Together For The Harvest
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Week of Prayer 2009
Book Review
Tales Jesus Told
by Stephen Wright
With a foreword by Bishop James Jones, this gem of a book comes well recommended and may be just the book for you if you are looking for a time of quiet reflection.
With his scholarly knowledge, Stephen Wright takes us on a fascinating journey into the cultural, political and social background at the time of Jesus. The skilful and fluent way the author exposes the reader to the impact the parables had on Jesus’ audience opens up a whole new world of understanding.
Engrossed in the account of the parable of the prodigal son, and with fresh understanding, I could see myself hiding in a corner, as one of the servants, watching out for the young prodigal, wondering how this family could survive. And of Jesus’ audience at the time, how great the challenge for them as the parable was to unfold? How could we have doubted, the Father’s love then, as now, never fails.
The Hebrew word for parable in the New Testament is mashal which translates to “wise sayings, proverbs and riddles.’ As used by Jesus, and expounded by the author, we are invited to see the issues of everyday life through fresh eyes, as relevant to contemporary society as they were when first recounted.
At the time of writing the book Stephen Wright was Director of the College of Preachers and an Associate Lecturer at Spurgeon’s College, London.
Published by Paternoster Press
ISBN number I-
