Of all the words and teachings of Jesus Christ in the Gospels, none so accurately reflect his distinctive expression as do the more than forty parables that the evangelists attribute to him. Indeed, for theologians as much as for Christians in general, no other passages seem to so perfectly capture distinctive voice and genius of Jesus as do the parables.
             This being said, however, it must be acknowledged that there is considerable controversy over the structure, the theology, and the very purpose of the parables themselves. For example, some theologians argue that differences between the parables in the various Gospels reflect differences in the theological approach of the evangelists. Other theologians argue that parables were intended by Jesus to fascinate "outsiders", while being unnecessary to those with an intimate relationship with Him and His Word.
             This paper will examine the tradition and interpretative of the parables. It will be argued that minor textual differences exist between parables in different gospels but all reflect the singular theology and ministry of Jesus.
             Moreover, the interpretation of the purpose of the parables as differentiating between an "in" and an "outsider" group will be shown to be based on a misreading of a Gospel passage. Finally, it will be demonstrated that the significance of the parables for modern Christians lies in their power to translate complex theological issues into everyday terminology and, in the process, allow us to establish an intimate awareness of the presence of Jesus in our lives.
             Any discussion of the parables must first address the question raised in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus seems to imply that the purpose of parables is to confuse his mass audiences while, to his Apostles, he explains everything. Indeed, few passages in the Gospels have received as much critical attention as has this one.
             When Jesus was alone with the Twelve and his other companions they qu...