A parable is a story designed to make one central point by teaching a moral lesson or truth. Parables amplify or affirm doctrine rather than establishing it, because parables are more obscure than clear doctrinal passages. Bible prophecy said the coming Messiah would teach in parables and Jesus was the fulfillment of that prophecy because Jesus often used parables in His teaching. Jesus used parable for two reasons, to reveal truth to believers and to hide truth from unbelievers.
Parable interpretation:
1. Determine why the parable was told.
2. Look for the explanation of the meaning of the parable by the speaker.
3. Identify the central or focal idea of the parable.
4. Identify the relevant and irrelevant details. A detail is relevant only if it reinforces the central point of the parable.
5. Interpret parables in the context of the culture of Bible times rather than the culture of today.
6. Parable should never be the primary or only source for establishing doctrine.
Studying the parables in the Bible will give you a much better understanding of God’s Word. There are 58 parables in the Old Testament and the New Testament contains 54 parables. No, I didn’t count them. I found a listing of all Bible parables in my Willmington’s Guide to the Bible. A good Bible guide is invaluable for studying God’s Word. I stumbled upon mine at Goodwill and paid a dollar for it but you can find one on on-line for $20-$30.