Thursday, October 22, 2020

Parables (p. 72)

A parable is a fictional story that compares something we do not know (The Kingdom of God/God's presence among us) with something we do know. In this way, a parable is a metaphor which teaches us about the Kingdom of God, or God's actions among us. A parable usually has a surprise twist that helps us to see God's love (grace) for us in a new way.

Five Characteristics of a Parable:
1) A parable is a story
Parables are a work of fiction. The events described in a parable did not actually occur.

2) A parable is a comparison
Parable comes from the Greek "parabole," meaning comparison. Parables make a comparison between something the audience has knowledge of, and something they may not have knowledge of, namely God.

3) A parable has a crisis
Parables usually contain some sort of conflict, crisis, twist, or surprise.

4) A parable has an ending
The conflict is resolved.

5) A parable is about the Kingdom of God, or God's actions among us
A parable helps us to better understand God.

-Mr. H.

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