Discover these simple stories from everyday life that illuminate profound spiritual truths.
Parables are tools Jesus used to teach and defend the truth. They all serve to illustrate events in the Gospel and contain essential lessons Jesus wanted to impart to God's people. In this book, John MacArthur invites us to discover the richness of truth in these stories told by Jesus.
“In this new book, Dr. John MacArthur reorients everything you thought you knew about parables by explaining their meaning and relevance to the lives of believers. Commenting on these profound and dynamic narratives for those within the kingdom of Christ, MacArthur states that the parables do not reveal the truth to those outside the kingdom, but rather conceal it from them. Parables is a fascinating and thought-provoking book in its ability to tear away the thick cloud of exegetical misunderstanding surrounding Jesus’ illustrative teaching.”
— Steven J. Lawson, President of OnePassion Ministries and Professor of Homiletics, The Master's Seminary
“After more than 40 years of faithful pastoral ministry, John MacArthur has proven himself to be a sure guide through Scripture and a wise commentator on the Word of God. This new book, Parables: The Mysteries of the Kingdom of God Revealed Through the Stories Told by Jesus, is a rich biblical, theological, and meditative presentation of the Lord’s parables.”
— R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“In this generation, no one has presented a more heroic and robust defense of the authority and inspiration of Scripture than John MacArthur. I consider this scholar one of the finest biblical commentators of our time. Few have given such care and attention to the interpretation and application of Jesus’ words in the Gospels. I warmly recommend Parables. It is a masterwork from a beloved and seasoned pastor.”
— RC Sproul, founder and president of Ligonier Ministries
Table of Contents:
- Thanks
- Introduction
- A misunderstanding of parables
- Why parabolas?
- Some definitions and details
- A grim day in Galilee
- The Pharisees and the Sabbath
- Jesus' conflict with the religious elite
- A miraculous healing and deliverance
- The unforgivable sin
- The pivotal day continues
- A lesson on welcoming the Word
- A surprisingly simple story
- A few subtle points to note
- Be careful how you listen
- The explanation
- A lesson on the cost of discipleship
- What is the kingdom?
- Is entry to the kingdom free or does it cost money?
- The hidden treasure
- The grand prize pearl
- Six vital truths about the kingdom
- A lesson on justice and grace
- The parable
- The proverb
- The lesson
- The goal
- The principles
- A lesson on loving your neighbor
- A trick question
- A hardened heart
- A gentle response with an unforgettable lesson
- The dangerous path and the aggression
- The priest and the Levite
- Jews and Samaritans
- The Samaritan's way of loving
- Unlimited love
- A lesson on justification by faith
- Two men in the temple
- The problem of sinners
- Justified!
- Analysis of the parabola
- The contrasts
- The similarities
- The main difference
- Right with God
- A brief epilogue
- A lesson on loyalty
- The story of the two servants
- The Ten Virgins
- Talents
- What unites these parables?
- A lesson on the serpent's prudence
- The story
- The horror
- The explanation
- A lesson about heaven and hell
- Jesus and the Pharisees
- The context of this parable
- To experience the fear of the Lord
- The characters
- The Rich Man's Plea and Abraham's Response
- Even if a man were to rise from the dead
- A lesson on perseverance in prayer
- The judge
- The woman's dilemma
- The turning point
- The meaning
- Appendix
- Stories as effective vehicles for truth
- The richness of truth in the parables of Jesus
- Narratives and Propositions
- Notes
- Subject Index
- Index of biblical references
- About the author
ISBN: 9782890822825