Why did Jesus speak in parables?
Many times during his ministry Jesus spoke in parables when he wanted to relay a specific message to the people. The beauty of his parables is for myself twofold, first is that they in and of themselves were short, concise and simple; second is that the message is the exact same today as it was when he gave it 2000 years ago.
Whilst the stories themselves may be simple, understanding the implicit message within them is not always so, Thank God for the Holy Spirit. Point in case, after Jesus had spoken the parable of the Good Shepherd to the Pharisees in Jhn 10:1-19, 'A division occurred again among the Jews because of his words." Many were saying, "He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to him?" Others were saying, "These are not the sayings of one demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?” Jhn 10:19-21
I don't know about you but the parable seems quite clear in that Jesus is saying he is the only way to eternal salvation, and also that salvation is not only for the jews but all of mankind ("I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.") Jhn 10:16
photo source (Feel free to re-use in own work)
I find it very significant that the Pharisees, who by all accounts were among the most zealous of Jews when it came to knowing the law given initially by God to Moses, were so spiritually blind in not understanding this parable that they resorted to saying the Messiah (Jesus) was demon-possessed. For me this speaks volumes to the fact that theosophical and doctrinal knowledge counts for nothing if we A. seek the easily won glory of men as opposed to the hard earned glory of God and B. if we are spiritually dead.
To answer the question at hand I would like us to consider a short analogy of a father, his daughter and a man wishing to wed said daughter. If the man had only known the daughter a single day and simply wished to wed the daughter to satisfy his lustful desires given that she was beautiful, this would not be a relationship founded on love but selfish desire. More so, if the father said to the wanting husband-to-be, "If you sign this document then I will take your word for it that you don't solely want my daughter for your own lustful desires."
Anyone would agree this would be unjust and a complete disregard of the daughter.
photo source (Feel free to use in own work)
On the other hand, if after many months of dating and seeking a genuine relationship with the daughter the father then gave his blessing to the man's advances, it would be evident that this was done through genuine desire for a relationship with not only the daughter, but her father and the rest of his family also, not simply for the man's selfish wants.
Herein lies the answer to the question, why did Jesus speak in parables? If we do not desire a relationship with Christ and rely solely on formal doctrine (analogous 'document') then our ears will not be opened to the spiritual understanding of Christ's parables.
Just as the father was unjust for giving his daughter's hand without waiting for the wanting husband-to-be form a relationship with his daughter first, God the Father only allows us to be given the Holy Spirit (and with it spiritual understanding) after we have shown and made a genuine desire to have a relationship with Christ as our saviour.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber." Jhn 10:1
The only way to become a legitimate member of the Body of Christ is to enter the gate through Christ, and not by seeking our own selfish gain which ultimately leads to misleading others in the process.
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Amén!
Glad it resonated with you. God bless! 😊
Hearing his word and not yet understanding the meaning of his word can be confusing to a lot of followers of Christianity, but to the followers of Christ he reveals his truth... You have said quiet a bit in your posting above and I think that it will lead many to inquire more for understanding through the Spirit than through the body... Keep up the good work....
Thankyou good sir, I do sometimes get carried away as I'm writing down onto paper an outline for a post. His word is quite simply the gift that keeps on giving. Your support is appreciated, many thanks.