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DE 5340  The Parables of the Lord

Lecturer: Craig Blomberg

Course Description

Methods of interpreting Jesus' parables are surveyed and then an eclectic model drawing on the best insights of each is applied to each of the major narrative parables in the Gospels. Conclusions are drawn concerning the theology and significance of this portion of Jesus' teaching. Three hours.

Course Objectives

It is hoped that the student will be able to:

• Explain the different schools of thought in the interpretation of the parables of Jesus, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and adopt an approach he or she can defend as the most hermeneutically viable.
• Evaluate the authenticity of the parables and compare and contrast them with their Jewish backgrounds.
• Itemize some of the most significant differences among paralleled accounts of the same parables in the various gospels, suggest plausible reasons for that variation, and determine the most likely theological distinctives of each of the three Synoptists in their presentations of the parables.
• Summarize the main content and lessons of the major narrative parables.
• Explore the more controversial points of interpretation surrounding the details of various individual passages and formulate tentative exegetical conclusions.
• Apply the parables to contemporary Christian living and ministry in a faithful and effective fashion.

Course Materials

• Blomberg, Craig L. The Parables of Jesus, Audio Lecture Tapes and Study Guide. Grand Rapids: Institute of Theological Studies, a division of OUTREACH, INC., 1993. Order directly from ITS.
• ________. Interpreting the Parables. Downers Grove: IVP, 1990.
• Wenham, David. The Parables of Jesus. Downers Grove: IVP, 1989.
• Kistemaker, Simon. The Parables of Jesus. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1980 (This text is included with the purchase of the lecture tapes).
• An NIV Bible and any synopsis or harmony of the four gospels (i.e., that lays out parallel texts in parallel columns for easy comparison). E.g., K. Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels (New York: UBS, 1982).

Resources

Download full syllabus