UNDERSTANDING THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD HOW TO READ THE BIBLE

UNDERSTANDING THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD HOW TO READ THE BIBLE

REMINDER: GOSPELS AND PERSPECTIVE

STORIES WITHIN THE STORY PARABLES

PARABLES - DEFINITIONS Parables are stories that have at least one point Some only call parables those teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, though he seems to be from a line of teachers who use story to make a point Parables are often stories that rely on self-identification from the reader/ hearer Parables are method of helping readers/hearers see their own role in situations, should they have ears to hear or eyes to see

PARABLES - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES Jesus steps into a long tradition of the prophetic use of parables Parables have a strong tie to the prophetic and wisdom traditions A pre-enlightenment world would have been much more familiar with the use of story for transformation than we often are today How do stories shape our lives?

PARABLES - PROBLEMS WITH INTERPRETATION Jesus Own Words - 10 When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, To you has been given the secret[a] of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; 12 in order that they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven. This led to an early over-reliance on allegorical and esoteric thinking that was well developed in early Christianity and is sometimes still prevalent in our interpretaions. We would do well to read and re-read the parables, not being afraid of allegory, but not relying on the most hidden meaning at all times.

EXEGESIS - DIGGING DEEP

PARABLES: KINDS True Parable Similitude Metaphor/Simile Epigram

PARABLES: KINDS True Parable Tells a story with a structure, a plot, a narrative drive with beginning and end. Examples: Good Samaritan, Lost Sheep, Prodigal Son, Great Supper, Laborers in the Vineyard, Rich Man and Lazarus, and Ten Virgins

PARABLES: KINDS Similitude Illustrations taken from everyday life that were relatable and used by Jesus to make a point. Leaven in the Meal, the Sower, Mustard Seed are examples

PARABLES: KINDS Simile/Metaphor Referred to as parabolic sayings. You are the salt of the earth. Similar (hah! pun!) to similitude but with a different, more direct meaning on the action of the listeners/readers.

PARABLES: KINDS Epigram Witticisms Pearls before swine is one such example.

PARABLES: FUNCTION A first century Just As I Am - But how/who am I? A first century Altar Call Meet Jesus/Meet the Kingdom, Leave Changed A Warning: Jokes Explained Aren t that Funny but we still need to explain them sometimes

PARABLES: POINTS OF INTERPRETATION Points of Reference - Characters/Events/Ideas within the Story Told Audience - Who were the original hearers? What was the perspective of the original audience? Was it singular? Desired Outcomes?

PARABLES: AN INTERPRETIVE EXERCISE JESUS PARABLE/STORY MONEY LENDER DEBTOR 1 $500 IN THE HOLE Points of Reference DEBTOR 2 $50 IN THE HOLE BARRIER OF CERTAINTY/ PRIDE SIMON THE PHARISEE Audience PROSTITUTE

PARABLES: BUT WHAT ABOUT Contextless Parables Some parables are not given a firm narrative setting, so we cannot determine their original audience as easily. We can, however, continue to look for points of reference in the story. Sometimes, the point of references can help us understand who the intended audiences were. Additionally, the context may sometimes be found in a different gospel account.

PARABLES: THE KINGDOM The entire NT is eschatological, describing and imagining the coming of THE KINGDOM Several parables begin with the words - The kingdom of heaven (God) is like. The actual Greek reads It is like this with the kingdom of heaven (God). The difference is that the whole of the story/parable serves to illustrate an aspect of God s kingdom, not just the first item in the story. While the desired response in the listener is more subtle, there is still a desired response to help move hearers further towards discipleship.

HERMENEUTICS - APPLICATION

GUIDING THOUGHTS FOR APPLICATION Healthy Exegesis Reading and Re-reading Prayer, Prayer, Prayer!

GUIDING THOUGHTS FOR APPLICATION Calls to Action - then and now Awareness of our audience Creativity of the spirit Invitation/authority to speak Power and Prophetic Vision An awareness of multiple points of view A spirit guided approach to the times