The Parables of Jesus: Lessons in Life from the Master Teacher

by J. Dwight Pentecost

Jesus Christ was the world's greatest teacher, and His teaching is still with us today in His parables. Eternal and heavenly truths are taught by means of these vivid, everyday stories that appeal to everyone. The parables of Jesus Christ have long challenged expositors, for in their simple form profound truths have been revealed. But the very simplicity of the parable form can be deceptive snare to interpreters. Instead of considering the context in which the parables arose and the background against which they were spoken, many have pressed the parables to teach viewpoints that were in their minds as interpreters but that did not originate in the text itself. In THE PARABLES OF JESUS, J. Dwight Pentecost takes a balanced, sane, and systematic approach. He describes the setting of each parable, that is, the context in which it is spoken and the background against which it was delivered. Pentecost then explains the problem or question each parable addresses and the solution it contains. Since the parables were primarily designed to instruct, emphasis is placed on the teaching rather than on the application. Here is J. Dwight Pentecost, expositor and teacher, at his best.

Genres: Christian

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1981

About the author

J. Dwight Pentecost is Distinguished Professor of Bible Exposition, Emeritus, at Dallas Theological Seminary where he has served since 1955. He holds a B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College and both the Th.M. and Th.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary. His nearly twenty books include Design for Discipleship: Discovering God's Blueprint for the Christian Life; Your Adversary, the Devil; and The Divine Comforter: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.

Reviews

[Steve Van Rooy · Rating 3 out of 5]

He does a good job of explaining the purpose of each parable based on the questions Jesus was trying to address. I’d not seen the parables from this perspective before.

[Hrothgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book every Christian should read. So much mushy rot is taught about the parables and ministry of Christ. It is essential to cut through the surface level readings with a scholarly, hermeneutically sound approach, such as in this book. Highly recommended.