Parables pt. 2: “Function” to “Find the points of Reference”

Question 1

What is the funtion of Parables?

Answer 1

to call forth a RESPONSE.

Question 2

The best way to understand the ______ of parables is to understand their _____.

True parables, as opposed to parabolic sayings, were not used simply to illustrate greater teachings of Jesus, but rather they were used to call forth a ______ on their own.

Answer 2

The best way to understand the PURPOSE of parables is to understand their FUNCTION.

True parables, as opposed to parabolic sayings, were not used simply to illustrate greater teachings of Jesus, but rather they were used to call forth a RESPONSE on their own.

Question 3

The fact that they were meant to call forth a ____ response causes a real dilemma in interpreting them. In some ways the necessity of interpreting the parable is to ____ what they are.

Answer 3

The fact that they were meant to call forth a DIRECT response causes a real dilemma in
interpreting them. In some ways the necessity of interpreting the parable is to DESTROY what they are.

Question 4

it is like interpreting a joke:
Most of Jesus’ parables “caught” his hearers because they had the reference points but were not expecting the “_____” at the end of the story.

• We must interpret them in order to find out how we would have been caught if we were _____ at the first telling.
• However, this very task diminishes the impact. Therefore we then must work to recapture the “_____” of the parables for our times today.

Answer 4

Most of Jesus’ parables “caught” his hearers because they had the reference points but were not expecting the “TURN” at the end of the story.

• We must interpret them in order to find out how we would have been caught if we were PRESENT at the first telling.
• However, this very task diminishes the impact. Therefore we then must work to recapture the “PUNCH” of the parables for our times today.

Question 5

Find Points of Reference

For the original audience, the understanding of the points of reference and the unexpected ‘turn’ of the story is what is ____ to the parable.

Answer 5

For the original audience, the understanding of the points of reference and the unexpected ‘turn’ of the story is what is CENTRAL to the parable.

Question 6

What are ‘points of reference?’

Answer 6

*(personal note from lecture) points of reference are main characters or details upon which other ideas/details hinge