Before we begin to study particular parables of Jesus, it would be a good idea to familiarise ourselves with the general themes that run through the parables. Throughout the parables, certain themes keep on recurring. Jesus might tell a new story, yet teach the same lesson that another parable taught. The parable themes are simple, yet they are at the heart of Jesus's teaching. In the parables chart below, we look at seven great themes in the parables of Christ..

The Seven Themes in Christ's Parables

1. Parables about God's Mercy and Grace

Certain parables illustrate the grace and mercy of God, in forgiving us when we did not deserve it, and when we could not make amends for our sins. God shows a Fatherly love for us, and is longsuffering toward us, even though we may be erring children.

2. The Severity of God

On the other hand, the parables often illustrate the severity and wrath of God in the coming judgment, at which all who have not responded to his mercy will be cast out from his presence.

The parable of the unforgiving slave illustrates the mercy and severity of God (Mtt 18:23-25).

3. The Importance of Obedience

Obedience to God is important, indeed essential, even though our works by themselves can never make us worthy of his blessings. God requires obedience of us, and repentance from disobedience, if we are going to be saved by his grace.

The parable of the two sons illustrates the importance of obedience rather than lip service (Mtt 21:28-32).

4. The Great Value of the Kingdom

The parables often point out the great value of the kingdom of God and of membership in it. The parables show that the kingdom of God should hold first place in our lives.

5. A Spiritual Kingdom for All Mankind

Certain parables bring home the spiritual and universal nature of God's kingdom. The kingdom of God is not an earthly nation, but a heavenly kingdom for people of all nations.

6. A Kingdom in which the Weak are Strong

Yet another lesson in the parables about the kingdom, is that the glory and power of God's kingdom cannot be understood in terms of material things. The most important persons in God's kingdom may seem to be least important in the eyes of the world. Out of what may seem small and weak to the world, God can make great and powerful things.

The parable of the mustard seed illustrates the above three aspects of the kingdom of heaven (Mrk 4:31-33).

7. God Looks on the Heart

Finally, several parables show that God is not interested in outward show, but in the quality of a person's spirit. Humility, mercy, compassion, sincerity of heart, these are the things that matter.

The parable of the whited tombs illustrates the way God looks on the hidden inner person, not the outward (Mtt 23:27-28).

Quick Quiz (on Themes in the Parables)

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