The Parables of Jesus: Lessons in Life from the Master Teacher

by J. Dwight Pentecost

Publisher:

Kregel

, 1982

Overview

Jesus' use of figures of speech, proverbs, and stories shows the simplicity, depth of insight, and subliminity of thought that only a master teacher can express. But the parables of Jesus are more than just great literature. As the author observes, "It is often overlooked that the primary purpose of the parables was to instruct those to whom the parables were originally spoken." In fact, almost one-third of Christ's teachings in the Gospels is given in the form of parables.

In order to properly interpret the parables, the author describes the context in which each parable was spoken and the background against which it was delivered. He then explains the problem or question that each parable addresses and the solution it contains. Includes discussions of more than forty parables.

Contents

Top Highlights

“This will lead to a third important principle of interpretation; namely, the parable itself must be studied to determine what is the point at issue.” (Page 16)

“Approximately one-third of Christ’s teaching as recorded in the Gospels was in the form of parables.” (Page 10)

“There is a fourth principle. Since a parable transfers truth from the known to the unknown realm, the interpreter must study the item or matter in the parable to which allusion is made and from which truth is to be transferred.” (Page 16)

“According to Jewish idiom ‘seventy-seven times’ meant innumerable times. Thus Christ was saying righteousness demands that we forgive without keeping a record of the number of times forgiveness has been sought and granted.” (Page 62)

“Christ explained, on the one hand, that He used the parabolic method in His teaching to reveal truth to some but, on the other hand, He used it to hide truth from others. A mixed audience attended His teaching; some were believers and others were unbelievers. Some had placed faith in His person and His offer, but others had rejected His offer of Himself as Messiah. It was impossible to segregate the two groups. Christ wanted to instruct believers, but He did not want to add more responsibility to unbelievers by imparting truth to them for which they would be held responsible.” (Pages 10–11)

Product Details

• Title: The Parables of Jesus: Lessons in Life from the Master Teacher
• Author: J. Dwight Pentecost
• Publisher: Kregel
• Publication Date: 1982
• Pages: 176

About J. Dwight Pentecost

Dr. Pentecost was a professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological seminary for over sixty years. He was also a pastor for thirty-five years. He wrote twenty-one books, including Things to Come. He died in 2015.