The parables of Jesus afford us ample material for lively discussion, perplexing questions, and challenging teachings. As a church community hearing and heeding these words amidst city life in Boston in the 21st century, we need to be both wise and imaginative as we draw conclusions and applications from Jesus’ powerful and often unpredictable words in the Parables. These studies have been designed not as a commentary on these parables but as a means of discovery and response to these faraway (yet very near) words of Jesus. We want to both hear these words with our ears and heed them in our hearts—and so impact the way we live with God in our modern world.Although complete in and of itself, this study guide was created specifically to be used by small groups in conjunction with the Fall 2012 sermon series preached at Park Street Church, Boston, Ma. Find out more at www.parkstreet.org.