Category: Christian Books & Bibles
Jesus' parables can't simply be interpreted, they must be experienced.
In
the gospels, Jesus used parables to teach transformative lessons and
convey deep spiritual truths about the kingdom of God. But he often used
them to confront and challenge his audience as well, forcing them to
open or close their hearts to the kingdom.
Jesus understood the
power of stories, but there are some things lost in translation when we
try to interpret those same stories thousands of years removed from
their original context. The unexpected twists and surprises in the
parables might be missed by a modern audience because they're unfamiliar
with the underlying points of reference.
In Surprised by the Parables,
Michelle Lee Barnewall explores the ancient context these parables drew
from. These stories of grace reveal many of the mysteries central to
God's character, and understanding the ancient world behind them will
help us see the parables from a new perspective.