As we return from our summer holidays, we continue our Lectionary focus upon Matthew’s Gospel.

No other synoptic gospel features more parables told by our Lord, and while I will be touching upon several of these in my Sundy messages over the next months, our Adult Education hour allows us to delve more deeply into these often provocative stories.

Intrigued?

Below is the syllabus for our time together, beginning Sunday, September 13th at 9:45 a.m.! Over an eleven-week period, we will read and discuss the parables listed below.

“How will we spend our time together?” you may ask. Come prepared to explore:

Setting: What can we know about the context for each story? To whom is Jesus speaking directly—and perhaps indirectly?

Original meaning: What understanding did Jesus hope for those who first heard these stories?

Historical interpretation: How have these stories been interpreted over the years? How have church thinkers, for example agreed—or disagreed—with one another? What is/are the reasons(s) for this?

Relevance Today: How do YOU understand these teachings? What lesson—or lessons—do you take to heart through them? Time to share here in small groups.

“How can I prepare?”

There is perhaps no better way than to simply sit down and read the passages listed below—and to do so in a variety of English translations, if possible. Take notes. Write down questions. It can also be helpful to consider what precedes—and follows—the parable in question.

September 13: Parable of the Un-Merciful Servant, Matthew 18:21-35 

September 20: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Matthew 20: 1-16 

September 27: Parable of the Two Sons, Matthew 21:28-32

October 4: Parable of the Tenants, Matthew 21: 33-46

October 11: Parable of the Wedding Banquet, Matthew 22:1-14

October 18: Parable of the Sower, Mathew 13: 1-23

October 25: Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast, Matthew 13:31-36

November 1: Parable of the Weeds, Matthew 13:2430, 36-43

November 8: Parable of the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25: 1-13

November 15: Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30

November 22: Teaching of the Sheep and the Goats Matthew 31-46