The gospel attributed to Matthew tells us that Jesus loved speaking in parables and always included them as a staple of everyday dialogue and teachings. When we are introduced to the importance of parables in this gospel (Matthew 13; after we have already heard a smattering of allegories in prior chapters), Jesus presents a string of comparisons to what is referred to as “the kingdom of heaven”, or what is referred to here on this blog as the Eternal Kingdom.
These early parables of Matthew 13, are agrarian and domestic: seeds, wheat, flour, sowers, reapers, etc. are the allegories Jesus chooses to use. It makes sense, as Jesus’ followers at this moment in the gospel story are mostly country folk that can relate to these stories.
The first set of parables here revolve around everyday labors the audience could relate to. It makes me wonder what everyday comparisons Jesus would use today, to help us see that the Eternal Kingdom is practical and realistic. What aspects of our daily lives would Jesus use as a mirror for the world as God dreams it?
Within this same chapter, the second set of introductory parables are more aspirational. Everyday scenarios are entwined with bold and fantastical outcomes. Yearnings, hopes, adventures, and surprises are found in these parables. These are stories we’d love to be a part of. Jesus mingles together everyday, seemingly mundane work with possibilities that are bigger than our imaginations. Jesus urges followers of this movement to think bigger and dream more boldly.
As this gospel narrative progresses on, the characters and analogies used in the parables morph and become more complex. The gospel writers speak of Jesus’ aspirational goal to take the movement to the big city of Jerusalem, and with this transition comes the big city critiques. Scribes, pharisees, and the educated suddenly swarm to Jesus. In some ways, they are presented in the gospel narrative like the press of Jesus’ time, questioning and probing Jesus’ good works and teachings.
By the time we get to what we have labeled as chapter 18 (it’s always worth remembering that the initial writers did not include chapter markings), the movement has solidly gone from being solely-rural to one now integrating urban city dwellers. Drawn in at this point are what we would call the middle and upper class: supervisors, managers, rulers, the rich, etc.. While plenty of pastoral parables continue—as a way of sustaining Jesus’ base group of followers—stories featuring kings, managers, rulers, and servants come to dominate the latter allegories. (Matthew 18, 21, 22, 25)
Understanding the importance of the audience is important for understanding how to understand the parables themselves. When we hear these parables without context, we can easily fall into the trap of saying that certain characters in the parables represent “this” or “that” exactly. We may accidentally see God as greatly vengeful or merely merciful when we isolate one parable or another. We may even errantly see some as more worthy of God’s forgiveness and love more than others.
Indeed, Jesus’ stories about tough managers and slothful servants is hardly intended for the servants in the crowd at the point during which they are presented in the text. Jesus is talking to the ruling class, those in power, those in control of the narratives of the day, the leading influencers. The overarching point being made is that there is always one more powerful and that we will all answer to that higher power—God Almighty—one day.
While it is good and right to examine parables individually, they cannot singularly be glorified as the gospel truth. They point us to truths about God and humanity, and inspire and challenge us in our faith, and are meant to help us see God at work in our midst. Which brings us back to the earlier question: What parables would Jesus tell us today, to help us behold the Eternal Kingdom?
What would Jesus say to the mangers of our time? The working class trying to get by? The uber rich? The devastatingly poor? The people who live in cities? The folks who live in the country?
How would Jesus explain the Eternal Kingdom coming into the world around you through relatable analogies? What would Jesus say to give you a daily aspirational dose of equal parts encouragement and challenge?
Relevant Reformation 