Messiah's Kingdom

Parables are true-to-life stories designed to teach a truth or answer a question. When Jesus spoke in parables it was also to hide the truth from the unresponsive in the audience (both then and now).

Guidelines for interpretation:

• Start with the immediate context of the parable.
• What was the occasion for telling the parable? Is the meaning of the parable given in the immediate context (sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't)?
• Identify the central meaning. Remember, seek the single intended meaning of the author. (Usually can be summed up in one sentence)
• Identify irrelevant details. Not every detail is relevant to the central meaning. By know the central meaning, one can identify the details which have no bearing on the meaning of the parable.
• Identify the relevant details. This will be easier when the other steps are accomplished in order.
• Compare parallel and contrasting passages. Sometimes Jesus would tell the same parable, but change some elements(s) in it. Jesus might vary the parable according to His audience, or the timing in His earthly ministry.
• Base interpretation on the clear, literal passages after prayerful diligence.

AN EXERCISE

Luke 7:36-50

36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner." 40 And Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he replied, "Say it, Teacher."

41 "A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 "When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have judged correctly." 44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 "You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 Then He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven." 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?" 50 And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

IMMEDIATE CONTEXT

Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of Simon the Pharisee (Who were the Pharisees? What they did? What they believed? Why they opposed Jesus? How did one become a Pharisee? Etc....). Obviously, the disciples are there too, or at least some of them. A prostitute came in uninvited to see Jesus (What were the customs of the times for invitations and visitation?). She wept at His feet and dried His feet with her hair. (The feet were the dirtiest part of the body at that time.). The reaction of Simon and his friends was obvious and the ocassion led into Jesus giving the Parable of the Two Debtors.

IDENTIFY THE CENTRAL MEANING

The central meaning is given in the parable in verse 47. Be careful here as you might miss the whole point. Jesus' shows us that Simon thought himself a "little sinner" (50 denarii) and the prostitute a "great sinner" (500 denarii). His central meaning explained is that our love for God (and others) is directly proportional to our acknowledgement of our sin before God and desire for forgiveness.  Hence, one who sees themselves as a "little sinner", has little love for God, little love for others (Simon's example of no greeting to Jesus upon His entrance into the house), and a little knowledge of forgivness. The prostitute, on the other hand, knew she was a "great sinner" (the 500 denarii debt) and needed much forgiveness, seeking it at the feet of her Savior. If Simon had understood the truth about himself, he would know himself to be a "great sinner" (500 denarii debt) and seek the same at the feet of Jesus.

IDENTIFY IRRELEVANT DETAILS

Perfume is irrelevant for the central meaning except that it contrasts with Simon's lack of manners (lack of love) with the prostitute's.

The amount of the debt owed except to contrast the appreciation of its forgiven.

IDENTIFY RELEVANT DETAILS

All the other details in the parable are relevant to the central meaning.

COMPARE PARALLEL AND CONTRASTING PASSAGES

Though there are no other exact passages, the interpreter might want to examine other parables dealing with debt and forgiveness.