Speaking In Stories

Speaking in Stories

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Matthew 13:34-35

To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables,

For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

Matthew 13:12-13

What do mustard seeds and fig trees, wine containers and oil lamps, seeds and treasures, lamps and baskets, wedding parties and children’s games have in common? They’re all ordinary things that Jesus talked about in his parables to help people understand who God is and what his Kingdom is like.

Jesus used simple word pictures, called parables, to help people know God better and get a glimpse into the way he works. He used images and characters taken from everyday life to create a miniature play or drama to illustrate his messages. His stories appealed to young and old, poor and rich, educated and uneducated.

Some parables are humorous and others are tragic; they are all simple yet thought provoking. Their deepest meaning and significance can be found in what they tell us about the Storyteller himself. At the same time, they seem to nail us for who we are and how we live. When we read a parable, we are sometimes bothered, sometimes confused, and sometimes encouraged, but we are always deeply challenged.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What is your favorite story or parable that Jesus told?

Though parables are simple stories, they also have hidden meanings. Why do you think Jesus used this kind of story to teach people?

Why do some parables make people comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time?