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Not too many other texts in biblical studies received more attention than the parables of Jesus, in fact raising the question whether or not we need yet another book on this subject. The answer to this question will always remain an emphatic yes. For Jesus and the church, the parables are mysteries, i.e. not beyond understanding, but open to an infinite possibility of meaning. This perhaps explains why more than a century after Adolf Jülicher convincingly argued for a non-allegorical reading of the parables this quest is far from over.

Notwithstanding their significant metaphorical force, this book will attempt to shed new light on the parables in understanding and reading these short stories as speech-events (J.G. Hamann) and language-games (L. Wittgenstein). Parables do not primarily signify abstract truths, but illustrate a world reminiscent of God’s kingdom.

Engaging in the parables, therefore, does not simply evoke thought processes, but actively calls readers into participating in the unfolding events pictured by the text, hereby joining in actions that seek to establish the kingdom of God as envisioned through the words of Jesus. Reading and interpreting the parables as language-games renders these stories accessible to questions of faith that could not be asked previously: Why does a man without wedding garment face expulsion from the banquet? Why are wise virgins rewarded by not sharing their oil? Why is anxiety and caution severely punished and financial risk taking awarded?

Understanding Jesus’ parables as pictures of a world reigned by God, yet in need of redemption and our collaboration will remove these texts from the pedestal of enigma and obscurity, placing them into the hands of the faithful reader.

Dr. Markus Ekkehard Locker is Assoc. Prof. of Theology at Loyola School of Humanities, and lecturer for the New Testament at Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. He received a Ph.D. in Biblical Theology from the Ateneo de Manila University that has been accredited as Dr. theol. by the University of Vienna, Austria. Currently on a Sabbatical leave, he is undertaking further PhD studies under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peter Murphy at the School of English, Communications and Performance Studies at Monash University, Melbourne, on a project entitled: “Systems Epistemology and Communicative Paradox: The Role of Paradox in Social-Ethical and Science-Religion Relations. A Study in the Philosophy of Communications.”

“Markus Locker takes a fresh approach to the parables by means of “audience oriented methods”. He understands parables as "speech-events" (J. G. Hamann) and "language games" (L. Wittgenstein) whose “secrets” are only revealed and made known to the true believer. Being heard and understood, the parables call for shaping the world in terms of Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God. Locker treats the great parables in the Gospel of Matthew.”

Prof. Dr. Martin Ebner, Chair for the Exegesis of the New Testament, University of Münster, Germany.

“By making use of the concept of language games for the parables of Jesus Markus Locker has introduced a hermeneutical tool into New Testament Studies that offers a wide range of possibilities. Locker takes parables to be illustrations of how God's reign can be envisioned and realized in the "Hic et Nunc". Indirectly, some elements of speech act theory are incorporated - the success of the discourse depends on the hearers' and readers' response as well. Locker succeeds in presenting the urgency of the parables that are "calls for transformation and action" in order to make the Kingdom of God available to all. I am grateful for this fascinating book that reminds us once again that scripture in general and the parables in particular are sources and inspirations for Christian living.”

Professor Clemens Sedmak, Dr. phil., Dr. theol., Dr. phil.fac.theol., F.D. Maurice Professor for Social Theology and Moral Theology, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, King’s College London

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