Post 5: Unfiltered Parables of the Historical Jesus

Let me help you.

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’

Luke 10:30–35, NRSVue

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The propaganda: the church knows best

Until the Protestant Reformation, the church restricted biblical access to Latin-only versions. It wasn't that the common man or woman was exactly forbidden from reading the scriptures, but it was a very strong discouragement when the only available Bible cost more than they were likely to make in their entire life, and it was written in a language they couldn't read or write.

The bottom line is that cathedrals were created with beautiful stained-glass windows so the faithful could see the stories rather than read them and the church controlled the doctrine because only the church could read the Bible.

After the Protestant Reformation the story changed but not a great deal. In the Roman Catholic Church, actual ownership and reading of the Bible while not forbidden, was not encouraged until the early 20th late 19th centuries. As for Protestants, if you belonged to a denomination, you swore allegiance for lack of a better phrase, to the theology your denomination taught and for that you trusted the priest, the pastors, the church board, and council.

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The truth.

Jesus was a master storyteller. He added layers and flavors, spices, and twists to his stories the way a master chef adds layers and spices to his best dish. Highlight any of the following parables, click search, and have a read. 

These parables are not one-size-fits-all. The parables are intended to make you the reader, the hearer, more than a little uncomfortable. They are designed to challenge what you believe to be proper behavior. There is no conceivable way that a pastor, a preacher, or a priest can give you the absolutely correct and authentic solution to any of these parables. This is something that you have to work out for yourself.

• The Parable of the Sower
• The Parable of the Mustard Seed
• The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
• The Parable of the Lost Sheep
• The Parable of the Good Samaritan
• The Parable of the Prodigal Son
• The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
• The Parable of the Leaven
• The Parable of the Friend at Midnight
• The Parable of the Unjust Judge
• The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
• The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
• The Parable of the Great Banquet
• The Parable of the Two Sons

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The takeaway.

I believe that Jesus taught in parables so that he could challenge the people where they lived. I see no reason to change how I read them in the 21st century from how I would in the 1st century. 

How do I have to change my life so that I mirror the Good Samaritan rather than the ones who walked past the injured Jew?

You could try reading them from the same perspective. It just might change your life.

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Brian

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