Nearly one-third of Jesus’s teachings come in the form of parables—and that was no accident. Jesus knew the power of a good story. He used parables to wake up his audience, challenge their assumptions, push them to think differently, and communicate the message of his movement in unforgettable ways. But these stories weren’t simply illustrations meant to make a point. They were explosive, provocative, and deeply rooted in the world of Jesus and his listeners. In this series, we’ll explore the power of story, uncover how Jesus used parables, and dive into some of his most well-known teachings—including the Parable of the Soils, the Rich Fool, the Lost Son, the Good Samaritan, the Mustard Seed, and more. As you discover the cultural and contextual background behind these stories, you’ll see familiar parables with fresh eyes and gain a deeper understanding of what Jesus was calling his listeners—and us—to see, believe, and do.
Ep. 89
22:39
Jesus and His Explosive Parables
Parable of the Mustard Seed: God Is At Work
God’s work does not always look impressive at first. The mustard seed reminds us that His kingdom can be growing even when it seems small or easy to miss.