Parables aren’t straightforward, and I don’t think they’re meant to be! Isn’t it strange that Jesus spoke to us in that way? Instead of a list of commands (which, by the way, we have already been given), Jesus used stories to give us glimpses of God’s Kingdom. Stories say so much more and cover so many more situations than a list of rules ever could! Since long before Jesus’ time humans have used story to communicate rules, fear, anger, hope, joy, love, and so much more! Jesus’ stories push us to talk to each other, and they make us work to see things from a perspective that’s different from our own. Parables help us to see our own choices and actions in new ways too. What a beautiful way for Jesus to show us his love: by connecting with us using our own language of story! —Vicar Sharai
