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Monday, February 25, 2008
Telling Stories
Another time Jesus began teaching by the lake. Many, many
people gathered around Jesus. So Jesus got into a boat and
went out on the lake. All the people stayed on the shore next
to the water. Jesus taught the people from the boat. Jesus
used many stories to teach them. He said,
-- Mark 4:1-2 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
I find it interesting when a good preacher or Bible teacher is
criticized for telling too many stories. Yes, there are some speakers
who only go for the "emotional tug" on people's hearts by telling one
story after another. On the other hand, we need to not only pay
attention to WHAT Jesus taught, but we also need to notice HOW he
taught it! Jesus engaged people's imaginations and made everyday
events, images, and experiences into hooks on which he could hang God's
truth about the Kingdom. One of the reasons that he attracted large
crowds involved his miracles. But, Jesus is very careful not to allow
himself to become "The Miracle Man." Interestingly, Jesus is not called
the Healer, but the Teacher! His words were powerful because they were
true. His teaching was influential because it carried with it the ring
of heaven's truth. But let's not forget that his teaching was popular
because he knew how to engage people's hearts, minds, and imaginations
when he taught. One of the ways he did that was telling stories.
Amazingly, these stories still speak to us today!
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Loving Father and Almighty God, please help me grow in my ability to
teach the truth of Jesus. I want to teach it through the example of my
life. I want to communicate that truth to those around me in my sphere
of influence. Father, I also offer myself to be used by you to teach
others about Jesus in any fashion you choose. And when my opportunities
to teach your truth come, please help me know how to teach in ways that
engage the hearts and minds of those I'm trying to reach. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
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http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Mark+4:1-2&sr=1&t=erv
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