Jesus, the Middle Eastern Storyteller
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Communication in Jesus’ world involved the use of word pictures, dramatic actions, metaphors, and stories. Rather than lecture about religious corruption, Jesus refers to the Pharisees as “whitewashed tombs.” Rather than outline the failings of the Temple, he cures a fig tree. Without a perceptive and careful use of the culture of the ancient world, we read the stories of Jesus as foreigners.
- Context of Old and New Testament stories, parables, and events
- Maps, photos, and illustrations
Top Highlights
“The Middle East for centuries has been a world that shelters honor by permitting the manufacture of excuses.” (Page 27)
“The parable is focused entirely on the neighbor in bed!” (Page 39)
“Jesus likely stood out in two respects: he prayed in Aramaic and he prayed casually, even conversationally. His prayers do not reflect any of the set forms of his day (no blessing of the nation, land, or temple); they are instead expressions of personal concern.” (Page 32)
“In Jesus’ world, communication involved the use of word pictures, dramatic actions, metaphors, and stories” (Pages 15–16)
“Almost one-third of Jesus’ teachings are in the form of parables” (Page 19)
Gary M. Burge (PhD, King’s College, Aberdeen University) is a professor of New Testament in the department of Biblical and theological studies at Wheaton College and Graduate School. Gary has authored a number of books, including Who Are God’s People in the Middle East? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians; John and Letters of John in the NIV Application Commentary series; The New Testament in Antiquity (coauthored with Lynn Cohick and Gene Green); and the first three volumes in the Ancient Context, Ancient Faith series. Gary specializes in the Middle East, its churches, and its history in the Hellenistic period.
Reviews
1 rating
Tim Kuhn
7/26/2020
An interesting read. I would have liked to have seen the author put some references in for the stories he tells. Some of the ways the author looks at parables I haven't heard in the 35 years i have walked with the Lord. If nothing else, the book will inspire me to do some digging in areas I would not have thought about. The book reads easy as the author tells various stories of his experiences. Some are very touching. It was worth the $8 to hear some different thoughts.
