When Jesus finished telling the parable he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Luke 8:4-8

Here in Tarboro our church family is enjoying Wednesday evenings together throughout the season of Lent. We share dinner in the fellowship hall – either catered or “covered dish” – followed by the Lenten Lecture Series, using Adam Hamilton’s study of Luke as a guide.

This week Rebekah talked about a couple of the parables. They are all interesting, of course, but it is the “how do we read them?” question that grabs my attention. Both Rebekah and Hamilton point out how important it is that we think about where we fit into the story. Who do we identify with? How do the words of Jesus land, depending on how we see ourselves?

There is a chapter in my Easter book where I imagine myself walking on the edge of the crowd on a Galilean hillside when Jesus is teaching. I want to be there, I am attracted to Jesus and to his message, I am very much paying attention, and I am deeply interested; but there I stay, out on the perimeter, trying not to be drawn in too deeply.

And I watch this man stay, right there on the periphery, as if he – as if I – know exactly what will be required if he dares moved any closer to Jesus. And I hesitate,; I turn back; I stumble. Yet, still I do not leave; I cannot…

Reaching Toward Easter, Derek Maul

Sometimes the character we identify with is actually in Christ’s audience, not the parable.

But Wednesday evening, as Rebekah was speaking, I found myself not thinking so much where I fit into the story but, instead, wondering what kind of parable Jesus would tell if he included me? I am wondering what story Jesus would tell about my life?

Stories carry so much truth:

Rebekah said that we all have stories worth sharing – and good stories always carry so much truth. But what if it was Jesus telling my story? How does God see my story? What lessons might Jesus draw from us, and for us?

Jesus would see me, and he would know me completely; he would see so clearly into my life that his words about me would instantly both convict me and set me free.

You know, like the woman at the well. It is a powerful thing to be known. Unnerving too.

Of course Jesus does know me; and he loves me anyway. This is the story that heals me, and that saves me too. Maybe this is the story I should always tell.

In love, and because of love – DEREK