"The Lord delights to play 'hide and seek' with His truths – allowing us the joy of discovery."
The simplest of stories with the most significant of meanings – these are the parables. Comprising one third of His sayings, parables are the literary gems Jesus mined with varying purposes for diverse audiences. The Master Teacher shaped stories to confuse His opponents, confront the uncommitted, and coach His followers.
From this study of Jesus' primary teaching tool, today's pastors and teachers will learn afresh the types, purposes, and meanings of the parables. An examination of interpretive methods such as allegorizing and moralizing will clarify the way parables must be approached and applied for modern audiences. Understanding the parables is key to grasping the whole of Jesus' life-transforming message.