Pastor’s Corner – July 25, 2024
Jesus Told a Parable VI
Teachers in Jesus’ time commonly used parables to express ideas. The parable is a story-like form of metaphorical communication. Parables invite reflection and conversation through multi-layered and open-ended interpretation. Parables are a perfect form for God’s Spirit to convey wisdom in both timeless and timely ways. Parables often come with a surprising twist, revealing the way Jesus’ lessons are counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. Jesus told parables to help his followers understand the quality and character of life aligned with God’s values.
The parable of the lamp is found in Matthew 5:15, Mark 4:21, and Luke 8:16 and 11:33. Mark has Jesus tell this brief parable in the form of a question: Jesus said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?
I invite you to take a spiritual reading of the parable. Read it through a few times slowly and prayerfully. Listen for the connecting points between the parable and your own life experience. Identify an image, word, or phrase that resonates in your spirit. Sit quietly and ask God to open your heart to a truth that you need in this moment in your life.
The answer to Jesus’ question seems straight forward to me: Of course, a lamp is to be placed on a lampstand! And yet, the problems in my life and in the world can seem overwhelming. In fear and worry I hide or dim my light. Jesus is with me to encourage me to let my light shine not only bringing encouragement to me but to others who can benefit from the illumination of God through me.
This is a lesson I glean from this parable of Jesus. How about you? How is the living Spirit of Christ connecting with you through this parable? Feel free to reach out if you would like to share your connecting point.
May the parables of Jesus help us grow in faith and discipleship.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
