Exploring the Parables of Jesus 38 lesson outlines exploring the parables of Jesus for use in Religious Education and Collective Worship. Autumn 2017 How to use this guidance This guidance has been produced to supplement the Lichfield Diocesan Religious Education (RE) Guidance and ‘Understanding Christianity’ resources and to enhance engagement with Jesus’ teaching in collective worship. It has been written to give ideas as to how the parables of Jesus could be approached with pupils, particularly those in Upper Key Stage 2 & 3, although this is not exhaustive. This guidance has been split into two sections: UKS2 and KS3. When using this guidance care should be observed with certain parables, particularly those that focus on judgement. You may find that these parables are not appropriate for some pupils, or Key Stage. Your own professional judgement should be exercised in these cases. For those using the resource within RE lessons assessment criteria have been written to accompany each parable. This follows the structure suggested within the Diocesan RE guidance. This includes three assessment elements: Secure/Expected; Developing/Emerging and Excelling. Each parable outline follows the Lichfield Diocesan RE Guidance structure of Explore; Relate; Apply. This guidance should help to generate ideas as to how the parables of Jesus could be explored and taught. However this is not prescriptive and other ideas and approaches could be used. We hope you find this guidance useful in your teaching of the life and teachings of Jesus. Lichfield CDA Team Autumn 2017 1 Overview of the Parables of Jesus Parables found only in Mark, Matthew Parables found only in Matthew and Parables found only in Matthew Parables found only in Luke and Luke Luke (M tradition) (L tradition) (2 source hypothesis) (Q tradition) The parable of the sower The parable of reconciliation before The parable and interpretation of the The parable of the creditor and the two (Mark 4:3-9; Matt 13:3-9; Luke 8:5-8) appearing in court weeds (tares) debtors (Matt 5:25-26; Luke 12:58-59) (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43) (Luke 7:40-47) What type? Parable of the Kingdom What type? What type? What type? & Behaviour, forgiveness & reconciliation Parable of the Kingdom Behaviour & forgiveness Parable about the Kingdom The parable of the seed growing secretly The parable of the two builders The parable of the hidden treasure The parable of the good Samaritan (Mark 4:13-20; Matt 13:18-23; Luke 8:11-15) (Matt 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49) (Matt 13:44) (Luke 10:30-36) What type? What type? What type? What type? Parable of the Kingdom Faith / prepared for difficulties Parable of the Kingdom Behaviour & helping those in need The parable of the wicked tenants in the The parable of the children playing The parable of the precious (costly) pearl The parable of the unexpected guest vineyard (Matt 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35) (Matt 13:45-46) (Luke 11:5-8) (Mark 12:1-9; Matt 21:33-40; Luke 20:9-16) What Type? What type? What type? What type? Jesus rejected as Messiah Rejection of Jesus because of his association Parable of the Kingdom Persistence in prayer with outcasts and sinners The parable of the fig tree The parable of the leaven (yeast) The parable of the net (dragnet) The parable of the rich farmer (rich fool) (Mark 13:28-29; Matt 24:32-33; Luke 21:29- (Matt 13:33; Luke 13:20-21) (Matt 13:47-50) (Luke 12:16-20) 31) What type? What type? What type? What type? Being prepared / watchful Parable of the Kingdom Parable of the Kingdom The danger of storing up treasure on earth 2 The parable of the doorkeeper The parable of the lost sheep The parable of the homeowner The parable of the fruitless fig tree (Mark 13;33-37; Matt 25:14-15; 24:42;25:13; (Matt 18:12-14; Luke 15:4-7) (Matt 13:52) (Luke 13:6-9) Luke 19:12-13; 12:38) What type? What type? What type? What type? Being prepared / watchful Parable about the Kingdom New & old (double treasure) Punishment for not repenting The parable of the mustard seed The parable of the wedding feast The parable of the cruel (unmerciful) The parable of choosing a seat at the (Mark 4:30-32; Matt 13:31-32; Luke 13:18- (Matt 22:2-14; Luke 14:16-24) servant wedding feast 19) (Matt 18:23-35) (Luke 14:8-11) What type? What type? What type? What type? Parable of the Kingdom Parable of the Kingdom Parable of the Kingdom Parable about the Kingdom The parable of the burglar (thief at night) The parable of the labourers in the The parable of the landowner and the (Matt 24:43-44; Luke 12:39-40) vineyard king (Matt 20:1-16) (Luke 14:28-33) What type? What type? What type? Parable about the Kingdom Parable of the Kingdom The cost of discipleship The faithful or unfaithful servant The parable of the two sons The parable of the lost drachm (coin) (Matt 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-46) Matt 21:28-32) (Luke 15:8-10) What type? What type? What type? Parable about the Kingdom Parable about the Kingdom Parable about the Kingdom The parable of the talents The parable of the ten virgins The parable of the prodigal (lost) son (Matt 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27) (Matt 25:1-13) (Luke 15:11-32) What type? What type? What type? Parable about the Kingdom Parable of the Kingdom & being prepared Parable about the Kingdom God as a forgiving father 3 The parable of the last judgement (the The parable of the crooked steward sheep & the goats) (servant) (Matt 25:31-46) (Luke 16:1-9) What type? What type? Parable about the Kingdom Judgment & behaviour The parable of the wedding garment The parable of the rich man and poor (Matt 22:11-14) Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) What type? What type? Parable about the Kingdom Judgment for not helping those in need The parable of the talents The parable of the servant’s reward (Matt 25: 14-30) (Luke 12:37) What type? What type? Parable about the Kingdom Parable about the Kingdom The parable of the judge and the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) What type? Persistence in prayer The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) What type? Attitude in prayer 4 Parables of Jesus – Introduction Jesus’ teachings were characterised by memorable extended stories (parables) and sayings. Jesus was an expert in storytelling. These stories often seized the imagination of the listener and made explicit the point that Jesus was trying to convey. He was very good a linking his stories (parables) to the everyday life experiences of his listeners. This is what made them memorable. Often Jesus’ parables allowed the listener to think for themselves and encouraged them to work out what God was saying to them personally, in their own particular circumstances in life. The majority of Jesus’ parables are of or about the Kingdom of God. However there are many more that refer to behaviour; how to treat others; prayer and why Jesus was rejected as the promised Messiah. Messiah (Hebrew) & Christ (Greek) are one and the same. Both mean the anointed one of God. In other words the gospel writers believe Jesus to be God’s Messiah (Christ), God’s chosen one who would bring in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God / Heaven Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew’s Gospel) and Kingdom of God (Luke’s Gospel) refer to the same thing. It referred to a spiritual kingdom rather than an earthly one, one which was ruled by God. There is a theological debate about the nature of the Kingdom of God / Heaven. Many Christians believe in inaugurated eschatology. Eschatology is to do with the end times / last judgement / second coming of Jesus (the Parousia). Inaugurated eschatology is the theological term to describe that the Kingdom of God / Heaven is only partially here. It was inaugurated with the birth of Jesus but will only be fully realised when Jesus comes again, the Parousia. During this intervening time some Christians believe that this is an opportunity to spread the ‘good news’ of Jesus to as many people as possible, so that they have a chance to become members of God’s Kingdom. NB: All Biblical references below are taken from the Good News Version (GNB). This can be accessed on https://www.biblegateway.com 5 Glossary of Christian Values For full definitions visit - http://www.christianvalues4schools.org.uk/ Compassion and sympathy have much in common. Their roots lie in the idea of suffering with someone, putting yourself in someone’s else’s shoes and experiencing what they experience. Creation Belief in God as creator is the perspective from which Christians view all life including their own. It means that the highest value is placed on all creation and that life is seen as God’s gift. Endurance means to stand firm in the face of hardship, persecution or scorn. In the New Testament endurance is linked with patience and suffering Forgiveness is fundamental to the character of God. Throughout the Bible, God is described as slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin. Christianity teaches that we are to forgive because we ourselves have been forgiven. Friendship is a key concept in the Christian framework, with Jesus often being criticised for being the friend of ‘sinners.’ Hope Christian hope is far more than ‘hoping it will not rain today,’ or some such thought.