THE PARABLES JESUS TOLD
I love a good story, especially if related by an exceptional storyteller. If he loses enough inhibition to bring life to the characters, utilizing a wide range of inflection to the character’s speeches, the stories will not only be captivating, but memorable. I have to believe that Jesus was a perfect storyteller because we are still talking about each of his stories thousands of years later.
Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill prophecy. Matthew explained by quoting from Psalm 78. All these Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables, and He was not talking to them without a parable, so that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:34-35 Psalm 78 speaks of Israel’s rampant unbelief in Yahweh ~ in spite of the fact that He rescued them repeatedly from their enemies. God spoke openly to them, displayed His power with signs and wonders, but they missed the point that God wanted a relationship with them. He wanted to be their God but they rejected Him. Many centuries later, Jesus spoke in parables to bring judgment on Israel’s collective hardness of heart. Only those who had a true relationship with Jesus would understand its meanings.
While Jesus did perform miracles and gave many signs and wonders to prove that He was God, he spoke most often in parables to fulfill another prophecy, this one from Isaiah. “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; and you will keep on seeing but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull; and with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes…” Matthew 13:14-15
What does that mean for me if I’m about to jump into the language of Jesus as found in His parables? It is possible for me to hear them but not understand them. Unbelief skews the message and makes it impenetrable.
I’m going to jump into the world of Jesus’ stories. I will have nothing to write, nothing to share, if the Spirit of God does not give personal understanding in the context of our relationship. This morning, I’m praying this prayer. Join me so that each of us may be more than hearers, but people of understanding. The end result will be a full disclosure of this private language between Jesus and us ~ as well as exponential growth in our heart’s affection for our Savior. Let the stories begin.
Lord, I confess that I am spiritually blind unless You open the eyes of my heart. If there is anything that will compromise my ability to understand Your stories, would you reveal it to me? I want Your words to transform the complete landscape of my heart. In Jesus name, Amen
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Monday, 25 September 2023.
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