The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation

by Brad H. Young

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2012

Overview

Fully one-third of Jesus’ words in the Synoptic Gospels occur in parables—knowing the parables is essential for understanding the person of Christ. In this work, Brad Young displays his unique perspective as a scholar steeped in both Jewish and Christian studies. While parables have timeless messages, reinterpretations in new contexts throughout the centuries have distorted the original meanings and undermined the essence of what Jesus intended. Young examines the parables that best illustrate the parallels between the rabbinic and Gospel parables. He challenges readers to remember that first-century Judaism was not merely the backdrop for Jesus’ teachings but the very stage from which Jesus delivered the message of the kingdom. Jesus’ ethics and theology can be properly understood only in the light of first-century Jewish teachings.

The Logos Bible Software edition of this volume is designed to encourage and stimulate your study and understanding of Scripture. Biblical passages link directly to your English translations and original-language texts, and important theological concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. In addition, you can perform powerful searches by topic and find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say about the Word of God.

Key Features

• Focuses on the historical development and theological significance of parables
• Examines five theological subjects dealt with in parables: prayer, grace, reconciliation, calling, and sovereignty
• Discusses connections between Christ and both Christianity and Judaism

Contents

• Part I: The Historical Development and the Theological Significance of Parables in Judaism and Christianity
  • Gospel and Rabbinic Parables
• Part II: Jewish Prayer and the Parables of Jesus
  • The Contemptible Friend and the Corrupt Judge
• Part III: Parables of Grace in the Gospels and Their Theological Foundations in Ancient Judaism
  • The Fair Employer: Jewish Grace in Jesus’ Parables
  • The Talents: God’s Gracious Gifts
• Part IV: Teaching in Parables: The Theology of Reconciliation between God and Humanity in Both Judaism and Christianity
  • The Samaritan: Love Your Enemies
  • The Merciful Lord and His Unforgiving Servant
  • The Father of Two Lost Sons
  • The Two Debtors
• Part V: The Disciple’s Call: A Life of Learning and Doing
  • The Urgent Invitation
  • The Search
  • The Find
  • The Decision
  • The Unjust Steward
• Part VI: Torah Learning and God’s Reign
  • Four Types of Hearers
  • Death and Eschatology: A Theology of Imminence

Top Highlights

“One must understand the purpose of the parables. They illustrate. They teach. They drive home a point. They never obscure the message of Jesus.” (Page 263)

“Rabbinic and Gospel parables first and foremost tell us about God. They are stamped with the image of God, who is the substance of the shadow. Through comparative language, they teach the listener about the divine character by showing what God is like.” (Page 6)

“Faith in God is the basis of prayer. Faith can be viewed as determined persistence. True faith focuses on an awareness of what God is like.” (Page 44)

“Forgiveness and reconciliation should precede prayer and worship.” (Page 125)

“The reality of God is revealed in the word-pictures of a parable” (Page 3)

Praise for the Print Edition

Young’s investigation and analysis is both interesting and challenging. The introduction gives a solid overview of parables in general as teaching tools. Young also surveys the relationship between Jesus’ parables and the broader context of Rabbinic Judaism. He makes extensive use of Jewish materials related to Second Temple Judaism including the Mishnah, Talmud, Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as the work of modern Jewish scholars and other major secondary sources. The general outline he follows in his exposition of the various parables is logical and helpful . . . Young’s study of the parables is an excellent and stimulating contribution to the study of the parables and is well worth reading.

—Ashland Theological Journal

Product Details

• Title: The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation
• Author: Brad H. Young
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 348

About Brad H. Young

Bradford Humes Young, also known as Brad Young is a Professor of Biblical Literature in Judeao Christian Studies at the Graduate Department of Oral Roberts University. He is also founder and President of the Gospel Research Foundation, Inc. After receiving his B.A. from ORU, Dr. Young departed Tulsa for Israel. At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he pursued graduate studies in early Christianity and ancient Judaism.