Seek deeper truth from His Words
It has long been the practice of sages and elders throughout the history of human societies for these wise leaders to encode deeper wisdom into their seeming ordinary sayings. Modern day riddles do the same to a greater or lesser degree. For example, someone might ask you this question: "What is it in nature that increases with use. The more you take from it, the more it increases"? Think about this for a while.
In the passage under discussion, we see Jesus speak to Simon Peter in a type of riddle. Such way of couching hidden truth in simple words was a trademark of the Lord Jesus. He always spoke in parables. In fact, in Matthew 13:34-35 the Bible records that Jesus never spoke to the crowds without using a parable. Now why would He do this? Didn't He want the masses of the people to understand what He was saying to them? I want to briefly advance 3 reasons why Jesus used this method, and by implication, these reasons inform us to always look for more truth behind the seeming ordinary words of Jesus. I will use the story of Peter that we read as a case study here.
1. Jesus uses parables because he is targeting a specific audience.
In our story, Jesus was addressing Simon Peter alone. This parable was meant for him and him alone. In a similar way, when Jesus uses parables, He really is addressing those who want to hear and understand him. He is addressing the seekers of Truth. The mockers and cynics or those with an altogether casual approach to life would never understand Him. His words would wash over their heads like water off a duck's back, because they really don't want to know. Many times Jesus would say, "If anyone has ears, let him hear." He is still saying the same today.
2. Jesus uses parables because they are effective memory tools
I once attended a course where we were taught to remember names and other facts by associating them with stories or with words that rhyme. Millions the world over can tell many of Jesus' parables accurately from memory because they are so easy to remember. Parables of the Sower, of the Prodigal Son, of the King who gave a banquet and others ring true to human expereience that we always remember them. Jesus used a story that Peter would remember, to tell him something deeper about his (Peter's) life and future.
3. Jesus uses parables to confuse detractors
Jesus' detractors (and they were many) were always looking for a way to trap Him, or get Him to say felonious things that would make Him liable for punishment under the existing Roman law of the day. Jesus would therefore use everyday stories (parables) to say pretty much what He wanted to say, without being misquoted. Parables became an acceptable means of speaking unpalatable truth. Jesus pretty much told Peter: "At some later stage in your service to God, evil men will capture you and kill you." Peter could have in his immaturity misunderstood this or even actively worked to make sure it never happened this way. A parable was a way of allowing Peter to work through this word until he was mature enough and ready to take it all in.
May you walk with God in ever deepening levels of maturity and understanding. Amen.
By the way, the answer to my riddle: "What is it in nature that increases with use. The more you take from it, the more it increases"? is, a hole.
In the passage under discussion, we see Jesus speak to Simon Peter in a type of riddle. Such way of couching hidden truth in simple words was a trademark of the Lord Jesus. He always spoke in parables. In fact, in Matthew 13:34-35 the Bible records that Jesus never spoke to the crowds without using a parable. Now why would He do this? Didn't He want the masses of the people to understand what He was saying to them? I want to briefly advance 3 reasons why Jesus used this method, and by implication, these reasons inform us to always look for more truth behind the seeming ordinary words of Jesus. I will use the story of Peter that we read as a case study here.
1. Jesus uses parables because he is targeting a specific audience.
In our story, Jesus was addressing Simon Peter alone. This parable was meant for him and him alone. In a similar way, when Jesus uses parables, He really is addressing those who want to hear and understand him. He is addressing the seekers of Truth. The mockers and cynics or those with an altogether casual approach to life would never understand Him. His words would wash over their heads like water off a duck's back, because they really don't want to know. Many times Jesus would say, "If anyone has ears, let him hear." He is still saying the same today.
2. Jesus uses parables because they are effective memory tools
I once attended a course where we were taught to remember names and other facts by associating them with stories or with words that rhyme. Millions the world over can tell many of Jesus' parables accurately from memory because they are so easy to remember. Parables of the Sower, of the Prodigal Son, of the King who gave a banquet and others ring true to human expereience that we always remember them. Jesus used a story that Peter would remember, to tell him something deeper about his (Peter's) life and future.
3. Jesus uses parables to confuse detractors
Jesus' detractors (and they were many) were always looking for a way to trap Him, or get Him to say felonious things that would make Him liable for punishment under the existing Roman law of the day. Jesus would therefore use everyday stories (parables) to say pretty much what He wanted to say, without being misquoted. Parables became an acceptable means of speaking unpalatable truth. Jesus pretty much told Peter: "At some later stage in your service to God, evil men will capture you and kill you." Peter could have in his immaturity misunderstood this or even actively worked to make sure it never happened this way. A parable was a way of allowing Peter to work through this word until he was mature enough and ready to take it all in.
May you walk with God in ever deepening levels of maturity and understanding. Amen.
By the way, the answer to my riddle: "What is it in nature that increases with use. The more you take from it, the more it increases"? is, a hole.
posted by Shegs at 5:19 AM
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