The Norton editors describe the Gospels as, perhaps “the single most influential text of world literature.” How many images, motifs, characters, sayings, etc. from the readings do you recognize from other texts or from everyday speech?
How would you define “parable” as a literary genre? What are its distinctive features?
In his explanation of his use of parables, Jesus tells his disciples “When a man has, he shall be given, and it will be more than he needs; but when he has not, even what he has shall be taken away from him” (Matthew 13). What does he mean? Do you agree with this?
Jesus also explains his use of parables as the fulfillment of a prophesy of Isaiah from the Hebrew Bible. How would you explain the use of parable in strictly literary terms? What does it allow that more literal genres might not?
What is the Matthew’s purpose of the graphic description of Jesus’ passion and crucifixion? How do you respond as a reader? How is the reader meant to respond?