Key Thought

Jesus is an incredible teacher. In his earthly ministry, he used common everyday images as hooks on which to hang eternal truth. The people would see these images in their day-to-day lives and then would be reminded of the eternal truth that Jesus hooked on the image. This was crucial. They couldn't understand everything all at once. Until his death and resurrection and without the work of the Holy Spirit, much of what he said and meant was a mystery. Yet these images allowed him to share messages "pregnant" with meaning. Later, as these disciples learned more about his life and ministry and as the Holy Spirit begin to work in each follower's life, they could see the visual image, take Jesus' message off the visual hook, and more fully understand his message. Teaching God's truth is an awesome and humbling responsibility. Jesus is the great reminder that it is also a creative responsibility. More than just communicating a message, we're communicating God's will to people who need to understand, to obey, and to be blessed by this message.

Today's Prayer

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God, my dear Abba Father, please help me to be more creative and effective in my teaching of your will. I know that Jesus was a powerful teacher in word and deed. I want my life to display what I teach so others know that this message is not only true, but also livable. I also want to help others understand the power, beauty, mystery, grace, and holiness of your will. I know that I cannot do this on my own efforts alone. So, dear Father, I commit to becoming a good steward of the grace you have given me as a teacher. I will do my creative best. However, Father, I ask that your Spirit take what is good and make it much better and that your grace take what is bad and keep it from being a hindrance to those eager to know your truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

Then Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is like a man that plants seed in the ground. The seed begins to grow. It grows night and day. It is not important if the man is sleeping or awake; the seed still grows. The man does not know how the seed grows. Without any help, the ground grows grain. First the plant grows, then the head, and then all the grain in the head. When the grain is ready, the man cuts it. This is the harvest time." Then Jesus said, "What can I use to show you what the kingdom of God is like? What story can I use to explain it? The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. The mustard seed is the smallest seed that you plant in the ground. But when you plant this seed, it grows and becomes the largest of all the plants in your garden. It has branches that are very big. The wild birds can come and make nests there and be protected from the sun." Jesus used many stories like these to teach them. He taught them all that they could understand. Jesus always used stories to teach the people. But when Jesus and his followers were alone together, Jesus explained everything to them.

— Mark 4:26-34 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.