Studying the Parables: Tips for Seniors of Faith

1. Understand the Cultural Context and Audience of the Story

One reason the parables are so powerful is that Jesus created these narratives with his audience in mind. He used images, metaphors and situations his listeners would understand because they were relevant to everyday life at the time or part of the oral storytelling culture.

This doesn’t make the parables less powerful for modern readers, but it does mean you may have to do a little bit of homework to truly understand what some of these stories mean. Here are some questions you can ask when reading these stories:

• Who is Jesus talking to? What city or location is he in, and does the Bible give any information about who might be in the crowd? Is it the general population or a group of Pharisees? Jesus spoke differently to different people and used words and metaphors each audience was more likely to understand.
• What was going on at the time? Does the information around the parable indicate what time of year it was? Jesus sometimes drew on the natural world as it was around him or happenings like festivals in his stories.
• What was the historical and cultural context? How did people live and work at the time, and how does that show up in the parables?

This step may require you to break out a Bible concordance or search for information online to answer these questions.

Identify a Main Idea

Once you understand the context of a parable, try to identify a main idea. What’s the one thing Jesus was trying to get across in the story? Common main ideas in his parables include the Kingdom of Heaven, dealing with sin, loving each other and being faithful to God, for example.

Consider Potential Symbolism

Are there elements in the story that represent something other than themselves? Hint: The answer with parables is always yes. The mustard seed is more than a seed; it’s faith. The wedding feast is not just a party; it’s the Kingdom of Heaven.

Cross-Reference With Other Scripture

Consider how the verses within a parable integrate with other Scripture. Jesus often referenced other Bible stories and Scripture from the Old Testament in his stories, and the recounting of many parables is repeated in more than one Gospel book. Consider investing in a study Bible that makes good use of footnotes to cross-reference Scripture so you can easily find themes that are related in various stories or flip back to read the Old Testament verses Jesus referenced in his parables.

Think About How the Message Applies to Your Life

Consider the current and practical applicability of any Biblical message in your own life. This can be a great place for a Bible study journal. There are no rules for this type of journaling, but if you’re someone who needs a structure to start with, consider this tried-and-true approach:

• Write down the date.
• Write down the Scripture passage reference, including the book, chapter and verse numbers.
• Consider choosing one or two verses as the “key” verses and copying them over, as this can help you better identify the parable later and enhances memory of Scripture.
• Write a few sentences about the context, culture or meaning of the parable from your work above.
• Then, begin to write about how you feel or react to this passage and how it feels relevant to your life.
• Try to think of a single takeaway you can write down, which might be something specific and new you learned in your study, a faith reminder of something you already know or an action you feel led to after studying the parable.

Pray About What You’ve Read

Don’t forget to come to the Scripture with a heart and mind open to the Word of God. For many, the best way to do that is to begin and end with prayer. Simply ask God to help you read his Word and to provide you with the spiritual wisdom necessary to get the message he has for you today. Once you’re done with your study, end in prayer, asking God to remind you of what you learned throughout the day or week ahead and to help you apply this knowledge in obedience and faith.

One thing to avoid is complicating this practice. While the Bible is a complex, living document, people of any age and knowledge level can approach its pages with confidence that they hold wisdom and guidance.