PARABLES IN THE MODERN DAY CHURCH: Tomfoolery in Disguise!

Have you ever wondered why Jesus used parables? The answer is likely not what you think, or perhaps what you’ve been taught.

Some say He used parables to illustrate His points, like any great teacher would; he wanted to help His listeners understand what He was trying to teach them. I’ve heard this argument used to justify all types of props and schemes and worldly entertainment from the pulpit on Sunday mornings. 

They say, Jesus used parables, so shouldn’t I do the same? Shouldn’t I do whatever it takes to illustrate the point I am trying to make? Shouldn’t I do whatever it takes to reach people and get them through the doors of this church? Those words sound good. They sound like they come from a place of zeal for the lost. And I believe they often do! But the only question that really matters is this: Are they truth? Do they, in fact, represent the scripturally prescribed model for evangelism and our approach to the local church? Remember, the greatest lies contain much truth. The Apostle Paul says it better: “It only takes a little leaven [deception] to leaven the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9)

Let’s talk about those parables for a minute. Most people don’t realize that the Bible gives us the exact reason Jesus used parables. In the book of Matthew, the disciples pull Jesus aside and ask Him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” (Matthew 13:10)

How do you think He answered? Did He say that He was seeking to make the truth more entertaining? Did He say that He wanted to do whatever it takes to illustrate kingdom truths, so that more people would find salvation? No. He said something very different…

And Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore, I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,

‘You shall keep on listening, but shall not understand;

and You shall keep on looking, but shall not perceive; 

For the heart of this people has become dull,

With their ears they scarcely hear,

And they have closed their eyes,

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

Hear with their ears,

understand with their heart, and return,

And I would heal them.’” (Matthew 13:11–15)

Jesus’ response was quite the opposite of what we might expect. He did not use parables to open the eyes of many to the truth, but instead to keep the truth veiled to those who had hardened their hearts and were under the judgment of God. Even His own disciples would often come to Him privately to get the explanations. It is my belief that if someone were to truly study the four Gospel accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry, they would find it hard not to walk away thinking He seems to be more concerned about weeding people out than bringing people in. He seemed to be more concerned about the purity and piety of a few, than the half-hearted curiosity of the masses. 

Just think for a moment what it must have been like for the crowd of people listening in the synagogue when Jesus turned to them and told them that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood if they wanted eternal life. (John 6:53-58) You and I have the privilege of looking at that statement 2,000 years after the cross and understanding its spiritual significance. But what was it like on that day when those words actually came out of His mouth? What did those people think in that moment? Five verses later we get to see exactly what they thought about His peculiar approach to evangelism: As a result of this, many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.” (John 6:63)

Let’s look at one other Biblical example. The Apostle Paul gives us a very interesting description of his approach to evangelizing the Corinthians…

“And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

It’s important to understand a couple things from that passage. First, Paul was a well-educated man. He had studied under Gamaliel, one of the most highly respected teachers of Jewish Law in his time; Paul was more than equipped to use persuasive words of human wisdom. Second, the Corinthians were a people who placed a high value on wisdom, philosophy, and oratory skill. This would have been the ideal scenario for Paul to say to himself, I must do whatever it takes to reach these Corinthians! I must go to them with great oratory skill and philosophical arguments because that’s what they value. That’s what will hold their attention. But Paul does the opposite. He resolves to know nothing except “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Why did Paul choose this approach? So that their “faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

The Apostle Paul saw things different than many “pastors” today. Primarily, he saw the Word of the Living God as SUFFICIENT! He agreed with those words in Hebrews, “The word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) Furthermore, Paul knew that whatever means He would use to win them to Christ would become the foundation of their faith.

Modern day missionary and evangelist, Paul Washer, says it like this…

“If you use carnal means to attract men, you’re going to attract carnal men; and you’re going to have to keep using greater carnal means to keep them in the church.”

The great Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon, consistently condemned the “seeker-sensitive” approach. Let us look at just a few of his words on this subject…

“The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the Church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them.”

 And again…

“If you have to give a carnival to get people to come to church, then you will have to keep giving carnivals to keep them coming back.”

And perhaps the most stinging…

“That very church which the world likes best is sure to be that which God abhors.”

My friend, my words should be a great encouragement to you. This approach to evangelism is much simpler. We do not need to devise carnal methods and strategies to attract and entertain people. That is the method of this world. Let us be done with all this tomfoolery and begin to regard the Word of God for what it truly is: SUFFICIENT!

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