Fully one-third of Jesus' words in the Synoptic Gospels occur in parables. It could be said that knowing the parables is essential for understanding the person of Christ. In this book, Brad H. Young displays his unique perspective as a scholar steeped in both Jewish and Christian studies. Young examines the parables that best illustrate the parallels between rabbinic and Gospel parables. He challenges readers to remember the importance of first-century Judaism as the very stage from which Jesus delivered the message of the kingdom. Jesus' ethics and theology can be properly understood only in the light of first-century Jewish teachings. Young focuses on the historical development and theological significance of parables in both traditions and examines five theological subjects that are dealt with in parables: prayer, grace, reconciliation, calling, and sovereignty.

"This innovative work on the parables shows that Jesus is both a foundation of the Christian faith and at the same time an integral part of Second Temple period Judaism. Jewish thought is not--as is often claimed--merely a background for Jesus but is in reality the original context and natural framework of his message. . . . It is a very rare case that a New Testament scholar can break the language barrier and move freely in the Hebrew and Aramaic sources of early Judaism proficiently, as Young is able to do. . . . All who are involved in the study of Judaism, as well as everyone seeking a better understanding of Jesus, will be challenged by Young's creative and solid research."
--David Flusser, Late Professor Emeritus of Second Temple Period Judaism and Early Christianity, Hebrew University, Jerusalem (from the foreword)