exegesis and above all to defend against humanist, enthusiast, and Roman Catholic views. Doctrine is the goal everywhere, but in an altogether practical sense. In this case all of those who act—the younger son, the father, as well the older brother—serve as positive and negative models and by this means can define the conduct of Christians. But there are also parables that comfort the church and awaken hope, such as the parable of the tares among the wheat (Matt 13:24–31). In this instance, Calvin