It can be accurately argued that the nature of the entire world-order was irrevocably upended by the deceivingly simple concept of parables -- more specifically, Jesus' parables. These stories gave power to the poor, hope to the vulnerable, and instilled fear in those who represented worldly success. Suddenly the sinner had a friend, the humble and the selfless were rewarded, and the forgiving were praised. Christ's message, in familiar imagery, began to shred the complex social divides that had existed for centuries.That, author Denis McBride asserts, is the reason that they deserve close scrutiny. Deeply woven into the fabric of Jesus' parables are rich details, waiting to be uncovered, that reveal more about himself, his values, and his unique social viewpoint.It takes a storyteller to recognize the nuance, the characterization, the setting of plot and subplot, that are present in the parables told by Jesus. The average reader might well quickly skip over the details and miss the richness of the story: a richness found not only in the conclusion, but in the details that help weave the story and make it memorable.
