One is told not to just look 'at' the parables of the Gospel (or problem?) but 'through' them as well (to solve it!) - JW Sider, Rediscovering the parables, the Logic of the Jeremias Tradition, JBL 102/1, 1983.
It is refreshing to read that one must interpret Parables in their historical setting ie original Sitz im Leben; before we ask what it means to us today. According to C H Dodd, we must first ask what does the parable mean and its application for Jesus' audience in the first century, when it was uttered by Jesus during his ministry. Within this historical setting, to A Hunter, there is a double setting. The secondary one is in the life of the early church.
Why are some parables recorded in one Gospel and not the other? It is in keeping with the character of the Gospel. Of utmost importance: it is directed by the Holy Spirit. (M L Bailey, Guidelines for Interpreting Jesus' Parables, BS 155, 1998)
So too is our life! It sure is no co-incidence what I am directed to read.
We neither know nor judge ourselves, others may judge but cannot know us. God alone judges and knows us
- Willie Collins (1824 - 1889).
