Whoever Has Ears, Let Them Hear

Many longtime Christians know the parables of Jesus. They have
heard them dozens of times, but have they really heard God’s
message? And new Christians are often unsure what to make
of these parables that seem to have been written for someone
else. But from the first chapter to the last, Hear Today makes
the most famous parables of Jesus come to life. With accessible,
easy-to-read explanations, discussion questions, and historical
details, this thirteen-week study offers readers enriching, new
perspectives on the teachings of Jesus.

Fiensy applies and contemporizes the parables by retelling
the stories in modern categories, paraphrasing Scripture with a
new translation, and offering numerous practical illustrations.
Drawing on his rich understanding of archaeology, Fiensy also
includes a digging deeper section in each chapter to lead readers
to a fuller understanding of context for these parables. Listen to
more than the words of the parables. Prepare to hear God’s heart.

DAVID A. FIENSY, after graduating from Duke University with a PhD
in New Testament, taught for seven years at Kentucky Christian
University, served as a campus minister in Germany, pastored a
church in Ohio, and then returned as professor at Kentucky Christian
for the next twenty-three years. Now, David serves as a speaker and
consultant for churches and colleges, and is involved in writing and
research projects.

“Though a New Testament scholar, Dr. David Fiensy is a gifted teacher and writer. Hear Today is a wonderful blend of scholarship, useful exegesis, contemporary illustrations, woven with practical insights and applications. David's engaging style and handling of the parables bring the stories to light in ways that encourage one to examine and pursue Jesus's teachings in a very personal way.” 

—Ernie Perry, Senior Minister, Indian Creek Christian Church, Cynthiana, KY

“It is a rarity to find an individual with the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor, but David Fiensy is such a man. His Hear Today is an insightful resource for small groups to delve into the parables of Jesus beyond the common devotional, surface-level engagement of the text. Fiensy brings the insights of scholarship on the parables into the practical context of a small group study, and the results are beneficial for anyone at every stage of life. I would encourage any small group to spend a season studying the parables of Jesus through Hear Today.” 

—James Estep, Vice President of Academics, Central Christian College of the Bible, Missouri

“Hear Today is creative, informative, historical, and contemporary. With stories to help the reader listen even as they read, Fiensy explains the parables in a way to see application for one’s life today. Fiensy’s approach to these parables will make one think and then act!”

—Joe Grana II, Dean of Pacific Christian College of Bible and Ministry Studies, Hope International University

“Wow! What a stirring, fresh approach to Jesus’s parables using contemporary settings and applications. Every pastor, youth pastor, and Christian teacher will find a wealth of well-researched and illustrated material in Hear Today for sermons, lessons, and devotions.”

—Rob Ford, Professor Emeritus, Kentucky Christian University

“Information. Inspiration. Application. David has taken some of the most thought-provoking lessons Jesus ever taught and provided practical insight alongside biblical truth. This book brings the parables of Jesus to life and places them in our modern, complex world. I highly recommend you sit with this book and let it move you closer to the heart of Jesus.”

—Jason Cullum, lead pastor, Christ’s Church, Jacksonville, Florida

“The current climate in New Testament scholarship is that the parables of Jesus have multiple meanings, making it difficult for those interested to ascertain the original intent of Jesus’s enigmatic stories. Fiensy puts a lifetime of scholarship to work to discover both the original intent of these parables and their practical relevance. A churchman at heart, Fiensy is concerned not to let the trees obscure the forest. He works through the parables gently and shrewdly, articulating their place in the teaching of Jesus and in the Kingdom life of the modern church.”

—Les Hardin, Professor of New Testament, Johnson University, Florida

“Hear Today is a gem! Fiensy writes with clarity and gives fresh perspective on the application of some of Jesus’s parables. His retelling of the parables is compelling and impresses on the reader the practical application we all can and should get from these stories. Questions at the end of each chapter make this a good book for group discussion or just personal reflection.”

—Cindy Willison, Executive Assistant, Southland Christian Church, Lexington, Kentucky

“Fiensy’s treatment of each of the twelve selected parables of Jesus is unparalleled in clarity and relevance. Not only are his explanations biblically accurate, they are applied with precision to our personal struggles, and the applications are vividly illustrated from actual examples drawn from today’s headlines. While written for small group study, Hear Today is a can’t-miss resource for teaching and preaching the parables in a way that is sure to connect with the human heart.”

—Keith P. Keeran, Chancellor and Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Communication, Kentucky Christian University

“With considerable scholarly knowledge of first-century society and culture, David Fiensy interfaces deft understanding of the parables with contemporary awareness and insight. This very readable volume will enhance personal devotions, enrich small groups, and bless countless other church audiences.”

—William R. Baker, Editor, Stone-Campbell Journal

ISBN 9781684261819

Pages 176

Dimensions (inches) 5.5 x 8.25

Weight (pounds) .5