Parables

A parable is a word of Greek origin that means a setting side by side, a comparison.  It is a story on the surface, but underneath, there is a deeper meaning.  Divine Truth is presented alongside material things or subjects.  It is important to take the context of time and culture when listening to parables as that may have significant parts to play in the interpretation of the parable.
Christ used parables for a number of reasons. When teaching in parables, it is up to the hearer to divine what is being taught.  If the person listening to the parable doesn't search for the deeper meaning behind the words, then a story is all that it will remain.  It takes a person willing to seek to find the religious truths that are hidden within the story.
A couple of the parables mentioned in the chapters we read this week were the parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50).  All of them have great insights into God's kingdom and it's movement throughout the Earth.  The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven talk about how such small things like a mustard seed can grow into a large tree or that the little bit of yeast can make a large amount of bread rise.  The Kingdom of God started out small on this Earth, but through diligence and the efforts of people to spread the Word, it has grown into one of the most dominant forces on this planet.  It is our responsibility to spread our nets and help others to come unto Christ, even in the smallest ways.
We must strive to live as an example of the believers so that others want to get to know Christ because they have known us.