The Parables of Jesus Made Simple: Updated and Expanded Edition

I have read many books by author Matthew Robert Payne. In each one he blesses the reader with his detailed honesty and passion for the Lord. I love this book because it is a practical guide to studying the parables that our Lord taught when he was here on earth preaching to the multitudes with His disciples. Matthew brings a refreshing approach by conveying personal accounts of his own struggles and shares finding the Lord through each one. The parables are laid out very plainly and explained in laymen terms making sometimes complicated subject matter wonderfully simplified. It is an excellent in-depth look in an uncomplicated way.But, be prepared to be challenged with a call to duty and to also look introspectively at your own Christian walk as you read each chapter. Are we as Christians emulating Jesus and displaying His heart to the world and actually taking action do to what we can do? It's a book that informs, explains and inspires what a winning trifecta! I enjoyed this book tremendously and am proud to have this as an addition to my library.

One thing that I really love about this book, is Matthew Robert Payne’s brutal honesty and candor. I have sat through many sermons on earth, and heard many people speak on the parables but I am not sure anyone has presented them with such depth and wisdom. Mr Payne’s honest, and simple approach to them, make them very simple to understand. He gives you permission not to take his word for what he is saying but in a kind and heartfelt way simply offers his own personal and Holy Spirit led insights in to the age old stories that Jesus told.I do want to warn you however about two things. If you are used to teachers who teach doctrine without personal analogies to open up the subject, and you like the word taught that way, you are going to really have to adapt to a new way of learning with the author. He is very open about his sin life, and personal struggles and this way of teaching made the author very endearing to me.The second warning I have to say is that the author is very passionate about us not being hearers of the word only and not doers. if you are looking to read a book that will make you feel good about not practicing your faith through action, this is not the book for you. You get a sense that Mr. Payne is very active in giving to the homeless and being Christ everywhere that he goes.In summary, I have to say that this is by far the best teaching I have ever heard on the parables and it is leading me to totally rethink how I live my Christian life in practice. I give it 5 stars.

Loving author's insight on these. I have seen many similar things but find that Matthew will have one sentence that enhances or clarifies. I am encouraged by some of the simple sentences that have stopped me in my tracks for deep pondering to occur. The book is a simple read but has taken me a bit of time because of the deep pondering and in some cases, life happening (LOL). I am enjoying taking my time and inquiring of HOly Spirit. I definitely feel "added to" and "increased". Thanks, Matthew; and keep writing!

This is a very comprehensive book about the parables and stories that Jesus told. The book is quite lengthy, but Mr. Payne explains each story from the point of view of his own understanding and with a deep concern for the reader. He brings some of his life challenges into the book. This helps to make the book more relevant to our modern world.It is clearly evident that Mr. Payne is a passionate Christian man who wears his heart on his sleeve. He doesn't come across as preachy or egotistical. He admits he's made his fair share of mistakes in life. He wants us to understand those who struggle in their faith and in their personal lives. He has evidently learned a lot from the difficult path that he has travelled. He gleans wisdom from some of the great and reputable Christian minds of today.This book is something that you will want to refer to over and over again. Although it is not a reference book, it can be used as such when you need another perspective on any of Jesus' famous stories. It cannot be read in one sitting. A chapter a day will give you new food for thought for 54 days. Consider it a growth journey in your spiritual life, to add to your devotional readings.

Some authors make following Jesus complicated. This has practical insights on helping us understand what Jesus was trying to say.

I decided to rate this book with five stars taking into consideration the huge amount of feeding I received from the Holy Spirit throughout its reading.

Very easy to understand when explained as this book does. I highly recommend this book to all believers and non believers .

It's a wonderfully written book. It list abd explaines all Jesus parables. I believe it's a book that everyone should read. I thank the author for writing such a great book.