Parables: Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told

If you want the true understanding of Jesus' parables, then you need this book. John Macarthur is one of the world's great bible expositor, and this book is no exception. He helps the readers to understand the parables according to the historical, cultural and theological context. Some of the parables that we think we know the meaning, like The Parable of Good Samaritan, we'll be amazed to see the meaning when we study the parables contextually.

This book is a great summary of a handful of Jesus' parables. It starts by explaining our understanding of what parables are, how they are used in the Bible and their general purpose. This was particularly useful in understanding the context of why and when Jesus first started using parables in his teaching ministry. MacArthur then explores a selection of key parables, with careful and faithful exposition, and insightful application. Each is like a well prepared sermon, with the important context discussed and its relevance to our lives today explained. I highly recommend this book for personal reading and understanding or for preparation of teaching these parables to others.