How Parables Work

A comparison puts two things together, revealing similarities. In a parable, these two are from different areas of life. One is of everyday, and leads to a Verdict all can readily agree. The second, summed up in a Judgment, puts forward a moral claim, and is debateable. But if you agreed to the Verdict you might well feel you ought to accept the Judgment as well - especially if neighbours are listening! This book reviews all the gospel parables, showing how they fit this pattern. It also considers various placings and groupings, endings and pegs which come with them in the gospels; and wonders why so many have come down to us Judgment-free. Any reader who uses arguments can make out where a parable is going, and why its Verdict was agreed, and whether that let them in for the Judgment too. But where no Judgment was given, there the guessing must begin.