Stories. Who doesn’t like a good story?
As a young child, before I
could actually read, my parents would tell me stories before I fell asleep. I’d LOVE those moments… to listen… to be
enthralled… to use my imagination,…. And
the telling of the story was just as important.
The storyteller had to relay the message and be just as invested as I
was.
Here we are – in Chapter 4
of MARK – reaching the “parables” chapter, and the scenario remains the same. Someone has to tell the story, with a
presence to captivate and engross the masses, and in turn, those masses want to
listen regardless of where each individual is in their life’s journey.
Did You Know…?
Regarding parables: in
Greek, the word “parabole” meant to “throw alongside,” to talk about one thing
in terms of another; in Hebrew, “mashal” meant “to compare” – a figurative
comparison from clear proverbs to obscure riddles. [i] Put another way, “a parable is an earthly
story with a heavenly meaning.” [ii]
Let's keep it in
perspective to the times… not many people could read back then. The most prevalent mode of communication was
verbal. As for the telling of parables
though, this actually started earlier than with Jesus. For example, look at 2 Samuel 12:1-7.
It took courage to tell
parables. As the prophet Nathan shared
in the verses above, the boom was lowered on King David once the true meaning was
revealed. That was dangerous. It wasn’t just telling a fascinating story;
it wasn’t just telling a fable for a good moral reason; it was a way of looking
at yourself in the mirror and seeing what was what from a heavenly perspective. It wasn't always pretty. Yet it was revealing.
Parables involved a person
(or persons) in action. It was an
excellent means to hook the listener. It
was relatable.
Also, during this period,
parables were meant to be heard -- not read. "They were spoken not to be studied at
length and at leisure, but to produce an immediate impression and
reaction." [iii]
In other words, you have
to think. Someone else can't do the
thinking for you. You have to discover
the truth.
Here's a challenge. Have a person read the parable -- out loud --
to you and anyone else you can gather together.
As you listen, what thought or idea comes to mind -- for the first
time? That's what you're looking for
within a parable – the first impression.
Now we have an advantage
in that we can "study" the parable in this passage. So, here goes…
In the parable, who is the
sower (the farmer)? What are they sowing
(throwing handfuls of seed on to the ground)?
NOTE – Person in action; relatable
– since many farmed; earthly story
The sower is Jesus, and
the seeds being sown are the good news.
The work being done is the work of God.
NOTE – Heavenly meaning
When the study group
discussed the parable, here were a few first impressions shared:
* "The seeds being
sown were all the same; they started the same.
Their potential was equal."
* "Outside influences
could determine how growth would happen."
* "Roots need to grow
so you can become stronger in your faith."
Statements said with
wisdom, excellent thought and applicable to today.
This parable depicts the
teaching of the gospel. Some will reject
it; some will accept it briefly but let it slide; some will believe it. In so believing, they will have the opportunity
to spread the good news.
Isn’t this the same in
other aspects of our lives? Sometimes we
don’t agree; sometimes we’re enthusiastic about the idea but our passion wanes;
sometimes we stay the course being on board (steadfast and disciplined).
It is verse 8 though where
the listener of the parable probably went, "Really, Jesus? Really?!?" “One seed would yield a harvest of 30, 60,
even a 100 times?!?" Again, think
back 2,000 years ago. "An average
ratio of harvested grain to what had been sown was 8 to 1, with a 10 to 1 ratio
considered exceptional." [iv]
Average to exceptional to…
unbelievable. That's what Jesus wanted
them to understand -- those who were really listening -- that the yield
in one's faith in the good news being shared was tremendous and mind-boggling –
beyond exceptional.
The storytelling
continues, but I'll conclude this post with something in which I fervently
believe – that ties into faith, into the yield.
The world in which we live was designed in such a way for the visible to
make known the invisible. God is all
around us. All we have to do is look and
be open to the experience. What we
receive in return is incredible and beyond measure. And we can bless others in the telling and
sharing.
NEXT…
The secret of what;
applying life to the meaning; the parables continue…
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