Secrets, Suspects, Seeds and Soil

Book excerpt: The story of Jesus has often been referred to as, The Greatest Story Ever Told. Indeed it is! However, Jesus was also very skillful in the use of stories in His teaching. These were not run-of-the-mill stories. They were filled with ordinary things like seeds, dirt, rocks and thorns. Jesus referred to His stories as parables. It is a rare and amazing gift to accomplish what Jesus did with this technique. He could conceal or reveal great truth in just a few words. Every parable had a definite purpose. In some cases there was such revelation entwined in the story it has often been missed, even when reading His explanation. The parable comprising a large portion of Matthew chapter 13 is a great example. It is packed with great insight into the way Jesus looks at the world in which we live. Our job is to pay closer attention to the explanation of the parable than we do to the story itself. Only then do we receive the benefit Jesus intended. Expect your spiritual perspective to be challenged and enriched as you read what is written here. It is not only far from ordinary; it is rich with fresh revelation from the Holy Spirit.