SALT Exercise_The Parables of Jesus

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Liberty University *

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515

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Religion

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by richert01

“SALT” Exercise: The Parables of Jesus Prompt Summarize the assigned Learn materials on Jesus’ parables, especially the assigned presentation titled “The Parables of Jesus,” and then, applying what you have learned, choose one of Jesus’ parables in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, or Luke) and interpret the parable both for its original audience (first-century Judaism) and for the contemporary (21st century) audience, making sure to identify the “hook” in the parable (see the presentation, “The Parables of Jesus,” for clarification) and to apply the message of the parable to a contemporary context. More specifically, in the “Application” section of the assignment (see “SALT” Exercise Assignment Instructions), you must discuss both (1) the meaning of the parable in its original Jewish setting, and (2) the meaning of the parable today. Summary Dr. Robert Wayne Stacey’s video, “The Parables of Jesus,” 1 does a very good job of explaining what parables are, in general, and specifically, what Jesus’ parables are. In general terms, parables can be likened to short stories, or analogies, that teach a complex topic in easy- to-understand terms. In the case of Jesus’ parables, they will always point to the Kingdom of God. In a certain way, Jesus initially unpacked what His Kingdom was like in an analogy that the reader would find safe and familiar. Dr. Stacey likens the analogy to an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. However, readers should be warned. Once you are feeling comfortable, “POW!!!,” you are hit with the gotcha moment. The story isn’t at all about what you thought it was. There is much more meaning behind it. It is really a story with a hook in it. It’s meant to put you on a different path altogether. Take the parable of the gardener and the fig tree. “Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener 1 The Parables of Jesus: NBST515: New Testament Orientation I (B08) https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/517942/pages/watch-the-parables-of-jesus?module_item_id=55695231

answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’ ” 2 We can analyze this parable in many ways but for effects of the assignment requirement we will limit to analyzing through the eyes of 1 st century Judaism and through present or contemporary eyes. In 1 st century Judaism, the fig tree was commonplace. Fig trees were everywhere and were symbolic of Israel itself. It represented both the spiritual and physical health of Israel. Hosea describes how God saw Israel. “The Lord says, “O Israel, when I first found you, it was like finding fresh grapes in the desert. When I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the first ripe figs of the season.” 3 The Jew listening to the Jesus’ parable would have understood that Israel needed to bear fruit, or it would be cut off. In current times, the fig tree does not carry the same significance for us as it did for Israel. However, we can apply what applied to Israel back then to present-day Christians. This is the “HOOK.” If we do not bear fruit, we will be cut off. Our walk must match our talk and vice-versa because at the end of the journey, Jesus, the Gardener, is giving us time to bear fruit. We must use our time wisely as we are on borrowed time. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! 2 Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Lk 13:6–9. 3 Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ho 9:10.

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