What do you think?
Rate this book
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable
Jesus knew the power of stories to touch people's hearts, so he used parables to teach his followers about the kingdom of God. If you want to know God better, the keys are in the parables.
This book provides short studies on every parable in the Bible. You'll learn what God wants us to know from the prodigal son, the good Samaritan, the lost sheep, the talents, the sower, and many more.
Each study includes a summary of the parable, the Scripture reference where it can be found, information on the historical and cultural setting, and key points. At the end of each study are questions that open the door to discussion, reflection, or further investigation and help you get to the heart of the parable.
A wonderful tool for small groups or to add variety to your personal devotions. Let these studies draw you nearer to God as they enhance your understanding of his Word.
This book provides short studies on every parable in the Bible. You'll learn what God wants us to know from the prodigal son, the good Samaritan, the lost sheep, the talents, the sower, and many more.
Each study includes a summary of the parable, the Scripture reference where it can be found, information on the historical and cultural setting, and key points. At the end of each study are questions that open the door to discussion, reflection, or further investigation and help you get to the heart of the parable.
A wonderful tool for small groups or to add variety to your personal devotions. Let these studies draw you nearer to God as they enhance your understanding of his Word.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
240 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2020
68 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
William H. Marty
16 books27 followersDr. William H. Marty (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute and has published two textbooks, Surveying the New Testament and Survey of the Old Testament. He is unique among Bible college professors in that he teaches and writes on both the New and Old Testaments. Dr. Marty lives with his wife in Chicago.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 7, 2020
There are many parables in the Bible and some are difficult to understand. Marty has done a good job of giving us historical and cultural information as well as possible meanings. He includes two parables from the Old Testament as well as those Jesus told. The New Testament parables are divided into two categories, those describing the nature of the Kingdom and those revealing the ethics of the Kingdom.
I have studied the Bible for decades yet received new insight from this book. A good example is Marty's comments on the story of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:10-15). I had never considered that the reduction in debt might have been the debt collector's commission and not the principle. While there is absolutely no evidence that this is certainly the case, it does explain why the man is commended for an otherwise example of theft. (97)
Marty also includes good spiritual lessons. An example is from his teaching on the unforgiving servant. “...Jesus' point is that no true believer should ever be so unloving and hard-hearted that they are unwilling to forgive others.” (108-109)
Marty has included good questions for reflection and discussion as well as a suggested Scripture passage to memorize. Each chapter is short, just a few pages. That means this book would be a good one for daily devotional use as well as for group study
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I have studied the Bible for decades yet received new insight from this book. A good example is Marty's comments on the story of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:10-15). I had never considered that the reduction in debt might have been the debt collector's commission and not the principle. While there is absolutely no evidence that this is certainly the case, it does explain why the man is commended for an otherwise example of theft. (97)
Marty also includes good spiritual lessons. An example is from his teaching on the unforgiving servant. “...Jesus' point is that no true believer should ever be so unloving and hard-hearted that they are unwilling to forgive others.” (108-109)
Marty has included good questions for reflection and discussion as well as a suggested Scripture passage to memorize. Each chapter is short, just a few pages. That means this book would be a good one for daily devotional use as well as for group study
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 17, 2022
I've always been fascinated by the parables that Jesus shared in his teachings, but I admit that some of them are hard for me to understand. This new book by Dr. William H. Marty is just what I need, and it's one that I'll use time and time again! Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable has all of the New Testament parables, plus two from the Old Testament, and Dr. Marty explains them in a way that all of us can comprehend. This book is divided into two sections, The Nature of the Kingdom and The Ethics of the Kingdom, and it's here that we can learn more about the thirty-five parables in the New Testament. Each chapter begins with the parable title, where it's found, and the author's takeaway about it. The discussion is invaluable because it shows how this parable applied to the culture of Jesus's time, instead of how it pertains to today's circumstances, and a set of questions and a suggested memory verse offer even greater insight.
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable is definitely a book for all audiences, and I recommend it for both personal use or small group study. New Christians, seasoned Christians, worship leaders...this is a valuable resource for all of you!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable is definitely a book for all audiences, and I recommend it for both personal use or small group study. New Christians, seasoned Christians, worship leaders...this is a valuable resource for all of you!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
January 19, 2021
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Dr. William H. Marty has been a teacher at Moody Bible Institute for 37 years. While there he focused on the Old and the New Testament for freshmen.
This book focuses on the parables in the Bible. Dr. Marty talked about their main topic and their meaning. I knew most of the parables and found the information interesting. Some of the topics covered were the wheat and weeds, the leaven, the mustard seed, the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. He explained why Jesus used parables when he taught. Each section begins with the location of the Parable, then the author's takeaway, an in-depth telling of the parable, additional Biblical research related to the Parable, as well as optional activities and a memory verse.
I found this book to be an excellent resource for anyone that would like to read the parables and gain further understanding. I also liked the in-depth retelling of the parables with extra meaning throughout. This book would be perfect for an individual or small-group Bible study.
I highly recommend this book .
July 4, 2023
Excellent resource for leading my ladies' Bible study on the parables of Jesus
September 3, 2020
We often speak of the power of a good story. They draw the listener in, move the heart, and can change a course of action. Jesus often spoke in stories, known as parables, to challenge people then, and for all time, to think and act differently than the world around us.
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable, by Dr. William H Marty is a wonderful collection of the parables of Jesus. Each chapter provides a summary of the parable, information on the historical setting and context, along with the Scriptures themselves. At the end of each study, there are questions which are excellent for individual study or group discussion.
Dr. Marley divided the parables into two categories:
The Nature of the Kingdom. Here he seeks to explain things which had already come but would come to completion at the end of the age.
The Ethics of the Kingdom. In this section, the parables will answer the question, "How should we be living now?"
Each reading is short making it easy to grasp and yet deep in meaning to provoke further thought and study.
Each parable begins with a section called the "author's takeaway". In a short sentence, Dr. Marley summarizes the overarching theme of the parable. Some of my favorite takeaways were:
"Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference between the good and the bad." (from page 38)
"Don't ever miss an opportunity." (from page 75)
"Don't assess your worth by how much you possess but by how much you give away." (from page 89)
"Always do your best, even when no one is watching." (from page 111)
"Life is not measured by how much you possess but by what you do with your stuff." (from page 198)
While I did a quick reading through the book, I now intend to go back and do the deeper work of studying the parables. The parables were not meant to be entertaining stories but stories which would impress those who read the words to change how they relate to God and respond to those around them
**I received this book from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable, by Dr. William H Marty is a wonderful collection of the parables of Jesus. Each chapter provides a summary of the parable, information on the historical setting and context, along with the Scriptures themselves. At the end of each study, there are questions which are excellent for individual study or group discussion.
Dr. Marley divided the parables into two categories:
The Nature of the Kingdom. Here he seeks to explain things which had already come but would come to completion at the end of the age.
The Ethics of the Kingdom. In this section, the parables will answer the question, "How should we be living now?"
Each reading is short making it easy to grasp and yet deep in meaning to provoke further thought and study.
Each parable begins with a section called the "author's takeaway". In a short sentence, Dr. Marley summarizes the overarching theme of the parable. Some of my favorite takeaways were:
"Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference between the good and the bad." (from page 38)
"Don't ever miss an opportunity." (from page 75)
"Don't assess your worth by how much you possess but by how much you give away." (from page 89)
"Always do your best, even when no one is watching." (from page 111)
"Life is not measured by how much you possess but by what you do with your stuff." (from page 198)
While I did a quick reading through the book, I now intend to go back and do the deeper work of studying the parables. The parables were not meant to be entertaining stories but stories which would impress those who read the words to change how they relate to God and respond to those around them
**I received this book from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
September 12, 2020
In Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable, Dr. William H. Marty explored a vast topic of all the parable found in the Bible and he looked at the key event concerning them and what they mean. Most of the parables are found in the New Testament and they covered the leaven, the sower and the soils, the seed growing secretly, mustard seed, the fish net, wise and foolish virgins, the unforgiving servant, the narrow door, the prodigal son, and much more. He revealed why Jesus spoke in parables and how he answered by looking at the hidden truths found in Mark 4:11-12. This discussed how God has given us the secrets of the Kingdom and how a lot of people have hardened their hearts. They are unable to hear the truth found in God’s written Word. He also included two found in the Old Testament. Each chapter begins with an author key takeaway, a detail report of the parable, reflection questions, and a memory verse.
I would recommend this amazing book to anyone is ready to read and understand the parables. There is many parables that Jesus taught and many key takeaways we can learn from the stories. I immensely liked how in depth he went into explaining the meaning of the parables. I learned a lot the great banquet that is coming soon and how Jesus will prepare a big feast for all the people who have received him as their Savior. He revealed how the ones who reject them have received their invitation to the feast but they won’t be able to taste the food. He explained how different ones was invited and how they didn’t come and he taught it in the form of a parable. I also liked how he wrote this as a personal Bible study or you could use it in a group setting. This would make a great devotional type reading and it would help readers if they would read the scripture passages before they read the chapter.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
I would recommend this amazing book to anyone is ready to read and understand the parables. There is many parables that Jesus taught and many key takeaways we can learn from the stories. I immensely liked how in depth he went into explaining the meaning of the parables. I learned a lot the great banquet that is coming soon and how Jesus will prepare a big feast for all the people who have received him as their Savior. He revealed how the ones who reject them have received their invitation to the feast but they won’t be able to taste the food. He explained how different ones was invited and how they didn’t come and he taught it in the form of a parable. I also liked how he wrote this as a personal Bible study or you could use it in a group setting. This would make a great devotional type reading and it would help readers if they would read the scripture passages before they read the chapter.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
December 18, 2020
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable
By Dr. William H. Marty
People like stories and parables are stories. But some stories have a deeper meaning than what one might first think. Even Jesus's own disciples needed help with discovering the deeper meaning behind Jesus's words. Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable offers today's reader guidance in understanding the meaning of the parables of the Bible.
What I found interesting is this book doesn't just look at the New Testament parables of Jesus but also two parables from the Old Testament. Parables are and were methods used to teach important truths. But Jesus used His parables to teach about His kingdom - a kingdom that was to come. What Jesus taught was a concept that was unfamiliar to the people of His day and He needed to explain it to them in a way that they could grasp. Even today we need this explanation to help us understand the Kingdom that is to come.
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable doesn't relay the parable and then state this is what it means. Rather it explains the setting (historically) and summarizes the parable. Then there is a section that helps the reader to reflect on what they just read and come to their own understanding. To truly understand something one needs to work through the information on their own (or in a group) and this book offers the tools to do this. This is an excellent resource for any believer (or seeker) who is reading and studying the Bible.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
By Dr. William H. Marty
People like stories and parables are stories. But some stories have a deeper meaning than what one might first think. Even Jesus's own disciples needed help with discovering the deeper meaning behind Jesus's words. Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable offers today's reader guidance in understanding the meaning of the parables of the Bible.
What I found interesting is this book doesn't just look at the New Testament parables of Jesus but also two parables from the Old Testament. Parables are and were methods used to teach important truths. But Jesus used His parables to teach about His kingdom - a kingdom that was to come. What Jesus taught was a concept that was unfamiliar to the people of His day and He needed to explain it to them in a way that they could grasp. Even today we need this explanation to help us understand the Kingdom that is to come.
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable doesn't relay the parable and then state this is what it means. Rather it explains the setting (historically) and summarizes the parable. Then there is a section that helps the reader to reflect on what they just read and come to their own understanding. To truly understand something one needs to work through the information on their own (or in a group) and this book offers the tools to do this. This is an excellent resource for any believer (or seeker) who is reading and studying the Bible.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
August 30, 2020
In the introduction to his book, Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable, Dr. William H. Marty states the purpose for the book is to help readers understand Jesus’ parables, what Jesus intended to teach, and the response he expected, and then to suggest how we can apply Christ's parables to our lives today. I found this book easy to digest and absorb without being simplistic. While we may be familiar with Jesus' parables, there is always something new to consider in reading them.
In short, concise chapters for each parable, Dr. Marty do just that. He lists the Bible reference for the parable, gives his takeaway in one short sentence, explains the parable in its historical and cultural setting, and ends with questions for reflection related to the parable. The parables are organized into two broad categories. The nature of the kingdom, and the ethics of the kingdom.
Dr. Marty believes in reading a parable, we should first consider what the story meant to Jesus' audience, not to those of us who live in twentieth century America. Good advice. He also states the purpose of Jesus' parables was not to entertain, but to challenge and impress on his followers the need to change their mindset about how they related to God and others. More good advice.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.
In short, concise chapters for each parable, Dr. Marty do just that. He lists the Bible reference for the parable, gives his takeaway in one short sentence, explains the parable in its historical and cultural setting, and ends with questions for reflection related to the parable. The parables are organized into two broad categories. The nature of the kingdom, and the ethics of the kingdom.
Dr. Marty believes in reading a parable, we should first consider what the story meant to Jesus' audience, not to those of us who live in twentieth century America. Good advice. He also states the purpose of Jesus' parables was not to entertain, but to challenge and impress on his followers the need to change their mindset about how they related to God and others. More good advice.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.
September 19, 2020
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable by Dr. William H. Marty was amazing. It brought me back to every parable I can remember hearing and studying about as a child. I liked how this writer went into each parable and went deeper into exploring that with questions. Deep thought provoking questions. Plus, there were explanations with each one. I truly enjoyed this book. It was well-done. Super organized, well-researched, and easy to understand for all ages, Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable by this writer is a must have tool. I know this book was not written by someone who shared my exact faith but I am well-versed in what I was taught at my church and this had the same parables we have studied. I was so happy. Overall, I do recommend this to all Christians. Because it is like the the old fairy tales that taught kids lessons. In a way, this shares lessons on life and how to become a better person and one step closer to God.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
October 12, 2020
I found this book to be very interesting and useful to do with my children for family devotions. We have used it often for at home Sunday evening "services" since our church is currently only holding Sunday morning service.
I have enjoyed Dr Marty's choice of parables, using even some I didn't consider to be a parable. Each lesson is introduced with a Scripture reading following the title. The the author's takeaway is given as a quote. That is followed by either some cultural background or possibly and overview of the Scripture given in several paragraphs and ending with a reflection section and some optional questions to ponder or discuss. The lesson ends with a memory verse.
I found that for our family devotions in particular the kids enjoyed the reflection time and looking up with Scriptures in form of a Bible drill and answering the questions.
I would certainly recommend this book for individual, family, or small group use. I was blessed with a copy of this Bible study book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers but not required to write a positive review.
I have enjoyed Dr Marty's choice of parables, using even some I didn't consider to be a parable. Each lesson is introduced with a Scripture reading following the title. The the author's takeaway is given as a quote. That is followed by either some cultural background or possibly and overview of the Scripture given in several paragraphs and ending with a reflection section and some optional questions to ponder or discuss. The lesson ends with a memory verse.
I found that for our family devotions in particular the kids enjoyed the reflection time and looking up with Scriptures in form of a Bible drill and answering the questions.
I would certainly recommend this book for individual, family, or small group use. I was blessed with a copy of this Bible study book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers but not required to write a positive review.
October 13, 2020
This is an extremely interesting book that focuses on the parables of the Bible and explains their meanings to us. Not only that, but the author gives us questions to reflect on so that we can dig a bit deeper into the parable and the Scriptures.
I really liked that the author writes in a way that is easy to understand. It is a book that invites you in to the Bible and makes you want to stay there. Things that might not have been clear in the Scripture, become clear after the author takes us through things step by step.
I enjoy books that give us a way to study deeper and the questions and memory verse at the end of each chapter do this wonderfully. It truly invites the reader to want to live a more exemplary life.
I really loved this book and highly recommend it. You'll learn so much from the book and gain so much knowledge. I give it 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me by Bethany House. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.
I really liked that the author writes in a way that is easy to understand. It is a book that invites you in to the Bible and makes you want to stay there. Things that might not have been clear in the Scripture, become clear after the author takes us through things step by step.
I enjoy books that give us a way to study deeper and the questions and memory verse at the end of each chapter do this wonderfully. It truly invites the reader to want to live a more exemplary life.
I really loved this book and highly recommend it. You'll learn so much from the book and gain so much knowledge. I give it 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me by Bethany House. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.
September 3, 2020
This book was remarkable writing and compelling to read with that also had had the best topic that we all need to concern our faith and how much we are understand the message from the story of God in the way that of Jesus encouraging to us and from many years of our generation. This book helping you to open your mind and set taking you to the next level of ability of more understanding God. I highly recommend to everyone must read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Bethany House for this review”.
September 30, 2020
Dr. William H. Marty has created a resource that will work well for personal use or for group studies. Dr. Marty has grouped 37 of the parables of the Bible into different parts of the kingdom. Then, for each parable, he provides a synopsis, reflections questions that also include other passages in the Bible to consider with each parable and a memory verse.
While the parables are grouped by subject throughout the book, they aren't necessarily organized into an easy way to apply for a group study.
It would be very easy to spend a day at least on each parable, pondering the questions, expanding on the reading.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
While the parables are grouped by subject throughout the book, they aren't necessarily organized into an easy way to apply for a group study.
It would be very easy to spend a day at least on each parable, pondering the questions, expanding on the reading.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
November 27, 2022
Wonderful Study of the Parables
I loved this study. I did personally but shared a lot of it with family and friends. I loved doing it alone as it allowed me to take my time and really look at all the scripture Dr. Marty referenced along with looking at more within each chapter. I
downloaded on Kindle 102 Fascinating Bible Studies as my next personal study. Thank you Dr. Marty
I loved this study. I did personally but shared a lot of it with family and friends. I loved doing it alone as it allowed me to take my time and really look at all the scripture Dr. Marty referenced along with looking at more within each chapter. I
downloaded on Kindle 102 Fascinating Bible Studies as my next personal study. Thank you Dr. Marty
January 20, 2024
IMO the best way to know Jesus is through the parables he used to teach us. This thorough study covers the familiar and the obscure. Our group covered 2 per week so it took a while.
January 4, 2021
Jesus’ parables have long held my fascination. But not all of them make perfect sense in the 21st century. This book offers new insights into the cultural meanings of the parables, which will enrich your understanding of Jesus’ teachings. It is grouped into chapters on The Nature of the Kingdom and The Ethics of the Kingdom, which will help you understand how God’s kingdom is advancing even now. I enjoyed the brief chapters so I could pick this book up, read for a few minutes, and get something valuable from the text. A great resource for those who want to gain greater application from the stories Jesus told.
I received a preview copy of Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable from Bethany House Publishers.
I received a preview copy of Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable from Bethany House Publishers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews