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“Do you not understand this parable?” is a question Jesus asks his disciples (Mk 4:13). Just as the first disciples often did not understand Jesus’ many parables, so it is for many of us today. This short course offers a general introduction to Jesus’ use of parables. The aim is to help participants to interpret the parables, to enter into what they can reveal about Jesus and his audience, about the evangelists and their communities, and about how we are to understand the Kingdom of God today.
Week 1
Session Title: Introduction to the Parables
Much of Jesus’ teaching comes in story form, as parables. Jesus’ most vivid portraits of the kingdom are found in the parables. By their nature, parables are meant to involve hearers and challenge them to change their perspective, their hearts, and their behaviour. The parables invite us to live in a new way, in a way worthy of the Gospel.
Week 2
Session Title: The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20)
Naming the first parable in Mark’s Gospel “The Parable of the Sower” implies a particular emphasis in the interpretation. In fact, the parable has several interpretations depending on which element is chosen as the focus. It might also be called the Parable of the Seed, the Parable of the Soil, or the Parable of the Harvest or even the Parable of the Sowings. This is an example of the open-endedness and multiple teaching functions of a parable.
Week 3
Session Title: Three Parables of the Lost (Luke 15:1-7; 8-10; 11-32)
As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem, he is accompanied not only by his disciples, men and women who follow him from Galilee, but crowds of people. Luke often portrays large crowds as mostly positive in their response to Jesus, in contrast to their leaders who test Jesus. Luke involves Jesus’ listeners, addressing them with questions like “Which of you…?” and Luke likes to contrast reactions to Jesus. These opposite reactions to Jesus implicitly ask the reader, “Which reaction is yours?”
Week 4
Session Title: The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
The parable of the Good Samaritan is famous for its ethics, and rightly so. In this session we will also look at the theology and Christology contained within it. Seeing the parable in its dialogue setting, what is the lawyer to conclude and what are the theological motifs that make up the parable?
Week 5
Session Title: The Parable of the Compassionate Employer (Matthew 20:1-16)
This parable has long been called the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Such a title assumes that the workers are the focus of the parable. The central focus of this story, however, is the amazing compassion and grace of the employer rather than the employees. Throughout the day the vineyard owner demonstrates sensitivity and compassion for the unemployed and that deep concern is then augmented by his generosity at the end of the day.
Reading for Session I
Barbara Reid OP, Parables for Preachers, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota 2001, pp.1-26(abridged notes by Brian Purfield)
Watch: How To Read the Parables of Jesus Video | BibleProject™
For those who wish to read further
Jose Antonio Pagola, “A Poet of Compassion” in Jesus: An Historical Approximation, Convivium Press, Miami, Florida, 2009, pp. 123-154
Questions for Reflection
1. Do you have a favourite parable? If you do, why does this parable speak to you?
2. What stood out for you in the presentation?
3. Did you find anything unexpected, surprising or disturbing in this session? If so, explain what it was and why you found it that way.
Reading for session II
Mark4:1-20 – The Parable of the Sower
For those who wish to read further
Nicholas King SJ, “The Mystery of the Parables” in The Strangest Gospel: A Study of Mark, Kevin Mayhew, Stowmarket, Suffolk 2006, pp.23-31.
Dennis Sweetland, Mark, From Death to Life, New City Press, New York 2000, pp.58-64.
John R. Donahue SJ & Daniel J. Harrington SJ, The Gospel of Mark, Sacra Pagina Series, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota 2002, pp.136-148.
Questions for Reflection
1. Imagine yourself hearing the Parable of the Sower for the first time, knowing nothing about Jesus. What do you hear in the parable?
2. What does Jesus seem to be saying about the purpose of the parables in verses 11 and 12?
3. How do you understand Jesus’ words about his teachings being misunderstood & rejected?
4. Do you think that the parables conceal or reveal the truth about God’s Kingdom?
5. How has God sown his seed in your life? Has it come through other people, prayer, books, family, nature, or other means?
6. Which type of soil are you?
Reading for session III
Luke 15:1-32 – The Parables of the Lost
For those who wish to read further
Brendan Byrne, “Celebrating God’s Acceptance (15:1-32)” in The Hospitality of God: A Reading of Luke’s Gospel, Liturgical Press, Collegeville Minnesota 2015, pp.142-147.
Denis McBride, The Gospel of Luke: a Reflective Commentary, Dominican Publications, Dublin 1991, pp.199-209.
Questions for Reflection
1. Of the three parables in Luke 15, what stands out for you?
2. What do the actions of the shepherd and the woman indicate about their attitude towards what they have lost?
3. What are the differences between trying to earn God’s love and living in response to God’s love?
4. What circumstances in your life has God used to “find” you?
5. Jesus makes it clear that God rejoices when a person willingly responds to God’s generous love. How could an awareness of this affect your prayer to God? Your relationships with the people who are closest to you?
6. Is there sometimes a difference in the way we hope God will treat our sins and the way we think God should treat the sins of others? What light do the parables shed on this?
7. With whom do you stand in the parable of the Prodigal Son?
Suggestion for Prayer
Take a few moments to thank God for showing mercy in your life. Read Psalm 103:1-13slowly, pausing between each verse and let whatever prayer arises from within, to do so.
Reading session IV
Luke 10:25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan
For those who wish to read further
Kenneth E. Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes. Cultural Studies in the Gospels, SPCK London 2008, pp.284-297.
Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, “The Message of the Parables” in Jesus of Nazareth, Bloomsbury London 2007, pp.183-211.
Questions for Reflection
1. Luke says that the lawyer was trying to “justify himself” in his final question to Jesus. What does this seem to mean?
2. The victim of the robbery was stripped of all his clothing & was left unconscious. How might this have affected the first two travellers’ decisions not to help him?
3. All three who pass by “see” the wounded man. What happens to the Samaritan after that initial seeing that seems to escape the other two?
4. The lawyer originally wanted to know who his neighbour was. Does Jesus’ parable answer his question?
5. What is the message of this parable for you?
Questions for Persona Reflection
- The priest & the Levite consider other concerns to be more vital than helping another human being in need. Are there concerns that you, by your actions, consider more important than helping needy neighbours? (Who are your needy neighbours?).
- What risks do you take in reaching out to others in love & compassion?
- Whom do you have the most difficult time seeing as a neighbour? How might this parable help you overcome this difficulty?
Reading Session V
Matthew 20:1-16 – The Parable of the Compassionate Employer
For those who wish to read further
Tom Wright, Matthew For Everyone, Part 2 Chapters 16-28, SPCK London 2004, pp. 54-58.
Jack Mahoney SJ, Glimpses of the Gospels, Theological, Spiritual & Practical Reflections, Messenger Publications Dublin 2019, pp.23-28.
Questions for Reflection
1. How does the land owner’s agreement with the first group of labourers differ from his agreement with the other groups?
2. Why does the first group of workers feel wronged? On what standard do they seem to base their criticism of the landowner’s actions?
3. How does the land owner justify his actions? What is his motivation for his treatment of the workers?
4. Reflect on justice and fairness and generosity in the light of this parable. What is justice in the kingdom? And fairness? And generosity?
Question for Personal Reflection
- Are there people you know or know of who have come to God relatively late in their lives? Have you felt resentful of them? What does the parable have to say on this subject?
We would really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to provide us with feedback on your experience with our course. Please complete an evaluation form here:
Evaluation Form - Parables · ChurchSuite Forms
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Brian is a tutor in the theology stream. Originally from Birmingham, Brian studied philosophy and theology at the Gregorian University, Rome and later gained a Masters Degree in Franciscan Studies from St. Bonaventure’s University, New York. He has given retreats and courses throughout the UK and Ireland, North America, the Far East and Australia. He taught at the International Franciscan Study, Canterbury and at Campion House, Osterley before joining the Mount Street Jesuit Team when it began in 2004. Brian also taught at Heythrop College on the Foundation Degree in Pastoral Ministry. His particular interest is in opening up the Scriptures to people, young and old, at a level that they can understand and seek to apply to their daily lives. Brian is married to Deborah who works for CAFOD. They live in Buckinghamshire.
