1	Parables Short, usually fictitious, stories that illustrate a moral attitude or a religious principle.
2	Outline What a parable is Why they are used The elements of a parable The interpretation
3	What a parable is. An extended simile drawn from nature or common life, arresting the hearer by its vividness or strangeness, and leaving the mind in sufficient doubt about its precise application to rouse it into active thought. A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another of a different kind, as an illustration or ornament (e.g. as brave as a lion)
4	Why they are used. Matt. 13:11-17; Mark 4:10-12; and Luke 8:8-10. A method of teaching the responsive disciple. To hide the truth from the unresponsive and so aid in the hardening of their hearts as they continuously rebelled against God. ( Ramm, p. 255-6) 2 Sam. 12:1-14 To make the point sting or be unforgettable.
5	The elements of a parable. (1) Some commonly known EARTHLY thing, event, custom, or possible occurrence. (2) The spiritual lesson, or theological truth which the parable INTENDS to teach. (3) The earthly elements bear an ANALOGICAL relationship to the spiritual element. (Ramm)
6	The interpretation. The occasion and scope. (Also called the root, basis or radix.) The similitude, in the form of a real narrative. (Also called the bark, covering, cortex or protasis.) The moral and religious lessons. (Also called the marrow, medulla, inner substance or apodosis.) (Terry)
7	Principles for interpreting (1) Determine the one central truth the parable is attempting to teach. The parable presents one single point of comparison, the details are not intended to have independent significance. Don't make a parable walk on all fours. (2) Determine how much of the parable is interpreted by the speaker Himself. (3) Decide whether there are any clues in the context concerning the parable's meaning. (Ramm, p. 261-2)
8	According to Terry. (1) Determine the historical occasion and aim of the parable. (2) Make an accurate analysis of the subject matter, and observe the nature and properties of the things employed as imagery in the similitude. (3) Interpret the several parts with strict reference to the general scope and design of the whole, so as to preserve a harmony of proportions, maintain the unity of the parts, and make prominent the great central truth.
9	Terry’s Footnote One may compare the entire parable with a circle, of which the middle point is the spiritual truth or doctrine, and of which the radii are the several circumstances of the narration . . . Even so in the parable, if we have recognized its middle point, the main doctrine, in full light, then will the proportion and right signification of all particular circumstance be clear unto us, and we shall lay stress upon them only so far as the main truth is thereby more vividly set forth. (Terry, p. 281-2)
10	Walk Through Format 1. Occasion and original audience 2. The intentional lesson 3. Reason for parable format. 4. Concise summary of the content of the parable. 5. The one main point of comparison with a defense 6. The one or two other major points of comparison, in any, that the original audience should have know. 7. How the speaker or author interprets it, if present in the text. OR The interpretation the original audience should have gotten. 8. The reaction of the audience if stated in the text. 9. Summary. 10. At least one application for readers today.
11	Some Examples 2 Samuel 12:1-7 Judges 9:8-15 1 Kings 22:13–28 Zech. 5:5–11 Isa. 5:1–7 Jer. 18:1–10 Matt. 20:1–16 Luke 19:11–27 Matt. 18: 21-35 Matt. 13 Matt. 7:24-7
12	Definitions protasis the clause expressing the condition in a conditional sentence apodosis the main (consequent) clause of a conditional sentence (e.g. If you asked me I would agree)