Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Most of the parables begin with a phrase like “The Kingdom is like…” This puts a parable in the category of a metaphor by virtue of the structure of English. So let’s look at what a metaphor is exactly.

Merriam-Webster’s full definition of metaphor states that a metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.

Let me ask you this, if I were to compare an English word or phrase with something in Klingon wouldn’t you have to know the Klingon language and culture to render a right understanding of the metaphor? It is the same with a parable, you must be able to understand spiritual things to make the comparison or elsewise you are comparing worldly things with worldly things and missing the point.

Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

If that seems unfair, then let me ask you if it is fair for the enemy to learn the secrets of our defenses? The keys to the mysteries of the Kingdom belong to the citizens of the Kingdom. If you want to learn the secrets, learn the language by becoming a citizen of the Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Become a citizen and get the language tutor, then the parables will come to life for you. The only parable that Jesus explained in plain language is the parable of the sower. That is about the good news, the gospel, that which leads us to salvation and citizenship. It was made plain for all to understand.

DaHjaj ghaH [a] QaQ jaj Daq yIn