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

Jesus Christ was the world’s greatest teacher, and His teaching is still with us today in His parables. Eternal and heavenly truths are taught by means of these vivid, everyday stories that appeal to everyone. The parables of Jesus Christ have long challenged expositors, for in their simple form profound truths have been revealed. But the very simplicity of the parable form can be deceptive snare to interpreters. Instead of considering the context in which the parables arose and the background against which they were spoken, many have pressed the parables to teach viewpoints that were in their minds as interpreters but that did not originate in the text itself. In THE PARABLES OF JESUS, J. Dwight Pentecost takes a balanced, sane, and systematic approach. He describes the setting of each parable, that is, the context in which it is spoken and the background against which it was delivered. Pentecost then explains the problem or question each parable addresses and the solution it contains. Since the parables were primarily designed to instruct, emphasis is placed on the teaching rather than on the application. Here is J. Dwight Pentecost, expositor and teacher, at his best. Jesus’ use of figure of speech, proverbs, and stories shows the simplicity, depth of insight, and sublimity 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 the 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. Some of the over forty parables discussed include: The Wise and Foolish Builder (Matt. 7:24-29; Luke 6:43-49)The Mustard Seed (Matt. 13:31-32)The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)The Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27)The Sheep and the Goats (Matt. 25:31-46)

Pub Date: November 4, 1998