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The Parables: Understanding What Jesus Meant
Join Gary Inrig at the feet of Jesus and experience His parables as though for the first time.
In The Parables, you'll feel as though you can smell the odors of Jewish villages, feel the dust of Galilean roads, and hear the voice of the Savior putting you into His stories.
You’ll be encouraged by what you learn about yourself and God.
This audiobook is expertly read by Charles Constant, with audio engineering by Sam Platt. It was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.
In The Parables, you'll feel as though you can smell the odors of Jewish villages, feel the dust of Galilean roads, and hear the voice of the Savior putting you into His stories.
You’ll be encouraged by what you learn about yourself and God.
This audiobook is expertly read by Charles Constant, with audio engineering by Sam Platt. It was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 18, 2025
"What comes to mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us" (A. W. Tozer)
We all know or have heard of the parable of The Lost Sheepor The Good Samaritan, but what about The Rich Fool or The Shrewd Manager?
In this book, the author uses Jesus's own words to teach important lessons about forgiveness, compassion, anxiety, and a whole slew of other things I normally don't get from these Parables. The book doesn't only answer questions but asks them and ask the reader to ask their own as well.
We all know or have heard of the parable of The Lost Sheepor The Good Samaritan, but what about The Rich Fool or The Shrewd Manager?
In this book, the author uses Jesus's own words to teach important lessons about forgiveness, compassion, anxiety, and a whole slew of other things I normally don't get from these Parables. The book doesn't only answer questions but asks them and ask the reader to ask their own as well.
May 23, 2019
I am fascinated with the parables of Jesus, so when I saw this title at a library book sale for 50 cents, I had to pick it up. The writer is an evangelical, and I am a pietist-anabaptist, so there were bound to be some differences in our interpretations, but he certainly knows his field: he situates each of the 12 parables explored in this work in their historical and social context, offers some alternate interpretations of the original Greek, and, where appropriate, informs the reader of what it was to be a good, pious Jew in first-century Palestine.
June 4, 2014
By far the best book I've ever read on the parables. Insightful without being overly intellectual and scholarly. I'll read this one again and again in the years to come.
June 26, 2018
After reading this amazing book in its entirety, it has opened my eyes to new perspectives on the
meaning of God’s hidden messages in life and in his parables. I love how the author also uses his
theological background as well as personal experiences, in addition to stories, quotations and
connections to famous individuals. Dr. Inrig’s book was so wonderful to read that I finished it in
the matter of three days! I got this book as a complimentary gift from the Parent Company of
Discovery House Publishing, which is the well-respected Christian Daily Devotional called Our
Daily Bread for being a loyal reader and when I opened the packaging and saw the cover and the
title of the book, I was ready to just dive right in. I highly recommend this book to anyone who
may be seeking god or even someone who has been going to church all their life and would like
a better understanding of the parables or a reconnection to their faith.
meaning of God’s hidden messages in life and in his parables. I love how the author also uses his
theological background as well as personal experiences, in addition to stories, quotations and
connections to famous individuals. Dr. Inrig’s book was so wonderful to read that I finished it in
the matter of three days! I got this book as a complimentary gift from the Parent Company of
Discovery House Publishing, which is the well-respected Christian Daily Devotional called Our
Daily Bread for being a loyal reader and when I opened the packaging and saw the cover and the
title of the book, I was ready to just dive right in. I highly recommend this book to anyone who
may be seeking god or even someone who has been going to church all their life and would like
a better understanding of the parables or a reconnection to their faith.
November 29, 2010
After you have read the Parables of the N.T. and heard numerous sermons on the parables you begin to wonder if there is anything new to learn. Gary Inrig brings "fresh eyes" to the parables which bring fresh thoughts and understanding. It doesn't hurt that Inrig is a native Texan, graduate of Dallas Seminary and has visited Liberia. Inrig's presentation of N.T. life and culture makes it possible to understand the reason for and the meaning of the Parables. Twelve Parables were covered in the book, each chapter covered one parable. In each chapter there were fresh insights that I had not seen or heard before. This is a book that I may re-read at a later period in my life.
August 14, 2013
This book is a very thoughtful and insightful look at twelve of the parables of Jesus. From the story of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan to the Vineyard Laborers the parables are perceptively explored and the message of each one is brought to life. Gary Irig makes it clear that the parables are not allegories. They are stories that teach one main point. They also shed light on the human condition and on who God is. Written in a very engaging way Irig offers personal illustrations, insight from other authors and many word gems to jolt us into seeing the heart of God in a new way. This is book worth studying and rereading.
January 31, 2013
The Parables - Understanding What Jesus Meant by Gary Inrig
A very good book explaining some of Jesus Parables, specifically: the prodigal son, the Good Samaritan, the two debtors, the unforgiving servant, the tower and the king, the rich fool, the shrewd manager, the rich man and Lazarus (a powerful story!), the midnight caller, the unjust judge, the Pharisee and the tax collector, and the vineyard laborers.
The author did an excellent job explaining all of them and giving life applications to each of them. This is the first book that I read about the parables, besides reading the bible, and will definitely read other books about this topic. The story that gets my attention every time I read it is the one of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man that has everything but is lost spiritually and Lazarus that has nothing but received the greater reward. The picture of the rich man looking to heaven from hell and begging for help for himself and his brothers so they don't end up in the same place is powerful. A reminder that we need to worry about the things of God and not the earthly ones.
The only thing that I didn't like was the critics to the bible version selected for the biblical quotes. He uses the New International Version (NIV) but criticized how this version translated several verses that he used to explain the parables. He also criticized the King James Version at one point. I do not use the NIV but I'm wondering, what the author was thinking when he selected the NIV to quote from and then criticized that bible? Maybe the publisher forced him, who knows.
Definitely recommend this book if you want to learn more about the parables and their life application.gb
A very good book explaining some of Jesus Parables, specifically: the prodigal son, the Good Samaritan, the two debtors, the unforgiving servant, the tower and the king, the rich fool, the shrewd manager, the rich man and Lazarus (a powerful story!), the midnight caller, the unjust judge, the Pharisee and the tax collector, and the vineyard laborers.
The author did an excellent job explaining all of them and giving life applications to each of them. This is the first book that I read about the parables, besides reading the bible, and will definitely read other books about this topic. The story that gets my attention every time I read it is the one of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man that has everything but is lost spiritually and Lazarus that has nothing but received the greater reward. The picture of the rich man looking to heaven from hell and begging for help for himself and his brothers so they don't end up in the same place is powerful. A reminder that we need to worry about the things of God and not the earthly ones.
The only thing that I didn't like was the critics to the bible version selected for the biblical quotes. He uses the New International Version (NIV) but criticized how this version translated several verses that he used to explain the parables. He also criticized the King James Version at one point. I do not use the NIV but I'm wondering, what the author was thinking when he selected the NIV to quote from and then criticized that bible? Maybe the publisher forced him, who knows.
Definitely recommend this book if you want to learn more about the parables and their life application.gb
November 22, 2016
This book is an excellent review of Jesus' parables. One example is from story of the friend knocking on the door to ask for bread at midnight. The author reminds us that prayer is the oxygen of the Christian life; however, many of us use it only as an oxygen mask. Sad, but true. I highly recommend this book to any Christian reader needing a little inspiration.
March 19, 2011
Excellent expansion on the parables. Gary Inrig writes with extensive knowledge of biblical customs & with gifted insight concerning the depth within the words of Christ. This is a book I'll be holding on to!
April 17, 2011
I'm a big Inrig fan and this book did not disappoint. As is typical for this author, he breaks down the topics into easy to handle units. His observations and exegesis are good and he takes a pastoral tone.
November 1, 2012
Helps reader to have a better understanding of the Parables.
April 26, 2013
Absolutely love this book! A must have for anyone seeking spiritual help. It can also be used as a daily devotional.
November 24, 2013
Excellent for our Sunday school fall quarter. Very in depth study of Jesus' parables.
January 28, 2014
Excellent book on Jesus' parables.
October 2, 2016
I used this as a morning devotional and really enjoyed his insights into the Parables. There were some excellent connections to our culture today as well.
March 14, 2021
This book is a keeper that i will reference back to for years.
November 14, 2024
My husband and I enjoy books written by Gary Inrig. He is a true Bible scholar with the gifted ability to articulate what will benefit his readers. His books are easy understand. Great for new believers and mature Christians alike who desire to deeper their relationship with Christ.
The parables shred by Jesus in the Bible enable us to view ourselves, and get to know the Father is a more profound way. Hallelujah!
Chapter 1 is titled Knowing the Father. It’s very insightful and thought provoking. Readers are given the opportunity to ask themselves: How well do you know God the Father? Do we truly know what gives God pleasure; what gives God pain? Truthfully, questions I never fully considered before reading this amazing book.
I love how Gary Inrig expounds on the Bible story of Prodigal Son. I ended the chapter with a greater understanding of the dad, the prodigal son and the elder one. New light was shed on this familiar parable in the Bible.
When it's my turn to pray before we open the book, I ask the Lord to open our spiritual eyes to see, our spiritual ears to hear, and our spiritual hearts and minds to understand what we're about to learn through these parables. Loving My Neighbor, Forgiving My Brother, Finding My Master, Accumulating My Treasure and all the other chapters, contain remarkable teachings to elevate readers’ knowledge and understanding of God, and His Son Jesus.
When we finished reading The Parables, I believed we had greater insight and knowledge than when we began. The whole book was enlightening. Jesus chose to speak and teach using parables. He was the master storyteller. When I read these parables again in my Bible, I will see them all with a fresh pair of eyes, and a clearer understanding of the message Jesus was delivering to his listeners.
And these parables, do indeed, teach us indispensable truths about ourselves. We are all a work in progress, and will be until God chooses to call us home.
Please consider reading The Parables for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
The parables shred by Jesus in the Bible enable us to view ourselves, and get to know the Father is a more profound way. Hallelujah!
Chapter 1 is titled Knowing the Father. It’s very insightful and thought provoking. Readers are given the opportunity to ask themselves: How well do you know God the Father? Do we truly know what gives God pleasure; what gives God pain? Truthfully, questions I never fully considered before reading this amazing book.
I love how Gary Inrig expounds on the Bible story of Prodigal Son. I ended the chapter with a greater understanding of the dad, the prodigal son and the elder one. New light was shed on this familiar parable in the Bible.
When it's my turn to pray before we open the book, I ask the Lord to open our spiritual eyes to see, our spiritual ears to hear, and our spiritual hearts and minds to understand what we're about to learn through these parables. Loving My Neighbor, Forgiving My Brother, Finding My Master, Accumulating My Treasure and all the other chapters, contain remarkable teachings to elevate readers’ knowledge and understanding of God, and His Son Jesus.
When we finished reading The Parables, I believed we had greater insight and knowledge than when we began. The whole book was enlightening. Jesus chose to speak and teach using parables. He was the master storyteller. When I read these parables again in my Bible, I will see them all with a fresh pair of eyes, and a clearer understanding of the message Jesus was delivering to his listeners.
And these parables, do indeed, teach us indispensable truths about ourselves. We are all a work in progress, and will be until God chooses to call us home.
Please consider reading The Parables for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
May 8, 2023
The book takes the reader through twelve well-known parables of Christ, explaining their settings and expectations of Bible times. The author shares thoughtful commentary on what these parables reflect for us today.
June 12, 2024
Fabulous book! I read this alongside the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. This was a fabulous accompaniment. I would definitely seek out another book by this author. I can most definitely recommend it.
February 17, 2019
Well written. Thought provoking.
August 18, 2021
The book offered an insight into the parables which Jesus told, particularly their interpretation according to the context and culture of Jesus' time and audience.
November 25, 2021
Sermons into a book. Helpful for content and illustrations. Only the necessary exegesis.
February 1, 2022
Excellent explanation of 12 parables from the bible. Easy reading and enjoyable.
April 9, 2022
Gave good explanations on popular parables. Chapter of prodigal son spoke to me a lot
January 29, 2023
I really liked how he included the entire parable that was being discussed as well as modern day equivalents.
February 21, 2024
Beautifully written.
March 16, 2024
Such a great book! Highly recommend!
May 21, 2024
This book does a great job of explaining the parables and what Jesus meant by them.
May 24, 2024
This book gave a fresh perspective to the parables of Christ and offered many thinking points.
June 21, 2024
Beautifully written. I gained a deeper perspective on the meaning of Jesus’ parables and how to further commit myself to living as His disciple.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews