READ MATTHEW 13:10-17

The teachings of Jesus were often wrapped in stories designed for the common man.  They had a spiritual lesson tucked into an earthly tale which they could relate to – An earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  Since the Word of God is designed to be read and studied by all people, it often relays stories which make the point clear by using events we can understand.  The Bible is God’s story (His Story) given to us as His one-on-one communication to us.

When Jesus walked the earth, He used parables to reach the masses.  These were stories filled with issues that effected the people of that time, but they are still pertinent today.  He also used these stories to fulfill the prophesy of Isaiah,

“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.”

Those who followed Jesus were from all walks of life.  There was the common man – the Jew waiting for the promised Messiah.  There were shepherds, farmers, land managers, bankers, tax collectors, butchers, bakers, handmaidens. There were also those who governed and policed the cities.  The spiritual lessons Christ was teaching applied to everyone of them and they still do today.

When we hear about the shepherd in search of his one lost sheep, we can understand Jesus’  concern for each individual in his care.  When the story of the prodigal is told, we learn that our heavenly Father will forgive our sins – no matter how bad – because of His love for us.  The stories are many and each one guides us to the truth of God’s Word.

Everything Jesus did during His ministry was a fulfillment of a prophesies told in ancient times.  This makes it all so vividly true for us as believers.  All that was spoken of Jesus long before His birth was being coming to pass.  This is how we know the Bible is true, because it supports itself.

As we now prepare for Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we see the perfect, unblemished lamb going to His death to redeem us.  He is the Lamb, the Shepherd, the Redeemer.  It’s not complicated, but we often make it so.  Like Jesus’ parables, the truth is simple.  Jesus came to save all people – all sinners – you and me!