Abstract
Ruben Zimmermann’s latest book, Puzzling the Parables of Jesus (2015), summarises much of his
earlier research on the parables. It is one of the most thought-provoking and original books on the
subject to appear in the last few decades. It not only challenges archaic ideas and methods, but
also proposes an integrative approach of parable interpretation that combines historical, literary
and reader-oriented approaches. His proposed definition of the parables of Jesus is well researched,
and sure to influence future scholars. This article responds to Ruben Zimmermann’s work on the
parables, focusing specifically on the abovementioned book. In particular, one aspect of his
proposed method is challenged, namely his conscious attempt to do away with considerations of
the pre-Easter context when interpreting the parables. The first section of the current article briefly
considers key concepts in Zimmermann’s book that are relevant to the present discussion; the
second section contains my response; and the third section proposes a variant methodology,
featuring the parable of the Good Samaritan as a working example.