Parables - Exegesis

Parables are images or stories in which Jesus illustrates some point of his message by a concrete or typical case

Parables - Interpretation
Parables can be interpreted using the following headings: 1) Literary Form, 2) Context, 3) Historical Background 4) Type & 5) Interpretation. This is known as an exegesis (from the Greek to explain).

1. Literary Form
As a literary form, parables contain the following 4 characteristics that contribute to its success.

A. Repetition:
A technique that helps to imprint the story on the minds of the audience by using certain words, phrases or ideas that are repeated throughout the text to establish its importance in the hearer. Eg: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32) Repetition is used with the words Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. A key idea repeated is the joy at the younger sons repentance.

1. Literary Form
B. Contrast:

Opposites and contrasts are used to help throw elements of the story into sharp relief this has the effect of capturing the attention of the listener. Eg: The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:914) Shows a sharp contrast between the Pharisee who is doing the right thing within the culture (an insider) and the Tax Collector who is considered an outsider in the culture. It also contrasts pride with humility.

1. Literary Form
C. Folkloric Threesome
Storytellers throughout the ages have discovered that three events, characters or issues in a story provide an importance access point for the hearer. Eg: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 3037) - three main characters: The priest, the Levite and the Samaritan.

1. Literary Form
D. The Rule of End Stress
There is often some emphasis, climax or concentration of attention directed to the last character of the series. Eg: The Parable of the Good Samaritan- You go, then, and do the same.

2. Context
Contains two parts:
i) Immediate context placing the parable within its surrounding passages in the Gospel. Eg: The Parable of the Prodigal Son is grouped with a number of parables dealing with mercy or compassion in chapter 15. ii) Broad Context placing the parable within context of the entire Gospel. Eg: The Parable of the Prodigal Son is in Lukes Gospel main theme in Lukes Gospel: Gods salvation is for all people, especially the poor and lowly, compassion and forgiveness pervades the whole Gospel.

3. Historical Background
What are the cultural and historical issues that provide further understanding of the parable? Booklet pg 11 -13 & handouts. Eg: Jews hated Samaritans and would assume the worst about them.

4. Type of Parable
This is to identify the main theme of the parable and group it with other similar parables. There are three main types: Parables about the Coming of the Kingdom of God eg The Bridegroom (Mk 2:18-20) Parables about the growth of the Kingdom of God eg The Mustard Seed (Mk4:30-31) Parables about the values within the Kingdom of God eg: The Parable of the Good Samaritan.

5. Interpretation
Based on the all of the above the parable is interpreted in its historical context, and for today.