On Jesus' parables Jim Van Cott spoke on Laity Sunday
They are stories within stories with a moral, he did say
A parable is a teaching device for deeper understanding
Per Matthew thirteen, they help in knowledge expanding
Experts say that the Bible contains parables thirty one
All within Matthew, Mark, and Luke since John has none
Jesus went on to say he would proclaim what was hidden
So speaking in parables was welcomed, not forbidden
Jim said that parables can have a very powerful impact
On individuals, multitudes, and nations - that’s a fact
Parables contain teachable moments despite their size
Jesus was a gifted teacher who told the truth, not lies
Jim said Jesus also used parables to make us ponder
Especially about complex moral issues from yonder
His words penetrate souls dispersing “misconfusion”
That is a made-up word but is still an apt conclusion
With Jesus’ compassion, using parables was consistent
Truths are revealed gently rather than in a way insistent
Parables get absorbed by going to our innermost being
Thus leading to a more positive response and agreeing
Jim referred to “Understanding the Bible” by John Stott
Which says that like a rabbi, with parables Jesus taught
A parable is like a diamond with so many faceted sides
Across different audiences, critical tenets it provides
But parables leave open room for other interpretation
Jim referred to the Good Samaritan as an illustration
Does the parable reflect the basics of the Golden Rule
Or by shaming those ignoring those in need, is it a tool?
Parables help us to get to know Jesus on a deeper level
By reinforcing the importance of not choosing the devil
The Parable of the Fish in the Net is a perfect example
There are good and bad fish (and people) in each sample
In other words, parables try to set us on a straight course
For reading between the lines can act as a strong force
Parables become our best “how to” guidelines for life
Helping us to live in a Christian manner without strife
Parables address many human conditions that perplex
Jim mentioned The Lost Sheep and Prodigal Son subjects
God’s love, loving others, plus of course forgiveness
Many moral issues the thirty one parables do address
Through the parables, Jesus speaks to us one-to-one
Going straight to our heart, they cannot be outdone
More powerful than being told what to do directly
The best way to internalize Jesus’ teachings correctly
Jim also said that as parables come from our mentor
In that way, they act like the Bible’s Visitor Centre
They are thus a condensed version of Jesus’ teaching
Short and to the point, the parables are far-reaching
Very daunting, reading the entire Bible seems to be
But we might do so after the parables we do see
Parables whet our appetite for deeper understanding
Per Maine’s “The way life should be” motto branding
A favorite parable each one of us will eventually find
For Jim, The Parable of the Sower springs to mind
Sowing seeds on different soils leads to varying results
His first Sunday school class students are now adults
The parables adventure, Jim encouraged us to continue
Keep and use the list of parables for follow through
Parables will enlighten, uplift, strengthen, motivate
With that message, it is virtually impossible to debate
