Jesus used metaphors drawn from nature and stories to teach people about who He was, who God was, and what the kingdom of God was about. His teaching style is fascinating to study. Jesus was very different from what his listeners conceptualized God to be. He did not use lofty language and grand proclamations in his preaching and teaching. He stayed away from intellectual arguments. His simple lessons were ones people could relate to, taught in stories all could understand, and most importantly, spoke to the conditions of their hearts.
In two of the gospels, writers Matthew and Luke narrate Jesus’ efforts to encourage his followers to think about lilies, how they grow. Without much effort on their part, lilies appear resplendent and beautiful in the world. To the Jewish people of the dusty province of Galilee, King Solomon was legendary. Stories of King Solomon’s fame, his achievements, his wealth and gold, his lavish lifestyle, his numerous wives and children, and his poetry and godly wisdom surely took root in their imaginations as they were passed down through the generations. King Solomon, larger than life, would have been culturally embedded in their minds and hearts as the epitome of human splendor and majestic glory. He was greater than all the kings in the earth in both possessions and wisdom.
Within this common understanding, Jesus says a startling thing. A simple, yet unique flower possesses a beauty that far surpasses the splendor and wisdom of Israel’s greatest king. Jesus tells the crowd that God dresses the lily with so much beauty it outshines the full array of Solomon’s glory.
Jesus’ message is timeless, speaking powerfully into lives over the centuries. These ancient words remind his followers today to consider the lilies. How they grow. And how they do not have to work to burst out in shimmering color. And the reason for that.
-
Just Believe
In popular culture, an inspirational Disney movie has always had the ability to portray impossible things as possible. An ugly beast can turn into a handsome prince, heroes can both fly and disappear when their enemies attack, the good guy really does win and gets the princess, and all of your dreams can come true –
-
The fear of finishing
I consider myself an average runner. Not a star runner by any means, but a middle of the road, ten minute miler who can comfortably finish a 5K in about 30 minutes, give or take a few seconds on either side. I started running later in life, in college. So, the first time I entered
-
Hidden
There used to be “something special” about taking a picture, back in the dark ages before the digital revolution. With only 24 pictures available on a roll of film, that was purchased, which had to “get developed,” complete with chemicals, a darkroom, and something called negatives, the act of taking a picture required a bit of planning
-
Hardly Overlooked
Do you wonder if you are receiving the same blessings from God that everyone around you seems to be receiving? Every first Sunday of the month is our church’s designated “communion Sunday.” As one of the deacons preparing and serving communion, I am aware of the importance of not running out of the elements –
-
A lamb’s place
I love analogies, especially biblical ones, because they give me a picture that sticks with me. I have found that the Bible is full of analogies – word pictures – from old testament to new, and, more than just flowery poetry, they communicate deeply, to the heart. Sometimes biblical analogies and the events of life
Consider the Lilies 
You must be logged in to post a comment.