Summer 2004 - Faith FAQ
Why did Jesus teach using parables?
Jesus was a master storyteller and teacher. He often taught using parables. Parables are special stories that have more than one meaning. Parables use everyday and familiar things to teach us important truths about God or God's Kingdom. Jesus used parables so that everyone who was listening could learn no matter their age or experience or knowledge. The most important thing is to have an open and willing heart. Then you will be able to understand the story's deeper meaning. And as you grow in your faith you will understand more and more.
This summer we have studied three of Jesus' parables: The Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Talents. These are fun stories, but they have really important messages for us. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep we learned that now matter how much we mess up, God always loves us and comes looking for us. (John Wesley, the founder of Methodism called this prevenient grace!). In the Parable of the Sower we learned that God's Word is given freely to everyone, but we are responsible for listening and working to keep our hearts open. Studying our Bibles, coming to Sunday school, praying, tithing and spending time with God helps us grow in our faith. In the Parable of the Talents, we learned that God has given each of us at least one talent or gift. God wants us to use our talents to do God's work in the world.