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When one mentions the concept of “parables”, many people assume that they are a uniquely New Testament concept. But, like many “new” things of the New Testament, the parabolic form of teaching is not so new after all. As far back as Asaph (one of King David’s musicians @ 1000 BCE) we find the following reference: “Listen, 0 my people, to my Torah; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old” [Psalm 78:1-2]. The Hebrew word for “parable” is mashal which has the meaning of a comparison, a saying or an illustration. Understanding this, we realize that the largest book of parables is not even in the New Testament but is in fact the book we call Mishley (Proverbs). This book of the Tenach is full of rich comparisons and illustrations into practical wisdom. Later, the Greeks called this genre of literature “parabole” which comes from two words meaning “to cast along side” which is surely a good way to compare things. The definition of this Jewish way of teaching therefore could be “a true to life narrative which conveys a specific truth by way of comparing something known to that which is unknown.” The Talmud (Rabbinic commentaries), like the Hebrew Scriptures, is rich in parabolic teaching. The classical rabbis especially loved to illustrate a point by the use of these interesting stories. In fact, it is said “Let not the parable be lightly esteemed in thine eyes, since by its means one can master the whole of the words of the Torah!” [Shir HaShirim Rabba 1:1]. At one point, the rabbis even use a parable to illustrate a parable! They note that a man once had a problem of trying to transport a jug of boiling water. What was the solution? Put a handle on the jug so it may be moved. Such are the parables for the Scriptures; they are practical handles by which to make the Torah accessible.

With this rich Jewish heritage found in the mashal/parable, it should not surprise anyone that Yeshua of Nazareth often used this distinctive tool as a means of communicating his teaching. As he addressed the crowds, Yeshua spoke of such things as hidden coins, leavened bread and lost sheep. Every parable from his lips was to focus the people’s attention on one powerful comparison: that which is known (e.g.. Coins, bread, sheep) with that which was not so well known (e.g.. The spiritual Kingdom of G-d). To elaborate on this point, let us consider the first recorded parable spoken by Yeshua, often called the Parable of the Soils [Matthew 13]. It is here that our Messiah teaches us about His kingdom from the gritty reality of the soil of Israel. You may recall that this is a story about a farmer (G-d) who went to sow seed (The Word) and this seed fell on four different kinds of soils. Each is informative for us to this day.

1) The Compacted Soil: Some seed felt on the hardened path and could not take root. This is compared to the hardened person who wants nothing to do with the things of G-d or the Messiah. This still seems to describe the state of the majority of those in the world. Such a person may even talk of religion but the lack of spiritual fruit is apparent.

2) The Rocky Soil: Some seed is said to have fallen on rocky soil which could actually take root quickly yet, because there was not much soil, it died quickly as well. This is compared to a superficial believer; that is, one who seems to accept the message of Messiah yet fades sometime thereafter. Specifically, we are told it is some affliction or troubles which dry out the new plant like the summer sun. How many people have started the faith walk with zeal and good intentions only to fall away when some tzuris/ troubles hit!

3) The Thorny Soil: Other seed felt on acceptable soil but it had many thorns which choked out the life of the new plant. What are the thorns? The distractions and cares of this life. That should be a sobering thought for many believers today. We may have new life in Messiah but too often we allow other cares distract us from G-d’s perfect plan for our lives.

4) The Fertile Soil: This seed fell on good soil, took strong root and continues to bear much fruit for the things of G-d. Hopefully this describes our lives as those who are seeking to walk the talk. We may not be perfect and we certainly have not arrived yet, but at least the spiritual fruit of a follower of Yeshua is there for all to see.

What a simple yet powerful lesson this was for the first century Jewish followers of Yeshua as the Messiah. They understood about farmers, seed and different kinds of soils. Through the dynamic use of parables, they could now understand more of that which was not so well known; namely, the kingdom to come. These lucid word pictures have much to teach us as well. As Yeshua said, “Blessed are your eyes because they see; and your ears because they hear” [Matthew 13:16]. We would do well to heed the parables of Yeshua in our day.

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