A parable is a fictional story that compares something we do not know (The Kingdom of God/God's presence among us) with something we do know. In this way, a parable is a metaphor which teaches us about the Kingdom of God, or God's actions among us. A parable usually has a surprise twist that helps us to see God's love (grace) for us in a new way.
Five Characteristics of a Parable:
1) A parable is a story
Parables are a work of fiction. The events described in a parable did not actually occur.
2) A parable is a comparison
Parable comes from the Greek "parabole," meaning comparison. Parables make a comparison between something the audience has knowledge of, and something they may not have knowledge of, namely God.
3) A parable has a crisis
Parables usually contain some sort of conflict, crisis, twist, or surprise.
4) A parable has an ending
The conflict is resolved.
5) A parable is about the Kingdom of God, or God's actions among us
A parable helps us to better understand God.
-Mr. H.
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
What is a covenant? (p. 64-65)
A covenant is like a treaty, alliance, or promise
In scripture a covenant is used to express the relationship between the Lord and the Israelites.
A covenant has conditions
The Israelites became God's 'Chosen People' and gained their freedom from slavery when they accepted the conditions of the covenant. The Israelites agreed to accept the Torah (think Old Testament), a set of instructions provided by the Lord on how to live their lives. At the core of the Torah are the Ten Words (Ten Commandments), which teach the Lord's people how to be free.
A covenant is sealed with a ceremony
"Then he [Moses] took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, 'All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.'" The covenant and its conditions are read and agreed upon in a ritual ceremony.
A covenant is celebrated with both parties present
The Sinai covenant is sealed with a ceremonial meal. Moses, Aaron, Na'dab, Abi'hu, and seventy elders of Israel (representing every nation known by Israel at the time), went up Mount Sinai to see God where they ate and drank a covenant meal.
- Mr. H.
In scripture a covenant is used to express the relationship between the Lord and the Israelites.
A covenant has conditions
The Israelites became God's 'Chosen People' and gained their freedom from slavery when they accepted the conditions of the covenant. The Israelites agreed to accept the Torah (think Old Testament), a set of instructions provided by the Lord on how to live their lives. At the core of the Torah are the Ten Words (Ten Commandments), which teach the Lord's people how to be free.
A covenant is sealed with a ceremony
"Then he [Moses] took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, 'All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.'" The covenant and its conditions are read and agreed upon in a ritual ceremony.
A covenant is celebrated with both parties present
The Sinai covenant is sealed with a ceremonial meal. Moses, Aaron, Na'dab, Abi'hu, and seventy elders of Israel (representing every nation known by Israel at the time), went up Mount Sinai to see God where they ate and drank a covenant meal.
- Mr. H.
Monday, October 19, 2020
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
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