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Each 1 Reach 1 January 20 Devotional

by David Joynt on January 20, 2023


MATTHEW 13:34-35 | 34 Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them
nothing. 
35 This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth to speak in parables;
I will proclaim what has been hidden since the foundation.”

 

Jesus spoke in parables. These stories drew people in, including many who would have had little interest in a theological lecture. Listeners learned truths about God and about themselves. Our Lord had the ability to “fly under the radar” and avoid the defenses people erected around their hearts. He helped them see things in new ways. Most people we encounter in our era will not have a background in biblical language or imagery. How will we communicate ideas like sin? Or grace? Or repentance?

 

I love theology and theological concepts. But language that isn’t understood or appreciated doesn’t communicate. Jesus used language from ordinary life to tell deep truths—language drawn from farming and fishing and family life.

 

How well do you translate biblical ideas into understandable words and images?

 

Have you ever been misunderstood as you tried to communicate the faith?

 

 

Gracious God,

Thank You that after 2000 years Jesus’ teaching is still fresh and fun and challenging. Help our words too, not to grow stale but to be real and fresh.

Amen.

 


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