It’s the way you tell them!
‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes…’
Matthew 13:14-15 (NIV)
Some readers will be familiar with the name Frank Carson. He was a popular, cheeky comedian from Belfast, Northern Ireland. His catchphrase was ‘it’s the way you tell them’ – a reference to the timing of his humour. Part of his genius was that he knew precisely how to time a joke giving audiences many laughs.
The parables of Jesus have been described as ‘earthly stories with heavenly meanings.’ Jesus Christ knew his audience much better than they knew themselves. Most were not interested in what Christ had to say. He knew how unwilling they were to heed His words and they had no intention of changing or applying what He said to their lives. Only those who believed in Him understood the things of the kingdom of God.
The apostle Paul spoke of this in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8: ‘We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.’
Are we mature enough to meditate deeply on the words of the Saviour? Is the glorious message going over our heads? What kind of audience are we? Are we listening with intent hearts? If we are, we will grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and His marvellous ways. Remember it was – ‘the way He told them.’
Prayer
Lord God, grant us ears to hear and hearts willing to change, thank you for our Saviour and all He did for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Irene Wilson
Irene Wilson is a Deaconess in the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International. She also serves on the Pastoral Council.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford, Herts.
WD24 7HF
Meeting time:
Saturday 11am
Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email: watford@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church