Puzzling the Jesus of the Parables: A response to Ruben Zimmermann

Abstract

This article responds to Ruben Zimmermann’s latest book, Puzzling the Parables of Jesus (2015). In particular, one aspect of his proposed method is challenged, namely, his conscious attempt to do away with considerations of the pre-Easter context when interpreting the parables. The article finishes by proposing a variant methodology of parable interpretation, featuring the parable of the Good Samaritan as a working example.

Keywords

• Ruben Zimmermann
• Parables of Jesus
• Good Samaritan
• Historical Jesus
• Methodology
• Interpretation
• Exegesis