Jesus said, "How can I describe the
Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard
seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the
largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests
in its shade." Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach
the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he
never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his
disciples, he explained everything to them.
Mark 4:30-34
Jesus wanted people to know about the
Kingdom of God—and so He told them stories. His public ministry was in parables—but
straight talk privately with His disciples.
In the Old Testament the Greek word
translated as parable is a metaphor, similitude, sentence of ethical wisdom or an
ingenious comparison of two things. It is similarly translated from the Hebrew
in the New Testament. Although Jesus uses the word parable frequently in the
New Testament, it is used in very few places in the Old Testament.
…by exploring the meaning in
these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs
1:6
Then I said, "Ah Lord
GOD! They are saying of me, 'Is he not just speaking parables?'" Ezekiel
20:49 NASB
I sent my prophets to warn you
with many visions and parables. Hosea 12:10
 |
| Are any of these bits of lost coins? Israel excavation. |
Jesus taught the crowds of people using
stories to which they could relate—ordinary objects like coins, sheep, seeds
and light from oil lamps. He described people that they knew— neighbors, farmers,
and shepherds. The settings for those stories included houses next door, fields
nearby and wilderness areas. People could relate to each of those…but only those
who were truly listening heard what Jesus was teaching. As you’ve read through
Jesus’ parables do you understand the point of His stories before He explains
them? Do you think they apply to life today? How about this one about the
mustard seed?
When we were growing up my sister had a
necklace with a mustard seed trapped inside a small ball of clear plastic. That
was pretty fancy sixty years ago…but easy today. It wasn’t about the technology…but
about this parable that Jesus taught. God can take small things and transform
them into tremendously large, strong and useful things. He can do the same with
our lives. We can be transformed into useful people for God. Keep on growing in
the Lord…and for the Lord.
Prayer
~ Dear Jesus…For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything
been secret, but that it would come to light. You said…If anyone has ears to
hear, let him hear (Mark 4:22-23 NASB) Open my ears, as well as my heart and mind
to understanding Your Word.
Daily
Bible Reading: Psalms 102-104
©
2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted
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