Understanding the Gospels and Parables THE GOSPELS ARE

Understanding the Gospels and Parables THE GOSPELS ARE A FORM OF NARRATIVE WITH DOCTRINE AND MORAL TEACHING INCLUDED

The Gospels This term applies to the first 4 books of the New Testament They are narrative – but different 1. Gospels involve the story of Jesus 2. Jesus teaches with authority 3. Jesus gives moral and religious commands

The Synoptic Gospels Synoptic – means to combine, built together Matthew, Mark and Luke are all very similar in what they cover in the life of Christ. Some believe one gospel was written first and the other two borrowed (or copied) from it. No one can decide which one came first. Who copied from whom?

The Variations in the Gospels Matthew Time, Mark calendar, money are Jewish – Wrote to a Roman audience Time, Luke – wrote to a Jewish audience money and calendar are Roman – Wrote to a Greek audience Time, calendar and money are Greek

Doctrine / Morals in the Gospels Coming Kingdom / Church Discipline in the church Worship Salvation – Believe, Repent, Baptism Origin – place Jerusalem Power – Holy Spirit; spiritual gifts

Doctrine / Morals in the Gospels Morals Swearing Divorce Fasting Hate / murder Greed / stealing

General Observations Many differences are the result of different money, how to measure time Jewish 3 rd hour = 9 am Roman 9 th hour = 9 am There is a difference in dollars (US); Colones (Costa Rica); Rubles (Russia) and Yen (Japan) Use the terms that your audience understands

Parables Parable A parable is a story familiar to the listener But 4 – means to lay beside, to compare it also teaches a deeper spiritual truth Elements Common A spiritual lesson Some 2 earthly thing analogy of the earthly to the spiritual levels of meaning, one earthly, one spiritual

Principles for interpreting parables Know the historical and cultural background When the parable is explained that is the answer Notice what prompted the parable (context) In Matthew – most parables are about the coming of the Kingdom (church) Do not stretch the meaning beyond the original intent