1. Interpreting the Parables Historical Approaches

2. What is a parable? 1/3 of Jesus’ teaching is in the form of parables “An earthly story with a heavenly meaning” A short fictitious story with a religious meaning Most fundamental component is a comparison – The Kingdom of Heaven is like…

3. Jesus’ original setting and the Gospel writers Certain that Jesus and the inspired Gospel writers properly understood the parables! Jesus explains his own parables (Matt. 13:36- 43; Mark 4:13-20) Gospel writer gives clues (Luke 10:29; 15:1-2) Jesus used parables to illustrate truth, but also to conceal truth from the Pharisees (and usually later explained meaning to his disciples)

4. Early Church to the Reformation Allegory reigns! Many meanings proposed that were never intended by the biblical authors – Luke 10 Good Samaritan refers to salvation, and the Samaritan is Jesus. But doesn’t text say the parable is in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” – Allegory was a common approach to interpreting religious texts in Greco-Roman world. Emphasized the “secret” meaning of the text. Gnosticism, “shadows of reality” in Platonic philosophy.

5. Allegory of Good Samaritan, from Origen Parable DetailsAllegorical Explanation Man going to JerusalemAdam JerusalemParadise JerichoThe world RobbersHostile Powers PriestThe Law LeviteThe Prophets SamaritanJesus WoundsSin BeastThe Lord’s Body StableThe Church Two DenariKnowledge of God InnkeeperHead of the Church Promised return of SamaritanJesus’ Second Coming

6. The Reformation Era Luther said allegorical interpretations were “silly, amazing twaddle, absurd, and altogether useless!” More of a return to text-driven interpretation, but still inconsistent. A “return to the sources” and what the Bible is actually saying.

7. Reformation to 1900 Much of interpretation went back to author intent, text-driven models, except the parables!

8. Modern Era Large return to reading parables in their original context Theology of the “Kingdom” became a topic of study, parables seen as Jesus describing the Kingdom, so parables must be read in historical context Some who have failed to study church history are repeating the allegorical interpretation again.