Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why was he subtle, indirect, and secretive? Because his message wasn't merely aimed at conveying information. It sought to precipitate something more important: the spiritual transformation of the hearers. The form of parable helps to shape a heart that is willing to enter an ongoing, interactive, persistent relationship of trust in the teacher. It beckons the hearer to explore new territory. It helps form a heart that is humble enough to admit it doesn't already understand and is thirsty enough to ask questions. In other words, a parable renders its hearers not as experts, not as know-it-alls, not as scholars . . . but as children.Brian McLaren, The Secret Message of Jesus, 46, 47.
Now do some of the most famous sayings of Jesus begin to make more sense- about the kingdom of God belonging to children, about needing to become like a little child to enter the kingdom, about needing to be born again? Children are dependent, not independent. They can't learn unless they ask questions of people they trust. Their thirst for knowledge expresses itself in an unquenchable curiosity, a passionate inquisitiveness.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Brian McLaren on part of the reason Jesus spoke in parables
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
interesting quote here, ted.
hope you and deb had a good sunday.
how is the grand daughter doing?
nAncY,
I want to get some pics of her I took on Saturday on facebook. Very good; very cute. Quite a talker although we can't catch very many of the words she's saying. Thanks.
Yes, a good Sunday, and yes, I like the book from which I got this quote. Listening to it. He has some important things to say, I think.
hmm, I made a comment on this the other day--perhaps I didn't enter it? Anyways I thought this was an interesting way to look at the parables---need to think about it some more.
Brian also points out how they kind of end up bringing out the character of those who want nothing to do with God, or are unrepentant, something to that effect. From my memory. I do think God doesn't want to give us answers so much as a relationship and a call to follow his directive so that with the blessing we receive from God we will be a blessing in this world.
....not to say God doesn't give us truth. But ultimately Jesus is the truth so that truth is personal in a Person.
Post a Comment