Glory Veiled and Unveiled: A Heart-Searching Look at Christ's Parables

by Gerald M. Bilkes

You have likely read the parables of Christ before, perhaps many times. But have they read you? With this thought-provoking question, author Gerald Bilkes introduces readers to the concept of interpreting the Scriptures experimentally as he takes a heart-searching look at Christ's parables. In this spiritually rewarding Bible study, the author shows students of Scripture how to read the parables in a way that takes into account the truth that Scripture searches us as we subject ourselves to it. When we recognize this, we can expect Scripture to transform us. An ideal tool for personal or group Bible study, with questions following each lesson, Glory Veiled and Unveiled considers the contexts and main messages of twenty-five parables and puts our hearts under the searchlight of Scripture, guiding us into the knowledge of Christ, our gracious and glorious king. Table of
Approaching the Parables
1. Awakening to The Radiance of the Scriptures
2. The King of The Mystery of the Parables
The Glory of the Some Parables in Matthew and Mark
3. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Sower
4. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly
5. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Tares
6. The Glory of Kingdom The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven
7. The Glory of Kingdom The Parables of the Treasure and the Pearl
8. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Net
The Glory of the Some Parables in Luke
9. The Glory of Gospel The Parable of the Good Samaritan
10. The Glory of Gospel The Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree
11. The Glory of Gospel The Parable of the Rich Fool
12. The Glory of Gospel The Parable of the Great Supper
13. The Glory of Gospel The Parable of the Prodigal Son
14. The Glory of Gospel The Parable of the Unjust Steward
15. The Glory of Gospel The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
16. The Glory of Gospel Three Parables about Prayer
The Glory of the Some More Parables from Matthew
17. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
18. The Glory of Kingdom The Laborers in the Vineyard
19. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen
20. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Ten Virgins
21. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Talents
22. The Glory of Kingdom The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
The Glory of The Parables of John
23. The Glory of Christ's The Parable of the Sheepfold
24. The Glory of Union with The Parable of the Vine and Its Branches
Conclusion
25. Full No More in Parables

229 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Gerald M. Bilkes is professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids.

Reviews

[Ricky Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book to lead a bible study on the parables. It was extremely helpful and many were blessed from the teaching. The format of the bible study is simple but yet it reveals some wonderful truths to each story. I would recommend it for teaching, for personal bible study or just leisure reading.

[Laramie Gildon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study for the parables. I also really enjoyed The Parables Of Jesus by James Montgomery Boice. They served as a good combo as we studied through the parables. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of the parables. He references the KJV so that sometimes makes it a little different, but if you grew up on KJV than you won’t have an issue with it.

[Cbarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise, Christological, and applicable.

[Roger Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding study on the parables of Christ. The structure of the book is great for personal and group study.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book on the parables. One of its primary strengths is that it helps people learn how to read the parables, as opposed to simply telling people what each line of each parable means. (The whole “Teach a man to fish as opposed to yada yada yada…” thing.) I often feel that questions added to the ends of chapters in Christian books (or study guides or Bible studies) are very mediocre, but the questions at the end of each chapter in this book are actually very solid.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent study of Christ's parables. If you are looking for a greater understanding of them, and for a greater interface with them, I highly recommend this book.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like a good story and maybe you do as well. One that will teach me something about myself that I did not know was there. It will also cause me to think of what is good, true and right and the why will reveal what is really in my heart. The parables of Jesus unveiled the Kingdom that is God’s reign in the hearts of those who placed their faith in the work of Christ. It is only when we submit to the word of God that we will see how profound the glory of God and how the bible reads us. In short, the parables express the glory of God and his Kingdom. The parable gives a good understanding and purpose of the kingdom.
Each 23 chapters start with a parable, the context of the parable, shows us the substance of the parable, shows the savior, and ends with how the parable searches us. With questions to reflect what you have learned about the parable, you can apply God’s word.
Parables show the heart of God and his kingdom

[Jeremy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book on Christ's parables. It is plain, convicting, Christ-centered, and gospel saturated. Rather than just reading it straight through, this book is better suited as a daily devotional or a Bible Study. It even has study questions at the end of every chapter.

The reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because I didn't care for the format of the chapters and the chapter on the parable of the Prodigal Son only focused on one son with brief references to the older brother.

[Alastair Manderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent look through the parables, the scenery, the substance, the Saviour and the spotlight. Looking at what the text says, what it means, where Christ is and how it shows a truth to us.

Nice simple and easy to read, surprisingly good observations at times. Avoids the dogmatism often seen in particular interpretations of certain parables.

[Michael Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devotional, helpful, and insightful. Bilkes has offered a wonderful reading of the parables and a glimpse into their glory.