The Parables: Understanding the Stories Jesus Told
Overview
The Parables is a clearly written introduction to the parables of Jesus. After introducing the various forms of parables found in the Synoptic Gospels and the principles of interpretation, Simon Kistemaker examines the parables individually, including the entire text of each parable, followed by his commentary. Kistemaker gives careful attention to the historical and cultural setting of each story, offering practical insight into Jesus’ words and their implications for the Christian life.
Studying Kistemaker’s work with Logos streamlines and enhances your experience. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Bolster your study of these works by cross-referencing and comparing with an extensive library of Reformed scholarship. Take your study with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Presents an in-depth study of the parables of Jesus
- Discusses the interpretation and composition of parables in Scripture
- Features extensive endnotes and a bibliography for further studies
Top Highlights
“As salt has the characteristic of checking deterioration, so Christians should be a moral influence in the society in which they live. By their words and deeds they should arrest spiritual and moral corruption. And just as salt is invisible (for example, in bread) but nevertheless a potent agent, so Christians are not always seen but individually and collectively they permeate society and constitute a restraining force in a perverse and depraved world.” (Page 22)
“These principles in brief are related to the history, grammar, and theology of the biblical text. Wherever possible, the interpreter ought to make a study of the historical setting of the parable, including a detailed analysis of the religious, social, political, and geographical circumstances revealed in the parable.” (Page 17)
“Although the reference to the burning of a city may be an allusion to the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70, it is more realistic to think that the people listening to Jesus were well acquainted with historical accounts of kings dispatching armies to destroy opponents and to set fire to their cities.9 Jesus’ audience may have seen the figure of the angry king as a personification of God. They knew that ‘the Lord … God is a consuming fire, a jealous God’ (Deut. 4:24). God’s patience is not everlasting, and when his mercy is not matched by repentance, the result is judgment.” (Page 94)
“Scripture does not teach that mercy eliminates justice; nor does it teach that justice nullifies mercy. The two are equally valid norms.” (Page 69)
“The servants reflect the impatient mood of many Christians in God’s kingdom. Under the banner of maintaining the purity of the church, zealous believers have caused untold damage by passing judgment on fellow Christians, and by cutting them off from the church.” (Page 49)
- Title: The Parables: Understanding the Stories Jesus Told
- Author: Simon J. Kistemaker
- Publisher: Baker
- Print Publication Date: 2002
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Pages: 272
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Jesus Christ › Parables
- ISBNs: 9781441248848, 9780801063916, 1441248846, 0801063914
- Resource ID: LLS:PRBLSNDRSTNDTLD
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:20:21Z