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Home , Parables of Jesus

The of Winter/Spring 2021 Guest Teacher: Rev. David Johnson

I. Trinity UMC Parables in Greek and Hebrew traditions: a. In Greek the word parabolē has a much broader meaning than the English word . It can be a proverb (Luke 4:23), a riddle (Mark 3:23), a comparison (:33), a contrast (:1-8) and simple (:6-9) or complex stories (:1-14). b. This range of meaning is derived from the Hebrew word māšal which is translated by parabolē in the LXX 28 of 39 occurrences. In addition, māšal can be used for a taunt, prophetic oracle, or a byword. A māšal is any dark saying intended to stimulate thought. c. Māšal has its root in military word for dominion. d. There are no traditional parables in the of John. II. John 10:1-18 I am the a. Background: This passage is connected with images from the : Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23, 1 Samuel 16 also have imagery of God as Shepherd. Especially Ezekiel which notes God as shepherd, the Israelites as sheep, and leaders as false shepherds. b. Notice a difference right away in the parables of the synoptics and the māšal of John. Jesus is here offering an explanation of who he is. Who Jesus really was is a central theme in the book of John. Look at John 1:10 & 26-27. c. Notice the identifying marks of Jesus’ calling laid out in three sections. i. Section 1: Jesus is the shepherd whose voice commands the sheep. ii. Section 2: Jesus is the gate. All enter through him. iii. Zōē, life, is fundamental to John’s Gospel. At the outset of the Gospel, the Word brings this essence of God to the world, John 1:3: iv. Section 3: 11-18 He is the Good Shepherd and it is repeated “He lays down his life” and “He knows his sheep” III. John 15: 1- 8: I am the a. Background: This is part of the extended dialogue. It begins in 13:1 and has an almost ending in 14:31. Jesus in ends a teaching section with “Rise let us be on our way.” There are 3 sections in these 8 verses. b. Section 1 are verses 1-4. Jesus identifies himself as find, but then defines the role of the Father as the gardener. i. Notice that in Jesus mentions that they have already been cleansed. This would have a double meaning, a textual meaning and a meaning for the reader. 1. Textually, remember that ’s Supper begins with Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. 2. For the reader it is a reminder that we are cleansed by and our Baptismal calling is to cling to Jesus. ii. He introduces the theme of bearing fruit. iii. Mutual indwelling is introduced in 4, “Abide in me as a abide in you.” This indicates Jesus’ presence in the community of believers even now. c. Section 2, verses 5 & 6. Jesus re-announces his spiritual position as vine. i. Notice that this time Jesus’ focus is on the branches and their mutual connection. In the first section Jesus explains the relationship between the branches and the Father, who is gardener. In this section Jesus focuses on the connection between the branches and the vine, himself. ii. Branches have no life outside of the vine. Jesus here raises the stakes for all who would call themselves believers. Your life becomes entwined with that of Jesus. iii. There is also and inherent warning in Jesus’ wording. Jesus is the “true” or real vine. This is to suggests that there will come some fake vines. Some who would pretend to connect you with the Father but simply cannot. d. Section 3, verse 7 & 8. i. Notice that he again increases the stakes. “Anything you wish” is connected with this deep abiding. ii. The Father is glorified by your bearing fruit and being disciples. Fruit that will last. (verse 16) 1. Fruit is connected with loving Jesus 2. Loving others 3. Following Jesus 4. Caring for others

Take aways for Present Day Disciples: 1- The need for relationship with Christ is demonstrated as foundational in both these “near parables” with Jesus’ taking center stage in salvation. 2- We have to practice listening to Jesus’ voice in order to live the life of faith as disciples. 3- How do you stay connected to, abide in, Jesus? 4- What kinds of concerns or anxieties keep us from looking fully at Jesus and believing in all that he is for us?