[The Mayor]

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February 4, 2009

The Great Storyteller

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READ: Luke 15:11-24

Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them. —Matthew 13:34

In his book Teacher Man, Pulitzer Prize-winner Frank McCourt reflects on his 30 years as a teacher in New York City high schools. He used a variety of techniques in his English and creative writing classes, but one that seemed to surface again and again was the power of a compelling story to capture attention and encourage learning.

This method of instruction was used by the greatest Teacher of all—the Lord Jesus Christ. The scholarly religious leader Nicodemus said to Jesus, “We know that You are a teacher come from God” (John 3:2). Yet when Jesus addressed the crowds that followed Him, He didn’t recite great truths of the Talmud. Rather, He spoke with the homespun style of a storyteller.

The parables of Jesus endure because they showcase matters of the heart. Through the story of the Pharisee and tax collector (Luke 18), we learn about God’s grace and forgiveness. And the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15) showcases God’s love for repentant sinners.

The inspired parables of Jesus teach us about Him and the life He wants us to lead. We too can use our faith-stories to point others to the ultimate Storyteller and Teacher, whose own life is the greatest story ever told.

Take control of my words today,
May they tell of Your great love;
And may the story of Your grace
Turn some heart to You above. —Sees

A good way to learn God’s truth is to teach it to others.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 34-35; Matthew 22:23-46

[jaycee]

Thank you for the touching Daily Bread message this morning, Mr. Mayor. I love the story of the Prodigal son. It always touches me.

Have a wonderful day. When do you go for your stress test?

[Pippin]

Hey!

Good Morning Mr Mayor!

[geologist]

“Take control of my words today,
May they tell of Your great love;
And may the story of Your grace
Turn some heart to You above. —Sees

A good way to learn God’s truth is to teach it to others.”

Thank you, for this beautiful devotion.

Stand in reverence before God!

[JustAmy]

Happy Wednesday, Mayor.
Thank you for being here everyday with ODB.
We appreciate the messages that you bring.

Good luck with the upcoming tests.
Have a Warm Fuzzy Day!