The word “parable” is derived from the Greek word 'parabole' meaning ‘putting things side by side’.” A parable is basically when one story is laid out beside another story, and the two stories run beside one another. In other words, the two stories are “parallel” to each other.Life on earth has two realms dimensions, one physical, and the other spiritual. They run parallel to each other. Two dimensions coexist at the same time, running side by side. When Jesus spoke in parables he revealed the mystery of the kingdom of heaven. He is teaching us to see past this perceived reality of life to eternity. Jesus is the bridge that spans dimensions. He was fully man and fully God in One. He spans the gap between human perception of life and eternity. We see parables of Jesus only in the Synoptic Gospels. (Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as synoptic gospels which include many of the same stories, often in a similar sequence and in a similar fashion or sometimes identical wording. The content of the gospel of Johns stands largely distinct.
Parable differs from fables, myths and proverbs because they move in a spiritual world without changing the actual order of natural things. Fable is essentially of the earth and may teach some morality while it does not lift to a spiritual realm. There are some fables in the Bible such as Judges 9:8-15 or 2 Kings 14:9. The fables may have reference to speaking trees and talking animals etc. Myths are narratives explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or imaginary events. Myths have imaginary characters like Superman or Unicorn. Proverbs state a general truth or advice. Parables show perfect distinction between truth and fiction. The parables are simple natural human stories that contain spiritual truths that must be studied in context. The story sometimes needs interpretation which Jesus has given in many situations.
The parables are not to be taken as doctrines or to be used as sources to establish doctrines. Their purpose is to illustrate doctrines that are already founded and established. For example, some teach the parable of the unmerciful servant to prove that there is no need of a sacrificial death for redemption. The parables are not to be taken as prophecies either. The return of the good Samaritan is compared to the return of the Lord by many. But note that the return of Jesus is going to be as the Judge and not as the Savior. A scholar has stated: “The purpose of the parables was to reveal just enough truth to raise intense curiosity, promising more if listeners went along. Interested ones will be inspired and uninterested ones will walk away uninspired."
Jesus gave a parable about the hundred sheep out of which one was lost. He took the example of a herd of sheep to illustrate God’s love towards even the one percent. This lost sheep may have been no different from any other ordinary sheep, but it was special to the shepherd. To this shepherd, there is no big sheep and little sheep. Every sheep is precious in his eyes. A mother of 13 children was asked by a sociologist, "Do you think all children deserve the full, impartial love and attention of a mother?" "Of course," said the mother. "Well, which of your children do you love the most?" he asked. She answered, "The one who is sick until she gets well, and the one who is away until he gets home." God loves all His people equally and dearly. He pays special attention when one gets sick or gets lost. He is keenly watching those who are sick, weak or lonely and going through difficult time. He will come to your situation no matter how many other sheep He has to take care of. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia describes that sheep live in flocks, follow a leader, and timid. A sheet of paper blown by the wind will frighten them. A thunderstorm may throw them into a panic. If they are scared while crossing a streamm, they may drown without a struggle. Fire in a building where sheep are kept may destroy a whole flock, because they are too frightened to flee. They get lost and wander off into danger very easily. They are lost due to ignorance as they are directionless and easily susceptible to group influence. Near the village of Gevas in eastern Turkey, while shepherds ate their breakfast, one of their sheep jumped off a 45-foot cliff to its death. Then, as the stunned shepherds looked on, the rest of the flock followed. In all, 1,500 sheep mindlessly jumped off the cliff. The only good news was that the only 400 were killed because they became a soft pile of cushion for the rest.
Humans are also highly susceptible to group influence. With all the information explosion today, we follow the crowd mindlessly. The marketing commercials and the rhetorics of politicians pull us towards their products and agenda.Thinking that grass looks better over the other side, people begin to work their way to the greener pasture. Having no clear conviction or direction in life people find themselves lost. The most tragic sense of lostness is perhaps when we have no clue that we are lost.
Sheep are defenseless creatures. They need a shepherd to care for and to defend them from danger of being killed by other animals. Not knowing what is important in life can lead us to dangerous places. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees.” (John 10:11, 12). Because He gave His life for the sheep, they are His precious posession. Had I been the only one who was a sinner in this world, I believe that Jesus would still have come to die for me!
Blessings
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