Jesus of
Nazareth worked the occupation of carpentry for 30 years. One of his sidekicks was a despised tax
collector, and several companions were fishermen. Yet, he did not tell parables using
woodworking or collecting taxes as illustrations. What was one of his favorite references? Farming.
Growing
crops and/or raising animals touched every family in Jesus' audience. If individuals did not participate daily in
these tasks, they were well acquainted with these activities. Unfortunately, some in our society today are
too far removed from farming to understand the specific details of such
illustrations.
Yet, both
farming and shepherding carry an aura of something basic, wholesome, and life giving.
I
think this is one of the reasons why even townspeople are drawn to these types
of parables. We feel, if we can
understand Jesus' farming illustrations, we can be closer to Him. Of course, comprehending any passages of the
Bible can strengthen our relationships with God, but there is something that
stirs the soul just a little bit more with farming parables.
I suppose it
goes back to creation. God created the
land and plants before he created humans from the dust of the ground. When He did create humans, He put them in
charge of tending, overseeing, subduing, and caring for the world He had
created, especially the plants and animals.
Pondering God's truths in the context of His creation can make us feel
we have a more intimate relationship with Him.
Sometime
take your family outside—maybe even dig up a little dirt to feel and smell—as you
read and discuss a parable involving farming.
Consider if your family is touched in a bigger way by being physically
reminded of God's creation while trying to understand a related spiritual
reality. Remember, when Jesus was talking
about spreading the gospel, He did not compare it to spreading sawdust; He
instructed them to sow seeds, which is to be done by townspeople and country
folk alike.
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