Parables: "He did not speak to them except in parables..."
Video II: Parables of Mark: Seed Parables
Hopefully by now you have read the whole Gospel of Mark. After watching the two introductory videos, reread the first five chapters.
Please read Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of Mark by Marcus Borg, pages 35-45.
Please read Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of Mark by Marcus Borg, pages 35-45.
Discussion Guide
Questions from pages 117-118 of Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of Mark by Marcus Borg.
Questions from pages 117-118 of Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of Mark by Marcus Borg.
- What did you find in these stories that was unexpected or challenging?
- The parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed are kingdom parables. What is the kingdom of God like in these stories?
- The parable of the sower is followed by an explanation (4:13-20) that was probably added later. What does this interpretation add (or detract) from your understanding of the parable?
- How does the metaphorical meaning of “the sea” in Jesus’ time enhance our understanding of the story?
- What is the metaphorical meaning of the sea for us today, and how does our contemporary understanding compare with that of the ancient worldview?
- What other metaphorical elements do you identify in the story?
Additional discussion points:
- Why is it important to understand the differences between the interpretations of the first century and modern interpretations?
- Is it acceptable that the same parable can have countless valid interpretations depending of the context of the reader? How, if at all, do these differences give the parables a lasting nature?
- What are your conclusions about what Borg calls “metaphorical narratives?” Should these stories be considered factual? How does it, if at all, impact your reading of these stories to consider them as parables told about Jesus?
Additional Reading
Hear then the Parable: A Commentary on the Parables of Jesus by Bernard Brandon Scott, 205-208. This is an enlightening look at the social class system and the effect it had on the parables of Jesus. This section of the book specifically highlights the nature of the Patron/Client relationships of the first century Near East.
- The patron/client system served to provide security for all. The patron was assured of the fealty of the client and the client was assured of protection from the patron. One has the other and the other is at mercy. But what happens when the patron is absentee? How do the parables Jesus shine light on the inequity of this system?
- Compare and contrast the capitalist system of the American dream with the patron/client system of the first century Mediterranean world. How does understand the differences and similarities of the two impact modern interpretations of the parables?
- Later, when Jesus becomes Lord of the Church (the Patron of the Church) how do the interpretations of the master/servant parables evolve?
This blog illustrates the connection of the seed parables of Mark 4 to the kingdom language of Mark 1.
Modern Parables
According to Marcus Borg, a parable is a story that invites hearers to see something they might not otherwise see. How do you define parable?
Can you think of some modern day parables that question modern systems of familial and societal acceptability? Watch this video from Whitestone Motion Pictures and finish this parable for yourself, “There once was a watchmaker's son who...”
1. Do you consider this story a parable? Why or why not?
2. Does this remind you of any of the parables that Jesus told? Which ones?
3. Where else can you find and claim for yourself parables in our time?
Enjoy this modern parable about the trials of a Christian and a judge.
3. What is it that makes the teaching of parables so powerful that it has the potential to move from a simple transference of knowledge to touching the hearer so intimately that their insides are shaken?
4. Jesus spoke in parables and many were left confused, "And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables?" Yet those who listened and understood began a movement that changed the course of history. I encourage you to continue to read the parables of Jesus as recorded in Mark and the other gospels. See what the first audiences saw in these stories. Dig deeper until you uncover their meanings for your life and the lives of others. Then search for additional modern parables and ask and answer the question, "In what ways is Jesus still speaking in parables?"
Can you think of some modern day parables that question modern systems of familial and societal acceptability? Watch this video from Whitestone Motion Pictures and finish this parable for yourself, “There once was a watchmaker's son who...”
1. Do you consider this story a parable? Why or why not?
2. Does this remind you of any of the parables that Jesus told? Which ones?
3. Where else can you find and claim for yourself parables in our time?
Enjoy this modern parable about the trials of a Christian and a judge.
3. What is it that makes the teaching of parables so powerful that it has the potential to move from a simple transference of knowledge to touching the hearer so intimately that their insides are shaken?
4. Jesus spoke in parables and many were left confused, "And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables?" Yet those who listened and understood began a movement that changed the course of history. I encourage you to continue to read the parables of Jesus as recorded in Mark and the other gospels. See what the first audiences saw in these stories. Dig deeper until you uncover their meanings for your life and the lives of others. Then search for additional modern parables and ask and answer the question, "In what ways is Jesus still speaking in parables?"
Video III: Conclusion
Composed by Jay Thornton
