Jesus in Context

The Shepherd Who Seeks the Lost Sheep

Shepherding

Jesus describes a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep in order to search for one that has become lost.

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

The Lost Drachma and the Search Through the House

Household Life

Jesus describes a woman who loses one of ten drachmas and searches her house carefully with a lamp and broom until she finds it.

Scripture: Luke 15:8-10

Salt in the Ancient World

Material Culture

Salt was an indispensable ancient commodity used for seasoning and preservation and associated with biblical worship.

Scripture: Matthew 5:13

Bringing a Gift to the Altar

Jewish Religious Practice

Jesus pictures a Jewish worshiper bringing an offering to the Jerusalem Temple altar and interrupting the act to seek reconciliation.

Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24

Settling With an Accuser Before Court

Law and Justice

Jesus uses the familiar legal sequence of adversary, judge, officer, imprisonment, and payment of a debt.

Scripture: Matthew 5:25-26; Luke 12:57-59

Almsgiving in Jewish Religious Life

Jewish Religious Practice

Giving to the poor was an established expression of Jewish piety; Jesus addresses the motive and publicity surrounding the act.

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

Fasting, Washing, and Anointing

Jewish Religious Practice

Jesus contrasts visible signs of fasting with the ordinary grooming practices of washing the face and anointing the head.

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

Moths, Thieves, and Ancient Treasure

Material Culture

Ancient wealth could include valuable garments, stored goods, precious objects, and money, all vulnerable to loss or theft.

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:33-34

Building on Rock and Sand

Architecture and Housing

Jesus uses construction, foundations, seasonal rain, and flooding to contrast secure and insecure building.

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49

Flute Players and Ancient Mourning

Burial and Mourning

Music, loud lamentation, relatives, neighbors, and mourners could accompany death and burial in ancient Jewish society.

Scripture: Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56

Sparrows Sold for Small Coins

Commerce and Money

Jesus refers to small birds sold as inexpensive market goods for coins of very low value.

Scripture: Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:6-7

The Donkey Millstone

Material Culture

Jesus refers to a massive millstone of the type turned by animal power rather than a small household hand mill.

Scripture: Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2