Testimony

We live in an age of video, where all that happens can be seen and heard by the world in real time.

Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that "looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand." - Luke 8:9-10

I have always thought that seeing is believing.  If I see with my own eyes, how could I be misled? If I hear with my own ears, how could I get it wrong?

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus seems to be intentionally trying to get people confused, using parables or stories to express the truth about who he is.

In quoting Isaiah, Jesus wanted his disciples to know that despite all the people might hear or see, they would still fail to understand the truth about who he was and what his message was all about.

Perhaps we think we would have been better, especially is we had personally witnessed his miracles.

But who hasn't marveled at the skill of an illusionist?

What we interpret from what we see and hear can be flawed.

Jesus spoke in parables so that we would have to think about what he said and decide for ourselves what it means.  The parables invite discussion, and through the discourse, we find the deeper meaning.

We must come to our belief on our own terms.  Being shown or told doesn't do it.

And it is certainly true in reverse.  Once we come to believe something is true, being shown proof that it isn't may not be enough to dissuade us.  In fact, our convictions may be strengthened.

So, perhaps we should take a lesson from Jesus and find other ways to get the message understood.

Maybe we need to write our own parables.  Or paint pictures, sing songs, and tell stories.

What we need is to get the conversation started.  Once we do that, we have a chance to be heard.

More to come...