tried to interpret the parables in this manner. But since that time, it has become almost universally accepted that a parable’s meaning consists of one central, decisive point. A few parables might have two major points or possibly even three, but we do not treat them as true allegories, finding hidden significance for every single element. And so the question we will ask as we consider these eleven parables is, what is Jesus’ single, important, central point? What lessons do these parables carry