Listen

With many such parables he continued to give them the word, as much as they were able to hear. He spoke to them only in parables, then explained everything to his disciples when he was alone with them.

Mark 4:33-34

Think

When I was in college, I took Organic Chemistry. This class was one of the most miserable experiences of my life. Here’s why: The professor was too smart for me. My professor was absolutely brilliant and talked about chemistry with great ease. But she talked at such a high level – much higher than my sophomore brain could keep up with. As soon as she would begin explaining how to figure out resonance in a chemical equation my mind would do something just like what yours is probably doing right now… It stopped listening! I couldn’t understand, so I spent the class doodling and not learning much. Every class I wished my professor could speak on my level.

That’s just what Jesus did. He was teaching constantly, using parables which connected with the people’s lives. He spoke the people’s language.

Jesus meets us where we are. He speaks to us in a way that we can understand. Sometimes we just need to open up our ears to what he’s saying instead of zoning out and doodling.

Chris Wondree

Pray

God of understanding, teach me in a way that I might understand. Let me hear your word so that I can share it with others in a way that they understand. Amen.

Go

Go forth into the world in peace, knowing that the God who made you continues to love, keep, nurture, and grow you. Amen.