Hear Now the Sower: The Rabbi and His Parable's Interpretation

This paper seeks to compile the work that has been done in one small area of New Testament studies: understanding Jesus' parables in their pedagogical context in connection with the rabbinical teachings of first century Judaism. More specifically, this paper will examine the use by several parable commentators of the Pirke Avos in their understanding of Jesus' Parable of the Sower.