What is a parable? To what shall we compare it? It is like a medicine, carefully crafted to release its benefits steadily over time. Too much, too quickly and the drug results in harm rather than good. But the right remedy, in the right dose and at the right times, results in lasting healing.

Such are parables on the lips of Jesus. Presenting his message in vivid, sometimes startling imagery and stories, Jesus captures the interest and imagination of his listeners. The same people who instantly dismiss a bald theological assertion (‘God loves his people’) will find lodged in their memory the image of a shepherd seeking his lost sheep; or a woman seeking her lost coin; or, strongest of all, a father straining his eyes, watching for the return of his lost son, running to meet him and embracing him warmly (Luke 15). Every time they attend a wedding banquet they are reminded of another banquet, whose invited guests scorned the invitation (Matt 22:1-4). When they see a farmer scattering seed in his field or a mustard tree growing (perhaps a daily occurrence), they are reminded that Jesus also spoke of a sower sowing (Mark 4:3-8) and a mustard seed that grows (Mark 4:30-32).

Whilst such a person may not have understood at the time, may not have been ready for the truth wrapped up in Jesus’ message, later recall may be precisely the means by which God draws them to himself. Praise God that he has given us such an effective means of both remembering the lessons he taught, and of sharing them with others!