Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi

A parable requires no external key to explain what its elements mean; an allegory does.

For the women, the parable offered a mirror of family dynamics, not an allegory about God, Christians, and Jews.

Our erstwhile merchant first raises questions of our own acquisitiveness.44 We are continually seeking, whether the object is fine pearls, a new job, another degree, or spiritual fulfillment. But each time we find our goal, it turns out to be ephemeral.

Although the combined verses command love of God and love of neighbor, they do not mean, “Just do some good loving, but forget about dietary regulations, circumcision, Sabbath observance, or Temple sacrifice.” They mean that the love commandments become the touchstone by which all other actions are assessed.

The kingdom is present when humanity and nature work together, and we do what we were put here to do—to go out on a limb to provide for others, and ourselves as well.

he reminds listeners that perhaps they have lost something, or someone, as well, but have not noticed it. Before the search can begin, we need to notice what, or who, is not there.

Recognize that the one you have lost may be right in your own household. Do whatever it takes to find the lost and then celebrate with others, both so that you can share the joy and so that the others will help prevent the recovered from ever being lost again. Don’t wait until you receive an apology; you may never get one. Don’t wait until you can

Although the combined verses command love of God and love of neighbor, they do not mean, “Just do some good loving, but forget about dietary regulations, circumcision, Sabbath observance, or Temple sacrifice.” They mean that the love commandments become the touchstone by which all other actions are assessed.

Once we come to associate the parables with children’s stories, it becomes difficult to see them as anything but.

I do wonder, do all those who pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done,” really want a change in the status quo, or are they pretty satisfied with the “kingdom” we have in the here and now?