Understanding The 40 Parables Of Jesus Christ

A Unique Approach - Genre, Context, and Culture Understanding the 40 Parables of Jesus Christ takes the approach of understanding Jesus' parables by examining the genre, scriptural context, and historical culture. The goal of this approach is to "reveal" theology from the Bible, as opposed to trying to find verses to support a belief. This is the difference between letting the Bible tell us what is true, versus someone trying to find evidence for what they want to believe. When we allow the Bible to teach us what to believe, we can better set aside our own biases and become more receptive to God's truths. Importance of Context and Culture Parables are a particular genre of literature that are characterized by typically having only one meaning. The meaning of Jesus' parables can generally be determined by the point Jesus makes to introduce or end them. However, sometimes the point is obscure due to culture, or the meaning is missed due to a failure to carefully consider the context. Learn From the Greatest Teacher This book lists all the parables of Jesus Christ, including supplemental information necessary for understanding them. Each parable has a summary of what is being said, along with the meaning Jesus Christ is teaching. Some of the questions that this book will answer include: Why does Jesus speak in parables? What is the meaning of the "talents" in the talents/pounds parable? What is the real focus of the prodigal son? What did Jesus mean by treasures new and old? Who is the man without a wedding robe in the wedding banquet parable? Why is the dishonest manager praised for his shrewdness? What does Jesus really mean by counting the costs? The answers to these questions, and more, are answered by carefully examining the contextual and historical evidence. Also included is a chapter revealing scriptural evidence that proves that Jesus Christ is God, as well as important supplementary material for understanding these parables.

2022 Catholic Media Association first place award in scripture: academic studies In this book, which covers all of Jesus’ parables, award-winning author Gerhard Lohfink takes a closer look at the origins of each one—its shape, its realistic details, but most of all its original message and the situation into which it was once spoken. Jesus’ parables speak in bold images of the kingdom of God, making it present to us as they reveal something of the mystery of his own person. Lohfink also offers a review of some of the scholarship in this area—as this topic has sustained research on Jesus since the first telling of these stories—but not for the purposes of debate. His reflections interpret the forty parables and show how they speak of the coming of the reign of God, lead us to Jesus, and reveal the mystery of Jesus himself.

Get an eye-opening point of view on Jesus' parables that will touch your life in practical and compelling ways.

"Some sections of the Bible give us grand theology. Some move us to grateful responses to God. But the parables break through mere words and make us ask whether there has indeed been any real difference in our lives." In this beloved classic, James Boice takes us systematically through the parables of Jesus, grouping them into five categories: parables of the kingdom, salvation, wisdom and folly, the Christian life, and judgment. In each section Boice brings Jesus' words to bear on life today. Through his careful study and clear explanation of each parable—born from a sermon series he preached at the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he pastored for 32 years—he helps us understand just what Jesus meant, and how our hearts and lives ought to respond. Jesus' parables are memorable for a reason. Discover their power for yourself.

R. T. Kendall unwraps Jesus's simple stories one by one, uncovering profound meaning and offering fresh understanding of the purpose, promise, and paradox of the parables.

The Parables of Jesus Christ: A Brief Analysis is an in depth look at Christ's teachings through Parables. Approximately one-third of the words spoken by Christ in the New Testament come in the form of parables. This book attempts to relate those parables for modern readers.

Jesus knew the power of stories to touch people's hearts, so he used parables to teach his followers about the kingdom of God. If you want to know God better, the keys are in the parables. This book provides short studies on every parable in the Bible. You'll learn what God wants us to know from the prodigal son, the good Samaritan, the lost sheep, the talents, the sower, and many more. Each study includes a summary of the parable, the Scripture reference where it can be found, information on the historical and cultural setting, and key points. At the end of each study are questions that open the door to discussion, reflection, or further investigation and help you get to the heart of the parable. A wonderful tool for small groups or to add variety to your personal devotions. Let these studies draw you nearer to God as they enhance your understanding of his Word.