The words of Jesus are a hot topic right now, in fact … they always have been. Roberts humbly and correctly mentions that his book is far from exhaustive. His text is simplistic because that’s how people need writings to be (the world is hard enough to understand, why muddle down the parables of Christ?).
In such a short text, Roberts covers every single parable. For each, he provides the Background Context, Christ’s Explanation, a section for the Modern Reader to understand, and finally a section for the parable’s Deeper Meaning. It flows smooth and is a quick read for someone who likes a systematic study. This is a book that is more about getting the gist of each parable, maybe best for personal devotion time rather than the launching point for a research paper (it does not have a deep, lengthy bibliography nor does it get into the ancient languages or any sort of lexical analysis — which is fine because of it’s aim toward simplicity!). Definitely worth a look for those curious about the meaning behind the parables.
Here’s a link to learn more about the book at Amazon.com.
Read on for a word from the author!
“You will find many different definitions of a parable and lists tailored to fit those definitions when researching the topic of the parables of Jesus Christ. With no definitive list, or way to describe exactly what a parable is, it is left up to the individual to interpret it in his or her own way. Perhaps this should not be surprising, since this is the way I believe that God intends for us to read and interpret the Word – that is, in our own unique and individual way. He has a different message and task for each of us and because of this it makes sense that one person will interpret a Bible verse one way and another person will interpret it in another way. For this analysis here is the definition I will use for a parable:
A parable is a short story that uses nature or relate-able terms to teach layered truths or lessons. Often the purpose of a parable is to teach an abstract argument, using a concrete narrative which is more easily understood.
Nearly one-third of the words spoken by Christ came in the form of parables – underscoring the importance of this analysis. Even the disciples of Christ were amazed by this form of teaching. In the thirteenth chapter of the Book of Matthew, they asked Christ about this method:
Matthew 13:10 “And the disciples came, and said unto Him, ‘Why speakest thou in parables?’ (13:11) Christ answered and said unto them, ‘Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (13:12) For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. (13:13) Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. (13:14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10), which says, ‘By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive: (13:15) For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.’ (13:16) Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (13:17) For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.’”
If you are a layperson, trying to grow your understanding of the parables — give this book a look. (And enter into our giveaway, as the author has been generous enough to provide us with a giveaway copy!)
*This book was free with my promise to post an unbiased review.
