An Introduction To The Parables Of Jesus

A clear and thorough introduction to the best known of Jesus' teachings, this much-needed text examines what parables are, why Jesus taught in parables, and the purpose and place of parables in the Gospel narratives. Invaluable for the beginning seminary or college students and for church study groups, this enlightening work reveals the meaning of the parables when they were first given, their meaning for the Gospel writers, and their meaning for us today.

"Met. Hilarion Alfeyev devotes the entire second volume of the series Jesus Christ: His Life and Teaching to an exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, drawing upon the tradition of the Orthodox Church, patristic exegesis, and modern biblical scholarship"--

Peter Rhea Jones has spent the majority of his career studying and teaching the parables. Studying the Parables of Jesus is a primer on the historical and -literary approaches to biblical study. It informs and inspires in dialogue with contemporary methods and contemporary meanings. It provides an introduction to the methods of interpretation of the parables as well as an opening chapter on the recent history of interpretation. The chapters of exegesis approach a select group of parables for a more intensive analysis. While reserving much of the technical details for the endnotes, the text includes -discussion of critical issues and alternative opinions. Questions and exercises are appended at the close of each chapter for personal use or classroom -discussion.

Revising much of the content originally published in The Kingdom of God Is Like, and adding selected material from Awakenings and Reawakenings, Thomas Keating continues to stir the Christian imagination with insightful commentary on the parables of the Bible. Including the Mustard Seed, the Narrow Door, the Penitent Woman, the Sower, the Prodigal Son, and others, this collection of corresponding meditations renews the voice and vigor of each parable's deeper meaning--so often overlooked through familiarity and fame. Originally told to seekers in an ancient land, each parable--packed with clues about the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the purpose of creation--has as much relevance and resonance as ever for both teaching the lessons of God and his mercy and for understanding the daily struggles of today's fast-paced world.

In this book the author sets his interpretation of the key parables of Jesus in the context of other things Jesus said and did. The result is a startling and provocative picture of the historical figure and the challenge he presents to contemporary life.

Many of us have heard the parables of Jesus all our lives, and we might even know them by heart. So why study them again? Why take another look at the parable of the talents, the parable of the prodigal son, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, and nine others? As our life experiences accumulate, we bring a fresh eye to the Scriptures. This is especially true of the parables, as they deal with people and life and everyday events. In many ways, reflecting on the parables in light of our own lives can bring us closer to Jesus. Whether you are encountering these parables for the first time or for the first time again, you will find them leading you into the mind and spirit of Jesus and offering lessons for living in the kingdom of God. Sessions:Introduction "He Said Nothing to Them Without a Parable"1. What to Do While Waiting for the Judgment Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)2. The Power of Persistence Ask, Seek, Knock (Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8)3. How to Deal With Demons The Empty House (Matthew 12:38-50)4. Good for Nothing The Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:1-9)5. Serendipity The Treasure and the Pearl (Matthew 13:44-46)6. How to Escape Being Posessed by Possessions The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-34)7. Our Most Common Sin Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-17)8. Practicing Humility Places at the Table (Luke 14:7-11)9. How Do We Get Rid of Evil Without Destroying Good? Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24-30)10. What to Do When You Have Been Forgiven The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)11. What to Do With Your Assets The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)12. Lost and Found The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-32)