"Parable Documention."

1. Read the parable: Read writings before and after the assigned parable to gain a greater context for which the parable it set. (Background Information)
Don't interpret on your first read: Read the parable for what it is. Look for details and draw an outline. Define terms you don't know.

2. Determine who, in your opinion, who is the main character and provide evidence as to why the story revolves around that character.

3. What is the conflict- why is Jesus telling this specific parables. Who is telling the story? Who is the Story being told to? What is the message being said?

4. Figure out the parts of the parable that don't make sense. Ask questions? Look at every detail.

5. Find the value or lesson of the story

6. Apply to modern day.

ANSWERS

1. In the parable of the "Knock at Midnight" the main character is the man knocking on the door. The story revolves around the question posed by Jesus' disciples of how to pray. Jesus then beings by showing the disciples as a man traveling at midnight, knocking on someones door. The storyteller, Jesus, tells us alot about the traveler through his persistence and his shamelessness. This also depicts a round character, in that he uses his emotions and physicality in the story. These reasons, show why the traveler would be the main character.

2. The story revolves around the conflict externally of the man knocking at midnight trying to get some bread. Internally, the conflict or problem is, what is the right way to pray. The setting of the parable is used because of the familiarity of the subject with Jesus' disciples. All the disciples were enriched in Jewish custom and could understand the abnormality of the man refusing the traveler bread. By relating to something really close, Jesus' message could be reached rather easily. The story is directed to Jesus' disciples, and all those present to Jesus' preaching. Mainly the story serves as a reminder to the people of villages like the one depicted, to remain faithful to Jewish custom, even if it's hard to do.

3. Characters:

The Traveler: A man in obvious need of bread. After all it is midnight. He is persistent in his call for the food, even though his friend turns him away, even yells at him. However, the traveler is persistent in his call for bread without any shame, he knows he needs help and is looking for help through his friend.

The Man in the House: Tired, obviously wants to sleep and not deal with his friends calls. He's agitated, tired, and down right not willing to help out of friendliness.
The man is a part of a "nucleated village", a village that was near some sort of large market and was built around a town well and oven. This type of village was one that would stay true to Jewish customs such as sharing with neighbors and especially sharing with "aliens" or outside visitors.

4. Whys?

Questions from the text:

What is the significance of the traveler appearing in the night?
Why does the man of the house act like he does...especially when it's not customary?
What is the main point of persistence?
Are we being told to be annoying so we can get what we want?