/ Gentle Reformation

D.A. Carson on Parables

I recently stumbled upon a series of messages by D.A Carson that deserves your attention.

Speaking with his usual scholarly insight, as well as pastoral heart, Dr. Carson masterfully unpacks a number of Jesus’ parables.  Not only does he keep his eye trained on the context of the parables, which is crucial for getting at their meaning, but he continually brings to life their historical and cultural settings.  One cannot help but feel like they’ve stepped back in time, that they’re walking along the dusty streets of these ancient places watching and listening to Jesus instruct the crowds.

Begin with the one entitled “Why Does Jesus Tell Stories?”  Here Dr. Carson lays the groundwork for the meaning and purpose of the parables.  Rarely does a speaker so carefully thread together the multi-purposed nature of the parables in such a theologically rich, yet surprisingly clear presentation.

Enjoy!

Why Does Jesus Tell Stories?

The Parable of the Bag of Gold

The Parable of the Sheep and Goats

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus