  19. The Lost Sheep. (Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:3-7)

  20. The Good Shepherd. (John 10:1-18)

  21. Master and Servant. (Luke 17:7-10)

  22. Unmerciful Servant. (Matthew 18:23-34)


There are MORE in Parables Part II!

The Kingdom/Kindom of God (Heaven?)


This phrase is used again and again in the parables of Jesus. What does it mean? 

  • Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46

  • ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age.  Matthew 13:47-49

What do you think the Kingdom/Kindom of heaven is like? 

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