Matthew 13:53
The parables of Christ were stories told to illustrate a point. As in this passage, Jesus uses the word ‘like’ as he begins the story. He says the kingdom of heaven is ‘like’ the story. Two words, then, are important to understand in connection with his parables. The first is this word ‘like’ and how it explains what his parables do. The second is the word ‘parable’ itself.
In many languages, such as English, French, Spanish, and Latin, the word ‘parable’ is simply a carry-over from the Greek. The Greek word for parable, ‘παραβολή’ is simply transliterated into these other languages. Transliteration differs from translation in that the word has had such a profound effect upon the other language that it has simply transferred completely from the one language to the other. Thus, our word ‘parable’ is borrowed directly from the Greek. Indeed, the word is so influential in its context of Jesus’ parables that it can hardly be thought of without bringing his ‘like’ stories to mind.
The Germans have actually translated the word ‘parable,’ but their translation is based on the word ‘like’ in Jesus’ parables. In the Greek, ‘like’ is ‘ὅμοιος,’ which is where we get the prefix ‘homo,’ meaning ‘the same.’ So, Jesus is saying ‘this is the same as this’ when he presents one of his parables. The Germans, then, use their word for ‘simile’ to translate the word ‘parable.’ A simile is, of course, a figure of speech that we use to compare two things. And that is just what Jesus is doing here. He compares two things. By comparing an easier-to-understand story with a harder-to-understand concept, he seeks to promote understanding in those who truly wish to learn. For those who have no desire to learn, and want it all handed to them on a sliver platter, it frustrates their ability to grasp anything of substance.
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 1:1-2:46
Scripture Memory: 1 John 3:8 “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.“
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for encouraging us to have a desire for Your Truth. Your wisdom in putting Your Truth into a book is quite amazing. It is the best way You could have done it, even though it is not the way we might have done it. We would probably send somebody a DVD video of the whole thing. You, on the other hand, chose to give us a book. It stands alongside millions of other volumes in the libraries of the world. And yet, it stands above all the rest. Thank You for giving us something so distinctive and alive. It changes us from the inside out. You always know the best way to do things. Thank You! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for the last night of Vacation Bible School.
Journal Entry #13207