Why Jesus Told Stories – Parables Part 2

Scripture: Matthew 13 10 His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” 11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 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. 13 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. 14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. 15 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ 16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. (Matthew 13:10–17 NLT) To people whose hearts are dull, whose eyes are closed, and whose ears are full of wax, Jesus’ stories are mere accounts of ordinary events, situations, and experiences! For those who are eager to learn, to see, to grow, and to change, the same stories are alive with spiritual truth, with meaning and purpose, and with lessons for Kingdom of God living! The stories have life-changing power for all who hear and see and respond. Some people are so heart-hardened that the stories just bounce off. Some are more receptive, but not quite ready to grasp the truth contained inside the story. But one thing is sure: we remember the stories Jesus told, and when we’re ready, the spiritual truth contained in the story gets through! I’ve seen a change in my own teaching and preaching the past few years as I’ve focused more of my attention on the Gospels. My messages used to have a lot of bullet points and sometimes multiple application points. More and more, my messages have become stories from scripture and from life, with application that involves more heart change and fewer rules and principles. People remember the stories, long after the bullet points have faded away! Prayer: Father, May all our stories be contained within the Good News Story of living Kingdom of God lives, following Jesus, and living deeply in love with you and others!