The problem
The return to Jesus from the primitive church: The translation of the parables into Greek ; Representational changes ; Embellishment ; The influence of the Old Testament and of folk-story themes ; The change of audience ; The hortatory use of the parables by the church ; The influence of the church's situation ; Allegorizing ; Collection and fusion of parables ; The setting
The message of the parables of Jesus: Now is the day of salvation ; God's mercy for sinners ; The Great Assurance ; In sight of disaster ; It may be too late ; The challenge of the hour ; Realized discipleship ; The Via Dolorosa and exaltation of the Son of Man
The consummation
Parabolic actions
Conclusion