Though based in the culture of first-century Palestine, the parables Jesus told use everyday situations to illustrate timeless lessons - and they offer vivid imagery that's easy to remember. When put in a context that audiences can understand, preaching the parables is a powerful way to communicate the teachings of Jesus to modern Christians.

This book helps preachers "prime the pump" with a wealth of informative material on each of the seven parables appearing in Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. William Keeney's stimulating exegesis, commentary, and illustrations shows readers how to plumb the depths of these fascinating stories and draw their own insights and applications. For each parable Keeney includes:

• the scripture text
• a discussion of the context in the church year in the day's lectionary readings in related scripture passages
• the theme
• key words
• a contemplation of issues that the parable addresses
• "homily hints" outlines and ideas for preaching
• "points of contact"
• several creative illustrations Bill Keeney symbolizes the ideal of one who carries the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. He is always learning, gaining insight and ideas from life in its richness and diversity. Both worlds are evident in this volume.John A. Esau Former Director of Ministerial Leadership General Conference Mennonite Church William Keeney has served in administrative posts and as professor of Bible and religion at Bluffton College (Ohio) and Bethel College (Kansas), and has also taught at Kent State University. In addition to his academic work, Keeney has been the executive director of the Consortium on Peace Research, Education, and Development, and has served pastorates in Connecticut, Kansas, and Ohio. He is the author of six books and numerous journal articles. Keeney is a graduate of Bluffton College, Mennonite and Bethany Biblical Seminaries, and Hartford Theological Seminary (Ph.D.).