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byby
Gemane G. GettehGemane G. Getteh
NTRODUCTION TONTRODUCTION TONDUCTIVE STUDY OFNDUCTIVE STUDY OFHE PARABLESHE PARABLES
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VNowhere else in the worlds literature has suchimmortality been conferred on anonymity.
V Geriant V. Jones, The Art and Truth of the Parables(London: SPCK, 1964), 124.
VNext to Revelation, the parables are the
most misinterpreted portions of scripture.V the wounded man stands for Adam; Jerusalem, the
heavenly city from which he has fallen; the thieves,the devil who strips Adam of his immortality andleads him to sin; the priest and Levite, the Old
Testament Law and ministry which was unable tocleanse and save anyone; the good Samaritan whobinds the wounds, Christ who forgives sin; oil andwine; hope and stimulus to work, the animal, theincarnation; the inn, the church; and the innkeeper,the apostle Paul. Augustines (AD 350-430) (Hom.31.)
IntroductionIntroduction
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The number of JesusThe number of Jesus
parables varies between 45 parables varies between 45
and 60 depending how oneand 60 depending how one
classifies a parable, and theclassifies a parable, and therepresent about one-third ofrepresent about one-third of
His teaching. Therefore, it His teaching. Therefore, it
behooves us to study thembehooves us to study themdiligently and above alldiligently and above all
respond to him through them.respond to him through them.V
The Nature of Jesus ParablesThe Nature of Jesus Parables
Their ImportanceTheir Importance
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V The term parable (mashal[OT],parabole [NT])
is used several ways in Scripture and inJewish intertestamental literature. It can refer to
Va proverb (1 Sam 24:13),
Va satire or taunt (Ps 44:11),
Va riddle (Ps 49:4),Va figurative saying (Mark 7:14-17),
Van extended simile (Matt 13:33),
Vstory parable (Matt 25:1-13),
Van example parable (Matt 18:23-25),Vand even an allegory (Judges 9:7-20;
Mark 4:3-9, 13-20).V See Robert H. Stein, A Basic Guide to Interpreti
the Bible: Playing by the Rules (Grand RapidBaker, 1994), 137.
The Nature of Jesus ParablesThe Nature of Jesus Parables
The MeaningThe Meaning
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The Nature of Jesus ParablesThe Nature of Jesus Parables
Their ClassificationsTheir Classifications
V simple simile (Matt 13:33; Luke 13:20-21);
V simple metaphor (Matt 7:6);
V extended simile (Matt 20:1-16);
V extended metaphor (Luke 15:11-32),and
V examples stories (Luke 10:30-37;12:17-21; 16:19-31; 18:9-14).
VV
Th N f J P bl
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The Nature of Jesus ParablesThe Nature of Jesus Parables
Their RealismTheir Realism
V first century Palestinian characters, settings,and ideas.
V Stock images from the Semitic world crowdthese storiesimages of farmers, fisherman,crops, fish, water, pearls, wheat, treasures,
workers, landowners, masters, slaves,peasants, young maidens, sons, and kingsand as such the characters, includingLazarus in Luke 16 (the only characterexplicitly named), function as universal types.
V They also evidence plot development, conflict,foil, and suspense.V Cf. Leland Ryken, Words of Life: A Literary
Introduction to the New Testament(GrandRapids: Baker, 1987), 63.
V
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A Survey of Jesus ParablesA Survey of Jesus Parables
Markan Parables Mark Matthew LukeThe Bridegrooms
Friends
2:19-20 9:15 5:33-39
Unshrunk Cloth2:21 9:16 5:36
New Wine 2:22 9:17 5:37-39Binding the StrongMan
3:20-29 12:22-32 11:14-23Soils 4:1-20 13:1-23 8:4-18The Lamp 4:21-25Seed GrowingSecretly
4:26-29Mustard Seed 4:30-32 13:31-32 13:18-19Wicked Tenants 12:1-12 21:33-46 20:9-19Budding Fig Tree 13:28-32 24:32-36 21:29-33
DoorkeepersWatch
13:34-36 12:35-38
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A Survey of Jesus ParablesA Survey of Jesus Parables
Matthean Parables MatthewGood and Bad Fruit 7:15-20
Wheat and Tares13:24-30, 36-43
Dragnet 13:47-50Hidden Treasure 13:44Merchant and FinePearls
13:45-46Wicked Slave 18:21-35Laborers in theVineyard
20:1-16The Two Sons 21:28-32The Wise and
Foolish Maidens
25:1-13The Sheep and
Goats
25:31-46
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A Survey of Jesus ParablesA Survey of Jesus Parables
Lukan Parables LukeThe Two Debtors 7:40-50
The Good Samaritan10:25-37
The Friend at Midnight 11:5-8 (cf. 9-13)The Rich Fool 12:13-21Barren Fig Tree 13:6-9The Tower Builder 14:28-30The Warrior King 14:31-33The Lost Sheep 15:1-7The Lost Coin 15:8-10The Prodigal Son (two sons) 15:11-32
The Unjust Steward16:1-13
The Rich Man and Lazarus 16:19-31The Lowly Servant 17:7-10The Unjust Judge 18:1-8The Pharisee and the Tax Collector 18:9-14
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A Survey of Jesus ParablesA Survey of Jesus Parables
Parallels in Matt/Luke Matthew LukeWise and FoolishBuilders
7:24-27 6:46-49The Narrow Door/Gate 7:13-14 13:23-27Leaven 13:33 13:20-21The Lost Sheep 18:12-14 15:1-7The Wedding Banquet 22:1-14 14:15-24The Thief in the Night 24:42-44 12:39-40Faithful and Unfaithful
Steward
24:45-51 12:42-46The Talents 25:14-30 19:12-27
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A Survey of Jesus ParablesA Survey of Jesus Parables
JohannineParables
JohnThe Good
Shepherd
10:1-18 (cf. Matt18:12-14; Luke15:1-7)The True
Vine
15:1-8
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GUIDELINES FORGUIDELINES FOR
INTERPRETINGINTERPRETINGTHETHE PARABLESPARABLES
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V
note the literary setting of the parablenote the literary setting of the parablein the gospelin the gospel
V note the wording, structure, generalnote the wording, structure, general progression, plot progress, and progression, plot progress, and
suspensesuspenseV read the parables in their originalread the parables in their original
historical situation firsthistorical situation first
V note the main characters/things in thenote the main characters/things in the
parable and any parallels and or parable and any parallels and orcontrasts between themcontrasts between them
V
V
Guidelines for Interpreting ParablesGuidelines for Interpreting Parables
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Guidelines for Interpreting ParablesGuidelines for Interpreting Parables
V recognize that there are two audiencesrecognize that there are two audiences
being addressed by the parablesbeing addressed by the parablesV avoid over-allegorizing and noteavoid over-allegorizing and note
carefully what occurs at the end of acarefully what occurs at the end of aparable as a (the) clue to the meaningparable as a (the) clue to the meaning
of the parableof the parableV seek to place the teaching of theseek to place the teaching of the
parable in the overall ministry of Jesusparable in the overall ministry of Jesusand his teaching as a wholeand his teaching as a whole
V through continued prayer, meditation,through continued prayer, meditation,and seeking, discern the meaning ofand seeking, discern the meaning ofthe parable for the original hearers andthe parable for the original hearers andits significance for youits significance for you
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A Look at Some ParablesA Look at Some ParablesThe Parable of the SoilsMark 4:1-34(pars. Matt 13:1-9; 18-23; Luke 8:4-18)
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TheSabbath
Controve
rsy
P a r a b l e s : G r o w th o f K i n g d o mF u r th e r M i n is t r y
So
ils
Lamp
ona
Sta
nd
Grow
ing
See
d
Musta
rdS
eed
NoHonor
E a r ly a n d L a t e r G a l il e a n M i n is t r y
M i ra c l e s , T e a c h i n g a n d R i s in g O p p o s i t io n
L e t s k i l l h i m ( 3 : 6 )H e s p o s se s s e d b y
B e e lz e b u b 3 : 2 2
2 : 1 3 : 3 5 4 : 3 5 6 :6 a
P e o p l e A r e n t L i s te n i n g ( 1 : 4 5 )L e a d e r s A r e n t L i s te n i n g
O n l y T r u e F a m i ly L i s t e n s ( 3 :3 1 - 3 4 )
J e s u s h a s s a i d : l i s te n
( 4 : 3 , 9 , 1 2 , 2 3 , 2 4 , 3 3 )
A v o i c e o f o n e
c a l l in g o u t
T h e t im e h a s c o m e !
4 :1 4 :2 1 4 : 2 6 4 : 3 0
T h e S o n o f M a n
m u s t s u f f e r . . .
T r u eF a m i l y
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The Parable
(4:1-9)
The Interpretation(4:13-20)
Path R ocky Soil T horns G ood Soil4:3-4 4:5-6 4:7 4:8-9
Hard Soil
Birds Ate S eed
Not M uch Soil
Sprang U p
Sun Withered It
Seed Grew Up
Thorns C hoked I t
Purpose Statement
Seed Grew : Crop Produced
H a rd H ea rt Fearfu l H eart W orrisom e H eart G ood H eart
Satan Takes Aw ay M ostly External
Trouble or Persecution
Person Quickly Falls Aw ay
Mostly Internal
Worries/Wealth
Contrary Desires
W ord Is Choked Out
30x
60x
100x
4:15 4:16-17 4:18-19 4:20
so tha t[I [na]... (M ark 4 :12 )
The Sower
The Seed
God, Jesus and All Those Wh o Preach the Message
The Word (cf. the secret , [4:11]; the word of the k ingdom [M t]; the w ord of G od [Lk])
Charac te
r s/Thing
s&
WhatT h
eyS
t and
For
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Historical DetailsHistorical Details
VIn Palestinian culture in the time ofJesus sowing probably preceded
plowing
V there were paths that were trampled
down and hard;V there was rocky soil where limestone
lay immediately beneath a layer oftopsoil;
V there was soil overgrown by weedsand thorns (very common),
Vand thankfully, there was good soil
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General Progression,General Progression,
Plot Conflict, & SuspensePlot Conflict, & Suspense
VOpening/ClosingVNotice that the parable opens with the
command to listen and see (4:3a)and ends with an interesting and
closely related idea: He who hasears, let him hear.
VSuspenseVAfter the seed is planted, then comes
the waitVWill there be a harvest?
VProgress and Plot ConflictVno well developed plot
V
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End StressEnd Stress
V tells us that what comes at the end of aparable is often very significant to themeaning of the parable as a whole
V it provides a lens through which to correctlyview the parable
V In this parable the end stress is He who hasears to hear, let him hear!
VComing only from the lips of Jesus inScripture, it always relates to our
need to be careful how we listen toJesus (Matt 11:15; 13:9;, 43; Mark4:9, 23; Luke 8:8; 14:35; Rev 2:7, 11,17, 29).
V
V
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Unclear Statements or ExaggerationUnclear Statements or Exaggeration
V
Crops totaling thirty or sixty or onehundred times what was sown werenot uncommon, but one hundredrepresents a very good crop indeed.
VThe point is: some people reallyexperience the blessing of the
kingdom.
V
V
V
V
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Statement of General Theme and VariationsStatement of General Theme and Variations
V major theme: how a person listens and responds
to the message of the kingdom (i.e., theword).
V Variations:
VGod sows his seed of the kingdom amonga variety of people
V the parable has much to say about theresponse to the message of thekingdom.
V hard (or indifferent) hearts,
V superficial and fearful heartsV or worrisome and distracted hearts
evidence less than saving faith in thegospel. They will not participate in thekingdom
V the fact that at no time is the quality of the
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Desired Response (Then and Now)Desired Response (Then and Now)
V Jesus wanted the religious leaders, the crowd,
his followers, family, and the Twelve tolisten very closely to what he was saying.
VWhat does this mean for us? It certainlyentails coming to him through the Bible
with humble and contrite hearts andaccepting whatever it is he wants to tell us.
V
V
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A Look at Some ParablesA Look at Some ParablesThe Parable of the TenantsMatthew 21:33-
44 (pars. Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)
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Initial Setting 3 Parables 4 Questions 7 Woes Olivet Discourse
Woe!
Woe!
Woe!
Woe!
Woe!
Woe!
Woe!
CertainJudg
ment
Certainty of Judgment Reason for Judgment:Unfaithfulness,Treachery, Hypocrisy Extent of Judgment
Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and Ensuing Conflict
21:1 21:28 22:15 23:1 24:1
Trium
phal
Entry
Templ
eC
leansing
Fig
T
ree
Curs
ed
Autho
rity
Quest
ione
d
TwoSo
ns:Dis
obedie
nce
Wick
edT
enants
:Tre
ache
ry
Wedd
ing
Banquet:Hyp
ocrisy
Exp
osed Wh
oseson
isthe
Christ
?
The Son of Man will
be betrayed (20:17)
Great Tribulation
Second Advent
Final Judgment
Eternal State
Jerusalem will
be destroyed!
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Characters/Things andCharacters/Things and
What They Stand ForWhat They Stand For
VMany of the various characters in theParable of the Tenants stand forspecific, real life personages.
VThe landowner is God;V the vineyard, Israel;
V the tenants, the religious leaders;
V
the servants, the prophets;V the son, Christ.
V
V
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Historical DetailsHistorical Details
V general attitudes and practices of landowners
in ancient Israel and the meaning of thewall, winepress, and watchtower.V the business practices of landowners and how
they rented out their vineyards.
V the general tendencies of tenants in thissituation
V why does Matthew change the order of theevents in 21:39 (cf. Mark 12:8; Luke20:15)? This question, of course,
presupposes Markan priority. Markan priority refers to the literary relationship
between the three synoptic gospels, i.e.,Matthew, Mark, and Luke
V
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Setting
In
t enseC
onflict
Q&A
J e
su
sR
esp o
ns
e
TheLeadersResponse
He planted a vineyard
Wall
Winepress
Watchtower
Servants Sent
More Servants Sent
Son Sent
Beat, Killed, Stoned
Beat, Killed, Stoned
Threw him out; killed him
Q: What will the landowner do?
A: He will bring those wretches...
The Landowner
The Tenants
The Indictment
Have You Never Read?
The Text : Psalm 118:22-23
The Verdict : The Kingdom will be taken...
The Allusions : Isa 8:14; Dan 2:34-35, 44
They knew...
So they tried to arrest him
But they were afraid...
Cl imax
21:33
21:35
21:40
21:42
21:45
G
en eral
P rogre
ssion,
Gen e
r al
Progre
ssion,
Plo
tConf
lict,S
u
spense
Plo
tConf l
ic t,Su
spen
se
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Unclear Statements orUnclear Statements or
ExaggerationExaggeration
What is the meaning of theWhat is the meaning of the
expressions about stones inexpressions about stones in21:44? This is an important21:44? This is an important
passage, yet the imagery seemspassage, yet the imagery seems
a bit confusing at first.a bit confusing at first.
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End StressEnd Stress
V The climax to this story occurs in 21:39
V We note the irony in 21:41 when the religiousauthorities indict themselves: he [thelandowner] will bring those wretches to awretched end!
V
The principle ofend stress, for the parableproper, falls on verse 40 and the rhetoricalquestion Jesus asks
V Therefore, this parable is about the judgmentof the religious leaders for being
treacherous tenants, cruel and abusive,and for their ultimate failure to receive theson and humbly submit to his authority
V
V
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StatementStatement of General Theme and Variationsof General Theme and Variations
V
Theme: God will judge those leaders in hiskingdom who are faithless toward him andtreacherous toward his people.
V the parable includes the following truths:V God is incredibly gracious as exemplified in his
care for the vineyard and patient as evidencedin his repeatedly sending servants even thoughthey were brutally treated. But, there will comea time when his patience will run out and
judgment will fall;
V
(2) ones response to Christ is key to onesparticipation in the kingdom;
V (3) God will raise up new leaders to shepherdhis people when existing leaders abandonhim.
V
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Desired Response (Then and Now)Desired Response (Then and Now)
V The parable speaks directly to leaders whoshepherd Gods people.
VAs leaders we must strive to stayclose to the Lord and seek his willahead of our own popularity and
prestige.VWe must carefully guard our hearts in
respect to our love for Christ andhis people and treat them as hecommands us to.
V But the parable also speaks to those in thebody who are not leaders per se. Theytoo must remember that their response toChrist is key to their participation in his
kingdom.
Summary of the Theology of the Parables: TheSummary of the Theology of the Parables: The
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Summary of the Theology of the Parables: TheSummary of the Theology of the Parables: The
Kingdom of GodKingdom of God
The Purpose of the ParablesA Look at MatthewThe Purpose of the ParablesA Look at Matthew
13:13; Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:1013:13; Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:10
Matthew Mark Luke
13:10 Then the disciples cameto him and said, Why doou speak to them in
parables? 13:11 He replied,
You have been given theopportunity to know thesecrets of the kingdom ofheaven, but they havenot:13 For this reason Ispeak to them in parables:although they see they do notsee, and although they hearthey do not hear nor do theyunderstand.
4:10 When he was alone, thosearound him with the twelveasked him about the parables.4:11 He said to them, The
secret of the kingdom of Godhas been given to you. But tothose outside, everything isin parables,4:12 so that although they look they
may look but not see,and althoughthey hear they may hear but not
understand,so they may not repentand be forgiven.
8:9 Then his disciples askedhim what this parable meant.8:10 He said, You have beengiven the opportunity to
know the secrets of thekingdom of God, but forothers they are in parables, sothat although they see theymay not see, and althoughthey hear they may notunderstand.
Summary of the Theology of the Parables: TheSummary of the Theology of the Parables: The
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Summary of the Theology of the Parables: TheSummary of the Theology of the Parables: The
Kingdom of GodKingdom of God
The Purpose of the ParablesA Look at MatthewThe Purpose of the ParablesA Look at Matthew
13:13; Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:1013:13; Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:10
VThe God Who Summons
V The parables teach that God is sovereignin his world and in the salvation of
men. He summons people to believe ashe graciously sows his kingdom seed,working patiently with people to movethem toward response, bearing withthem in their sin, misery, and
waywardness, and evidencingunexpected and extreme grace. In theend, however, he will judge menaccording to their response to hismessiah and their faithfulness with the
talents he has given them.
Summary of the Theology of the Parables: TheSummary of the Theology of the Parables: The
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Summary of the Theology of the Parables: TheSummary of the Theology of the Parables: The
Kingdom of GodKingdom of God
The Purpose of the ParablesA Look at MatthewThe Purpose of the ParablesA Look at Matthew
13:13; Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:1013:13; Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:10
VThe Proper Response to GodsSummonsV The proper response to the gospel in
the parables is total. These storiescall forth total faith leading to a totalcommitment of oneself to God. Anyattitude, activity or possession mustbe set aside in the interests of the
kingdom. In this way there is joyfulparticipation and an expectant hopethat the kingdom will grow andmore and more people will come toshare in its fruit.
V
Summary of the Theology of the Parables: TheSummary of the Theology of the Parables: The
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Summary of the Theology of the Parables: TheSummary of the Theology of the Parables: The
Kingdom of GodKingdom of God
The Purpose of the ParablesA Look at MatthewThe Purpose of the ParablesA Look at Matthew
13:13; Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:1013:13; Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:10
VThe Fate of Those Who Do NotRespond Properly
V All men are commanded to respond to
God by producing the fruit of thekingdom. For those who reject Godsking and his kingdom there will come aday of great distress and irrevocablesuffering. The stress in the parables is
on Gods justice in bringing about hiswrath, mans stubborn refusal tosubmit to his kingship and therefore hisrightful condemnation, and continuedhope for people to repent.
V
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
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LESSON REVIEW:LESSON REVIEW:
V Nature of the Parables, Survey of the Parables
and Principles for Interpreting the ParablesV The Parables
VLiterary Context
VCharacter/Things and What They Stand
ForVHistorical Details
VGeneral Progression, Plot Conflict, andSuspense
V
End StressVUnclear Statements or Exaggeration
VStatement of General Theme andVariations
VDesired Response (Then and Now)
V Theolo of the Parables
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ASSIGNMENTASSIGNMENT
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