What Jesus Did! 'Telling Stories' — Mark 4:1-2

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: ...
— Mark 4:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

I find it interesting when a good preacher or Bible teacher is criticized for telling too many stories. Yes, there are some speakers who go only for the emotional tug on people's hearts by telling one story after another. On the other hand, not only do we need to pay attention to WHAT Jesus taught, but we also need to notice HOW he taught it! Jesus engaged people's imaginations and made everyday events, images, and experiences into hooks on which he could hang God's truth about the Kingdom. One of the reasons that he attracted large crowds involved his miracles. But, Jesus was very careful not to allow himself to become "The Miracle Man." Interestingly, he was not called the Healer, but the Teacher! His words were powerful because they were true. His teaching was influential because it carried with it the ring of heaven's truth. But let's not forget that his teaching was popular because he knew how to engage people's hearts, minds, and imaginations when he taught. One of the ways he did that was telling stories. Amazingly, these stories still speak to us today!

Today's Prayer

Loving Father and Almighty God, please help me grow in my ability to teach the truth of Jesus. I want to teach it through the example of my life. I want to communicate that truth to those around me in my sphere of influence. Father, I also offer myself to be used by you to teach others about Jesus in any fashion you choose. And when my opportunities to teach your truth come, please help me know what to say and how to teach in ways that engage the hearts and minds of those I'm trying to reach. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • Mark 1:21-22
  • Mark 6:34

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 4:1-2 NLT — He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: ...

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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