Parables of Jesus: In the Light of Its Historical, Geographical and Socio-Cultural SettingOver 2000 years ago Jesus invited his followers to a new life, empowered by the saving grace of God. Jesus in-filled them with spiritual knowledge and asked them to develop certain attitudes and life-styles so that they may possess this new life. Do you want to be blessed by this new life but unsure of how to achieve it? Dr. Timothy Maurice Pianzin's spirit-filled book entitled, Discovering the Truth of Jesus' Parables in the light of its Historical, Geographical and Socio-cultural Setting uncovers the hidden meanings contained in Jesus' parables and gives you understanding on how to live life that will qualify you to claim your inheritance in heaven. Don't hesitate, read Dr. Timothy Maurice Pianzin's excellent guidebook to the parables of Jesus now. If you read Discovering the Truth of Jesus' Parables with a receptive heart and mind, the life-saving Words of Jesus will comes alive and transforms your life to live it in the fullness of God's grace. Dr. Timothy Maurice Pianzin has doctorates in Biblical Theology and Sustainable Development. For the last thirty years he has been a devoted Bible scholar and has participated in many Bible courses and seminars. He has also traveled extensively in the lands that Jesus once walked and preached, and has painstakingly researched on the background to Jesus' parables-which became the basis for writing of this book. In addition he has also contributed in the teaching the Bible for over twenty years, covering most books of the Bible and many other biblical topics. In his professional life he has written many reports for the United Nation, Commonwealth Secretariat and other institutions. Since his retirement from consulting works, he has devoted his life to make the Word of God better known. |
Contents
Setting the Scene | 21 |
Parables Found in Matthew Mark and Luke | 25 |
Parables Found in Luke Only | 26 |
Integrity of Jesus | 31 |
Events that Took Place before the Parable of the Old and New | 36 |
Summary Parable of Old and New | 38 |
Value of the Word of God | 43 |
Summary Parable of Sowing the Seed | 51 |
Summary Parable of the Gate and Good Shepherd | 137 |
Contrasting Ways of Life | 145 |
Summary Parable of the Two Debtors | 147 |
Summary Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus | 152 |
Summary Parable of the Two Sons | 156 |
Summary Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Slave | 160 |
Unfaithful Responses | 167 |
Summary Parable of the Wicked Tenants | 171 |
Summary Parable of Weeds among Wheat | 55 |
Summary Parable of the Lamp | 58 |
Value of the Kingdom of God | 65 |
Summary Parable of the Mustard Seed | 69 |
Summary Parable of the Growing Seed | 70 |
Summary Parable of the Yeast | 71 |
Summary Parable of the Hidden Treasure | 75 |
Summary Parable of the Priceless Pearl | 76 |
Summary Parable of the Fishing Net | 77 |
Summary Parable of Old and New Treasure | 80 |
Likeness of Gods Kingdom | 83 |
Summary Parable of the Unforgiving Slave | 88 |
Summary Parable of the Vineyard Workers | 93 |
Summary Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids | 97 |
Summary Parable of the Talents or Pounds Minas | 103 |
OffensiveDefensive Strategy | 109 |
Summary Parable of the Tower Builder | 112 |
Summary Parable of the Wise King | 114 |
Summary Parable of the Salt | 116 |
Saving the Spiritually Lost | 121 |
Summary Parable of the Lost Sheep | 123 |
Summary Parable of the Lost Coin | 126 |
SummaryParable of the Lost Prodigal Son | 131 |
Summary Parable of the Rich Fool | 174 |
Summary Parable of the Dishonest Manager | 178 |
Summary Parable of the House Owner and Thief | 182 |
Faithful Responses | 189 |
Summary Parable of the Good Samaritan | 193 |
Summary Parable of the Vigilant Slave | 196 |
Summary Parable of the Duty of the Slave | 199 |
Determined Faith in God | 205 |
Summary Parable of the Midnight Friend | 207 |
Summary Parable of the Persistent Widow | 210 |
Summary Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector | 213 |
Summary Parable of the Fathers Care for His Children | 216 |
Harmonizing Parables | 223 |
Summary Parable of the Wide and Narrow Gate | 227 |
Summary Parable of the Good and Bad Tree | 229 |
Summary Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builder | 234 |
Summary Parable of the Barren Fig Tree | 236 |
Summary Parable of the Wedding Feast | 240 |
Summary Parable of the Fig Tree | 245 |
Summary Parable of the True Vine | 249 |
Bible Reference | 257 |
| 259 | |
Common terms and phrases
abide Bad Tree Barren Fig Tree believers Bible text bridesmaids called chapter Christians commandments disciples Dishonest Manager earth easy reference empowered evil Faithful and Unfaithful Father fellow human fish followers of Jesus forgiveness fruits God the Father God’s grace Historical Background Holy Spirit Importance Israel Items Jesus Christ Jesus told Jesus wants Jewish religious Key Truth Kingdom of God kingdom of heaven lamps Lazarus light live Lost Coin Lost Sheep master Midnight Friend Mustard Seed Narrow Gate obedient Old Testament Parable Today parables discussed parables of Jesus Pharisee and Tax phrase prayer religious leaders repentance Rich Fool righteousness salvation in Jesus salvation-ready Samaritan second coming shepherd sinners sins soil Sowing Stands Summary Table talents Tax Collector teachings of Jesus tell Text from Luke Text from Matthew things Tower Builder True Vine Truth The Parable Unfaithful Slave Unforgiving Slave vineyard Weeds among Wheat Wicked Tenants wine Word of God