Jesus often taught using
parables/illustrations. His parables often tell of
the kingdom of God and the nature of God. Sometimes
the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem
hidden. Regardless, they almost always stretch us to
consider a new way of living life.
Jesus' parables are seemingly simple and memorable
stories, often with imagery that helps each convey a
deeper message. His stories drawing from real life
issues of agriculture, justice, greed, and love
would capture the attention of crowds. Yet despite
the simplicity, His stories were filled with
eternal, spiritual truths. Sometimes the parables
confronted the people of Jesus day and revealed
their hearts. For example, in the parable of the
wicked tenants, the Pharisees were confronted by
Jesus, and instead of repenting, they became even
angrier - their true hearts were revealed by the
parable.
Jesus' parables refer to simple everyday things,
such as a woman baking bread (parable of the
Leaven), a man knocking on his neighbor's door at
night (parable of the Friend at Night), or the
aftermath of a roadside mugging (parable of the Good
Samaritan); yet they deal with major religious
themes, such as the growth of the Kingdom of God,
the importance of prayer, the meaning of love, and a
clear mandate to be compassionate.
Scholars have commented that although these parables
seem simple, the messages they convey are deep,
powerful, and central to understanding the teachings
of Jesus.
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I
believe the parables of Jesus invite us to imagine another world; a
world where we can be both inspired as well as inspiring. For the
last part of August, we will be looking at three of Jesus parables
where we, the hearer, are invited to not only come and listen, not
only come and enjoy, we are also invited to come and live
differently. We are invited to come and be changed.
[Ron Otto, Lincoln Christian Church] |
