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Unlocking the Parables

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In this course, Dr. Craig Blomberg explains the interpretive frameworks we can use to better understand the meanings of the parables. Beginning with the Parable of "The Prodigal Son", you will explore dozens of the stories Jesus told about the Kingdom of God and what it means to follow him. 

Course Overview

In this course, Dr. Craig Blomberg explains the interpretive frameworks we can use to better understand the meanings of the parables. Beginning with the Parables of "The Prodigal Son", you will explore dozens of the stories Jesus told about the Kingdom of God and what it means to follow him.  This course is made up of 5 lessons:
  • Lesson 1: Keys to Interpreting the Parables
  • Lesson 2: Exploring the Simpler 3-Point Parables
  • Lesson 3: Exploring the More Complex 3-Point Parables
  • Lesson 4: Exploring 2-and 1-Point Parables
  • Lesson 5: Exploring the Parables: Themes & Conclusions

Finding Your Way Around
You may work through each lesson at your own pace, completing them all in an afternoon, or space them over the next five weeks. No matter the pace you take, we will be sending you a brief weekly email each of the next five weeks. The left-hand navigation tray will display the elements of each lesson acting as a table of contents.  As you progress through the course it will strikethrough and gray out completed elements to help track course progress.  

Dr. Craig C. Blomberg

Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado.  He holds the B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois (with majors in Biblical Studies, Spanish, and Math), the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.  

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Course Content - Unlocking the Parables

Unlocking the Parables of Jesus
Preview
Dr. Craig Blomberg Bio

Lesson 1 - Keys to Interpreting the Parables

Is there just one meaning to a parable? And if so, why would Jesus have included such rich detail in these stories?
Keys to Interpreting the Parables
Preview
Lesson 1 - Part 1: Unlocking the Parables
Preview
Lesson 1 - Part 2: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 1 - Part 3: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 1 - Part 4: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 1 Handout
Lesson 1 Discussion Questions
Resources for Further Study
Lesson 1 MP3

Lesson 2 - Exploring the Simpler 3-Point Parables

“There’s usually at least one surprise somewhere in each passage that is a key to the spiritual symbolism or level of meaning of the story.”
Exploring the Simpler 3-Point Parables
Lesson 2 - Part 1: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 2 - Part 2: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 2 - Part 3: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 2 - Part 4: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 2 Handout
Lesson 2 Discussion Questions
Resources for Further Study
Lesson 2 MP3

Lesson 3 - Exploring the More Complex 3-Point Parables


Jesus is not content with words. Words can become conventions layered with religious meanings. Over time, they lose their meaning and become dulled by overuse. With his parables, Jesus calls us to attention and breathes life into the concepts of grace, forgiveness, judgment, and neighbor.
Exploring the More Complex 3-Point Parables
Lesson 3 - Part 1: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 3 - Part 2: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 3 - Part 3: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 3 - Part 4: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 3 Handout
Lesson 3 Discussion Questions
Resources for Further Study
Lesson 3 MP3

Lesson 4 - Exploring 2-and 1-Point Parables

Riches
Repentance
Prayer
Kingdom
Persistence
Possessions
Exploring 2-and1-Point Parables
Lesson 4 - Part 1: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 4 - Part 2: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 4 - Part 3: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 4 - Part 4: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 4 Handout
Lesson 4 Discussion Questions
Resources for Further Study
Lesson 4 MP3

Lesson 5 - Exploring the Parables: Themes & Conclusions

How can we summarize, theologically, doctrinally, thematically, what we’ve learned?
Exploring the Parables: Themes & Conclusions
Lesson 5 - Part 1: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 5 - Part 2: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 5 - Part 3: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 5 - Part 4: Unlocking the Parables
Lesson 5 Handout
Lesson 5 Discussion Questions
Resources for Further Study
Lesson 5 MP3

Course Complete

You have completed Denver Seminary's Free Online Course Unlocking the Parables
Course Completed!