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===Purpose of parables===
The reason that Jesus' taught in parables is not immediately obvious. It seems that Jesus taught in parables for many reasons.
====Purpose: To conceal meaning====
Some parables, rather than enlighten everyone, seemed to be spoken to conceal the meaning. For example, in the parable of the sower, we are told that Jesus spoke in parables so that people would be "Forever seeing, and not understanding" ([[Luke 8]]).
====Purpose: To make one or two spiritual points====
Parables usually had one overall point. Occasionally they have two or three main points. For example, in the difficult parable of the Shrewd Manager in [[Luke 16]], Jesus seems to be making a single point - think and be shrewd in your actions. Likewise, the parable of the great banquet ([[Luke 14]]) seems to be making one main point - come when you are invited.
====Purpose: To make points by comparison====
Many parables made their point by comparison. For example, in the [[Prodigal Son]] ([[Luke 15]]), Jesus makes a point by comparing the responses of the two brothers and the father.
====Purpose: To make people who were interested to think and judge====
Parables, by their very nature of not being completely straight forward, draw interested people to think and judge. An person who is interested is almost always compelled to think and wonder at hearing a parable. For example, Jesus' disciples came to Jesus wanting an explanation after the parable of the sower.
====Purpose: To help people remember====
Parables can be easy to remember because a story needs to be remembered.
====Purpose: To reveal people's hearts / to confront people====
In the Gospels, we find that the parables often confronted people and revealed their hearts. For example, in the parable of the wicked tenants, the Pharisees were confronted by Jesus, and instead of repenting, they became more angry - their true hearts were revealed by the parable.
===Some of Jesus' parables===
