We all love a good story. There is something about a good story that touches the heart. What do children ask? They do not say, “Tell me some facts. Will you read me some information?” No. They say, “Tell me a story.” We tell them stories not just to entertain them, but to shape their minds and mold their hearts. Children’s Sunday School is built around the idea that teaching children certain stories, from a certain source, with certain conviction can shape their character in a certain way.
But stories are not just for children. Adults are also captivated by an engaging tale. From Homer to J.K. Rowling great storytellers have been capturing hearts and minds for thousands of years. Before the onset of written language, ancient cultures passed on their tradition and values through stories.
A good story weaves into words a net that ensnares you. When a good story comes across the tongue of a capable wordsmith; it can seemingly suspend reality, or make a hard to understand truth so real you can almost feel it.
When it comes to great story tellers, Jesus is one of the greatest of all time. A full third of all the teachings of Jesus we have are stories. “Jesus’ parables are among the best known and most influential stories in the world.” Even people who know nothing of Jesus are aware of concepts such as the Good Samaritan. And for those of us who follow Jesus, we can hardly imagine our faith without the powerful image of a father who rushes out to welcome the return of his prodigal son. It is very likely that many of you grew to love the Scriptures or even came to follow Jesus through one of these stories.
These stories of Jesus are a particular kind of story. We call them parables. Over the next few weeks we will be looking at the parables of Jesus. I fully expect that as we take a fresh look at these stories, you will find them just as moving as you did as a child in Sunday School, or as powerful as they were when you were still dripping wet from the baptistery. And I pray that for some of you, that these parables of Jesus may move you to a first-love, a first love for the Bible as God’s infallible word to us, and a first love for Jesus as your Lord and Savior.