Parables

That same day, Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake, such large crowds gathered around him, that he got into a boat and sat in it while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables.Matthew 13:1-3

We learn many of God's deep truths through stories or parables. For me, God has used two primary methods to help teach me the deep truths of his word. I love studying God's word, taking classes, listening to lectures and all of this has helped me to increase my understanding of his word. But the great truths that have pierced me to the core of my soul, I have learned through stories or parables both in the Bible and through contemporary stories that God has put in my path. The other times of great learning have come through times of suffering or adversity. The brain is able to process information much faster and remembers much more vividly when it has a picture or image to work with. We all have those images permanently seared on our memory of past experiences, stories and events that are as fresh now in our memory as they were the day that they happened. We think in images, not in words and Jesus of course knew that. I think that is one of the reasons why he used parables to teach his points and not extensive theological lectures. Somehow the truth revealed through stories, adversities or suffering penetrate through our superficial intellectual mind and bore straight through into our soul.

Mike McMahon

"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seared with scars." - E. H. Chapman

Prayer Power

Lord Jesus, thank your for your stories that help me know you more deeply and clearly. In Christ's name, Amen.