JESUS KNEW HOW TO TEACH 4

Written by on in Jesus' Words

Jesus said: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast.” Matthew 13:33

TOPIC: Jesus used similes.

 BACKGROUND: Similes help us make comparisons.

There is another method of teaching used by Jesus much like the metaphor. That is the simile. A simile bridges the gap between the human and the divine; between the way people see things and the way Jesus does. Here too, the simile compares two different experiences or objects but always uses the words like or as.

Jesus knew what heaven was like. He left heaven to save us here on earth. Yet he also knew that it was futile to attempt to paint a picture far too glorious than human minds could interpret, so he resorted to comparison pictures.

Jesus often used similes.

  • “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed” (Matthew 13:31).
  • “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast” (13:33).
  • “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field” (13:44)
  • “The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away” (13:47,48).

In Matthew 23:27 Jesus used a strong comparison for the religious hypocrites, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”

Jesus also used a simile to prepare his disciples for a difficult life ahead: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

How fortunate we are to be instructed by the Master Teacher. Jesus used every available method to reach out to us and show us the beauty of his kingdom.

PRAYER THOUGHT: by W. Howard Doane

Savior, like a bird to Thee,
Weary and wound­ed my soul would flee;
O let me fold my wings and rest
Peacefully, trust­ing­ly, on Thy breast. Amen.

PAUL WRITES ABOUT JESUS: “Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life.” Colossians 2:7 CEV

From At the Feet of Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer

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