Rabbi Looks at Jesus' Parables

Frank Stern is an ordained rabbi and the Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Religion in American Life at California State University-Fullerton. He also lectures widely on Judaism, Comparative Religion, and Jewish-Christian Relations.

Finally, a scholar and clergyman willing to view Jesus in his real home. By analyzing Jesus' parables in the light of Jewish sources, Rabbi Stern is able to reveal layers of meaning within meaning, bringing deep wisdom and healing vision to the surface. This is precisely the kind of responsible scholarship that honors cultural and religious convictions and differences, and which can move then enterprise of faith forward. Anyone who seeks to understand Jesus' message, anyone who seeks to understand the Jewish roots of Christian faith, anyone seeking a Jewish perspective on the stories at Christianity's core, will do well to begin right here.

• Chapter 1 IntroductionChapter 2 The Search for ParadiseChapter 3 Jesus Teaches in his Hometown SynagogueChapter 4 The Parable of the SowerChapter 5 Jesus Teaches of the Wheat and the WeedsChapter 6 Other Parables About The Kingdom of GodChapter 7 More Parables About the Kingdom of GodChapter 8 Parables About Servants and WorkersChapter 9 Parables About Lamps, Lights, Salt and CitiesChapter 10 Parables About Vineyards, Orchards and FieldsChapter 11 Parables Dealing with Sheep and MoneyChapter 12 The Parable of a Rich Man Who Decided to Enjoy HimselfChapter 13 Parables About Dinners and BanquetsChapter 14 Parables About Fathers and SonsChapter 15 Special PeopleChapter 16 The Parable of the Priest, The Levite, and the SamaritanChapter 17 The Rich Man, the Beggar, and the Unclean SpiritChapter 18 Two Parables in JohnChapter 19 The Last ParablesChapter 20 ConclusionsChapter 21 The Secrets Jesus TaughtChapter 22 BibliographyChapter 23 IndexChapter 24 About the Author