Implicit Narrative Meaning of the Gospel Parables

Many of Jesus’ parables function not only as metaphors but also as narratives. As stories, these parables carry implicit meanings. This paper aims to explore how the author conveys these implied meanings within the story and how the audience interprets them. First, I examine those parables in the Gospels that include a moral lesson. Second, I analyze the reception of parables that lack explicit interpretations in the Gospels, particularly within the Eastern Orthodox liturgical tradition. In both cases, I identify two key devices that communicate the implicit meaning. The first device involves generalizing the specific characters and details to convey a broader, even universal significance. The second device is the audience’s ability to identify with the emotions or choices of the characters during the climax of the narrative.