Brian McLaren on part of the reason Jesus spoke in parables

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.

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.

Brian McLaren, The Secret Message of Jesus, 46, 47.

true believers

God's mercies are new every morning. In this life it is true, we're beset by troubles on every side until the day we die. Though some have the disposition to not only see the cup half full, rather than half empty, but they see good on every side until the day they die, as well. Not that they deny the troubles. But they keep their cup full, in the Lord.

We need new eyes to see and new ears to hear and new hearts to understand. Too often worldly perspectives creep in and take over. And you'd never guess that the person talking is a child of God, or a follower of Jesus, and not of this world, but of the kingdom of God in Jesus. I speak from being there myself at times.

Being content and rejoicing in the Lord, finding our joy in him, and giving thanks to him for his goodness and good gifts to us- this is what needs to more and more characterize us. Do we really believe God's word? Or do we just barely do so, with doubts and struggles? Hopefully I'm growing more and more in my trust in God and in his word.

Let us live as God's children in this world. Of another kingdom. Not bogged down by the troubles on every side. That others might see, and believe along with us.

What might you like to add here?