Reviews for The parables

The average rating for The parables based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-12-29 00:00:00 Chadwick Walter I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. Young examines many of Jesus' parables in the context of the Second Temple Judaism that they occurred in. Included for comparison are a multitude of other Rabbinic parables that illustrate how Jesus was firmly a part of this time period. Young also includes some references to some parables that are found in the Gospel of Thomas to show how that book misses the mark (yes, I know that's a bad pun and I won't apologize) and how trying to allegorize Jesus' parables at a later date or examining them from a cultural lens that is not Second Temple Judaism is a poor way to try and interpret them. When he states in his Epilogue "no one will grasp the meaning of Jesus' parables without an extensive knowledge of ancient Judaism", I am in agreement. He makes an overwhelming case for such a statement over the course of the book. My favorite chapter examined the parable of the Prodigal Son. Young argues the title misses the point. (The parable is not about this son, but rather the Compassionate Father, which is how he believes it should be titled.) I was blown away by the insight about the elder son in the parable, the significance of the things he says at the end, and the significance of what he DOESN'T say at the beginning. He is probably the forgotten character in the parable, but Jesus included him for a reason. He is vitally important to the plot of the story. This is my 4th Young book and is probably my favorite.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-06-19 00:00:00 Noel Ch This is a great book; it is filled with detailed information that is extremely helpful. Every chapter deals with a different parable of Jesus. The writer then explains the focus of the parable, dives into the context of the parable, and then evaluates the leading characters. In many chapters the writer goes into Rabbinic teaching that is similar to the teaching of Jesus as it relates to the specific parable being studied. Often the writer goes into a deeper study bringing in pertinent information from Jewish culture & theology so you can get a good feel as to what the audience knew and how they would understand as well as relate to what Jesus was saying. The writer would also point out the difference, based on all the information given, between how Christians have understood each parable and point out where and why the majority in Christianity have gotten it wrong and where we have gotten it right. This is a highly interesting read and a very valuable resource. I would recommend that every pastor have this book in his study. He may not read it straight through but he will want to use it when he is preparing to teach on one of the parables of Jesus, and he will be thankful he has it.