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? Choose one example to interpret in detail.
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?
The Gospel of John is often described as the most mystical of the synoptic gospels. How does it differ from the others in terms of style? Why, for example, is Jesus called “the Word” (Logos)?
What is the Matthew’s purpose for the graphic description of Jesus’s passion and crucifixion? How do you respond as a reader? How is he reader meant to respond?