As we turn the page into September, we’re beginning a brand-new teaching series titled “The
Stories of Jesus: Faith at Work in Everyday Life.” This series walks us through some of the
most powerful, memorable, and deeply personal teachings on the parables of Jesus. Our opening
message, “Why Did Jesus Tell Stories?”, will help us understand the purpose behind these
compelling illustrations. When the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, He said it
was to reveal the “secrets of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 13:11). These stories were not
just clever illustrations; they were divine revelations waiting to be discovered by those who had
ears to hear.
Jesus used parables because He wanted to make eternal truth accessible in everyday language. A
parable is a short, vivid story drawn from everyday life that conveys profound spiritual insights.
He shared these common experiences to help people see God’s kingdom in a new light. Like a
stained-glass window that shines when the light hits it just right, these stories come alive when
our hearts are open to the truth. They invite us to reflect, wrestle, and ultimately respond to what
God is saying.
But parables weren’t just about revealing truth; they were also a way to connect, confront, and
call. Jesus met people where they lived, but He didn’t leave them there. He challenged their
assumptions, exposed hidden motives, and lovingly invited them to trust, obey, and follow. From
the Parable of the Sower to the Lost Son, each story carries the invitation: “Where are you in
this?” These teachings are more than ancient lessons; they’re mirrors into our hearts and
windows into the reality of God’s work all around us.
As we begin this journey together, we invite you to lean in. Come ready to see Jesus in a fresh
way and discover how His kingdom is alive in your daily routines, conversations, decisions, and
relationships. Let’s not just hear the stories, let’s live them. May our prayer this month be:
Lord, give us ears to hear and hearts to obey as we journey through Your stories. Help us to see Your kingdom at work in our everyday lives.
