Reflections on Jesus’ parables as metaphorical stories past and present

Abstract

During the past decades scholars have endeavoured to read Jesus’ parables as metaphorical stories. This article provides a  theoretical overview of the ongoing debate, reflecting both on past claims and present criticism.  The assertion is made that the use of the metaphor as a model to read and study the parables of Jesus, remains valid and should be expanded to include the parables in  their particular Gospel settings.