The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation (Hardcover)

~ Brad H. Young (Author)
Key Phrases: unjust steward, fair employer, contemptible friend, New York, Second Temple, Dead Sea Scrolls (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Fully one-third of JesusÂ’ words in the Synoptic Gospels occur in parables. It could be said that knowing the parables is essential for understanding the person of Christ. In his newest work on the parables, Brad Young displays his unique perspective as a scholar steeped in both Jewish and Christian studies. While parables have timeless messages, reinterpretations in new contexts throughout the centuries have distorted the original meanings and undermined the essence of what Jesus intended for his initial listeners. Young examines the parables that best illustrate the parallels between the rabbinic and Gospel parables. Young challenges readers to remember that first-century Judaism was not merely the backdrop for JesusÂ’ teachings but the very stage from which Jesus delivered the message of the kingdom. JesusÂ’ ethics and theology can be properly understood only in the light of first-century Jewish teachings. Young focuses on the historical development and theological significance of parables in both traditions, then he examines five theological subjects that are dealt with in parables: prayer, grace, reconciliation, calling, and sovereignty.

"This great new book by Brad H. Young is a decisive step in the right direction. Like his previous books, this innovative work on the parables shows that Jesus is both a foundation of the Christian faith and at the same time an integral part of Second Temple period Judaism. Jewish thought is not—as is often claimed—merely a background for Jesus but is in reality the original context and natural framework of his message. Few people have recognized this basic fact, not only because of inveterate Christian inhibitions but also because it is a very rare case that a New Testament scholar can break the language barrier and move freely in the Hebrew and Aramaic sources of early Judaism proficiently, as Young is able to do. Similarly, Jewish scholars often do not use their advantage in this area of research and sometimes cannot move freely in the Christian material because even they are not always free from their own inherited inhibitions. All who are involved in the study of Judaism, however, as well as everyone seeking a better understanding of Jesus, will be challenged by Young's creative and solid research." (From the foreword)
—David Flusser, Professor Emeritus of Second Temple Period Judaism and Early Christianity, Hebrew University, Jerusalem

About the Author

Brad H. Young, Ph.D. Hebrew University, studied under David Flusser and is the author of Jesus and His Jewish Parables and The Jewish Background to the Lord's Prayer. He is the president and founder of the Gospel Research Foundation, which is committed to exploring the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, and is on the editorial board of the Compendia Rerum Iudaicarum ad Novum Testamentum.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 332 pages
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565632443
• ISBN-13: 978-1565632448
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #390,381 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Parables of Christ in their proper context., January 2, 1999

By	A. J. Valasek (Clemmons, NC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. His study of the Second Temple Period along with his insighful parallels between Judaism and Christianity are worth more than gold in my opinion. In this book, Young examines Christ's parables from both the Jewish and Christian perspective. What I like about this book is that it helps the reader obtain the correct context of the readings, something that I push for with fervor. Just published, this book is a good read and an excellent resource for future study.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 15 Years of indepth study went into this excellent book!, December 26, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Independence, KS) - See all my reviews

Recently Hendrickson's publisher took this book to a major book fair where it sold 5000 copies AND 5 seminaries picked it up as a textbook! Excellent for pastors and lay persons on teaching the parables of both the Jews and the Christians. A topic that most pastors never studied in seminiary from a Jewish perspective. A thorough examination of the topic and a presentation of new insights is presented in a very readable format. I highly recommend this book to our homeschooling families around the world!

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book placing the parables of Jesus in their cultural context, November 29, 2005

By	Non-Redneck in a Redneck State (Houston, Texas, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

Young does not discuss all the parables of Jesus Christ, but only select ones. Included in this book are discussions about these parables :

The Contemptible Friend
The Corrupt Judge
The Fair Employer
The Talents
The Good Samaritan
The Merciful Lord and His Unforgiving Servant
The Father of Two Lost Sons (Prodigal Son)
The Two Debtors
The Urgent Invitation
The Search
The Hidden Treasure
The Pearl of Great Price
The Tower Builder
The King Going to War
The Unjust Steward
Four Types of Hearers (Parable of the Sower)

There is not too much negativity in his book. He seems to focus more on the positive parables and positive messages of Jesus, avoiding the negative messages. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not. In the conclusion, he touches on the some of the negative aspects of Jesus' message. But generally speaking, negativity is avoided and the positive is stressed.

Young draws from the Jewish Midrash, Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish Mishnah, Jewish Talmud, NT scholars, and NT textual criticism to place the parables of Jesus back in their historical context and supply relevant cultural information needed to better understand the parables. In places, Young back translates items into Hebrew and discusses some Greek terms. It helps, but is not necessary, if you have a knowledge of Greek or Hebrew.

Young has definitely provided me with new insight about some of the parables, Jewish culture, and given me some items to think about. His cultural explanation of the parables of "The Prodigal Son" and "The Good Samaritan" proved new insights to me that I probably would have never found elsewhere.

On the negative side, I found his style of writing somewhat awkward. It didn't seem to flow smoothly in places. Young also assumes that the reader is familiar with the parables (and probably the four NT gospels) since he never quotes them. So if you want to read the parable that his is discussing, you need a Bible on hand. In other places, I thought he failed to fully discuss some parables. I was reading, expecting him to discuss other portions of a parable when the chapter ends abruptly.

Still, this is a great book and should prove invaluable for anybody seeking after the truth of Jesus Christ. I will definitely keep this book in my personal library and use it as a reference.