More Than a Clever Story

Jesus' parables. They are widely known-or at least often referenced. But does that mean they are well understood? Having slipped into the lingua franca of our day, we could be missing some of what He was communicating. If familiarity breeds contempt, perhaps our sense that we know these stories insulates us from what Jesus was saying about life with God. If Jesus intended His parables to be much more than helpful illustrations or memorable word pictures, we might need to hear them in a fresh way. We could be overlooking what is essential if we read His parables simply as clever stories. Like a chef who seasons the meal in such a way that the distinctive flavors of each element is enhanced, Brian invites the reader into an invigorating and fresh taste of what Jesus says in His parables. Reading each parable attentive to Jesus' own words and the context in which these stories are found, you'll hear the voice of the Savior in renewed ways. No longer will you think of His parables as clever stories, but you'll find them to be life-giving words from Jesus. Endorsements The parables of Jesus are among the most quoted-and misunderstood-stories in the world. In this book, Brian helps us take a second and third look at these rich tales to find something deeper and more relevant than we could imagine. The real truths behind these stories are there for us to discover by reading a little more carefully. And the light they shed as we read attentively can change our lives. -Paul Clark Elder, Summit Church Senior Consultant, Finding Great People In all my years of ministry and biblical study, I have yet to meet someone with a purer and stronger love for the Word of God. The Lord consistently uses the way that Brian writes and teaches to bring me into a deeper understanding of biblical truth. What is even better is that the Spirit has gifted him to do so in such a way that it leaves you hungry and excited for more-more time with the Lord, more reading of the Scriptures, and more growth and transformation into the likeness of Jesus. This treatment of the parables does not disappoint; it is yet another example of Brian using his spiritual gifts for the "building up and equipping of the body of Christ." -Josh Pederson Assistant Director, 3Gen Ministries Founder, Vox Bivium Discipleship School