Understanding the Parables of Jesus

Acta Theologica, 2009

Research history on parable studies, new Definition and methodology how to Interpret New Testament parables

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2006

The parables of Jesus recorded in the Gospels are profoundly challenging, not only as far as their original audience is concerned, but equally so as far as present day readers, hoping to fully grasp their meaning, are concerned. Renewed efforts to interpret these parables were made by a number of first-rate scholars, who published their research results in a book entitled “The challenge of Jesus parables”, which forms part of the McMaster New Testament Studies Series. This review essay focuses on some of the book’s main characteristics, in particular the resurgence of allegory, the Gospel contextualization of the parables and their application to contemporary issues of life.

A Study on the Parables of Jesus

Jewish and Christian Perspectives 39, 2024

Case studies and methodology on the comparative study of parables in Synoptic, Rabbinic, and Early Christian sources. Papers delivered at the Utrecht 201i9 closing Conference of the project Parables and the Partings of the Ways (2014-2020)

Journal for the Study of the New Testament

This article deals mainly with four parables and proverbs attributed to Jesus, their synoptic parallels and their relationship to rabbinic literature: the parable of the wedding (Mt. 22.1-13//Lk. 14.15-24), the parable of the friend at midnight (Lk. 11.5-8) and the parable of the unjust judge (Lk. 18.1-7), and judging the judge and measure for measure (Mt. 7.1-5//Lk. 6.37-41//Mk 4.24-25). These parables and proverbs are treated as divergent versions of traditions, similar to the versions of traditions in rabbinic literature, and they are carefully compared with striking parallels in the latter. The integrative study of New Testament passages and rabbinic literature illuminates both and sheds light on the complexity, pluriformity, and religious message of these traditions.

2009

This article proposes a methodology for interpreting the parables of Jesus. The methodology put forward has as starting point two convictions. Firstly, the difference between the context of Jesus’ parables as told by Jesus the Galilean in 30 CE and the literary context of the parables in the gospels has to be taken seriously. Secondly, an effort has to be made to at least try to avoid the fallacies of ethnocentrism and anachronism when interpreting the parables. In an effort to achieve this goal it is argued that social-scientific criticism presents itself as the obvious line of approach. Operating from these two convictions, the method being proposed is explained by using 12 statements (or theses) which are discussed as concisely and comprehensively as possible. It is inter alia argued that the central theme of Jesus’ parables was the non-apocalyptic kingdom of God, that the parables are atypical stories (comparisons), and that the parables depict Jesus as a social prophet.

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2002

During the past decades scholars have endeavoured to read Jesus’ parables as metaphorical stories. This article provides a theoretical overview of the ongoing debate, reflecting both on past claims and present criticism. The assertion is made that the use of the metaphor as a model to read and study the parables of Jesus, remains valid and should be expanded to include the parables in their particular Gospel settings.