Key Questions on the Parables of Jesus

Abstract

Assumptions about the nature of parables, the process of interpreting them, and why Jesus taught in parables determine how parables will be understood. Such assumptions should not be left unexamined. This article identifies eight key questions for interpreting parables. The questions deal with intent (i.e., whether recovering intent is a worthy and necessary goal and whether the nature of the Gospels allows recovery of Jesus' intent), with the nature of parables and whether they have reference outside themselves, with the importance of context for understanding parables, with whether classification of parables is necessary and helpful, and with the discomfort some parables cause with their emphasis on judgment and violence. In each case direction is provided to help readers understand and appropriate the intent of Jesus.