1. Interpreting Hyperbolic Language

2. Form and Purpose Exaggeration especially common in poetry, proverbs, and historical narratives of Jesus. It’s a memorable teaching technique. Matt. 7:28-29 “Gouge out your eye and throw it away!” Did Jesus’ followers become known as the Assembly of One-Eyed Disciples? – Radical self-denial to avoid lust – Implications of the meaning?

3. Principles for recognizing/interpreting hyperbole Is the statement literally impossible? Matt 19:24 “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” – History of the “Needles Eye” gate in Jerusalem that a loaded camel could not pass through. Never existed. – Eg. Matt. 6:3 “Do not let your left hand know what your right is doing” – Matt 7:3 Remove the plank in your own eye

4. Principles for recognizing/interpreting hyperbole Statement conflicts with what Jesus says elsewhere. “Do not call anyone on earth ‘father’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven” (Matt 23:9). Elsewhere Jesus calls ppl to honor their father and mother (Matt 19:19). – Here Jesus is denouncing the use of titles for prestige. Context! Luke 14:26 “You must hate your family.” However, Jesus made sure his own mother was taken care of from the cross. Other passages on taking care of your family.

5. Principles for recognizing/interpreting hyperbole Statement was not literally fulfilled – Mark 13:2 “Not one stone will be left on another.” Yet, some of the temple wall remained after the destruction. Was Jesus wrong? Should Jesus have said, “Only.97% of the stones will remain standing”? – “Say to a mountain, throw yourself in the sea, and if you have faith, it will be done” (Mark 11:22-24). If this is the case, no one in history must have had any faith…

6. Principles for recognizing/interpreting hyperbole Statement uses all inclusive language – Col 1:23 “This gospel has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven.” Paul still desires to preach where Christ is not known (Rom 15:20).