Title
Understanding The Parables
Scripture
Now the parable is this
(Luke 8:11)
Devotional
A parable by definition is a simple story used to understand a profound statement. One of the most well known of the parables of Jesus is the parable of the soils. The soil represents people and the seed God's Word. Like all the parables, to understand them, there must likewise be a listening ear and a willing heart. In this parable, we are measured by how we believe, trust and obey what we have heard. Parables appear to be used for the testing faith. Not all of the parables are explained as this one; therefore when they are clearly explained, we need to give special attention to the explanation so that those parables that are not as clear may be understood by those that are. As we are to let the Word clarify the Word, let us allow the parables define the parables. Let us furthermore listen to them with an ear that leans toward obedience, trusting that Christ uses them for our understanding and not for the purpose of confusion.