Parables: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

Pastor-teacher John MacArthur helps readers understand Jesus’ parables and how they relate to the whole of His message—now in paperback.

Jesus was a master storyteller, and the parables He told were ingeniously simple word pictures with profound spiritual lessons. Understanding the parables is a crucial matter for followers of Jesus. Jesus told parables so His people might comprehend His message about the kingdom of God clearly.

Master expositor and Bible commentator John MacArthur has spent a lifetime explaining the Word of God in clear and comprehensible terms. In Parables he helps Christians understand the essential lessons contained in the most famous and influential short stories the world has ever known.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2015

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Blog: https://pursuingstacie.wordpress.com

As a total Bible Nerd, sometimes this girl craves some good, solid teaching. I am a huge fan of books on how to be a better woman of God, a better prayer warrior, and just about any other book that teaches me how to grow in my walk with God. However, there is something so fun about grabbing a cup of hot chocolate, notebooks and pens and spreading out all over my desk to study the Word of the Lord.

Therefore, when I saw that John MacArthur had released a book on the Parables of Christ, I was all in. And it did not disappoint.

Parables shows the reader how Jesus used parables to illustrate the mysteries of God’s Kingdom. While MacArthur doesn’t cover every parable, he chooses some of the more prominent ones. He gives us the context in which the parable was given, what the purpose of the parable was, and what it tells us about the Kingdom.

One of the beautiful things about Scripture is, there is so much more to it. You and I can read a set of verses, and think we understand what it means. But if we take the time to really study, dig in, pull the verse apart and really see what God is saying…Friends, the Bible is so very rich. This book will help you see beyond the familiar parable stories to the deep, beautiful doctrine that lies within each one.

Bottom Line: Grab your study notes, clear off your desk, read this book and enjoy the ride.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Parables is the first book I've read by John MacArthur and I really enjoyed it. The book was written very well and was easy to read/understand.

It wasn't that big of a book, but it did go through quite a bit of Jesus's parables and because there was so much in the book, I can see myself rereading it.

All in all, I liked Parables and look forward to reading more of John MacArthur's books.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Laura Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es el primer libro que leo de John MacArthur y superó mis espectativas. La lectura es muy amena pero bastante profunda. Además, su explicación es clara, objetiva y sin duda me llevó a la reflexión sobre las verdades bíblicas de las parábolas de Jesús. Es un libro que todo creyente debe leer y recomiendo hacerlo juntamente con la lectura de algún evangelio, sea Mateo, Marcos o Lucas, la experiencia es enriquecedora.

En conclusión reafirmo algunas ideas del libro y es que debemos someternos a las Escrituras y no ceder ante las filosofías de nuestra era postmoderna que en realidad son una amenaza latente a la iglesia. Debemos estudiar la Biblia y orar a Dios para que nadie nos engañe, sino que estemos dispuestos a proteger nuestras mentes con la verdad.

[Maggie Boyd · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read three books simultaneously on the parables of Jesus. The reason was to get as thorough a view as possible on the teachings available regarding the intriguing and sometimes confusing short stories told by Jesus as a part of his ministry. This seemed especially important to me since many think the parables have no meaning, that the stories are completely open ended and can say whatever we wish.

Of the three books I read this was the least helpful and that was for one simple reason: Whatever the parable said the author took the meaning back to the basic principle of salvation through grace. I am not saying that is not an important or good principle. It is clearly both. However, I believe that the Christian life goes beyond that. Certainly we are saved by grace but Jesus did not intend our learning to stop there. Many of the parables show character traits such as generosity or humility that we are to have. Some warn against selfishness. Many warn against greed or self-righteousness. I felt this author did a poor job of capturing the diversity and raced instead to a simplistic conclusion.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book! It’s a slow start at first, but stick with it! By chapter 5 you’ll be raving about what MacArthur is teaching, and by chapter 9 you’ll be extremely convicted of your sin, but rejoicing in Christ’s return to come! MacArthur’s exposition of the biblical texts is astounding and I am confident in saying I now know these parables better than I did before.

[Greg Leininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book expounds faithfully on several of Jesus’ parables. It is like mulling over the story, meditating on the story’s principles and implications, except in book form. It’s chewing on the fundamentals and realizing just how much I need to remember and think on these “basic” truths. I needed this. It was so good. Classic MacArthur.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth the read for the Introduction and Appendix which describe correct/incorrect ways to read and interpret Christ's parables. Content was straightforward and simple designed for general audience appeal. Some chapters felt skimmable because their information was so elementary, but others were more interesting (or maybe just less commonly taught/written on?) such as the chapters focusing on the parables of the Sower, the Hidden Treasure/Pearl of Great Price, the Shrewd Steward, and Lazarus and the Rich Man.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! I've grown familiar with many of the parables in the New Testament throughout my faith journey, but sometimes the familiarity of the stories and the lessons they give reduce the impact the words should have on our hearts when we read them. Because I felt so desensitized to the parables due to the repetition I've seen across several churches in teaching on the prodigal son or the unjust judge or the sowing of the fields, I wanted something to help me dive in deeper. I found that resource in this text from John MacArthur!

This book has 10 chapters, all highlighting different parables and lessons for Christians to be aware of. I liked how easy this was to read and the application of scripture to how we should be living out our daily lives. The last chapter was easily mt favorite and it really just cemented God's mercy and majesty in my understanding of the gospel. I'd recommend this book to any Christian looking to deepen their understanding of the gospels and parables 😊

[Kathleen Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed and learned a lot from John MacArthur's sermons on Grace to You, and decided to read one of his books. I wasn't disappointed. This is an excellent and thought provoking discourse on many of Jesus's parables that gives not only spiritual insight to Jesus' teaching, but also historical and cultural context. My only caveat is that this book does read a bit like a textbook and is densely packed with information. It's not a difficult read, but it does lean toward teaching more than spiritual living. That's exactly what I was looking for, but some readers might be put off by the academic tone of the book. Otherwise, highly recommended.

[Dan Curnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy John McArthur’s writings. He does a superb job of helping us to understand the teachings of Jesus and how they should and can relate to our lives today.

My only disappointment is that he doesn’t handle every one of the parables of Jesus. But as he states that would take volumes of material to get through.

If you are looking for a good devotional study book this one is perfect. Each chapter is somewhat self contained and you will gain insights from each that are relevant for our lives today.

Whether you read all of the chapters or just a few you will be blessed.

Enjoy

[Courtney | Lasting Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not very familiar with the ministry of John MacArthur, but after reading this I’m looking forward to reading more and listening to his sermons. This book was really really good. It went into detail some of the parables of Jesus. John MacArthur defines a parable as “an ingeniously simple word picture illuminating a profound spiritual lesson”. I learned so much from reading this and I’d love to read through this with the workbook. I highly recommend this book.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels like im just back in a grace church pew, listening to a delightfully long sermon.
Even for those familiar with Jesus' parables, this is a great breakdown and expositing of the message and meaning behind them.

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are going to teach or preach on the parables of Jesus, then in my opinion you should read this book. He tends to be dogmatic in some of his points which could be taken the wrong way, but he is spot on in his interpretation of the parables in the gospels that there is always a straight-forward message from Jesus, and you don't have to reach inside the readings for some mysterious or contemporary application. In fact, that would be misleading at best and borderline heresy on the opposite end of the spectrum.

[Amanda Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt like this book was so historically, culturally and contextually rich which I appreciated because it enhances our current understanding of the depth of Jesus’ parables. I read this slowly as to really understand the history, and felt like it was hard to digest at points! But leaving this book with a greater understanding and renewed urgency to be prepared for the Second Coming & upside-down Kingdom.

“Whether Christ returns early or late, he should find us busy for him.”

[Jacob Hudgins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Calvinist lenses make every parable sound like Calvin rather than Jesus. Most egregious was MacArthur’s treatment of the Good Samaritan: Jesus didn’t actually want the lawyer to “go and do likewise”(you know, like he SAID), but instead to see how short he falls of God’s will. Anytime we start telling people not to do what Jesus specifically told them to do, maybe our theology is suspect?

MacArthur takes aim at postmodernist readings and narrative preaching, but his analysis sucks all the life out of the stories and leaves us with bland Calvinistic systematic theology.

[John John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much a good read for those hunger for knowledge of Jesus, with a great deep dive into early language. The author does a great job with tying scripture into his arguments for his conclusions on each parable.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have looked forward to reading John MacArthur's newest book Parables since it first released in 2015. I wanted to read his book A Tale of Two Sons first though! (It was great. It was on Luke 15, essentially). This second book focuses on a wider selection of Jesus' parables.

MacArthur devotes the first chapter of this book to the subject of why; the chapter is titled, "One Ominous Day in Galilee." The introduction and the first chapter address two issues really: the dangers--then and now--of misinterpreting parables and WHY Jesus chose to speak in parables in the first place. What are some of the dangers according to MacArthur? Making sloppy conclusions that storytelling is "better" at reaching crowds than teaching straight-forward doctrine, for example, or even daring to believe that stories have no "fixed" or "objective" meaning and each reader can decide for himself or herself what any parable means. Why did Jesus speak in parables? Because to speak plain truth to those who were persistently, stubbornly holding onto their unbelief would have been unkind: they would be judged based on the knowledge that they had, that they had heard or seen. (That is also one reason the Scripture speaks of Jesus being "unable" to perform miracles in certain towns. He wasn't lacking power to perform miracles. He was limiting their future punishment.)

The remaining chapters in the book focus on the parables of Jesus grouped together by subject. Readers are getting: "A Lesson About Receiving the Word," "A Lesson About the Cost of Discipleship," "A Lesson about Justice and Grace," "A Lesson about Neighborly Love," "A Lesson About Justification by Faith," "A Lesson About Faithfulness," "A Lesson About Serpentine Wisdom," "A Lesson About Heaven and Hell," and "A Lesson About Persistence in Prayer." The book, as you can see, covers just about every topic of importance to Christians seeking--striving--to live a life pleasing to God. Here is a book rich in lessons about what it means to follow Christ, to be a believer. And the book does keep it basic, mostly, almost every chapter offering a refresher course in the gospel.

Favorite quotes:

When we agree with God concerning our own guilt, the atoning blood of Christ cleanses us from every kind of sin or blasphemy--no matter how abominable (12).

The seed represents God's Word. Any attempt to improve the harvest by using different seed is a misguided dereliction of the sower's duty. The unadulterated Word of God is the only true and legitimate seed. (27)

Only God himself can plow and prepare a heart to receive the Word. He does it through the regenerating and sanctifying work of His Holy Spirit, who convicts the world of "sin and of righteousness and of judgment" (John 16:8). For those who believe, he awakens them spiritually (Romans 8:11). He enlightens their minds to the truth (1 Corinthians 2:10). He washes them clean (Ezekiel 36:25). He removes the stony heart and gives them a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). He indwells His people and motivates them unto righteousness (Ezekiel 36:27). He engraves the truth of God on their hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3). He pours the love of God into their hearts (Romans 5:5). We who believe in Christ are totally dependent on the indwelling Spirit's work in our hearts to keep us tender, receptive, and ultimately fruitful. (37)

Genuine faith never fails to appreciate the true cost of salvation--what our deliverance from sin's curse and bondage cost Christ; what it means to be bought by Christ and bow to His lordship; and (above all) how valuable redemption is in terms of its eternal worth to the sinner. (43)

Forgiveness is not measured by weighing our good deeds against our sins, nor is it partially withheld if we have sinned for too long or too badly. Everyone who enters the kingdom receives the full abundance of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness (68).

Christ is the living embodiment of divine love in all its perfection (93).

The gospel has nothing to say to people who are satisfied with their own righteousness. There is no truly good news for someone in that state of mind (107).

No one in the Bible had more to say about hell than the Savior of sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ. The most vivid and detailed biblical descriptions of hell appear in the four gospels, and they come from Jesus. (158)

Question whether God has a right to do what He says He will do, and you might as well deny the very existence of God. (164)

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parables: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told is written by John F. MacArthur. John MacArthur has written dozens of books and I knew Parables would be an amazing book!

John MacArthur is an incredibly smart and insightful author. In the Introduction of Parables, MacArthur explains: "Jesus’ parables were ingeniously simple word pictures with profound spiritual lessons." He goes on to explain: "Many assume, for example, that Jesus told parables for one reason only: to make His teaching as easy, accessible, and comfortable as possible. After all, the parables were full of familiar features—easily recognizable scenes, agricultural and pastoral metaphors, household items, and common people." MacArthur finds that it is very common today for churches to have a stage and to tell a story. The pulpit is almost non-existent. This is particularly true of mega-churches. MacArthur explains that: "The parable helps explain a truth; history gives a factual account of what happened. Although history is told in story form, it is not illustrative fiction but reality." Once the reader accepts that the parables are not stories but in fact truth they can view the parables with new insight.

The book is divided into the following chapters:

One Ominous Day in Galilee
A Lesson About Receiving the Word
A lesson About the Cost of Discipleship
A Lesson About Justice and Grace
A Lesson About Neighborly Love
A Lesson About Justification By Faith
A Lesson About Faithfulness
A Lesson About Serpentine Wisdom
A Lesson About Heaven and Hell
A Lesson in Persistence In Prayer

There is also an Introduction, Appendix, Notes, Index and Spiritual Index.

Each chapter begins with a scripture verse regarding a parable in the Bible then there is an in depth examination of the parable. Quite honestly this book is going to help me immensely when working on a bible study involving a parable. Parables: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told is a book that has helped me to understand the parables of Jesus with a much more mature heart. This is a book that will be read over and over.

Highly recommend The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told by author John MacArthur.

[Jeffrey Brannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, popular-level treatment of 13 of Jesus parables covered over 10 chapters (approximately 15-20) pages each.

Useful for those who want a clear presentation on why Jesus taught in parables, for a devotional aid, or for leading a Bible study.

Not useful for those looking for a technical exposition of the parables. I'm convinced the author could do such a work and well, but this is not that sort of book. Also, if the reader has imbibed deeply of post-modern exegesis, only the appendix deals with your concerns.

As best as I can determine, this is an adaptation of a sermon series or even a collation of material from a variety of sermon series. It bounces back and forth from Matthew to Luke, subtly arguing a skeptic though the principle issues of a life of faith. It begins with the warning to listen well and why Jesus has switched to parabolic teaching. It ends with a call to faithful prayer, longing for the day of Christ's return.

As a popular-level book, it doesn't delve into the minutiae of critical concerns which typically make up commentaries. But because of the author's careful exegesis, the bones are solid and the application is appropriate and not wild speculation.

One concern that arises from a difference between the author and the reviewer has to do with ecclesiology. The author does not seem to have a category for genuine apostasy within the church. Because of his Baptist understanding of conversion and his congregational ecclesiology, you're either out or you're in, no half-way house for those whom the Puritans termed "false-professors" - that is, those who profess faith in Christ, give many outward signs of conversion, yet do not hold fast to the truth or who never bear fruit. This comes out in chapter 2 and 7 especially.

Chapter 8 is very helpful. It deals with the parable of the unjust steward and is the best explanation and application of this difficult parable that I've encountered. In short, arguing from lesser to greater, worldly men use wealth to gain friends for themselves to take care of themselves for the short-run (this life). Believers ought to use money, not for their earthly comfort and ease, but for heavenly gain and to further the cause of Christ in the world.

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jesus' parables were ingeniously simple word pictures with profound spiritual lessons."

In this insightful book, Pastor MacArthur examines nine parables by Jesus with in depth explanations on the spiritual lesson for each parables, taking into account the historical and cultural context as well. As always, Pastor MacArthur writes with perspicuity and although this book is replete with information and teachings, it is easy to read and comprehend.

The parables and their lessons discussed in this book:

- The parable of the sower and four types of soil - a lesson about receiving the word
- The parable of hidden treasure and the pearl great price - a lesson about the cost of discipleship
- The parable of the workers in the vineyard - a lesson about justice and grace
- The good Samaritan - a lesson about neighbourly love
- The parable of a pharisee and the tax collector - a lesson about justification by faith
- A tale of two servants, the ten bridesmaids, the talents - a lesson about faithfulness
- The parable of the shrewd steward - a lesson about serpentine wisdom
- The rich man and Lazarus - a lesson about heaven and hell
- The persistent widow and crooked judge - a lesson about persistence in prayer

I also did the workbook after reading each chapter from this book, over the course of 5 months. The lessons are comprehensive with thought-provoking study questions that help us to explore Jesus' teachings in a deeper and meaningful way. I highly recommend both the book and the workbook to believers who desire to grow deeper in their spiritual walk with the Lord.

Favourite quotes:

- Truth is not judged by how it makes people feel.
- Truly faithful people are generous because of their character, not because of their circumstances.
- If you reject the Word of God but believe in some miracle, religious experience, or private revelation, your faith is not saving faith at all.

[Rebecca Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parables {A BookLook Bloggers Review}
NOVEMBER 4, 2015 ~ RAVENTHREADS ~ EDIT
Parables

Recently, I received the opportunity to review a lovely and interesting new book. John MacArthur’s new book, Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told, takes the opportunity to examine many of Jesus’s prominent parables as well as the reason why Jesus spoke in parables. Since I’m involved in a year-long study of Matthew, I thought it would be the perfect time for me to sit and read this book.

This book covers several of Jesus’s main parables, including the parable of the soils, the parable of the wealthy landowner and the good Samaritan. Throughout the book, MacArthur discusses biblical context and the meaning of the story before beginning to point out the main application we can take from the story. After having decoded the story like that, MacArthur continues by pointing out and exploring some of the secondary ideas and applications that we can make to our lives on the basis of this parable.

I found myself reading leisurely, enjoying MacArthur’s prose and his main lines of thought. I also found that I often paused to take copious notes of things that I want to remember. I found myself making lists with scripture references and main points that I wanted to research later. This is a great resource for teachers and also a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to know more about the stories that Jesus told in his teaching.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Parables" is a spiritual growth book. The author explained why Jesus used parables and how the parables tie into Jesus' whole message. The focus wasn't on the parables so much as on themes in Jesus' teachings that are also illustrated in his parables.

The author began with what Jesus said about why he used parables. Then he looked at nine themes in Jesus' teachings along with some parables that further illustrated these teachings. For example, the chapter on God's justice and grace looked at the parable where laborers who worked different lengths of time all got the same pay.

The parables that the author included in this book are: the sower and four types of soil (Luke 8:5-8), treasure hidden in a field (Matt. 13:44), a pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45-46), laborers paid the same (Matt. 20:1-15), the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-31), two men pray in the temple (Luke 18:9-14), the good and bad servant (Matt. 24:45-51), 10 bridesmaids (Matt. 25:1-13), the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), the shrewd but unfaithful steward (Luke 16:1-8), Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31), and the widow and the unjust judge (Luke 17:22).

It was easy to understand the author's points and follow his reasoning. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who want to better understand Jesus' teachings.

I received a review copy of this book through BookLook.

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! It starts off with an explanation of what a parable is, why Jesus taught in parables and also explains the exact moment that He changed from regular, sermon-type teaching to teaching in parables. I had never realized that there was a moment and reason that Jesus changed His teaching style but it makes sense now! Then each chapter goes through a different parable and what I loved about this book is that it gives background and details of the time and culture that I otherwise would not have known - that insight really brings the parable to life and adds way more meaning to it than it would otherwise have. I read another book recently by John MacArthur and did not like it, but this one I loved. It is easy to read/understand but gives a lot of background/depth and doesn't feel like just another explanation/opinion about the parables. I'd definitely recommend this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would it shock you to learn that Jesus used parables to hide the truths he spoke from those who were willfully unbelieving? In Parables, John MacArthur explains why this is one of the major reasons Jesus used this form of teaching in public, and later explained the meaning to those who sought the truth.

I can’t say anything less about this book than “wonderful.” From beginning to end, the information given is on point. Footnotes and citations, along with Biblical references are littered throughout.

Each chapter deals with parables of a certain theme. MacArthur not only explains the theme and each parable, but he gives explanations of the historical and cultural context at the time the parables were given by Jesus. He then explains how we, as modern day believers, are to understand the parable… which is exactly the way the people of Jesus’ time were meant to understand it.

I encourage you not to skip the introduction or the appendix. The introduction gives vital insight into the history of what led Jesus to begin using parables. The appendix is a great summarization of what the parables are, and what they are not.

I received a free copy of this book from BookLook for review purposes.

[Susan Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

John MacArthur is a pastor, teacher and author, with over four decades of ministry experience. In "Parables: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told", Mr. MacArthur studies the parables of Jesus to explain and further highlight God's messages.

This book is by no means a breezy read. Clearly, a great deal of research has gone into detailing each of the parables included in the Bible. Some readers might find the book somewhat dry, as this book comes across as a study aid for ministers and other religious leaders. There's an abundance of information for readers to absorb and taking notes as you go is probably in order.

I found "Parables" interesting, yet somewhat tedious. I will most likely go back and reread the book at a later date when I have more time to thoroughly grasp each concept a little better.

http://ebookreviewgal.com received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The parables that Jesus Christ used to help explain the kingdom of God, and His Divinity on earth are incredibly well explained in this easy to read book by Pastor John MacArthur of "Grace to You" radio broadcast fame. MacArthur explores how Jesus revealed His purpose for understanding faith through stories familiar to those followers living during Christ's ministry. The keys to understanding God's reconciliation for those who accepted Jesus as Messiah obviously conflicted with the Jewish establishment, namely the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin.
MacArthur explains how and why these conceptual conflicts arose, and more importantly, the eventual impact Jesus's use of parables had on His teachings in the last years of His ministry.
This is a fascinating book and serves as a wonderful resource for those who always wanted to know the "why" behind Jesus's teachings.

[Linda B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parables The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told.
John Macarthur’s book, Parables, is an interesting and comprehensive look at the parables of Jesus. He explains to whom they were directed and the purpose of these stories in his overall teachings. He presents the parables as lessons told not to make his stories easier to understand, but instead to keep the message hidden and only for those accepting his teaching.

Had it been better organized, Parables would have been a good reference book to use in your daily readings, but I found it difficult to find specific topics or references. It is a useful for those who teach and could also be used as a daily devotional.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't an exhaustive book about the Parables, as there are more than 40 to cover, by some counts. Instead, MacArthur focuses directly on a few that illustrate the storytelling devices Jesus used to get his points across. He also places them in the context of Jesus' ministry - probably coming in the third year when the threats to his life became more pronounced, and the challenges to his ministry were more dire.
The parables are very simple stories, and it doesn't do to read too much into the smaller details. But MacArthur argues heavily that they do mean specific things and cannot be deconstructed easily. Jesus' aim was to reveal hidden things about the nature of God, life and eternity in simple stories of the rich and the poor, etc.

[Harrison Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!! I had read the parables before and most of the stories were not new to me but after reading this it appears I may have missed some of the most clear points of many of them. MacArthur does an incredible job in using context to show the meaning. He addresses each parable principally with a discussion on what specific questions Jesus was answering. He also pulls multiple scriptures from various parts of the Bible to better understand the law of Jesus' time. There are so many powerful truths in here about evangelism, persistence in prayer, loving neighbors, the distribution of grace and many other things. On top of that, it wasn't very long and pretty easy to follow! I'll probably be re-reading this soon (and I'm not normally one to do that).

[Alice William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me get a clear understanding of the parables and explanations I already knew. They are now vividly tucked away in my memory!

But the interesting part was that this book shed light on some parables I didn't know or think about that much with an explanation that was totally new to me. This book helped understand also the concepts of grace and justification by faith on a deeper level.