Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?
Mark 4:30
We can see God’s power, might, majesty, kindness, and love in so many different ways. I’ve seen it in the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Bryce Canyon, in the moon and stars above. But there is another place that I’ve also seen God’s incredible nature and immense power on display for all to see. And you don’t even have to travel or launch a video to see it. As a matter of fact, it can fit in your hand.
The Bible. I am so thankful to God for the Bible. The main reason is because of its accuracy[1].
· Accurate about creation.
· Accurate about history.
· Accurate about you and me.
· Accurate about God himself.
One of the things that I like most is how practical God is in talking and dealing with people. He’s just so patient with us. He has the right to just tell us once and then to move on. But he takes the time to repeat important truths to make sure we get it.
When Jesus asks this question, he’s doing something very important. He’s not just talking to the air. He’s not just throwing words out, hoping that the really smart and spiritual people catch on. No, he’s helping people like you and me to understand and come along side of him.
He’s like the parent holding the hand of a small child as they walk. The parent could easily make better time, take bigger steps, getting to where they are going faster and easier. But they don’t. They purposefully lean down so they can hold hands. They take smaller steps. They even pause when the child gets distracted or tired.
That’s exactly what Jesus is doing here. He’s slowing down, going over the same material again, making sure that the people listening understand. He could just blastoff to the next topic, or get frustrated. But he doesn’t.
By asking a question, Jesus’ also shows great humility by inviting them to join him in the journey. He’s bending down to their level, slowing down to their speed. He doesn’t frown in frustration but winds up repeating himself with a new, fresh story.
He chooses to us a parable that will be easy for them to understand. Think of a parable this way: it’s an explanation by putting two things side-by-side so you can easily see how they are alike and different. One thing is used to explain and teach about the other.
Jesus’ purposefully uses this technique not because he’s trying to impress anyone. Not because he saw it used in a TED talk. Not because he put out a survey on social media and this is what all his friends suggested. No, he chooses to use parables because of us.
for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:14
Jesus does this because he not only knows our weaknesses and shortcomings, but he’s willing to change his direction and decisions to include us. He’s so in love with us that he’ll take the slow road to match our speed. He’ll take the easier path so we can keep up.
When Jesus asks a question, it’s not to get more information. He’s not trying to learn anything. He’s not looking to catch up on the latest and greatest. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite.
Jesus asks questions for us to learn. He uses questions for us to catch up. He asks questions to invite us to join in with him. He asks questions so that we can talk with him, listen to him, learn from him.
Today, people are applauded and showered with high praise for their abilities to speak. They get lots and lots of money just to have a one-way conversation with a large number of people. There is nothing personal about this at all.
But Jesus reaches down and asks us questions. He deeply cares for us to the point of showing himself weak in the eyes of the world. He chooses to humble himself, stopping and stooping down to our level. To our speed. To our ability to understand.
And the question is why? What’s driving him to do this?
His eternal and unrelenting love for us. He’ll even go to the cross, having his Father turn away when he took our sin on himself.
Now that’s a question worth asking. A question worth waiting for the answer to.
[1] For more information, click on https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-reliable.html
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