The meaning of the Jesus tradition, especially the parables of Jesus, depends upon a world of experience, values, and institutions far different from our own. Anachronistic assumptions regarding, or inadequate understanding of, social context and audience can potentially mask the original meaning inherent in authentic Jesus material. This article proposes to examine conceptions of peasantry currently entertained by the social sciences. On this basis, it is argued that Jesus is best seen as a peasant artisan and that peasant assumptions and values urge a very different reading for the Samaritan Story in Luke.
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