How to Teach in Parables
A parable is a story that reveals a truth by using symbolism and alternate meanings. Jesus was a consummate storyteller, and according to scripture, he often used parables to get his point across. When teaching farmers he talked about seeds and soil; when talking with fishermen, he used symbols such as nets and fish to represent people and the world. Today teaching using parables is still a powerful way to convey meaning or a spiritual message. Here's how to teach in parables.
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Instructions
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Teaching Using Parables
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Know your audience. The first key to teaching in parables is to use the appropriate symbols and descriptive imagery that will speak to your target audience. Talking to kids about God using mechanical symbolism may not be the best way to go. Choose the right symbols.
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Examine beforehand what idea or spiritual message you want to convey to your group. It could be a topical idea, like forgiveness or grace. To convey more complicated ideas, such as the rapture of the church, you may have to tell a series of parables rather than just one.
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Select images that are popular in the culture you will be teaching. Teaching a parable using images from car repair may not be effective for an audience of teenage girls. Use symbolism your audience will appreciate. This will make learning the lesson easier and probably give a more powerful punch to your story.
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After you have told your parable, reveal to your audience what a particular symbol means or stands for. Oftentimes, if one symbol is revealed, a listener who is stumped will begin to understand the deeper meaning behind the symbolism. It's like giving the listener the key to a door. Once they unlock the door, they'll find the hidden treasures inside.
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Follow up on your first parable with a second parable. Give the second parable the same meaning as the first, but use different symbols to replace the original concept.
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References
- Photo Credit www.sxc.hu/hortongrou
