The Parables of Jesus (The Jesus Library) Paperback – August 28, 1989

I prepared a series of Bible studies on the parables of Jesus and wanted supplemental material to add to my understanding and class lectures. Specifically, I was interested in Jewish traditions and cultural insights that would add color and clarity to the stories.I purchased three books, including David Wenham's "The Parable of Jesus." I am not a Bible scholar and not particularly interested in theological debates over allegorical loose ends and old disputes over linguisitc fine points that other books were consumed with.This book provided me exactly what I needed - clear, concise insights into the culture, traditions and context of the times. For example, in the Prodigal Son, Wenham pointed out that by asking his father for his inheritance while the father was still living, in the meaning of the legal traditions, the prodigal was actually implying that he wished his father dead.In the parable of the Good Samritan, he observes that the road from "Jericho to Jerusalem" drops 2,500 feet along a treacherous and winding path; ideal for robbers and thieves to hang out. Further, he points out that "two denari" was enough money to pay for twenty-four nights at the inn.These details helped me to put meat on the bones of the story and bring to life these precious parables. These are not earth-shattering biblical truths, but they were very helpful to me in making the topic interesting and relevant. Just like Wenham's book.

Incredible. I used this book so much that the pages started to fall out. Loved the historical and cultural background which added much greater understanding to my study. Wenham makes the parables practical to our every day life as well. Well worth the read and deep study.

This book has more detailed description of Jesus' Parables. I like its points on the new world and revolution. The interpretations are deeper than those of the other two books in the package.

I can't seem to whet satisfy my appetite for explanations of what Jesus says in his parables, but this book is one of several I have read that goes a long way in providing insight that is otherwise easily lost in cursory readings of our Lord's words. I definitely recommend it!

Excellent theological resource

This is a different approach to how Jesus used parables and why he did. Wenham looks at it from a different angle.

not overly impressed with the survey of the parables. a bit too "western culture/language/mind-set oriented." there are better, more hebrew-roots/midrashic perspectives on the parables. daniel

Great Book!

Lovely book, easy to read yet theologically deep enough to satisfy the preacher/teacher looking for an in depth view of the Parables. Highly recommended.

Received in good time considering it came from America, well pleased. Thank you

Just what was needed to explain the meaning behind Jesus' parables. Would recommend.

my friend enjoyed the copy

The content is good, but the quality of this book is very poor. It is an very old book, not what was described as "excellent".