The post about the parable of the wicked vinedressers went a little off track.... Rather than trying to "Right the ship" - I wanted to start a new post on the subject of:
WHY did Jesus teach in Parables?
It's pretty critical to understand.... and a lot of people mix up didactic "Teaching" stories like Aesop's fables meant to clarify and illustrate with the reason Jesus taught in parables - Dark sayings...
So, some background.
There's a critical turning point in Jesus earthly ministry. It's highlighted in Matthew 12 and 13
This is when the Roman appointed Temple Leaders turn the corner and begin to send the Pharisees and Lawyers out to impugn, malign, scandalize, and DESTROY Jesus RATHER than to try to understand and hear Jesus message.
This is highlighted in the exchange in Matthew 12:14-42. This begins with the Pharisees declaring that Jesus was working miracles by the power of Satan, then calling him a bastard (Illegitimate son born out of whoredom) Jesus then warns them of the unforgivable nature of Blasphemy against the Spirit and finally discusses their parentage (Brood of vipers, or paraphrased - Seed of the Serpent!)
THIS marks a critical turning point after which Jesus teaches publicly ONLY in parables - Matt 13:34 "All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them"
WHY did Jesus ONLY teach publicly in parables after this critical point?
What is the specific purpose of Parables?
WHY did Jesus teach in Parables?
It's pretty critical to understand.... and a lot of people mix up didactic "Teaching" stories like Aesop's fables meant to clarify and illustrate with the reason Jesus taught in parables - Dark sayings...
So, some background.
There's a critical turning point in Jesus earthly ministry. It's highlighted in Matthew 12 and 13
This is when the Roman appointed Temple Leaders turn the corner and begin to send the Pharisees and Lawyers out to impugn, malign, scandalize, and DESTROY Jesus RATHER than to try to understand and hear Jesus message.
This is highlighted in the exchange in Matthew 12:14-42. This begins with the Pharisees declaring that Jesus was working miracles by the power of Satan, then calling him a bastard (Illegitimate son born out of whoredom) Jesus then warns them of the unforgivable nature of Blasphemy against the Spirit and finally discusses their parentage (Brood of vipers, or paraphrased - Seed of the Serpent!)
THIS marks a critical turning point after which Jesus teaches publicly ONLY in parables - Matt 13:34 "All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them"
WHY did Jesus ONLY teach publicly in parables after this critical point?
What is the specific purpose of Parables?