The Erothetical Value of Jesus Parables in Matthew.docx

Overview on the Parables in the first Gospel (list), Analysis of selected examples from the Quadrupel, triple, double and single Tradition, Function and Theology against the Background of Matthean Theology

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.

Acta Theologica, 2009

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

SAPIENTIA GLOBAL JOURNAL OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES, 2020

The Parables of Jesus are the essential part of his teachings as well as the aspect which has suffered a lot of misunderstanding. The argument of this paper is that Jesus used his parables to convey his message in such a way that it would leave lasting impression on those who heard him. His primary purpose was to communicate and not conceal his message. Understanding his parables requires a holistic approach which entails coming to grips with, not only the meaning, nature, characteristics and literary purpose of parable in Jewish culture but also with how they function in the teachings of Jesus and how they are adapted by the evangelists.

A Study on the Parables of Jesus

This is a draft discussion paper for the Alpha Christianity Seminar at the Annual Meeting of the Eastern Great Lakes Biblical Society in Akron, Ohio on March 17, 2017. Here I review the distinctive parables of Matthew 13, namely the parables of the Weeds, the Hidden Treasure, the Pearl, the Fishnet, and the Householder. My focus is to examine the thesis that these parables were adapted from a prior source, often called "Special Matthew", or "M". Upon review, I find that all the essential elements of each of these parables were available for synthesis by Matthew from Mark, from Matthew's own prior text, or from prominent Old Testament selections, notably Genesis 18-21. I also apply the BIRD stylistic test to Matthew 13, with results suggesting that the entire sequence of Matthew 13:13-52 is a highly unified text, most likely composed and/or edited at the same time and for this specific context. The two pdf files here are my paper as read at EGLBS and my accompanying handout.