The Gospel in Parable: Metaphor, Narrative, and Theology in the Synoptic Gospels

Professor Donahue here argues that “the parables of Jesus” offer a Gospel in miniature, while at the same time giving shape, direction, and meaning to the Gospels in which they appear. “To study the parables of the Gospels is to study the gospel in parable.” After surveying recent discussions of parable, metaphor, and narrative, Donahue examines and interprets the parables of Mark, Matthew, and Luke as texts in the context of the theology of each of these Gospels. Finally, he outlines what “The Gospel in Parable” looks like and offers suggestions for the proclamation of parables today.