A Course by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine

The Parables of Jesus:
Jewish Insights into Gospel Ethics, Humor, and Provocation

Unveiling the profound historical and Jewish context of Jesus' parables, correcting common misunderstandings and antisemitic readings.

Course cover

Move beyond simplistic interpretations to uncover the radical Jewish wisdom and humor in Jesus' original teachings.

Course Overview

Discover What You've Been Missing!

In our new course, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, an acclaimed scholar in New Testament and Jewish Studies, will guide you through the parables as they were likely understood by Jesus' original audience.

Dr. Levine's background brings a unique perspective that you won't find elsewhere. With her deep knowledge of Jewish traditions and first-century history, Dr. Levine will reveal insights into the deeper meanings and ethical challenges embedded in the parables.

From Pearls to Prodigals, from Widows and Judges to Pharisees and Tax collectors, from the Samaritan who helps an injured man to a landowner who offers equal pay for unequal work, Dr. Levine uncovers the bedrock of Gospel interpretation that surprises, that indicts, and that prompts ethical responses.

Key Questions Explored

  • How might the first hearers of the parables, who lacked knowledge of Jesus’s death, have understood them?
  • How do the Evangelists interpret the parables initially, and what are the implications of their interpretations?
  • How did antisemitic interpretations of parables evolve, and what measures can be taken to rectify them?
  • While many perceive the parables to focus on salvation or Christology, what insights do they offer regarding economics, ethics, insiders and outsiders, and the dynamics between the enslaved and enslavers?
  • How do parables contribute to our understanding of the social roles of first-century Jewish women?

Your Instructor

Amy-Jill Levine

Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies

Amy-Jill Levine
Amy Jill Levine ("AJ") is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt. Her publications include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, and, with Marc Brettler, The Bible With and Without Jesus. With Brettler, she also co-edited The Jewish Annotated New Testament. She is the first Jew to teach the New Testament at Rome's Pontifical Biblical Institute and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. AJ identifies as an unorthodox member of an Orthodox synagogue and a Yankee Jewish feminist who challenges exclusionary biblical interpretations.

Lesson Outline

Course Curriculum

1

Pearls and Prodigals: How to Hear a Parable

50 MIN
    2

    Samaritans, Priests, and Levites: How History impacts Parable Interpretation

    50 MIN
      3

      Laborers and Management in the Vineyard: How to Assess Kingdom Economics

      50 MIN
        4

        Persevering Widow and Unjust Judge: How Parables Promote and Demote Women

        50 MIN
          5

          Q&A Sessions

          60 MIN
          • Two 30-minute Q&A sessions

          Included With Enrollment

          Bonus Resources

          Bonus #1

          Scholarly Talks with Amy-Jill Levine and Bart Ehrman

          Enjoy two 20-minute talks featuring Dr. Amy-Jill Levine and Bart Ehrman delving deeper into AJ's lectures, sharing additional insights and engaging in dynamic discussions.

          Bonus #2

          Jesus and Women: Distinguishing History from Apologetic (NINT 2023 Lecture)

          Access Dr. Amy-Jill Levine's highly rated talk from New Insights into the New Testament - 2023, debunking the myth of Jesus as a first-century feminist within repressive Jewish practices.

          Bonus #3

          Self-Assessment Quiz

          Challenge yourself with a customized multiple-choice quiz to turn passive learning into active learning and short-term memory into long-term memory.

          Included Resource

          PDF Lesson Guides

          Printable guides for each of the four lessons.

          Included Resource

          Additional Reading List

          A curated list of resources to dive deeper into the course topics.

          Included Resource

          Audio Downloads for Lectures

          Download audio versions of all four lectures for listening on the go.

          Special Bundle Price $99.80 $59.95

          The value of 4 individual lectures with Dr. Levine would usually be $99.80; however, if you purchase "The Parables of Jesus: Jewish Insights into Gospel Ethics, Humor, and Provocation" online course today, you can enjoy the Special Bundle price of $59.95. This includes lifetime access to all 4 lectures and exclusive bonus materials.

          From Course Participants

          What Students Are Saying

          Dr. Levine reframes familiar parables in a way that expands their meaning and sparks intellectual curiosity. Informative, perceptive, and engaging
          Micah Conger
          Micah CongerCourse Participant
          The Parables course is fast-paced and packed with insights on how to better understand the parables of Jesus
          J.
          J. W. VenableCourse Participant

          See What Most Readers Miss in the Parables of Jesus

          4 lectures, the Q&A recordings, audio downloads, and 6 bonus resources. Lifetime access.

          Frequently Asked

          Questions & Answers

          Is this a LIVE course?

          This course was recorded live on July 20th - 21st, 2024. If you purchase this course after July 21st, you'll enjoy lifetime access to the recorded course and Q&A sessions.

          What is the Special Bundle Price?

          Our normal price for four individual lectures with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is $59.80 (14.95 per course). However, you can enjoy the "Parables of Jesus" online course including lifetime access to ALL four lectures, Q&As, and bonus materials for the special bundle price of $39.95!

          Are any other discounts available?

          Yes! Viewers of Dr. Ehrman's "Misquoting Jesus" show on YouTube or listeners of the podcast can discover exclusive discount codes. Additionally, paid members of his blog at ehrmanblog.org are eligible for special discounts.

          Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

          Absolutely! If you don't love the seminar, send us an email and we will refund 100% of your investment. You will have 30 days from the date of the seminar.

          Alternatively, this course is available through The Biblical Studies Academy (BSA), our premium membership and training community.

          Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee · Lifetime access to all course materials

          $1 from your purchase is donated to charity: water.