Storyteller: The Parables of Jesus

Early in His ministry, Jesus taught in clear terms. As His ministry progressed, however, He began to disguise His message in parables (comparisons, or extended riddles). Parables were Jesus’ way of responding to the lack of responsiveness of His audiences. Parables were used to REVEAL truth to the receptive and to CONCEAL truth to the closed. Parables, then, were a form of judgment upon hard-hearted people, while being a great blessing to those who cared to explore the deeper meaning hidden in the parables.