Controversial new book by an internationally respected expert on Jesus and his time. Argues that Jesus' parables became the inspiration and model for the way he is presented in the Gospels.

In this perceptive and provocative new look at the Gospels, John Dominic Crossan begins by observing that the parabolic stories told by Jesus seem remarkably similar to the resurrection stories about Jesus. 'Where the latter intended as parable just as much as the former?' he asks.

Could it be that we have been reading parables, presuming them to be history,m and misunderstanding both? In other words, could Jesus; use of parables have inspired the Gospel writers to create meaningful, metaphorical stories about Jesus to help them explain who he really was?

"John Dominic Crossan has done it again ... His innovative presentation of how Jesus told stories about God's Kingdom and how the Gospel authors told stories about jesus offer a brilliant new way of looking at the parable and metaphor in the Gospels and in the life of Jesus of Nazareth." - Marvin W. Meyer, Professor of Bible and Christian Studies, Chapman University, and author of 'The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus'.

"A remarkable and important book for Christians and for all who seek to understand the Bible better ... Crossan combines his customary literary and historical brilliance with fresh insights that illuminate not only the parables of Jesus but much of the Bible as a whole." - Marcus J. Borg, Canon Theologian at Trinity Cathedral Portland, Oregon, and author of 'Speaking Christian'.