R. Albert Mohler - Tell Me the Stories of Jesus: The Explosive Power of Jesus Parables

Praise for Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

As is true of all of Dr. Mohlers work, Tell Me the Stories of Jesus is thorough, thought-provoking, and easy to understand. Jesus parables are masterfully intertwined with church history, profound theological truth, and practical application so that the reader not only understands Scripture better, but has a deeper desire to follow Christ. Whether youre a new believer or a lifelong Christian, this book will draw your heart toward the things of God.

Allie Beth Stuckey, commentator and host of the podcast Relatable

If you are preaching through the parables, teaching through them in a series, or simply reading for edification and devotion, Tell Me the Stories of Jesus will be a welcome companion. Having benefited from reading this book myself, I eagerly commend it to you, and plan to return to it as I preach and teach on the matchless stories of our Savior contained in these precious passages.

Ligon Duncan, chancellor, Reformed Theological Seminary

The parables are some of the most familiar parts of Jesus teachingso simple that a child can grasp them, yet so mysterious that a lifetime of reflection is hardly enough time to plumb their collective depths. In this book, Dr. Mohler offers the reader an account that does justice to both aspects, pointing us to the simple message of the kingdom they convey and to the complex problems of the human heart they reveal. There are many books about the parables, but this one has the pleasing strength of combining clarity and learning with pastoral care and gospel urgency. A fine volume from an accomplished Bible teacher.

Carl R. Trueman, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College.

Dr. Mohlers treatment of the parables of Jesus succeeds magnificently at showing their explosive power. In his hands, the parables are never ho-hum tales designed to coddle the saints, but world-transforming stories designed to burst with the power of the kingdom of God.

D. A. Carson, a Distinguished Emeritus Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and president and cofounder of the Gospel Coalition

In this crisp and clear exposition of the parables of Jesus, Al Mohler brings together the ancient world with contemporary life, unpacking the original meaning of the parables and then applying them to current circumstances and situations. Mohler also skillfully interprets the parables in light of the storyline of the Gospels and indeed the entire Bible, treating us to a profound theological reflection on the meaning of the parables. Preachers, teachers, and laypersons will find much help in this accessible treatment of Jesus most famous stories.

Tom Schreiner, the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Al Mohlers edifying, enlightening study of Jesus parables is broad, but concise. It is rich, but digestible. It is presented by a first-rate theologian, but is written in a manner that will minister to the newest of Christians.

Mike Fabarez, founding pastor, Compass Bible Church, South Orange County, California

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

2022 Fidelitas Corporation, R. Albert Mohler Jr., LLC

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ISBN 978-0-7180-9925-1 (audiobook)

ISBN 978-0-7180-9922-0 (eBook)

ISBN 978-0-7180-9916-9 (HC)

Epub Edition April 2022 9780718099220

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022932998

Printed in the United States of America

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Dedicated to

Mary Margaret Barnes

Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:16

Like your mother before you, you have grabbed our hearts and never let go. You are an unspeakably wonderful granddaughter, a precious gift from God and a sign of the Fathers promise. You are beautiful and sweet, brightening our hearts and lifting our spirits. You are an infant, beautiful and bright, and sheer delight. Your faithful parents love you with unbreakable and joyous love. Your two big brothers adore you. Grammie and I love you more than you can imagine. Just to think of you is to smile and to thank God for such a gift. I pray for the day when you will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and confess the faith once delivered to the saints. Who knows? God may draw you to himself through one of the parables of Jesus.

The only thing to surpass loving you as granddaughter would be loving you as sister in Christ.

Papa

Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.

MARK 1:14 15

J esus came preaching the gospel of Godand he came telling stories. The most famous of Jesus stories are the parables. They are not tame stories intended to deliver sentimental messages. They are not moralistic, like Aesops famed fables. They are not fairy tales, such as the kind that abounded in medieval Europe. Nor are they stories intended for children, though children are often among the first to understand them. In the parables, Jesus was not concerned with mere self-improvement or trite moral messages. Not at all.