Scripture:

10 Later, when Jesus was alone, the twelve apostles and others around him asked him about the stories. 11 Jesus said, “You can know the secret about the kingdom of God. But to other people I tell everything by using stories 12 so that: ‘They will look and look, but they will not learn. They will listen and listen, but they will not understand. If they did learn and understand, they would come back to me and be forgiven.’ ” 13 Then Jesus said to his followers, “Don’t you understand this story? If you don’t, how will you understand any story? (Mark 4:10-13 NCV)
33 Jesus used many stories like these to teach the crowd God’s message—as much as they could understand. 34 He always used stories to teach them. But when he and his followers were alone, Jesus explained everything to them. (Mark 4:33-34 NCV)

Observation:

Stories are an amazing thing. If told right and in the right situation, they can paint such a picture that you are able to find yourself part of them. Jesus was a masterful story teller and was able to communicate to the crowds with the stories. The scripture says that he fit the stories to their experience and maturity. Jesus said that stories can create readiness; getting them ready for receptive insight.

Application:

How can I use stories better? I want to be more aware of the people I am around and the ones I am talking to so that the stories will more create a readiness for them to hear about my Jesus and His love for them.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to remember how important and effective stories are in sharing about you and your love. I want to be a more effective story teller. I love you and your ways. AMEN

Why are people important to you, Father? Why do you think about us? We are like a passing shadow; but I do thank you that you do. Psalm 144:3-4