2022 Catholic Media Association first place award in scripture: academic studies In this book, which covers all of Jesus’ parables, award-winning author Gerhard Lohfink takes a closer look at the origins of each one—its shape, its realistic details, but most of all its original message and the situation into which it was once spoken. Jesus’ parables speak in bold images of the kingdom of God, making it present to us as they reveal something of the mystery of his own person. Lohfink also offers a review of some of the scholarship in this area—as this topic has sustained research on Jesus since the first telling of these stories—but not for the purposes of debate. His reflections interpret the forty parables and show how they speak of the coming of the reign of God, lead us to Jesus, and reveal the mystery of Jesus himself.

Peter Rhea Jones has spent the majority of his career studying and teaching the parables. Studying the Parables of Jesus is a primer on the historical and -literary approaches to biblical study. It informs and inspires in dialogue with contemporary methods and contemporary meanings. It provides an introduction to the methods of interpretation of the parables as well as an opening chapter on the recent history of interpretation. The chapters of exegesis approach a select group of parables for a more intensive analysis. While reserving much of the technical details for the endnotes, the text includes -discussion of critical issues and alternative opinions. Questions and exercises are appended at the close of each chapter for personal use or classroom -discussion.

One of the most important gifts parents can give their children is to teach them the Holy Scriptures. In a format tailored for toddlers and young children, Parables of Jesus for Children shares twenty-five New Testament parables, the Lord’s Prayer, and Beatitudes that encourage youngsters to think and helps them learn the valuable and timeless lessons taught by each parable. Author Robert Bagnetto offers an entertaining collection of both familiar and new parables containing morals for children to remember and practice in their own lives. Included parables teach young people that God will find them if they wander away, help them remember the importance of practicing acts of kindness, and encourage them to keep in mind that unconditional love forgives all mistakes. Bagnetto transforms ancient stories using easily understood language to help children remember all that is important to being a good Christian both now and in adulthood. Parables of Jesus for Children reminds both the young and old about the power of the Kingdom of God, the importance of prayer, and the peacefulness that comes from divine love.

Revising much of the content originally published in The Kingdom of God Is Like, and adding selected material from Awakenings and Reawakenings, Thomas Keating continues to stir the Christian imagination with insightful commentary on the parables of the Bible. Including the Mustard Seed, the Narrow Door, the Penitent Woman, the Sower, the Prodigal Son, and others, this collection of corresponding meditations renews the voice and vigor of each parable's deeper meaning--so often overlooked through familiarity and fame. Originally told to seekers in an ancient land, each parable--packed with clues about the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the purpose of creation--has as much relevance and resonance as ever for both teaching the lessons of God and his mercy and for understanding the daily struggles of today's fast-paced world.

We all love a good story. But the parables of Jesus are even better than that. They sneak up on us, catching us off guard and toppling our easy assumptions. When the familiar takes an unexpected twist, we find our secret thoughts exposed to the healing light of Jesus. This twelve-session LifeGuide® Bible Study introduces twelve of the greatest stories ever told; how might they change your thoughts and actions? For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions—making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

This six-session short-term study from Jim Moore is organized around the general theme of parables of life. Each chapter will focus on a particular parable, and will feature Dr. Moore telling readers what Jesus was saying through the parable, both to listeners of his day and to us today in our own lives. The chapters will focus on such stories as "The Laborers in the Vineyard," "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector," "The Weeds Among the Wheat," "The Ten Pounds," "Dives and Lazarus," and "The Unmerciful Servant." The book also includes a study guide.