Parables are serious theology. But they are metaphorical theology. They teach through metaphor, simile, and dramatic action rather than through logic or reasoning, drawing us into the story.
Resources: Gospel of Matthew ** Gospel of Mark ** Gospel Luke
Jump to: Sower; ** WheatnWeeds; ** Good Samaritan; ** Prodigal Sons; ** Unforgiving Servant; ** Widow/Judge, Pharisee/Tax Collector; ** Vineyard Workers ** Foolish Virgins ** Talents ** Friend at Midnight ** Unclean Spirit ** Banquet Parables ** Carry Your Cross **
01 Understanding Parables
Parables are serious theology. But they are metaphorical theology. They teach through metaphor, simile, and dramatic action rather than through logic or reasoning, drawing us into the story. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on September 5, 2012
02 Sower & the Seed, Matthew 13:1-23
Since just what you would expect to happen in the Parable of the Sower & the Seed happens, this story must have sounded pointless to those who heard it without explanation. Why would Jesus tell it? Teacher: Krisan Marotta on September 12, 2012
03 Wheat & the Weeds, Matthew 13:24-43
Since the Messiah was expected to establish his kingdom on earth and that would involve a moral cleansing, why isn’t Jesus judging Gentiles and evildoers? The Parable of the Wheat & the Tares explains why Jesus’ ministry is not meeting this expectation. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on September 19, 2012
04 The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37
What do you do if you know that — left to yourself apart from the grace of God — you are unable to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37)? Teacher: Krisan Marotta on September 26, 2012
05 The Prodigal Son, Luke 15:1-32
The Pharisees grumble against Jesus for eating with sinners. Jesus responds with 3 parables which challenge their definition of repentance and their attitude towards repentant and unrepentant sinners. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 3, 2012
06 The Unjust Steward, Luke 16:1-8
The Parable of the Unjust Steward has always been disturbing. At first reading, Jesus appears to commend the steward for being a liar and a thief. Careful study reveals an alternative. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 10, 2012
07 The Unforgiving Servant, Matthew 18:21-35
The only solution to real guilt is real forgiveness. Forgiveness is a universal need of all humankind. Not only is forgiveness something we all need, forgiveness is also something we must give. But how? Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 17, 2012
08 The Widow & Judge & The Pharisee & Tax Collector, Luke 18:1-14
These two parables in Luke 18 (The Widow & the Unjust Judge and the Pharisee and the Tax-gatherer) deal with prayer. But the underlying theme is how we achieve justification. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 24, 2012
09 The Vineyard Workers, Matthew 19:16-20:16
This parable could be titled the “Parable of the Compassionate Employer.” No one in this parable is underpaid. The complaint is from those who are justly paid and who cannot tolerate grace being given to others. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on October 31, 2012
10 The Wise & Foolish Virgins, Matthew 24:36-25:13
The Parable of the 10 Virgins is in a series parables Jesus tells his disciples privately about the end of the age. The parables focus on two themes: stay alert and persevere. The kingdom of heaven has a door that can and does close. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on November 7, 2012
11 Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents is the last of three parables Jesus tells during a private discussion with the disciples about the end of the age. The parables focus on two themes: stay alert and persevere. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on November 14, 2012
12 The Friend at Midnight, Luke 11:5-8
The parable of the Friend at Midnight does not promise that God will meet our every need or give us everything we ask for. Instead it teaches that God will give us the ultimate gift: righteousness. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on November 28, 2012
13 Return of the Unclean Spirit, Matthew 12:43-45
Matthew 12:43-44 contains one of the most difficult sayings of Jesus. I want to teach this potential interpretation as an exercise in learning how to approach difficult passages. This passage simply cannot be solved without applying good Bible study methodology. Teacher: Krisan Marotta on June 10, 2020.
14 The Great Banquet Parables, Luke 14:7-24
While at a wedding feast, Jesus tells three parables about banquets. The parables are relatively straightforward, but they are also quite profound. Teacher Krisan Marotta on June 24, 2020.
15 What does it mean to carry your cross, Luke 14:25-35
Jesus said whoever does not bear his own cross cannot be his disciple. This passage can be terrifying because Jesus makes strong claims about hating your family and your own life. If we claim to follow Jesus, then we need to know exactly what he’s requiring to be his disciple. Teacher Krisan Marotta on July 8, 2020.
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