The Parables of Jesus Author:J. Dwight Pentecost Jesus' use of figures of speech, proverbs, and stories shows the simplicity, depth of insight, and sublimity of thought that only a master teacher can express. But the parables of Jesus are more than just great literature. As the author observes, "It is often overlooked that the primary purpose of the parables was to instruct those to whom the... more » parables were originally spoken." In fact, almost one-third of Christ's teachings in the Gospels is given in the form of parables.« less