Parables?

"The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'" Luke 8:10

The parables are amongst some of the most well known passages in the Bible, enduring stories told and loved by many. Often they are seen as stories to teach in Sunday School, but to leave them as something for the children is to miss out.

Read them again with adult eyes and you will see that they are challenging, confusing, and often highly radical. They can also seem to be confusing, obscure or just downright strange! Why did Jesus tell these 'riddles'? Why not just explain the truth plainly? What was he trying to do?