The Challenge of Jesus' Parables

Overview

This volume presents a fresh look at the meaning of Jesus' parables for Christian living today through a collection of essays by some of the top contemporary biblical scholars.

The parables recorded in the Gospels are central for an understanding of Jesus and his ministry. Yet the parables are more than simple stories; they present a number of obstacles to contemporary readers hoping to fully grasp their meaning. In this volume, thirteen New Testament scholars provide the background necessary to understand the original context and meaning of Jesus’ parables as well as their modern applications, all in a manner easily accessible to general readers.

Contributions to this volume include:

• "From Allegorizing to Allegorizing: A History of the Interpretation of the Parables of Jesus," Klyne R. Snodgrass
• "The Genre of the Parables," Robert H. Stein
• "Parables in Early Judaism," Craig A. Evans
• "Mark's Parables of the Kingdom (Mark 4:1–34)," Morna D. Hooker
• "Matthew's Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:0–52)," Donald A. Hagner
• "Luke's Parables of the Kingdom (Luke 8:4–15; 13:18–21)," Richard N. Longenecker
• "'Produce Fruit Worthy of Repentance:' Parables of Judgment against the Jewish Religious Leaders and the Nation (Matthew 25:1–22:14 par.; Luke 13:6–9)," Allan W. Martens
• "On Being Ready (Matthew 25:1–46)," Richard T. France
• Parables on God's Love and Forgiveness (Luke 15:1–32)," Stephen C. Barton
• "Parables on Poverty and Riches (Luke 12:13–21; 16:1–13; 16:19–31)," Stephen I. Wright
• Parables on Prayer (Luke 11:5–13; 18:1–14)," Walter L. Liefeld
• "Strange Neighbors and Risky Care (Matthew 18:21–35; Luke 14:7–14; Luke 10:25–37)," Sylvia C. Keesmaat
• "'Everyone Who Hears These Words of Mine:' Parables on Discipleship (Matthew 7:24–27/Luke 6:47–49; Luke 14:28–33; Luke 17:7–10; Matthew 20:1–16)," Michael P. Knowles