Preaching the Parables: From Responsible Interpretation to Powerful Proclamation

by Craig Blomberg

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2004

Overview

Overview

Craig Blomberg demonstrates how the structure of a parable is key to its interpretation and thus to its exposition. He shows how a parable, when properly contemporized, can be a powerful rhetorical device. He also illustrates how recognizing the elements of the parable that were atypical to everyday life can lead to key insights that will be of significance to contemporary parishioners. Each of the fifteen exemplary sermons is accompanied by an analysis that points out key interpretive decisions.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The first lesson is that repentance is always possible for those who want to return to God.” (Page 36)

“The second lesson is that God’s people ought not to begrudge his generosity for even the most wayward of sinners.” (Page 37)

“Thus the third lesson that this parable teaches is that God in his lavish love forgives the sins of both sons and wants us to do likewise.” (Page 38)

“The third lesson that the parable teaches deals with the frightful fate awaiting the unforgiving.” (Page 73)

“The first lesson deals with the king’s lavish grace in forgiving debts.” (Page 72)

Praise for the Print Edition

Craig Blomberg is a superb teacher and expert on the parables. Here he effectively combines both gifts. This book discusses how to preach the parables and gives a wonderful sample of sermons with explanations about how to proceed. I can't imagine a more helpful pastoral and homiletical guide to the perplexing world of parables. Highly recommended.

—Darrell Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary

Jesus' parables are endlessly intriguing. But pastors don't find them easy going—far too often we get mired in clichés and moralisms. Blomberg's venture into these classic texts is a welcome antidote to pulpit fatigue. His sermons themselves are fresh and personal; his accompanying commentary on how he came to preach them the way he does is on-the-job training for making honest gospel sermons from the stories Jesus told.

—Eugene H. Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College

Product Details

• Title: Preaching the Parables: From Responsible Interpretation to Powerful Proclamation
• Author: Craig L. Blomberg
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 256

About Craig Blomberg

Craig Blomberg is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary, where he has been teaching since 1986. Blomberg earned degrees from Augustana College, Trinity Divinity School, and Aberdeen University in Scotland. He previously taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and spent one year in Cambridge as a research fellow with Tyndale House. He has been on translation committees for the New Living Translation, English Standard Version, and the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

Blomberg is the author, coauthor, or co-editor of numerous books and more than 80 articles in journals or multi-author works. A recurring topic of interest in his writings is the historical reliability of the Scriptures, and he has also covered such diverse issues as wealth and poverty, hermeneutics, and women in ministry. His books include Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, 2nd ed., Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: James, A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis, Making Sense of the New Testament, Preaching the Parables, and The NIV Application Commentary: 1 Corinthians.