WHY JESUS TAUGHT IN PARABLES “Parables are short stories which point up and illustrate spiritual truths. Those spoken by Jesus deal with real events, or, if fictitious, are so consistent and probable that they may be viewed as the commonplace experiences of many people. Parables seldom clarify a truth; rather, they obscure and hide the doctrine involved so that none but those already enlightened and informed, on the very point presented, are able to grasp the full meaning. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the parable of the wheat and the tares. When Jesus first gave this parable, even the disciples did not understand it. They asked for the interpretation, and he gave it, partially at least. And then with both the parable and the interpretation before the world, the Lord still had to give a special revelation in latter-days so that the full meaning of this marvelous parable might sink into the hearts of men. (D&C 86). The allegory of the tame and the wild olive tree, as given by Zenos, is in the same category. (Jacob 5). Even in this day of spiritual enlightenment, there are parts of it which are hidden from the understanding of the saints. If the Lord had intended that people generally should know the full meaning of this allegory and of his various parables, he could have presented the truths involved in plain language, and there would have been no room for doubt or speculation. But had Jesus taught all of his doctrine in plainness, such would have added to the condemnation of his hearers. (D&C 82:2-4). 2 Nevertheless, there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly; yea, even all of you have sinned; but verily I say unto you, beware from henceforth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon your heads. 3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation. 4 Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law. His use of parables to hide the full and deep import of portions of his message was an act of mercy on his part. Should any of his hearers later come to a knowledge of the truth, they would then remember his simple stories and gain from them the message he intended. On the other hand, those already spiritually enlightened receive recurring flashes of knowledge by recalling the stories involved. As they continue their temporal pursuits of sowing, planting, harvesting, fishing, and mixing bread, they are reminded continually of eternal gospel truths.” Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol. 1
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 06:29:27 +0000
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