Why did Jesus speak in parables? The standard answer, in one sense, seems to be the exact opposite of what Jesus told us. The typical response to that question is that Jesus spoke in parables to make his teaching clearer to his audience. After all, they tell us, parables are earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. Most people view … Continue reading Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?
But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. – Luke 15:20 The kiss of the father in the parable of the prodigal son is full of meaning. The prodigal has returned home, but only after forsaking his father and … Continue reading The Prodigal’s Return
This parable at first glance can seem a bit perplexing as we try to understand what it is that Jesus is telling His disciples. But as we dig deeper it is quite an amazing teaching because in one short story Jesus shows that works are completely useless for earning salvation and completely necessary in another sense.
The Fight of Faith 