Parables are priceless analogies of faith in action. Jesus used them to show examples of God’s truths through visualizing His word through a story. And what lies beneath the parables is an endless delivery of God’s wisdom.

In Matthew’s Gospel twenty parables come to the surface and overall thirty-nine appear in three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). With this in mind, we see they play a significant role in learning God’s truths.

Their simplicity is a point often overlooked. The Parables are full of incredible insight of God’s word, yet I have a tendency to over-think them and complicate the message. This is why placing my trust in Christ is crucial in understanding these fascinating scriptures. Because my limited knowledge isn’t enough to comprehend their profound meanings.

It may surprise you not everyone understood Christ’s parables (Matthew 13:10-15). Since God knows the hearts of humans (Luke 16:15) and at Jesus’ time on earth, many lived in dead faith; He decided to hide their meanings. And their refusal to accept God’s real word cost them the wisdom to understand God’s will.

In fact, the Apostles were the first men to gain the knowledge (Matthew 13:16-17) of their powerful lessons. Jesus knew His ascension into heaven was inevitable and used the Parables as a way of preparing them for life after His departure. Christ explained their secrets to help them spread His Gospel.

It’s in the Parables we find the spiritual actions needed to apply God’s truth in our daily lives. They cover a multitude of Christian behavior favorable in God’s eyes. For one thing, they teach us the value of faith, love, and humility. Each of them gives reverence to the way God intends for us to live in harmony with Him and the world.

For example, the Parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), shows Christ’s way of humility. Here we see how one’s impartial generosity stirs up an unacceptable reaction in receiving fairness. In this case, Christ’s message is humility. And humility is gratitude in disguise, but complaining is the result of a hardened heart.

Another more famous Parable is the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9). This leaves no doubt the faith needed for finding God’s saving grace (Ephesians 2:8). It is important to realize real faith and Christ great explanation (Matthew 13:18-23), points out God’s definition of eternal faith (Matthew 13:23).

And we must follow Jesus so we can build on the Lord’s unshakable foundation and secure our eternal lives.

One of the most compelling evidence of love is the Parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35). Behind the act of forgiving is unconditional love.

When we forgive others, our love radiates through a compassionate heart. It’s in our willingness to let go of our hurt feelings and show our offenders a loving spirit. This valuable lesson teaches us it’s pointless to hold onto bitterness. This great freedom transforms our lives into one working for Christ and living God’s will.

When I spend time on the Parables, I meditate on them. I breathe in their spiritual air refreshing my spirit and re-energizing my heart. And I ask myself what the action I need to take so I bring them into my life is.

We have discussed a few Parables. Now that we have a basic understanding of their purpose then it becomes easy to use them in helping us grow in the knowledge of Christ. We will never find God’s hidden wisdom until we take time and apply them to our faith.

What do you find lurking beneath the Parables?