Parables

Purpose of Parables

  • To CONCEAL truth to those with hardened hearts
  • To REVEAL truth to those whose hearts are opened

Sequence for Interpreting Parables

One: Determine where it falls on the “Allegorical Continuum”Allegorical Continuum

Two: From the parable’s setting within Jesus’ ministry and within the gospel’s structure, determine if the parable…

  • Answers a question (who is my neighbor?)
  • Addresses a concern (Jesus’ relationship with sinners)Clarifies new teaching (the unexpected form of the kingdom of God)

Three: Be sensitive to historical and cultural features that heighten the parables impact on its original hearers

  • For example, the Jew’s view of samaritans for the good samaritan
  • Background info is highly significant

Four: Determine the theological significance of the parable and draw applications that (culturally) parallel the impact on the original hearers.

Information taken from:

Notes from Russell lecture
Introduction to Biblial Interpretation by KBH