Christian to Atheist, one woman's experiences

[paradox3]

Would argue the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, P3, is the clearest example that He did.

The owner sends servants (the prophets), then sends his beloved son. Jesus's essentially saying, "This's what you've done to God's messengers. This's what you're about to do to Me!"

What gives me chills, P3, is that Jesus tells the parable knowing exactly where the story's headed. The rejected Son was always the cornerstone.

A common interpretation, no doubt. But not the only one.
Did Jesus speak about himself in any other parable, do you think? Off the top of my head, I can't come up with one.

 

[Luce NDs]

Many can be eliminated ... it is the way to narrow it down!

 

[Luce NDs]

@paradox as a puzzle of learning ... a thin line emerges ... π it is something else again and quite elongated ... as mortals will not take a great deal of learning immediately ... many steps are forgotten and thus consequences!

I'm told not to bring them up as my grandfather Jacob used to say ... implications? You wouldn't accept those either ...

 

[Jaebius]

A common interpretation, no doubt. But not the only one.
Did Jesus speak about himself in any other parable, do you think? Off the top of my head, I can't come up with one.

Yes, P3, I think so.

The Parable of the Wedding Feast has long been grasped with the king representing God and the son representing Christ.

The Good Shepherd imagery bleeds into parable-like teaching where Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Shepherd seeking and saving His sheep.

The Wicked Tenants, though, is unusually direct. The progression from servants to the beloved son's so specific. The religious leaders immediately recognized that Jesus was speaking about them

 

[paradox3]

Yes, P3, I think so.

So interesting

The Parable of the Wedding Feast has long been grasped with the king representing God and the son representing Christ.

I don't recall this specifically from previous WC2 discussions. The idea of everyone being invited to the feast has stuck with me.

The Good Shepherd imagery bleeds into parable-like teaching where Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Shepherd seeking and saving His sheep.

Nah. Too literal. I have always thought the shepherd represents the nature of God.

The Wicked Tenants, though, is unusually direct. The progression from servants to the beloved son's so specific. The religious leaders immediately recognized that Jesus was speaking about them

Yes, if Jesus is talking about himself this parable stands apart from the others.

 

[jimkenney12]

Position 5: this parable was created by the author or community of the gospel with wishful thinking about what God will do. (Feeling vengeful)
Position 6: this parable describes how human leaders function as a warning against poking the bear. (Part of be as cunning as serpents and innocent as doves.)
Position 7. Jesus was having a bad day.

 

[Jaebius]

So interesting


I don't recall this specifically from previous WC2 discussions. The idea of everyone being invited to the feast has stuck with me.


Nah. Too literal. I have always thought the shepherd represents the nature of God.


Yes, if Jesus is talking about himself this parable stands apart from the others.

The Good Shepherd who seeks, P3, knows, protects and lays down His life for the sheep's showing God's nature.

Jesus's revealing God.

That's what makes the passage so powerful to me.

When I see the Good Shepherd pursuing His sheep, I see God's sovereign love that refuses to lose those who belong to Him

The Good Shepherd represents God's nature and Jesus claims that role for Himself, p3. That's what makes His statement so astonishing

 

[paradox3]

Position 6 resonates with me.
Amy Jill Levine would be proud @jimkenney12

 

[jimkenney12]

Who is Amy Jill Levine?

 

[paradox3]

Who is Amy Jill Levine?

Academic and author. Jewish. Expert in New Testament.
Her books can be heavy but very humorous in places.
She wrote a book about the parables and often favors the simplest interpretation.
Apparently a wonderful speaker.

 

[Luce NDs]

Some of the interpretations have multiple turns to the devices ...

Layered like that peculiar pastry that is flakey ... thus some delights! Few may follow ...

 

[BetteTheRed]

Apparently a wonderful speaker.

She is, I attended a weekend workshop with her some years ago.