A parable is a short story used to teach a lesson. Parables use metaphors to draw an analogy…that is, they point to regular things to paint a picture that explains a more complex idea. From the Greek bole (throwing) and para (alongside). As a translation of the Hebrew mashal, a parable can also be considered a riddle.
Jesus used many parables…as much as one-third of His recorded words are this type of illustration, using everyday people and objects to explain spiritual reality.
