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Simply put, parables are illustrative teaching stories told in the literal sense to help convey a deeper meaning or message.
Jesus used parables throughout His ministry to help illustrate the answers to questions people would ask. His parables were aimed at the most common people—such as laborers, shepherds, and fishermen. Jesus used examples from people’s everyday lives to help them better understand the kingdom of God. His parables often had surprise endings that were meant to catch the attention of those listening nearby and emphasize the point or interpretation of the parable.
While parables themselves aren’t true stories, they are intended to draw in the reader and give a simpler explanation to a deeper question. Sometimes, Jesus would explain the meaning of the parable, but other times, He wanted the listener to engage and interpret the meaning for herself. This encouraged the listener to learn more about Jesus and the kingdom by trying to understand the parable.
Parables are useful, even today. While many of the illustrations were intended for the listeners during Jesus’s time, we can still read and use these stories to help us better understand the message Jesus is trying to convey.