ANALYZING JESUS PARABLES Read and study the article entitled Understanding the Nature and Use of Parables in the Ministry of Jesus.

The link is posted below. Choose one of the following parables to analyze:

The Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37 The Soil and Sower Mark 4:2-9, 13-20 The Great Supper Luke 14:15-24 The Gracious Father Luke 15:11-32 The Children in the Market Place Matthew 11:16-19 Talents and Pounds Matthew 25:14-30

2. Demonstrate how your chosen parable exhibits five (5) of the parable characteristics (10 total) mentioned in the article. Illustrate with examples

. 3. In the article, the author states, In his parables, Jesus allowed no one to remain neutral: People were forced to respond to his call to join him in this new kingdom. In your chosen parable, how are Jesus listeners called to respond? In other words, what are they supposed to do as in response to the parable? Illustrate with an example.

POST RESPONSES MUST INCLUDE: 1. An evaluation of how well the initial post identified five characteristics of parables in the parable discussed. Illustrate with examples.

2. Did the original post identify an expected response on the part of Jesus' listeners?

3. Discuss how that might apply to modern listeners.