With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
--Mark 4:33-34
Part of my training for ordained ministry was the vicarage year. I was fortunate to serve this "apprenticeship" with a gifted preacher. His material was both Biblical and fresh; his rhetorical skills were evident to all. I asked if he had any advice for me. Without hesitation, replied: "Talk to the people on a 5th grade level. Of course, we have people that have moved well beyond the 5th grade, but nearly everyone likes to hear the message in understandable language. The New Testament was written in the koine ("common") Greek. Our language should, thus, be common to them."
It was tremendous advice for a good many reasons. First of all, it captures what the language of Jesus was all about with the people who heard him. Obviously, the great majority of them were not students in graduate school. Speaking "way over their heads" would not do. But if you told them a story that they could relate to, then, as they say, you "had them at hello."
The stories Jesus told are called parables. A parable is basically an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. There is always a point of comparison; Jesus would say, The kingdom of God is like (this or that). St. Mark goes so far as to say that Jesus did not speak to them (His hearers) except in parablesj. Later, He would privately explain them to His inner circle, the twelve disciples.
Sunday school teachers often ask participants to identify themselves in Christ's parables. For example, are they the prodigal son, the older son, or the father in that famous story? But setting specific parables aside for the moment, what is the kingdom of God like in your life? Following the Savior's lead, think about parts of your own life story that have parable-like elements in them. It could very well be a fascinating glimpse at the work of God in your life!
PD
No comments:
Post a Comment