We can find parables in the Old and in the New Testament.
In the Old Testament parables are often told by the Prophets, i.e. in Isaiah 5, 1-7, or in 2nd Samuel, 12, as told to King David by Nathan.
In the New Testament Jesus tells parables to the people. Superficially Jesus’ parables seem to deal with daily living and working conditions of the people of his time.
However in his parables Jesus wants people to open their ears, eyes and hearts so that, with the help of these stories, they will learn to recognize God, God’s love and God’s kingdom. They will also gain an insight into their personal faith.
Parables are metaphors which are told as a story. In a metaphor a word, a phrase or sometimes a story is transferred from one field, where they have an original meaning, to another where it may seem strange. It’s about things behind the reality. The Metaphors help get to the heart of the matter.